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Emergency Dentistry Hints and Tips

Saturday, October 3rd, 2015

A dental emergency can happen to anyone. We never know when one is going to occur and it is probable that you will require treatment immediately to fix it. This is why we offer emergency appointments to our patients. They can be necessary for a number of problems, highlighted below:

Knocked Out Teeth

If one of your teeth gets knocked out, you should gently lift it by the crown and clean it with care. Sometimes there will still be gum tissue so you can leave this and carefully return the tooth to the empty socket. Alternatively, place the tooth into a container filled with milk or hold it next to the cheek inside your mouth until you reach the dentist. You should make an appointment as soon as possible to increase the chance of saving the tooth.

Broken Teeth

If part of a tooth has been knocked out or damaged following an accident you should call immediately for an emergency appointment. In the meantime ease any pain or swelling by cleaning your mouth with warm water and using a cold compress on the swollen area.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

If you accidentally bite your tongue or lip so badly that you are bleeding and in pain, go to an emergency room as stitches may be necessary. This should only be done if the bleeding cannot be stopped with a cloth or compress.

Possible Broken Jaw

You may need to visit the hospital if your jaw has suffered an accident or injury. Swelling can be eased by using a cold cloth.

Toothache

Toothache can happen for a few reasons, but the most common one is dental infection. If it gets worse with time, rinsing your mouth with warm water can help, followed by gentle flossing to get rid of any food debris that can lead to infection. Corsodyl or another specialist mouthwash can help prevent excess bacteria. If the pain persists contact your dentist for treatment so that the infection does not spread.

If you do use painkillers to help with pain in gums and teeth, it is important not to allow them to rest on the gums as they will lead to burning in the gum tissue.

Tags: Emergency Dental Treatment, emergency dental treatment Leeds, Emergency dentistry Central Leeds, Emergency dentistry Leeds
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How is a Fractured Tooth Repaired?

Friday, October 2nd, 2015

Although the teeth are made from incredibly hard components, they are still vulnerable to injury. If you’ve chipped, broken or lost a tooth, we can provide excellent restorative treatment to repair the tooth and restore your confident smile.

Causes of dental fractures

Common causes of dental fractures include:

sports injuries
trips and falls
car accidents
tooth grinding (bruxism)
gum disease
sudden changes in the temperature of the mouth
fighting
biting down on hard foods or bottle tops

What are the symptoms of a fractured tooth?

If you’ve fractured a tooth, you may find that the tooth is painful, especially when you bite down with it. The area around the tooth may be inflamed and you may experience increased sensitivity. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell whether the tooth is broken or not. When you see your dentist, they will X-ray the tooth to confirm a diagnosis.

What can be done for a broken tooth?

There are various treatment options for cracks and fractures and the treatment used is usually dependent on the severity of the fracture. Sometimes, when a tooth is only slightly damaged, bonding can be used and this is a very quick and simple fix. If the tooth is more extensively damaged, a new crown may be recommended. Crowns are placed over the top of the damaged tooth. In extreme cases, when the tooth is severely damaged and it’s impossible to repair it, the tooth may be extracted. Veneers are another option, as they are beneficial when the tooth structure is still strong but the aesthetic of the tooth has been impaired.

Preventing fractures

It’s often the case that fractures arise from preventable situations. Here are some simple tips for protecting the teeth:

wear a mouthguard when playing sport
always wear a seat belt
take care when chewing hard sweets or biting down on hard foods
never use your teeth to open bottles
take extra care when drinking from glass bottles or cups
see your dentist for regular check-ups

Tags: broken teeth treatment leeds, broken tooth, broken tooth Leeds, Fractured Tooth Repair
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All About Wisdom Tooth Removal

Friday, September 25th, 2015

The wisdom teeth are also known as the third molars. They are the last teeth to develop and can be found in the corners of the mouth. There are four wisdom teeth in total. Most people start to get their wisdom teeth during their late teens or early twenties, although this can vary. Often, just saying the words ‘wisdom teeth’ is enough to make people squirm, as they are synonymous with pain.

In many cases, the wisdom teeth cause no problems, but sometimes it can be painful when they push through because of a shortage of space in the jaw. If there is not enough room for the teeth to develop properly, they can start to grow at an angle and push against the neighbouring teeth, and this can be uncomfortable. This is known as an impacted tooth.

Wisdom tooth extraction

If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems and you are struggling with pain, it is advisable to have them extracted. The wisdom teeth are not essential and you will be able to do everything you need to without them, so losing them is usually the best course of action if they are troublesome.

Wisdom tooth extraction is similar to normal tooth extraction, when the tooth is gently pulled out of the tooth socket using dental instruments, but the procedure may be more complicated due to the position of the wisdom tooth. The teeth are located right at the back of the mouth and this can make it more awkward to reach them, especially if they are impacted and positioned at an angle. If you need a wisdom tooth removed, our expert dentists at City Dental Leeds can help. Our team boasts experienced dentists with expertise in oral surgery to remove your teeth with minimum discomfort. We understand that oral surgery can be a daunting prospect and we have measures in place to help patients to feel more relaxed and comfortable.

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Top Three Restorative Treatments

Thursday, September 24th, 2015

Restorative dentistry involves the diagnosis and treatment of all issues relating to the smile. In an ideal world, restorative treatment would feature much less frequently in our daily workload. Regular brushing or flossing and making use of preventive treatments such as the early detection of gum disease or tooth decay can help prevent the need for any invasive dental treatments.

Nevertheless, restorative dentistry for patients in Leeds plays a very significant role and in some cases cannot be avoided. For example, teeth may need to be restored following a road traffic accident or after a fall.

Probably the most common restorative treatment is fillings. When a tooth is damaged by decay, it is often necessary to remove the decaying material and replace it with enamel or porcelain. The latter is used for white tooth-coloured fillings to make them look more natural. It also involves less removal of the tooth, making it a more comfortable and speedier treatment.

A second common restorative procedure is endodontic or root canal treatment. This seems to be one of the most feared treatments in dental care but, while efforts should be taken to avoid such work, the principle behind it is quite simple and it is not as bad as it sounds. When a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, there is an increased risk of infection to the blood or nerve supply of the tooth. This can be painful and potentially result in the loss of the affected tooth. Root canal treatment is then carried out by removing any sign of infection and thoroughly cleaning it before filling in the tooth again, to restore it to its natural shape.

A third common treatment is the replacement of missing teeth with dentures. Obviously, these vary in size and design depending on the scale of the problem. This has cosmetic benefits such as improving the smile and preventing facial muscles from sagging. Importantly, it also allows the wearer to enjoy a healthy diet. Dentures are usually made from acrylic (for the teeth) and either acrylic or metal for the base, commonly known as the plate. When a denture is partial, it is attached to the natural teeth with clasps, known as precision attachments.

Tags: Fillings Leeds, modern dentures Leeds, restorative dentistry Leeds, Root canal treatment Central Leeds
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Treatment And Advice For Chipped Teeth

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015

Playing sports, trips and falls or even biting down on a mint humbug can damage your teeth, but if you have a chip, there’s no need to worry. Even the slightest chip can make you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, but there are some excellent treatment options out there and your dentist will be able to patch up your tooth in no time.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a procedure commonly used to make minor changes to the shape and aesthetic of the teeth; it involves using dental composite, a tooth-coloured material, to repair chips, build up worn down surfaces and reshape the teeth to make the smile look more attractive. Treatment only takes one hour and it is completely painless.

The procedure involves your dentist moulding and shaping the composite to reshape an individual tooth and carry out basic repairs, such as filing in a chip or evening up a worn edge. At room temperature, composite is soft like putty and this enables your dentist to adapt it to suit each individual tooth that needs attention. When they are confident that the composite is in the right place, they then shine a curing light onto the composite and this sets it, making it firm.

Veneers

Veneers are a popular treatment option for people who want to transform the appearance of their smile and they create dazzling results. Veneers are usually made from porcelain and they are placed on top of your natural teeth; the aim is to create a stunning smile. Each veneer is custom-made and shaped to fit your tooth perfectly; you can choose from various tooth shades and shapes to suit your aesthetic preferences and treatment can usually be completed in 2 sessions 2-3 weeks apart. Veneers may be a good choice if you have additional issues, aside from chips, such as staining or gaps between your teeth and you are looking for a more dramatic transformation.

Preventing chips

Sometimes, it’s impossible to prevent chips; however, there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of your teeth being damaged, including:

wearing a gum shield when playing sport
avoiding using your teeth to open bottles or cut labels off clothing
avoiding very hard foods
seeing your dentist for regular check-ups

Tags: Central Leeds, Chipped Teeth Repairs, chipped tooth Leeds, Composite bonding
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Dealing With Bad Breath

Saturday, September 19th, 2015

Bad breath (halitosis) is something we all have to deal with from time to time, but if this is a persistent problem for you, your dentist can help. Bad breath is a very common problem and it’s nothing to be ashamed about; dental treatments, including hygiene sessions, can help to banish bad breath for good, helping you to feel more comfortable and confident.

Why have I got bad breath?

Bad breath is commonly associated with bacteria, which collect and multiply in the mouth; when bacteria feed, they release gases, which have an unpleasant odour and this is why you experience bad breath. Bacteria usually gather as a result of poor oral hygiene. Smoking and eating foods that have a strong flavour or odour can also contribute to bad breath. Many cases of halitosis are linked to bacteria on the tongue, as this is often missed out when cleaning.

Dealing with bad breath

It’s perfectly normal to have bad breath in the morning or after eating, but if you find that you have bad breath most of the time or it is starting to impact on your confidence or the way you live your life, it’s time to seek help. Seeing your dentist and making regular appointments with your dental hygienist will make a massive difference to your oral health, as well as your confidence. The best treatment for bad breath is intensive cleaning and it’s also really important to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Your dental hygienist can chat through cleaning techniques with you and regular sessions will help to keep bacteria at bay and boost your oral health.

If you have problems with bad breath, don’t suffer in silence; call your dentist now to make an appointment and tackle bad breath for good.

Tags: bad breath, Bad Breath Central Leeds, City of Leeds, halitosis
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What Sedation Methods Are Available To Me?

Saturday, September 5th, 2015

Many dental patients feel apprehensive about undergoing treatment and even the thought of sitting in a dental chair is enough to make some feel incredibly anxious. Sedation is a technique, which can be hugely beneficial for those that suffer from dental phobia and dental anxiety and patients who require complex treatment. Sedation is commonly used in medicine and dentistry to help patients to feel more relaxed during a procedure; there are various forms available, including:

IV sedation: IV sedation is given intravenously, which means that it passes into the body through a vein in the arm. IV sedation takes effect very quickly.
Oral sedation: oral sedation involves administering sedative medication orally, so that the patient swallows a tablet. This form of sedation may be more appealing for those who have a phobia or fear of needles.
Inhalation: inhalation is a simple and hassle-free means of sedation, which can be helpful for those who feel anxious about having an injection. In this case, the sedative is inhaled through a mask.

The benefits of sedation

Sedation is highly beneficial for people who experience anxiety when they go to the dentist or think about having dental treatment. When you are sedated, you don’t feel any pain and you have limited awareness of what is going on; you won’t lose consciousness, but you will feel a little drowsy, calm and relaxed. As well as making you feel more relaxed during a procedure, sedation can also help to ease nerves in the run-up to a dental procedure, as you have peace of mind that you won’t feel any pain. Sedation can also help those who have had negative or painful experiences in the past because you usually don’t have much recollection of what happened once the effects of the medication wear off. Sedation is available for a range of different dental procedures; ask your dentist for more information.

What happens after sedation?

After the procedure is complete and the effects of the sedative start to wear off, your dentist will carry out some checks and you will be free to go home; you can’t drive for at least 24 hours after sedation, so you will need to arrange a lift with a friend or relative. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects to wear off completely and you should take time to rest and avoid exercise, operating machinery, making important decisions and drinking alcohol.

Tags: dental sedation Leeds, IV sedation, Leeds City Centre, Sedation Available in Leeds City Centre
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What Happens If I Need My Tooth Extracted?

Friday, September 4th, 2015

If you injure a tooth or your tooth is severely decayed or damaged, extraction may be the best course of action. Many people worry about tooth extraction, but your dentist will take the necessary steps to help prevent pain and facilitate rapid healing. Extracting a tooth is usually recommended when there is no ay of saving the tooth; in this case, removing the tooth can help to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth and dental infection.

What happens when a tooth is extracted?

The teeth are held firmly in place by roots and the roots are loosened before the tooth is pulled out to reduce discomfort and damage to the surrounding gum tissue. Before this stage of treatment is carried out, the tooth will be numbed using local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain. Once the effects of the anaesthetic have become apparent, your dentist will use specially designed dental pliers to gently pull the tooth from side to side; this will loosen the tooth in its socket. Once the tooth is moving freely, your dentist will pull the tooth, releasing the roots.

After tooth extraction there may be minor bleeding and pressure will be applied to the socket to stem blood flow and start the healing process.

What happens after tooth extraction?

After you’ve had a tooth extracted, it’s important to take it easy and avoid doing anything strenuous. As the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to experience mild pain; pain should be short-lived and you should be able to ease it using over the counter painkillers. If you have severe pain or pain that is getting worse, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist. For the first 24 hours, try to avoid drinking alcohol and eating anything hard or chewy and take care with hot drinks shortly after the procedure, as the anaesthetic may prevent you from feeling a burning sensation. When you go to bed, try to prop your head up a little higher than usual using an extra pillow or a towel under your pillow; this will help to reduce the risk of bleeding. Take extra care when brushing your teeth around the affected area.

Tags: Central Leeds, tooth extraction, tooth extraction Leeds, Tooth removal
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Finance Packages for Dental Treatment

Friday, August 21st, 2015

At City Dental Leeds we aim to make our dental treatments as accessible as possible and strongly believe that everyone should be able to enjoy confidence when they smile. We offer competitive dental fees, operate a transparent pricing policy and are happy to provide patients with treatment as part of a finance package.

About dental finance

Finance packages can help to make extensive treatment more affordable. With a finance plan in place, you can spread the cost of treatment, paying a series of monthly instalments rather than the entire cost up-front. The terms of a finance agreement will depend on the cost of treatment and the length of the agreement and all the details will be made clear before you sign any contracts. We currently offer finance on a range of treatments – see our friendly staff team for more details.

Denplan

In addition to dental finance, we also offer Denplan, a membership scheme that enables you to spread the cost of routine dental treatment over the whole year. With Denplan, you pay a small monthly fee in exchange for a dental package designed to prevent dental diseases and keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. The Denplan Essentials plan includes:

two routine dental check-ups per year
Routine dental hygiene treatment, including scale and polish (up to a maximum amount detailed in the contract)
dental X-rays
advice to help prevent dental disease
discounts on other dental services

If you have any questions about dental fees or finance offers at our clinic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Tags: Denplan Leeds, dental finance Leeds, dental finance packages Leeds, finance packages Leeds
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Beware Drinks That Damage Your Teeth

Saturday, August 8th, 2015

We all know how eating sweets and puddings on a regular basis can harm our teeth, but have you ever thought about how what you drink affects your oral health? Often, drinks can be just as problematic as food when it comes to tooth damage.

How drinks can damage your teeth

Many drinks available in supermarkets, cafes and restaurants contain a lot of sugar and this spells bad news for oral health. A lot of drinks are also acidic, making them a major risk factor for acid erosion. Enamel is the hard outer layer of the tooth and acids wear down the enamel, weakening its structure and gradually forming cavities in the surface. Once the enamel is damaged, there is no way to restore. This elevates the risk of tooth decay.

When we drink fizzy drinks, fruit juice, fruit cider, alcopops and wine we coat the teeth in acid, increasing the risk of erosion.

Preventing acid erosion

The best way to prevent acid erosion is to avoid drinking and eating acidic products that contain a large amount of sugar. Yet there are some extra steps you can take to reduce the impact, such as:

Use a straw to drink through
Drink water or milk after consuming other beverages
Eat cheese or yoghurt when you drink acidic or sugary drinks
Wait at least 45 minutes to brush your teeth after eating or drinking

If you would like advice about healthy eating or more information about which foods are harmful for your teeth and gums, our dentists and dental hygienists will be happy to help.

Tags: Dental health Central Leeds, dental health Leeds, Dental hygiene Central Leeds, Dental hygiene Leeds
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