Implants

If you have one or more missing teeth, and you do not wish to have a conventional restoration (bridge or denture) then dental Implants could provide a very effective and aesthetically pleasing solution that will improve you smile and self-confidence. Not filling a space from a missing tooth could result in your remaining teeth moving position to close the gap, or, cause the jawbone to shrink, possibly making you appear older than you are.

Less Lines Contouring

Botox is well known for its wrinkle removing effects. It is now one of the top selling non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the UK and continues to gain in popularity. It works on all facial lines that have been caused by repeated muscle movements such as frown lines across the forehead, crow’s feet around the eyes, as well as lines around the lips and neck.

The procedure is effective and simple as Botox® is injected in tiny quantities with a very small needle directly into the muscles that are being treated. It works by relaxing the muscles so they are no longer habitually contracting. This means the lines caused by the muscle movement are significantly reduced or erased. Results start to appear after 24 to 72 hours with the main effect appearing after about two weeks and lasting 3 to 4 months. Your face looks smoother, younger and refreshed, potentially taking years off your appearance.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is a fantastic, simple and hassle-free way of straightening your front teeth. It is the orthodontic treatment of choice for adult relapse.In the past anyone with crooked teeth have had only a few choices. Fixed braces and clear braces work well but are slow and can also be costly.

Because of this many people choose to have porcelain veneers instead. This often involves heavy grinding of the teeth to get them into the right position first. As a result many patients choose to do nothing and just live with it.

However the Inman Aligner now gives us all a very real alternative. Because it works so quickly and efficiently, if you don’t like the idea of having brackets stuck to your teeth or waiting months and months for a clear brace to work, you can now have your front teeth straightened in as little as 6 -16 weeks.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is one of the most common dental problems, with the majority of the population having suffered from sensitive teeth at some time or another. It’s a condition in which there is discomfort in the tooth or teeth caused by the consumption of hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks. The sensitivity can range from twinges in the tooth or teeth, to sharp shooting pain that can last for hours.

This condition occurs when the receding tissue of the gums exposes the dentin (the underlying layer of the teeth). The dentine tubules allow hot, cold or sweet stimuli to touch the nerves in your tooth. This causes discomfort and pain. If you are experiencing pain BOOK AN EXAMINATION NOW!

Causes of sensitive teeth

There are several causes that can lead to sensitivity in the teeth:

Incorrect brushing – Excessive brushing, brushing too vigorously or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can, over time, wear away the enamel layer of the tooth and expose the dentin. Over-brushing can also cause the gum tissue to recede.

Gum disease – Conditions like gingivitis cause the gum tissue to become inflamed and sore. This can also tear away the supporting ligaments, exposing the root surface, and allowing stimuli to reach the nerve of the tooth.

Cracked teeth – Teeth that are chipped can soon become filled with plaque. The bacteria  can enter and inflame the pulp.

Bruxism – People who clench or grind their teeth can find their tooth enamel wearing down quickly, exposing the dentin.

Teeth-whitening products – Products that are used to whiten the teeth have been found to be linked to tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity is very common  during both in-surgery teeth-whitening treatments and home teeth whitening. Different people experience this sensitivity to varying extents.

Age – Persons between the age of 25 and 30 have been found to be the most vulnerable to tooth sensitivity.

Diet – Foods with a high acid content – like tomatoes, lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits – and tea can erode the enamel layer of the teeth, causing sensitivity.

Dental procedures – Sometimes, tooth sensitivity may be seen following dental procedures like tooth restoration, root planing and crown placement. This kind of sensitivity is not long lasting and disappears after a few weeks. Teeth whitening frequently causes temporary tooth sensitivity.

Risk factors – Although tooth sensitivity can be seen in people of all ages, it is more often found in people who are between 20 and 40 years of age. Women have been found to be more susceptible to sensitivity.

Extractions

After having a tooth extracted you must look after the area to speed healing and to reduce the risk of infection. Here are some pointers:

  • For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food, don’t smoke, don’t drink any alcohol and try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed.
  • Don’t rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water – half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough.
  • Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
  • You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket – don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
  • There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first 2-3 days. If you need to, take regular painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetomol.
  • If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, the blood clot may have broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a ‘dry socket’ and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and the dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.
  • If there is any bleeding, your dentist may have given you some gauze to place onto the area where the tooth has been removed – if not, a clean cloth handkerchief will do just as well (but not a paper tissue).
  • Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm).
  • Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky.
  • Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 30 minutes.

Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact us.

Dentures

The loss of your teeth can have negative effects on your self-confidence, your ability to chew food and your bite. Since your teeth provide structure and support to your cheeks, tooth loss can result in the sagging of your cheeks and make you appear older than you are. It is essential that your missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.   Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues. Modern-day dentures can look very realistic and natural and feel comfortable.

Types of Dentures

When all your teeth are missing, a complete denture is used to replace them, whereas if only a few teeth need replacing, a partial denture or overdenture is used. Partial dentures can prevent your existing healthy teeth from shifting following tooth loss. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of materials available for dentures, and your dentist may give you some options, including the latest flexible Valplast cosmetic dentures.

Bridges

A bridge cannot be removed from your mouth for cleaning as it is permanently fixed in your mouth. The majority of bridges are made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the space and then joining these two crowns together by placing one or more false teeth in the space.

Another option is an adhesive bridge, which is bonded to the back of supporting teeth with very little drilling involved.

Bridges are only possible if you have enough strong teeth with good bone support. Your dentist will help you to decide which is best way of replacing missing teeth.

Veneers

Unlike crowns, porcelain veneers cover only the front part of the tooth, after having only minimal work done on the tooth itself. We ensure that this wafer thin porcelain, crafted by very experienced technicians, is used to rectify many defects, including the masking of discoloured teeth, realigning crowded and protruding teeth and closing gaps.

Porcelain veneers are very strong, lasting up to 15 years, are natural in looks and are easy to look after with no special care required. It is very difficult to distinguish between a veneer and your tooth, many people will not realise you have veneers, unless you tell them.

Crowns

A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth.

A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. They can be made of porcelain or non-precious metals or a combination of these materials. We offer several different treatment options that you can discuss in greater detail with your dentist.

Root Canal Treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

Why is root canal treatment needed?

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Does it hurt?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

What does it involve?

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

What if I don’t have the treatment?

The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

Where can this treatment be carried out?

Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.

What about aftercare?

Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.