August 16th, 2009
A knocked out, or avulsed tooth as it is known in the dentistry profession, can be caused by any kind of accident but the most common involve sports injuries, car accidents, fighting and chewing on hard food. A knocked out tooth can be quite serious so dentists advise that prevention is always better than cure.
When playing sports, especially physically demanding ones, it is important to wear a mouth guard. They may be uncomfortable and make it difficult to talk but these are minor considerations compared to the pain and lifetime of embarrassment a knocked out tooth can cause. Always wear a seatbelt when traveling in a car, avoid eating hard foods such as bones and, needless to say, don’t get involve in any fights.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a tooth knocked out, then the first thing to do is to try and replace it immediately. Being careful not to touch the tooth by its root i.e holding the biting edge, simply put it back in its place. With any luck it will slot right back in and can be held in place gently by wet gauze or a tea bag. Do not apply significant pressure or attempt to force it if it won’t go.
If the tooth won’t slot back in, the next best thing is to keep it in an air tight container and cover it with milk or saliva. This may preserve it long enough to save it and have it replaced.
It is important you always see a dentist immediately when you have a tooth knocked out or fractured. Your London dentist will be on hand to help in an emergency and will do all they can to save the original tooth. If this is not possible they will be able to offer the best advice about the next course of action, which is likely to involve a dental bridge.
August 16th, 2009
Incredibly, dentists have been using laser treatment for over 15 years. Despite some early skepticism the industry is coming to realize that lasers may have a key part to play in the future of dentistry. Their accuracy and all round benefits mean they are becoming ever more popular in dental treatments.
Dentists use lasers for a variety of purposes. They can be used to remove decay and prepare a tooth for a filling and then used to cure or harden the filling itself. They can also be used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures. Other uses include removing small amounts of tissue for biopsy, especially useful in the fight against cancer, and to activate agents in tooth whitening procedures.
Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light and can be used to cut or vaporize tissue as well as acting as a catalyst for other treatments. They are particularly useful as they can often minimise the pain and anxiety felt by patients and also reduce swelling and bleeding during dental treatments. Also because of the high levels of heat used there is often a reduced risk of post-procedural infection as the laser acts as a sterilizing agent.
Lasers are an innovative and precise dentistry tool that more and more dentists are using because of the obvious advantages to both themselves and dentists. Ask your London dentists about laser treatment and take the pain out of your trip to the dentist.
August 16th, 2009
Temporomandibular disorder, otherwise known as TMJ, affects the temporomandibular joint, an area that includes the major bones and muscles of the jaw and some areas of the skull. This is the part of the head that is responsible for chewing, biting and talking. TMJ can therefore cause pain while carrying out these simple and essential actions. The pain experienced by sufferers can range from constant to intermittent and may last for many years.
TMJ has often been attributed to stress related disorders but further research has shown that can be a variety of different causes. Interferences in the movement of the jaw or bite from individual teeth can force muscles to reposition joints out of their sockets.Other causes of TMJ include a trauma to the head or face such as a sudden jolt. Grinding of teeth may also cause an interference with bite and can lead to TMJ.
The major symptom of TMJ is, rather unfortunately, pain. Pain to the jaw, head, face and neck may all be indicative of TMJ. Other signs that you might have TMJ are difficulty hearing or earache. Your city of London dentist may also carry out a clench test. If one or all teeth cause pain when you clench your teeth, you may be suffering from TMJ. Your dentist will also evaluate your bite and the movement and relationship of your jaw and joints.
Although temporary relief may be found using hot or cold packs, limited jaw movement and medication, it really requires a proper diagnosis and full treatment by a dentist to cure TMJ to a satisfactory degree, and may even be significantly cheaper than paying out repeatedly for palliative treatments.
TMJ is a very common condition and one that, with the right dentist, can be cured. See your city of London dentist if you think you might be suffering.
August 16th, 2009
Having a missing tooth can be embarrassing and can cause you to be afraid of smiling, but with a dental bridge it is possible to achieve a realistic and natural looking smile that could restore your confidence.
A dental bridge is made up of two crowns that are anchored to existing teeth with one or more false teeth in the middle. Dental implants, natural teeth or a combination of the two can be used to support the bridge. There are various types of dental bridge but there is certain to be one that will provide you with the smile you’ve been looking for. The one you choose will often depend on the condition of your existing teeth, cost and the desired cosmetic results.
The three main types of dental bridge are: the Traditional Bridge, the most commonly used bridge that is made of porcelain fused to metal; the cantilever bridge, where there are only existing teeth on one side of the gap; and the Maryland Bonded Bridge, where plastic false teeth are supported by a metal framework.
The dental bridge procedure will usually involve two or three visits to the dentist. On the first visit the dentist will assess what kind of bridge will work best for you. He will take a mold of your teeth and maybe file down existing teeth so that they can accept the crowns. On follow up visits the dentist will cement the crowns to your existing teeth, securing firmly in place your new dental bridge.
With the proper care, a dental bridge will last between five and seven years. Looking after your bridge properly will not only extend its life but also the life and health of your existing teeth and gums. Regular brushing and flossing allied to regular dental check-ups will keep your oral hygiene and dental bridge in excellent condition and will prevent any further problems down the line. Speak to your London dentist now to see which dental bridge will be most suitable and you too can have a winning smile.
August 16th, 2009
According to dentists, the most important part of tooth protection happens at home. Brushing your teeth correctly twice a day, along with flossing and regular check-ups can help prevent a lifetime of problematic dental problems.
Brushing your teeth has long been considered a crucial part of good dental care. As long ago as 3000BC the Egyptians were making toothbrushes out of twigs and leaves. More modern research shows that brushing your teeth really does prevent cavities, gingivitis and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Clever, those Egyptians.
Brushing helps to remove plaque, an invisible layer of bacteria that develops on the enamel, that if left turns into tartar which can cause a whole range of dental problems. Tooth brushing also helps to stimulate gums which helps to keep them healthy.
Toothpastes contain foaming agents and detergents, most notably fluoride which helps to prevent cavities by removing plaque, so be sure to make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride.
About one in ten of us accumulate tartar quickly so it is important that we brush our teeth correctly. Using anti-tartar toothpaste and making sure to brush near the salivary glands on the inside of the lower front teeth and outside of the upper back ones can help to keep the tartar at bay.
City of London dentists will be able to advise you on the most suitable toothpastes to use for your teeth and offer advice on how to clean your teeth properly and thoroughly. They may also be able to spot problems with enamel erosion caused by overly aggressive brushing.
Some people find that their teeth are overly sensitive to heat, cold and pressure. City of London dentists will be able to offer help on choosing which toothpaste can best help you avoid the pain of sensitive teeth. You can also talk to your dentist about the effectiveness of teeth whitening products.
