Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Implants

Picture of a man's dental implants

Losing teeth is not a unique dental issue, but missing a few pearly whites is bound to impact your confidence, not to mention your oral health. Thankfully, with the advent of dentures, bridges, crowns and other artificial devices, those without natural teeth will not have to walk through life with a gummy smile. 

That said, the flaws of the methods mentioned above of tooth restoration have come to light, with wearers experiencing ill-fitting and sometimes uncomfortable contraptions that eventually need replacing. High Dental Implants Melbourne has seen a rise in popularity for these very reasons. 

Tooth implants can last forever and are custom-fabricated to fit inside your mouth perfectly. Learn more about them and what to expect if you need to have your pearly whites replaced. 

What are implants?

Implants comprise of three components: a titanium screw, an abutment and a permanent crown. 

The titanium screw, drilled into the jaw bone, becomes the artificial root to your new crown. Not only does it hold the new tooth in place, but it also places pressure on the jawbone to keep it stimulated.

Exercising the jaw is necessary to keep it healthy, strong and dense, so a non-stimulated jaw could lead to tooth and bone loss that leaves you with a shrunken appearance and looking prematurely aged. 

The abutment is connected to the screw, which links the metal post to the new crown. 

The crown, custom-fabricated to fit your mouth perfectly, takes two to four weeks to produce in a laboratory. Once created, the crown is either screwed to the abutment or cemented into position using special adhesives. 

Are implants expensive?

Tooth implants will cost you more than dentures or bridges initially. That said, their benefits greatly outweigh their higher price point. 

By choosing implants, you can look forward to a device that looks as natural as your neighbouring teeth; contributes toward your oral health and will not need to be replaced in a couple of years down the line. 

What are some of the advantages of wearing implants?

  • When you lose a tooth and do not have it replaced, neighbouring teeth might shift in an attempt to close the gap, which could result in further tooth loss – this will not happen with implants.
  • While you need to take proper care of your teeth, but you are not required to incorporate new steps into your teeth cleaning routine, like you would with dentures. 
  • You do not need to file down neighbouring teeth to fit your new pearly white; your screw replaces your old tooth at the root in a tiny portion of the bone. 
  • Implants will not slip out of place at inopportune moments like dentures. Instead, they remain rooted in place and function identically to your surrounding teeth. 
  • Your implant is made from extremely durable material that is made to last. The screw is produced from titanium; the same metal also used to create space shuttles while the high-quality porcelain crown can withstand the test of time. 

Are you considering implants? While expensive, they could change your life in various ways.  

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second

opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Steps To Take If You Damage Your Dentures

Dentures lying on a table

One of the worst things that can happen if you own a pair of Dentures is for them to break, especially if you’re out in public. Not having a proper working set of prosthetic teeth can lead to all sorts of problems for owners from issues with speech to being unable to eat.

If you are a denture wearer and you often find yourself worrying about them breaking your lovely false teeth at the worst moment, then just keep a few of the following in mind to get yourself on the road to a replacement set as stress free as possible.

Stay calm

The most important thing you can do is tostay calm, there’s no point in you getting yourself all worked up and upset because your Dentures are damaged. Remember it’s something that can be fixed, so it’s not the end of the world for you. If you’re wearing them simply remove them and place the set inside a sealed container and bring them to your Dentist in Mackay when you can.

Visit your local practice

The sooner you get to your Mackay Dentist practice, the better. As mentioned above, try to keep your Dentures in a sealed container to make sure all the parts that are broken are present. This may allow the team at the practice to repair it or figure out how you can avoid future breakages.

In the event that you can’t get it fixed at the practice again don’t worry, you can always have another set made.

Do not try to repair it yourself

It really can’t be stressed enough how important it is that you do not try to repair your Dentures by yourself. Improper repair of the appliance can potentially lead to it breaking much easier over time, or you may damage your gums.

Also, using a non-approved adhesive to glue it together could be very bad for you as some of these substances can have toxic components that might leach out into your mouth when you’re wearing the Dentures post-repair. Just because you have Super Glue it doesn’t mean you should use it, go to your local practice to get it fixed.

Alternatives to Dentures

Depending on your situation you may be able to try out an alternative method to covering up your tooth problems as you could be offered the choice of a dental implant. Most practices like Northern Beaches Dental in Mackay as an example, tend to offer this service and it’s a quick, durable and more natural looking way of fixing gaps, cracked and damaged teeth.

The implants look like natural teeth, can be brushed normally as well as flossed and unlike Dentures, don’t have to be removed and regularly soaked to keep them clean when you go to bed.

As you can see, there are plenty of things you can try if you end up in the unfortunate situation of having a broken set of Dentures. If you’re interested in seeing if you qualify for implants or are concerned about your current set of teeth, then try asking your local practice for advice.

How Could Braces Help You?

Woman with braces smiling in front of a colorful umbrella

Braces work by gently straightening and aligning your teeth over a period of time. They can be fitted for cosmetic or orthodontic reasons. Cosmetic braces are more discreet and designed to work on the more visible teeth at the front. Orthodontic braces, however, are designed to work on the whole mouth and fix more severe dental problems.

Straight teeth not only look better but are also easier to keep clean, reducing the likelihood of tooth decay, gum disease, and gingivitis. By wearing braces to help straighten your teeth you will be making your mouth much healthier and are less likely to suffer from serious dental issues in the future.

What kind of braces are there to choose from?

These days there are now a variety of braces available to choose from. There are braces that blend into the color of your teeth or are hidden behind your teeth and even clear braces. All designed to be as little noticeable as possible, and keep you feeling positive about your smile, while the braces work their straightening magic! You can even have a fixed or removable option of braces so that you can choose the option that is most comfortable for you and that suits your lifestyle.

Invisalign is a popular solution for patients who require braces but don’t want everyone to know about it! Invisalign is a clear type of aligners that can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. This removable function enables the patient, with the correct oral hygiene regime, to maintain a mouth that is fresh, clean and healthy. This treatment can last between 9 and 15 months but everyone is unique so this can differ from patient to patient.

Is there any way of straightening teeth without wearing braces?

It is a concern for many parents when their children’s teeth appear to not be growing in straight, and in addition, many children are loathed to wear traditional braces or are perhaps too young for such dental appliances. However, the Spa Dental Sydney CBD, in Sydney CBD, is now able to offer a revolutionary early orthodontic treatment called the Myobrace system.

What is the Myobrace system?

The Myobrace system is an innovative new system that is designed to prevent orthodontic treatment being needed. It is used to address the underlying cause of dental misalignment and is a treatment appropriate for children aged 3-15 years, as it focuses on allowing natural growth and development of the mouth and jaw. This system does not involve wearing braces or any extraction of teeth. It uses removable intra-oral appliances that are worn for a couple of hours during the day and also throughout the night.

How does it work?

Treatment with the Myobrace system can help with several issues. It develops and aligns the jaws and straightens teeth, it corrects poor oral habits and improves overall health and it optimizes facial development and promotes healthy eating habits.

The Myobrace system supports the child to breathe through their nose, swallow correctly, keep their lips together and have the correct tongue resting position. The treatment is typically applied through the following three stages;

  1. Habit correction
  2. Arch development
  3. Dental Alignment

Make a consultation now if you require help to straighten your teeth or would like more information!

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

4 Ways To Improve Your Dental Hygiene

Child getting teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist

Dental hygiene is an extremely important part of dentistry and puts a lot of responsibility upon the patient to handle their own oral health. A good dental hygiene routine means that your teeth will constantly be rid of any lingering food or sugars stuck to the teeth and will be protected against cavities. A strong dental hygiene routine is essentially brushing twice a day, and flossing once a day, to make sure that your teeth are cleaned constantly.

Avoiding high sugar foods is another big factor, as a sugary diet can make it more difficult to keep plaque away from your teeth. The important thing to remember is moderation, so a small amount of sugar is fine, but an excess of it can have a detrimental effect on your teeth. 

1. Interdental brushes

Interdental brushes are an efficient way to ensure that your teeth are kept free of plaque. Interdental brushes are small brushes that are used to brush inside crevices where a normal toothbrush cannot go. They are not essential for a good dental hygiene routine; however, they can make it much easier, and if there is a section of your teeth that is not being reached by normal brushing, then these brushes will be able to deal with it.

2. Scale and Polish

If you are concerned about the condition of your teeth, then it is possible to have them professionally cleaned. A scale and polish service is available in most dental practices, and will involve a full clean of the teeth. You can find a dental hygienist in Edinburgh where the dentist will be able to use advanced cleaning equipment which will be able to remove any traces of plaque from your teeth and have them looking and feeling extremely clean. Combined with a tooth whitening session, you can leave your practice with an entirely new smile, just on their cleanliness and color, which can make a huge difference to your appearance.

3. Dental hygienist

If you are concerned about the condition of your teeth, then it is important to find a dental hygienist, who will have distinct knowledge and experience in this field of dentistry. If you go in for a scale and polish, it is likely that you will have a hygienist do this kind of work for you, and if you are looking for tips on how to best maintain your teeth, then they are the people that you should speak to.

4. Cavities

If there has been enough neglect of an area that contains bacteria, then the acids produced in the process will begin to decay the teeth. This means that a cavity will begin to form, and if it reaches the dentine, it will begin to become painful. Therefore, if you experience any pain, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible before the problem becomes any worse. It is crucial that you see a dentist quickly, as a cavity may only need a simple filling at the start, but if left untreated could need an entire root canal, or even a replacement entirely.

 

Understanding Teeth Sensitivity and How to Treat It

Woman biting a carrot

Patients who experience tooth sensitivity may not just suffer pain and discomfort, but this dental condition may also be a symptom of a more worrying problem. For this reason, a visit to a dentist Navan is crucial. The symptoms of teeth sensitivity vary with each patient. Some may experience a sharp twinge, while others experience a deeper level of discomfort. Most often patients experience this discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods, beverages like tea or ice-cream, but pain can also be felt when brushing and flossing teeth.

Causes of sensitive teeth

The tooth is made up of a number of layers. The first layer most patients are familiar with is the most visible one, enamel, which is the protective outer layer. Beneath this layer is the dentine which is softer and more vulnerable. Dentine contains the nerves and roots of the tooth and when the enamel wears away, it exposes these sensitive areas to heat and cold. Another problem that may lay bare these areas are –  receding gums.

To understand the cause of tooth sensitivity it is important to be aware of the factors that can cause enamel to erode away. These include:

  • Gum disease
  • Toothbrush abrasion where brushing teeth too hard and in a side-to-side motion, (not using the recommended circular motion) can wear away enamel
  • Cavity-causing acidic/sugary foods or drinks, eating away at enamel over time
  • The build-up of tooth and gum destroying plaque and tartar, causing gums to recede and exposing the dentine
  • Tooth grinding, wearing away enamel
  • A fractured or cracked tooth leading to exposed roots and nerves
  • Cosmetic treatments that include a bleaching process may also lead to tooth sensitivity.

Types of treatment for sensitive teeth

The first rule of thumb when experiencing symptoms of tooth sensitivity is to have a check-up at a dental clinic. If the problem is caused due to cavities, fractured teeth or gum disease, a dental practitioner can provide suitable treatment to address these issues.

During an oral examination of teeth and gums, a dental practitioner will ask a number of questions and it is essential that patients answer these honestly.  Depending on a patient’s circumstances, possible options to treat tooth sensitivity include:

  • Using desensitizing toothpaste and fluoride gels. The dental industry has made available numerous products that help to treat sensitive teeth. Toothpaste can include compounds that ease symptoms of sensitivity while other products like gels act to reinforce the strength of enamel
  • For severe cases of tooth sensitivity, a dental practitioner may suggest a root canal treatment
  • Inserting a crown to cover a problem that causes sensitivity.

Precautions and preventions

In many cases, proper oral care is the best way to prevent discomfort from tooth sensitivity. In addition to this, patients may find that avoiding particular foods that are either hot, cold, acidic or sweet, may help in reducing symptoms. The use of warm water when rinsing out the mouth after brushing, may also alleviate the pain, rather than using cold water. It is critical that patients do not avoid brushing teeth at all, as further complications may arise due to poor oral health.

Consult a dental practitioner at Navan today for efficient treatment for tooth sensitivity. Depending on the treatment plan, more than one visit may be required to eliminate symptoms completely. Some clinics accept patients with medical cards including Irish NHS.

How to find the right dental implants for you

Person getting a dental implant installed

If you are thinking about getting dental implants in Herefordshire, then do not rush into your decision. There is more than one type of implant procedure that you may need to have, and your options should be discussed thoroughly with your dentist first. There are lots of reasons why you could be considering getting implants. You might be wanting a change from the reliable and removable dentures you have had for many years, or maybe you have recently lost all of your teeth in an accident and you feel that you need to replace them as soon as possible to get your confidence back on track.

A smile is often amongst the first things noticed about somebody, and you should always feel able to smile no matter your age. So, if you have lost your teeth through getting older, then implants may well just make you feel years younger again. You can have a full set of smiling teeth that you are proud of once again.

Implant procedures are not normally covered by the NHS, but if you can prove that having implants is a medical need for you, they may make an exception. You may also qualify for NHS funding if your need for replacement teeth is due to an injury or accident you were involved in. It is advisable to speak to your dentist to see if you are eligible for funding.

Different kinds of implants

Individuality is something that everybody has in common. Each person on Earth has a completely individual set of teeth. This means that there are several different types of treatments to assist in easing a multitude of these unique problems. The most commonly performed implant procedure is where a titanium screw is slotted into your jawbone, so eventually you are able to fix dentures or crowns onto them to look like proper teeth.

Sometimes people do not have enough jawbone and the procedure becomes a bit longer, as you need to have a small metal frame fitted underneath your gums, so they grow around it and enable the same original process to be carried out. However this time it will not be a screw in your jawbone, it will be fixed onto the metal frame instead.

Once your implant is in place you will be able to have your dentures fixed to it, or just a crown if that is all you need. It depends on what condition your teeth were in beforehand, and this will have been assessed by your dentist. They will know exactly how many crowns or sets of dentures are needed and how many implants to support them. You can have more than one artificial tooth to an implant.

Why you should be considering implants if you aren’t already

There are multiple reasons why people consider getting implants, but most people do not actually recognize all the benefits until they have actually had the treatment. They are just like your original teeth. They do not come out, they need to be cleaned properly and thoroughly to make sure they are in good condition, and you will not have difficulty eating in public again. Replacement teeth will replace your confidence as you feel so much younger and more energized when you have a fresh smile to show off.

Our Guide to Dental Makeovers

Woman getting an oral makeover

Thought a makeover could only be done by a make-up artist? Things you didn’t know about smile makeovers in Harley Street.

Everyone wants to look their best. Today, more people are seeking out cosmetic procedures and makeovers in salons and spas to help them look and feel fantastic; if you look good, you feel good after all!

But, when the word makeover is mentioned, many people think of a facial makeover or even hair makeovers. Dental makeovers are often overlooked as a cosmetic booster, but they can provide an instant improvement to your appearance, to provide you with a longer-lasting solution to your facial aesthetics than any makeover you could get at a spa.

Dental makeovers are growing in popularity, but what do you need to know about this procedure before you book one?

What is a smile makeover? 

Oral makeovers in Harley Street and across the UK combine cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers, dental implants, tooth whitening, and white fillings to improve the appearance of your smile; it is literally a makeover for your teeth!

Procedures used

Depending on how you want your smile to look and the feasibility of achieving it, your dentist may suggest only one cosmetic method or several.

When a person presents with severe misalignment in their mouth, the dental professional may suggest that the first type of treatment in the smile makeover is a brace. As disheartening as this can feel, the braces used will rarely be orthodontic in nature; brands like Invisalign or Six Month Smiles are preferred by cosmetic dentists, as they can straighten the teeth at an accelerated rate. Once this stage is completed, then other parts of the makeover, like tooth whitening or veneers can begin.

Length of procedures

Many people are confused when their smile makeover takes longer than their friend’s did. Unlike an average dental check-up, one smile makeover may take longer than another, depending on the amount of work required, along with the complexity of the procedure.

Not all dentists are the same

When you are having a basic check-up without additional work, it may not matter that one dentist’s technique of fitting a filling may be slightly different from another’s.

In cosmetic dentistry, technique and experience can and do make all the difference. Before committing to working with one dentist, research the most experienced at the dental practice where you intend to have the makeover completed. This is not a procedure that should be handled by a dentist with minimal experience.

Costs will vary

Many dental websites have a pricing list for procedures that they offer. Due to the individual nature of an oral makeover, you may find it is easier to discuss fees with your dentist then trying to estimate them yourself by adding up the individual procedure costs.

Ask your dental surgery about a dental plan or a payment plan to help you spread the cost of your makeover, then all you have to worry about is showing off your new smile.

The Pursuit Of Perfect Teeth – Why Cosmetic Dentists Are In Demand

Picture of a dentist's chair

The rise of cosmetic dentistry over the past decade reflects how a substantial number of Brits now view dental aesthetics as a priority. This increased interest in dental treatments can undoubtedly be attributed to contemporary generations embracing the social media culture that encourages users to project a picture-perfect image. Apps such as Twitter and Instagram see filtered images of everyday folk jostling for attention beside professional photos of celebrities with their gleaming dental implants and surgically enhanced smiles. Yet there has always been the presence of incredibly beautiful film stars and pop idols flashing their straight, white teeth at us mere mortals from magazines, cinema screens and the T.V., so what’s changed?

No need for a superstar budget

Although cosmetic treatments performed by regulated and certified professionals do attract a certain amount of expense, competition between cosmetic dentists means that patients can afford to shop around for the best deal for the dental services they require. Treatments such as teeth-whitening are relatively cheap when one is considering dental enhancement and if your teeth are already in good condition and merely stained or discolored, this could be the solution for you. There are different sorts of whitening treatments available, including lasering and bleaching, and these will incur varying costs. Although you can purchase home whitening kits, it is advisable to allow an approved dentist to do it to ensure the procedure is safe and for potentially longer-lasting effects.

An increase in the quality of products, materials, and tools

Not only have prices become more affordable over the years but the quality of products, such as dentures and braces, has improved. This means that patients could potentially improve their dental aesthetics with treatments from their own dentist via the NHS. Products such as veneers and implants are created using excellent quality materials and processes giving longer-lasting results. Dental technology is also constantly advancing and private practices may have access to technology and tools like 3D scanners as their budget is not confined like that of an NHS dental surgery.

Swayed by the allure of luxury

Many people dream of living like a celebrity, and dental cosmetics performed in a luxurious environment can allow patients to fulfill this ambition. Private practices want patients to be well aware of the exclusive atmosphere of their surgery and this is reflected in the individual attention given to each patient. This wish to be pampered and treated like a celebrity suggests yet another reason for the increase in cosmetic dental procedures. However, it is worth noting that many NHS dentists provide private services, so you could find yourself having private dental work performed in your usual dental surgery and even by the same dentist. Although the exclusivity of the environment may be lost if this occurs, you will have the assurance of being treated by a dentist with whom you are familiar.

There are several reasons that explain the increase in demand for cosmetic dental work, and with personal image becoming increasingly important, there is no doubt that this demand is set to increase further.

5 Steps To Finding a Good Dentist

Dentists consulting on an x-ray

Whether it’s for a general check-up at the dentist or seeing an orthodontist for more specialized work, there is more choice than ever before. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed wondering about braces or veneers and various other kinds of treatments. How do people go about finding a good dentist that they can trust? Here is a handy guide for anyone looking to find a professional they can trust to take care of their teeth.

Check for accreditation

Any reputable dentist or orthodontist will be happy to demonstrate their accreditation. As well as being qualified to maintain tooth health and create improvements; some of the best are professionally trained to help patients who are nervous about having treatment.

Decide on NHS or private dental care

There are advantages to both kinds of care and treatment. Many people are now opting for private care in order to ensure they receive the luxury treatment they feel they deserve, particularly when it comes to adult braces or veneers.  The NHS does not cover cosmetic treatment,  so for those who are looking to improve their appearance with a brighter, straighter smile – private dental care is the best option.

Find out what others think

The best dentists usually have lots of happy patients. Talking to friends and family who have had dental work done is a great way to find a professional that can be trusted to do a great job. It’s also a great idea to look at reviews or testimonials online; which can be found on dental websites or elsewhere, such as NHS dentist reviews and ratings on the Care Quality Commission rating pages.

Consider the kind of treatment required

If general dental work is all that is needed, a dentist is the best choice. For people who are thinking of getting their teeth straightened, a consultation with an orthodontist is the solution. For those unsure of whether it’s braces or veneers they need, it’s well worth visiting a cosmetic dental expert.

Visit and have a consultation

One of the most important factors when it comes to getting a good dentist is a feeling of confidence and ease during the consultation and treatment process. It doesn’t matter how good the dentist is in a technical sense if the patient doesn’t feel comfortable and able to relax. It’s important to have an initial chat with the professional in mind to find out how they work; what steps treatment might involve; and most importantly, how much significance they place on making patients feel well cared for and able to ask questions.

A matter of careful consideration

Choosing a dentist must be done with care, after all, the condition of the teeth and mouth can have a dramatic impact on a person’s confidence and self-esteem; and this can spill into many other areas of the life of the patient. It’s important to think about the kind of care required, whether to go for NHS or private treatment and to develop a good relationship with a provider that is both empathetic and professional.

Breaking Down the Different Types of Dentists

Dentist's chair and set-up

You know that going to the dentist is essential to ensure optimal oral health and hygiene, but you might not be familiar with the types of oral practitioners who keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.

Which specialist do you go to have your teeth cleaned versus undergoing root canal surgery? You might find that a trip to the dental clinic involves more than one dental practitioner, depending on how complicated your problem is.

This article aims to provide you with all of the information on the different fields of dentistry so that you know what to expect when you need a specific treatment administered, as well as the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications your dentist in Soho must be equipped with.

4 Types of Dentist

1. General dentist

The local dentist you see every six months is your general dental practitioner. His or her responsibilities may include the following:

  • Identifying gum issues, tooth decay and oral diseases with diagnostic x-ray photographs.
  • Examining not only the teeth and gums but the head, neck, jaw and other areas of the face for early signs of serious bodily infections.
  • Filling cavities
  • Routine cleaning
  • Referring patients to specialists for further dental care if needed.

Seven years of studying is required to practice as a general dentist; four years of undergraduate education, followed by three years at a dental school. A qualified dentist attains a DMD (doctor of dental medicine) degree.

2. Oral hygienist

Not all dental practices have a hygienist. When one does, the general dental practitioner and oral hygienist work closely together.

While a dentist fills cavities, prescribes treatment, diagnoses infections and refers patients to specialized practitioners, a hygienist has his or her expertise in preventative dentistry.

  • They administer deep cleans on people showing signs of gingivitis, gum disease in its early stages. The clean, also known as scaling and planing, prevents the advancement of periodontitis, which if left untreated, could lead to significant bone, tooth loss and consequently, a changed facial appearance.
  • Provide you with information on adequate home care, which includes tips on brushing techniques, recommendations of fluoride toothpaste, and advice on how to improve your diet to better the state of your mouth, gums, and teeth. 

3. The pulp experts – an endodontist

The pulp is the inside tissue of a tooth made up of a complex system of nerves and blood vessels.

You might damage the pulp of your teeth in the event of an injury, and if it is left untreated, could result in the infection of the pulp, which can put your teeth in jeopardy.

The job of an endodontist, among other roles, is to curb infections and preserve teeth by performing root canal surgery. A root canal involves removing the infected pulp and filling the hole with a sealant to prevent re-infection. While the pulp is imperative for keeping a child’s growing teeth healthy and functioning its presence is not crucial in a fully-formed adult tooth. 

4. Boast a beautiful smile with an orthodontist

An orthodontist diagnoses malocclusions and misaligned teeth that could pose as a threat to prime dental health.

Depending on the nature of the above, this specialist will prescribe an orthodontic treatment and straightening aid that pulls teeth into place using wires, elastic bands, and brackets.

Developments in modern orthodontics have seen more people of all ages wearing braces to fix their teeth to optimize their quality of life.

The above article has described only some oral health providers and their responsibilities. If you are unsure of whom to go to for your particular teeth issue, chat to your dentist in Soho, who will either refer you to the right dental professional or treat the problem if they have the correct expertise.