From a nagging toothache to a wisdom tooth, a missing tooth, a mouth patch that won't heal or surgery of the jaw — this guide explains common problems, tests and treatments in plain language, and how our dental and maxillofacial team in Lucknow can help you and your family.
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Your mouth is linked to your overall health — gum disease is more common and harder to control in people with diabetes, and many mouth cancers in India begin as a small patch or ulcer that is ignored. Our department brings general dentistry, restorative and cosmetic care, oral & maxillofacial surgery and oral oncology together, backed by the full facilities of a super-speciality hospital.
Check-ups, cleaning, fillings, sensitivity and gum care for the whole family.
Root canal, crowns, implants, dentures, aligners and smile makeovers.
Wisdom teeth, jaw cysts and tumours, and complex surgery of the mouth and jaws.
Pre-cancer screening, biopsy and surgery for mouth and jaw cancers.
Dental problems are much easier — and cheaper — to treat early. Book a visit if you notice any of these, and get any mouth sore, patch or lump that lasts more than 2–3 weeks examined.
Pain on biting, sharp twinges with cold or sweets, or throbbing pain that wakes you at night.
Gums that bleed on brushing, look red and puffy, or are pulling away from the teeth; persistent bad breath.
A swelling, gum boil or pus near a tooth — signs of infection that need prompt treatment.
Pain, swelling or a bad taste at the back of the jaw, or difficulty opening the mouth.
An ulcer that does not heal, or white or red patches — especially if you use tobacco, gutkha, paan or areca nut.
Stiff cheeks, burning with spicy food or a mouth that opens less than before — possible oral submucous fibrosis.
Pain in front of the ear, clicking or locking of the jaw, headaches or pain while chewing.
A broken or knocked-out tooth, teeth that no longer meet properly, or a blow to the face.
Go to emergency straight away if a facial or neck swelling is spreading quickly, or comes with fever, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing or inability to open the mouth — dental infections can occasionally become serious. Our 24×7 emergency: 0522-666-4444.
Tap a condition to see its common signs, how it is diagnosed and how it is usually treated. Your own plan will depend on your examination and X-rays.
Often painless at first. Later: sensitivity to sweets or cold, food sticking in a tooth, a visible hole or dark spot, and pain on biting.
Dental examination and small X-rays (IOPA) to see decay between teeth and how close it is to the nerve.
Early white spots can be reversed with fluoride. Cavities are cleaned and filled with tooth-coloured material; deep decay reaching the nerve needs root canal treatment.
See how a cavity progressesA quick twinge when drinking cold water, eating ice cream or brushing — usually fading in seconds.
Worn enamel from hard brushing, receding gums exposing the root, grinding, cracked teeth, decay or a recent filling.
Desensitising toothpaste, fluoride application, a soft brush and correct technique, bonding or a filling over exposed roots, a night guard for grinding, or gum treatment.
Severe or throbbing pain, pain at night, tenderness on biting, swelling of the gum or face, a bad taste or pus.
Examination, tests of the tooth's nerve and an X-ray to find the infected tooth and the extent of infection.
The source must be treated — by root canal treatment or, if the tooth cannot be saved, extraction. Drainage and antibiotics are added when infection is spreading. Painkillers alone only hide the problem.
About root canal treatmentBleeding while brushing, red or swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, gaps appearing between teeth, loose teeth.
Gum examination with pocket measurements and X-rays to check the bone supporting the teeth.
Early gingivitis reverses with professional scaling and good home care. Periodontitis needs deep cleaning (root planing), regular maintenance and, in advanced cases, gum surgery. Good diabetes control helps gums heal.
Repeated pain and swelling of the gum over the tooth (pericoronitis), difficulty opening the mouth, bad taste, food trapping and decay of the tooth in front.
Examination and an OPG (full-mouth X-ray); a 3D CBCT scan may be advised when the tooth lies close to the nerve.
Cleaning and medicines for a single flare-up; surgical removal under local anaesthesia when problems keep recurring or damage is occurring. Healthy, fully erupted wisdom teeth do not need removal.
Neighbouring teeth drift and tilt into a gap, the opposite tooth over-erupts, and jaw bone gradually shrinks where a tooth is missing.
Examination, X-rays and, for implants, a scan to measure the bone.
Dental implants, fixed bridges, or removable or implant-supported dentures — chosen according to your bone, health, preference and budget.
Compare implants, bridges & denturesCrowded or gapped teeth, upper teeth sticking out, teeth that don't meet properly, difficulty cleaning between teeth.
Orthodontic assessment with photographs, X-rays and models or scans of the teeth.
Metal or ceramic braces, or clear aligners for suitable cases, followed by retainers. Treatment usually takes months to a couple of years; adults can be treated too.
Tea, coffee, tobacco and paan stains; old fillings; trauma; grinding; enamel defects.
Examination to rule out decay or gum problems before any cosmetic treatment.
Scaling and polishing, professional whitening, tooth-coloured bonding, veneers or crowns — planned as a smile makeover where several teeth are involved.
Accidental biting, a sharp tooth or ill-fitting denture, recurrent aphthous ulcers, infections, some medicines or vitamin deficiencies.
An ulcer that has not healed in 2–3 weeks, keeps coming back in the same place, is painless and hard, or bleeds easily.
Removing the cause (smoothing a sharp tooth, adjusting a denture), soothing gels and treating any underlying problem; a biopsy if the ulcer does not heal.
A white or red patch on the cheek, tongue, gums or floor of the mouth that cannot be wiped off — often painless and linked to tobacco and areca nut use.
Specialist examination and a biopsy to check for abnormal (dysplastic) cells.
Stopping tobacco and areca nut, regular monitoring, and surgical or laser removal of higher-risk patches. Red patches carry a higher risk and need prompt evaluation.
Oral cancer checkBurning sensation with spicy food, pale and stiff cheeks, fibrous bands inside the cheeks and a mouth opening that slowly reduces.
Examination, measurement of mouth opening and a biopsy of suspicious areas — OSMF is a potentially malignant condition.
Complete stopping of areca nut and tobacco, medicines, mouth-opening exercises and, in advanced cases, surgical release with reconstruction; lifelong follow-up to watch for cancer.
A non-healing ulcer, growth or patch; loose teeth or jaw swelling without a dental cause; numbness; difficulty chewing or opening the mouth; a lump in the neck.
Biopsy of the lesion, CT or MRI of the face and neck, and staging tests coordinated with our oncology team.
Surgery to remove the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue — including jaw (mandible or maxilla) surgery when the bone is involved — with neck dissection and flap reconstruction, followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy when required.
Medical & surgical oncologyPainless swelling of the jaw, displaced or loose teeth, or no symptoms until an X-ray is taken. Some become infected and painful.
OPG or CBCT scan and a biopsy to confirm the type of lesion.
Surgical removal (enucleation) or, for very large cysts, conservative decompression or marsupialisation first; larger tumours may need jaw resection and reconstruction.
Pain in front of the ear or in the jaw muscles, clicking or popping, locking, headaches and pain while chewing.
Examination of the joint, muscles and bite, with X-rays or imaging when needed.
Most cases settle with soft diet, jaw rest, warm compresses, medicines, exercises and a night guard; procedures are considered only for persistent problems.
Chipped, loose, pushed-in or knocked-out teeth; cuts in the mouth; pain and swelling of the jaw; teeth that no longer bite together correctly.
Examination in the emergency department, with dental X-rays and a CT scan of the face when a fracture is suspected.
Repositioning and splinting of teeth, root canal when the nerve is damaged, and fixation of jaw fractures. A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance when replanted within the hour.
Knocked-out tooth first aidEarly childhood decay (often from night-time bottle feeding or frequent sweets), thumb sucking, early loss of milk teeth and crowding.
A gentle, child-friendly examination; X-rays only when needed.
Fluoride varnish and pit-and-fissure sealants, fillings, pulp treatment of milk teeth, space maintainers, and early orthodontic advice.
Family dental careNo match found. Please call our dental helpline on 99190 40000 — we will guide you.
Most dental problems are diagnosed with a careful examination and simple X-rays. More detailed scans or a biopsy are advised only when they will change your treatment.
Your symptoms, medical history and medicines, and a full check of teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and jaw.
Small IOPA X-rays for individual teeth, or an OPG to see all teeth and both jaws in one image.
A CBCT or CT scan for implant planning, wisdom teeth near the nerve, cysts, injuries or tumours.
A small tissue sample for any suspicious patch, ulcer or swelling; blood tests before surgery.
Options, number of visits and a cost estimate are discussed with you before treatment starts.
Tooth decay is slow and often painless until it is deep. Tap a stage to see what is happening inside the tooth and how it is usually treated.
Enamel — the hard outer shell. It has no nerves, so early decay here is painless.
Dentine — the softer layer beneath. Decay spreads faster here and sensitivity begins.
Pulp — the nerve and blood vessels. Infection here causes severe pain and needs root canal treatment.
Wherever possible we save your natural teeth. Your dentist or surgeon will explain why a treatment is advised, the alternatives and what recovery involves.
Fillings repair teeth damaged by decay. When decay or a crack reaches the pulp (nerve), root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the canals and saves the tooth — usually followed by a crown to protect it.
Tooth-coloured fillingsSingle-sitting RCTRe-treatmentPost & coreA tooth is removed when it cannot be saved, or when a wisdom tooth keeps causing infection or damage. Impacted wisdom teeth are removed surgically, usually under local anaesthesia as a day procedure.
Simple extractionSurgical extractionImpacted wisdom teethMinor oral surgeryAn implant is a small titanium post placed in the jaw bone that acts as an artificial root. Once it has fused with the bone, a crown, bridge or denture is fixed on top — giving a strong, natural-looking replacement without cutting neighbouring teeth.
Single-tooth implantsImplant bridgesImplant-supported denturesBone graftingCrowns (caps) cover and strengthen damaged or root-treated teeth. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the teeth on either side. Dentures replace several or all teeth and can be removable or fixed on implants.
Zirconia crowns & bridgesMetal-ceramic crownsFixed denturesComplete & partial denturesOrthodontic treatment gradually moves teeth into better positions to improve the bite, appearance and ease of cleaning. It can be done at almost any age as long as the teeth and gums are healthy.
Metal bracesCeramic bracesInvisible / clear alignersRetainersGum disease is caused by plaque and tartar building up along and below the gum line. Treatment removes these deposits and helps the gums reattach — protecting the bone that holds your teeth.
Scaling & polishingDeep cleaning (root planing)Advanced gum treatmentCosmetic dentistry improves the colour, shape and alignment of teeth. Laser dentistry allows many soft-tissue procedures on the gums to be done with minimal bleeding and discomfort.
Teeth whiteningSmile makeoverTooth-coloured bondingLaser soft-tissue treatmentOral and maxillofacial surgery treats problems of the jaws, mouth and face that go beyond routine dentistry — from jaw cysts and benign tumours to cancers of the mouth and jaws, which are planned together with our oncology and plastic surgery teams.
Biopsy of oral lesionsOral cavity cancer surgeryMandibulectomy & maxillectomyNeck dissectionFlap reconstructionJaw cysts & tumoursA fully equipped dental unit for preventive, restorative and cosmetic care for children and adults.
Specialist evaluation and surgery for the mouth, jaws and face, in partnership with our oncology and plastic surgery teams.
Knowing what to expect makes a dental visit much easier — especially if you feel anxious.
Tell us about your concern, medical history and medicines. Bring any old X-rays or reports.
A full check of teeth, gums and mouth, with X-rays or a scan only if needed.
Your options, number of visits and costs are explained, so you can decide with confidence.
Local anaesthesia for procedures, with sterilised instruments and a clean, safe set-up.
Clear written instructions, medicines if needed, and a number to call if you have a problem.
Review visits as needed, then regular check-ups to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Most mouth cancers are linked to tobacco (smoked or chewed), gutkha, paan masala, areca nut (supari) and alcohol. Many start as a small patch, ulcer or stiffness that can be seen and treated long before it becomes cancer.
Anyone with a mouth symptom lasting more than 2–3 weeks — and everyone who uses tobacco or areca nut in any form, even without symptoms.
In good light, in front of a mirror. Tick each step as you go.
Found something that has lasted more than 2–3 weeks? It is most likely harmless — but please get it examined.
Book an oral checkGeneral guidance — always follow the specific instructions your dentist or surgeon gives you.
Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. For the first 24 hours, do not spit, rinse forcefully, use a straw or smoke — these can dislodge the clot and cause a painful "dry socket".
Use cold packs on the cheek on the first day, eat soft, cool food and chew on the other side. From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals. Take medicines as prescribed.
Some tenderness on biting for a few days is normal. Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until the permanent filling or crown is placed — a root-treated tooth can crack. Come back if swelling develops or pain increases.
Mild swelling and discomfort settle within a few days. Eat soft food, keep the area clean as advised, avoid smoking (it slows healing and increases failure), and attend review visits until the final crown is fitted.
Brush after every meal and use interdental brushes around brackets. Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods with braces. Wear aligners for the hours advised and clean them daily. Teeth may feel sore for 2–3 days after each adjustment.
Wait until numbness wears off before eating. If the bite feels high, come back — a quick adjustment prevents pain. New dentures may cause sore spots in the first weeks; we can ease them.
You will receive a personalised plan for wound care, mouth cleaning, diet (often liquid or soft at first), jaw and neck exercises, and speech or swallowing support. Keep every follow-up visit and do not restart tobacco or areca nut.
Knocked-out adult tooth? Hold it by the crown, not the root. If dirty, rinse briefly in milk or water — don't scrub. Put it back in its socket if you can, or keep it in milk or saline, and reach a dentist within an hour. Milk teeth should not be put back.
Simple habits, started early and kept up, prevent most dental problems.
A general guide — your dentist may advise more or less frequent visits based on your risk.
| Who | What we recommend | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Dental check-up, with scaling and polishing when tartar is present | Usually every 6 months, or as advised |
| Children | First visit at the first tooth or by age 1; check-ups, fluoride and sealants as advised | Every 6 months |
| Tobacco / areca-nut users | Oral cancer screening at every dental visit, plus a monthly self-check | At least once a year |
| People with diabetes | Gum (periodontal) assessment and cleaning | Every 3–6 months |
| Pregnant women | Dental check-up; any needed treatment, ideally in the second trimester | Early in pregnancy |
| Braces or aligners | Orthodontic review and cleaning around appliances | Every few weeks during treatment |
| Denture wearers | Check of denture fit and the gums and mouth underneath | Once a year |
Hover or tap a card to see the fact.
The nerves of the upper teeth are not connected to the eyes. Removing a tooth that needs extraction does not affect vision.
Bleeding is usually the first sign of gum disease. Caught early, it is fully reversible with professional cleaning and good brushing.
Scaling removes tartar that damages the gums and bone. Teeth may feel different or sensitive for a few days, but cleaning protects them from becoming loose.
Milk teeth help children chew and speak, and hold space for permanent teeth. Infected milk teeth can cause pain and harm the teeth developing beneath.
With local anaesthesia, root canal treatment usually feels like a filling. It relieves the pain of an infected tooth and lets you keep it.
Areca nut itself causes oral submucous fibrosis and is classified as a cause of cancer. Tobacco-free mixes still carry real risk.
A dental surgeon for everyday and family dental care, and an oral & maxillofacial surgeon with fellowship training in oral oncology for surgery of the mouth and jaws.
BDS, MDS (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery), Fellowship in Oral Oncology & Reconstructive Surgery (Gold Medalist)
Oral pre-cancer evaluation & biopsy; mouth and jaw cancer surgery with neck dissection; jaw cysts & tumours; reconstruction planning
BDS — Dental Surgeon
Dental care for adults and children — check-ups, fillings, root canal treatment, scaling, crowns and preventive dentistry
For cancers, complex reconstruction and medical conditions, our dental and maxillofacial team plans care alongside other departments at Charak Hospital.
A little preparation helps us give you safe treatment and a clear estimate on the first visit.
Tick off as you collect them.
Costs depend on the treatment, the materials chosen and the number of teeth involved. We explain options at different budgets and share an estimate before you begin.
*Coverage depends on your scheme, policy terms and eligibility, which are confirmed at the insurance desk.
Ask our team: 99190 40000Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia, so most patients feel it is similar to having a filling. It is usually done to relieve the pain of an infected tooth. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is common and settles with simple painkillers.
No. Wisdom teeth that have come in fully and are healthy can stay. Removal is usually advised when they cause repeated pain or gum infection, decay of the neighbouring tooth, cysts or other damage. An X-ray (OPG) helps your surgeon decide.
Most healthy adults who have lost a tooth can have an implant if there is enough jaw bone, or after a bone graft. Well-controlled diabetes is not usually a barrier, but smoking and poor oral hygiene increase the risk of failure. A clinical examination and X-rays or a 3D scan are used to plan treatment.
No. Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks. But any ulcer, white or red patch, or lump in the mouth that lasts more than three weeks — especially in people who use tobacco, gutkha, paan or areca nut — should be examined by a specialist, and a biopsy may be needed.
Routine dental treatment such as cleaning, fillings, root canal, braces, implants or whitening is often not covered by standard health insurance unless your policy includes OPD or dental cover, or the treatment follows an accident. Surgical treatment that needs hospital admission, such as jaw fracture or oral cancer surgery, is usually covered, and Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) covers specified packages for eligible beneficiaries. Our insurance desk will check your eligibility.
Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery covers a broad range of procedures, including:
A consultation typically includes a detailed medical history review, a thorough examination, and discussions about your symptoms and concerns. The surgeon may order X-rays or CT scans to assess the condition. They will explain the procedures, potential risks, and benefits, and discuss your treatment options. It's a good opportunity to ask any questions you have about the surgery and recovery process.
Preparation for oral surgery includes:
Recovery time varies depending on the nature of the surgery. Generally, you will need to:
While the surgery itself is typically painless due to anesthesia, some pain and discomfort can be expected during the recovery period. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage this. It's important to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize pain.
The Department of Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery at Charak Hospital Lucknow is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure safe and effective treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your oral health or upcoming surgery, consulting with a specialist at the hospital can provide you with comprehensive information tailored to your specific needs.
No matching term. Please ask your dentist — no question is too small.
Speak with our dental team. We will find the cause, explain your options and costs, and plan treatment that suits you — calmly and clearly.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified dentist or doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Content reviewed by: Department of Dental & Maxillofacial Surgery, Charak Hospital & Research Centre · Last updated: October 2026