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Archive for October, 2014

Take A Simple Mouth Cancer Screening Before It’s Too Late

Monday, October 20th, 2014

4070440_blogMouth cancer is a disease, which affects more than 6,000 people every year in the UK and at City Dental Leeds, we are on a mission to protect our patients. We offer mouth cancer screening to detect early warning signs and maximise the chances of successful treatment and we are also on hand to discuss causes and risk factors with patients.

About mouth cancer

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. The most influential risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, drinking alcohol and exposure to the HPV infection, which is transmitted through sexual contact. A poor diet can also increase the risk of mouth cancer.

The most common symptoms of mouth cancer to look out for include red or white patches in the mouth, slow-healing ulcers or sores and any abnormal lumps in the mouth or throat. Other symptoms may include a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

The importance of screening

Screening for mouth cancer is so important because as with most forms of cancer, is can progress very quickly and the chances of survival are much higher when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. It s estimated that early treatment increases the chances of survival by up to 90 per cent. Screening allows our dentists to identify potential warning signs before they become visible to the naked eye and this can make the difference between life and death.

Screening isn’t painful and it takes just a few minutes; come and see us today; it could save your life!

Lights, Camera And Smile Makeover Magic At A Central Leeds Dentist

Sunday, October 19th, 2014

4244118_blogHave you ever dreamed of feeling like a Hollywood star? Do you long for that all-out glamorous smile? Well now, you can enjoy the glitz and glamour of the red carpet right here in Leeds with our magical smile makeovers.

Smile makeovers are designed to create the smile of your dreams and we have an array of dazzling treatments at our disposal to make your dental dreams come true. Whether you’re in need of whitening treatment and some extra sparkle or you have worn down or missing teeth, we can help!

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is made up of a series of different treatments, which may include restorative, cosmetic and orthodontic treatments. The selection of treatments you choose to achieve your perfect smile will usually depend on your dental needs and your idea of the dream smile. We will assess your needs and talk to you about the different options on offer during the consultation stage and we can make recommendations based on what we think would be the best pathway to a flawless new smile. Some patients need restorative work, others need orthodontics and some simply prefer to go all out with the aesthetics and focus on cosmetic solutions; every patient is different and that’s why every smile makeover we offer is completely unique.

Popular treatments for a smile makeover include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, white fillings, tooth whitening and cosmetic braces.

Smile makeovers can take a few days or several months, depending on the treatments that are used and the cost varies; your City Dental dentist will give you an accurate idea of costs and treatment times when you have your consultation. If you’re strapped for time or you have a budget in mind, we can tailor our recommendations to suit you.

Banish Bacteria Before It Causes Dental Disaster And Halitosis

Saturday, October 18th, 2014

595603_blogThere are some bacteria, which are essential for good health, but others are downright nasty and we need to banish them before they contribute to dental disasters.

Good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is the best form of defence against harmful bacteria. With an effective regime of brushing and flossing, you can maximise your chances of good oral health. Ideally, you should brush every morning and evening for at least 2-3 minutes each time and floss daily; it’s important to do this to remove bacteria from your mouth and reduce the risk of plaque forming. Plaque is a sticky film, which is made when bacteria, food debris and saliva come together. Plaque is the most common cause of gum disease and decay.

Bacteria and halitosis

Halitosis (bad breath) is a very common problem, which is almost always associated with oral bacteria. When bacteria feed, they give off gases, which smell very unpleasant and this is why you get bad breath. Smoking and taking some types of medication can also increase the risk of halitosis. The best way to prevent bad breath is to stick to a good daily oral hygiene regime and to chew sugar-free gum after eating. It is also highly beneficial to see a dental hygienist in addition to your routine dental check-ups.

Dental checks

Dental appointments are really important because they enable your dentist to keep tabs on the mouth and identify any dental issues at an early stage. Dentists can then arrange any relevant treatment and they can also give the mouth a good clean, which removes surface stains to give the teeth a healthy white glow.

Use Miraculous Mini Implants To Support Your Leeds Smile

Friday, October 17th, 2014

2797271_blogHave your dreams of dental implants been shattered? Are you sick of ill-fitting, uncomfortable dentures? If so, we may have a solution. Mini dental implants are suitable for most patients and they provide a solution for patients who lack bone density to support traditional implants, as well as those who have had troubles with dentures in the past.

About mini dental implants

Mini dental implants are simply smaller versions of traditional implants; they are often recommended for patients who are unable to tolerate traditional implants as a result of insufficient bone tissue in the jaw and they can also be used to anchor dentures to create a more stable tooth replacement. The procedure for placing mini implants is much less invasive and straightforward than larger implants.

Implant-retained dentures

Dentures are very effective and many patients have absolutely no problem with them; however, many patients who have dentures report issues with the fit and comfort factor and implant-retained dentures can prove a very innovative and useful alternative to traditional dentures. Implant-retained dentures are dentures that are held in place by mini implants, rather than the suction of the gums. They provide much greater stability and security and they also increase the power of the denture, which means that you can enjoy a wider range of foods and complete peace of mind when you’re eating.

If you are thinking about swapping your denture or you’re interested in finding out more about mini dental implants or implant-retained dentures, call us today or bob in and see us when you’re next in Leeds!

You Wouldn’t Fear Our City Leeds Dental Team If You Knew Them

Thursday, October 16th, 2014

4361359_blogWe understand that facing the dental chair can be anxiety-inducing, but we are here to help you and our amazing dental team has experience and expertise in providing care for nervous patients. We are a very friendly bunch and we promise every patient that we will do everything we can to make them feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. With us behind you, you don’t need to worry and you can face your dental appointments without any fears at all.

Treatment for nervous patients

Dental fear is very common and most of our patients admit to feeling at least a little nervous when they come to the practice, especially if a complex procedure is around the corner. We are very caring and compassionate and we make time for our patients; we are happy to show patients around the practice, introduce them to dentists and answer any questions before you have treatment and we also offer techniques, including sedation, to make treatment less daunting.

Sedation is a popular choice for nervous patients and it can really make a difference to how you feel before and during treatment. With sedation, we use sedative medication to bring on a deep state of calm and patients feel completely relaxed during the procedure. When you are under sedation, you won’t feel any pain, but you will still be conscious, so if you want to speak to your dentist you will be able to do this.

After sedation, you’ll be able to go home, but we do suggest that you ask a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you while the effects of the drugs wear off, as you may be a little drowsy.

If you’re worried about going to the dentist or you haven’t been to the dentist for many years because of dental anxiety, we can help you to overcome your fears. Call us now to speak to one of our friendly reception team or pop in to the clinic if you are in Leeds city centre.

No Need To Hide Your Smile With Discreet Invisalign Braces

Wednesday, October 15th, 2014

2445507_blogAre you one of those people that feel a sense of dread when a camera comes out or you shy away from showing off a beaming smile at a business meeting or when you meet somebody for the first time? If you have dental issues and they are making you feel self-conscious, Invisalign could be the ideal solution for you. With Invisalign you can straighten out issues such as crooked and crowded teeth with the peace of mind that nobody can see your braces.

About Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear brace system, which uses a series of bespoke, plastic aligners to gently reposition the teeth and straighten the smile. The aligners simply sit over the teeth and when they are in place, they cannot be seen, as they are made entirely clear components. Invisalign differs to traditional treatment because it uses a number of appliances, rather than a single brace. Each aligner is worn for 2 weeks, meaning that every one is slightly different; this allows room for movement.

Invisalign is not just beneficial because it offers discretion; it also offers flexibility and simplicity, as the aligners are removable. This means that treatment has minimal impact on your day to day life, as you won’t have to adapt the way you eat or clean your teeth. There is also a lower risk of oral health problems because there are no brackets or bands to attract bits of food and bacteria.

Invisalign is a viable option for most patients with minor or moderate orthodontic issues and it may be just the treatment you’ve been looking for if discretion is the name of the game. Call us today to find out more and arrange your consultation; a beautiful new smile could be just around the corner!

Protect Your Health With A Visit To Our Hygienist

Tuesday, October 14th, 2014

585986_blogIf you’re determined to keep dental disease in check and preserve perfectly white, shiny pearly whites, we strongly recommend seeing one of our amazing dental hygienists.

About dental hygienists

Our incredible dental hygienists are expertly trained to provide treatments to prevent oral disease and promote good oral health. With intensive cleaning treatments and preventative services, such as fluoride varnish and sealants, our hygienists are on hand to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Our treatments include preventative treatments, gum disease treatment, scale and polish and surface stain removal and information and advice about issues such as oral hygiene at home, giving up smoking and diet.

Why should I see a dental hygienist?

Even if you have healthy teeth and a clean bill of oral health, it can be hugely beneficial to see a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are experts in oral hygiene and the treatments they provide can help to keep dental disease at bay and ensure your teeth look bright and beautiful. Regular treatments rid the mouth of potentially harmful bacteria and polish the teeth and remove stains to make them sparkle and shine.

We recommend annual sessions for patients with good oral health and more frequent sessions for patients who have gum disease or bad breath or a high risk of developing dental problems.

You can now book directly with our dental hygienists, rather than being referred by a dentist; simply call our reception team!

Our Dental Veneers Are Sheer Elegance

Monday, October 13th, 2014

Beautifully HappyIf you’re searching for a treatment, which offers elegant, natural looking results, our porcelain veneer could be just the ticket.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-fine and light sheets of laminated porcelain, which are trimmed to fit over the natural teeth to create a stunning smile. Veneers are bespoke and they are created based on a mould of the patient’s teeth; this ensures a perfect fit and a seamless, natural finish.

Veneers are often used to create flawless smiles and they have become exceptionally popular in recent years; however, they can also have restorative benefits and are commonly used to cover chipped and worn teeth. Veneers can also provide a solution for patients who have stained teeth or small gaps between their teeth.

How do veneers work?

Veneers are custom-made for the patient and they can be used individually or as a full set. Before veneers are placed, the teeth are prepared in a simple and quick procedure, which involves buffing the teeth and taking away a wafer-thin layer of the tooth surface to make space for the new veneers. An impression is created and this is sent away to the dental laboratory; the new veneers are usually ready around 2 weeks later. The veneers are then placed over the natural teeth and we ask you to check that you are happy with the look of your new and improved smile before we secure them using dental adhesive.

With veneers, anything is possible and we really transform your smile! Call us now to find out more about how you could achieve your dream smile.

A Lighter Dental Shade Of Pale With Classy Leeds Crowns

Sunday, October 12th, 2014

585811_blogAt City Dental Leeds, we like to keep things classy and with our amazing porcelain crowns, we can restore damaged teeth without detracting from the stunning natural beauty of your smile.

About dental crowns

Dental crowns are restorations, which are called into action when a tooth is damaged, broken or decayed. Crowns are sometimes called caps and this is because they sit on top of the natural tooth. If your tooth is infected, you’ve had an injury or accident and the tooth is broken or severely damage or you have a very large cavity, you may be advised to have a new crown.

Crowns are custom-made for the patient to ensure that they fit perfectly and they can be made from various different materials. We like to use porcelain crowns because they match the colour of the natural teeth and they also have a beautiful sheen.

Crown treatment

Before a crown is made, the tooth is prepared and this involves taking away all the rotten tooth tissue and shaping the tooth in preparation for the crown. Dental putty is used to make a mould of the tooth and this is then sent away. The crown is then manufactured by an expert dental technician. When your new crown is ready, we will fit in onto the tooth and then fix it firmly using strong adhesive. Sometimes, in the event that the tooth is infected, root canal treatment will be carried out prior to the crown being fitted; this procedure helps to remove infected pulp tissue and prevent the spread of infection through the tooth.

Crowns offer many benefits and they usually improve the aesthetic of the smile, as well as providing additional strength and functionality.

Crowns should last around 10 years provided that you look after the tooth well.

Spellbinding Sonicare Will Blast Away That City Leeds Plaque

Saturday, October 11th, 2014

464425_blogPlaque is a major problem for dentists and we strongly recommend the Sonicare brushes to keep dental disease at bay and blast bacteria. With good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of running into dental troubles and Sonicare makes brushing easier than ever before.

Why Sonicare?

Sonicare brushes have been developed using the latest design concepts and technological breakthroughs and they offer functionality and innovation, as well as proven results. Electric toothbrushes are proven to remove plaque more effectively than manual brushes and the Sonicare range has attracted plaudits from all over the world. There are brushes to suit all budgets and you don’t need to pay the earth to reap the rewards.

Brushing tips

When using an electric toothbrush, you don’t need to put in any additional effort and you should avoid pushing the brush, as brushing too firmly can actually damage the enamel. Simply guide the brush head around your teeth, taking care to cover every surface of every tooth and angling the head to brush along the gum line. We recommend brushing for 2-3 minutes and you can buy brushes with a built-in timer; if you don’t have a timer, try brushing along to a song instead.

Flossing

In addition to brushing twice a day, we recommend flossing. Flossing is important because it covers the corners, the gum line and the gaps between the teeth, which are tricky to reach with a toothbrush. Flossing can help to reduce the risk of gum disease and decay by decreasing the risk of plaque development.

If you have any questions about choosing a toothbrush or you’re unsure which toothpaste to buy, we are always happy to help; don’t hesitate to give us a call or have a chat when you next have an appointment.