Archive for September, 2009

Newer Entries »

City of Leeds dentist removes anxiety from nervous patients

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Over 90 per cent of us confess to having a fear of the dentist. For most of that 90 per cent the fear is mild and easily overcome by the knowledge that looking after your teeth is more important. For others who suffer from a more severe dental phobia the fear wins and their oral health suffers as a result. Many nervous or anxious patients suffer from gum disease and tooth decay because they put off or avoid coming to the dentist for check ups. Regular dental check ups are one of the best ways to avoid problems such as these so in some respects their fears are making the situation worse.

Many people’s dental phobias are caused by similar factors. A previous negative experience at the dentist’s, particularly during childhood, can lead to a lifetime of fear. A painful procedure or unsympathetic dentist can put a patient off returning for life. For others, they are embarrassed about the state of their teeth and put off going to the dentist. As with many other dental phobias, this achieves nothing more than to make the situation worse. Running from your fears is never the answer. Other patients speak of fears of having instruments placed on their mouth or feelings of lack of control.

These fears may be very real to people but there are ways around them. Try explaining them to your dentist, being as open and honest as possible. Whatever your fear, they will have experienced it before and will be trained to help you overcome it. Other dentists now use relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and self-hypnosis to overcome anxiety. The use of lavender oil and other natural remedies can also help to calm patients’ nerves.

It is also very important to remember that dentistry has made huge advances in the last twenty years. Dental surgeries are unrecognizable now from the places many patients may have experienced as children. Many of the procedures that were previously painful or unpleasant are now more or less completely pain free. Operation and treatment times have been slashed for many procedures, meaning less time will be spent in the chair and fewer visits will be required. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to talk nervous patients through all the changes and reassure them that they really do have nothing to worry about.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in dental phobia | No Comments »

Invisible teeth straightening with Invisialign braces from Central Leeds dentist

Saturday, September 19th, 2009

Few of us relish the though of having a mouth full of metal and wires, yet all of us yearn for beautiful straight teeth, so wearing a brace is often the price we have to pay. Braces can be embarrassing, especially for the millions of teenagers who have to wear them in the most difficult and emotionally challenging times of their lives. For older patients, wearing a brace can have the stigma attached that they are too old for braces.

Now there is an alternative to uncomfortable and ugly metal braces. Invisalign is a system of invisible braces that can help to straighten you teeth without the need to construct a scrap yard in your mouth. Introduced in 1999 by Align technologies, Invisalign is a series of plastic retainers that fit over the patient’s teeth gradually forcing them into position. Each set of retainers needs to be worn for two to three weeks before a new set is used. Usually twenty or so sets of retainers are needed to complete a full treatment, depending on the patient.

The retainers are made from one-millimeter thick clear plastic and are almost impossible to see unless standing extremely close to the patient’s mouth. The braces are also removable so can be taken out at meal times. This means that unlike other braces certain foods are not of limit.

While invisible braces have existed before they have never had the degree of accuracy of Invisalign. Due to the advancements of technology, and introduction of CAD/CAM (computer aided design/computer aided manufacture), Invisalign braces can be made to the exact specifications of a 3D projection. A Central Leeds dentist will be able to make this 3D projection from one mold and an x-ray, then a computer guided machine can manufacture the retainers, in a fraction of the time of previous invisible braces, to an unbelievable standard of accuracy.

Although Invisalign braces may not be suitable for all patients, and it has to be said conventional metal braces have also come a long way, an Invisalign brace can straighten your teeth without knocking your confidence. Ask a Central Leeds dentist if Invisalign can help you straighten your teeth. Call 0113 245 4868 to make an appointment for free consultation.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Invisalign | No Comments »

Leeds dentist straightens teeth in six weeks with Inman aligner

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Everybody wants to have straight teeth, but for those not born with naturally straight nashers, the only real option is to have them straightened. In the past this has meant wearing uncomfortable and unseemly metal braces, which can be the source of great embarrassment, especially for teenagers. More recently, we have seen the advent of invisible plastic braces which, while discreet, often take a very long time to be effective.

Now, however, there is a new alternative. A straightening device that is as discreet as invisible braces and as effective as the old fashioned metal ones. The Inman aligner works by using a coiled spring on the tongue side of the teeth which simultaneously pushes the side teeth back and the front teeth forwards. In doing so it creates room for the front teeth to move into and straighten.

The Inman aligner is not completely invisible. There is a metal bar that sits in front of the teeth but due to the astonishing speed of results, most patients and dentists don’t see this as a major disadvantage. Most treatments show results between six and sixteen weeks, which compared to the months and even years of conventional braces, is incredibly fast.

When initially used the aligner can cause some minor discomfort due to the pressure being exerted on the teeth but this rarely lasts more than a week as you become accustomed to it. Other than this the process is completely painless.

The Inman aligner is mostly suitable for patients with minor straightening issues. Any serious overcrowding will require more substantial corrective treatment but for patients looking to put the finishing touches to their straight teeth, there really is no substitute. The Inman aligner is also completely removable so can be taken out to eat or if the patient so desires in the circumstances.

If your teeth could do with being that little bit straighter, talk to a Leeds dentist about the Inman aligner, and within six weeks you could have the straight toothed smile you’ve always wanted. Call 0113 245 4868 to make an appointment with Dr Gakhal

Tags: , ,
Posted in 6months smiles | No Comments »

Central Leeds dentist helps patients beat bad breath

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

At one time or another, whether we are aware of it or not, we all will have suffered from bad breath. Bad breath, or halitosis as it is otherwise known, can strike anyone at any time unless you take preventative measures. Mouthwashes and chewing gum can mask the smell of bad breath but they don’t get to the causes so it is likely to return. Because it is so difficult to tell if your breath smells (we’ve all done the hand cupping move at some point) only a strong regime of preventative measures can alleviate the anxiety that you have bad breath.

People commonly believe that bad breath is caused by internal issues, such as poor digestion or stomach issues, but this is generally not the case. Studies have shown that nine cases out of ten are caused by poor standards of oral hygiene. Food matter that gets caught in the gaps between teeth can start to decay when acted upon by bacteria in the mouth. This releases foul smelling sulfurous compounds which can be one of the main causes of halitosis. Bacteria thrive in the human mouth, where conditions for them are almost perfect. There are over 500 million on the human tongue alone where they live in the warm and moist crevices. This bacteria can also build up in a filmy substance called plaque that covers the teeth and decays the enamel. This bacteria and plaque live on decaying organic matter so the more you have in your mouth the more it is going to smell.

The most effective way to deal with bad breath is to make sure you are brushing your teeth correctly, twice a day, for three minutes. As well as this you should be flossing once a day. Flossing helps to clean small gaps in the teeth that conventional brushes can’t reach. This can remove the decaying food particles which cause many cases of bad breath. Using a mouthwash may also help kill bacteria but only as part of a wider oral hygiene routine.

Bad breath can be a warning sign that your oral hygiene needs improving. Ask a Central Leeds dentist about the correct ways to brush and floss at your next check up. They can also recommend the most suitable brush for your teeth. Just a few minutes extra cleaning a day could help you keep bad breath away for good.

Tags: , ,
Posted in dental hygeinist | No Comments »

Bring back your smile with a set of dentures from a Leeds dentist

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

Dentures are a dental solution for patients who have no remaining teeth, or patients who have several teeth missing, when a partial denture may be used. There are a number of reasons why patients may have lost their teeth. It may be the result of periodontal disease, tooth decay or even some kind of trauma to the head. When some, or all teeth, are missing it is very important to replace them as it can result in a sagging facial appearance which can make you appear older because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles.

The loss of teeth can also have a big impact on your self-confidence and make you reluctant to smile or make eye contact. A set of dentures acts as a removable replacement for teeth. They are specially designed to look and feel like your own. Today’s dentures are vastly better than the ill fitting and fake looking sets of the past, and will look and feel natural and comfortable.

Modern dentures are usually made from acrylic resins, but with the continued advancement in dental technology a whole new range of materials is being used. Ask a Leeds dentist about the very latest Valplast flexible cosmetic dentures.

A pair of well-constructed and accurately fitting dentures should be secured in place by suction and fit alone but occasionally an adhesive is necessary to secure them. Other people just feel more confident knowing their dentures are secured, but adhesive gels and strips can be messy and make the eating of certain foods very difficult. More and more patients are opting for dentures that are secured with dental implants for a more permanent hold that can provide extra confidence when wearing dentures.

Dentures will last a long time if they are properly cared for and kept clean. They should generally be removed at night to allow the gums a rest and always cleaned thoroughly before you put them back into your mouth. A Leeds dentist will also be able to professionally clean your dentures should they begin to become stained or harder to clean with a normal brush. It is also important to have your dentures measured for size regularly as poorly fitting dentures can cause gum irritation and erosion.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Dentures | No Comments »

Replace your missing tooth with a dental implant from a City of Leeds dentist

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

A missing tooth that has been caused by decay or has been knocked out in an accident can not only be cause of embarrassment but can also cause further dental complications if not replaced. Existing teeth tend to lean into empty spaces in the toothline causing sagging of the facial tissue and complications that can alter bite and profile. A missing tooth can also allow bacteria to develop on food particles that become lodged in the recess. This develops into plaque, a filmy substance that covers teeth and causes tooth decay. It is therefore very important that missing teeth are replaced as soon as possible.

There are several options to replace a missing tooth, but one of the most popular is a dental implant. An implant offers the most stable substitute for a missing tooth and also one of the most realistic.

The implants themselves are cylindrical screws that are anchored into the jawbone, which act as a stable base for an artificial tooth (also known as a crown). They are suitable for most patients but work especially well for those who have a strong jaw, healthy gums and existing teeth that are in good condition. The implant is usually made of titanium or other lightweight metal that is suitable for use in the human body. Because the implant is fixed, it is incredibly sturdy and eliminates the need to use messy adhesive or occasionally fragile dental bonding. This means that unlike other cosmetic dental procedures certain foods are not off limits. Also, because of the stability and lifelike structure of a dental implant, it will help to prevent any muscle alteration in the cheeks and jaw.

The procedure is completed over two or three visits to the dentist. In the first place, the screw is anchored to the jawbone, just slightly proud of the surface. It is then allowed plenty of time to heal and fuse with the bone and gums, in a process called osseointergration. A post is then attached to the screw before finally the crown is secured to the post.

A dental implant is certainly the most authentic replacement for a real tooth. Many patients who have implants are less aware of them being artificial than patients who opt for dental bridges. A City of Leeds dentist can assess your bone structure and gums to see if a dental implant would be viable treatment for your missing tooth and advise as to how much the procedure may cost.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in dental implants | No Comments »

Dental crown from City of Leeds dentist replaces broken tooth

Monday, September 14th, 2009

For patients who have suffered a cracked, broken or damaged tooth, a dental crown may be necessary to repair the damage and protect the tooth from further injury and preserve its usefulness in the mouth. Patients need crowns specifically if the tooth cannot be repaired by other dental procedures, such as fillings or bonding.

For example, if the tooth has decayed to the extent that there is not enough remaining structure to support a filling, then a crown will cap (crowns are often known as caps) the decaying tooth. After a root canal treatment a crown is often needed to strengthen the hollowed out tooth and if a fractured tooth is too badly damaged to be repaired by bonding, then a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it and prevent further breaking.

Crowns are not necessarily the first option for the dentist. They will first always do all they can to save the existing tooth, because if a crown is necessary, the tooth must be ground down to allow the crown and cement to fit over the top of it. Once this has been done the tooth can never be repaired and a crown must be worn there for life. A crown is really the only option when the integrity of the tooth has been damaged beyond repair.

Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials. The more extraverted patient might opt for a gold crown, but they usually come as either porcelain or a porcelain-metal alloy, but all porcelain crowns usually provide the most realistic appearance.

Crowns are manufactured in the laboratory from molds of patients’ teeth made by the dentist. In recent years, dentists have been able to use computer technology and 3D imaging to construct incredibly accurate crowns in a fraction of the time. The crowns are then cemented over the pre-worn down tooth, hopefully fitting perfectly in the gap left by the old tooth. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to assess the damage to your tooth and if necessary design and construct a perfect porcelain crown for your mouth.
If looked after properly and thoroughly cleaned by brushing correctly twice a day and flossing once a day, a high quality dental crown will last between the and fifteen years.

Tags: , ,
Posted in porcelain crowns | No Comments »

Central Leeds dentist replaces missing tooth with dental bridge

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

When a tooth is missing because it has decayed or has been knocked out in an accident, it leaves a space in the tooth line. This space can be detrimental to remaining teeth and oral hygiene as a whole. Existing teeth tend to lean into the space created by the missing tooth. It can also cause sagging of the facial tissue, specifically if there is more than one tooth missing.

One of the options to replace a missing tooth is to have a dental bridge fitted by a dentist. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth, or teeth, that is anchored onto the existing teeth either side of the gap. The artificial tooth, known as the pontic from the Latin word ‘bridge’, is fused between two crowns which bridges the gap of the missing tooth, creating the appearance of a full set of teeth.

Dental bridges therefore serve the cosmetic purpose of recreating a full set of teeth, but also have further cosmetic advantages as mentioned above. A bridge can also help maintain a healthy looking profile and prevent alterations in bite, which can cause irritation. Gaps left by missing teeth are also breeding grounds for bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay. Food particles can accumulate there and break down. Bacteria feed on these particles and form plaque, a substance which covers the teeth causing cavities. A dental bridge will fill this hole and prevent this build up, keeping your teeth and mouth healthy.

There are three main types of dental bridge that can be used depending on the individual situation of the patient. The most commonly used is the traditional fixed bridge. This (as described above) is when a ceramic pontic is secured by two crowns on either side of the gap. Resin bonded bridges are bridges fused to existing teeth by strips of metal. This type of bridge is used when the existing teeth are in a healthy and strong condition and don’t require crowns. Lastly, the cantilever bridge is used when there are only existing teeth on one side of the gap. Two or more crowns will then be needed to secure a dental bridge.

A dental bridge will usually require several visits to the dentist to fit, as any crowns or resin bonding will need to set before the bridge can be attached to it. Central Leeds dentists can advise you on whether a dental crown is suitable for you and give an idea as to prices. If a dental bridge is suitable for you it can literally bring the smile back to your face and if looked after correctly can last up to seven years. call 0113 245 4868 for a consultation with Dr Gakhal.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Dentures | No Comments »

Broken tooth repaired by CEREC technology at Leeds dentist

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

There have been astonishing leaps forward in dental technology in the last 30 years. The dentist surgeries most of us visited as children are no longer and today dentist surgeries today resemble health spas more than hospitals. The technology that is behind these advances is truly cutting edge. One of the very latest is CEREC technology. This stands for CEramic REConstruction and is a revolutionary new system that allows dentists to design, manufacture and fit a crown in a patient’s mouth in only visit. In the past, this lengthy process would have taken a few weeks and several gruelling visits to the dentist for moulding and x-rays.

Uncomfortable dental moulds are becoming a thing of the past as 3D imaging becomes an ever more useful tool in dentistry. A dentist can now take an image using a digital 3D camera and transfer this to a computer. There they can examine the image in microscopic detail and make sure the measurements are incredibly accurate before beginning the manufacturing process. The computer relays the information to a milling device that can make a crown from a single piece of porcelain. The porcelain will be matched exactly for shade and colour so that it matches existing teeth, and even stained to give a more realistic appearance. The dentist will then glaze the crown before cementing it to the patients pre-ground tooth.

This new technology-based process is known as CAD/CAM, which stands for computer aided design/computer aided manufacture, and has enable dental procedures to be performed in radically reduced periods of time to a greater degree of accuracy. Leeds dentists are using CAD/CAM technology to cut appointment and waiting times and provide some of the most astonishing dental treatments possible. You could have a perfectly matched and measured dental crown in a matter of minutes, and compared to 30 years ago, that would have been unimaginable.

So if you have a cracked or broken tooth that needs a crown to repair it, ask your dentist about CEREC technology, the future of dentistry, and prepare to be amazed.

Tags: ,
Posted in cerec | No Comments »

Newer Entries »