The prospect of root canal treatment is hardly appealing, as anyone who has previously experienced it will tell you. A procedure used to fix and save decaying or infected teeth, root canal treatment involves the removal of the damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth. Once the pulp underneath the layers is exposed, there is a high chance of inflammation and possible necrosis (pulp death) – as well as severe damage or pain to the tooth.
Root canal treatment can require one or more appointments, and can be carried out by a dental practitioner or endodontist (root canal specialist). Firstly, a full oral examination (including radiographs) will be carried out and if necessary, the use of a local anaesthetic. A latex sheet is positioned around the tooth to ensure the area is kept dry and clean, followed by an opening made at the top of the tooth. Next, the pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the root canals are then cleaned and shaped in a way that will allow them to be securely sealed. Once the root canals are filled and sealed, the opening in the top of the tooth is filled with a temporary seal – then with future appointments, the progress of the root canal and filling can be monitored and adjusted should further treatment be needed.
Even though the pulp has been removed, your tooth will still be alive due to being nourished by its surrounding tissues. Once permanently restored, as long as proper oral care is maintained, the tooth has a high chance of keeping healthy. Your dentist will provide you with the appropriate aftercare following the operation, but you should also visit your dentist regularly to ensure longevity of your teeth and good oral hygiene.
Root canal treatment has a bad name, but it is actually a really important and effective treatment, which can save a tooth. Often, the alternative to root canal treatment is extraction and it is almost always better to save a tooth rather than remove it. At Devonshire Square Dental Studio in London we have many years of experience in performing root canal procedures and the treatment is much less daunting than it sounds.
About the root canals
The root canals are found in the root section of the tooth. They contain pulp, which is the living tissue of the tooth, including blood vessels and nerves. If the pulp becomes infected or damaged, this causes the tooth to start dying and the tooth becomes susceptible to abscesses, which are usually very painful.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment may be recommended if a tooth is infected and the pulp tissue has become damaged. Root canal treatment can help to prevent the spread of infection and the development of abscesses. If the tooth is left untreated, the infection will spread and there may be no other option but to remove the tooth.
The procedure
Many patients are worried about having root canal treatment because they think it will be painful, but the tooth will be anaesthetised before the procedure to prevent any pain. Root canal treatment involves drilling into the tooth to access to root canals. The infected pulp tissue is removed and the tooth is cleaned thoroughly to ensure that no infected tissue is left behind. The root canals are then sealed using dental filling material to prevent the infection from spreading. A temporary crown is usually fitted and then the patient is advised to come back to the surgery to have the permanent crown fitted.
Root canal treatment should not be painful and we do everything we can to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Our general dental treatments are designed to prevent and treat dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Both these diseases are very common, but they are largely preventable. Whether you have existing symptoms of decay or are eager to keep cavities at bay for as long as possible, we can help!
About tooth decay
Tooth decay occurs when the protective enamel coating of the tooth becomes weakened, usually as a result of acid wear. Cavities are holes that form in the enamel layer. They are caused by harmful bacteria that combine with food debris to form plaque, a sticky substance that is colourless. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque release acids that gradually destroy the hard enamel. We use treatments to reduce the risk of decay and address signs of decay to make the teeth stronger and healthier.
You can reduce your risk of developing tooth decay by maintaining good oral hygiene at home, visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and eating well. We recommend brushing twice a day, every day, using fluoride toothpaste and monitoring your intake of sugary and acidic foods.
Fillings for tooth decay
The most common treatment for tooth decay is a filling. Fillings help to make the teeth stronger, as well as reducing the risk of infection spreading through the tooth. In the past, fillings were made from mercury amalgam, but now many people prefer to have white fillings, which are made from dental composite. Composite fillings are strong and durable, but they also offer natural aesthetics, as the composite matches the shade of your natural tooth.
Having a filling is nothing to be worried or alarmed about. We will numb the tooth completely before placing the filling so you will not feel any pain at all and the procedure takes less than an hour. We simply clean the cavity and remove all the decayed tissue before pouring in the composite and then setting it using a powerful curing light.
As with any emergency, including dental, the important thing is to try and remain calm. Sometimes medical and dental emergencies are one and the same. In such cases, the individual experiencing trauma should receive medical emergency care as soon as possible. Emergency units often have oral surgeons who are trained in managing a dental emergency as part of a medical one.
Dental emergencies may be standalone requiring emergency care provided by a dental professional. Typical dental emergencies include:
Totally or partially knocked out tooth
Broken, chipped or fractured tooth
Persistent toothache
Bleeding teeth and gums
Tooth infection
Dental abscess
Injured lip or tongue
Broken or dislocated jaw
Broken orthodontic device or denture
Any one of these conditions may trigger a dental emergency. Steps that may be taken in handling a dental emergency include:
Staying calm and contacting an emergency dentist for care immediately
Being accompanied as soon as possible to the emergency dentist
Using cotton wool and antiseptic from a dental emergency kit to temporarily stem bleeding
Gently rinsing the mouth with warm water where tooth infection or bleeding is occurring
Applying clove oil to a toothache
Keeping broken off parts of a tooth or a knocked out tooth in the cavity of the mouth for the emergency dentist
If partially knocked out, pressing the tooth back into the tooth socket en-route to the emergency dentist
Emergency dentists may be able to save a tooth if parts of the tooth or the whole tooth are kept for treatment. However, where the lip, tongue or mouth is torn, or the jaw is broken it is advisable to attend a medical emergency unit as soon as possible. Contact Clifton Dental Studio in Bristol for more information on emergency dental treatment.
At Clifton Dental Studio in the heart of Bristol we understand that wisdom teeth can be very painful. We carry out many extraction procedures and offer expert care for those suffering with painful wisdom teeth.
About the wisdom teeth
The wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to erupt. They are found in the corners of the mouth and are often painful because there is sometimes not enough space remaining in the jaw. If this is the case, the teeth will not be able to grow properly and they may start to grow at an angle, or against the neighbouring toot. This is known as an impacted tooth.
When is it advisable to remove a wisdom tooth?
It is advisable to remove a wisdom tooth if it is causing pain and discomfort, it has become impacted or it is decayed. The wisdom teeth are not essential for oral health and it is usually best to extract them if they are causing problems. In many cases, they develop without any issues, but they can be troublesome when there is a lack of space.
Wisdom tooth extraction
The extraction procedure for wisdom teeth is essentially the same as a normal tooth. However, often, there are complications due to the position and angle of the tooth. Our oral surgeons have expertise in dealing with complex cases and they use the latest techniques to reduce pain and achieve the best possible outcome.
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is common to experience pain and swelling. We advise taking painkillers and avoiding hard foods for a period of time, while the gums heal and swelling dies down.
Extraction is a daunting prospect for many and we offer sedation for nervous and phobic patients. Sedation helps patients to feel more relaxed during treatment and it is particularly beneficial for those who have a fear of pain and patients who have had a negative experience in the dental chair in the past.
We all know that our teeth are one of the most important parts of our bodies. Why not, when they are the key element to a dazzling smile, and who doesn’t want one of those? But, in order to make sure that your smile is perfect you should have a regular check-up, because even though your smile may look good to you there may be serious underlying problems. These can have a prominent effect on the teeth and ruin your smile later on.
The routine dental visit
When you have finished eating, plaque starts to build up on the teeth within 15 minutes. If this is not removed thoroughly and effectively then it can lead to tooth decay, which will flourish if not treated correctly.
Tooth decay is the most common of all disorders and, believe it or not, is second only to the common cold. It is caused due to the acid of the plaque left on the teeth liquefying the enamel and this then leads to cavities (holes) in the teeth, which result in tooth decay. These cavities can be painless and remain undetected at first but can result in the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth being destroyed. Ultimately, it can result in the loss of your tooth and a great deal of pain.
Prevention
If you go for regular dental check-ups then this can be avoided, because cavities can be detected in their early stages during a routine check-up, as they may show up on x-rays before they are even detectable to the naked eye.
There are other issues as well, such as periodontitis and gingivitis, which can occur by not treating your teeth properly. You may not even be aware of them until it is too late. So make sure you make regular visits to your dentist to keep your teeth in check, because you don’t want to lose that wonderful smile now do you?
If you have a gummy smile, you might be hoping for a simple solution that can transform the appearance of your smile and make you feel more confident when your pearly whites are on show. The good news is that we have just the treatment for you: gum reshaping. If you feel self-conscious about the look of your smile, we can help.
What is gum re-shaping?
Gum re-shaping is a cosmetic procedure and is most commonly used to treat a gummy smile. A gummy smile is not a dental health problem as such, but it can affect your confidence and have a major bearing on the way you feel, especially around others. A gummy smile is a term used to describe the look of the smile when a larger than normal amount of gum tissue is visible. It often makes the teeth look small and can make the smile look imbalanced.
Gum reshaping aims to expose more of the tooth crown by removing a small amount of excess gum tissue. The end result is a beautifully balanced smile and hopefully, a much more confident client.
How does gum reshaping work?
Gum re-shaping treatment can usually be completed in a single trip to the clinic and it is a simple procedure. Your dentist will carefully remove a small amount of gum tissue and shape the gums to unveil more of the tooth crowns.
Your dentist will explain exactly what treatment involves and what you can expect during and after treatment when you have your consultation. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to ask.
If you would like to find out more about gum reshaping or discuss some treatment options to make your smile look more attractive, our friendly dental team will be happy to help! Why not give us a call today?
Dealing with milk teeth can be a bit of an ordeal, for both the child and first time parent and while the emergence and following life cycle of milk teeth is different for everyone, these following steps are the general order to expect to help you understand what is happening in your child’s mouth.
Tooth eruption
Also known as teething, tooth eruption is the first stage of milk teeth and is the time when the baby teeth are coming through (or ‘erupting’) through the gums. This process will usually begin, at the earliest at 3 months, although the emergence of the first teeth is commonly between 4 and 7 months.
Some babies find this process painless, while others will be irritated by it for short periods. This is normal, however if your baby seems very badly irritated or in considerable discomfort, speak to your doctor or dentist.
Milk teeth loss
Again the age for losing teeth can vary from child to child. Generally girls begin losing their teeth earlier than boys and the age of 6 is the usual time to expect the first tooth loss. This loss will then continue until around the age of 12 or 13.
Many dentists will also recommend that as milk teeth are lost and adult teeth begin to erupt, this is the age at which to really reinforce oral health and independent dental care.
The order at which the teeth will fall can again vary, but generally the teeth that erupted first are also the first to fall out, meaning the bottom front teeth are commonly the first to be lost.
Adult teeth eruption
Because the age range of baby teeth lost ranges over a number of years, your child is going to spend a certain amount of time with both baby and adult teeth.
The first adult tooth to erupt first is one of the front lower teeth, although if different baby teeth fell out first these should obviously be the ones expected first. The first adult teeth should appear soon after the loss of the first baby teeth (around 6 years old) and the final teeth should come through around 13.
Because this period sees the emergence of adult teeth while milk are still present, it is not uncommon for overcrowding and the need for teeth straightening to occur at this time.
Most people admit they’d like whiter, brighter teeth, but during our day to day lives we notice our teeth becoming discoloured. What causes discolouration and how can you take steps to preserve the natural whiteness of your smile?
What causes discolouration?
Everybody has slightly different enamel and some people have naturally whiter teeth than others. The tooth enamel is naturally slightly off-white and with time, whiteness tends to fade. However, there are certain foods, drinks and lifestyle habits that can accelerate the staining process. Here are some of the most common causes of tooth discolouration:
Diet
Your diet has an important influence on your oral health, but it can also affect the aesthetic of your smile, as some foods and drinks contribute to staining. The worst offenders include coffee, tea, cola, dark juices, blueberries, blackberries, soy sauce, dark or richly coloured sauces and wine. If you want to keep your teeth looking white without changing your diet, drink through a straw and always have a glass of water to hand to rinse your mouth out after eating.
Wear and tear
Ageing brings about general wear and tear and it’s inevitable that over the years, your teeth will lose a little sparkle. In order to slow the ageing process, take good care of your teeth and visit the dentist on a regular basis.
Smoking
Cigarettes contain over 1,000 different chemicals, many of which contribute to teeth staining. Smokers tend to have noticeably worse discolouration than non-smokers and their teeth often look yellow or brown. The only way to prevent these effects is to stop smoking. If you want to try and quit, our dental team will be more than happy to offer help and support.
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene can really help to keep your teeth looking bright and healthy, but neglecting your daily regime can soon take its toll. Skipping your daily brush and floss soon contributes to discolouration. In the worst cases, tartar, a hard brown substance, starts to form on the teeth and around the gum lines, making the smile look unhealthy and unattractive.
If you would like to whiten your smile ready for the autumn, we recommend following the simple steps listed above. If you long for a more dramatic result, why not treat yourself to a whitening treatment? We offer in-chair and at-home systems and we can lighten your smile by several shades in a matter of weeks! Call today to arrange an appointment.
Many people dread going to the dentist, even for a simple check-up. However, dental checks are really important and they really can save your teeth. With regular checks, we can keep an eye out for warning signs and ensure you get treatment as quickly as possible in the event of problems arising.
About dental checks
Dental check-ups are short and painless and they can make all the difference when it comes to oral health. We advise all out patients, young and old, to have a check-up every 6 months in order to allow us to keep an eye out for symptoms of decay and gum disease and ensure patients are free from pain. Check-ups only last a few minutes and there’s nothing to worry about; your dentist will simply have a good look around your mouth, check your teeth and examine your gums. Your dentist will also have a chat with you about your general health and check that everything is going okay with your oral hygiene regime at home. They will also be happy to answer any questions and discuss any concerns you may have.
If you have any dental problems or symptoms, your dentist will arrange another appointment so that you can receive the treatment you need. If you don’t have any problems and you’ve got a clean bill of oral health, we will look forward to seeing you again in another six months.
Nervous patients
We understand that for some patients, even the thought of having a check-up can be daunting, so we offer treatment for nervous patients. We often see patients who haven’t been to a dentist for a long time and we do all we can to try and make every patient feel comfortable. We want to assure you that there is nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about and we promise that the check-up will be completely painless. Our dentists are on hand to provide effective and efficient check-ups for all our patients and we look forward to welcoming new patients, as well as catching up with old faces.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
