Archives for September, 2011

Advice from your London dentist for pulling out baby teeth

September 30th, 2011

In most cases, the baby teeth come loose when the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. This happens when the adult teeth develop and push their way through the gums, causing the baby teeth to become loose until they eventually fall out.

Children are often interested in their wobbly teeth and many will spend hours wiggling them around, which can cause them to fall out sooner. If the tooth is very loose, it may be tempting to pull it out and if you do decide to pull the tooth out, there are some steps you should follow.

Pulling out a milk tooth

Many dentists advise children to pull the tooth out itself if the root is very loose and it should come out very easily without any pain or bleeding. It is best to wrap the tooth in tissue and then gently pull the tooth loose, wiggling it from side to side until the root is barely attached. However it is very important that you do this only with teeth that are already very loose, as pulling on teeth that are not loose will cause pain and may damage the mouth.

If you pull a tooth that is already very loose, there should be little or no bleeding. If the socket of the tooth does bleed, you should place a piece of damp gauze over the wound to absorb the blood and stem the bleeding.

Ask your dentist

If you have any questions about pulling out a tooth or you are unsure, always ask your dentist for advice.

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How can your London dentist help you protect your teeth during sports?

September 28th, 2011

Exercise has a wealth of health benefits, but at times can also pose a risk to physical wellbeing when causing accidents or injuries. Contact sports, adrenaline sports and sports that involve hard objects and slippery surfaces can cause many types of injuries, including dental injuries.

Dental injuries are fairly common and most dental injuries are caused by accidents, such as trips and falls, sports injuries and fighting. Examples of injuries include chipped teeth, broken teeth, damage to the jawbone and dislodged teeth.

How can I protect my teeth when playing sport?

Some sports carry a risk of injury to the teeth and gums and it is therefore advisable to wear a protective mouth guard (also known as a gum shield). Mouth guards are designed to protect the teeth and gums and can be moulded at home or custom-made by a dentist. Mouth guards that you mould at home are usually very cheap, but they do not fit as well, which is often very uncomfortable, especially when they irritate the gums. Custom-made mouth guards are much more effective, as they are designed to fit the individual perfectly. They are more expensive but are well worth the extra investment.

In some sports, where there is heavy contact, players wear helmets to protect their faces and heads, as well as their teeth. Examples of these sports include ice hockey and American football.

When would I need to wear a mouth guard?

It is advisable to wear a protective mouth guard if you are participating in a contact sport or a sport that involves hard objects or surfaces, including boxing, rugby, hockey and lacrosse.

Why is it important to wear a mouth guard?

It is important to wear a protective mouth guard to prevent damage to your teeth and gums, as dental injuries can be painful and may cause long-term problems, including tooth loss, which increases the risk of oral health diseases, decreases functionality and can affect self-esteem and confidence.

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Is London private dentistry too expensive for you?

September 26th, 2011

Most people assume that private dental treatment is out of their reach in terms of affordability, however, it may not be as expensive as you think and there may be ways to cover the cost of treatment.

Why should I go private?

NHS dental care is considerably cheaper than private dental treatment but it does not cover all treatments and there may be lengthy waiting lists. NHS dental care only covers treatments that are seen as essential for promoting good oral health and as a result the NHS do not cover popular cosmetic dental treatments.

Private dentists offer a wider range of services and treatments and they usually provide new, innovative treatments in modern, spacious surgeries. Private practices are often kitted out with the latest technology and gadgets to provide clients with the best possible treatments, as well as making them feel relaxed and comfortable.

How can I afford private treatment?

Private practices recognise that not everyone is able to pay for treatment up-front, which is why many have come up with flexible payment plans and ways to spread the cost of treatment. In the last few years many people have lost their jobs and most of us have been force to tighten our belts as a result of the recession. Due to general financial problems many people have delayed dental treatment, as they simply cannot find the money to pay for it.

In order to help people many practices now have payment plans, which enable patients to pay for treatment over a set period of time, so instead of paying for treatment in one lump sum immediately after, patients can pay a monthly fee for a period of six months.

Dental insurance plans are also an effective way of paying for dental treatment and you can take out a policy that covers private dental treatment for as little as a few pounds each month. Policies offer different levels of cover and it is important to check that your policy covers the treatment you wish to have before you decide to go ahead with it.

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Modern options at London dentists for those who suffer from gag reflexes

September 23rd, 2011

Many people dread going to the dentist because they do not like the feeling of having instruments in their mouth or having to hold their mouths open for long periods of time, which can make it difficult for them to swallow. Lots of patients feel embarrassed about gagging and this can put them off going to the dentist.

Commonly, people worry about gagging when they are to have an impression taken of their mouth. This process will involve the use of dental putty to create a mould of the mouth. It is common for people to gag during this process, as the putty is placed at the back of the mouth and patients may find it difficult to swallow.

What options are available?

If you suffer from a sensitive gag reflex, there are options available to you and you should not avoid going to see your dentist. Sedation is a popular treatment for patients who suffer from dental phobia and dental anxiety, as well as those who are prone to gagging. Sedation effectively makes the patient feel completely relaxed during a procedure. Sedation techniques include intravenous sedation, inhaled sedation (nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas) and conscious oral sedation.

Another option is hypnotherapy, however, this is not for everyone and it can take some time.

The use of state of the art technology is another option. Harley Street Dental Studio has an iTero scanner, which produces 3D images and therefore eliminates the need for impressions to being created.

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The dangers of tongue piercings according to your London dentist

September 21st, 2011

Piercings have become very popular in recent years but dentists have warned the public against the dangers of tongue piercings. All piercings carry a risk of infection because an incision is made in the tissue and bacteria tend to collect around studs and earrings.

What kind of damage can piercings do?

Tongue piercings can do a lot of damage in the mouth. The constant contact between metal and the tissues and structures in the mouth can cause damage, including chipped teeth and tooth pain.

Tongue piercings also increase the risk of infection in the mouth. According to dentists, the mouth is prone to infection and a large proportion of people who have their tongues pierced end up with an infection of some sort. Tongue piercings make it difficult to clean the mouth properly and they tend to attract plaque and bacteria. In some extreme cases, infection can be so serious that the tongue swells and blocks the airways, which can be life-threatening.

Tongue piercings can also result in damage to the nerves, which may affect the sense of taste and the ability to detect temperature. This means that people can burn themselves by eating or drinking very hot foods or liquids because they cannot determine the temperature.

Advice for people with piercings

Dentists and dental organisations strongly urge people against having tongue piercings, but if you do have a tongue piercing, it is very important that you keep the piercing as clean as possible and maintain good oral hygiene. Piercings are sites for infection and it is therefore essential to keep that area as clean as possible. If you do notice symptoms such as swelling, a change of colour of the tongue, bleeding or pain, arrange to see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible.

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Your London dentist has a look at dental jewellery

September 19th, 2011

Research studies have consistently shown that people consider their smile to be one of their most important features and it is no surprise to find there are treatments that aim to improve the aesthetics of the smile.

But who would have thought teeth and jewellery would go hand in hand? – well, they do! Jewellery has been worn for hundreds of years to enhance appearance but most people associate jewellery with bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces, rather than tooth gems and decorative dental devices.

What is dental jewellery?

Dental jewellery is jewellery specially designed for the teeth. The most common types of dental jewellery include tooth gems and small jewels, known as twinkles. Gems can be stuck onto the teeth as a temporary measure or they can be fitted by a dentist – jewels fitted by a dentist can last for many years.

Why is dental jewellery popular?

Dental jewellery has become popular because people are looking for novel ways to enhance the aesthetic of their smile. There are hundreds of different gems and jewels available, which means that people can change their look on a regular basis to create unique looks and improve their look.

Dental jewellery is a simple, safe and quick way to change the appearance of your smile. There are no needles involved and it is an easy, painless way to enhance your smile.

 

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Your London dentist tells you about the ins and outs of sedation dentistry

September 16th, 2011

Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that involves using methods and medications to sedate the patient. Sedation enables the patient to feel completely relaxed during the procedure without being unconscious. Sedation dentistry is widely regarded as an effective solution for people who suffer from dental phobia or dental anxiety.

There are many different methods and these come under the umbrella term sedation dentistry, which include laughing gas (nitrous oxide), intravenous sedation and oral conscious sedation.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can be used for patients who are having a wide range of treatments and procedures, and it is particularly beneficial for patients who feel nervous or anxious about having treatment. Dental anxiety is very common and most feel a degree of nervousness before going to the dentist. However, for some people, this anxiety is so severe that they avoid going to a see a dentist until they are experiencing intolerable pain. Sedation can help to make patients feel relaxed and calm, both before and during a dental procedure and it is also effective for patients who have other types of phobia, such as a phobia of needles or the dental drill.

As well as being beneficial for patients, sedation dentistry is also beneficial for dentists, as they can focus on the procedure without having to worry about their patient feeling anxious and worried. Patients are also more likely to be cooperative if they are sedated during a procedure.

Is sedation suitable for everyone?

Sedation is suitable for many patients but it is not suitable for everyone and if you are taking certain forms of medication or you have allergies, it is important that you talk to your dentist about this before you are sedated. In some cases, patients have a fear of being sedated, which makes them unsuitable candidates for sedation.

 

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Your London dentists tells you about the ins and outs of tooth enamel

September 14th, 2011

What is tooth enamel?

Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth – it is the hardest mineral in the body and helps to protect the internal structures of the teeth from damage and decay. The thin layer of enamel covers the crown portion of the teeth.

What is the function of tooth enamel?

The primary function of tooth enamel is to protect the teeth. The teeth are used to chew, bite and grind down food and the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth help to prevent any damage during these processes.

Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel is not living so it cannot be replaced. Once the enamel is damaged or worn, the tooth becomes vulnerable and susceptible to decay. Tooth sensitivity is caused by worn enamel, because the dentin portion of the tooth – which contains the pulp – becomes exposed. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels and this is why you experience pain when the dentin is exposed.

Protecting tooth enamel

Tooth enamel is very strong but it can be weakened and worn by plaque acids. It is therefore important to take steps to protect the enamel – good oral hygiene will help to protect the enamel surfaces of the teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly will help to remove plaque, bacteria and food deposits from the mouth. Using a fluoride toothpaste will also aid in keeping the enamel strong.

Chipping and fracturing the enamel of the teeth can increase the risk of oral health diseases, as well as affecting the aesthetic appeal and function of the teeth.

Eating and drinking certain foods and drinks can erode the enamel, which is known as acid erosion. Examples of these foods and drinks include fruit juices, fizzy drinks and starchy and sugary foods.

 

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What is a bone graft and why might you need it at your London dentist?

September 12th, 2011

Bone grafting is a procedure that involves taking bone tissue from one part of the body and adding it to bone tissue in a different part of the body and can also involve the use of artificial bone tissue. Bone grafting may seem like a complex procedure but it is actually very simple and is only required if there is a lack of bone tissue in a certain area of the body. In dentistry, bone grafting is most commonly used prior to a patient having dental implants.

What does the procedure involve?

If you need a bone graft, your dentist will explain the different types of bone graft to you and explain what happens during the procedure. The procedure is usually quick and simple. If you are having a bone graft before having a dental implant fitted, the gum will be cut and lifted and the grafted bone will be placed on the jawbone and covered with a protective membrane to prevent infection. Once the grafted bone is in place, the gum flap will be stitched and the bone will be left to heal. The healing process usually takes around four months.

Why would I need a bone graft?

In dentistry the most common reason for having a bone graft is to bolster the jawbone tissue before having a dental implant. In order to support a dental implant, the bone must be dense. If for some reason you do not have enough bone tissue to support an implant, bone tissue will be grafted from a different part of the body, usually the chin, hip, tibia or lower jaw.

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What is the best way to whiten teeth at your London dentist?

September 9th, 2011

White teeth are attractive and healthy looking and in recent years, whitening treatments have become extremely popular, as people look for ways to enhance the aesthetic of their smile.

Teeth have a naturally white colour, but over time they may become discoloured. Staining is particularly common amongst smokers and people who regularly drink coffee, tea and red wine. Poor oral hygiene can also cause the teeth to become discoloured.

Improving the colour of the teeth

If you have very mild discolouration a good cleaning treatment carried out by a dental hygienist could make the teeth look brighter and whiter. Whitening toothpaste may also have a positive effect on the colour of the teeth.

If you have more severe discolouration or heavy staining, cleaning treatments and whitening oral hygiene products will not be powerful enough to remove the stains and a more intensive treatment will be required.

Whitening treatments

If you have straight, healthy teeth that are discoloured, a whitening treatment may be the best option. There are different treatments available, including in-chair treatment and at-home treatments and they are proven to whiten the teeth by a number of shades.

If you have chipped, broken or misaligned teeth, it may be necessary to have additional treatment before you have whitening treatment and your dentist may recommend veneers if this is the case. Veneers are thin laminates, which are placed over the existing teeth and can transform even the most unattractive smile into a radiant set of pearly whites. Bonding can be used to repair minor chips and this can help to make the smile look healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.

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