Tag: Scarborough

5 Things Every Person With Dentures Needs To Know

We are told from a young age how important our oral hygiene is to keep our mouth and teeth healthy. However, even if looked after to the best standard, there is a high chance that you will need dentures at some point in your life. To be able to experience the benefits of your dentures, you need to understand how to care for them.

Dental Hygiene Is Still Crucial

Even though your dentures are not natural teeth, they still need cleaning frequently to keep them looking good and to keep the rest of your mouth healthy. To clean your dentures you should soak and brush them using a soft bristled toothbrush and non abrasive denture cleaner. Soak them overnight. Dentures get stained easily if not cleaned properly.

It Takes Time To Get Used To Them

When you put your dentures on, you are placing something artificial in your mouth so it is normal for this to feel strange. It could also result in the development of some mouth sores. However, your dentist will tell you how to minimise the initial discomfort and avoid sores. After a short while, your dentures will start to feel natural in your mouth.

Dentures Should Be Removed When Possible

Whenever you do not need to wear your dentures, you should remove them. Extended wear can place pressure on the gum, which could lead to a receding gum condition. If in place too long, they can also cause bad breath. Taking them out will allow your gums to relax.

Practice Makes Perfect

The reasons for wearing dentures are to allow you to eat and talk naturally. However, this may take a while to get used to.

Dentures Require Maintenance

Once you get used to your dentures, you will almost forget that they are there. However, because they are subject to so much wear, they need regular maintenance and there may be times that they need repairing. If they do need repairing, make sure you take them back to your dentist who will ensure that they are repaired correctly.

Your dentures will give you the confidence to smile and go about your day to day life as if you had your natural teeth, as long as you care for them correctly. If you have any issues with your dentures, please call us on 01723 670500 and one of our dentists will do everything they can to help.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental anxiety can create a huge barrier when trying to access routine dental care. A visit to the dentist for some people can be extremely difficult. This is where sedation dentistry could work for you.

Types Of Sedation

There are two types of sedation available, intravenous sedation and inhalation sedation.

Intravenous sedation is administered by the dentist through your vein. IV sedation provides several benefits:

  • It starts working quickly, and you feel minimal to no pain during the procedure.
  • The dentist can monitor your vitals and easily adjust the the dosage.
  • It creates a long period of amnesia so you won’t remember the procedure at all when you wake up.
  • It allows you to cooperate for a more extended period so more than one procedure can be performed in one appointment.

Inhalation sedation involves breathing in nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. The gas helps you to relax and your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive. The gas tends to wear off quickly.

Who Can Have Sedation?

Sedation is most appropriate for people who suffer with moderate to severe dental anxiety. It may also be appropriate for people who:

  • Have a low pain threshold.
  • Can’t sit still in the dentist’s chair.
  • Have very sensitive teeth.
  • Have a bad gag reflex.
  • Need a large amount of dental work completed.

What Your Dental Symptom Could Mean

Toothache

Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also be a sign of gum disease. In some cases, toothache could also be a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. If the pain is significant, you should visit your dentist so that they can examine it and sort a treatment plan.

Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth are painful when you drink hot or cold drinks, you might have sensitive teeth. This could be the result of tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root caused by gum recession. If you are concerned about the sensitivity, please contact your dentist who will be able to give you some advice.

Bleeding Or Sore Gums

Bleeding gums could be a sign of gingivitis, which is an early sign of gum disease. Or it could simply be a sign that you are brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine. If your gums are continually bleeding, visit your dentist.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores vary in their severity and causes. They could be caused by a disease or a disorder, infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus, or irritation from appliances such as braces or dentures.

Bad Breath

Bad breath can be caused by what you eat, not cleaning your mouth, dry mouth, smoking or other medical conditions. Persistent bad breath could be a sign of gum disease. To help reduce bad breath and prevent gum disease, make sure you are maintaining your oral hygiene routine, brushing twice a day and flossing daily. It is also important that you are brushing your tongue as it can hold onto food debris, causing bad breath. If you are concerned about what is causing your bad breath, you should visit your dentist.

Jaw Pain

Many things can cause jaw pain so it can be difficult to diagnose and find the cause. Possible causes include sinus problems, toothache, arthritis, teeth grinding, gingivitis or injury. Your dentist will conduct a thorough exam which may include x-rays to determine the source of the pain.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth could be the symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect to certain medications. Saliva helps to prevent tooth decay as it washes away food and other debris and neutralises acids. Your dentist will help to diagnose the source of the problem and recommend ways to solve the issue.

Cracked Or Broken Teeth

A cracked or broken tooth can happen for a variety of reasons including brittle teeth, teeth grinding or injury. The crack may not be visible to the naked eye but if left untreated it can lead to more problems such as tooth decay. If you experience pain when chewing, you should see your dentist.

Stained Or Discoloured Teeth

Overtime, as you age, your teeth can become stained and change colour. This can be emphasised by certain foods such as tea and coffee. It can also be caused by a variety of other reasons such as smoking, aging, genetics, injury or certain medications. Whitening treatments could work for you but you should discuss this with your dentist first.

If you have any concerns about your oral health, please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment and a dentist will try to diagnose your problem.

What To Do Following A Tooth Extraction

Immediately after you have had a tooth removed, you should take it easy for the rest of the day. Do as little exercise as possible and keep your head up to avoid any bleeding.

What Precautions Should I Take?

Avoid hot foods and drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is because when you are under anaesthesia you will not be able to feel if you are burning your mouth and this could result in serious injury. Also, be careful not to chew your cheek.

Should I Rinse My Mouth Out?

Do not rinse the area for the first 24 hours. It is vital that the socket heals, and you must be careful not to damage the blood clot that is forming. This means that you should try to eat on the other side of your mouth and try not to let your tongue disturb it. If it is disturbed, it can allow infection into the socket which will affect the healing process.

Are There Any Foods Or Drinks I Should Avoid?

Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours as this can encourage bleeding which would delay the healing process. Eat and drink lukewarm food as normal but try to avoid eating on that side of your mouth.

When Should I Brush?

It is vital that your mouth is kept clean after an extraction to prevent infection. However, be careful around the extraction site as the clot could become dislodged.

What Should I Do If It Bleeds?

It is important to remember that there is likely to be some bleeding for the first day or so. However, if you do notice bleeding, do not rinse out, instead apply pressure to the socket. Bite down on folded piece of clean material, such as a handkerchief for at least 15 minutes. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after an hour or two, contact your dentist.

How Long Until I Can I Have A Cigarette?

It is important that you don’t do anything that can raise your blood pressure, as this can cause further bleeding. It is recommended that you avoid smoking for as long as possible after an extraction, but this should be for at least the rest of the day after your extraction.

What Should I Do To Help My Mouth Heal?

Different people will heal at different rates. You should keep your mouth and the extraction site as clean as possible, free of debris and food. Don’t rinse for the first 24 hours as this can delay the healing process. After this time, use a salt water mouthwash, which will help to heal the socket. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and gently rinse around the socket twice a day.

What Should I Do If I Am In Pain?

There will usually be some pain in the area for the first few days, and normally some simple pain relief is enough to ease the discomfort. Do not take aspirin as this will make your mouth bleed.

If you are still in pain, it could be due to an infection that has entered the socket. This is called a dry socket. If this is the case it is important to see your dentist, who may place a dressing and prescribe some antibiotics.

If, after reading this post, you still have an unanswered question, please call us on 01723 670500 for advice.

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.

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.