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Archive for April, 2012

Tooth Decay is Not Something We Advocate in Central Leeds

Monday, April 30th, 2012

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as dental cavities (or caries) occurs when the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth are worn down by bacteria. Bacteria produce harmful plaque acids, which break down the outer layers of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth. If holes are left to grow, bacteria can invade the living tissue of the tooth, known as the pulp and cause the tooth to die, until eventually the tooth will fall out.

How common is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems, affecting the majority of people. More than half of adults in the UK have one or more decayed teeth and rates of decay are increasing in children.

What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

Tooth decay does not usually cause symptoms until decay is severe and this is why regular dental checks are so important. One decay has become advanced, symptoms include tooth pain, bad breath, heightened sensitivity and spots of grey and yellow discolouration on the teeth.

How is tooth decay treated?

In the very early stages, fluoride varnish can be applied to the teeth to prevent further decay; however, if decay is more advanced, a filing may be required. Fillings are used to fill cavities and prevent the spread of decay. If bacteria have infected the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment will be performed. This procedure involves removing decayed pulp tissue and cleaning and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. Root canal treatment is often a very effective means of saving an infected tooth.

Preventing tooth decay

Fluoride is a very effective means of preventing tooth decay, which can be applied to the surfaces of the teeth in varnish form and is also present in toothpaste and in drinking water in some areas of the country. Fluoride helps to strengthen the teeth.

Regular dental check-ups with your Central Leeds dentist, every six to twelve months, are essential for good oral health.

 

The Inman Aligner and the City of Leeds go Hand in Hand

Sunday, April 29th, 2012

This is an innovative dental appliance, which straightens teeth extremely quickly. The device is made from a metal bar and a coiled spring – the forces generated by the parts cause the teeth to move into position. It is a removable appliance, which is designed to treat problems that affect the teeth at the front of the mouth.

How does it push and pull teeth into place?

The Inman aligner works by generating forces, which effectively pull and push the teeth into the perfect position. The coiled spring and metal bar produce the forces and the aligner uses up to date techniques to ensure that the teeth move quickly and painlessly.

How are results achieved?

This is amongst the most effective and quickest forms of orthodontic treatment currently available at the dentist. Treatment time varies according to the individual but treatment is often finished within 4 months and advances are visible in a few weeks.

Am I a suitable candidate?

If you live in City of Leeds and you have orthodontic issues and want a straighter smile, give us a call to arrange a consultation. The aligner is designed to treat minor problems that affect the teeth at the front of the mouth. The Inman Aligner is a very effective treatment, but it is not suitable for everyone. If you are not a suitable candidate for Inman aligner treatment, we can recommend alternative treatments.

Go the Invisible Route When you Choose Braces in Leeds

Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Invisible braces have taken the world of orthodontics by storm, as they provide an incredible solution for all those people who want a straighter smile but are worried about the way they will look during the treatment process. Braces have been used for decades, but many people are wary of having orthodontic treatment because they associate it with having to wear unsightly, painful braces for months on end. However, invisible braces straighten the teeth without anyone else even knowing that you are wearing braces.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the leading invisible brace system, which involves a series of clear, plastic aligners, which are shaped differently to encourage the teeth to move into position. The patient wears the aligners for a fortnight and then moves on to the next in the series until treatment is finished. The aligners are removable, but they have to be worn for at least 21 hours per day in order to ensure maximum efficacy.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

The major benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are invisible, meaning that nobody will even know that you are wearing braces and you won’t be able to see them when you smile. Invisalign aligners are also removable, which means that you can take them out for special occasions and to eat, drink and brush your teeth. Fixed braces can be very difficult to clean, which increases the risk of gum disease and decay. Invisalign aligners are also designed to be very comfortable.

If you want to find out more about invisible braces in Leeds, contact us to arrange a consultation.

Root Canal Treatment in Central Leeds can make a Big Difference to Your Smile

Friday, April 27th, 2012

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is a very common procedure, which is used to treat teeth that have been infected by bacteria. Root canal therapy is designed to treat advanced cases of decay and can save infected teeth, which could instead need extraction. Many people shudder when they hear the words root canal treatment, but the procedure is very effective and relatively straight-forward and it can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

What does the procedure involve?

The actual procedure involves removing decayed, infected pulp tissue from the tooth. Your Central Leeds dentist will drill through the affected tooth to reach the root canals, before removing the rotten pulp tissue and cleaning the root canals thoroughly. Once the root canals have been cleaned, filling material (called gutta percha) is inserted to seal the canals and thwart more infection. It is carried out under local anaesthetic to prevent discomfort during the procedure

Why would I need root canal treatment?

You may need root canal treatment if you have an infection that has arrived at the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains the living tissue, including the blood vessels and nerves and if infection reaches the pulp chamber, the tooth effectively starts to die. Rot canal treatment is used to save and restore an infected tooth. You may also need root canal treatment if you have a tooth that has been badly harmed as an outcome of an injury or accident and root canal treatment is also used to treat abscesses.

Gum Disease and Other Dental Problems in the City of Leeds

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Gum disease is a common problem, which causes the gums to become inflamed and sore. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and advanced gum disease is called periodontal disease or periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, which causes bleeding gums, sore gums and inflammation. Gingivitis is very common and it can usually be treated very effectively if diagnosed early. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress into periodontitis, which is much more difficult to treat. Most people experience mild gum disease at some point in their lives, but the condition is largely preventable.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease, which causes pockets to develop amid the teeth and the gums, which makes the teeth come loose and eventually fall out. These pockets can also become breeding grounds for bacteria and abscess may start to develop. Periodontitis does not just affect the gums, it also affects the surrounding structures, including the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament, which connects the tooth to the tooth socket in the alveolar bone.

Treating gum disease

Root planing and scaling, teamed with good oral hygiene, is usually an effective treatment in the City of Leeds for mild cases of gum disease, however, advanced cases of gum disease are much more difficult to treat. In cases of severe gum disease, surgery to remove the tooth may be the only option.

Keeping Tabs on Your Oral Hygiene is Important in Leeds

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

A good oral hygiene regime is the key to preventing oral health diseases and keeping the teeth and gums strong and healthy.

What should a daily oral hygiene routine involve?

Dental hygiene is essential from a very early age and children should be taught to brush their teeth as soon as their first teeth start to develop. Electric and manual toothbrushes are both effective, but studies have shown that electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively and some people also find it easier to brush with an electric toothbrush.

Oral hygiene treatments

Our City Dental Leeds dental hygienists provide a very effective service, which can help to prevent oral health diseases and treat existing conditions. Hygienists offer intensive cleaning treatments, which provide a much deeper clean than brushing, and target areas that are prone to plaque and tartar development. Dental hygiene services also help to make the teeth look glossier and healthier and can reduce surface staining.

Why is oral hygiene so important?

Oral hygiene is essential for good oral health and studies have also shown that poor oral hygiene, which is a cause of oral diseases, can also contribute to an increased risk of serious, life-threatening health conditions, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Poor oral hygiene causes the teeth to look unhealthy, as well as increasing the peril of gum disease, abscesses and decay and this can have implications for an individual’s confidence.

Choosing Dental Crowns in Central Leeds is Always a Good Decision

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

A dental crown is a form of restorative treatment, also called a cap, and is used to give strength to any teeth that are decayed or damaged. The crown fits above the current tooth and helps to prevent further damage. Crowns come in a selection of materials, which include precious metals, ceramic materials, including porcelain and ceramic fused with metal.

Why choose a dental crown?

If a tooth is damaged as a result of injury, decay or an accident, a dental crown is a suitable treatment option. Crowns are used to bolster and restore the teeth, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and functional smile. Crowns help to reduce the risk of further damage to the tooth.

What does dental crown treatment involve?

Before a tooth can be crowned, it must be prepared, so your Central Leeds dentist will remove decayed tissue, clean the tooth and prepare the tooth using a special instrument called a burr. An impression will first be taken and the crown will be manufactured according to the mould. Once this is done the new crown will be placed over the top of the tooth and fixed into place.

How long does a crown last?

The lifespan of a crown depends on how well you look after your teeth. If you stick to an effective dental hygiene routine and avoid eating and drinking sugary and acidic foods and drinks, your crown should last several years. Regular dental check-ups are also very important.

Whitening Teeth in the City of Leeds is one Step Away

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

Tooth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular over the last decade as people look for ways to enhance the look of their smile. Numerous celebrities have sported the results of whitening treatment and this has inspired many people to follow suit and visit their dentist for A-list treatment. Whitening is one of the most effective and affordable ways of giving your smile a makeover and the results are amazing.

Enlighten whitening

At our dental practice in the City of Leeds we are delighted to offer clients the world’s leading whitening treatment, Enlighten. Enlighten rapidly became a favourite with Hollywood’s finest and appeared on television makeover shows and now it is accessible to all. The Enlighten whitening system combines home whitening treatment with professional treatment to ensure amazing, long-lasting results.

What does treatment involve?

Enlighten treatment involves wearing a custom-made tray, which contains whitening agent for 2 weeks. Most people wear the tray during the night so that it does not interfere with their normal daily routine. On the 15th day, we will invite you to come into the surgery for a 1 hour professional whitening treatment to give your teeth a final boost and a gorgeous glossy glow.

Is whitening safe?

Tooth whitening is very safe when provided by a trained dentist and the results are amazing. Some people experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks after whitening treatment, but this tends to subside very quickly.

CAD/CAM Technology is Making Great Strides for Dentistry in Central Leeds

Saturday, April 21st, 2012

What is CAD/CAM technology?

CAD stands for computer aided design, while CAM stands for computer-aided manufacturing. CAM/CAD technology is used in dentistry to produce bespoke restorations and orthodontic appliances.

Restorations

CAD/CAM technology is used to produce custom-made restorations, including:

  • Crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Veneers
  • Inlays
  • Onlays
  • Dental implant restorations

Cerec is the most well-known form of CAD/CAM software, which allows dentists to design, manufacture and fit brand new restorations all in the same day.

What are the advantages of CAD/CAM technology?

CAD/CAM technology has numerous benefits, for both dentists and patients in Central Leeds:

  • Decreased treatment time.
  • Increased patient involvement.
  • Increased control for the dentist.
  • Increased accuracy.
  • Fewer dental visits, which reduces the number of injections, which is particularly beneficial for nervous patients and those with a fear of needles and injections.
  • Bespoke restorations.
  • Reduced production costs.
  • Increased convenience for the patient.

Don’t Let Wisdom Teeth Ruin Your Well-being in the City of Leeds

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Adults have 32 teeth, four of which are known as wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth develop last of all. Typically, they start to erupt at the ages of between 16 and 20, but this can vary greatly and some people do not develop any wisdom teeth.

Problems with wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are often associated with pain because there is usually not enough space in the jaw for the teeth to be positioned comfortably. This is believed to be because human jaws have decreased in size over the ages as a result of changes in our diet. Most people assume that their wisdom teeth are going to cause them problems and pain, but this is not always the case and most people do not require treatment.

Some people experience pain and inflammation when their wisdom teeth push through and this can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly, thus increasing the risk of oral health diseases.

Impacted wisdom teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that have not been able to erupt fully and as a result of this they get so far and then become stuck against the neighbouring teeth. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may be removed.

Wisdom tooth removal

In cases where there is no room for the wisdom teeth or the teeth are causing problems, your City of Leeds dentist may advise extraction, but the risks will always be weighed up against the benefits. If you are worried about having teeth extracted, please do not hesitate to talk to us and we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.