Archives for July, 2012

What to Expect when Visiting Your Dentist near Hounslow for Root Canal Treatment

July 31st, 2012

Root canal treatment is used when a tooth has become infected and is overly sensitive to hot and cold. There can also be tenderness when biting down and the swelling of the gums or face can also be a sign of infection. A bad taste in the mouth is another sign of a possible problem.

How to find a dental infection

However some people near Hounslow can be completely unaware of any infection but a simple x-ray can easily reveal if a tooth has an internal infection. This infection gets into the soft, pulp tissue inside of the tooth, which is directly connected to the nerve that causes the tooth sensitivity.

Unlike other oral infections this will not get better over time, nor will antibiotics be able to help. The only course of action is to have root canal treatment done. If the infection is left untreated it will result in a lowered immune system and eventual loss of the tooth.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is generally completed over two appointments. The first will involve an x-ray to assess the extent of the infection and then the tooth will be drilled in order to expose and remove the infected pulp. Any abscesses will be drained and an antibiotic solution will be put into the tooth before a temporary filling is fitted.

The next appointment will be somewhere between a week or two later. This will give the antibiotics time to kill off any remaining infection. The temporary filling is then removed and a permanent filling is put in its place. If the tooth is weak a crown may be suggested in order to give additional strength and protection for the tooth. As long as a good oral hygiene practice is observed the tooth should last for the remainder of the person’s life without any trouble.

 

 

Stabilising Your Loose Dentures with Dental Implants for Patients near Kew

July 26th, 2012

Loose dentures are a burden to many. Ill-fitting dentures rub the gums and cause sores, swelling and even bone degeneration. After time this continual wearing will mean you have to replace your dentures, which will cost you extra money on top of your initial treatment each time.

What can be done about my loose dentures?

Many people attempt to stabilise loose dentures with fixatives or pastes, none of which provide any long-term effect. However, patients now have the option of dental implants for their loose dentures, which not only keep the dentures in place but also prevent bone degeneration.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are inserted into the jawbone. Once these posts have fused with the bone to form a secure foundation a denture, crown or bridge can be attached depending on the level of tooth loss you have suffered.

If you wear dentures and would like stabilisation several dental implants will be strategically placed in the mouth, which will then be attached to the denture to keep them firmly in place.

What are the benefits of dental implants for denture wearers?

  • Added stability-dental implants enable patients to laugh, smile and eat with the complete confidence that their dentures will stay in place. Dental implant treatment is often a life-changing procedure; enabling patients to find the confidence they have lost and enjoy the foods they couldn’t eat.
  • Prevents bone degeneration-dentures rub the gums and the bone underneath, leading to bone degeneration, which causes the bone to recede. After time this will mean the dentures needs replacing and the problem will continue as long as the person is wearing loose dentures. With dental implants not only is bone degeneration prevented, the bone is encouraged to bond and grow, so you will be left with a healthy jawbone.

If you are interested in having dental implants for the stabilisation of your dentures please call the practice today. We provide services for patients near Kew and throughout the UK.

 

Achieve the Smile of an Olympian for the Start of the London Olympics with a Smile Makeover at Sparkle Dental Boutique near Ealing

July 24th, 2012

The Olympic Games in London officially starts on the 27th of July, with hopefully a clutch of gold medals awaiting our England team. However, patients in London and near Ealing can go for the gold standard in smiles, with an individual smile makeover for patients at the Sparkle Dental Boutique practice.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover involves using a number of cosmetic dental treatments to transform the appearance of your smile. The treatments you receive will be completely tailored to your needs and oral condition and can range from:

  • Tooth whitening
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Orthodontic treatment
  • Cosmetic bonding
  • Dental implants
  • Crowns
  • Bridges

 

What types of smile problems can be made over?

A smile makeover at Sparkle Dental Boutique is completely bespoke, created with the patient’s needs, requirements, condition and appearance in mind. Even if you have suffered from complete tooth loss, decay or acid erosion a smile makeover can give you back the smile you have lost. Below are some of problems a smile makeover can treat:

  • Chipped, acid eroded teeth-crowns, veneers and cosmetic bonding can all be used to restore your missing dental enamel.
  • Missing teeth-dental implants, dentures, bridges. If you combine dentures and bridges with the dental implants you end up with a more stable smile.
  • Stained, discoloured teeth-tooth whitening, veneers. Depending on the severity of your staining tooth whitening can be used in most cases to improve the appearance of the smile by at least 6-10 shades. If your teeth are deeply stained you have the option of porcelain veneers.

Whatever your current smile situation a solution can be found to restore your teeth and your sense of confidence.

 

Zoom! Tooth Whitening for Out of This World Teeth on the Anniversary of Apollo 11′s Moon Landing for Patients near Kew

July 19th, 2012

On the 20th July 1969 Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong were the first ever people to land on the surface of the moon, so why not celebrate this years 43rd anniversary with out of this world white teeth.

In practice tooth whitening

At the Sparkle Dental Boutique near Kew you can experience whiter teeth in just one hour with the incredible Zoom2 teeth whitening system. The Zoom2 system is provided in our specialised whitening room, called Crystal, which is designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. You will have the Zoom2 specialised whitening gel added to your teeth, which is then activated with a whitening light, to lift any stains on your teeth and brighten the colour of your smile by 6 to 10 shades. Zoom2 is perfect for patients looking to instantly whiten their smile in time for a special occasion such as a wedding.

Home tooth whitening

We also provide home tooth whitening treatments, which involves using clear, custom made mouthguards that will hold the specialised whitening gel. These trays are worn for four hours over the course of 14 days to gradually whiten the teeth. At home whitening can also be combined with in practice whitening to heighten the colour of your smile by up to 16 shades.

Teeth whitening bought from a shop or practised by anyone other than a dental professional can often lead to patchy whitening and damage to the teeth and gums. A whitening procedure provided from an actual dental practice can help you achieve the beautiful new smile you want without the worry of potential problems.

If you are interested in whitening your smile in time for a wedding, or are looking for deep whitening treatment for severely stained teeth please call the practice today. We will be happy to help with any queries you may have.

 

What can a Bridge do for Damaged, Broken Smiles in Chiswick?

July 17th, 2012

Tooth loss can occur at any age, whether due to accident, tooth decay or gum disease. Although there are many different causes of tooth loss the solution to the problem should always be to replace the missing tooth. A missing tooth gap can lead to a whole host of problems for patients in Chiswick and throughout the UK, including:

  • Tooth drift: This occurs when the surrounding teeth move into a new alignment, due to the missing area in the mouth. This causes the smile to look skewed and off balanced.
  • Gum disease and tooth decay: Because the gums are more exposed bacteria is able to penetrate them faster and more effectively, leading to gum disease and potentially tooth decay. This in turn makes the teeth surrounding the gap more susceptible to further tooth loss, which can then spread from tooth to tooth.
  • Difficulties eating and speaking: If a missing tooth gap is left and misalignment and further decay occurs this can affect the bite of your teeth, which will making eating and speaking a great deal more difficult.
  • Appearance and self-esteem issues: A damaged smile can also cause much emotional distress, with many tooth loss sufferers covering their mouths when they smile or laugh.

What is a dental bridge and how can it help restore my smile?

A dental bridge uses the surrounding teeth to stabilise a false tooth and hold it in place. A bridge can come in three forms:

1)   Traditional bridge: This uses the teeth on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth in place. Crowns are added to the two teeth, which hold your new tooth in place.

2)   Cantilever bridge: This type of bridge is used when only the teeth on one side of the tooth is healthy and so crowns are only added to the healthy side.

3)   Maryland bridge: This form of bridge is used to replace the front teeth and uses metal bands attached to the surrounding teeth rather than crowns.

 

 

Cosmetic Bonding can Restore Chipped Smiles near Acton in Just One Hour

July 12th, 2012

Cosmetic bonding is often referred to as the ‘one hour smile makeover’ treatment, as it can restore chips and cracks in just an hour.

What is cosmetic bonding?

Cosmetic bonding is a white filling treatment, which is used to fill in gaps and make chipped or cracked teeth whole again for patients throughout the UK and near Acton Cosmetic bonding requires a little bit more skill than just filling in the tooth, as the bonding material will require shaping and contouring to ensure that it fits in perfectly with the rest of your tooth and surrounding teeth.

What does the procedure entail?

As long as your teeth and gums are in good health you can have a completed smile in just one visit. First your teeth will be checked and cleaned and some mild etching may be required to make the surface of the tooth the ideal texture for the bonding material to fix to. Your dentist will then mould the tooth coloured composite material to the shape of the tooth and polish and buff it into the desired shape. Your tooth will now be restored and your smile made whole again.

How long does cosmetic bonding last?

If you look after your teeth your cosmetic bonding should last for between 5 and 10 years. However, after this time if you require further treatment it is very easy to add more composite material to complete your tooth once again.

What are the benefits of cosmetic bonding?

Speed: Cosmetic bonding treatment can be complete in just one sitting, which takes around an hour. Your treatment can be finished on the same day as your initial visit, as there is no need to take moulds or impressions.

Cost effective: The other option for restoring chipped teeth is porcelain veneers, but these can be very expensive. Cosmetic bonding on the other hand are a great deal cheaper and easier to fit.

Life like restorations: No one will be able to tell that you are missing a portion of your natural tooth, with your cosmetic bonding material blended to the natural colour of your teeth.

 

Interceptive Braces To Prevent Teenage Tooth Misalignment for Children Near Brentford

July 10th, 2012

Most dental practices are not in the habit of checking a child’s teeth from an early age to spot the signs of misalignment. This means orthodontic problems that could be corrected easily are left to develop, after which they will require more extensive treatment.

At Sparkle Dental Boutique near Brentford however, we carry out orthodontic assessment on children from the age of 7 and use interceptive braces on those who may develop tooth misalignment in the future.

What are the causes of tooth misalignment?

There are a number of reasons for why adult teeth come through crooked, which may include whether the child had a dummy for a prolonged period of time, whether they suffered premature tooth loss or were prone to mouth breathing from a young age. Dental disease can also play their role in the development of the adult teeth and any oral health diseases will needed to be treated first before interceptive braces can be fitted.

At Sparkle Dental Boutique our Specialist Orthodontist has the qualifications and skill to correct children’s tooth misalignment and create straighter smiles, which will improve your child’s oral health and general self-esteem.

What problems can interceptive braces treat?

Interceptive braces can be used to treat a whole range of orthodontic problems, including gaps between teeth, crooked teeth, crowded teeth and general misalignment.

Straightening your child’s teeth now will mean they do not have to undergo orthodontic treatment later on in their adolescent or adults years, which can save them feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment.

If you are interested in interceptive braces for your own child please call the practice today. We are based near Brentford, but also provide treatment for patients throughout London and the UK.

 

How Dental Implants Work to Replace Missing Teeth for Patients near Hounslow

July 5th, 2012

Dental implants are fast becoming the restorative treatment of choice, swiftly outranking loose dentures and bridges for the replacement of missing teeth.

What are dental implants and how can they help repair my smile?

Dental implants differ from other replacement treatments as they not only restore the missing tooth or teeth but also the missing root. This provides the new tooth or teeth with the added security they need and makes them ideal for eating, speaking and laughing.

What does the dental implant treatment involve?

First you will be assessed to gauge your suitability for treatment. Your dentist near Hounwlow will need to check the health of your gums and surrounding teeth (if you have any) and also the density of your jawbone. If you are found suitable for treatment you will return to the practice to have your dental implant or implants fitted.

Your dentist will fit the implant into your jawbone using a drill and will then stitch the gums back over to allow for healing. It will take between 3 to 6 months for the dental implants to completely fuse securely with the jaw, after which you will come back to the practice to have the abutment fitted. Crowns, dentures or dental bridges can then be attached to restore the appearance and function of your smile.

How many teeth can dental implants replace?

If you are missing a single tooth then you can ask for dental implant treatment and if you are missing all of your teeth you can likewise do the same. Implants can last a lifetime and are the perfect treatment for stabilising loose, painful dentures.

Taking care of your dental implant in the same way you take care of your teeth will ensure the longevity of your new teeth and will enable you to smile, eat and talk with confidence for years and years to come.

 

How Patients Near Ealing can Achieve Straighter Smiles without Wires Using Invisalign

July 3rd, 2012

Brace treatment use to mean two things: Metal wires. Metal brackets. However, that isn’t necessarily the case anymore, with the amazing invisible treatment of Invisalign braces.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a removable clear aligner system, which straightens the teeth gradually using a series of braces. Each clear aligner is worn for two weeks at a time, with the next aligner along differing in shape to encourage the teeth to move.

How does it work?

You start your Invisalign treatment with a consultation to see if Invisalign is the best brace system for you. After this you will have impressions taken of your teeth to use to create your new aligners. You will then return to the dentist to receive your aligners and begin your treatment. Every few weeks you will pay another visit to the practice to make sure that your treatment is going as planned.

How is the treatment suitable for?

Invisalign can be used to treat a whole host of problems, including gaps between the teeth, crooked teeth, twisted teeth and overbitten teeth. In some cases fixed braces may be more appropriate but that will be decided during your initial consultation.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment provides patients with the option to correct their orthodontic problems without the need for anyone else to know and is ideal for anyone who already feels awkward when they smile.

Invisalign are also a great deal easier to clean, as they are removable and so do not hold the food and plaque fixed metal braces do.

If you would like any further information on Invisalign please contact the practice. We are located near Ealing, but treatment patients from London and beyond.

 

Celebrating Canada Day near Hanwell without Ruining Your Teeth with Sugary Maple Syrup

July 1st, 2012

July 1st marks Canada Day, a celebration of the country’s self-governance and as good excuse as any to eat maple syrup drenched pancakes. However, good tooth care must be practised at all time when eating such sugar laden foods, to ensure that next Canada Day you have the teeth you need to smile in celebration.

Top oral care tips

Brushing

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, and always make sure to clean the biting edge, the outside of the tooth and the inside of the tooth. Cleaning the gums is also recommended, but you must use gentle circular brush strokes and a soft toothbrush to do this.

Flossing

Flossing is an often overlooked oral care technique, but it can be incredibly important for the health of your teeth. Flossing gets in between the teeth, to areas that cannot be reached using a toothbrush. The floss helps to remove any food debris and dental plaque that becomes trapped and could potentially lead to dental decay and tooth loss. Flossing also helps to clean the gums between the teeth.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash is the final aspect of a good oral hygiene routine for patients near Hanwell and can provide long-lasting protection from bacteria and fresh breath. Choose a mouthwash that is alcohol free and contains fluoride to ensure fresh breath and plaque free smiles.

Oral care tips for eating

The foods we eat can cause numerous dental problems, but there are ways of combating the problem of acidic or sugary foods.

Eat cheese!

The acid from foods can cause long lasting damage to the dental enamel, which cannot be repaired. However, eating a square of cheese after a meal, or after eating an acidic snack like an orange can neutralise this acid and prevent acid erosion.

Water, water everywhere

Water dilutes the level of acids in the mouth and promotes the production of salvia, which will help to prevent tooth decay.

Sugar and spice

When eating a sugary snack try to have it around mealtimes, as this will expose the teeth to just one acid attack rather than two.

 

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