Tag: Dentist

Mouth Cancer Action Month

Mouth Cancer Action Month is a charity campaign to help raise awareness for oral cancer. The campaign takes place throughout November and thousands of people help to raise awareness in their community.

The number of people being diagnosed with mouth cancer is on the rise so it is important that you know how to spot it early and what to do if you notice something unusual. This will help us learn more about cancer so we have a better chance of beating it.

Although there are many risk factors related to the disease, mouth cancer can affect anyone, which is why it is so important that we know what to look out for.

How Can You Take Part?

This November, we need your support. There are lots of ways you can take part:

  • Knowing how to spot mouth cancer early and regularly checking for unusual changes in the mouth.
  • Understanding what is likely to cause mouth cancer and reducing your risk.
  • Acting quickly when you see something out of the ordinary by visiting your dentist.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a great way to raise awareness whilst raising funds. These donations help the Oral Health Foundation continue their important work in learning more about oral cancer and how we can beat it.

For more information about the campaign, visit the Oral Health Foundation website and for more information about oral cancer, please click here to read our blog.

Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

During your visit to the dentist you may need to have x-rays done so that your dentist can get an overall view of your mouth. Many patients feel anxious when having x-rays done as it is unfamiliar to them.

Why Would I Need An X-Ray?

Tooth decay in the early stages may not show any visible signs and it may not initially cause you pain. Sometimes your tooth might look healthy but the x-ray may show something different. From an x-ray, your dental team will be able to see if you have any decay under the enamel, any infections in the root, or any bone loss around the tooth. X-rays can also help the dental team see between your teeth or under the edge of your filling. By finding dental diseases at an early stage, you will be able to treat them before they progress into something more serious.

How Often Should I Have X-Rays?

If you are visiting the dentist as a new patient, the dental team will most likely suggest that you have x-rays. This will help them to identify any issues that need to be taken into account during your treatment. After that, x-rays may be recommended every 6-24 months, depending on the person, their age and the condition of their oral health.

Are X-Rays Dangerous?

While dental x-rays do involve radiation, the exposure levels are so low that they are considered safe to use on children and adults. There are multiple sources of background radiation that you are exposed to daily that give off higher levels of radiation over a year than a dental x-ray. The only circumstance where it may not be considered safe for an x-ray is if you are pregnant. You should inform your dental team if this is the case and they will decide the appropriate course of action.

Why Does My Dentist Leave The Room During An X-Ray

The dental team might take hundreds of x-rays every week. It is important that staff limit their exposure to radiation by moving away from the x-ray beam.

Types Of X-Ray

There are several different types of x-rays which record images at different angles in your mouth. The most common are:

  • Bitewing – This shows the crowns of your teeth ( the part that is visible above your gum).
  • Occlusal – This x-ray shows the entire arch of teeth in either the top or bottom jaw.
  • Panoramic – Used to show the entire mouth on a single image.
  • Periapical – This x-ray focusses on two complete teeth from root to crown.

To summarise, dental x-rays are very safe as they only expose you to minimal levels of radiation. It is important that if your dentist recommends that you have x-rays taken that you follow their advice as without all of the information they will not be able to meet all of your treatment needs.

Dental Implant Procedure

Dental implants have a titanium screw that is drilled into your jawbone. Over several months, the bone surrounding the implant grows, holding it in place.

Types Of Dental Implants

There are two types of implants:

Endosteal (In The Bone)

Endosteal are the most common types of implants. They are surgically inserted into the the jawbone where they take the place of the tooth roots. One implant can be used to anchor one or several teeth.

Subperiosteal (On The Bone)

This implant is used when there isn’t enough healthy jawbone to support an endosteal implant.

They are inserted under the gum but aren’t drilled into the jawbone. They are placed on or above the jawbone.

Surgery Timeline

Implant procedures require lots of steps over a period of 3 to 9 months.

Evaluation

The first step will be to get your teeth, gums and jawbone evaluated. This will help to determine if you have enough healthy jawbone to maintain the implant. If the bone is too thin or soft, a bone graft may be necessary first. Your gums must also be free of periodontal disease.

Placing The Implant

An endosteal implant:

  • The dentist will cut the gum and expose the jawbone underneath.
  • Holes will be drilled into the bowl where the implant will be inserted.
  • If you would like, a temporary, removable denture can be placed over the hole until the permanent tooth can be fitted to the implant.

If you have a subperiosteal implant, your jawbone won’t be drilled and the implant will be put on or above the bone.

After the procedure, you will experience some swelling and pain which will subside over the following days.

Osseointegration

After the implant is placed, it can take between 2-6 months for the bone to grow around it. This is osseointegration. Natural jawbone will strengthen and grow around the the dental implant. This keeps it firmly in place.

Abutment Placement

A metal extender called an abutment is typically added to the implant and they are used to connect the replacement tooth to the implant.

Sometimes the abutment will be attached when the implant is placed but sometimes it may require a second appointment. If this is the case, the dentist may need to make an incision if the gum tissue has grown over the implant. The gums will take several weeks to heal after the abutment placement.

Placing The Tooth

Once the healing process is complete, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that the replacement tooth can be made to fit. It can be fixed or removable.

If you choose to have a removable tooth, it will be mounted onto a metal frame and attached to the abutment. It can be removed for daily cleaning.

If you choose to have a fixed tooth, it will be cemented or screwed onto the abutment.

Your new teeth must be cared for with daily brushing and flossing, just like your natural teeth. Your implant should last for decades if looked after properly.

If you are interested in having an implant, please call us on 01723 670500 for more information.

Why Is Preventative Dentistry So Important?

Preventative dentistry focuses on the prevention of oral diseases such as tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. It relies on methods of early detection and preventative treatments. These are examples of preventative methods.

Patient Education

It is extremely important that patients are aware of the different dental diseases as well as the treatments available. This allows you to make well informed decisions not only regarding your dental treatment, but also your everyday lifestyle choices. As you become more informed, you become more responsible surrounding your oral health, leading to more healthy choices.

Cleanings

When plaque and calculus build up on your teeth, problems start to arise, such as gum disease and tooth decay. This is why, when you visit your dental hygienist, you will be given a scale and polish to remove the materials that you find difficult to clean off at home. A scaler is used to remove these hard substances. Your teeth will also be polished to remove stains and make them smooth so that it is more difficult for plaque to stick to your teeth.

Oral Cancer Screening

When you visit the dentist for a check up, they will conduct an oral cancer screening. Your dentist will look for the early signs of oral cancer so that there is a higher chance of a cure.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment supports healthy tooth enamel and fights the bacteria that harm your teeth and gums. A topical fluoride gel is applied to your teeth.

Preventative dentistry helps to reduce the likelihood of oral diseases that will require intervention. By having an oral hygiene regime, you are less likely to develop these diseases.

Who Can Have Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a method of replacing missing teeth. They are suitable for most adults, but there are a few exceptions. Your dentists will discuss with you during your consultation whether they are right for you or not.

Your dentist may not recommend dental implants if you:

  • Have had radiotherapy in or around your jaw.
  • Have diabetes that isn’t well controlled.
  • Smoke, chew tobacco or vape. Smoking causes a number of adverse effects on your oral health, including dry mouth and reduced blood flow. This slows the healing process and the integration of the implant into your jawbone.
  • Drink heavily.
  • Take recreational drugs.
  • Have active gum disease. Your mouth needs to be in a healthy condition to have implants. Gum disease creates an environment that increases the risk of infection around the implants. This could lead to the failure and loss of the implant.

In some situations where bone is lacking, the placement of the implant can be more difficult. Your dentist will assess the bone using a CT scan before your treatment starts to ensure that there is enough quality bone to withstand the implant.

If you are considering having an implant call us on 01723 670500 to book a consultation to decide if it is suitable for you.

Sensitive Teeth Causes And Treatments

A sudden pain or discomfort when eating hot or cold foods or breathing in through your mouth are common symptoms of sensitive teeth. It is very treatable with our useful tips below.

What Is Sensitivity?

If you get a sharp, sudden pain in your teeth when you bite into something hot or cold, it’s very likely that you are suffering from sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are an exaggerated response to a stimuli such as hot or cold.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

There are a range of things that can cause sensitivity, but there are two main reasons: enamel loss and gum recession.

Enamel loss can be caused by:

  • Brushing too aggressively too often.
  • Acid erosion from acidic foods and drinks such as fizzy drinks or sweets.

Gum recession can be caused by:

  • Using a hard bristle toothbrush as this can injure the gum tissue.
  • Gum disease.
  • Your genes. No matter how well you look after your oral health, you may be genetically susceptible to gum recession.
  • Smoking increases plaque buildup on teeth which can lead to a greater risk of gum recession.

Professional and at home whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, but this should subside within a short period of time.

How To Treat Sensitive Teeth

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is key to preventing sensitivity. This means brushing twice a day for 2 minutes and flossing. You can also use a specialist sensitive toothpaste such as those sold by sensodyne.

If, after treating at home, you are still suffering with sensitivity, we would recommend that you visit your dentist so that they can offer you advice and treatment if you need it.

Why Do I Need To Wear My Retainers After Braces?

Retainers are custom made devices to hold your teeth in place. They are often used after orthodontic treatment to keep your bite in place.

How Many Hours A Day Do You Need To Wear A Retainer?

Your dentist will advise you on the length of time you need to wear your retainer after having your braces removed, but the general rule is to wear them full time for the first three months. This means you will only remove them to eat or brush your teeth. After three months, it is recommended to wear them every night. Basically, you need to continue to wear your retainer for as long as you want a beautiful smile, otherwise it is inevitable that they will shift back into their original position.

Why Do I Need To Wear My Retainer?

After having your braces, your teeth have been moved to the perfect position, but it takes time to stabilise them. If you don’t wear your retainer, your teeth will shift back into their old placement. This is known as relapsing. If you don’t wear it, it is likely that you will need orthodontic treatment again.

Although it might seem annoying at first, it will soon become a part of your routine to wear your retainer. When considering the alternative of having braces again, it seems like the better option.

After a couple of years, you may need a new retainer. If this is the case and you need a replacement, call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment. The dentist will take an impression of your mouth which is given to the lab to then make you a new retainer.

What To Consider When Looking For A New Dentist.

When choosing a dentist, the deciding factor for a lot of people will be the proximity and convenience. However, when doing this, you need to consider if you are going to be getting the best dental care that you can. We have compiled a list of things you should look out for when trying to find a new dentist.

Check Credentials With The General Dental Council

It is quick an easy to search your dentist on google and make sure that their credentials are up to date. Visit the General Dental Council website where you can search for all dental professionals on the current GDC database.

NHS Or Private

Some dentists may offer a mix of private and NHS patients, whereas others may only offer one type of service. It is important that you understand which type of service your dentist can offer you before you commit to treatment.

Professionalism And Customer Service

It is quite easy to quickly notice the signs of good customer service. This is something that is very important to pick up on as a trip to the dentist can make some people quite wary. A helpful receptionist team and dental professionals are likely to help you feel more comfortable. At Newby Dental Practice are a very friendly team who would be happy to help with any concerns.

Dental Treatments Available

If you are looking for a particular treatment, it would be a good idea to check if it is available before starting with any other treatments. At Newby Dental Practice, we offer a wide range of treatments such as cosmetic treatments including, whitening and invisalign.

Emergency Treatments

Accidents happen and it is always nice to know that if you need assistance, your dentist will be there for you. Check if your dentist offers emergency appointments.

Recommendations

Ask friends and family where they go to the dentist and whether they would recommend it or not. Sometimes hearing from real people about real experiences can be the best way to find out if that dentist is the one for you.

If you are interested in registering with Newby Dental Practice, please call us on 01723 670500.

What You Should Know About Your Child’s Oral Health

When you become a parent it’s important that you are keeping a close eye on your child’s oral hygiene. In this post, we will outline some of the developmental signs you should look out for as well as how to approach their first trip to the dentist.

Early Oral Care For Children

Even before your children have grown their first teeth, it is vital that you get into the habit of cleaning their gums to help remove bacteria and any food particles in the mouth. You can do this by using a soft washcloth and warm water, massaging the gums gently with your finger. This will also help your child get used to the feeling that will be similar to when they start brushing their teeth.

Once their first teeth have started to erupt, you can start to use a soft infant toothbrush and some toothpaste. Avoid using toothpaste that contains fluoride until your child is at least two years old. Use a similar motion to using the washcloth to brush the teeth, using a small amount of toothpaste.

Stages Of Tooth Development

As your child grows, their mouth will undergo many changes. The first teeth that emerge are the front incisors on the bottom jaw in the first 6-10 months, followed by the top incisors. The canines usually appear towards the end of your child’s first year, followed by the first molars around 6 months later.

The second molars will appear at about 2 years old and the third molars at around 6 years.

At around 6 years old, your child will start to lose their baby teeth, in a similar order to how they appeared.

These developmental markers are very general as every child will develop at different rates.

First Dental Visit

When your child’s first teeth have become visible, it is time to take them to the dentist. Visiting your dentist at an early stage will make sure that they become familiar to your child early, making it a more comfortable experience for your child as they grow up.

The first visit to the dentist is a good time to ask any questions or point out concerns that you may have regarding your child’s oral health. This will allow the dentist to discuss these issues with you and give any advice.

Make It Fun

One of the biggest challenges that parents will face is the problem of overcoming their child’s fear of the dentist. If your child is unaware of a trip to the dentist and what it entails, it can make it more scary for them. The best way to approach an upcoming appointment is to inform them in the weeks leading up to the appointment. Explain to them how important it is to have strong, healthy teeth, and how their dentist can help them look after them. Give them an idea of what might happen during the appointment so that they know what to expect.

Starting Your Kids Down The Right Path

Your child’s oral health needs to be kept on top of to ensure that you can notice the early signs of any problems that you need to discuss with their dentist. Developing an oral hygiene routine early will be extremely helpful in ensuring that your child continues the habits into their adult life.

How To Look After A New Dental Crown

If a filling is no longer sufficient to repair a tooth, a crown may be the next option. A crown may also be required after a root canal procedure to seal the tooth. If your dental crown is effectively cared for, it should cause no problems and last many years.

Although a crown can’t suffer from decay, it is still important that you are caring for it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Daily Cleaning

Whilst the crown itself will not decay, the tooth it is attached to could, which could put your crown at risk of becoming loose. The underlying tooth may change shape if it becomes decayed, meaning that you may need to have a new crown made.

Gum Disease

It is essential to clean your teeth well, not only to protect your crown, but to prevent gum disease. If you are not using floss or interdental brushes, we would recommend that you start now.Although, when flossing be careful that the floss does not become wedged under the crown as it may dislodge it. In addition to this, we would recommend regular appointments with your hygienist who will provide a scale and polish to help keep your mouth free of gum disease.

If you fail to look after your gums effectively, you could develop periodontitis which is a form of gum disease. It results in bone loss in your mouth, so the structures that support your teeth deteriorate, making them loose. It would be very disappointing to have a new crown placed, only to later lose the tooth due to gum disease!

Small Changes

Along with keeping a strong oral hygiene routine, there are a few other changes you could make to improve the lifetime of your crown:

  • Avoid sticky, chewy foods which could pull off the crown.
  • Try to chew using the other side of your mouth.
  • Avoid hard foods, such as raw vegetables, which could dislodge or break the crown.

The best way to look after your crown is to maintain great oral care and treat your crown as you would your natural teeth, the tooth beneath the crown still needs protection from decay and gum disease. Crowns are still susceptible to cracking and wear and tear so be careful when eating hard foods.

If you are interested in having a crown, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.