FREE CONSULTATION 0113 245 4868 Ask us about 0% Finance
Book Online

Posts Tagged ‘City of Leeds’

Accidents And Injuries And How To Prevent Them

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2015

4225775_blogMost of us have first hand experience of accidents and sometimes, there’s no way of avoiding injuries, but when it comes to your teeth and gums, there are often steps you can take to protect your teeth and avoid unexpected trips to the dentist. Here are some top tips to avoid dental injuries this autumn:

Wear a gum shield: the autumn is here and many people will be taking to football, rugby and hockey fields. If you plat sport, even if it’s just knocking a ball about from time to time, it’s important to wear a gum shield if there is a risk of injury. Mouth guards help to protect the teeth, gums and jaws and prevent injuries including avulsion (when the tooth is knocked out), fractures and chips. You can buy DIY gum shields, which you mould yourself from sports shops, but we strongly recommend investing in a dentist-made gum shield for a perfect fit and superior quality. Gum shields are recommended for contact sports, fighting sports and martial arts.

Take care when you eat: eating hard foods is one of the most common causes of chips and breaks, so be careful about what you eat and try to avoid anything, which is very hard, such as sticks of hard rock and boiled sweets.

Look after your teeth: strong, healthy teeth are more resistant to injury, so make sure you take care of your teeth; brush twice a daily, visit your dentist for regular check-ups, floss and avoid eating sugary and acidic foods on a frequent basis.

Resist the temptation to use your teeth as a substitute for scissors or a bottle opener: if you’re in a rush or you simply can’t find what you’re looking for, it can be tempting to bring your teeth into action, but using your teeth as a bottle opener or a label cutter can cause severe damage, including chips, fractures and injuries to the gums.

 

 

Dealing With Bad Breath

Saturday, September 19th, 2015

4546258_blogBad 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.

Fear Of Needles And Alternative Treatments

Saturday, September 12th, 2015

1788888_blogDental phobia is common and within this area, there are several more specific fears, including a fear of the dentist, the dental drill and pain. One of the most common causes of dental anxiety is a fear of needles and this can make going to the dentist a scary experience. Thankfully, for those who dread getting into the dental chair because of an impending injection, there are alternative methods available, including:

Gel anaesthetic: usually, anaesthetic is injected into the gums before a dental procedure, such as extraction, to prevent any pain; however, it is possible to apply anaesthetic gel to ensure that you don’t feel anything when the needle goes in. If you have a fear of needles and injections, make sure you tell your dentist, so that they are aware and they can take additional steps to make your feel reassured and more comfortable.

Painless injections: one of the main reasons people feel apprehensive about having injections is a painful experience in the past. Painless injections help to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. The Wand is a good example of a modern technique, which helps to eliminate the risk of pain caused by injections; it is a small device, which looks like a standard pen, which is controlled by a computer. The aim of the treatment is to regulate the speed of the flow of fluid, as a sudden surge or fast flow can cause discomfort.

Laser dentistry: laser dentistry is increasingly common and it has a wide range of uses within modern dentistry. One of the main benefits of laser dentistry is that it eliminates pain and drilling, which usually means that no needles are required. Laser treatment can be used to whiten the teeth, detect and treat decay and gum disease, removed decayed tissue and reshape the gums.

An Alternative To Metal Fillings

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015

4207449_blogIf you’re looking for a natural looking alternative to metal or amalgam fillings, we have the perfect solution for you! If you have a new cavity or you’re looking to replace old fillings, we strongly recommend white filings.

Everything you need to know about white fillings

White fillings are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal fillings, which are used to fill holes in the outer tooth layer known as cavities. These tooth-coloured fillings are made from resins and a dental material called composite, which is available in several shades. When you have a cavity, it’s important to have treatment to reduce the risk of further infection, as decay can spread through the tooth, resulting in more serious consequences. White fillings help to reduce the risk of further infection and strengthen the enamel without detracting from the aesthetic of your smile.

When you have a filling, your dentist will first clean the tooth thoroughly to remove any harmful bacteria and decayed tooth tissue. The cavity will then be etched and bonding material will be placed to ensure that the filling adheres. Your dentist will select the closest shade of composite to match your natural tooth colour and then place the composite inside the cavity, shaping it to make sure that it fills the entire hole. Once your dentist is happy with the filling, they will ask you to pop on a pair of protective goggles and then shine a curing light onto the tooth as this sets the composite, making it firm and durable.

How long will a white filling last?

White fillings should last up to five years, but it is important to take good care of your teeth y practising good oral hygiene at home, watching your diet and sugar intake and seeing your dentist on a regular basis, ideally every 6 months.

How Does Crown Treatment Work?

Thursday, August 27th, 2015

2433646_sDental crowns are used commonly in modern dentistry to restore and repair the teeth, but what are they, why would I need one and what does treatment involve?

The ins and outs of dental crowns

Dental crowns are a type of restoration; they are used to repair damaged or decayed teeth and they can be made from a range of materials, including metals and ceramics, such as porcelain, which are famed for their natural looking aesthetics. Crowns help to strengthen and protect the teeth and they are placed over the existing tooth structure; they are also known as caps.

You may be advised to consider crown treatment if you have damaged or injured your tooth, you have a dental fracture, you have an oral infection or you have extensive decay. Crowns can also be used to replace missing teeth when attached to a dental implant. If your tooth is infected, a new crown may be placed following root canal treatment.

Crowns are a durable solution, but they are permanent; in most cases, crowns tend to last between 5 and 10 years.

How do crowns work?

Crowns replace the decayed or damaged section of the tooth, which is removed prior to crowning, to reduce the risk of further infection. Crown treatment usually involves two treatment sessions 2 weeks apart; during the first session, any decayed or damaged tooth structure will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned thoroughly. The remaining tooth structure will be shaped and prepared and an impression will then be created using dental putty. Around 2 weeks later, your custom-made crown will be ready to fit.

Once the crown is in place, it should help to improve the function of the tooth and reduce the risk of further injury or infection in the future.

If you have questions about crowning or you would like to find out more about the benefits of crowning a tooth, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist for advice.

We Use A Range Of Techniques For Our Nervous Patients

Monday, February 9th, 2015

585804_blogWe understand that anxiety can be crippling for some of our patients and we offer a range of techniques to make patients feel comfortable and help them to build confidence and gradually overcome their fears and worries.

In addition to providing a relaxing, calming space, DVDs and music, magazines and hot drinks to make patients feel comfortable , we also have a really understanding, experienced and compassionate team and we will always go out of our way to help nervous patients to feel as calm as possible. We want to work with you to slowly build your confidence and enable you to come to the dentist without any feelings of dread or nervousness.

One of the most effective techniques we use to help comfort and relax nervous patients is sedation.

About sedation

Sedation is a technique, which is used in clinics and hospitals up and down the country every day; it is widely used in dentistry and medicine to make patients feel comfortable during procedures.

Sedation is used to induce a profound state of relaxation; it involves using sedative medication and it is not the same as general anaesthetic. When you are sedated, you feel drowsy, but you remain conscious; you will be able to hear your dentist and speak to them if you wish to. Once the procedure is complete, you will be given medication to make the sedative wear off and you will gradually start to feel more awake and alert. It can take up to 24 hours for the effects of sedation to wear off completely and we advise you to arrange for somebody to take you home and stay with you during this period of time.

If you are a nervous patient, we are here to help. Our caring team has experience in caring for anxious and phobic patients and we will do everything we can to provide the treatment you need with minimal stress and inconvenience.

Why Protecting Your Teeth During Sporting Activities Is Essential

Saturday, February 7th, 2015

2112592_blogYou only get one set of adult teeth to last a lifetime, so it’s essential to take steps to protect your teeth and look after them as best you can. When playing sport, there is often a risk of injury and just as you wouldn’t think twice about wearing shin pads or a helmet, you should always remember to wear a mouth guard. If you play contact sports or you participate in martial arts or fighting sports, it’s essential to invest in a good mouth guard.

At City Dental Leeds, we are proud to be one of just a few practices in the UK to offer the amazing OSO Athletic mouth guard, an advanced gum shield, which offers so much more than the protection provided by a standard gum shield. This innovative appliance automatically adjusts the position of the jaw to optimise muscular function and reduce tension and pressure around the facial muscles.

How does the OSO Athletic work and what are the benefits?

Each OSO Athletic mouth guard is custom-designed and it is programmed to modify the placement of the jaw to ensure that it is in the best possible position. This reduces tension in the facial muscles and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), lowering the risk of unpleasant symptoms, such as stiffness, pain and clicking and improving muscle contraction.

With the OSO Athletic mouth guard, you are free to focus on the match or game without any worries about discomfort caused by an ill-fitting mouth guard and you can also enjoy improved performance. This appliance doesn’t just reduce muscular tension, it also improves strength, balance and power.

Anyone who plays a sport that carries a risk of dental injury can benefit from the OSO Athletic mouth guard, regardless of whether you’re an amateur who likes to play once a week or an elite athlete who trains and competes on a daily basis.

We strongly recommend custom-fit mouth guards for all participants in hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing, kick-boxing, martial arts, rugby union and rugby league.

We Offer The Ultimate In Discreet Braces

Friday, February 6th, 2015

2445507_blogDiscretion is key for many of our orthodontic patients and we are delighted to offer virtually invisible solutions, such as Invisalign, for common issues, including crowding, spacing and cooked teeth. With Invisalign, we can produce incredible results with minimal impact on looks or your day to day life.

What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a popular modern orthodontic system, which is designed to offer a discreet, convenient and flexible alternative to fixed braces. With Invisalign, clients receive a set of custom-designed appliances, known as aligners; these aligners are shaped to allow room for movement and they generate forces, which gently guide the teeth into position.

Invisalign is a versatile treatment and it is suitable for many patients; it is an excellent choice for people who are conscious of their image and those who have to maintain a certain look for work purposes and it can also be really beneficial for people who are worried about what others will say or think about them wearing braces. Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic and they slide onto the teeth; they are virtually undetectable when you speak and smile.

What happens when you have treatment?

After the consultation stage, you will receive your custom-made Invisalign aligners. The aligners are designed to be worn in a set order and each one should be worn for 2 weeks. Invisalign aligners afford your flexibility and simplicity, as they can be removed when you eat and brush your teeth; this means that you can continue to eat and clean your teeth in exactly the same way as you did before you started treatment.

Invisalign aligners should be worn for at least 22 hours per day to ensure good results. During the treatment process, your City Dental dentist will arrange frequent check-ups to monitor the progress of your treatment.

We Offer A Wide Range Of Orthodontics For All Our Patients Needs

Wednesday, February 4th, 2015

529808_blogAt City Dental Leeds, we recognise the importance of choice and aim to provide our clients with a range of treatments in order to ensure we have the best solution for every patient, regardless of their needs. We are very proud to offer an extensive collection of orthodontic treatments to cater for patients with a diverse range of needs. We have fast-acting solutions for minor issues, invisible braces and removable and fixed appliances and we are confident that we have the best treatment out there for you!

Our treatments

Our treatment list is expanding and developing all the time in line with advances in the world of orthodontics and we are delighted to offer a broad spectrum of systems to provide every patient with a choice.

Our treatment list currently includes:

  • Invisalign: a removable aligner system, which uses a series of transparent appliances to straighten the teeth.
  • Fastbraces: an innovative fixed brace treatment, which promises to deliver results in half the time of traditional fixed braces.
  • Inman Aligner: a removable appliance, which takes just 16 weeks to straighten out minor issues with the front teeth.
  • Damon Braces: an advanced fixed brace treatment, which is suitable for moderate and complex issues. These discreet braces use sliding brackets and self-ligating wires to offer speedy, comfortable treatment.
  • 6 Month Smiles: this rapid fixed brace system is a great choice for patients who need corrective treatment for issues with the front teeth.
  • STb Social 6 braces: this is a popular lingual brace treatment, which offers patients a speedy, invisible alternative to traditional fixed braces. Lingual braces sit behind the teeth, so they can’t be seen when you smile.

Which treatment is best for me?

With so much choice on offer, it can be difficult to decide which treatment is best and this is why the consultation and planning stages are so important. Our expert dentists will be able to assess your needs and discuss your preferences with you to determine which treatments will suit you best.

How Do Our CT Scanning Machines Help Us Treat Patients?

Thursday, January 29th, 2015

429735_blogAt City Dental Leeds, we pride ourselves on providing clients with the latest technology and we are very proud to have an advanced CT scanner on-site. We accept referrals from other clinics and use our scanner to provide accurate and effective care for patients in Leeds and beyond.

About CT scans

CT (computerised tomography) scans are used commonly in medicine and they are becoming increasingly commonplace in modern dentistry. Scanners produce incredibly detailed images of the inside of the body and can be instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a diverse range of health conditions.

We use our CT scanner primarily for implant treatment. The scan images allow us to locate the best sites for implant placement with pin-point accuracy and guide us during the procedure to fit the implant. We also sometimes use the scanner during the consultation stage to assess whether or not patients are suitable candidates for treatment; we are able to judge the thickness and strength of the bone tissue and ascertain whether or not an implant could be supported.

We are also able to use CT scan images to show patients how treatment works and what it involves; seeing detailed pictures enables them to gain a greater understanding of what goes on during the process and how implants are able to act as tooth replacements.

Preparing for a CT scan

If you are having a CT scan, your dentist will explain exactly what will happen and they will be happy to answer any questions. There’s nothing to worry about and the can is not painful in any way; we simply ask you to lie as still as possible for around 15 minutes. Before a scan, we ask you to remove any jewellery from the face, ears and neck and any loose attachments, such as scarves and glasses. After the scan, the images will be available to our dentists and they can talk you through the treatment process.