September 16th, 2011
Your gums are an important part of your mouth and the heath of the whole mouth relies on having gums which are free from disease. Yet they are perennially at the mercy of attacks from harmful plaque bacteria which can cause them to become inflamed and damaged.
The consequences of highly developed gum disease are very serious indeed. If the inflammation in gums spreads to the bones which hold teeth in place then teeth can be lost, not to mention parts of the jaw bone itself. Rectifying this satisfactorily can be very difficult indeed and that is part of the rationale behind the idea of preventive dentistry as applied to gum disease.
It is better to create conditions in which gum disease is highly unlikely than to deal with the consequences of it once it has happened. To this end, central London dentists urge patients to take their advice and floss between their teeth in order that any plaque there is successfully removed.
Additionally patients are encouraged to think about how well they are brushing their teeth so that plaque cannot stay on the gum line of teeth and cause inflammation. Make sure that your saliva production isn’t hampered by activities such as smoking and too much alcohol being drunk; saliva is a natural defence against plaque and if the levels of it are too low then you might be putting your gums at risk.
June 9th, 2010
In the past, when a patient had a missing tooth the dentist would replace it with a partial denture, sometimes known as a plate, or with a dental bridge constructed from dental crowns and an artificial tooth attached. These restorations do still exist and are used to some effect but one form of artificial dental substitute is leading the way in terms of realistic treatment and popularity.
Dental implants are relative new comers to the restoration game but they have made quite an impact. The implant itself is a small metal screw, usually made from titanium because it can be used safely in the body. This is drilled directly into the jawbone (providing the bone is of suitable strength and quality, as your dentist for more details). The implant is then left for several weeks or even months in some cases to give it the chance to fuse with the surrounding tissue and bone. Once this process is complete, the implant has effectively become a part of the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root. An artificial tooth is then attached to the implant and secured using a screw and post.
This makes the dental implant the only restoration to replace the whole of the tooth form root to tip and gives it its incredible level of solidity and realism. Unlike some other restorations where you have to be careful to watch what you eat in case of damage, a dental implant acts just like a real tooth and does not limit what you can and can’t eat.
It is also possible to have series of mini-implants to act as a base for a set of dentures to clip on and off. Ask your Central London dentist to provide you with more information about how dental implants work and if you could be a suitable candidate.
January 7th, 2010
A dental implant is quite simply an artificial tooth that is permanently attached to the jaw-bone, just like a natural tooth would be. The procedure is an alternative to false teeth on a plate that is inserted into the mouth using a glue to attach it to the roof, or the lower jaw area. Obviously a plate of false teeth is easier to make and fit as a whole row of teeth are placed together. With an implant it is a different procedure altogether. First the jaw is drilled and a metal base is fitted into the hole, then the tooth is screwed into the base and positioned to look, and feel, like the real thing. You won’t have any nerve problems either as in a real tooth, if it becomes chipped or knocked out in an accident. This procedure according to the West London dentist is ideal for one or more individual teeth that have been knocked out, putting an implant in also improves the chances of not getting jaw bone decay due to a missing tooth. A damaged tooth such as a discoloured, chipped or misshaped one is a good candidate for being replaced by an implant. The orthodontist can easily make a custom styled tooth that fits in with the other naturally shaped teeth on the jaw line. The effect it has on a person can be amazing sometimes, we often avoid smiling or direct eye contact with people if we are born with a misshaped tooth, this procedure has been known to have had positive personality improvements on patients as well. A nice smile was recently what `Britain’s Got Talent` winner Paul Potts inherited from this procedure. From the moment Paul was exposed to the public, his teeth were a major source of gossip for the press, now Paul has had implants his confidence has soared as well as his bank balance.
December 20th, 2009
TMJ is a disorder affecting the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints, located in front of each ear, connecting the jaw to the skull. This joint is responsible for all movement of the jawbone including eating and talking so any disorder can be particularly serious. Approximately one in ten people in the UK suffer from a TMJ disorder of some description, although many may have no idea that’s what is causing the pain.
The exact cause of TMJ is not known but many contributing causes include stress, arthritis and hormonal change. However, it is likely that one of the key causes is an interruption of bite in the mouth leading to irritation and sub-conscious teeth grinding. This can cause tension to build up in the joint leading to painful TMJ.
Diagnosing a TMJ can be very confusing but will usually involve a dentist conducting a clench test to see if the joint hurts when clenching the teeth. Further diagnostic tests can be carried out if the cause of the problem is not clear. Unfortunately for sufferers, the most prevalent symptom is pain. This can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers and heat packs. More permanent relief can only really be sought from a dentist fitting a dental appliance to prevent any bite misalignment during sleep.
West London dentists are fully trained and equipped to diagnose and treat the pain of TMJ. If you are suffering from a painful face, jaw or neck and have been unable to get to the root of the problem with conventional diagnoses, make an appointment to see a dentist and ask about TMJ.
November 13th, 2009
For patients who have lost teeth and are looking for an artificial dental substitute, the most realistic and sturdy option is a dental implant. This takes the form of a screw implanted into the jawbone to act as an anchor for a dental crown. This provides a more authentic level of rigidity when compared with other dental substitutes.
Losing a tooth, either from a head trauma or as the result of tooth decay can be a painful and embarrassing experience. A missing tooth can cause patients to be reluctant too smile or make eye contact and could be the underlying cause of a loss of confidence. But a missing tooth also has more long-term physical consequences. AA build up of bacteria can occur in the hollow left by the tooth. This hollow is difficult to clean and can lead to unpleasant infection sin the mouth. Vacant space in the dental arc can also encourage the remaining teeth to shift about and lean. This can cause painful jaw conditions called TMJs and lead to unpleasant and sub-conscious teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Therefore, it is important to replace missing teeth for physical reasons as well as cosmetic. There are other dental substitutes available such as partial dentures and dental bridges but many patients find that these do not provide the necessary degree of stability. Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular with both dentists and patients as a long-term solution to a missing tooth.
The procedure is usually carried out in three visits to the dentist. During the first visit the dentist will implant the screw, usually made of titanium or other non-harmful and strong metal, into the jawbone using a drill. Once in place this will be left for several weeks to fuse with bone and tissue in a process called osseointergration. Once the screw is firm enough, the dentist attaches a post and temporary crown. The final visit will be the fitting of the permanent crown.
Dental implants are as close to real teeth as are available. Because the root of the implant is secured to the jawbone like a real tooth, it acts and feels like a real tooth. If you have a missing tooth or are looking to replace an earlier dental substitute, make an appointment to see a London W1 dentist.
