Treatments

The best way to ensure the long-term health of your mouth is to combine regular dental check-ups, hygienist appointments and a good oral hygiene routine at home.

Your dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth (scale and polish) helping to make sure your mouth is fresh and healthy.

Even with regular brushing at home it is impossible to stop the daily build-up of plaque on your teeth which can cause gum irritation, bleeding and bad breath.

When left untreated, tartar build up could potentially lead to the development of gum disease. At your regular appointments, the hygienist can remove this tartar layer.

What will my Hygienist do?

• They will professionally deep clean (scale) and polish your teeth greatly reducing your chances of developing gum disease.
• They can advise and educate you regarding your oral health. – including tips for keeping your mouth, teeth and gums healthy in the long-term.
• They can give recommendations for dental cleaning tools.
• They will keep your mouth (and thus your breath) fresh.
• They could help prevent the need for more involved treatments in the future.
• They could spot the early signs or oral cancers and other dental diseases.
• Some hygienists can also carry out oral assessments, fillings, x-rays, impressions, fissure sealants and fluoride treatments on behalf of the dentist.

A hygienist appointment is a great opportunity for children to be educated regarding their oral health whilst also ensuring their teeth are developing properly.

Your hygienist can also advise you on the impact of your diet and other lifestyle factors including smoking.

Studies show that our smile is one of the most noticed and remembered features when we meet someone new.

In this era of social media and constant celebrity selfies it’s easy to understand why! Luckily, modern dentistry means that a bright and confident smile is now an accessible and affordable luxury for everyone.

With a range of easy, comfortable and convenient treatments available don’t feel the need to hide your teeth- smile confidently and give them something to remember!

Tooth whitening is a quick and safe way to refresh and transform your smile- resulting in a healthy and more youthful appearance.

Treatment is pain-free and convenient and results can be seen from the first application.

Why do our teeth discolour?

Over time, our teeth naturally start to discolour- unfortunately this is a part of the ageing process- and it happens to everyone.

There are a number of reasons for this- often it is simply down to lifestyle and the effects of consuming dark food and drink items (coffee, tea, red wine and berries) over long periods of time.

Activities such as smoking stain the teeth from white to more of a yellow or grey. Darkening of the teeth can also be caused by damage to a tooth or the long-term use of certain medications.

Not matter how well you look after your teeth it is impossible to stop this colour change- because stains build up on the inside of the teeth. Therefore, no amount of brushing or scaling and polishing by the hygienist will stop it.

How can my teeth be whitened?

There are a variety of products available- some are used in surgery and others can be supplied as handy ‘home-use’ kits.

In-surgery whitening systems are generally more powerful and will give more intense and noticeable results in a quicker time. Before treatment your gums will be protected with a special gel, bleach is then applied directly to your teeth and a UV light applied to quickly lighten the tooth colour. The process will take around one hour. Results should be instant- but may require more than one treatment depending on the shade you are aiming for.

Home whitening kits can be supplied to you for use at your convenience. In order to do this, impressions of your teeth will be taken and a special tray will be made. You will be instructed on how to use a bleaching gel in the tooth tray and will need to wear it regularly for 30-60 minutes periods over several weeks.

Is tooth whitening suitable for me?

Tooth whitening is safe and suitable for use on the majority of people. It is normally possible to remove stains from most teeth- even those that are considered dead due to root damage.

Teeth with particularly bad staining as a result of tetracycline or fluorosis may not respond to treatment- or may require several doses.

Prosthetic devices such as crowns, fillings, dentures and bridges can’t be whitened.

Treatment should be pain-free although you may notice a slight increase in sensitivity of the teeth and gums which should improve once treatment is finished.

Is tooth whitening safe?

Yes, when performed by a qualified dental health professional tooth whitening is safe. You should avoid the use of home kits which can be bought easily online. Also do not have your teeth whitened in beauty salons or hairdressing salons. Such treatments are unregulated and could result in long-term damage to your teeth and gums.

Are you in need of a filling but keen for a natural looking finish? Would you like to avoid amalgam fillings due to concerns over safety?

If so, a composite (white coloured) filling is the ideal option for you.

Composite resin fillings (which are made from a mixture of plastic and glass called silicone dioxide) have been used in dentistry for over forty years. Once considered lacking in strength and durability compared to amalgam today the materials often prove much stronger and long-lasting. They are now regularly placed in teeth.

Although they can take slightly longer to fit than amalgam and will need to be paid for by the patient (they are considered a cosmetic treatment) they have become increasingly popular for those looking to maintain a beautiful smile despite the need for a filling or two.

Porcelain Inlays

Where a tooth is no longer able to support a standard filling but a crown is not quite required, a porcelain inlay can be a useful way to help restore strength and function whilst also maintaining a natural look.

An inlay is placed directly onto the surface of the tooth (they are normally used on the back teeth). Once you are used to it, it will feel comfortable and natural like your other teeth.

Compared to a standard filling, an inlay is more hard wearing. Due to their ability to withstand larger forces they are ideal for back teeth they exert more pressure when you chew.

While composite fillings can shrink over time- resulting in fine cracks and gaps which weaken teeth- a porcelain inlay fits the tooth perfectly helping to protect it in the long-term. Often the need for further treatment can be avoided.

When properly maintained and looked after a porcelain inlay can last for up to 20 years.

Your inlay will be fitted over a couple of appointments. The first will involve the preparation of the tooth and the taking of impressions which will be used to make your inlay.

Once your inlay is received it will be checked for fit, bite and comfort and fixed in place with dental cement.

It may take a little while to adjust to your new inlay. While you adjust, stick with a softer diet to avoid causing any damage or pain.

Remember to brush teeth twice daily to protect it from tooth decay.

Visit your Dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.

Gold Inlays

Where a tooth is no longer able to support a standard filling but a crown is not quite required, a gold inlay can be a useful way to help restore strength and function.

An inlay is placed directly onto the surface of the tooth (they are normally used on the back teeth). Once you are used to it, it will feel comfortable and natural like your other teeth.

Compared to a standard filling, an inlay is more hard wearing. Due to their ability to withstand larger forces they are ideal for back teeth they exert more pressure when you chew.

While amalgam and composite fillings can shrink over time- resulting in fine cracks and gaps which weaken teeth- an inlay fits the tooth perfectly within the confines helping to protect it in the long-term. Often the need for further treatment can be avoided.

When properly maintained and looked after a gold inlay can last for up to 30 years.

Your inlay will be fitted over a couple of appointments. The first will involve the preparation of the tooth and the taking of impressions which will be used to make your inlay.

Once your inlay is received it will be checked for fit, bite and comfort and fixed in place with dental cement.

It may take a little while to adjust to your new inlay. While you adjust, stick with a softer diet to avoid causing any damage or pain.

Remember to brush teeth twice daily to protect it from tooth decay.

Visit your Dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.

A missing tooth or ill-fitting denture can cause a number of issues- both personal and practical. Speech, self-confidence and even eating and chewing can be greatly affected. As well as this, gaps can cause your remaining teeth to move and twist, or food can get stuck- causing gum disease and tooth decay. A number of missing teeth can also cause sagging in your facial skin- potentially making your face look older.

Depending on your circumstances, dental implants are a practical and long term solution to replacing any missing teeth- offering a strong, well fixed and natural looking alternative to dentures. They are a safe and well-established solution to help you feel happy about smiling again.

How can dental implants help me?

The benefits of dental implants;

• Once established, implants are well fixed and secure- unlike dentures which have a tendency to move- causing pain and discomfort.
• Dental implants help to protect the jawbone. Remaining teeth cannot move, and food cannot get stuck in gaps.
• Dental implants can help to improve speech plus the ability to eat and chew.
• Self-confidence and lifestyle can be significantly improved.
• Dental implants are a safe way of replacing one, several or even all of your teeth if required- plus they don’t affect your remaining teeth in any way.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants effectively replace the roots of your natural teeth and support a manufactured crown or bridge. The implant is usually made from strong titanium and once implanted in your jaw, bone fuses naturally onto the surface of the implant establishing a solid base for the manufactured tooth to be fixed to. This itself is made of porcelain so that it gives a finish as natural looking as your own teeth.

It can take up to 6 months for implants to establish and before the crown or bridge can be fitted. Temporary restoration and full dentures can be worn until it is possible to fit the final tooth. The procedure is generally carried out under local anaesthetic unless specific requirements dictate a sedative is required.

Good general health is important and patients with diabetes or who are heavy smokers have a greater risk of developing gum disease or infections following surgery. A good oral hygiene routine is important in order to avoid infection and discomfort.

Overall, each treatment is unique and individual requirements will be discussed with you before starting.

Implants have a very good overall success rate (around 95%) and with regular long-term care they can last for many years.