Root Canal Treatment

Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you would have probably lost that tooth.

Today, with a routine dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If not removed, your tooth gets infected and there is a risk of losing it.

Root canal treatment involves removal of the pulp; the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. A crown is usually placed over the tooth to help make it stronger.

During root canal treatment at our surgery we use laser assisted root canal disinfection to eliminate inflammation and increase root canal quality.

Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!

What is a Dental Implant?

A tooth replacement made of Grade4 (pure) titanium. A dental implant is a small root made of titanium, a well tolerated metal that integrates readily with the body. Intolerance only occurs in very rare cases.

A short, minor surgical procedure for long-term solution. In order to take over the function of the tooth root, the dental implant is inserted in the bone by a short operation, usually under local anaesthetic. It subsequently knits painlessly with the bone, forming a solid base for the long-term, stable fixation for the final restoration.

Aesthetic from the start. Depending on the situation it is possible to attach the final denture immediately after insertion of the implant. However, since long-term success is the main criteria in every implant case, this decision can only be made after your dentist in London has carefully considered the clinical situation. If the crown or denture cannot be attached immediately, an aesthetic temporary denture is placed until the time is right for the final restoration to be fitted.

What are the advantages of dental implants?

An attractive solution. The most natural solution to tooth loss, both aesthetically and functionally, are implant-borne teeth. They fit harmoniously into the dental arch and are not only fixed as securely as natural teeth but cannot be distinguished from your real teeth in either function or appearance.

Dental implants help to preserve healthy teeth. In comparison to conventional bridges, when (dental implants) tooth implants are placed, the neighboring teeth do not have to be ground down in order to support the new teeth. Healthy teeth, which have to be damaged in traditional methods, are therefore preserved.

Effective protection against bone loss. Just like natural teeth, dental implants transmit chewing forces evenly to the jaw bone. Just like with natural teeth, the stress of chewing preserves the natural shape of the jaw. If this stress is missing, the jaw bone slowly shrinks away.

New generation teeth. Security of fit is another advantage of Dental implants in London. Patients are spared the disadvantage of dentures such as painful pressure points and poor fit. In addition, the palate is no longer covered by denture material. This not only has positive effects on speech but also ensures that natural taste and the joy of eating are not compromised.

When can dental implants be used?

…when disease leads to tooth loss. Whether young or old, severe gum or root inflammation, caries and other diseases can result in tooth loss. In these cases, dental implants are a useful alternative to revitalize your natural smile.

…when an accident leaves a tooth gap. Whether in sport or ordinary life, a small accident leading to the loss of one or more teeth happens fast. Here too, dental implants can restore natural appearance and function. In some cases, implants can even be inserted immediately after an accident, depending on the damage to the surrounding tissue.

…when teeth have been missing since birth. Tooth gaps can also be due to congenital absence. If teeth have not developed or have grown incompletely, dental implants provide a solid foundation for all types of restorations.

Who are dental implants suitable for?

For nearly all ages. Dental implants can be used as soon as jaw growth is complete. Apart from this restriction, implants can provide an optimal solution for all age groups.

Requirements for successful treatment. The basic requirements for successful dental implant treatment are a good general state of health, good oral hygiene and adequate bone quality and volume. If the bone volume is insufficient to support an implant, there are various ways or restoring the bone to prepare it for successful implantation.

Detailed discussion, diagnostic investigations and planning are crucially important. Whether Dental Implants are the best solution in an individual case can only be determined by a detailed examination and discussion with your (Dental) orthodontist Implant Specialist. If all the medical requirements are met, careful treatment planning by the dentist is also required if an optimal and long-lasting outcome is to be achieved.

Are dental implants safe?

40 years of intensive independent research. Since they were developed in the 1960s, the use of dental implants has been investigated in over 10,000 scientific studies into implant solutions for over 15 years, which clearly confirm the high success rate of over 96%.

Care for long-term success. As with natural teeth, you will require regular check-ups and a conscientious oral hygiene routine in order to take care of your dental implants. Appropriate care, together with careful treatment planning and correct insertion of the implant, are the most important requirements for long-term success.

How much does a complete dental implant restoration cost?

The costs are as individual as the solutions. The treatment and associated costs depend on different factors and can vary from person to person. The costs are calculated from the number of dental implants to be inserted, the type of restoration chosen and the dental laboratory work that is required to complete the case. Additional costs may arise if the bone also has to be “built up” to support the implant. The individual treatment and cost plan will usually give information about the costs of the surgery (placement of the implants) and prosthetics (fitting the teeth).

Veneers

Where the teeth are discoloured, misshapen, crooked, chipped teeth, veneers can often provide an excellent cosmetic solution without having to carry out extensive dental work. Veneers is a quick and versatile method which can dramatically change the appearance of less than perfect teeth. Veneers can also be used to close gaps between where braces may not be suitable. . Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of a single tooth or a whole smile.

A dental veneer is a made from a very durable ceramic material that actually can strengthen your tooth. The Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic that bond directly to the front surface of the teeth Once they are placed, you cannot tell the difference from the natural tooth. The tooth functions perfectly for biting and chewing.

In order to fit the veneer you will you need two to three trips to the dentist. The first appointment involves your dentist choosing the best colour to blend in with your natural teeth. Tooth enamel is then removed so the veneer will blend in with the surrounding teeth. An impression of the prepared tooth and the surround and opposing teeth is taken. A temporary material is then applied to protect the prepared tooth between visits.

Your next appointment, in approximately 2 weeks, will be to permanently cement the veneer in place. If the veneer needs further adjustments or changes, additional visits will be required.

At the first appointment A small amount of tooth surface is removed. Temporary restoration will then be placed immediately after the preparations have been completed. We will then discuss colour, texture and the shape of your teeth.

Two to three weeks later the porcelain restorations will be tried for your approval. Once you are happy with them, they will be bonded to your teeth.

Crowns

Crowns are placed to fix a broken, weak or mis-shapen tooth, they consist of a full coverage “hat” that fits over the original tooth. They are bonded all the way around a tooth to add durability and strength . Crowns are made of difference types of material depending on the situation. Crowns are precision made and totally personalised to each individual Our technician is highly skilled and uses the latest high quality material on the market for stronger and more natural looking crowns.

Traditional types of crowns are made from Porcelain bonded to semi-precious metal but there are now lots of different types of crown on the market. There are different types of tooth crowns made from metal alloys (such as gold or a precious metal alloy), porcelain or ceramic materials, or a combination of both.

Bridges

A bridge is an artificial tooth that bridges a gap, it is attached to one or both of the teeth on either side of the gap. The attachment, or abutment, can be like a crown covering the whole tooth or, where possible, it can be an adhesive wing stuck to the inner side of the tooth. This is known as a Maryland bridge.

In order for the procedure to be completed you should expect at least two visits to the dentist. The first visit will involve preparing the tooth by removing the old filling and the decay to allow enough space for the crown to fit onto. At this appointment we will take photographs of your teeth and send them to our technician who will then be able to construct the crown and to ensure the best match possible so that the crown will have a natural look. A temporary crown is then constructed.

After a week you will then need to re visit the dentist for the temporary crown to be removed and the new permanent crown to be placed. The type of material used to make the crown will depend on the patient’s bite and aesthetics.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues.

There are two types of dentures are available:

• Complete dentures – these are used when all the teeth are missing
• Partial dentures – these are used when some of the natural teeth are missing.

Complete Dentures

There are two types of Complete dentures:

• “Conventional”. These are made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal. The denture is then is able to be placed in the mouth from between 4 to 12 weeks following the removal of the teeth.
• “Immediate.” These are made in advance and can be positioned immediately after the teeth have been removed. The advanatage being that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Patients should however note that as bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Patients should therefore be aware that they may require more adjustments to ensure that the denture fits property.

Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture or bridge usually consists of replacement teeth attached to a pink or gum- colored plastic base, which is connected by metal framework that holds the denture in place in the mouth.

Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. A fixed (permanent) partial denture replaces one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and attaching artificial teeth to them. This “bridge” is then cemented into place. Not only does a partial denture fill in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from changing position.

Are there alternatives to dentures?

Yes, V and A Dental Surgery also offer dental implants. These are an excellent alternative to dentures. Please ask a member of staff for more details.

Caring for Dentures

Getting used to new dentures is always a little difficult but it is important that you wear them regularly.
They may feel strange at first but if they make your mouth sore and you are unable to wear them, please do not worry as we can adjust them for you. Please do not try and do not try and make an adjustments yourself as you could damage the dentures.

If you need an adjustment contact the practice for an appointment.

Eating

At first, chew slowly and carefully when eating and put smaller amounts of food in your mouth. This will only be until you you get used to your new denture and then you will be able to eat normally.

Cleaning

After every meal, remove your denture for cleaning. Use a soft toothbrush and liquid soap to remove dirt and debris, and then rinse them in water. Avoid using toothpaste as it is abrasive. Rinse your mouth as well before putting the dentures back in place.

Sleeping

Never sleep with your denture in your mouth. Clean your denture as above then soak them for 20 minutes in a denture cleaning product such as Milton’s solution or Sterident. After soaking, leave them in a pot of cold water over night.

Teeth Whitening

A very popular treatment to transform our smile is teeth whitening. The majority of the time this is a simple, quick and effective way to achieve the result you are after – brighter, whiter teeth. At our practice, we offer both in-surgery and take-home whitening treatments.

Your dentist is trained to know what whitening products will be safe for your teeth and gums.

The method

A carefully controlled concentration of bleach is applied to your teeth using specially-made trays that fit in your mouth. At this stage, our dentist will discuss with you the level of whitening you want and what level is achievable given the current shade of your teeth.

At V and A Dental Surgery we offer a special mousse (paste) to prevent sensitivity or to reduce any if it has occurred. Anon certified product may cause teeth sensitivity and pulp (nerve) inflammation and as a result, root canal treatment may be necessary.

Periodontal Treatment

The bottom part of our teeth are surrounded by gums which is made of soft tissue. Making sure that you look after your gums is equally important as looking after your teeth.

When the gums become infected this is known as gum disease. This is a result of plaque which is a sticky film that has accumulated on the teeth and gums. The build up of plaque can cause the gums to become red puffy and can cause them to bleed.

If the gum disease is left untreated then this can result in the gums coming away from the teeth resulting in pockets forming between the gums and teeth. This can then allow germs to be embedded in the pockets leading the bone around the teeth to weaken. If Periodontal Disease is left untreated, the outcome is inevitably loss of all or single teeth.

Receding gums is a common condition that often results from untreated periodontal disease, an oral infection that will slowly damage healthy gum tissue, teeth and bone if it is not treated in good time. Other causes of gum recession include harsh tooth brushing, medication side effects, and genetic predisposition to gum recession. Even dental procedures, including orthodontic work and traditional, scalpel gum surgery for periodontal disease can cause recession.

The good news is that if gum disease is diagnosed then it can be treated before it is too late ie. In the tooth either falling out itself or having to be extracted.

A high number of people are totally unaware that they are suffering from gum disease. It is for this reason that it is absolutely essential to visit your dentist every six months in order to have a check up.

In the meantime the following are signs that you may already have gum disease:

• Red and puffy gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Tooth ache or sensitivity
• Recurring bad breath
• Lose teeth
• Gaps between teeth

How to treat gum disease

The first step that you can take to help treat the gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. However sometimes professional treatment which we offer at our surgery is the only option to treat the problem.

Good oral hygiene includes:

• Cleaning your teeth with a suitable tooth brush for 2 to 3 minutes each morning and before you go to sleep for the night
• We recommend using a toothpaste that contains fluoride as this can help prevent tooth decay
• Flossing your teeth each time you brush
• Not smoking
• Having a dental check up every six months

Dental treatments

At V and A Dental Surgery we recommend having a scale and polish every six months. During this procedure the hygienist will scrape away the plaque from your teeth which is the main cause of gum disease. At V and A Dental Surgery we use traditional equipment as well as our laser machine which gives more effective results. The hygienist will then remove any marks or stains from your teeth which may have been caused by certain foods or smoking.

If you have a large build up of plaque or tartar you may need to have more than one visit to our surgery. Please note that our hygienist provides a thorough clean that usually lasts around one hour.

However sometimes gum disease can not be resolved by a scale and polish treatment and a more complex treatment is required.

Root planning

This is also known as debridement. This essentially is a deep clean under the gums, the aim is to remove the bacteria which may have embedded in the roots of the tooth.

Further treatment

For severe gum disease treatment erbium laser is preferable because it works on the gums on the bone can removed calculus and quality of root planning is much higher in comparison with conventional hand instruments. With our laser we can work on the gum only but it is a really helpful tool in laser assisted periodontal treatment and we are able to achieve outstanding results.

At V and A Dental surgery we use technology digital X ray, diode laser, Diagnodent which is able to detect hidden carries without using a probe.

Mouth Cancer Screening

At V and A Dental Surgery we now offer a mouth cancer screening service.

Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat

Research has found that mouth cancers are now responsible for a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma.. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Regular dental checkups allow early detection of abnormalities in the mouth. So your check-up appointment with your hygienist or dentist provides you the reassurance that everything is alright of if you need to seek further assistance.