Posts Tagged ‘tooth decay’

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Avoid painful tooth decay with effective cleaning and visits to Leeds dentist

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Tooth decay is a degenerative condition that takes place in the oral cavity involving the break down of tooth enamel. The destruction of this enamel leads to holes, known commonly as dental cavities, which can lead to more serious dental concerns like infections, abscesses and even tooth loss.

Tooth decay is caused by a build up of a filmy, sticky substance called plaque. When combined with the millions of bacteria that live in the mouth, plaque releases acids which erode tooth enamel causing cavities. Plaque can be removed by effective brushing and flossing, but if left it will transform into a harder substance called tartar. Tartar is impossible to remove with normal cleaning and needs to be removed by dentist using a process called scaling.

Tooth decay is not only increased by poor standards of oral hygiene. Maintaining a healthy diet and eating and drinking food low in sugar can help to keep decay to a minimum. Sugary foods increase the production of plaque acid that is the main cause of decay.

Tooth decay can be treated at several stages depending on the seriousness. Mild decay can be treated by increasing cleaning and oral hygiene. Larger cavities will need to be repaired with a dental filling. This is when the dentist removes any decaying enamel and uses a composite resin to fill the cavity. The resin is then set hard to protect the enamel from any further erosion. Large cavities are sometimes filled with ceramic inlays for an extra degree of structural protection.

If tooth decay has occurred to the point that the centre of the tooth is infected, a dentist will need to perform a root canal procedure. This involves drilling a hole into the tooth to allow the dentist to remove the infected material. Once the centre of the tooth and nerve are clean, the dentist will fill the root canal with medicine before sealing the tooth with a filling and possibly a dental crown. Root canal procedures are quite unpleasant and should be avoided if possible. The best way to avoid root canal treatment or any form of tooth decay is to properly brush and floss your teeth and keep up regular appointments with a Leeds dentist. By staying on top of tooth decay you could save yourself a lot of pain and money in the future.

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Dental implant from Central Leeds dentist lasts a lifetime

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

There are many reasons why people loose teeth. It could be due to a dental trauma, possibly as the result of a sporting injury, through tooth decay or even just due to old age. Whatever the reason, missing teeth can have serious negative aesthetic and health related consequences.

Missing teeth leave hollows in the dental arc very difficult to clean with conventional brushes. These hollows become breeding grounds for bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This can seriously damage the health of other remaining teeth in the mouth. Missing teeth can also cause existing teeth to move around in the mouth causing interruptions to bite. This can cause painful jaw conditions known as TMJs and sub-conscious teeth grinding called bruxism. If several teeth are missing it can cause facial tissue to sag, which becomes permanent if not supported by some rigid structure.

There are many ways to replace a missing tooth but one of the most sturdy and realistic is a dental implant. This is an artificial dental root implanted into the jawbone to act as a support for a dental crown. Usually made from titanium or other strong metal not harmful to the human body, dental implants are cylindrical screws secured into a pre-drilled socket.

Implants are only suitable for patients with strong existing gum and bone structures. A dentist will be able to ascertain the strength on the jawbone using a series of x-rays and scans. For patients with insufficient bone structure to support an implant it is possible to have a bone graft to increase the strength of the jaw.

Once the implant has been secured it is left to fuse with the bone and existing tissue, for a period ranging from six weeks to six months, in a process called osseointergration. During this period, a dentist may fix a temporary dental bridge to protect the implant and create the appearance of a full set of teeth. When fused, the implant can then be used as a base to attach a permanent dental crown.

Dental implants provide the only realistic alternative to an original tooth. Because they are anchored to the jawbone itself the crown acts and feels like a real tooth. Implants have been used for about 30 years to replace missing teeth and if properly maintained can last a lifetime. If you are suffering from a missing tooth or looking to replace an old dental substitute, make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist to discuss the possibility of a dental implant.

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Leeds dentist repairs tooth decay with filling

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

Tooth decay is the process by which the enamel and dentine are eroded away by bacteria and plaque acid that accumulates in the mouth. Tooth decay can be very painful and can eventually lead to infection and tooth loss. However, tooth decay is completely preventable by the adequate and regular brushing and flossing of teeth.

Plaque is a filmy substance that is rich in bacteria and other debris, which clings to the teeth. The decaying bacteria and foodstuff release acid which erodes the enamel of the teeth causing dental cavities, or caries as they are otherwise known. If left unchecked, these cavities continue to grow until they penetrate to the centre of the tooth and begin to erode the pulp. The nerve endings are also located in the centre of the tooth and this is why patients experience toothache. Once the infection has taken hold in the tooth the body may begin to produce an excess of white blood cells to fight it. These pus deposits build up and painful tooth abscesses can form.

If decay reaches the point where it has infected the centre of the tooth the dentist will have to carry out a procedure called a root canal treatment in order to save it. This involves drilling a hole into the middle of the tooth and removing the infected mater and the nerve endings. The cavity will then need to be filled with medicine to prevent further infection before being covered with composite-resin dental filling and finally a crown.

Cavities can also be filled before they reach the centre of the tooth. Fillings used to be made form a silver amalgam substance, but controversy due to potentially poisonous mercury vapour and a more aesthetic appearance has seen a widespread change to tooth coloured composite resin fillings.

One sure fire way of preventing dental cavities in the first instance is to brush and floss correctly everyday. Maintaining a high standard of oral hygiene prevents the build up of plaque and stops tooth decay before it starts. It is also important to keep up six-monthly appointments with a Leeds dentist who will be able to spot the first signs of tooth decay, and repair any existing damage.

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Prevent infection form tooth abscess with early visit to CentralLeeds dentist

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

When tooth enamel is breeched, either as the result of tooth decay or some kind of dental trauma, bacteria infiltrates the tooth and attacks the pulp at its centre. This causes an infection in the heart of the tooth that will slowly kill the tooth and spread to other areas of the mouth, if not treated. The body’s natural defence against the infection is to bombard it with white blood cells. This creates a substance called pus that will then gather around the infection causing a swelling called an abscess.
This swelling can be very painful and make everyday activities like eating and drinking a very unpleasant experience.

Usually the first sign of a tooth abscess is a toothache, although when an infection has killed the root of the tooth, this pain may go away. This can be particularly dangerous as patients may assume the infection has gone because the pain has stopped. In reality the infection may be spreading to other teeth and even into the bloodstream. This is why it is always essential to see a dentist even if you think the pain has gone away.

Other signs that you may be suffering from a tooth abscess are a bitter taste in the mouth or a foul odour coming form the mouth. A general feeling of nausea or being unwell could also be telling signs of an oral infection. The painful toothache is usually a continuous throbbing pain that is heightened when exposed to extremes of temperature, especially when eating.

Swilling salt water or taking paracetemol or other pain remedies can help to control the pain of a tooth abscess, but only by visiting a dentist can you be sure to attack the underlying causes of the infection. Make an appointment with a Central Leeds dentist if you think you may be suffering from a tooth abscess. Delaying may only give the infection time to spread meaning your treatment will be more intense and possibly more expensive. In some extreme circumstances, tooth abscesses may even require admission to hospital and painful oral surgery so early treatment is definitely advised.

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City of Leeds dentist restores smile with dentures

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

It can be very embarrassing for people who have lost some or all of their teeth but there is a solution. A denture, or partial denture, is a set of artificial teeth that fit around the gums giving the appearance of a full and healthy set. There are many reasons why people have lost their teeth. Tooth decay and gum disease are usually the main cause, but other patients lose teeth in car accidents and other incidents that involve head trauma.

It is very important to replace missing teeth, even if it is only one or two, because teeth act as rigid supports for facial muscles. When teeth are missing, the facials muscles begin to sag, giving a sunken expression. Existing teeth begin to lean into spaces caused by missing teeth, which can have adverse effects on bite and profile which is difficult to reverse.

A set of dentures will not only restore the cosmetic appearance of healthy teeth but will also prevent any unwanted alteration to facial structure. Modern dentures are far superior to the dentures of the past in terms of strength and appearance. They are currently made from acrylic resin, but further advances in technology have seen the recent introduction of Valplast flexible dentures.

Dentures are often associated with the stigma of adhesive and the embarrassment of them falling out at inopportune moments. Although some patients like to use adhesive for extra security, a good pair of dentures will be perfectly secure with only natural suction alone. If your dentures are falling out they may be too big and need adjustment. Likewise, dentures that cause irritation to the gums are likely to be too small.

Dentures can be a perfectly acceptable substitute for natural teeth if measured and fitted correctly. If kept clean, like real teeth, they will last a long time. Dentures can be cleaned with regular toothbrushes and should be left out over night in water to allow the gums a chance to recover. A City of Leeds dentist will be able to measure and fit a lifelike set of dentures that can restore your smile and prevent missing teeth causing you any further embarrassment.

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

Saturday, October 3rd, 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.

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Dental crown from Leeds dentist is perfect replacement for cracked tooth

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Some of the most common dental injuries occur when patients crack or break a tooth. This often happens while undertaking physical activity or can be the result of a head trauma, such as a car crash. Apart from being painful, these types of dental injury can also need complex cosmetic dental procedures to fix them. With cracks and breaks, dental bonding and fillings are sometimes insufficient, especially if the injury is quite severe, and in these instances a dental crown is the only option to save the tooth.

Dental crowns, or caps as they are sometimes known, can also be used to repair extensive damage to teeth caused by tooth decay. If the tooth has decayed to the point that it cannot support a filling, then it will need to crowned to protect it from further damage and ultimately tooth loss. Crowns are also used after root canal procedures when they are cemented in place to prevent any further infection and to restore the appearance of a natural tooth.

Before resorting to a crown, the dentist will always explore all the other possible avenues. This is because to apply a crown, a dentist will need to grind down the existing tooth to make it small enough to receive a crown and the adhesive cement. Once the tooth has been ground, it cannot repair itself and a crown must be worn there for life. Dentists use crowns when there is no other alternative and the integrity of the tooth has been damaged so badly as to leave no other option.

Various materials are used in the manufacture of crowns. They are usually made from porcelain, a form of ceramic, or alternatively a porcelain-metal alloy. These give the most realistic appearance and can be made from porcelain selected specifically to match the existing teeth of the patient. However, for the more extroverted, there is the option to have a crown made of gold or silver.

When fitting a crown, a dentist will first take a mould and x-ray of the patient’s teeth. Then using the very latest in 3D computer technology, they can produce an image of the teeth on a computer. This allows the manufacturing process to be incredibly accurate and means the crown can be designed to fit perfectly over the damaged tooth. If looked after correctly, with appropriate brushing and flossing, a crown can last between ten and fifteen years. Visit a Leeds dentist if you have a damaged or decayed tooth and would like to restore its natural appearance.

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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.

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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.

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