There is no doubt that our teeth take a battering over time. They can wear, crack, discolour or even suffer from decay. According to a dentist in central Leeds, this is the time to take action to prevent further complications. If you have regular visits to the dentist, most of these problems will be spotted and a course of action decided upon. In some cases, crowns may be recommended; they cover an existing tooth that has been damaged or can be fitted to an implant. If a cavity has formed through poor oral hygiene, a root canal may be needed to save the tooth after which, a crown can be fitted to restore the look and strength. Crowns may also be recommended in the case of cracking or wear. The procedure is a fairly painless. You will be put under a local anaesthetic and the tooth shaped to accommodate the new tooth and moulds will be taken of the mouth so that a crown can be made that perfectly fits the tooth and mouth. This will take a couple of weeks, so you will be fitted a temporary crown during this time. When it arrives, the crown will be bonded into place with dental cement. For the vain amongst us with money to burn, crowns can be made from various materials. Porcelain or ceramic are the natural choice, though crowns can be moulded in gold. They are durable, lasting up to 15 years and costs vary, depending on your choice, but can start anywhere from £150.
Posts Tagged ‘decay’
Getting A Crown Fitted In Central Leeds
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010The incredible benefits of multiple dental implants from Leeds dentist
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
Losing one, some or all of your teeth can be a very traumatic experience. Whether it is due to disease, dental decay or just as the result of an accident, the toothless smile is never a good look for anyone of any age. There are also a number of health reasons besides the aesthetic that mean that missing teeth are bad.
Even one missing tooth can cause further problems to occur with the other teeth. This is because the hollow left by teeth can act as a breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria which will attack the other teeth. The other remaining teeth will also be encouraged to move about in the mouth causing bite interruptions and sagging of facial tissue.
Luckily, there are a number of options available to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges and partial dentures are good for replacing one or two missing teeth and, of course, full dentures restore the appearance of a full set. But perhaps the most effective dental substitute is the dental implant. This is a small metal screw that is placed firmly into the jawbone to act as a base for the new dental crown. Implants can be used on their own to replace single of up to three missing teeth but they can also be used in larger numbers to act as a base for a full set of dentures.
These so-called mini-implants act as a stable clip to which you can attach your dentures so they are set firm in the mouth when you need them to be, but can also be removed at night or for cleaning purposes. Mini-implants or multiple implants remove the need for any messy or complicated denture adhesives and make it easier to eat the foods you want to eat. For more information about the possibilities of dental implants, make an appointment to see a Leeds dentist who can assess if you are a suitable candidate.
Leeds dentist stresses the importance of flossing
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
There are a number of very important reasons why you should floss every day. Flossing is often seen as not as important as brushing but this is not necessarily true. Brushing your teeth cleans the flat surfaces of the front and back of the teeth but it can’t reach certain parts of the teeth that are harder to get to. This includes the area between the teeth, which is too narrow for the bristles of a brush, and the areas around the base of the teeth and below the gum line.
It is important to clean these parts of the teeth, as this is where bacteria and plaque are most likely to gather. Bacteria and plaque can then begin to attack the tooth enamel breaking it down and causing decay. Food particles can also get stuck in between teeth, which become breeding grounds for bacteria, one of the main causes of unpleasant bad breath.
Flossing helps to remove these food particles and plaque that cause decay and gum disease. Leeds dentists recommend that you floss at least once a day, making sure to clean the areas around the base of the teeth. There are various types of floss available for different teeth so ask your dentist which is the most suitable for you.
If you haven’t flossed in a while, there may initially be some blood on the floss or when you rinse out your mouth. This is a sign that your gums are inflamed and in desperate need of a good floss. This will eventually clear up with regular flossing. It is never too late to start flossing and giving your teeth the protection they need.