FAQs About Dental Health in Kenya

There is a large group of people who ask where this clinic can be found. The Royal Smiles Dental Clinic is among the rapidly growing dental service providers in the country.
With the challenges involved in the growth of private practices in the country, the clinic has already established eight (8) branches in the country which are fully functional to handle all dental health service requirements. The branches are Greenspan, Embakasi, Kitengela, Garden City, Nakuru, Machakos, and Ruaka branch. The clinic is making preparations of opening more branches to have a branch in all major towns of the country. For more information about the branches, you can check here.

Many people ask about the types of services they can expect to get at this clinic. Currently, the clinic through its branches groups its main services into four (4) main groups. Emergency, general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services. The general services cover include dental exams, dental x-rays, teeth cleaning, and tooth extraction, among others. The restorative services include dental implants, gum disease treatment, root canal treatment, teeth splinting, and TMJ treatment. Cosmetic services include dentures, fillings, teeth braces, and teeth whitening. It is important to note that this is just an overview of the services provided at this clinic and that the named ones are not conclusive. You can contact the clinic here for further inquiries.

With the current harsh economic times, some are concerned about the rates at this clinic. According to past patients of this clinic, the rates are very pocket friendly and affordable. That means the clinic puts patients’ needs first. You can book an appointment here to learn more about the costs.

Some have raised questions about health insurance cards and whether the clinic accepts this insurance coverage. The Royal Smiles Dental Clinic not only accepts NHIF cards but also other types of insurance covers. The main insurance partners of this clinic are m-tiba, Saham Insurance, Old Mutual Insurance, AAR Insurance, APA Insurance, CIC Insurance, Cigna Insurance, First Assurance, Jubilee Insurance, and many others.
But you should know that not all kinds of dental services may be covered by your insurance scheme. It is, therefore, advisable to consult with your insurance company about the services covered to avoid inconveniences.

There are also questions about dental health and its importance. Dental or oral health is concerned with your teeth, gums, and mouth. The goal is to prevent complications such as tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease and to maintain the overall health of your mouth. A healthy mouth, free of infections, injuries, and other problems with teeth and gums, is important in maintaining your overall health.

Many people ask how they can tell they have poor oral health. According to experts at the Royal Smiles Clinic, several warning signs should make you book an appointment to see a dentist immediately. Some of these signs are:
– Ulcers, sores, or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week or two,
– Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing,
– Chronic bad breath,
– Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or beverages,
– Pain or toothache,
– Loose teeth,
– Receding gums,
– Pain when chewing or biting,
– Swelling of the face and cheek,
– Cracked or broken teeth,
– Frequent dry mouth.

There are also questions about the measures one can take to improve their oral health. Dentists at the Royal Smiles Clinic suggest the following practices to help boost your dental health:
– Brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day,
– Flossing your teeth at least once a day,
– Decreasing your intake of sugar,
– Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables,
– Avoiding tobacco products,
– Drinking fluoridated water,
– Seeking professional dental care twice a year.

Questions about the most common dental problems are also frequently asked. The Royal Smiles Dental Clinic identifies five (5) main issues with your mouth that cover more than 90% of all dental cases. These problems are:
Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental issues in Kenya. More commonly known as cavities, tooth decay starts when plaque stays on teeth for too long and becomes tartar. Although anyone can have cavities, children and older adults are at the most risk.
Gingivitis, also known as early gum disease, can be seen through swelling, inflammation, and bleeding gums. Immediate treatment is very important so that it does not develop into periodontal disease. Through proper treatment, gingivitis is treatable and reversible.
Periodontal disease is untreated gingivitis. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth. These include the gums, the cementum that covers the root of a tooth, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone. In the earliest stage of periodontal disease, the infection affects only the gums. In more severe forms of periodontal disease, it causes infections that attack the gum tissue and the tooth ligament.
Oral cancer is also among the identified major dental problems affecting many Kenyans today. According to inquiries at the Royal Smiles Clinic, your chance of getting oral cancer increases as you get older and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Tooth overcrowding is a result of children not removing their baby teeth to pave way for adult teeth. When adult teeth overlap with baby teeth, your dental formula becomes overcrowded which causes many people to shy away from smiling.

Some ask if all dental problems can be fixed. Dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic opine that some dental problems can be fixed while others can only be managed. Studies have shown that most dental problems are progressive, which means the more they stay untreated, the more it will be difficult to treat them. That is why it is important to immediately see a dentist whenever you suspect a problem in your dental structures. It is also the reason why you are encouraged to visit the dentist at least twice a year so that these problems can be detected at the earliest instance possible.

Many want to know the cost of a visit to the dentist, especially for those without insurance coverage. A normal dental exam and cleaning go for between Kshs 8,000 and Kshs 15,000. When your exam needs an x-ray, the cost may go up to Kshs 30,000 depending on the type of the x-ray. A dental hygienist is responsible for cleaning your teeth while a dentist will perform the exam and if necessary, the scan.

There are those wondering if a broken tooth warrants an emergency visit o the dentist. The answer is YES. A broken or fractured tooth needs an immediate dental check to determine the extent of the damage and the corrective measures necessary. Dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic opine that up to 60% of all dental emergencies are due to tooth fractures and breakages. It is also important to note that the earlier you seek dental intervention in case of a tooth fracture or breakage, the better the chances of saving that tooth or having a good restorative procedure to restore the normal functions of the tooth.

The question of filling up cavities is among the FAQs about Royal Smiles Dental Clinic. The cost of fillings depends on the complexity of the procedure. A back molar, an impacted tooth, or other complications may cost more than a simple filling for a front tooth. But simple most simple fillings will depend on the material used, with the following being the general rates:
– Kshs 5,000 to Kshs 15,000 for a single, silver amalgam filling.
– Kshs 9,000 to Kshs 25,000 for a single, tooth-colored composite filling.
– Kshs 25,000 to Kshs 100, 000 for a single, cast-gold or porcelain filling.
For further inquiries about dental fillings, filling materials, and related costs, you can consult Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here.

The cost of dental extractions and their related costs is also among the more frequent questions people ask. Extractions, being among the most common dental procedures, are necessary when the tooth cannot be saved. Some patients need surgical extractions while others need non-surgical methods, depending on the extent of the damage. Treatment costs depend on the visit’s length and difficulty. In general, both non-surgical and surgical extractions need anesthesia. Average tooth removals cost:
– Kshs 7,500 to Kshs 20,000 for non-surgical, gum-erupted tooth extraction.
– Kshs 15,000 to Kshs 50,000 for a surgical extraction utilizing anesthesia.
– Kshs 18,000 to Kshs 60,000 for soft-tissue and complicated surgical extractions.
– Kshs 7,500 to Kshs 20,000 for wisdom tooth extraction.
Impacted teeth can also boost costs up to Kshs 60,000, depending upon the tooth’s location. For further inquiries about tooth extractions and related costs, you can consult Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here.

Some wonder whether it is necessary to have dental insurance. The answer is YES. Dental services can be expensive. Many patients try to avoid dental expenditures by avoiding dental insurance altogether. While dental insurance coverage does typically require a monthly or annual premium, and some upfront costs or co-payments, in most cases dental insurance lowers a person’s overall dental costs. Patients with normal dental insurance plans can reduce their costs by the following amounts:
– 100% of costs for annual routine care.
– 80% percent of costs for fillings, basic procedures, and root canals.
– 50% percent of costs for bridges, crowns, and other major procedures.
To know whether your required dental procedure is covered by your insurance scheme, consult Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here for further details.

Many wonder how long dental fillings last. You should know that fillings are considered temporary measures to deal with cavities, which means they will not last forever. Experts at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic say that fillings are made of different types of materials including porcelain or gold. Although some of the materials are strong and durable, none are considered permanent. This means that fillings do not last forever. One of the main factors that determine how long a filling lasts is the material used to fill the tooth.
Gold and amalgam often last the longest. Composite and porcelain fillings are usually more fragile. But many patients opt for these options because they are more cosmetically appealing. The amount of wear and tear and the size of the cavity can also contribute to how long a filling will last.

People also ask what will happen if someone does not visit a dentist. Although it is recommended to visit a dentist at least twice a year, many adults skip going to the dentist every six months for a variety of reasons including fear, embarrassment, forgetfulness, and inconvenience. While it may be a hassle to see your dentist every six months, you should consider what might happen if you don’t. Dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic say that not visiting a dentist routinely leads to plaque build-up, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum diseases, bad breath, cavities, oral cancer, abscesses/infections, and stained teeth. That means you cannot neglect to visit your dentist regularly. For those in Kenya, you can book an appointment at the nearest Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here and have your dental structures professionally examined.

Another common question by people to the experts at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic is about the frequency of teeth cleaning. A dental cleaning is part of an annual dental check-up, which needs to be made at least once, if not twice, a year. Even if you feel that your teeth are clean, a dental professional must perform a thorough examination to be sure as the beginning stages of gum disease are often hard to detect.
Some patients are more prone to having dental issues, making it necessary for them to see a dental professional more often. Other patients will experience hardly any dental issues at all, which means it is likely that they will need to have their teeth cleaned on a less frequent basis.
General guidelines state that patients should make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning every six months. While this is ideal for most people, some will need to come in every three months and others will only need to come in every nine or 12 months.
You can book teeth cleaning appointment at the nearest Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here for those in Kenya.

Another frequently asked question by patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic is whether there is a risk of damaged teeth after deep cleaning. The answer is NO, but that will depend on the person doing the cleaning. Note that deep cleanings can cause damage to the tooth’s root if performed improperly or by an untrained person. That is why you must ensure that your cleaning procedure is handled by professionals. The best teeth cleaning experts in Kenya can be found at your nearest branch of Royal Smiles Dental Clinic.

Some ask how long can a tooth infection remain untreated. According to dentists at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this has happened, death can occur quickly. Factors like older age, having diabetes, or being immunocompromised can increase your risk of complications from a dental abscess. Although advancements in technology and treatments have made sure that deaths due to teeth infections are extremely rare, the risk still exists. That is why you should have any tooth infection treated as soon as possible.

Signs of teeth infections are also a concern for many patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic. The dentists at this clinic opine that signs and symptoms of a tooth abscess include: Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck, or ear. Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures. Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting. When you have any of these signs and symptoms, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible.

Some wonder if a toothache can go stop on its own. Experts at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic sat that a tooth infection will not go away on its own. Your toothache may stop if an infection causes the pulp inside your tooth to die. The pain stops because the nerve isn’t functioning anymore, so you may not be able to feel it. However, the bacteria will continue to spread and destroy surrounding tissue. That means that when your toothache stops on its own, it means more infections to other surrounding teeth. The problem will only be postponed but not solved. The more infections in your teeth, the more severe your oral problems will become in the future.

There are also questions about the different types of teeth in the human mouth. Inquiries at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic reveals that there are four types of teeth in your mouth, namely; incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.
Incisors are the four most middle teeth on both the top and bottom jaws. Incisors take the first bites into food and help support the lips as well.
Canines come after the incisors. You can find your canines just at the curve of your dental arch on both sides of your jaw. Canines are the strongest type of all four types of teeth and are highly resistant to the tremendous pressure caused by chewing. Canines are vital in the overall functioning of your teeth. Canines help to shear food, support the lips, and are complementary in assisting your incisors and premolars in the chewing of food. More importantly, canines guide all your teeth into place when the top and lower jaw come into contact.
Premolars come after the canines. Adults have four premolars, four on the top and bottom of their jaw. Premolars have two cusps. They are flat on top and are used to, surprise, surprise, chew food. Specifically, premolars tear and grind food into smaller pieces when chewing. An interesting fact about the premolars is that they help to maintain the height of your face.
Molars are the last teeth in your mouth. They are your widest, flattest teeth and are the strongest, most powerful teeth. Generally, adults have twelve teeth in total – six on top and six on the bottom. The molars cluster into four groups of three at the back of your mouth.

Some ask if tooth decay can be treated. It will depend on the stage of development. According to Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, if you have early tooth decay, a fluoride treatment can help the enamel to repair itself. If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material. Stages of tooth decay can best be established during a dental exam, which is one of the main reasons you should regularly visit a dentist. You can make an appointment at a Royal Smiles Dental Clinic near you here if you suspect tooth decay.

Some ask about the extent of NHIF coverage when it comes to dental services in Kenya. According to information from NHIF, cover from NHIF covers dental consultation, root canal, dental X-rays, dentures, orthodontics, cost of filling, and extractions -including surgical extractions. Dental anesthetics fees and operating theatre costs are also covered. You should note that the orthodontics covered by NHIF are only those deemed necessary by a professional dentist and not those that are deemed for beauty.

Being the most common form of health insurance, some ask if they can get braces with NHIF cover. The answer is NO. NHIF considers braces as purposely for beauty and hence they are not covered. However, if your dentist can prove that you need braces to correct defects of the dental structure, NHIF may take up the costs. It, therefore, remains that it will be up to you to prove that your braces are medical and not for beauty. You can contact Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here for inquiries about braces and whether they will be covered by NHIF.

The cost of braces in Kenya is also among the common questions asked by patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic. The cost of braces in Kenya ranges from Ksh. 20,000 to Ksh. 400,000 based on features of braces that you want. This cost of tooth braces is quite separate from the cost of putting braces in Kenya as you should look for a hospital plan that matches your pricing. The material of the braces is the main determinant when it comes to the cost of braces, with golden braces among the most expensive.

Among the many questions patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic ask are the consequences of not replacing a missing tooth. When one tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth have nothing to lean on and will tilt toward the open space. This leads to crooked teeth that are harder to clean properly and can result in tooth decay or further tooth loss. That means that teeth replacement is important if you want to maintain your proper dental structure.

Some ask if missing teeth can be replaced permanently. The answer is YES. According to Royal Smiles Dental Clinic, it is now possible to replace missing teeth permanently through dental implants. Before their development, the only options available to people who had lost a tooth were bridges or dentures. Dental implants offer an attractive and comfortable solution for those who have lost a tooth to decay or injury. They provide a permanent tooth replacement option that looks and feels like a real tooth. After an implant, the only changes that can be made with time are the dental crowns, but these too will last for very long depending on the care and maintenance provided. Book an appointment at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic today to have your missing tooth permanently replaced.

The cost of dental implants is a common question for patients with missing teeth at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic. It is estimated that a single dental implant will cost between Ksh. 200,000 and Ksh. 400,000. This cost includes the surgery for the placement of an implant, all the components, and the implant crown. Dental insurance typically does not pay for dental implant placement. That is because teeth replacement is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, which means it is normally done to improve your dental appearance.

After a dental implant procedure, only crowns will be replaced after some time. That is why patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic ask about the costs of replacing these crowns. Experts at this clinic approximate that a crown will cost between Ksh. 20,000 and Ksh 40,000 depending on the material. That means the more expensive materials like porcelain will cost more. Check out more crown-related costs from Royal Smiles Dental Clinic here.

Being among the most common dental procedures, teeth whitening, and related costs is a common question among those asked by patients at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic. According to experts at this clinic, it will cost you between Ksh. 5,000 and Ksh 10,000 to have your teeth permanently whitened. These costs will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of time required to have your teeth whitened. Some teeth are more severely stained than others which brings the disparity in time taken in whitening. You can book an appointment here at the Royal Smiles Dental Clinic and have your teeth whitened for a better and brighter smile.