End dental pain with help from Bristol dentist
Teeth have a very hard enamel exterior that is very durable and strong, but poor standards of oral hygiene or dental trauma can breech this tough exterior exposing the extremely sensitive dental nerve within the tooth. This can cause pain ranging from a mild sensitivity due to extremes of temperature in the mouth from eating and drinking to very severe pain caused by dental infections and abscesses.
Tooth enamel is commonly broken down by plaque acids and tartar in the mouth which, if not repaired with a filling or crown, can expose the pulp and nerve of the tooth to bacterial infection. If the nerve or root becomes infected the body will produce an excess of white blood cells to fight the infection. This can build up on a pocket around the tooth leading to a painful, pus-filled abscess. These can be very painful and can also lead to a spread of the initial infection.
Dental pain can also come in the form of erupting teeth or wisdom teeth buried beneath the gum. These can cause interruption to bite and painful irritation that is very uncomfortable. One of the common features of all dental pain is that it is very hard to control. For someone suffering dental pain it can seem there is little they can do to stop it. In most cases over-the-counter painkillers will be effective but patients should always see a dentist even if the pain appears to have disappeared. In cases of extreme infection or serious gum disease patients may require anti-biotics and more serious pain relief. It is important to remember in all cases of dental pain to see a Bristol dentist as soon as possible.
January 10, 2010 at 8:47 am | No comment
Restore your confidence and your smile with a dental bridge from Bristol dentist
Even one missing tooth can seriously affect the way a person looks and not just because of the obvious gap in the teeth. Missing teeth leave gaps in the dental arc that allow other teeth to rotate and lean leading to a complete change in the appearance of the teeth. This can also affect bite alignment and have a negative impact on the facial tissue. Vacant spaces are also breeding grounds for plaque-forming and bad breath-causing bacteria. It is therefore very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
One cosmetic option for replacing a missing tooth is a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth attached to crowns or resin-bonded strips that literally bridges the gap left by the missing tooth. This restores the appearance of the tooth from the gum up without having any attachment to the gum itself. This prevents bacteria build up and also braces the other teeth preventing any unwanted movement.
Dental bridges are usually fitted over several visits to the dentist depending on the condition of the existing teeth. The type of bridge fitted also depends on the condition of the adjacent teeth. Teeth in better condition are likely to be resin bonded rather than remove healthy enamel for a crown.
If properly cared for a dental bridge can last for up to fifteen years and serve all the functions of a natural tooth. Bristol dentists can fit dental bridges to fill the gap left by one or more teeth to help restore a patient’s confidence and their smile.
January 9, 2010 at 6:31 pm | No comment
Swindon dentist uses versatile dental bonding to repair damaged teeth
Dental bonding is a term used in dentistry to describe the composite resin used as adhesive for dental procedures that is hardened with high intensity heat from a laser. Bonding is a very versatile material that can also be used to repair small damage to teeth such as chips and cracks, as well as covering damage caused by discolouration. In fact, if you’ve had any kind of dental treatment in the past such as a crown, veneer or filling you’ve probably benefited from dental bonding.
Composite bonding is the name given to the use of resin to fix small damage to teeth. The procedure involves mixing up the resin to closely match the colour of the existing teeth, before applying it to the damaged area and moulding it to the desired shape. When this moulding is completed, and it may involve the application of several layers of resin, the dentist will solidify it using the heat of a laser. It can then be polished and buffed to resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel. Bonding can be used in this way to repair cracks, chips and fill cavities, replacing the old silver amalgam fillings that have caused so much controversy in recent years. Bonding can also be used to make uneven or slightly crooked teeth look more aesthetically pleasing by careful and subtle application.
The use of bonding as an adhesive enables dentists to fit dental crowns or veneers to teeth that are significantly damaged. In such cases bonding alone may not be sufficient to repair the damage but its strength and durability make it perfect for securing other dental replacements. Before any bonding is applied it is first necessary to etch the surface of the tooth to allow for greater adhesion.
It is difficult to estimate the cost of dental bonding because the amount needed can vary greatly depending on the problem. However, it is important to remember that dental bonding is one of the cheapest and readily available dental treatments. Dentists in Swindon are thoroughly trained in the uses of dental bonding to make long lasting and visually pleasing dental repairs at a minimum of cost.
January 6, 2010 at 3:50 pm | No comment
Protect damaged teeth with dental crowns from Bath dentist
Anyone who has suffered the pain of a severely damaged tooth or root canal procedure can tell you exactly how unpleasant it is. When dental nerves are exposed either due to cracks in the teeth, cavities or dental surgery they can be incredibly sensitive and the source of great discomfort. Dental crowns are artificial tooth caps that aim to rebuild the structure of damaged or exposed teeth to protect them from further damage and restore their cosmetic appearance.
Crowns are very versatile and effective and can be made from a number of different materials. Depending on the situation of the tooth in the mouth, crowns can either be made of a mixture of ceramic and metal, or for more visually prominent teeth, just from a porcelain ceramic. It is even possible to manufacture crowns made form pure gold or silver for a slightly more glitzy appearance.
When applying dental crowns to damaged teeth, the dentist will need to remove some of the surface enamel to allow the crown to fit over the top. The crown should cover all parts of the tooth that are proud of the gum line for maximum protection. They are fixed to the teeth using a strong composite resin bonding which is tooth coloured for a more attractive cosmetic appearance.
New technology has radically reduced the amount of time needed to manufacture and fit crowns. It is now even possible to repair a damaged tooth with a crown in only one visit to the dentist, using computer-aided technology. A crown from a Bath dentist can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, offering protection from pain and further damage with no damage to the appearance of the teeth.
January 4, 2010 at 4:28 am | No comment
The importance of oral hygiene explained by Bath dentist
We know from archaeological evidence all over the world that we have been trying to look after our teeth for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, the first great civilisation, used twigs and leaves to keep teeth clean. Many African tribes to this day still use the ancient practice of chewing leaves with antibacterial properties to keep teeth clean. While the Egyptians may not have understood the exact science behind dental hygiene, they had certainly worked out that keeping teeth clean and healthy helped to prevent painful dental conditions in the future.
We now understand the exact scientific processes that can occur in the mouth to cause dental problems if teeth are not cleaned or cared for properly. Bath dentists recommend that patients brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps to remove plaque, a filmy substance rich in bacteria that releases acid and erodes the protective tooth enamel. By removing plaque you can prevent enamel erosion that can lead to dental cavities, tooth infection and in severe cases, tooth loss.
It is also vital to keep up six-monthly check-up appointments with a Bath dentist who is highly-trained to spot the first signs of tooth decay or gum disease. Catching these conditions early is critical to effective treatment that can prevent pain and further infection. Dentists can also recommend the most effective methods of cleaning and most suitable products for your individual teeth. This will almost certainly not involve any leaves or twigs but the principles first discovered by the Egyptians remain the same: look after your teeth and they will look after you.
January 2, 2010 at 10:43 am | No comment
Overcome dental phobia with help from Bristol dentist
For some people, just the mere mention of the word dentist is enough to get the heart racing and a feeling of nausea overwhelming the whole body. Dental phobia is one of the most common phobias in the UK but most sufferers don’t realise they are far from alone in their fear.
A phobia is officially classified as an irrational or severe fear that causes an immediate anxiety response or complete avoidance of the stimulus. Boiled down for dental phobics this means their fear of the dentist is so great they will avoid going at all costs. The cruel irony of the situation being that avoiding the dentist is likely to lead to an increased need to see one for emergency treatment in the future.
Dental phobia can be caused by any number of circumstances but research has shown that several reasons crop up time and again. For many patients a previous traumatic experience at the dentist, possibly during childhood, can be the cause of lifelong associated fear. For others, it is the fear of embarrassment because of their teeth and let’s not forget the classic anxiety over pain.
Whatever the cause of the phobia it is important that patients are able to confront these fears and receive the necessary treatment. First and foremost it is important to talk to a dentist. Bristol dentists are specially trained to deal with anxious patients and often just talking about the treatment will be enough to allay some of the fear. Other options include breathing exercises or self-hypnotism to control fear during appointments, and many dentists are now experimenting with aromatherapy techniques to help clam patients. Above all, it is just important to remember that you are not alone and that the dentist will be able to help you to overcome your fears with your help.
January 1, 2010 at 4:05 pm | No comment
Stunning, natural smile with porcelain veneers from Weston-super-Mare dentist
Do you suffer from discoloured, chipped or unevenly spaced teeth? Do you long to have a stunning smile but are embarrassed by the condition of your teeth? Then porcelain veneers could be the answer to all your problems. More and more people are turning to porcelain veneers to radically improve the appearance of their smile and restore the confidence that comes with a dazzling set of shining white and even teeth.
In simple terms, porcelain veneers are incredibly thin tooth-shaped pieces or porcelain that overlay the existing teeth to cover up any damage caused by dental problems such as discolouration or enamel erosion. Once fitted, they look and act exactly like real teeth, are very durable and resistant to damage and staining. A highly-trained Weston-super-Mare dentist will be able to fix a whole dental arc of porcelain veneers in a single session meaning you could have a brand new smile in as little as one afternoon.
Modern porcelain veneers are manufactured with the aid of computer technology, which can produce stunningly accurate and effective results. In most cases veneers are so lifelike it is impossible to detect that they are even veneers. And because modern veneers are so thin there is very little preparation work needed and often no need for any enamel removal prior to fixing. Dental bonding is usually sufficient to secure the veneers to the teeth with the minimum of fuss and the process is completely pain-free.
Porcelain veneers are the easiest way of creating the perfect Hollywood smile that you have always wanted. Simple, quick and affordable, porcelain veneers really could transform your life and restore the confidence that can be lost by embarrassing dental problems.
December 18, 2009 at 4:56 am | No comment
Weston-super-Mare brightens smile with tooth whitening
Tooth whitening is a highly effective way of lightening the colour of your teeth without damaging the surface enamel. It is much cheaper and far less drastic than having a whole set of veneers to brighten teeth and can be just as effective while still maintaining a natural appearance.
There are many reasons why you may require tooth whitening but by far the most common is to reverse the staining of teeth that happens naturally as we age. The discolouration can be accelerated by ingesting certain foods and drinks such as coffee, and smoking can also increase the process.
The most common form of teeth whitening is professional bleaching carried out by a Weston-super-Mare dentist. The dentist will initially assess if you are suitable for whitening as the use of certain medications precludes treatment. If you are suitable, the dentist will use a rubber shield to protect the gums and other soft tissue before applying a concentrated mixture containing the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide. As this is broken down oxygen penetrates the enamel on the surface of the teeth making it appear lighter.
Complete treatments usually take between three and four weeks with regular applications of half an hour over that period. In most cases the dentist will make up reduced concentration treatments in special trays to be used at home. Although some new treatments can be applied for longer reducing the overall treatment time to as little as a week.
Other new treatments include using the heat of a dental laser to activate the chemical reaction producing a much faster colour change. The effects of tooth whitening can last up to three years although it is important to remember that all treatments will work differently for each patient as teeth vary in their natural colour and texture. Talk to a Weston-super-Mare dentist about the possibilities of brightening your smile with tooth whitening.
December 17, 2009 at 5:12 am | No comment
Straight teeth without the sacrifice with Invisalign braces from Swindon dentist
The Invisalign orthodontic straightening treatment consists of a series of invisible plastic retainers worn for two weeks at a time, affecting slow realignment of the teeth. Each retainer is individually manufactured for the patient’s teeth to help achieve the desired straightening results.
By using the latest 3D imaging technology, a Swindon dentist is able to project what the teeth will look like at the end of treatment and at every stage throughout its course. The retainers are also manufactured according to the specifications of the 3D treatment plan.
The major advantage of the Invisalign treatment is of course the discretion it offers. Many patients would like straighter teeth but are too self-conscious or unwilling to make the sacrifice of unattractive metal braces. Invisalign retainers are manufactured from one-millimetre thick clear plastic that is practically invisible when worn by the patient. This means that it is now possible to straighten teeth without completely sacrificing the appearance of your smile. This has proved to be very popular with many teenagers keen not to stand out from the crowd, and also many young professionals wishing to avoid the stigma of wearing a brace later in life.
The other major bonus of Invisialign retainers is that unlike some other braces, they are completely removable which means that teeth can still be effectively cleaned and there is little interruption to eating habits. Invisalign braces are designed to fit around your life with as little impact as possible. They are even significantly more comfortable than all other straightening devices because of the absence of wire and bracket mechanisms that require tightening.
December 16, 2009 at 4:35 am | No comment
Bath dentist replaces missing tooth with lifelike dental implant
More and more patients are opting to have a dental implant as a permanent solution to replace a missing tooth in favour of the less rigid partial dentures and dental bridges. Implants come in the form of small screws anchored directly into the jawbone to hold an artificial tooth in exactly the same way a root supports a real tooth. This creates a feeling more similar to having a real tooth and also gives the patient an extra sense of security.
One dental implant fitted by a Bath dentist can support one or more artificial teeth, and five implants is usually enough to support a whole dental arc. Whole arc replacements are commonly being used as an alternative to dentures, which are notoriously prone to moving about and even falling out, which can be a source of great anxiety for many patients.
The surgery needed to fix a dental implant is more complex and more expensive than most other dental substitutes but the advantage of extra security and longevity often proves to be well worth it. A dental bridge will commonly last for between five and seven years whereas an implant, if properly maintained, can last as long as twenty-five years.
Once fixed into the jaw, the implant, usually made form titanium, will be left for several weeks or months to fuse with the bone and tissue structure around it. This process is called osseointegration and can vary significantly from patient-to-patient. Although it should be pointed out that implants may not be suitable for all patients depending on the condition of the jawbone and existing teeth.
December 15, 2009 at 5:01 am | No comment
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