Extractions are sometimes required if a tooth is too badly broken down to be restored or due to gum disease. We provide comprehensive pre and post-operative care to help you through this process.
The hygiene services we provide allows for your teeth to be professionally cleaned and polished. Also bespoke education will be provided to help you keep your teeth free from plaque. Regular cleanings not only helps treat and stabilise gum disease but also removes the staining caused by the foods and drinks we consume.
Bad breath is a common problem and has several possible causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the bacteria that coat your teeth. Smoking is also another main cause of bad breath, along with certain medical issues relating to the nasal and stomach areas.
Also an effective oral hygiene regimen at home will mean that less food and plaque will collect around the teeth and gums, which keep your breath smelling fresh and also reduce the risk of gum disease and dental decay.
As a family orientated practice we feel that it is important that children are seen at a young age so that they feel comfortable in a new environment. Our aim is to prevent dental disease rather than treat at a later date so it is essential to have regular examinations and provide education about good oral health. Also fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth coloured varnish) can be applied to the biting surfaces of children’s teeth to help prevent decay.
Oral cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of your mouth. It is essential that you visit your dentist if you notice any abnormal problems or if you are unsure. Regular dental examinations allow early detection of any abnormalities, which allow us then to refer you on to a specialist if required. As with all types of cancer, early detection is key to the outcome of any treatment.
Smoking is one of the main causes of oral cancer. It’s not easy giving up but there are several NHS services to help support you through this process.
Dental decay is caused by plaque acids that gradually dissolve the enamel and dentine of a tooth, which then become soft and a cavity (hole) forms. The damage to your teeth may result in the tooth needing to be filled or even extracted.
Decay may or may not cause discomfort, but the tooth is still deteriorating. Therefore using a powerful light and xrays, it is easier to detect decay at an earlier stage to reduce further possible damage to the tooth structure. Regular examinations allow your dentist to spot an early lesion which can sometimes be treated with a fluoride varnish to help remineralise the tooth, therefore reducing the amount of treatment that can sometimes be required.
Each tooth has a root which is embedded in the jaw bone. The root is anchored to the bone by tiny fibres. The jaw bone is covered by soft gum tissue.
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness of infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. The 2 main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis describes the inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums can appear red and swollen and may bleed on brushing. Periodontal disease is due to long standing gingivitis. There are many types of periodontal disease but essentially they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease progresses the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, which can make the teeth loose.
Unfortunately gum disease can progress painlessly so this can result in unknown damage. If the bacteria are more active, then your gums can appear sore and eventually gum abscesses may develop. It is important to treat gum disease sooner so that treatment can be more effective.
Some signs of gum disease include: – swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, bad taste, gum recession, teeth drifting, loose teeth
At each dental examination, we will screen for gum disease and keep you informed.
Root canal treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply (the pulp) of the tooth is infected through decay or injury. If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This can lead to an abscess and if left untreated the infection can spread resulting in the only option being to extract the tooth.
The process of a root canal treatment is similar to having an ordinary filling but usually over more appointments. Your dentist will explain the entire process.
Following root canal treatment, your tooth can discolour. Due to modern techniques this discolouration is much less that in the past. If discoloration occurs, your dentist can explain the various options to improve the appearance of the tooth.
In a small number of cases, infection can sometimes come back and then the treatment may have to be repeated or alternative treatment may have to be considered.
After root canal treatment, it is usually better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth, as it will know be more brittle.
