Archive for April, 2012

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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.

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A Knocked out Tooth can Ruin Smiles in all of Leeds

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

How do people lose teeth?

Many people lose teeth prematurely, which can occur as a result of a sports injury, accident or trauma, fighting or as a result of a severe fracture that may be caused by biting something very hard.

What should you do if your tooth is knocked out?

If you lose a tooth it may be possible to salvage it if you can see a dentist quickly. Keep hold of the tooth and store it in milk and arrange to see your Leeds dentist as soon as possible. Do not try to scrub the tooth, as you may damage the enamel and hold the tooth by the crown to prevent damage to the tooth roots.

What happens when I see my dentist?

If it is possible your dentist will try to save the tooth and try to implant it back in the tooth socket. You could try and do this yourself, but many people feel uncomfortable trying to re-insert their own tooth.

What happens if the tooth cannot be saved?

If the tooth cannot be saved, there are options for filling the gap. Dental implants are widely regarded as the most effective long-term tooth replacement. Implants are titanium screws, which are fixed into pre-drilled sockets in the jawbone. Once the implant has settled, a new crown or denture can be attached and the tooth will look like a natural tooth and function in exactly the same way. Another option is a dental bridge and for people who have lost a number of teeth, dentures may be an option.

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TMJ Problems can Dramatically Affect One’s Health in Central Leeds

Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

What is TMJ disorder?

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders affect the temporomandibular joint, which is located just in front of the ear. The joint connects the jawbone (known as the mandible) to the skull (close to the temple) and is responsible for many movements, including yawning, opening and closing the mouth and biting. In most cases, TMJ disorder causes pain in the jaw and restricted movement in the TMJ. TMJ disorder is also known as TMJ pain, TMJ dysfunction and myofascial pain disorder.

TMJ disorder is common and around 1 in 10 people will experience symptoms of TMJ disorder at some point in their lives.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

  • Symptoms of TMJ disorder found in Central Leeds include:
  • Pain when biting down and chewing on food.
  • Restricted movement in the TMJ joint, which may make yawning and opening and closing the mouth difficult.
  • Clicks and noises when you move the joint.
  • Symptoms affecting the ears, including increased sensitivity to noise and vertigo.
  • Locking of the jaw.
  • Headaches

What causes TMJ disorder?

TMJ disorder can be caused by many different factors, including over-activity of the jaw, which may be caused by grinding and clenching the teeth and damage to the joint, which may be caused by arthritis or general wear and tear.

Treating TMJ disorder

If TMJ disorder is caused by arthritis, the underlying cause will be treated. If clenching and grinding are causing symptoms, it may be advisable to wear a protective guard during the night and we can custom-make mouth guards to prevent teeth grinding. In many cases, resting the jaw joint can ease symptoms and pain relief medication can also be very effective.

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Bonding at the Dentist can Make a Big Difference in the City of Leeds

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a treatment that involves using dental bonding material to patch up flaws and cracks in the teeth, improving the aesthetic of the smile and preventing further damage to the teeth.

When can dental bonding be used?

Dental bonding in the City of Leeds is a very versatile treatment, which can be used to address the following problems:

  • Chipped teeth.
  • Jagged, misshapen teeth.
  • Gaps between the teeth.
  • Filling small cavities.
  • Increasing the length of the teeth.
  • Brightening discoloured teeth.

What does the procedure involve?

The dental bonding procedure is very simple, with the bonding material applied to the affected tooth and then shaped by a skilled dentist. An intensive light beam is then shone onto the material, causing it to set hard. The material will then be trimmed or shaped to ensure a perfect result. The bonding procedure is very safe and quick and no anaesthetic is required.

Benefits of bonding

Bonding is a very simple, cheap and safe way of improving the look of your smile. If you are drawn to a chipped tooth when you look in the mirror, for example, dental bonding could be the ideal treatment. Having a healthy, attractive smile helps people to feel confident and enables them to make a positive first impression.

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The Causes of Teeth Discolouration are Numerous in Leeds

Monday, April 16th, 2012

Bright white teeth have long been associated with health, wealth and social status and it is no different today. We are all familiar with the radiant Hollywood style smile, thanks to celebrities such as Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole and it is no surprise that whitening teeth is a popular choice of treatment.

What are the causes of discolouration?

Very few people have naturally bright white teeth. Teeth are likely to lose their whiteness, though the process can be accelerated by poor dental health, smoking, and consuming strong coloured beverages, such as red wine and coffee. Discolouration is part of the ageing process but a good daily oral hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle can help to keep the teeth looking healthy and bright.

Solutions for discolouration

Most people will be familiar with tooth whitening treatments, thanks to images of celebrities in the media. Teeth whitening is a popular choice with patients because it is safe, quick and affordable. In less than an hour, your smile could look completely different and you will have a radiant set of pearly whites to show off. A good daily oral hygiene routine and steering clear of red wine and coffee will also help to preserve the natural whiteness of the teeth and giving up smoking is beneficial for your oral health, as well as your general health.

If you are interested in tooth whitening in Leeds, give us a call to arrange a consultation.

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Posted in cosmetic dentistry, enlighten, Smile Makeover, teeth whitening | No Comments »

Why not try some Herbal Teeth Remedies in Central Leeds

Sunday, April 15th, 2012

Herbal medicine has been around for centuries and some people firmly believe in the healing properties of natural substances. For those who prefer to try natural remedies before taking medication or undergoing invasive treatment, here are some remedies for common dental problems:

Dental decay:

  • Green tea
  • Liquorice
  • Bay
  • Myrrh
  • Bloodroot

Gum disease:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Tea tree oil
  • Cranberry

Bad breath (halitosis):

  • Herbs and spices
  • Sage, calendula and myrrh

Dental abscess:

  • Rub salt into the wound.
  • Gargle lukewarm saltwater.
  • Apply ice to the abscess.
  • Crush a clove of garlic and apply to the abscess.
  • Take vitamin C and garlic tablets.

Visit your dentist in Central Leeds to learn about the options that can keep your smile healthy and bright.

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Makeover Your Smile How You want it to be in the City of Leeds

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

A Smile Makeover is the ultimate form of cosmetic dentistry, so if you’ve ever dreamed of an A-list smile, this is probably the treatment for you! A Smile Makeover does exactly what the name suggests and it can convert even the most unattractive smile into a flawless set of dazzling pearly whites.

Smile Makeovers are made up of a number of different treatments, which produce a perfect smile. The selections you make will depend on the kind of look you want to achieve, your budget and the problems you feel you want to address.

How do I choose which treatments to have?

If you fancy a makeover and you live in the City of Leeds, we can make your dreams come true. We offer a vast range of treatments and we will be able to advise you which treatments to have based on your current oral health status, the kind of smile you want and your budget. We will tailor-make your treatment plan to suit your individual needs and desires.

Popular treatments include:

How much does a Smile Makeover cost?

The cost of a Smile Makeover varies depending on the procedures you choose, with some treatments much more expensive than others. We will take your budget into account when designing your treatment plan and a full breakdown of the cost will be provided before you agree to go ahead with treatment.

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Posted in cosmetic dentistry, porcelain crowns, Smile Makeover, teeth whitening | No Comments »

Contouring Gums in Leeds is Far Scarier than it Sounds

Friday, April 13th, 2012

What is gum contouring?

Gum contouring is a procedure that involves removing tiny portions of the gum tissue and the procedure can be carried out using either a scalpel or a laser beam. Gum contouring is also known as gum re-shaping.

When is gum contouring used?

Gum contouring is most commonly used to treat a gummy smile, which occurs when the gum tissue covers a large amount of the teeth. A gummy smile is not a dental condition, but it can have serious implications for an individual’s self-esteem and confidence. A gummy smile makes the teeth look short and small, which affects the balance and overall appearance of the smile. Gum contouring is a very simple and safe procedure and it can make a massive difference to the aesthetic of the smile.

What does the procedure involve?

Gum contouring is carried out using a scalpel or laser technology, and involves trimming tiny pieces of gum away to show more of the tooth structure and make the smile look more attractive. Gum contouring is carried out under local anaesthetic and typically takes less than one hour. The procedure sounds much more daunting than it is in real life and is actually one of the most simple, safe and effective treatments and the results are always very impressive. If you want to find out more about gum contouring in Leeds, do not hesitate to give us a call!

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The Gummy Smile can make even the Brightest Teeth Falter in Central Leeds

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

What is a gummy smile?

A gummy smile occurs when there is a large amount of gum tissue visible when you smile, which is due to the gums covering a larger portion of the teeth than normal. A gummy smile can make the teeth look short and small, which may affect the aesthetic of the smile.

What are the implications of a gummy smile?

A gummy smile is not a dental condition, as it does not cause any physical problems or symptoms, but it can affect peoples’ confidence, as they may feel conscious about the appearance of their teeth, which may make them not want to smile in public. A gummy smile makes the teeth look small, which affects the balance and overall look of the smile. With treatment, the smile can look much more attractive, which also helps to boost confidence and self-esteem.

How is a gummy smile treated?

A procedure called gum contouring, also known as gum re-shaping, can be carried out to provide a solution for a gummy smile. Gum contouring involves trimming away tiny pieces of the gum tissue to allow more of the tooth structure to become visible when you smile. This means that the teeth look longer and the smile looks more evenly balanced. Gum contouring can be performed using a scalpel or laser technology- although it may sound like a daunting procedure, it is actually very simple and safe and it takes less than an hour. If you want to find out more about treating a gummy smile in Central Leeds, contact us at City Dental Leeds.

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The City of Leeds has an Unwelcome Visitor in Tooth Abscesses

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

What is an abscess?

A tooth abscess, known as periapical abscess, is a collection of pus, which develops inside the tooth structure. Abscesses that develop in the gums are known as periodontal abscesses.

What causes an abscess?

Abscesses develop as a result of bacterial infection. Bacteria infect the tooth and spread, causing the pulp of the tooth to become infected. The pulp contains all the living tissue, including the nerves and blood vessels, but once the pulp is infected, the tooth can effectively die. Bacteria will continue to spread through the tooth until they reach the alveolar bone and this is where the abscess forms.

Bacteria enter the teeth through caries (also known as cavities). Cavities develop as a result of poor oral hygiene and eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods. Once the tooth is infected, the bacteria can spread through the tooth is the cavity is left untreated.

How is an abscess treated?

Dental abscesses do not go away on their own and it is important to get treatment as quickly as possible. A tooth abscess is removed by means of root canal treatment. Your City of Leeds dentist will drill through the infected tooth to reach the abscess and drain the pus, before removing any infected tissue and cleaning and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to prevent pain and discomfort.

Preventing tooth abscesses

The best way to prevent a tooth abscess is to maintain dental health and visit your dentist every six to twelve months. It is also advisable to avoid eating a lot of sugary and acidic foods, which cause decay and to visit your hygienist for regular cleaning treatments.

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