March 21st, 2011
Losing a tooth or teeth can be a traumatic experience whether it was the result of an accident, gum disease or dental decay. But it is imperative that you get them replaced so that your mouth can function again as it is meant to, allowing you to eat, drink and talk in comfort. There are a number of options which your dentist will be able to discuss with you such as dentures or dental implants but dental bridges are popular because they are more permanent than dentures and less invasive than dental implants.
In dental bridge work, replacement teeth are basically anchored to healthy teeth which are still in the mouth and there are three main types of dental bridge. Traditional or fixed bridges are the most common form. A replacement tooth is able to be anchored on both sides because the gap is surrounded by two healthy teeth. This is the ideal situation for dental bridge work because it provides the most stability.
Cantilever bridge work is carried out where the replacement tooth can only be secured on one side. This technique will be used if the tooth on the other side is not healthy enough to be a part of the bridge work. The third type of dental bridge is called a Maryland-bonded or resin-bonded bridge. This consists of bridge work where it is imperative that the resin used to anchor the replacement is concealed. This might be appropriate when a tooth at the front of the mouth needs to be replaced and the patient is concerned about not compromising on aesthetic appeal.
Talk to your City of London dentist if you have lost a tooth or teeth and need more information about dental bridge work.
February 28th, 2011
If you have lost a number of teeth from tooth decay or an accident then you should get them replaced so that your mouth can function properly again. Your mouth is a highly specialised organ that relies on having all the right parts in place so that it can eat, drink and talk with ease. Having a gap where teeth ought to be can compromise these activities and your cheeks can sag in so that you appear older than you actually are.
A bridge is a method replacing teeth by attaching them to existing teeth. There are three main types of dental bridge. Traditional or fixed bridges are when a false tooth is fused between two neighbouring teeth. This is a particularly stable method but may not always be appropriate if the surrounding teeth are not strong enough.
In the case of resin-bonded or Maryland-bonded bridges, the resin is concealed when the bridge work is done at the front of the mouth. This is to preserve the aesthetic appeal of your smile. If your front teeth are too weak to support a replacement tooth then a cantilever bridge is used where the replacement tooth is anchored on just one side instead of two.
You might need to have a little of one of the surrounding teeth removed in order to accommodate the replacement. Your dentist can determine whether this is necessary by taking a mould of your mouth or by giving you a digital x-ray. While the replacement is being constructed you might need to wear a temporary replacement to keep the area stable.
If you have lost a tooth, talk to your West London dentist about the options available using dental bridge work.
August 20th, 2010
Losing a tooth at any stage of your life is a traumatic experience but few people realise the long-lasting consequences of a missing tooth. A hollow left by a missing tooth will be very susceptible to a build up of bacteria which will in turn affect the other teeth. In this way, losing one tooth can begin a chain reaction that leads to losing many more.
This is why Central London dentists always recommend that you have your missing tooth replaced. This can be with one of a number of dental substitutes such as dental bridges, dental implants and partial dentures. Dental bridges are probably the most cost-effective way of replacing teeth and can last for up to twenty years. However, they are prone to breaking and can limit what kind of food you can eat.
Partial dentures are slightly clumsy and bulky and often used for replacing more than one missing tooth. There is no question which is the most lifelike and sturdy form of dental replacement. Dental implants replace the whole tooth from the root up and are very secure. They do not limit what you an eat as they are almost as strong as a real tooth. And for the biggest bonus of all, they last a lifetime. This means that although you may have to pay slightly more now, there will be no replacements needed ten years down the line and you can continue your life safe in the knowledge that your teeth are protected.
It is also possible to have a series of mini implants that act as a permanent support for your dentures. Ask for more information from your Central London dentist at your next appointment.
August 3rd, 2010
If you have ever lost a tooth for whatever reason, you will know just how painful it can be and not just physically. The emotional pain and embarrassment that can happen as the result of a lost tooth can be very significant. There is also the fact that missing teeth can have a wider physiological impact on the mouth and head to consider. This is why City of London dentists always recommend that patients try to replace missing teeth with restorations.
There are a number to choose from including dental bridges and partial dentures but it is perhaps the dental implant that is the most popular. There are several key reasons why the implant has the advantage over its nearest rivals. The most obvious is that it is the only restoration that replaces the whole of the tooth from top to bottom. This includes the tooth root, making it the most stable and realistic of all the dental replacements. This added stability means that unlike some other dental replacements, there is no food that is off limits and needs to be voided for fear of damaging your artificial tooth.
The dental implant itself is a small titanium screw that the dentist will drill directly into your jawbone. Once in the bone it will need some time to set firm before it can be used as a base for an artificial tooth. Implants can be used as a base for one or more teeth which will be manufactured from porcelain specially chosen to match that of the existing enamel. Find out more about the benefits of dental implants at your next check up appointment with a City of London dentist.
October 5th, 2009
There are several options available to replace missing teeth. Some patients opt to have a partial denture, others choose to have a fixed dental bridge. Both dental bridges and dentures have their advantages, most notably that they are both relatively affordable. However, they both also suffer from a degree of impermanency and are at times prone to breaking. Some patients are looking for a dental substitute with a greater degree of solidity. This is one of the reasons why dental implants are becoming the option of choice for patients to replace missing teeth.
A missing tooth can be the source of embarrassment. It can make people reluctant to smile for fear of exposing what is a very visible flaw. Missing teeth can also be damaging for your dental health. The hollows left by missing teeth can be breeding grounds for decay-causing bacteria. Gaps in the teeth can also encourage existing teeth to lean, causing painful interruptions in the bite, which could even cause the painful jaw disorder TMJ. Missing teeth can also be the cause of facial tissue sinking and loss of profile. For these reasons it is important to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible and a dental implant is the most secure method of doing just that.
A dental implant takes the form of a cylindrical screw that is anchored into the jawbone. This acts as a solid base for a post and artificial tooth, or crown, to be attached. They work particularly well for patients who have strong and healthy jawbones and teeth. Because they are so solid dental implants do not prohibit the eating of certain foods that other dental substitutes can. Neither do dental implants require any kind of messy dental bonding or adhesives.
A dental implant will take two or three sessions to fix. There will need to be a two or three-week wait after the screw has been implanted to allow the screw and the bone to fuse in a process called osseointergration. On subsequent visits the dentist will attach the post and crown.
A dental implant is the most realistic substitute for a real tooth. Many patients opt for implants, despite the extra cost, because of the feeling of security and permanency they provide. If you have a missing tooth, or are considering changing an existing artificial dental appliance, visit a City of London dentist and ask about dental implants.
June 13th, 2009
As you may be aware, some people have teeth that are too large or too small to fit in their mouth properly. There are also individuals that were born with fewer teeth. If you have hypodontia, a London W1 dentist can make use of a wide range of treatment options to help you gain an optimal bite pattern. In many cases, correcting hypodontia may also improve your appearance.
In many cases, if you do not have enough teeth, the ones that you do have will not maintain a proper alignment. As a result, you may need an implant or a bridge in order to fill up gaps that will accommodate a single tooth. Depending on your situation, you may also need to have braces installed in order to realign your teeth. Regardless of your age, there are several kinds of invisible dentures that will correct your teeth without all the unsightly metal usually associated with braces.
There may be times when you have gaps between your teeth that are not large enough to accept an implant. Typically, your dentist can use veneers to fill these spaces in. Chances are, you will find that maintaining good oral hygiene will be much easier once these gaps are filled in. At the very least, if you have a spot where food often gets stuck, it will be eliminated.
For the most part, hypodontia is not a common condition. Nevertheless, if you do not have the proper number of teeth in your mouth, it can cause all kinds of problems. Fortunately, this problem is not as difficult to treat as you might think it is. Consider that many people have teeth extracted, thus creating situations similar to your own. Therefore, your dentist will be able to find a number of different ways to solve your problem.
January 11th, 2009
Missing teeth can be replaced using a dental bridge in West London. Several types of dental bridges exist that can be classified as; traditional bridges, resin-retained bridges, and cantilever bridges. There are also many different designs that can be incorporated into these classifications. Your West London dentist will explain these bridges to you. Basically, traditional and cantilever bridge tooth/teeth replacement involved preparing the adjacent teeth surrounding the missing tooth/teeth. These are prepared into peg-like or barrel-like shapes, and the bridge is then made to fit over these pegs and also replace the missing tooth/teeth. If you picture a regular bridge in the outside world, you will get a good idea of what a bridge is. The missing tooth portion of the dental bridge is referred to as a pontic, while the prepared teeth are called abutments. The resin-retained bridge will not require as much tooth preparation and is usually used in the front of the mouth. The teeth are minimally prepared and the bridge is made and cemented using a resin material. Thus, it allows replacement of the tooth without damaging the adjacent teeth. This is an excellent choice if the adjacent teeth do not have any decay and/or fillings.
Your West London dentist will perform a complete intro-oral examination, together with X-rays, and a periodontal and bite analysis. Your dentist will then thumb your mouth and prepared the adjacent teeth for the bridge. Dental impressions are then taken of both the area of the missing tooth/teeth, the prepared teeth, and the opposing teeth. A bite registration is also taken so that the dental laboratory can line the teeth up, and a tooth shade is chosen. These are all sent to a dental lab that fabricates the final bridge. During this time, you will be wearing a temporary bridge to keeps your teeth from shifting and becoming sensitive. In about 2 weeks, you sill return to your West London Dental Clinic for a scheduled appointment to have your final bridge cemented into place.
November 8th, 2008
At the London W1 dental clinic, Lumineers are now being offered. These are ultra thin veneers, about the thickness of contact lenses, and require minimal or no tooth preparation. This ultra-thin strong porcelain is patented by Cerinate, and is used to whiten and reshape your smile, by covering discoloured teeth and worn down teeth, respectively. They can even be used to close gaps between your teeth. .Due to the thinness of Lumineers and no to minimal preparation required, this can be considered a reversible dental procedure. That is, your dentist can remove them, and repolish your original teeth, and it will be like nothing was ever done at all. Lumineers are a very good choice for stained, slightly chipped or damaged, and mal-positioned teeth. Amazingly, they can also be placed over crowns and bridges that you already have in your mouth.
London W1 dentists are Cerinate registered and certified, and these are the only dentists that can order these Lumineers. These Lumineers can only be made by a certain dental laboratories, so Lumineers are not offered everywhere. Lumineers can be made and inserted for you in two dental appointments, and have a very good success rate. Make an appointment at your London W1 dental clinic and improve your smile!
