Our Services We offer a full range of preventative and cosmetic dentistry
Composite Bonding / Smile make-over
Composite bonding has become a popular and less invasive way of restoring or altering patients’ smiles. Here at Merrygate Dental, the clinicians have been carrying out this treatment for several decades and have been able to bypass the more biologically invasive conventional veneers to change the size, shape, orientation, and colour of people’s teeth. If this is something that you would like to consider as part of a smile consultation, please call us to arrange an appointment.
Crowns
A crown is a sturdy, durable method of repairing a tooth. When a tooth has cracked or been damaged by decay or a major filling, it is frequently the best option for rebuilding it. It could also be the greatest option for enhancing the look of a tooth with several fillings. A “cap” is another term for a crown. It covers the leftover pieces of the tooth and strengthens them while giving them the contours of a real tooth. Similarly, a crown will be placed over a dental implant to replace the lost tooth.
A dental crown may also be required for the following situations:
● You might want to improve the look of a tooth that has discoloured fillings or that has had a root filling that needs a crown to protect it.
● it could be used to firmly secure a bridge or denture.
● Your tooth may be chipped or fractured.
Crowns require two appointments. The procedure includes two appointments— firstly, a long appointment for preparing your tooth for the crown, which includes shaving and adjusting the tooth so that the crown will fit over it, as well as making an impression and sending this to the crown technician’s lab. A temporary crown may be fitted over your tooth for the time between the two appointments. In your second appointment, which is usually much shorter, the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is placed and fitted with care, and its size, orientation, colour, and bite will be evaluated.
Here at Merrygate Dental, we offer a wide range of crowns. Our crowns are made of a metal base, which is later bonded to porcelain. The lifespan of a crown will largely depend on the strength of the remaining tooth, the force of your bite, and how well it is taken care of with a good daily oral hygiene routine and a healthy diet that limits the intake of sugary foods and beverages. A crown can last many years if cared for properly. Please speak to your dentist to discuss in further detail which material would be most appropriate for the restoration of your tooth.
In the case of smile makeovers, we use a more aesthetic type of crown, which is usually a reinforced porcelain, which provides a good durable restoration.
In certain cases, a precious metal crown may be more suitable. For the restoration of severely damaged posterior teeth, gold, or more specifically a gold alloy, may be suggested. It is a very malleable metal that is strong and durable, won’t chip or break, and has the added benefit of wearing at the same rate as tooth enamel, meaning it won’t wear down the teeth it bites on too quickly. The only real drawback is appearance, so we only advise it for teeth that are further back in your mouth and less noticeable.
FUTHER INFORMATION AND THINGS TO CONSIDER:
While as much care as possible is taken to explain the treatment that we are proposing, there can sometimes be less than favourable outcomes to having your dental treatment. This is the same with any surgery in the body. For ease of understanding, we have split this up in sections, listed below.
- Dark lines at the gum line may appear on crowns with metal. This is the metal edge of the crown. If the gum recedes after placement, the metal will show. Sometimes this can be corrected, other times a new crown might be recommended.
- Metal may be visible on the biting surface of a crown if there is limited space for both porcelain and the metal.
- Sometimes it is not possible to match the colour of the natural teeth exactly with artificial teeth.
- Like natural teeth, crowns need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and dental hygiene visits, otherwise gum disease may develop. Also decay may develop underneath and/or around the margins of the restoration, leading to further dental treatment and possible replacement of the crown.
- That once prior fillings and decay are removed; it may reveal a more severe condition of your tooth. This condition may require root canal treatment in addition to a crown restoration, or may require the extraction of the tooth.
- You may notice slight changes in your bite. During and for several days following treatment you may experience stiff and sore jaws from keeping your mouth open.
- Your gums may recede after the completion of your crown restoration.
- Poor eating habits, oral habits (smoking, fingernail biting) and poor oral hygiene will negatively affect how you’re your crown lasts.
- You will be given a local anaesthetic injection and that in rare instances patients have had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, an adverse medication reaction to the anaesthetic, or temporary or permanent injury to nerves/or blood vessels from the injection. The injection area(s) may be uncomfortable following treatment and that your jaw may be stiff and sore from holding your mouth open during treatment.
- Once a crown restoration is started, you must promptly return to have the crown finished. If you fail to return to have the crown finished, you risk decay, the need for root canal treatment, tooth fracture and loss of the tooth.
- Failure to keep appointments can lead to gum disease, tooth loss or a need to redo a crown at additional cost.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS:
You may choose not to have any treatment performed at all. If you choose no treatment, you condition may worsen and you may risk serious personal injury, including severe pain; localised infection; loss of this tooth and possibly other teeth; severe swelling and/or severe infection.
An alternative restoration such as only, inlay, veneer, an amalgam (silver) or tooth coloured filling.
An extraction. You may choose to have the tooth removed. The extracted tooth usually requires replacement by an artificial tooth by means of a fixed bridge, dental implant, or removable partial denture, or the gap can be left.
Bridges
A fixed bridge serves as a fill-in for a missing tooth or teeth. The replacement tooth is fixed to your natural teeth on either side, or occasionally just one side. The replacement teeth are occasionally attached to crowns that are fitted to the adjacent teeth in order to create a strong, long-lasting bridge and to guarantee alignment. With the evolution of adhesive dentistry, there are more minimally invasive ways in which bridges can be designed and bonded to the adjacent teeth. If it is possible, our dentists will prefer this type of restoration, as it is biologically less costly to your teeth. Bridges are recommended as greater strain may be placed on the teeth on either side due to the gap left by a missing tooth.
Bridges have a foundation made of metal. Porcelain is then bonded to the base.
How long a bridge will last will largely depend on the strength of the supporting teeth, the force of your bite, and how well the bridge is maintained with daily oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet that restricts the intake of sugary foods and beverages. A bridge may last years if cared for appropriately. Just like crowns, there are several types of bridges, including all ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain fused to a precious metal.
Your dentist may advise a bridge if you:
- Have a visible gap, but dislike the thought of wearing dentures, or already wear dentures but would prefer an alternative approach.
- Have gaps in the rear of your mouth and believe that you do not chew as effectively as you could.
- You may not be concerned about the gaps, but your dentist has started to notice that your bite is changing and wants to improve the aesthetic of your smile and overall oral health.
However, missing teeth cannot always be replaced with bridges. There must be significant teeth on either side to anchor the bridge, as well as maintain the extra biting force.
The procedure is quite similar to that of a crown. It requires two appointments—firstly, a long appointment where the teeth are prepared for the bridge. This includes shaving and adjusting the teeth adjacent to the gap, to ensure the crowns of the bridge will fit. Then, impressions will be taken and sent to the bridge technicians lab. The colour will be chosen to blend in with the rest of your teeth. Between the two appointments, a temporary bridge (or sometimes, temporary crowns) may be made and fitted. In your second appointment, which is significantly shorter, the temporary crowns/bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is placed and fitted, and is evaluated for fit, bite, and colour.
FUTHER INFORMATION AND THINGS TO CONSIDER:
ADHESIVE BRIDGE:
- The potential need for root canal therapy; this can become apparent during a bridge preparation, or after a bridge is made.
- Metal may be visible on the biting surface of a bridge if there is limited space for both the porcelain and metal.
- De-bonding of the bridge is likely to occur occasionally. Keep the bridge in a safe place and return to have it re-fixed.
- Sometimes it is not possible to match the colour of the natural teeth exactly with artificial teeth.
- Like natural teeth, bridges need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and dental hygiene visits, otherwise gum disease may develop. Also decay may develop underneath and/or around the margins of the restoration, leading to further dental treatment and possible replacement of the bridge.
- That once prior fillings and decay are removed, it may reveal a more severe condition of your tooth. This condition may require root canal treatment in addition to a bridge restoration, or may require the extraction of the tooth.
- You may notice slight changes in your bite. During and for several days following treatment you may experience stiff and sore jaws from keeping your mouth open.
- Your gums may recede after the completion of your bridge restoration.
- Poor eating habits, oral habits (smoking, fingernail biting) and poor oral hygiene will negatively affect how you’re your bridge lasts.
- You will be given a local anaesthetic injection and that in rare instances patients have had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, an adverse medication reaction to the anaesthetic, or temporary or permanent injury to nerves/or blood vessels from the injection. The injection area(s) may be uncomfortable following treatment and that your jaw may be stiff and sore from holding your mouth open during treatment.
- Once a bridge restoration is started, you must promptly return to have the bridge finished. If you fail to return to have the bridge finished, you risk decay, the need for root canal treatment, tooth fracture and loss of the tooth.
- You further understand that failure to keep appointments can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, or a need to redo a bridge at additional cost.
- Adhesive bridges are likely to de-bond and require re-fixing. A fee is incurred if this were to happen after 1 year of placement.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS:
The following other treatment options might be possible:
- No treatment. There will be a gap
- A denture, either made from plastic or metal
- An implant. A titanium screw is placed into the bone with a crown on top
- A bonded bridge.
BONDED BRIDGE:
- The potential need for root canal therapy; this can become apparent during a bridge preparation, or after a bridge is made.
- Sometimes it is not possible to match the colour of the natural teeth exactly with artificial teeth.
- Like natural teeth, bridges need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and dental hygiene visits, otherwise gum disease may develop. Also decay may develop underneath and/or around the margins of the restoration, leading to further dental treatment and possible replacement of the bridge.
- That once prior fillings and decay are removed, it may reveal a more severe condition of your tooth. This condition may require root canal treatment in addition to a bridge restoration, or may require the extraction of the tooth.
- You may notice slight changes in your bite. During and for several days following treatment you may experience stiff and sore jaws from keeping your mouth open.
- Your gums may recede after the completion of your bridge restoration.
- Poor eating habits, oral habits (smoking, fingernail biting) and poor oral hygiene will negatively affect how you’re your bridge lasts.
- You will be given a local anaesthetic injection and that in rare instances patients have had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, an adverse medication reaction to the anaesthetic, or temporary or permanent injury to nerves/or blood vessels from the injection. The injection area(s) may be uncomfortable following treatment and that your jaw may be stiff and sore from holding your mouth open during treatment.
- Once a bridge restoration is started, you must promptly return to have the bridge finished. If you fail to return to have the bridge finished, you risk decay, the need for root canal treatment, tooth fracture and loss of the tooth.
- You further understand that failure to keep appointments can lead to gum disease, tooth loss, or a need to redo a bridge at additional cost.
- Adhesive bridges are likely to de-bond and require re-fixing. A fee is incurred if this were to happen after 1 year of placement.
Veneers / Conventional smile make-overs
Veneers mimic natural teeth and, without any major procedures, can hide discoloured, cracked, or misaligned teeth. A veneer is bonded on top of your natural tooth and is made of a very thin, tooth-coloured piece of porcelain. We can modify the shape of your veneers to make your teeth appear longer or closer together, depending on your needs. Both singular veneers and entire sets (also called smile makeovers) are available.
We can also precisely match the porcelain shade for a single stained tooth to make it appear lighter and blend in with the neighbouring teeth. When braces are not an appropriate solution, veneers can also be used to close small gaps. Sometimes a veneer can be fitted to align a tooth that is marginally out of alignment with the others.
While veneers are a good method of improving the aesthetic of your smile, there are other alternatives to this procedure:
- Adhesive composite bonding may be used for minor reconstructions to the front teeth. A shade will be chosen that blends into your existing teeth, making them unnoticeable. This is great for small repairs, but may not work for larger reconstructions, such as extremely broken teeth, where the fusing between the tooth and filling may be visible.
- If the issue is the colour of your teeth, and you wish to get veneers to hide their yellowness/darkness, then teeth whitening may be a viable option.
- If your teeth are severely misaligned, then the only option may be orthodontics.
- A crown may be used instead of a veneer on a tooth if it is severely broken, has significant decay, or has been weakened by prior treatment, such as a root canal or a sizable filling.
Porcelain veneers usually necessitate two appointments: one for shade matching and tooth preparation, and one for veneer placement. To make room for the veneer, some of the outer enamel (the surface of the tooth) will be shaved off during the first appointment. To reduce pain and discomfort in the treatment area, local anaesthetics may be used. Following the shaving, the dentist will take precise impressions of your teeth. These, along with the colour and any other relevant information, will be sent to the veneers technician’s lab. We typically make and fit temporary veneers between the two appointments, as the thinning of the enamel causes a heightened sensitivity of the tooth.
On your second appointment, the dentist will fit your veneers. A veneer is bonded to the tooth using a specialised adhesive that keeps it firmly in place.
How long veneers will last will largely depend on the force of your bite, and how well the veneers are maintained with daily oral hygiene practices and a healthy diet that restricts the intake of sugary foods and beverages. Veneers may last around 10 years if cared for appropriately. Veneers, like your natural teeth, are susceptible to breaking or chipping. When the veneers start to look less than ideal over time, you might want to replace them.
If you are considering veneers, please speak to one of our dentists, who will guide you through the options we offer, and advise you. Call us on 01590623028 now to arrange an appointment.
FUTHER INFORMATION AND THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- The nerve inside your tooth may be irritated by treatment and you may experience pain or discomfort during and/or after treatment.
- Your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold liquids and foods.
- That once prior fillings and decay are removed; it may reveal a more severe condition of your tooth. This condition may require root canal treatment in addition to a veneer restoration or may require the extraction of the tooth in extreme circumstances.
- There is a very unlikely chance that the nerve of the tooth may be affected by the treatment and root canal treatment may become necessary at any point during or after treatment and may not be avoidable.
- Sometimes it is not possible to match the colour of the natural teeth exactly with artificial teeth-this is more likely if a single tooth is being veneered.
- Like natural teeth, veneers need to be kept clean with proper oral hygiene and dental hygiene visits, otherwise gum disease may develop. Also, decay may develop underneath and/or around the margins of the veneer, leading to further dental treatment and possible replacement.
- You may notice slight changes in your bite.
- Your gums may recede after the completion of your veneer which may lead to a replacement veneer later on.
- Poor eating habits, oral habits (smoking, fingernail biting) and poor oral hygiene may negatively affect how long your veneer lasts.
- If you have a clenching/biting habit this may place extra force on the veneer(s) which may reduce their longevity.
- You will be given a local anaesthetic injection and that in rare instances patients have had an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, an adverse medication reaction to the anaesthetic, or temporary or permanent injury to nerves/or blood vessels from the injection. The injection area(s) may be uncomfortable following treatment and that your jaw may be stiff and sore from holding your mouth open during treatment.
- Once a veneer restoration is started, you must promptly return to have the veneer finished. If you fail to return you possibly risk decay, the need for root canal treatment, tooth fracture and loss of the tooth.
- You further understand that failure to keep appointments can lead to gum disease, tooth loss or a need to redo a veneer at additional cost.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS:
No treatment. You may choose not to have any treatment performed at all.
An alternative restoration such as a tooth-coloured filling.
Extractions
The removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone is called a dental extraction. It is necessary in the case of extreme damage, decay, or gum disease.
Your oral health may suffer if you keep a tooth in your mouth. These are the times when an extraction is required:
- A tooth may be beyond restoration due to severe decay or injury.
- An extraction could be required to create room before braces so that teeth can move into their proper positions.
- If wisdom teeth cannot erupt properly due to a lack of space in the mouth, pain, irritated gums, and a potential infection may result.
- It’s possible that gum disease has progressed too far to salvage teeth.
- You can have additional teeth that are blocking the development and eruption of the teeth below them.
- Infected teeth may occasionally need to be extracted rather than preserved due to a medical condition or treatment.
An x-ray of the area is often taken prior to an extraction to determine the most straightforward method of tooth removal. If the tooth is visible in the mouth, one of our specialist, qualified dentists will perform an extraction using local anaesthetic. For more complex extractions, or where we believe it is in your best interest, we may choose to refer you to a hospital or to a dedicated oral surgeon, but this will be discussed with you prior to any referrals being made.
Once you have had the extraction, the dentist will provide you with some pieces of advice, which we will discuss in person on the day, but we will also provide you with a written explanation for you to take home.
However, many opt to take anti-inflammatory drugs over the course of the days after the extraction. You may be prescribed antibiotics by the dentist following the treatment. Follow the dentist’s instructions and complete the course of antibiotics, regardless of when the pain/discomfort stops. A surgical extraction, like that of wisdom teeth, where the gum is cut will be more painful than one a simple extraction. Your dentist may also prescribe you painkillers, depending on the complexity and difficulty of the surgery. To clean, rinse the area with saltwater after 24 hours. You may need to return to the practice for the removal of your stitches, or they may dissolve within a few days. The dentist will let you know if you are due to return soon after the extraction, as well as writing down all the post-operative information you will need.
Please be aware that, whilst routine within the practice, extractions do constitute surgery, so we expect there to be a period postoperatively where normal healing occurs. The dentist will be happy to discuss ways in which to manage any postoperative discomfort, and in the rare event of an infection or any other know postoperative complication, we are available to discuss any of your concerns and treat accordingly.
FUTHER INFORMATION AND THINGS TO CONSIDER:
- As in all surgical procedures, extractions may not be perfectly safe.
- Unexpected additional treatment may become necessary due to complications of surgery.
- The healing process may vary; no guarantees can be made. Smoking may adversely affect the extraction site healing and may cause a dry socket (painful for about a week). Smokers have more dry sockets than non-smokers.
- If unexpected difficulties occur during treatment, you may be referred to an oral surgeon, who is a specialist in dental surgery.
- You will receive a local anaesthetic and/or other medications which carry risks, side effects and drug interactions.
- Following treatment you may have bleeding, pain, swelling, infection or discomfort.
- Extraction surgery may leave your jaw feeling stiff and sore and may make it difficult for you to open wide for several days.
- The instruments used in extracting a tooth may unavoidably chip or damage adjacent teeth or dental restorations.
- Upper teeth have roots that may extend close to the sinuses. Removing these teeth may temporarily leave a small opening in the sinuses, potentially requiring additional treatment.
- Extraction may cause a fracture in the surrounding bone, or occasionally, the tooth to be extracted may be fused to the surrounding bone, causing the surgical procedure to become more complex.
- Bone fragments called ‘spicules’ may arise at the site following extraction. Tooth fragments may be left in the extraction site. On rare occasions these fragments become infected and must be removed.
- Extraction can result in damage to the nerves that run through the jaw, causing itching, tingling or burning, or the loss of all sensation. These changes could last from several weeks to several months or in some cases, indefinitely.
- Once the tooth is extracted, replacement of the missing tooth may be necessary to prevent the drifting of adjacent and/or opposing teeth to maintain function, or for cosmetic appearances.
- Abide by the specific prescriptions and instructions given
- See the dentist for post-operative visits as needed
- Not to smoke or use smokeless tobacco ideally for 2 weeks post extraction
- Have any non-dissolvable sutures (stitches) removed
- Get the tooth/teeth replaced as recommended
- Consequences if no treatment: lack of treatment may lead to pain, infection, loss of other teeth, and other medical risks.
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS:
Depending on your diagnosis, alternatives to extraction may exist which involve other disciplines in dentistry. This will be explained by your dentist.
Below are possible alternatives to an extraction. It is important to note that not all of these may be applicable to you, since an extraction may be necessary for a multitude of reasons. Root canal therapy
- Crown lengthening
- Crown restoration
- No treatment
Necessary follow-up care and self- care: It is important for you to continue to see your regular dentist for routine dental care and get the missing tooth/teeth replaced as recommended.
Tooth Whitening
The tray whitening method is the most popular, efficient, and cost effective one. Your dentist will make a tray that fits into your mouth like a gum shield using an impression of your mouth. You’ll be shown how to use the tray to apply the whitening gel. For about three weeks or until the desired shade is obtained, the tray is worn with the gel for a few hours per day, typically at night while sleeping. The result typically lasts 3-5 years. Kits available over the counter are not advised. Any over-the-counter kit will only contain a very small amount of hydrogen peroxide, not nearly enough to noticeably alter the colour of your teeth. Some products, especially those bought online, could also include abrasives or mild acids that actively erode tooth enamel. Whitening toothpaste, on the other hand, will not work. While it may remove stains on your teeth and give them a deeper clean, it will not actively alter their colour. Since teeth whitening is a complex treatment procedure, it should only be performed after a dentist has carefully inspected and evaluated your teeth. It’s crucial that you adhere to the advice your dentist gives you and that you keep any scheduled follow-up appointments.
Your dentist will need to see you two or three times. Your dentist will examine your teeth at your initial visit to ensure there is no active decay or leaking fillings. If there is, or if you require a cleaning by the Hygienist; this must be taken care of first. If everything is in order, the next step is to make impressions for the trays.
You will receive all the information and directions required to move forward over the ensuing two to four weeks or so at your subsequent appointment. While some people report a heightened sensitivity within their whitened teeth in the days after the treatment, others don’t. However, those that reported this said it goes away in less than a week. If this is bothering you, there are ways to decrease sensitivity. Please speak to your dentist about this and any other concerns/questions you may have.
Dentures
The benefits of replacing missing or missing teeth on your health and appearance are significant. The natural teeth are replaced by a complete or full denture, which also supports the cheeks and lips. A dental denture is worn to replace missing or missing teeth so you can enjoy a nutritious diet and have satisfaction in your smile. Missing teeth can also impair your ability to speak, and could greatly affect your appearance in general. For example, your facial muscles may begin to sag and make you look older when there are fewer teeth in your mouth. It is also generally advised to fill up the gaps between teeth or your remaining teeth may begin to move around and shift into the free space, leaving you with crooked teeth. This could impair your bite and damage your other teeth.
Despite this, dentures are not the only solution. An alternative to wearing dentures is dental implants, however this may only be carried out if there is a jaw bone of sufficient strength to anchor the implants. If the gap is small enough—one or two teeth— then you may be able to fill it with a bridge. If you have any inquiries about this, do not hesitate to call us, or ask at your next appointment.
There are two kinds of dentures: partial and full. Partial dentures are fitted around your remaining natural teeth, while full dentures can be used if all the teeth have been lost. All the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws are replaced by a complete or full denture. A partial denture is anchored to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices known as precision attachments and fills in the spaces left by missing teeth.
Dentures are made up of replacement teeth that are fixed to pink or gum-colored plastic bases. They can be attached to neighbouring natural teeth using metal clasps. A plate serves as the denture’s foundation and is typically made of metal or acrylic. The teeth can be customised to match your natural teeth and are typically made of acrylic. This is essential when it comes to partial dentures.
In most cases, a temporary denture can be fitted right away after your teeth are removed, ensuring that you never go without teeth. But if only your back teeth are affected, your dentist might suggest waiting until your gums have healed because it may result in a better fit. This might take up to six months. Bone and gum tissue can shrink over time, especially in the first six months, and so your dentures may eventually need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced.
Dentures are a bespoke prosthesis—each individual one is made according to the contours of your mouth, including the position of your teeth and where your cheek and tongue sit—to ensure there is minimal hinderance to your speech, and to optimise function, however this may take a few months to get used to.
Dentures typically takes 4-5 appointments, including impressions, trying, and fitting of the denture:
- The first step is to take impressions of your mouth, which will be sent to the dental technician. On your second appointment, the technician may recommend taking another impression of each jaw to help the lab create an accurate model.
- The next step is to determine the relationship between your jaws, how they move and position themselves in relation to one another, as well as the positioning of individual teeth. This is achieved with modelling wax. The teeth’s shape, colour, and size are chosen. The denture is then built in wax, with the necessary teeth added.
- At your third appointment, the dentist will ensure that the denture fits correctly and comfortably, and that the teeth are in the proper position, allowing you to bite effectively. The denture is then returned to the lab, where the wax is transformed into pink, gum-colored plastic.
- At your final appointment, the dentist will evaluate the fit and bite of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments. The dentist may request that you return in a few days. This is perfectly normal and serves to ensure that no fine adjustments are required.
Initially, your dentist may ask you to wear your denture for the majority of the day, rarely while sleeping, to get your mouth used to it. To clean your dentures, remove any food debris with a brush, and then soak in a denture cleaning tablet’s solution. This will give it a deeper clean and work to remove stains. Next, brush the dentures again, paying extra attention to the part that touches your gums.
Root Canal Treatment
Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is required when a tooth’s blood or nerve supply becomes infected, usually as a result of dental decay or trauma. If the pulp gets infected, the infection may travel via the tooth’s root canal system and result in an abscess. Without root canal therapy (RCT), the infection will eventually spread, necessitating tooth extraction.
The purpose of the procedure is to clean up the root canal of any infection. Following that, the root is cleaned and filled to stop any future infection. The majority of root canal treatments require two or more visits to your dentist because they are a skilled and time-consuming process.
But, in some cases, it may be necessary to have the tooth extracted and to consider other treatment options. We would always advise a root canal treatment when it is possible to keep the tooth. Your dentist will discuss other treatment with you such as the need for an onlay or crown with you after the tooth has undergone root canal therapy.
Hygienist
Most of our clients are advised to visit the dental hygienist frequently to help keep their mouths healthy. The hygienist’s role is to remove plaque and tartar from the area around and below the gum line (a process known as a scale and polish), but perhaps most importantly, they play an important role in education by giving patients the knowledge and skills they need to maintain a healthy mouth and fresh breath between appointments. The best way to guarantee that your mouth remains clean and healthy is to combine routine hygiene appointments with your own at-home care.
Quite often patients ask us why it is important that the hygienist educates us on how to keep our teeth clean. We respect the fact that patients’ mouths change throughout their lifetime—this includes the angulation of teeth, the biological microflora in the mouth, and restoration and gum disease can also change the way that microorganisms are harboured in the mouth. Because of this, it is important that our oral hygiene routine is reviewed and tweaked at various points in our life, so we have optimal oral health and increase the likelihood of us retaining our teeth.
The approaches of hygienists vary greatly. It is critical to find a hygienist with whom you are comfortable and who you want to see on a regular basis.
Gum disease treatment is not a simple cure, and you may need to see the hygienist several times before your oral health improves. To achieve your goal, you must actively collaborate with your hygienist.
Dental plaque is soft and easily removed with a brush, but it is frequently overlooked due to poor oral hygiene practices. The hygienist will assist you in dealing with this. She will go over any dietary issues that may be causing dental decay, bad breath, and other problems. Hygienists also carry out a soft tissue review and an oral cancer screening, and review your restorations, and, if there are any concerns, do relay that to our clinicians so we can work logistically to spot early decay and failing restorations.
In our experience, patients who previously had decay problems often have far less decay when they are under regular hygienist care.
Intravenous Sedation: (being resumed in 2023-24)
For extremely nervous and phobic patients, we offer the option to have treatments done while sedated, as this reduces anxiety. This is performed only by extremely experienced, qualified and skilled practitioners. We perform this intravenously, and to a conscious sedation level, so that you will not be asleep, but in a deeply relaxed state, where you won’t feel any discomfort or pain.
There are numerous benefits to being sedated while undergoing treatment, including:
- Since you won’t likely remember much of the procedure, IV sedation is a good option if you don’t want to know anything about your treatment.
- The sedative works quickly because it is immediately absorbed into your bloodstream and doesn’t require much time to be digested or absorbed.
- The gag reflex is significantly lessened or sometimes even diminished, which makes the dentist’s job easier and less disruptive for you.
- There is no requirement for a breathing tube during the procedure because it differs from general anaesthesia (like the kind administered during surgery) in that it is delivered intravenously, and that the patient remains awake, in a semi-conscious state.
Following your appointment, you will recover in the practice until the effects wear off. Your clinician will not release you from the practice until you are completely recovered. It is not advised to drive within 24 hours of being sedated, so it is advised to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should also avoid stress and strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours after the treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding intravenous conscious sedation or its effects, please do not hesitate to call us on 01590623028