Archives for January, 2011

Straumann Dental Implants at your Harley Street dentist

January 31st, 2011

Straumann is a leading international company for dentistry and is based in the third largest populated city in Switzerland, Basel. They are also the only company in the world to specialise in surgical, restorative and regenerative dentistry. It is, therefore, unsurprising to hear that their dental implants are also considered some of the best in the world.

Why are Dental Implants superior to other methods?

The only other non-removable method of replacing missing teeth is using a dental bridge. The dental bridge is implemented by filing away the top of the two teeth surrounding the lost tooth. The replica tooth is then anchored into place on the two teeth on either side that have been filed away.

Because the tooth is anchored through the use of nearby teeth, the replica is not attached to the gums, meaning both bone and gum recession will continue in the surrounding gum and bone tissue of the tooth. The dental implant uses titanium – which is very similar in its structure to bone and is very easily accepted by the body – to anchor the implant into the bone and gum tissue of the jaw. Because the implant is rooted into the gap of the tooth that has fallen out, the bone and gum loss that comes about after the loss of the tooth is stopped and can even be reversed. The final positive that dental implants have over bridges is the fact that, unlike the other method, there is no need to damage other perfectly healthy teeth.

Straumann’s variation of the technique improves this already commendable procedure. Whereas in the conventional procedure the implant is covered back up with the gum tissue once placed, Straumann does not do this, removing the need for a second appointment to uncover the implant again after the recovery period which generally takes from 6 weeks to 12 months depending on the patient and amount of work that is to be done.

Why is Straumann a good choice?

As well as a leading service and a success rate of 95% after 10 years, Straumann can boast over 50 years of experience since the company began in 1954. It can also claim to be one of the leaders in contributing research to the dental world with 6% of its overall profits going directly into research. Customer service is also a priority within the company and a loyalty offer is in place, offering customers the opportunity to attend events, discover more information on implants and their procedures and meet members of the company and other customers.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Invisalign: Teen, Lite and the Original Aligners

January 28th, 2011

Invisalign has been growing in success since its founding in 1997 and has more recently seen even more growth with the introduction of other aligner strategies: Lite and Teen.

The original Invisalign aligner and the procedure

It isn’t really correct to say the ‘normal’ or ‘general’ aligner as every Invisalign aligner is specifically modelled to each patient. The aligner is made using a putty to take a mould of the patient’s mouth which is then sent off to be made. The aligner itself is clear, removable and very easy and comfortable to use.

The aligner is only meant for short term use (usually around 2 weeks) and is then changed with another. Each one of these stages of aligner is slightly different to the one before, making tooth realignment a breeze. The treatment can vary depending on the degree of change that is required to the teeth, but a notable difference can be seen as early as after the first stage and a full change can be seen in as little as a year.

The Invisalign Lite aligner

The Lite strategy aligner is a quicker version of the standard procedure. It is meant for shorter periods of time and for minor changes to tooth alignment which generally means it should be used only if you want to make changes for cosmetic reasons rather than issues related to dental problems. The procedure is still basically the same as the standard one, simply shorter; using a maximum of 10 stages meaning that generally the Lite strategy lasts, at most, just under a year.

The Invisalign Teen aligner

The third specified strategy type from Invisalign is the teen aligner and is based on the procedure of the standard aligner. The teen strategy is adapted to facilitate the still growing teeth of younger teens but is otherwise the same as other Invisalign procedures, when the aligner is shipped to you a large number of spares are sent specially for the forgetful teenager as well!

How much will it cost me?

As with most dental work, prices change from person to person, depending on the work that needs to be done. Because of the way the procedure works you can usually find out exactly how much it will cost and how much time it will take before you commit too much to getting the aligner. You can contact your Harley Street dentist to find out more about the Invisalign family.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Dental emergencies solved at your Harley Street dentist

January 26th, 2011

Accidents and unexpected aches and pains can occur at any point so it’s worth taking time to plan ahead and work out what you would do if something did happen.

Types of dental emergency

Dental emergencies are actually more common than you may think; accidents can happen at any time and the teeth can be damaged or broken very easily if you happen to fall or slip or you bite down on a particularly hard piece of food. Sports injuries are also a common cause of dental emergencies and incidents such as road accidents can also cause damage to the teeth and facial bones. Accidents are also a common cause of dental emergencies amongst children, as they are prone to falling and tripping over.

Severe toothache and pain in the jaw and mouth are also common dental emergencies. Most people think that toothache is just a mild pain that goes away on its own, however this is not the case and some people experience sudden throbbing pain, which stops them in their tracks and prevents them from getting on with their daily life.

What to do if you have a dental emergency

If you find yourself in extreme pain or you damage your teeth or jaw bone, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If you have lost a tooth, try to find it and store it in a glass of cool water or milk until you can see a dentist; it may be possible to salvage the tooth if you act quickly enough.

The NHS offers emergency dental care and you can find out about your nearest emergency service by calling your local Primary Care Trust. You can also look online and in the local press for details of emergency medical and dental services. Or you can visit your Harley Street dentist to have your dental emergencies solved.

If you suffer a fracture, it may be advisable to go straight to an accident and emergency department, rather than trying to secure an emergency dental appointment.

If you are in pain and you are waiting to see a dentist you can take over the counter painkillers to ease your discomfort.

Preventing dental emergencies

It’s not really possible to prevent dental emergencies, as accidents can happen at any time. However, there are some steps you can take to try and reduce the risk a dental emergency disrupting your life. Try to make sure everyone in your family has a check-up, especially if they are overdue. If you have children, try to reduce the risk of accidents by installing stair gates, removing obstacles from corridors and covering sharp corners. If you are participating in a contact sport, always wear a protective mouth guard to prevent damage to your teeth; you can ask your dentist about custom-made mouth guards or buy one from a sports retailer; professional, dentist-made guards are made to fit your mouth and will be more comfortable than cheaper ones which you mould yourself.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Treatment for dental abscesses at your Harley Street dentist

January 24th, 2011

Tooth abscesses are collections of pus that form in the tooth; they can be very painful and require urgent treatment. If abscesses are left untreated they can get worse and may cause damage to surrounding teeth and gum tissue.

How does an abscess form?

A tooth abscess, also known as a periapical abscess, is caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria collect in the mouth when we eat and can infect the inner portion of the tooth if the protective enamel coating is worn or damaged. The bacteria that are responsible for dental abscesses are found in plaque, a sticky film, which collects on the teeth and around the gum line. The abscess forms when the pulp portion of the tooth becomes infected and inflamed; the pulp eventually dies and the bacteria continue to infect the cavity, gradually working towards the alveolar bone, which supports the tooth. Eventually an abscess will form around the bone.

Signs to look out for

Tooth abscesses can be very painful and they can get worse very quickly if left untreated, so it is important to recognise the symptoms and get treatment as quickly as possible. Common symptoms to look out for include localised pain around the affected tooth, which may be severe and acute; most people with tooth abscesses experience throbbing pain, which tends to come on suddenly and gets worse over time. Pain can also spread to the jaw, the ear and the neck.

Other symptoms include tenderness around the affected tooth, a foul taste in the mouth, fever, increased sensitivity, especially to hot and cold foods and drinks and a general feeling of illness.

Treating a dental abscess

An abscess must be treated by a dentist; it is not something you can leave to heal and it will get worse the longer you leave it, so try to see your dentist as quickly as possible. The abscess will be treated under local anaesthetic (in most cases) by means of root canal treatment; during the procedure, the abscess will be cut away and the pus, which contains all the harmful bacteria, will be drained. Once the infected pulp has been removed and the abscess has been cut out, the empty pulp chamber and root will be filled to prevent further infection.

You can take over the counter painkillers to ease the pain while you wait to see a dentist. To prevent additional pain, try to avoid eating and drinking very hot or cold foods and drinks, steer clear of hard foods and brush your teeth using a toothbrush with soft bristles.

In some rare cases, the abscess may recur; if this is the case, you may be advised to see a specialist oral surgeon, who will remove any remaining diseases tissue from the tooth.

Once your abscess has been treated, it is important to keep an eye on your oral health and stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine; you will also be advised to attend regular dental check-ups.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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How to treat and prevent toothache

January 21st, 2011

Toothache is a very common condition, which affects us all at some point in our lives. Most people experience mild toothache, but sometimes toothache can be very severe and this usually requires emergency dental treatment.

What are the causes of toothache?

Toothache is a general term, which is often used to describe any pain in the jaw and face. The most common cause of toothache is inflammation of the pulp; the pulp is the inner portion of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed, this often contributes to tooth pain. The pulp may become inflamed as a result of the formation of dental cavities, fractures or damage to the teeth or gum recession; sometimes toothache can also be caused as a result of damage to fillings.

In children, toothache may also be caused by teething and the development and eruption of new teeth.

What are the symptoms?

Obviously, the most common symptom of toothache is pain in the mouth or face. However, other symptoms may also develop: these include increased sensitivity, bleeding gums, swelling in the jaw and around the teeth and increased pain when chewing. Some people experience acute pain, while others have a constant throbbing pain.

Dealing with toothache

If you have toothache, you should arrange to see your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t leave it, thinking that it will go away, as it will probably just get worse and the pain could be symptomatic of a more serious condition. While you wait to see your dentist, you can take over the counter painkillers to ease the pain.

The treatment for toothache depends on the cause of the pain. In many cases, toothache is attributed to decay and your dentist will treat this by removing the decayed tissue in the tooth and fill the area with a filling. If your toothache is associated with damage to the filling, your dentist will usually take out the old filling, clean the cavity and replace it with a new filling. If your pain is caused by an infection in the pulp, you may need to have root canal treatment.

How to prevent toothache

Most of us will experience toothache at some point in our lives but there are steps we can take to try and reduce the risk of tooth pain. The most important and effective way of preventing all oral health problems is to adopt and stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine. This should include brushing the teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing and using mouthwash on a regular basis. The other way to increase the chances of enjoying good oral health is visiting the dentist for regular check-ups. This means your dentist can keep an eye on any developing conditions and treat them before they get any worse. You can also reduce the risk of toothache by eating healthily and restricting the amount of sugary and acidic foods you eat and arranging to see a dentist as soon as you experience toothache or other symptoms of oral health problems.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Dangers of Dental Tourism

January 19th, 2011

Dental tourism has become something of a phenomenon over the last few years and on the surface, combining a holiday with getting treatment, may seem like a fantastic idea. However, there are certain pitfalls and you need to be extremely diligent when planning your treatment.

Possible complications

In other countries, standards of hygiene and cleanliness may not be as high as in the UK and there may be a greater risk of contamination and infection; regulations about cross-infection may also not be as stringent abroad. Regulations concerning training and qualifications may also not be as strict as the UK and the dentist you see may not be as highly qualified as the dentist you would have seen in the UK. You also need to be aware of fraudsters; in some countries, ‘bogus dentists’ target tourists and try to lure them in with attractive prices and incentives.

Most people choose to go abroad in order to save money. However, you need to consider that you could end up paying a lot more than the original quote in the UK if you go overseas and the dentist botches the procedure. You also need to be aware that if your treatment doesn’t go to plan, you may be left with huge medical bills, as many countries do not have a free health system like the NHS and you may be left stranded in a foreign country.

Things to think about

If you’re planning to go abroad for dental treatment, there are many things you need to think about; you need to spend time researching both the treatment and the place you intend to go to for your treatment. Firstly, you need to think about the treatment you are having, so look into the details of the procedure, find out what the actual operation involves, research prices at home and get a realistic impression of what results you can expect to achieve from the treatment.

If you are sure that you want to have treatment, spend some time researching the places you can go for treatment. Look at different clinics, read patient testimonials, look at details of dentists’ qualifications, training, expertise, experience and background; always make sure that they are registered with the relevant body in their country.

Think about the price of the treatment in relation to the cost at home. You need to make sure you factor in accommodation and transport costs and remember that you need to take follow up care into account. It may be that you have to go back to the clinic for aftercare and this will affect your budget, as you will need to get there and arrange accommodation during your stay.

If you decide to go abroad make sure you have a comprehensive insurance policy; check the details and make sure that your treatment is covered by the plan. Try to get the best possible insurance policy it is worth paying a bit extra to ensure that everything is covered.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Overcome dental phobia with the help of your Harley Street dentist

January 17th, 2011

Anxiety about visiting the dentist is probably one of the commonest worries. However it is just that – a worry – for most people. A minority though do suffer from a genuine phobia of dentists, but what exactly is dental phobia? Before answering that question it is probably more worthwhile to answer the general question, namely what is a phobia?

Phobias and their Causes

A phobia can be defined as an anxiety disorder that manifests itself in an irrational fear of objects, activities and situations. The emphasis should be on the word irrational as in reality there should be no reason why people should possess such heightened fear. Not just that, phobias force people to alter their behaviour in such a way as to avoid the one thing they most fear.

Types of Phobia

Phobias come in all forms, but they can be grouped together into two types – Specific phobias and Social phobias. The latter as might be expected covers fears related to social situations, whereby people maybe fearful of looking clumsy or silly. Specific phobias cover such things as fear of animals, heights, blood, plane travel and dentists.

Causes of Phobias

The old saying ‘once bitten twice shy’ is an apt description of how a phobia is thought to develop. A person bitten by a dog after stroking it for instance can react in one of two ways, either stroke the animal again or avoid it. If the person avoids not just the original dog but all dogs, then the phobia develops. In short, it only takes one original stimulus to cause people to become ‘shy of’ or avoid that stimulus and anything like it or associated with it in the future. Phobias are learned.

Consequently, dental phobia would show as fear not just of the dentist, but the surgery and probably anything connected with the dentist from the building to the drill.

Phobic Symptoms

As well as avoidance behaviour, phobics will exhibit a number of physiological symptoms as well as psychological behaviours. These include increased heart rate, sweaty palms, skin feeling cold and breathlessness. It is also possible that a phobic will suffer a panic attack; this and other symptoms can even be brought on by simply thinking about the object or situation.

In the case of dental phobia, patients will generally suffer their dental problem until such time that the ‘dental problem’ is more overwhelming than fear itself.

Causes of Dental Phobia

The original stimulus causing the dental phobia will probably never be known; it also often occurs in childhood. However the commonest causes are: bad experiences, uncaring dentists and humiliation or humiliating remarks made by a dentist or some other professional working at the premises. One other way of developing a phobia (although not very common) is via vicarious learning. That is, seeing other people being scared of the dentist.

Treating Dental Phobia

This can be a long process as there may not be just one thing that is causing the irrational behaviour. In order to cure it, patients are best dealt with by psychological therapists who specialise in treating anxiety disorders. In general though, treatment involves the individual re-learning the maladaptive behaviour. It can be done in two ways. First using a technique called desensitisation – a gradual reduction in fear; second (and more drastic) by flooding – literally forcing the person to cope with the object or situation till the fear subsides.

At Harley Street Dental we take the time to listen to our patient’s fears and we will make sure not to force them into something they are not ready. Our staff are friendly and patient, and we have a number of service for patients who may hold with is a common fear of the dentist.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Oral Benefits Of Chewing Sugar-free Gum

January 14th, 2011

Chewing gum is not new; people have been doing it for centuries for all sorts of reasons. American Indians for instance used to chew gum in order to quench their thirst by munching the resin formed on spruce trees. The modern chewing gum was first developed in the 19th century when entrepreneurs recognised the commercial value of spruce resin. By World War 2, it was traded or given away to Europeans by American soldiers.

Today, gum is still popular as can be seen in the massive sales of the most well known manufacturer, Wrigley.

Oral Benefits

While munching a piece of gum gives the mouth something to do, it has now been recognised that it can do much more than that. Providing of course that consumers use the sugar-free version of gum, dentists and other health professional have realised that simply chewing on a gum based sweet can help teeth in a number of ways.

For example, as well as removing plaque chewing gum can also help in overall oral health and is effective in helping cure disorders such as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a non-destructive periodontal disease which affects tooth structures such as the alveolar bone and the gingiva. Symptoms include inflammation as well as swollen and tender gums. The cause is normally (but exclusively) a build up of plaque resulting from improper cleaning.

Chewing sugar-free gum helps dissolve the plaque, thus removing the bacteria that cause the disorder. And since prevention is often better than cure, regular gum chewing can halt the build up of plaque.

Other Benefits

Chewing gum also forces the production of saliva. This means that chewing a sugar-free gum actively remineralises the teeth. It does this by first increasing saliva production tenfold and second by increasing the production of remineralising ions and biocarbonate. Both act as a buffer and neutraliser of the acidic plaque.

Another proven benefit of chewing sugar-free gum is caries prevention. Toothy decay is a major problem with so much sugar in people’s diet from sugary drinks to the vast arrange of sweets and chocolates available. There are sugar-free alternatives that can help but they usually come at the price by using artificial additives, all of which have their own problems.

Preventing early and unnecessary tooth decay should be paramount. So chewing sugar-free gum is a useful way of reducing the risk. In fact, research has found that munching gum can reduce this risk by as much as 40%.

Protective Effects of Saliva

The main ingredient in all this is not the gum per se but its behaviour in increasing saliva production. This is the one of keys to good oral health. But it is at its most protective when gum is chewed at the right time. Acid attack normally occurs about 20 – 30 minutes after eating food. As such, chewing gum for around 20 minutes after eating a meal will therefore help the saliva to do its work.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Dental check-up at your Harley Street dentist

January 12th, 2011

Oral health is really important but often people overlook this and go for months and even years without going to the dentist.

Why are dental check-ups important?

Dental check-ups are really important because they help to promote good oral health and ensure any conditions are caught and treated early. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to keep an eye on your mouth, look for early warning signs of developing problems and treat existing conditions early. If you leave dental health conditions alone and wait for them to clear up on their own, the chances are that the condition will develop and you will experience pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

In recent years, the number of cases of oral cancer has increased significantly and regular check-ups can help to ensure that cases are diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Early treatment improves survival rates by up to 90 percent so a check-up could literally save your life.

Regular dental check-ups are important for everyone but they are especially important for people who are prone to dental health problems and pregnant women; the hormones secreted during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis and studies have shown the gum disease can cause complications during pregnancy and birth and even stillbirth if left untreated.

What happens during a check-up?

Many people worry about going to the dentist but there is no need to panic about your check-up. Most check-ups are over very quickly without any pain or discomfort. During the appointment, your dentist will have a good look around your mouth and check your teeth and gums; they will usually ask you some questions to make sure you haven’t experienced any pain or been suffering from any health conditions, which may affect your oral health. If they notice that you have signs of oral health problems, they will discuss these with you and arrange another appointment so that you can be treated.

Your dentist may also ask about your lifestyle habits and general health; activities such as smoking, eating a poor diet and drinking on a regular basis can have a detrimental effect on oral health, so they will probably advise you to try and quit smoking, cut down on drinking and adopt a healthier diet, if you display symptoms of problems associated with these factors. If your dentist notices signs of poor oral hygiene, they may ask you about your teeth cleaning habits and offer some advice on keeping your teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible.

How often should I go for a check-up?

The length of time you leave between check-ups usually depends on your oral health; if you have good oral health, you may be advised to wait twelve months between check-ups but if you have oral health problems, you may be advised to go back every three to six months. If you experience symptoms such as tooth pain, swelling, bleeding gums or bad breath you should try to see your dentist as soon as possible so they can determine the cause of the problems and treat them.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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Cosmetic bonding at your Harley Street dentist

January 10th, 2011

Cosmetic bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment, which is carried out to improve the overall aesthetic of the smile.

When is cosmetic bonding used?

Cosmetic bonding is a means of improving the appearance of the smile; it involves applying a tooth-coloured dental material to the tooth in order to repair cracks, fill in chips, fill cavities, reshape teeth and disguise small gaps between the teeth.

The dental material is made from a mixture of acrylic resins and fillers; the paste-like substance can be moulded into any shape before it is hardened.

Cosmetic bonding is very popular because it helps to preserve the natural look of the smile and improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Many people have chipped teeth or small gaps between their teeth and this may make the feel self-conscious. Cosmetic bonding is a quick and simple treatment, which can transform the smile in a matter of minutes. Many people also choose to have tooth-coloured fillings because they blend in with the natural teeth and are not visible when you smile. An increasingly large number of people are also choosing to have their metal amalgam fillings replaced with white fillings.

Can cosmetic bonding be used for all cavities?

White fillings are a great alternative to metal amalgam fillings, especially if you are conscious about your appearance. However, bonding is not suitable for all cavities. Cosmetic bonding is only suitable for small cavities, as the material is not strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear when it is spread over a large area. If you want a tooth-coloured filling and you have a large cavity, you may be advised to get a ceramic filling, as these are stronger. Some dentists have Cerec technology, which means you can get your ceramic restoration made on site. If this is not the case, your dentist will order a ceramic filling and it will be manufactured in a laboratory and returned when finished.

Are there any drawbacks?

The only real drawbacks of cosmetic bonding are that the material is not as strong as ceramic or porcelain and the composite tends to become discoloured quicker than the natural tooth. This may mean that the composite area of the tooth looks a slightly different colour to the rest of the tooth.

Should I consider cosmetic bonding?

If you have a gap between your teeth, a chipped or broken tooth or want to improve the shape of a tooth, you should consider having cosmetic bonding. It is a very simple procedure and could make a real difference to your smile, especially if you’re conscious about the way your teeth look. If you’re worried about the procedure, talk to your dentist. This is a very safe and simple treatment, which does not always require local anaesthetic and is often finished very quickly.

Cosmetic bonding is a great way to make small changes to your smile. Often people assume that if they have a chipped tooth or a gap between their teeth, this will require extensive treatment and this puts them off; however, this is not the case.

Looking for cosmetic dentistry? Talk to Harley Street Dental Studio

The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.

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