- To screen for oral cancer and assess health of the soft tissues in the mouth.
- To check the condition of the teeth and gums.
- To take appropriate digital x-rays when necessary.
- To explain and discuss all the relevant treatment options with you and devise a treatment plan that is most appropriate to you.
- To give preventative advice on tooth decay and gum disease.
Scaling and polish
- To remove extrinsic stains from the teeth.
- To remove plaque and calculus (tartar).
- To polish the teeth
- To help prevent the development of gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis
Dental plaque and calculus
Dental plaque is made up almost entirely of oral bacteria. It builds up every day on the teeth and contains the bacteria that can cause gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
Dental plaque also contains the bacteria that can cause tooth decay (dental caries).
Calculus is the hardened deposits of plaque, which build up on the teeth. Calculus can cause gum disease.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gingivitis is irritation or inflammation of the gums caused by the build up of dental plaque. It can be reversed by good oral hygiene measures including twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and by regular scaling and polishing.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease where there is gum recession and bone loss around the teeth. In its advanced state it can lead to loosening of the teeth. Smoking and diabetes are two of the most important risk factors.
Effective removal of the plaque and calculus can keep periodontitis under control. Gaps between the teeth are bigger once bone loss has occurred, therefore, ordinary toothbrush and floss may not able to remove the plaque effectively. Please consult your dentist for more information.
Tooth decay (dental caries)
Tooth decay is a disease which damages tooth structure resulting in cavities (holes) in the tooth.
Very early caries can be detected by x-rays and can sometimes be treated successfully by applying fluoride on the tooth surface. Fluoride encourages the re-mineralisation process of teeth. Ways of applying fluoride include fluoride mouthwash, fluoride varnish and gel etc. Please ask your dentist for more details.
More established caries will require repair with restorations such as fillings. We only use high quality white filling materials in the practice.
Ways of preventing tooth decay:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily to reduce the bacterial load.
- Reducing quantity and frequency of sugar intake.
- Fluoride mouth wash (please consult your dentist before using).
The prevalence of tooth decay is related to quantity and frequency of sugar intake. The more sugary food you eat and the more often you eat, the more likely you are going to develop tooth decay; therefore, controlling sugar intake through food and drink is an effective way to reduce tooth decay.
Fissure Sealant
Studies have shown that Fissure sealant is one of the most effective way to reduce tooth decay of permanent teeth in children. However, according to one of the studies, this procedure is only carried out in 20% of children in UK.
Fissures are the irregular grooves on the biting surface of the molar (back) teeth. These are one of the most likely areas that can develop tooth decay. The fissures can be sealed by applying a layer of tooth coloured material on the biting surface of the tooth. We recommend fissure sealant to children who are at risk of developing tooth decay in our practice.
Dental plaque will stagnate in between the teeth and some of the bacteria in the plaque can cause tooth decay. The most effective way of removing plaque in between the teeth is flossing; therefore, daily flossing can also reduce the chance of developing tooth decay.
Fillings
Some European countries have banned Amalgam (mercury) fillings, however, this is not yet the case in the UK. We only provide high quality white fillings in the practice.
Crowns
A crown is used to cap or completely cover a tooth. It is employed when a tooth has lost a large proportion of its structure and a filling is no longer suitable.
There are gold crowns, ceramic fused to metal crowns and completely ceramic crowns. Each type has its own merits, however, gold crowns have become more and more uncommon due to high demands for tooth coloured restorations.
Total ceramic crowns are well known for their superior aesthetic properties. They look more natural than other types of crown. They are more permeable to light and therefore look more like a real tooth. They are completely tooth coloured inside and out, therefore, no black line will show next to the gum margin. Please ask your dentist for more information.
Root canal treatment - Endodontics
When a tooth has died (non-vital) due to various reasons, root canal therapy is the treatment that can save the tooth. Root-canal treatment success-rates are higher when carried out by a root-canal specialist (endodontist).
Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or ceramic that are bonded to a natural tooth, a little bit like a false nail. They can be used to alter the colour, shape and position of the teeth. Veneers are often used in smile makeovers, sometimes combined with tooth whitening, to produce a more beautiful smile.
Ways to replace a tooth
There are three main ways of replacing missing teeth: dental implants, bridges and dentures.
Dental implants are often considered the best way to replace missing teeth, although they are not always suitable for everyone. Bridgework can produce good looking and functional replacement teeth, but has the disadvantage of shorter life-spans than dental implants.
Bridges also require removal of some tooth tissue from the teeth either side of the gap, therefore, these teeth can be less sound than before. In contrast, implants do not affect other teeth in the mouth.
During the consultation we will listen to your needs, examine the teeth, and explain all the aspects of each option to you. We will help you to choose the most suitable option for you for replacing the missing teeth, restoring the function and appearance. Please consult your dentist to find out the best way for replacing the missing teeth for you.