Exceptional Dentistry
Exemplary Care
Exemplary Care
Dental implants are the ideal solution to permanently replace any missing teeth. A dental implant can replace a single missing tooth, support a bridge to replace multiple missing teeth or secure a loose denture in place. Read more about implants
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Dental bridges are designed to 'bridge' the gap when there are missing teeth. A bridge gives the effect of three crowns in a row by creating a link between the teeth in front and behind the missing tooth.
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Dental crowns also known as caps are designed to reinforce the tooth that has deteriorated because of injury or by decay.
Make an enquiryDentures are made from acrylic resin bonded to metal and are designed to replace missing teeth in the form of either complete sets of teeth known as a 'full denture' or a few teeth with a 'partial denture'.
Some dentures have the advantage of being fitted immediately, although some adjustments are often required.
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This falls into the category of endodontics and is necessary to save the live pulp in the tooth if it is damaged. Any tissue that is decayed is cleared from the root canals and they are subsequently sealed to ensure that infection does not reoccur. This is an effective solution for saving teeth which have been injured or decayed. It is a suitable alternative to having a tooth extracted and also helps to reduce tooth pain while lowering the risk of further problems.
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Besides the obvious aesthetics, missing teeth can affect the stability and position of remaining teeth. Your bite can also be affected as a result and debris can become trapped into a gap which can potentially lead to plaque build-up, decay and gum disease.
For a dental bridge, it is essential that the remaining teeth are strong, which is not always the case. Your dentist can advise you on what best treatment options you have available to you.
There are three main types of bridges:
Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base with a layer of porcelain bonded over the top to give it a natural appearance.
2 visits are required scheduled within 2 weeks of each other. Will the Dental Bridge impact on how I speak? Your speech may need a slight adjustment whilst you get used to the new dentition.
Your bridge needs to be cleaned every day - both the supporting teeth and under the false tooth - and to achieve this special floss is required. You can ask your dentist or hygienist for specific advice about how to achieve this.
A fixed bridge can last over 10 years but this really depends on how well you are looking after it, which includes your oral hygiene habits and the frequency of your visits to the dentist. What other methods exist to replace missing teeth? Other options to replace missing teeth include dentures and implants.
Crowns can be made from gold, ceramic bonded to metal and porcelain and each material has its own pros and cons. Metal crowns are chosen for patients who need a strong and durable bite while full porcelain crowns will give the advantage of looking superior aesthetically. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns provide a balance between the two and are the ones most commonly used.
Crowns cannot be differentiated from natural teeth although some temporary crowns look slightly different, however they are soon replaced by permanent ones.
Only two appointments are needed to fit a crown. Typically they take place around 1 to 2 weeks after each other.
In the event of tooth decay near the pulp tissue, crowns may have to be removed to avoid any further infection and potential tooth damage
Crowns need to be looked after to last and this also calls for regular check-ups at the dentist and a good oral hygiene regime.
The process involves making impressions of your mouth using a wax bite. After extracting any necessary teeth, 8 weeks are used to let the gums heal before the denture is worn for the first time. We normally anticipate that 5 appointments are required to go through the whole process. Soft foods and liquids are recommended until you get used to your dentures.
Dentures need to be cleaned daily using a soft tufted tooth brush and specific cleansing solution. We strongly advise you not to use abrasive materials or boiling water since these could damage the dentures.
Dentures should be removed at night to allow the gums to rest. Statistics have also demonstrated that oral health is improved if dentures are taken out for 8 hours every day.
It is recommended that denture wearers have regular dental check-ups to assess how the dentures fit and to monitor oral health. It is a common occurrence that your mouth will change shape and therefore your denture may become loose. As a result of this, you may encounter some inflammation of the gums. We do not advise you to try and adjust loose dentures. Please come and see a dentist for advice.
Dental implants are fast becoming the most popular option, but their suitability and cost can be seen as obstacles. Patients interested in implants should seek advice from their dentist.
Root canal treatment is recommended when core of the tooth which contains the nerves becomes infected and carries the risk of potential tooth loss.
In the first instance the dentist carries out an X-ray to ascertain the level of infection and how many roots need to be treated. A thin sheet of latex which dentists call their rubber dam is then placed around your mouth to reduce any chance of infection. The dentist treating you will then go deep into the core of the tooth to treat the source of the problem after you are given an injection to numb the pain.
The dentist will remove decayed core pulp after which they immediately plug it to prevent infection. In time a permanent restoration will be fitted especially if the tooth needs strengthening.
Don't worry we will use a pain blocking treatment called a local-anaesthetic to prevent any potential discomfort.
It is possible to notice treated teeth which can be darker than others; however bleaching can make the tooth look as good as new.
Root canal treatment is normally successful first time but it can be repeated if it needs to be.
Root canal treatment calls for a huge amount of skill and expertise and can therefore sometimes be costly.
If root canal treatment is dismissed, tooth extraction is the next option given that there is a high risk of further infection
After root canal treatment, the tooth is healthy and can be further protected and strengthened by a crown.
