expert type icon EXPERT

Hussein Shivji

Dentist

Dr. Hussein Shivji is a Dentist practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Shivji specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Hussein Shivji
  • New Westminster, BC
  • University of Manitoba
  • Accepting new patients

Should old amalgam fillings be replaced?

I wouldn't recommend replacing the old amalgam fillings if they are intact. If they are breaking down or causing cracks on your teeth, they should be replaced. Your dentist can READ MORE
I wouldn't recommend replacing the old amalgam fillings if they are intact. If they are breaking down or causing cracks on your teeth, they should be replaced. Your dentist can check these for you and let you know.

Which is better Emax or zirconia?

Emax looks more life-like, zirconia is stronger. If it is a front tooth, I usually like emax. If it is further back, zirconia is my preference.

Will dental crowns fall out?

Crowns are cemented on teeth and usually last a very long time. However, the cement bond can sometimes break resulting in the crown coming off. In these cases, the crown can be READ MORE
Crowns are cemented on teeth and usually last a very long time. However, the cement bond can sometimes break resulting in the crown coming off. In these cases, the crown can be recemented back onto the tooth. In some cases, the crown may come off because of a cavity on the tooth under the crown. In these cases, the crowns cannot be cemented back on and may need to be replaced after the cavity is cleaned out. There are also times when the tooth that the crown is on breaks. If this happens, you may need to have the tooth replaced with an implant or bridge as most likely a new crown will not even be possible.

Is a wisdom tooth removal painful?

You will probably not feel any pain during the surgery because you should be well numbed for this. I would expect you to have pain after the surgery. I would normally expect things READ MORE
You will probably not feel any pain during the surgery because you should be well numbed for this. I would expect you to have pain after the surgery. I would normally expect things to get better after a couple of days. Your dentist will prescribe pain medications that will help to manage the post-operative discomfort.

What is the procedure for replacing crowns?

Crowns can be replaced usually by cutting them off, cleaning the tooth underneath and placing a new foundation filling and a new crown on top. Since you are having pain, your READ MORE
Crowns can be replaced usually by cutting them off, cleaning the tooth underneath and placing a new foundation filling and a new crown on top. Since you are having pain, your tooth needs to be checked in case the nerve is infected. You might also need a root canal. Your dentist will be able to assess and let you know.

How do you make gingivitis go away?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that is usually reversible. You probably should go to see a dentist to get your teeth cleaned. Once the teeth are cleaned the gums should READ MORE
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that is usually reversible. You probably should go to see a dentist to get your teeth cleaned. Once the teeth are cleaned the gums should heal. To prevent gingivitis make sure you brush and floss daily. Salt water or Listerine rinses may also help, but if your gingivitis is due to tartar deposits on your teeth, these would need to be cleaned off by dentist or hygienist before the gums heal.

How do you know when a crown needs to be replaced?

Crowns may need to be replaced if there is decay under the crown. Crowns may also need to be changed if portions of the porcelain have fractured off, making the restoration look READ MORE
Crowns may need to be replaced if there is decay under the crown. Crowns may also need to be changed if portions of the porcelain have fractured off, making the restoration look unattractive or not as strong. In some cases, crowns may break apart and need to be replaced because they are fractured. Just because a crown is 6 years old does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Your dentist should be able to advise you if you need your crown replaced and the reason for this.

Can a decaying wisdom tooth cause headaches?

Usually, decaying teeth will cause a tooth or jaw ache and not usually a headache. It is possible that your tooth is causing radiating pain up to the head though. Another possibility READ MORE
Usually, decaying teeth will cause a tooth or jaw ache and not usually a headache. It is possible that your tooth is causing radiating pain up to the head though. Another possibility may be that you are grinding or clenching your teeth. This is more commonly associated with a headache. I would encourage you to visit a dentist as soon as possible to have this looked at.

How do you know if you have a wisdom tooth infection?

It is possible to get an infection in the wisdom tooth. However, it is more likely that your wisdom tooth is only partly erupted and that you have an infection around the gums READ MORE
It is possible to get an infection in the wisdom tooth. However, it is more likely that your wisdom tooth is only partly erupted and that you have an infection around the gums towards the back of the tooth. This is something called pericoronitis. You may need antibiotics or special mouth rinse to help clear this. Long-term solution will be getting the wisdom tooth removed otherwise the infection may come back again in the future.

Is scaling of teeth painful?

Scaling should not usually be painful. Sometimes if you have very heavy tartar buildup the tooth roots are exposed. These roots can be sensitive when the tartar deposits are removed. READ MORE
Scaling should not usually be painful. Sometimes if you have very heavy tartar buildup the tooth roots are exposed. These roots can be sensitive when the tartar deposits are removed. Your dentist or hygienist should be able to provide anesthetic to the area if needed.

Should I have gum pain after getting a tooth pulled?

Depending on the type of extraction you had, it is possible to have gum pain after. If the extraction was surgical and the gum had to be cut, we would definitely expect gum pain. READ MORE
Depending on the type of extraction you had, it is possible to have gum pain after. If the extraction was surgical and the gum had to be cut, we would definitely expect gum pain. In some cases, even when the gum was not cut, you may have sensitivity on adjacent teeth after a tooth is taken out. If the pain persists for over a week, I would suggest going back to your dentist and having them reassess to make sure you don't have another infection present.

Will I need anesthesia during root canal?

Yes, you would need freezing (local anesthetic) during the procedure. You should not feel anything painful after getting frozen although you will still feel pressure. Sometimes READ MORE
Yes, you would need freezing (local anesthetic) during the procedure. You should not feel anything painful after getting frozen although you will still feel pressure. Sometimes if a tooth is badly infected, you may require extra anesthetic to get the tooth completely numb.

After my braces were taken off, my teeth became very sensitive.

Did you ask the orthodontist about the sensitivity? I would recommend getting either the orthodontist or your dentist to check to find the reason for your sensitivity.

Do children need fillings for baby teeth?

Hi there. You need to get your child seen by a dentist as soon as possible to get the condition assessed. You are right that baby teeth will eventually fall out. However, at READ MORE
Hi there. You need to get your child seen by a dentist as soon as possible to get the condition assessed. You are right that baby teeth will eventually fall out. However, at the age of six, she could have adult front teeth and first molars. Also, some of the baby teeth may not fall out until she's 9 or 10 which means if there is a cavity present, it could end up causing an abscess which would be very painful and could affect the adult tooth that is under that baby tooth. My recommendation would be to get this assessed and if a filling is needed, to go ahead with this treatment.

Can a missing tooth cause problems in my mouth?

The simplest answer is... it depends. Sometimes when you have a tooth missing, adjacent teeth can tip or shift. If this happens, this may affect your bite and make it difficult READ MORE
The simplest answer is... it depends. Sometimes when you have a tooth missing, adjacent teeth can tip or shift. If this happens, this may affect your bite and make it difficult to chew properly. In some cases the tooth opposing the missing tooth may come out more (overerupt). In these cases, the teeth adjacent to the overerupted tooth may start trapping more food and be more prone to cavities as a result of the shifted tooth. Even if
you chose not to replace the missing tooth, I would recommend getting the area checked on a regular basis by your dentist.

A huge gap in dental treatment. What should I expect?

Congratulations! The good news is that you have decided to go back to the dentist and have things checked out. I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you had a gap in treatment. READ MORE
Congratulations! The good news is that you have decided to go back to the dentist and have things checked out. I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you had a gap in treatment. Most dentists are understanding and I would not expect a big deal to be made of this. In terms of what to expect, you may need more than one appointment to get your teeth cleaned because there probably will be a lot of hard deposits that would have accumulated. If you have cavities, the dentist will discuss these with you and plan for your subsequent treatment. Once you get your mouth back on track, remember to go back regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Good luck!

Can dentists treat sleep apnea?

Technically, sleep apnea is a medical condition and it should be treated by a medical professional and not a dentist. There are some dentists who have had additional training in READ MORE
Technically, sleep apnea is a medical condition and it should be treated by a medical professional and not a dentist. There are some dentists who have had additional training in this field. In some cases, an oral appliance can be made by these dentists to help with sleep apnea for patients that can't tolerate CPAP. I would ask your physician first if an oral appliance would work in your case and then seek out a dentist that can provide this service.

I grind my teeth while I sleep. Should I get a mouth guard?

Yes, ask your dentist to make a custom mouthguard that will fit your mouth precisely. Store-bought ones sometimes can end up causing issues with your TMJ joint (pain, clicking, READ MORE
Yes, ask your dentist to make a custom mouthguard that will fit your mouth precisely. Store-bought ones sometimes can end up causing issues with your TMJ joint (pain, clicking, etc.).

One of my molars is severely worn down. Can this be repaired?

You may need a filling. Or, in case the tooth is so severely worn down that a filling will not be strong enough, you may need a crown or cap to cover it. You also need to find READ MORE
You may need a filling. Or, in case the tooth is so severely worn down that a filling will not be strong enough, you may need a crown or cap to cover it. You also need to find out why the tooth got worn down so much in the first place. It may be that you are grinding your teeth in your sleep, in which case you probably should also get a bite guard to wear when you
sleep. Talk to your dentist to find out more.

Why do I have a thick white coating on my tongue?

Please see a dentist as soon as possible. This may be something completely innocent such as plaque sticking to your tongue or it could be something much more serious like oral READ MORE
Please see a dentist as soon as possible. This may be something completely innocent such as plaque sticking to your tongue or it could be something much more serious like oral cancer.