Almost everyone has a veneer in their house, usually in the form of a piece of furniture. It is a sliver of natural wood that is fitted and polished over less inferior woods to make it appear as if the whole piece is solid. That is exactly what a tooth veneer is as well says a London W1 dentist, usually a patient will consult their dentist to see if a veneer will cure a problem they have with a tooth or a whole row in some cases. These problems can be anything from a discoloured tooth to a misshapen or even chipped one. The dentist will examine the tooth and see if it is a good candidate for a veneer, they may recommend a crown instead. If the patient is a good candidate then a mould is made of the tooth, from this the veneer is sculptured and coloured to fit over the problem tooth, and also to fit in colour wise with the other teeth. A fitting is then done to make sure all is fine, and some fine tuning may be necessary to make the veneer more natural. Then the dentist is ready to fit it, they will skim a top layer of enamel off the offending tooth and simply cement the veneer onto the tooth. If the veneer becomes damaged by a crack or chip, then it is easily replaced as it can not be repaired in most cases. The cost has come done a lot in recent years with more people opting for this simple solution to dental problems. Little or no discomfort is felt either during or after the procedure, the patient may feel a little strange with the new tooth, so to speak, but the mouth will generally get used to it after a few days, all in all a simple and quick solution to what used to be a major dental problem.
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Dental veneers; a London W1 dentist explains the facts and myths
January 23rd, 2010Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Unexplained pain diagnosed as TMJ by London W1 dentist
November 16th, 2009
Temporomandibular disorder, more commonly know as TMJ, affects the tempromandibular joint, a part of the head that includes the hinge of the lower jaw and the temporal bone of the skull below the ear. This is the area of the head that controls chewing, biting and all other movements of the jaw. This means that TMJ can cause pain when carrying out the simplest of activity such as eating and talking. This pain can range from mild to severe and intermittent to constant.
It was commonly though that TMJ was caused by emotional or psychological disorders such as stress, but common opinion seems to favour a wider variety of causes. One of the most common causes is a problem affecting the bite. This is the way the top and bottom teeth sit together and can be caused by any alterations caused in either dental arc. For example, a knocked out or chipped tooth could alter the way the teeth sit together. This can cause muscular problems in the areas around the jawbone which lead to TMJ. In other cases it is believed that TMJ is caused by a head trauma such as a sudden jolt. This can cause misalignment of the joint that affects its movement.
Unfortunately, the most common symptom for TMJ is pain. Diagnosis usually follows a period of pain in the patient, which can spread to the neck and shoulders. The dentist will conduct a clench test, which sees whether the teeth and jaw hurt when the top and bottom teeth are clenched together. If diagnosed, the dentist will make moulds of the teeth and bite and mount them on an instrument called an articulator. This mimics the movement of the jaw so that the dentist can ascertain what is causing the pain.
Temporary relief can be had from TMJ by taking over-the-counter pain medication. Hot and cold packs also provide some relief from muscular pain. The dentist may also advise preventative measures such as limiting jaw movement and staying away from crunchy or chewy foods.
Long-term treatments are usually in the form of physical therapy and medication, although it is increasingly being found that dental appliances such as a mouth guard or splint can be used to improve bite and limit the causes of TMJ.
If you are experiencing unexplained pain in the jaw, head or neck, make an appointment to see a London W1 dentist. There is an end to this painful condition with the correct diagnosis and treatment form a trained dentist.
West London dentist warns of increased risk of periodontitis for diabetics
September 24th, 2009
People who have diabetes often suffer health problems with their eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. But less known is the increased risk they face of periodontal disease. This is the disease of the gums that causes painful and bleeding gums. Conversely, periodontal disease can make it hard to control blood sugar levels, which in turn can aggravate the diabetes.
It is this lack of blood sugar control that makes diabetes sufferers more susceptible to gum disease. Irregularities in blood sugar levels often cause gum disease, and diabetics are far more likely to suffer severe gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss, than non-diabetics. The thickening of blood that is symptomatic of diabetes also means it is harder to carry away the tissues’ waste products from the gums meaning that gum tissues are far more likely to get infected.
Diabetes sufferers who also smoke are at particular risk. Studies show that a diabetic smoker is 20 times more likely to suffer gum disease than someone with neither of these risk factors.
Diabetics are also at greater risk because they are not as able to remove sugars from the mouth. A build up of sugar in the mouth provides the perfect place for bacteria to grow and cause further damage.
Gum disease has two clear stages. Firstly, gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, which is often represented by inflammation, swelling and irritation of the gums. At this stage it can still be reversed by proper brushing and a good oral hygiene routine. If the infection gets worse it may develop into periodontal disease. This is when plaque develops under the gums fording them away from the teeth. Infection then develops in this space. At this stage it will require treatment from a dental professional.
Treatment takes one of two forms; either plaque removal or more serious periodontal surgery. A West London dentist will be able to perform both procedures relatively easily. Dentists advise regular six-monthly check ups, especially for diabetics to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Central London dentist brightens smile with natural herbal teeth remedies
September 13th, 2009
As our attitudes change and as a society we desire a move towards a greener and more natural way of life, there is a growing demand for more natural methods of dental treatment. Although this seems a relatively new concept, it is actually one that has existed for millennia. Indeed it is only relatively recently in human history that we have used synthetically produced medicinal remedies. Until then, and still in other parts of the world, herbal teeth remedies were the only option. Today we may be able to choose but herbal teeth remedies offer an alternative that is increasingly of interest to many.
A lack of unpleasant side effects is the most obvious and important advantage that herbal remedies possess, and this is just one of many that these ancient cures have over today’s treatments. The ‘we know best’ mentality of the West in the 20th Century is gradually starting to turn into a more open-minded approach. The lack of side effects and growing number of glowing testimonies from patients are also encouraging an enthusiastic response from dentists.
Herbal remedies work by attacking the problem at the source. They are less concerned with treating the symptoms (something that we in the 20th century are obsessed with) than by treating the cause of the illness or disease. Herbal teeth remedies also take a more holistic approach to treatment. A toothache maybe caused by any number of factors both in the mouth and in other parts of the body. Herbal remedies target the exact source of the problem and stop the aggravation.
Central London dentists are increasingly seeing a demand from their patients for this rediscovered approach to treatment and will be able to discuss with you what herbal teeth remedies will work best for your ailments. There are also herbal treatments for more cosmetic purposes such as teeth whitening which have been proved to be very effective and don’t use any potentially harmful chemicals.
Have Your Amalgam Fillings Done in Central London
June 7th, 2009
In most cases, if you are considering having amalgam fillings installed, then you have tooth decay in a molar. There is no question that you will want to gain access to a dentist that will remove as little healthy tooth material as possible. Therefore, if you need to have amalgam fillings, you may want to have them done by a Central London dentist.
As you may be aware, amalgam fillings are silver coloured, and made from mercury alloys. Even though there are many different kinds of filling materials available today, amalgam is still the cheapest and most durable. That said, if you need to have this type of filling, you may want to take some extra time to be prepared. While you may not need to take time off from work after having fillings done, you may want to take a few hours off beforehand. This will give you time to relax and get rid of any extra stress.
If you normally feel anxious about dental procedures, you may want to ask your dentist for a sedative, or something else that will help you relax. Unfortunately, if you are on medications for certain conditions, some of your options may be limited. That said, usually your dentist will be able to come up with a suitable answer. If you still feel concerned, you may also want to talk to your primary care doctor about other ways to help you remain calm and comfortable while you are getting amalgam fillings.
When you have tooth decay in a molar or premolar it is very important to have it treated as quickly as possible. Once these teeth become infected or seriously damaged, it will reduce your ability to eat properly. As may be expected, this can have serious consequences on every other aspect of your personal health. Regardless of how you may feel about having fillings installed, they represent a better alternative than simply doing nothing.
West London Dental Tips on How to Avoid Tooth Abscess
May 9th, 2009
If a person maintains a good oral hygiene, tooth abscess will unlikely to occur. Tooth abscess is an infection of one tooth or the root of the tooth. If you have tooth abscess, it is important that you consult and seek treatment with your West London dentist to prevent spreading the infection to other teeth.
Tooth abscess has several causes, including:
• Existing tooth infection – when a dental procedure was performed on your tooth such as filling, root canal or crown, the infection was already in the tooth. The dental work failed to kill the bacteria which will later turned into tooth abscess.
• Weak immune system – a tooth abscess may be caused by a germ resident in the tooth and a weak immune system may have failed to fight the infection brought about by this germ.
• Age-related – as a person ages, his tooth weakens which allows a germ to enter and caused infection.
Your West London dentist may able to determine a tooth abscess because of signs and symptoms which may include:
• Persistent toothache at the site of the tooth infection
• Swelling of the tooth
• Facial swelling in cases that tooth abscess penetrated to the bone and started draining into tissues surrounding the tooth.
Unchecked tooth abscess may cause complications such as fistulae, facial disfigurement and falling teeth. Hence, it is important that tooth abscess should be treated as early as possible. Several treatment options for tooth abscess are:
• Use of antibiotics to kill the germ that caused infection
• Root canal treatment which involves drilling of the infected area, cleansing and resealing the infected tooth.
• Tooth extraction to clean the infected area
You Can Get Treatment for Dental Decay in West London
March 8th, 2009
When you go for routine dental exams in West London, your dentist will check for the most common signs of dental decay. Unfortunately, even if you are very careful about brushing and flossing your teeth, cavities can begin to form. As you may be aware, it is best to halt the progress of tooth decay as quickly as possible. If you keep up with your scheduled cleanings and exams, it may only take a minimal amount of effort to keep your teeth in good condition.
Before certain types of bacteria begin making holes in your teeth, there will be some noticeable changes to the enamel. This may include changes in color, as well as other evidence that will be picked up on xrays. At this early stage, fluoride therapy and sealants can be used to stop dental decay. In some cases, making some dietary changes will even make it possible for small areas of enamel to regain good health.
Once cavities begin to eat away at the outer layers of your tooth, it will be necessary to clear away the affected tissue. Dental fillings can then be used to seal up the area, and make it possible for you to chew as you normally would. Ideally, these procedures should be done before the hole reaches the pulp, and nerve tissues located deep in the tooth structure. Unfortunately, once the pulp area becomes infected, it will be necessary to remove the tooth.
Even though you may not like dental drills and procedures, your dentist has a number of medications that can help you remain pain free and calm. Without a question, if you have cavities, it is better to treat them now, rather than try to deal with the consequences of not doing so later on. Aside from helping preserve good dental health, you will also be able to enjoy an attractive smile for the rest of your life.
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