Clifton Dental Studio 92 Queens Road, Bristol

Call Today On 0117 973 1910
Email [email protected]
Clifton Dental Studio, 92 Queens Road, Bristol, Avon,BS8 1RT

Call Clifton Dental Studio Today On 0117 973 1910

Protect each and every tooth with advice form Weston-super-Mare dentist

To help protect your teeth it s important to know the structure of a tooth and how it is affected by plaque, bacteria and other harmful substances. This will hopefully mean that you can taken better care of your teeth and have a better understanding of what you need to do to give your teeth the best chance of staying healthy and looking their best. The outside of the tooth is covered by a hard substance called enamel. This acts as a protective barrier for the tooth, stopping damaging substances attacking the more sensitive parts of the tooth underneath. Under the enamel is the dentin, a substance made of hardened minerals, mostly calcium. This again encases the central parts of the tooth and constitutes most of the tooth’s body. At the central part of the tooth is the pulp, which coats the dental nerve. This is the most sensitive and important part of the tooth and if this is exposed to the bacteria it can be both very damaging and painful. The best way to look after your teeth is to make sure that they are protected at the very first stage. Brushing and flossing will remove the layer of plaque and bacteria that coat the teeth and release acid that breaks them down. By removing plaque you can prevent the first stage of tooth decay in the form of small dental cavities. Once the layer of enamel has been penetrated, the rest of the tooth will quickly come under attack and may even become infected. Not only will this be very unpleasant but it can also result in the destruction of the dental nerve and ultimately, the loss of the tooth. For more information about the structure of the tooth and how best to protect it, make an appointment to see your Weston-super-Mare dentist.

Learn about dentin and its importance at Bristol dentist

You may have heard the word dentin mentioned in relation to teeth but what exactly is it and what does it do? Dentin is the milky white substance that makes up the bulk of your teeth. It is covered in enamel and protects the dental nerve inside it. Dentin is made up of minerals, mostly calcium, and coats the more sensitive pulp underneath it. Looking after dentin is very important because even though it is quite hard and tough it can easily be affected by rot from decay and infection. If this happens you will definitely know about it through the pain you suffer and the cost of treatment. Dentin is for the most part made of mineralised tissue but also contains cells called dentinal fluids. It is both harder and denser than bones which in some art explains why elephants ivory has long been a prized commodity (all teeth are made from dentin be it human or animal). As mentioned above, it is very important to look after your dentin or you may suffer the consequences. Luckily, this is quite easy to do as long as you follow your dentist’s advice and clean your teeth regularly and effectively. Bristol dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. Each brush should last approximately three minutes. It is also vital that you are flossing your teeth to remove any plaque that is hard to reach and food particles trapped in teeth that can be breeding grounds for bacteria. On top of this cleaning process, it is also vital that you make a six-monthly visit to your dentist so they examine the condition of both your enamel and the dentin that lies beneath it. Catching problems at an early stage is very important for keeping your teeth healthy and preventing dental health problems.

Bath dentist offers solution to dental extraction

There are many reasons why people need dental extractions. This could be due either to suffering pain from a wisdom tooth or dental decay, the gums may be in bad condition causing the teeth to be loose and sore or simply because there is not enough room for the teeth and they are suffering from overcrowding issues. Whatever the reason, an extraction may be an option but of course, this is quite a serious procedure so your Bath dentist may explore other options before resorting to extractions. In the case of overcrowding this could be using a brace or other straightening device to align the teeth naturally. In terms of infected teeth, a root canal procedure can save the tooth from extraction if successfully carried out in time, but in some cases, there is just no alternative. Obviously, dentists don’t like to remove natural teeth but in the event they need to, you need to make sure you follow all their instructions for your own safety. This involves keeping teeth clean and healthy in the days and weeks prior to surgery, making sure you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol before and after surgery, and following any other specific advice your dentist may have. Following the extraction it may be quite painful and you are also at an increased risk of infection. This can result in further health complications so you need to be aware and contact your dentist immediately if you feel anything unusual. If you have had to have an extraction for reasons of dental health such as decay or infection, it is possible to have the tooth replaced with an artificial substitute such as a dental bridge or a dental implant. Ask your dentist about the restorative dental treatments following an extraction.

Pulp Capping Is a Good Option to Root Canal Treatment, Says Dentist in Bristol

A root canal treatment is probably the most dreaded dental procedure because of the amount of pain it generates. It also requires a patient to spend a lot of time in the dentist’s chair and it is also quite expensive. There is no doubt that a root canal treatment is sometimes necessary when the tooth is very badly decayed and a simple filling will not do. However, according to a dentist in Bristol, one does not necessarily need a root canal treatment in all cases of severe tooth decay. What this dentist offers is a new treatment called pulp capping. In very simple terms, this procedure requires the dentist to go quite close to the nerve while removing decay, but not going all the way. The dentist then applies medicated cement into the cavity in order to help the tooth heal on its own. After a while, the tooth would have built up a wall of structure over the pulp, which then allows the dentist to open up the filling and remove any remaining decayed part. The dentist can then fill up the cavity and cover the tooth if necessary. The benefits of pulp capping are very obvious. It is a far less expensive procedure than a root canal treatment and it also helps to conserve the tooth. This method also helps to keep the tooth alive for as long as possible and is therefore becoming increasingly popular. Always make it a point to ask for it in case your tooth is decayed very badly.

The importance of dental check ups from Swindon dentist

Dental check ups are possibly the most important way of looking after the health of your teeth. Although brushing and flossing are the frontline defence against dental problems, it is only with the expert eye of a dentist that you can truly be safe from nasty dental complications. Swindon dentists recommend that you have a dental check up every six months. By keeping this up, you will significantly reduce your chances of suffering from gum disease or dental decay. Even those who brush and floss every day for the required amount of time can still suffer from these conditions and without the opinion and expertise of a dentist you never know when your teeth are under threat. When it comes to dental disease, the earlier the problem is assessed and diagnosed the easier it is to treat. This means that catching gum disease in its early stage is ten times easier to treat than if the condition has set in and spread. Successful dental care is all about prevention rather than cure and remember, teeth cannot heel themselves so once they are damaged they may need costly and at times rather unpleasant treatment to protect them from further damage. One of the other key reasons why it is so important to see a Swindon dentist every six months is so that they can carry out an oral cancer check. This is again a disease that can be treated effectively in its early stages, but leaving it too long and the consequences are far more severe than a lost tooth or a filling. Oral cancer is a particularly nasty form of the disease and is fatal in almost all cases not treated early enough. This alone should be a reason to make an appointment as soon as possible.

Know the dangers of gum disease – ask a Swindon dentist

The two most common things that affect our oral health are tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay occurs when plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on the surface of the teeth and release acid that erodes enamel. This eventually leads to decay, infection and ultimately tooth loss. Gum disease is also caused by plaque and bacteria. This sits on the surface of the gum tissue and again releases acids, which cause irritation to the gums. If this process continues, the gum tissue can become infected which is the start of gum disease. There are two main types of gum disease. Firstly, gingivitis which is the milder form of the disease, characterised by mild inflammation and irritation. This can cause some discomfort but is easily treated with improved oral hygiene and some treatment from a Swindon dentist. The other mores serious form of the disease is called periodontitis. This is when the infection has really taken hold in the gums, beyond the point that more effective cleaning will help. This may cause bleeding of the gums, tissue destruction and considerable pain. If not treated effectively, periodontitis will eventually result in tooth loss and the spread of infection to other areas of the mouth. More worryingly perhaps, is the recent evidence for links between periodontits and heart disease. If the infection is allowed to enter the bloodstream it can cause a chain reaction that can have seriously damaging consequence on your heart and even cause fatal heart attacks. It is therefore very important to be aware of the health of your gums and do all you can to keep them clean. Better brushing and flossing combined with six-monthly dental check ups will help to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. With nearly three quarters of adults suffering from gum disease of some kind during their lives, it seems there is a lot more we can do to prevent it.

The importance of check ups at Weston-super-Mare dentists

It’s very easy sometimes to think that you can miss a couple of dental check ups because your teeth feel fine and you’re really busy. But whatever the excuse, missing a dental check up or not going every six months as dentists recommend could be putting your oral health at risk. Alongside good oral hygiene, a six-month check up is the most important way of ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy and free of disease. With tooth decay being on the increase again and three quarters of adults in the UK suffering with gum disease at some point in their lives, it is more important than ever to look after your teeth. A dental check up will take no longer than half an hour and the more often you go, the less likely there is to be any problem. Decay and gum disease can appear very quickly but are easily treated in their early stages. Your dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your mouth and make sure that your teeth and gums are not at risk. They will also perform a routine check for oral cancer and other nasty oral diseases as part of your check up. This could make a very important difference to your life, especially when it comes to oral cancer, which is treatable if caught in its early stages. Brushing and flossing at home are obviously very important but even the most diligent oral hygiene routine can be at risk to the combined threat of gum disease and tooth decay. After all, if you think about it, it is most likely to be the spots you are missing where the problem starts. Dentists in Weston-super-Mare will also be able to design an oral hygiene routine to focus on the areas that may need most attention and are trained to help you keep your mouth in the best possible condition.

Prevent tooth decay with treatment from Chepstow dentist

Tooth decay can be a very serious and unpleasant dental condition. It can result in pain, ranging from mild to severe, infection and ultimately tooth loss. Tooth decay does affect some people more than others, but it is true that with a combination of good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups it is possible to avoid tooth decay altogether. Tooth decay begins when plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on the surface of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, filmy substance that coats the enamel and releases acids from decaying bacteria. These acids gradually erode the protective enamel layer of the teeth causing small cavities to form. This is the first part of the decay process. Once the enamel has begun to decay, it will eventually be breached. This exposes the softer, bone-like dentin underneath. This is also easily eroded by plaque if it is not removed by effective brushing or the decay not repaired with a filling or dental crown. Tooth enamel will not grow back once it has gone so dental treatment will be required to sure up the tooth. Within the dentin there are many small passageways that lead to the dental nerve. Extremes of hot or cold can aggravate the dental nerve when passed down these passageways. Again these will need to be sealed off or somehow protected with dental treatment. If this decay process is allowed to continue, it will eventually penetrate to the root canal and attack the dental nerve. This will be in the form of a bacterial infection. This may cause a dangerous abscess, which is not only painful but can cause the infection to spread. As well as the abscess, if the infection is allowed to attack the nerve it may destroy it, which could result in the loss of the tooth. Tooth decay can be prevented by better oral hygiene to remove plaque and bacteria. If the process has already begun, treatment from a Chepstow dentist is essential to prevent any further suffering or damage.

Prevent dental injury with mouth guard from Chepstow dentist

With nearly half the teeth lost to dental trauma each year happening as the result of sporting injury, it is important that we do all we can to protect our teeth when playing sport. One of the easiest ways to do this is to wear a mouth guard fitted by a Chepstow dentist. Physical sports such as rugby and boxing or any sport involving a fast moving ball can pose a threat to your teeth. Just one ill-timed tackle or unlucky deflection and you could be looking at one or more lost teeth that will be the source of great pain, embarrassment and financial cost. Knocked out teeth, if they cannot be replaced immediately, can require enormous amounts of costly and unpleasant dental work to restore. This could involve replacing the missing teeth with dental implants of dental bridges, both of which while effective are also pretty expensive. Having a mouth guard will add a dimension of protection to your teeth as it spreads the impact across the mouth meaning individual teeth are less likely to be lost. Mouth guards are usually made of rubber which also cushions and absorbs some of the impact. While it is possible to buy mouth guards in sporting good shops, these are often generic and will not fit your teeth well. This limits the amount of protection they are able to offer. A Chepstow will be able to design and manufacture a mouth guard that will fit your specific teeth. Using dental moulds and x-rays, your dentist can make the mouth guard very accurate and comfortable and make any adjustments that are required. This may cost slightly more than a ready-made mouth guard from a sport shop, but the extra protection you will be giving your teeth could just be priceless. For children, it is important to remember that their mouth guard will need to be changed more often to accommodate for their developing teeth and jaw. Ask your dentist for more details.

Protect teeth from sporting injury with mouth guard from Weston-super-Mare dentist

When playing a physical sport or a sport that involves fast moving balls, it is important to afford your body the maximum protection. This involves covering or padding any areas that could be vulnerable. One of the most vulnerable areas of your body when playing sport is your teeth. Over half the cases of knocked out teeth seen by dentists occur as the result of a sporting injury of some description. It may be possible in some case to replace the tooth immediately but if not you will be looking at costly and painful dental treatment to restore the appearance of your teeth. This may involve a dental implant, dental bridge or partial denture. These will need regular dental care and even replacing at various points in your life. But there is a way to give your teeth an extra degree of protection when playing sport that could prevent lost teeth. A mouth guard from a Weston-super-Mare dentist will cover the teeth and spread the load of any impact, thus protecting the individual teeth and preventing damage. Although mouth guards are available form most sport shops, these are generally quite ill-fitting and offer only minimal protection. A mouth guard from a dentist will be specifically designed to fit your teeth. This means it will be snug fit and offer more protection to your teeth. The fitting process is very simple and quick and when compared to the cost of dental restoration treatment, is really very cheap. Dentists can also make mouth guards for children but it is important to have these changed regularly as developing teeth change very quickly.

Call Today On 0117 973 1910 Email [email protected]

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

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Contact Clifton Dental Studio Today!

Call Today On 0117 973 1910
Email [email protected]
Clifton Dental Studio, 92 Queens Road,Bristol, Avon,BS8 1RT

Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 8.30am – 3pm

Dr. Neil Gerrard BDS (Bristol), RDT, MSc (Dental Implants),  GDC no 76257. Clifton Dental Studio is a Private Dental Practice. Website last updated: July 2018
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Clifton Dental Studio 92 Queens Road, Bristol