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Archive for the ‘dental check up’ Category

What counts as a dental emergency and when should I call my dentist?

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, in any place. If you find yourself needing urgent help, don’t hesitate to reach out. At the moment, when practices are running reduced services and patients are worried about the Covid-19 crisis, people may be more reluctant to seek help. The message from dentists is that emergency help is available. 

What counts as a dental emergency?

There are many different types of dental ailments and some require swifter or more intensive action than others. Minor problems, such as toothache, a small chip in the tooth and tooth sensitivity, need treating, but there’s no need to seek emergency assistance. Call your local dental practice and arrange an appointment to see your dentist at a time that is convenient to you. Severe issues, such as broken teeth, intense pain, which is affecting day to day life or getting worse, severe swelling and excessive bleeding caused by facial injuries, require urgent treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible. It’s also crucial to seek advice from your dentist or your GP if you are worried about symptoms associated with oral cancer, such as abnormal lumps or swelling and mouth sores and ulcers that take a long time (more than 2 weeks) to heal. 

If you’ve been injured or involved in a traumatic accident, which is causing facial swelling that is impacting your vision or your ability to breathe, you are bleeding heavily after an incident, or you experience loss of consciousness or vomiting, call 999. 

What happens when you see an emergency dentist?

Dental professionals understand that accidents happen, and practices have emergency appointments available to ensure that teams can treat patients promptly. If you need urgent help, all you have to do is contact your dental practice and provide some information about your symptoms. If you need assistance during practice hours, you will be given an appointment at the earliest possible opportunity. If you need help outside of standard working hours, you can call NHS 111 or contact your practice and listen to instructions on the answering service. Some practices offer out of hours care. In extreme circumstances, for example, when an individual sustains severe facial injuries, it may be necessary to visit Accident and Emergency. 

When you go for your emergency dental appointment, your dentist will ask you some questions about your symptoms and then examine your mouth to determine the underlying cause and possible treatment options. You may need an X-ray. The priority is to prevent the situation from getting worse and to alleviate pain. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics, depending on the diagnosis. After your appointment, it may be necessary to book another treatment session. If you broke a tooth, for example, you may have a temporary crown fitted and your dentist will advise you to visit again to place a permanent crown on the tooth. 

Summary

Dental emergencies can affect anyone, and they often happen when you least expect them. Times are strange at the moment, but dentists are keen to ensure that patients understand that they can access emergency care. If you have pain that is getting worse, you’ve been in an accident, or your mouth is swollen and the inflammation isn’t easing with medication, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. 

Why is a Dental Visit So Important?

Sunday, October 18th, 2015

585811_blogFor many adults, visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience and it is the case that a lot of these individuals suffer from anxiety or dental phobia. However, going to the dentist is really important and should be done regularly. To beat the onset of dental anxiety in adulthood, it is beneficial to introduce children to their dentist from an early age.

Why children should visit the dentist

If children are introduced to the dentist from an early age, they will get used to going to the dentist and can form a trusting and friendly relationship. This bond will go a long way to preventing any negative conditions that can come about as a consequence of not caring for your teeth, which means the child should require less treatment in the future.

Most parents don’t take their children to the dentist until they start school, but with dentists it is said that parents should do this within the first year of their life. Increasingly, young children are suffering from preventable illnesses such as tooth decay, and dentists are seeing children as young as two with cavities – so it is important that children attend regular check-ups.

Oral health problems in children

The increasing number of children with oral health conditions is attributed to the modern diet, which increasingly consists of convenience foods and sugary, fatty snacks. Parents struggle to control what their children eat as shops are full of chocolate bars, sweets, cakes, biscuits and crisps – all these foods can increase the amount of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to the surfaces of the teeth, leading to the production of harmful acids that attack the enamel surfaces of the teeth and make them more vulnerable to decay.

In order to prevent harmful oral health conditions, it is important that children learn how to look after their teeth and gums. This involves learning about oral hygiene as well as healthy eating and the potential dangers related to poor oral health.

3 Reasons to Have a Dental Check-Up

Saturday, August 22nd, 2015

585811_blogYou often hear dentists talking of the importance of six monhtly check-ups, but why are they so important and do you really need them if your teeth feel fine? If you’re due a check-up or haven’t seen a dentist in a while, here are three good reasons to pick up the phone and book an appointment:

  1. Reduced risk of decay and gum disease: patients who see a dentist on a regular basis are proven to have a lower risk of decay and gum disease than those who avoid frequent checks. When you see your dentist, they will carry out some basic checks to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and ensure that any problems are treated. If you have signs of gum disease or decay, treatment can be administered to prevent the condition from getting worse, saving you pain and also money. Routine treatments are much less expensive than treatment for complex dental health problems.
  2. Shiny, bright teeth: seeing a dentist is not just about looking out for warning signs of dental health issues. Your dentist will also talk to you about oral hygiene at home, offer tips and answer any questions you have. They will also give your teeth a good clean, so you’ll leave with a bright, sparkly smile.
  3. Early diagnosis and treatment: regular dental check-ups are an effective means of keeping an eye on your teeth and gums and ensuring that any abnormalities or symptoms are spotted and addressed at the earliest stage.

If you would like to book a dental check-up with our excellent dentists, now is the perfect time to call us!

When In Doubt, Check it Out! The Importance of a Check-Up Explained

Sunday, May 17th, 2015

585804_blogThe trouble with dental problems is that they seldom get better without treatment and in most cases, they get considerably worse. We strongly recommend regular routine check-ups as an effective preventative measure against decay, gum disease and bad breath.

Why are check-ups so important?

Check-ups are essential for good oral health because they enable dentists to identify and treat any problems. When you have a dental check, your dentist will carry out a thorough examination to look for signs of decay, tooth damage, gum disease and oral cancer and any issues that are spotted can then be treated. Oral diseases tend to get worse the longer they are left and nipping problems in the bud will save you from experiencing pain, prevent the situation from becoming more serious and save you money on dental care in the long-run.

What happens when you have a check-up?

When you go for a check-up, you shouldn’t feel nervous or worried. Check-ups are only very short and there’s no pain involved. Your dentist will simply have a thorough look around your mouth under a bright light to see how your mouth is doing, check for signs of cavities or gum disease and identify any changes that may have occurred since your last check-up. Any important information will be recorded in your notes and if you do need any treatment, this will be discussed with you. Your dentist will also be happy to chat to you and answer questions and they may offer advice about oral hygiene or diet.

How often should I see my dentist?

Ideally, we recommend six-monthly check-ups. If you are prone to dental problems, we may advise you to come in more frequently. If you develop problems such as tooth pain, swelling or bleeding gums between check-ups, don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment. Call and make an appointment sooner and we’ll do our best to have you fighting it again as quickly as possible.

What’s so Important About a Dental Check-Up?

Friday, March 20th, 2015

944335_blogDentists recommend regular routine check-ups, but why are they so important and what actually happens when you have a dental check?

The importance of dental check-ups

Check-ups are a really effective way for your dentist to keep tabs on your oral health and they ensure that any issues or problems are identified at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. In the case of dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease, the longer symptoms are left, the worse they get, so early intervention is always beneficial. Check-ups can also help to prevent dental health problems and they give you the chance to talk to your dentist, seek advice and ask any questions. Your dentist can help you with all kinds of things, from choosing the best toothbrush and toothpaste to giving up smoking.

Dental checks also give dentists a chance to look out for potential warning signs of oral cancer, such as red or white patches in the mouth and slow-healing mouth ulcers.

What happens when you have a check-up?

When you have a check-up, your dentist will go through a check-list and examine your teeth, gums and the soft tissue in the mouth. They will look for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer and ask you if you’ve had any problems, such as toothache, sensitivity or swollen gums. Your dentist will also check fillings, crowns and bridgework. Any changes or observations will be recorded in your patient notes and your dentist will give your teeth a quick clean and polish. If you need treatment, your dentist will explain what the problem is and talk to you about your treatment options.

If you don’t need any further treatment, we will book you a check-up in six months’ time. If you do need treatment, such as a filling, we will arrange an appointment for you at a suitable time.

 

Prevent Dental Decay With A Quick And Simple Leeds Check Up

Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

iStock_000000363253XSmallDental decay can be a real pain, but with our quick and simple check-ups, we can make sure that your teeth remain healthy, strong and cavity-free. We recommend 6 monthly check-ups for adults and children.

What happens when you have a check up?

Routine check-ups only last a few minutes and you don’t need to worry about a thing; we promise that there won’t be any pain and we do our best to make you feel as comfortable as possible in the dental chair. A check-up is a chance for us to have a look at your teeth and gums and check the soft tissue in your mouth; we will check the teeth for any signs of cavities or decay and make sure there are no signs of gum disease. We record any changes in your notes and discuss any potential issues with you; if you do need treatment, such as a filling, we will arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. We offer oral cancer screening, but we also carry out checks during our routine check-ups. We can also offer advice about teeth cleaning and oral hygiene, diet and giving up smoking.

The importance of check-ups

Check-ups are important for a number of reasons; firstly, they give us a chance to spot developing problems at an early stage and this prevents you from suffering, increases the chances of successful treatment and saves you money. Oral health is really important, not just because we don’t want you suffering with aches and pains or swollen gums, but also because research suggests that gum disease can increase your risk of developing other serious health conditions, including heart disease.  We also perform oral cancer checks as part of your dental check-ups and the earlier signs are spotted, the higher the chance of successful treatment.

With regular check-ups, you can make major strides towards a beautiful, healthy smile; call us today to book your appointment.

Check In And Polish Away Those Dental Cobwebs

Monday, September 29th, 2014

18625010If you’re due a check-up or you’ve you haven’t been to see a dentist for a while, it’s time to pick up the phone and arrange an appointment to brush away those dental cobwebs. Regular check-ups are important for both your dental and general health and they only take a few minutes.

Dental checks

Dental checks take less than ten minutes, but they have a major bearing on your oral health. During a check-up, your dentist will examine your mouth and check for any signs, which could potentially be worrying. If you have early signs of decay or gum disease, treatment can be administered to prevent it from getting any worse and this will save you pain and suffering, time and money.

Ideally, we recommend 6 monthly check-ups, as this enables dentists to keep an eye on the mouth and identify any potential problems as early as possible. If you have dental pain or any symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, in the meantime, it’s important to see your dentist as early as you can, rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.

Hygienist sessions

In addition to regular dental checks, it’s also highly beneficial to see a dental hygienist on a regular basis. Hygienists are experts in the prevention of dental disease and even a short session can make a massive difference. Hygienists provide a range of dental treatments, including scale and polish, gum disease treatment and prevention and preventative services, such as sealants and fluoride varnish, and they are particularly beneficial for patients who have a high risk of gum disease and those who suffer from halitosis (bad breath).

Check in for a check-up at City Leeds

Friday, September 26th, 2014

3388353_blogNever underestimate the importance of a dental check-up.  Ideally, patients of all ages should be visiting their dentists for check-ups every 6-9 months.

Regular dental check-ups are vital as they allow your dentist to notice any changes in your mouth, chat to you about general oral health maintenance, pick up potential warning signs and discuss any problems you may have been experiencing with your teeth.

Check-ups are nothing to worry about and only take a few minutes. They don’t involve any drills, needles or injections and are pain-free. When you come for a check-up with us, one of our dentists will examine your mouth, checking your teeth, gums and tongue, and then give your teeth a quick clean and polish. They will note down any changes to your mouth in your dental notes, and chat with you about any problems you may have with your teeth, discussing further treatment procedures if necessary.

A dental check-up is a key component in the preventative approach to oral health. However, if you do happen to notice any strange symptoms such as sensitivity, toothache or bleeding gums, you should arrange a dental check-up to get the symptom(s) looked at, even if you’ve recently had a check-up or a scheduled to have one in the near future. We advise that in the event of symptoms arising, you should book an appointment as soon as you can so that your dentist can check for potential issues. The earlier dental problems are spotted and treated, the better.

Come And Check City Leeds Out Before The Pain Gets Too Much

Tuesday, September 9th, 2014

3534882_blogIf you have dental pain, don’t suffer in silence. Come and see us next time you’re in Leeds or give us a call to make an appointment and we will do our best to have you fighting fit. Dental pain often comes and goes, but it tends to get worse with time and it’s always best to get checked out.

What causes dental pain?

There are various possible causes of dental pain, including decay, damaged or eroded enamel, dental abscesses and dental injuries, such as chips and fractures. Pain can appear in various guises, from a dull ache to throbbing pain, which comes on very quickly.

Sensitivity is a very common form of dental pain, which occurs most commonly when you eat or drink something very hot or cold. This is usually the result of worn enamel, which is often caused by acid erosion. When the enamel is worn, the dentin becomes exposed; within the dentin, lie the nerves, which is why you start to feel pain.

Sudden pain can be caused by a dental injury or a dental abscess. Abscesses are infectious sores, which contain with pus; they are caused by bacteria and they are often very painful. If you have a dental abscess, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as you can; unlike other types of abscesses, dental abscesses must be treated by dentists, rather than doctors.

What to do if you have dental pain

If you have dental pain, call the practice and book an appointment and we will see you as soon as possible. In the meantime, we can offer advice about taking pain relief and you could also use self-help techniques, such as applying an ice pack to the tooth and avoiding hard and chewy foods.

Don’t Take The Risk. Come For A City Leeds Check-Up

Sunday, August 10th, 2014

4390244_blogAre you one of the many people out there who hasn’t had a dental check-up in the last 6-9 months? Many people admit that they don’t have regular check-ups and we strongly advise keeping on top of dental checks, as they are so important for both your dental and general health.

Why are dental check-ups so important?

Regular check-ups are of paramount importance and we strongly advise all our patients, young and old, to see their dentist every 6 months. Frequent checks enable us to look out for signs of developing problems, which means that they can be treated before they get any worse; they also give us the chance to spot any changes in the mouth and to keep an eye on the development of the teeth. Without regular checks, there is a higher risk of decay and gum disease and an increased chance of potentially serious health issues, such as oral cancer, going undiagnosed.

With issues such as oral cancer and gum disease, the longer they are left, the more serious they become. Gingivitis is very easy to treat, but periodontal disease, the advanced form of gum disease, causes permanent damage to the mouth.

Dental health is also an important indicator of general health and there is a significant body of evidence to support the notion that poor oral health leads to an elevated risk of general health issues, from heart disease to diabetes.

What happens during a check-up?

We understand that many patients are apprehensive about seeing a dentist, but we promise that check-ups are quick and painless. They only take a few minutes and your dentist will simply have a quick chat with you to check how you are and whether you’ve had any dental problems and then have a good look at your mouth. Any potential issues or changes will be documented in your notes and if you have a clean bill of health, you won’t have to come back and see us for another 6 months. If you do need treatment, such as a filling, your dentist will explain why and how treatment will benefit you and then you can book an appointment when it is convenient.