Archive for the “General dentistry” Category
Digital X-rays for patients from London at Umbrella Smiles
X-rays have been around for well over a hundred years, but a recent development has made a significant difference to the world of dentistry. Digital X-rays have an array of benefits and are becoming increasingly commonplace in surgeries across the UK.
What is the difference between X-rays and digital X-rays?
Digital X-rays use special sensors, rather than photographic film. The images are captured using a digital image device, rather than film, which is used for traditional X-rays. This means that images are taken quicker and are more accurate. Digital X-rays are able to transmit images via multimedia systems, meaning that dentists can store and share information and X-ray images more easily. Digital X-rays also produce less radiation, meaning that they are safer and more environmentally friendly.
What are the advantages of digital X-rays?
The major advantage of digital X-rays being used by dentists for patients from London is that they produce less radiation. A digital X-ray generates around 80-90 percent less radiation that a traditional X-ray, which reduces the risk of health problems, puts peoples’ minds at rest and is less harmful to the environment. Digital X-ray machines also produce images much quicker than traditional machines (an image can be generated in less than 5 seconds) and the images can be sent immediately via multimedia systems.
Digital X-rays are also beneficial for oral health. As the images are more detailed and accurate, this enables dentists to identify early warning signs of oral health problems caused by changes in the structure of the bone tissue or teeth, which means conditions can be treated earlier or even prevented.
Digital X-rays also enable dentists to preview the images, which means they can use only the ones they need, which saves processing rolls of films, which can be expensive.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: Digital X-rays, Digital X-rays London, London, x-ray
| February 22, 2012 at 9:43 am | No comment
Wisdom tooth pain and what London dentists can do about it
Wisdom tooth pain is one of the most common complaints that dentists have to deal with. Not all adults develop wisdom teeth and not all adults with wisdom teeth will develop problems. However, if you are one of the unlucky few who have suffered wisdom tooth pain you will know that the symptoms can affect your ability to eat, sleep and even work. Medication can help to alleviate the pain, but the only long-term way to deal with the problem effectively is to consult with your dentist.
The main problem with wisdom teeth is that sometimes they don’t completely push their way through the gum line or they come through sideways. This is called impaction and is the most common and painful problem in relation to wisdom teeth. Previously the only way to treat impacted wisdom teeth was to remove them and, in many cases, this is still the most effective procedure. While the treatment itself is unpleasant and can be painful afterwards, it is still much less painful than trying to struggle on with impacted wisdom teeth.
The removal will be carried out using local anaesthetic, unless there is a special reason that the patient needs to be asleep or sedated. Removing a wisdom tooth is very similar to removing any other tooth. The only difference is that because the wisdom teeth are tucked right at the back of your mouth, the dentist may need to pull your mouth and jaw around a bit more than usual. This is the cause of one of the common symptoms among those who have had their wisdom teeth removed, which includes swollen and painful cheeks, mouth and gums.
The patient should rest up after the procedure, take over-the-counter painkillers and use a cold towel pressed to the face to reduce swelling.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: impacted wisdom tooth, tooth pain, wisdom tooth, wisdom tooth pain
| January 10, 2012 at 8:03 am | No comment
London dentists look at the relationship between alcohol and oral health
We’ve all heard about the negative effects that alcohol consumption can have on our bodies: liver damage, dehydration and various other physical maladies. Rarely, however, do we take the time to think of what alcohol consumption and/or alcohol addiction can have on our oral health. For many of us this can be a damaging thing, as the negative effects of alcohol on oral health are indeed plentiful. Indeed, it can lead to the need for expensive treatment from cosmetic dentists such as dental implants and dentures.
Tooth Decay
You wouldn’t eat candy for every meal of the day because you know what it can do to your teeth. Many are surprised to find that the over-consumption of alcohol can have the same effects. Sugars and acids contained in alcohol bind with the bacteria in the mouth and coat the teeth and oral tissues with an acid. This acid can erode the enamel of the tooth and eventually cause cavities and other damage. One drink isn’t going to hurt; multiple drinks over several hours just may. By not giving your teeth a chance to re-mineralise, you are wreaking havoc on your dental enamel.
Dry Mouth
Alcohol dries your mouth, reducing the salivary output and thus the washing away of harmful bacteria. This interruption of the natural processes of the mouth can speed the formation of erosion and eventual decay of the teeth.
Poor Healing
Persons that consume large amounts of alcohol damage their bodies to the point that healing after accidents or surgeries is impaired. If a person must undergo oral surgery of any type, and is a moderate to heavy drinker, they can expect a less than average response with regards to healing time and success.
Oral Care Compliance
People who face addiction to alcohol and other drugs often neglect their health. The addiction takes prime importance above all else. This lack of regard for maintaining health, particularly oral health, can lead to many forms of disease. Gum, tongue and oral tissue irritation, tooth decay and periodontal disease are all seen more often in those that consume alcohol on a regular basis.
It has been found when studying those persons in treatment for alcohol addiction that a great percentage are missing teeth, have poor oral health conditions such as gum disease in general and/or are at a great risk for developing oral cancers. It is strongly urged that anyone consuming moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol seek help for their addiction in order to restore their overall health.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: alcohol and oral health, oral care, oral health, tooth decay
| November 18, 2011 at 1:34 pm | No comment
The symptoms of TMJ disorder that you should know about
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint which is located in front of both ears and is the joint that allows you to move your jaw. It is thus responsible for acts including eating, talking, drinking and other general movements which your jaw goes through during the course of the day. As such, it is one of the hardest working bone joints in the human skeleton.
Because of the complexity of the head and skull, there are a number of complaints people can have on an almost daily basis; from headaches to earache and toothache, and quite often they can all be linked in some way. The same is true with TMJ disorder and the symptoms can often be felt in more areas than just the jaw.
The list of symptoms for TMJ disorder is a long one, and as such it isn’t possible to list every symptom. The following are some of the most common.
General facial discomfort
Pain and soreness in the cheek and jaw muscles is a common symptom, as is the inability to fully open one’s mouth. Another common sign is a jaw that clicks or pops when it moves (this is occasionally accompanied by pain or soreness) and an incorrect bite.
Eye discomfort
Pain and a build up of pressure behind, below and above the eyes is another common symptom, along with light sensitivity.
Ear discomfort
As the ear is another complex system, issues with it are also common and many sufferers complain of general ear ache, balance issues and feelings of itchy and clogged ears.
Head pain
An alarming 80% of sufferers of TMJ disorder complain of common headaches and migraines, as well as sensitivity in the scalp and pain in the back of the head.
The list of TMJ disorder symptoms is much longer than the one here and the disorder can affect a range of ages. If you believe you have TMJ disorder you should contact your doctor or dentist and seek preventive remedies.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: Dental Health, TMJ disorder, TMJ symptoms, TMJ Treatment
| September 29, 2011 at 8:00 am | No comment
Your child’s first dental visit
Many adults get anxious or fearful when visiting the dentist, and as such it comes as no surprise that children, especially younger ones with little experience of the dentist, can find their first visit to the dentist more than a little scary.
However, there is a number of ways to help your child get through this experience that is stress free and happy as possible – though that’s no guarantee that it will be all laughs and smiles!
Building up to the visit
Both long and short term action can be taken before the actual visit to help calm your child and make them aware of what will happen. One method that is often advised by dentists is to bring your child along to you and your other family members’ dental appointments. This can be done well before your child’s first check up, sometimes as early as the eruption of their first tooth. This method helps to familiarise your child with the dental setting, the dentist themselves (who will likely be the same dentist to give the child their own check up) and the procedure of a standard visit.
In the short term, speaking about what will happen during the check up a day or two before the appointment can also be helpful. Speak about it as though it is routine; keep the tone informal and positive. Acting calm and confident about the procedure will rub off on your child, but keep descriptions short and not too detailed.
During the visit
Even with these build up techniques, the day of the appointment may still not go perfectly. Staying calm and positive during the procedure can make things easier. Remember that this is a new experience and may take a number of visits for things to begin to go more fluidly.
If you yourself are nervous about dental procedures, wait in the reception area, even if you think you’re hiding it. The nervousness of the parent can easily be picked up by your child and will only make them more nervous in turn.
Posted in: Dental Phobia, General dentistry
Tags: Child's first dental visit, children's dental health, Dental anxiety, scared of dentist
| September 8, 2011 at 8:00 am | No comment
Waiting for the tooth fairy?
Maybe you’ve had a sport accident—you were heading towards the try-line when, out of nowhere, you were tackled and slammed into the ground. When you finally pick yourself up from the pitch the only thing left behind is a missing tooth. Proud of your accomplishment, you opt to leave the gaping hole in your mouth as a trophy of your toughness and athletic prowess.
It’s not an unusual approach—many people feel heroic after losing a body part or injuring themselves; proud of their feat and feeling justified at their blatant display of brawn and agility, they wear their impairment like a medal. Although it’s tempting, dentists suggest that this isn’t the best approach to take after receiving this type of injury.
Or perhaps you are losing your teeth as you age and feel embarrassed by this fact and do not want to call attention to your condition. Again, this is not an unusual approach but it is vital that you consult your dentist straight away to replace missing teeth.
Missing teeth, over time, can have a serious impact on a person’s self confidence, appearance and overall health. People with missing teeth often avoid smiling or cover their mouths with their hands when doing so. In extreme cases, a missing tooth can cause some people to miss out on social situations because they feel embarrassed by their appearance.
Furthermore, people with missing teeth have been known to report feelings of loss. As a result, their self confidence takes a knock as they realise that our mouths play a vital role in our feelings of self worth and the manner in which we present ourselves.
A missing tooth can also wreak havoc with your health, in that it can lead to deterioration of the jawbone, a lack of nutrition from it being hard to chew depending on the location of the lost tooth and the formation of an off-bite.
The remaining teeth may also tilt and drift into the cavity left by the missing tooth or it can become a nest for stray food, increasing the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. The muscles in the face may also be affected since, when many teeth are missing, they can become saggy and affect speech and appearance.
It is important to be aware of all of the possibilities involving failing to replace your missing teeth. Be informed of the consequences and get in touch with your dentist to make an important decision on the health of your mouth and your appearance.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: gum disease, missing tooth, Smile confidence, tooth decay
| August 1, 2011 at 10:29 am | No comment
Difficulty paying for treatment? Finance options are available
Most people are feeling the pinch at the moment and dental treatment may seem like an unaffordable cost. However, there are payment options available to help you out.
In recent years, cosmetic dental treatments have become incredibly popular and more and more people are choosing to have treatments to give them a more attractive smile. Research consistently shows that many people consider their smile their most important feature and as a result of this, they regard dental treatment as a worthwhile investment. For some people who would love to improve the appearance of their smile, cosmetic dental treatment may seem like an unrealistic goal because of the cost of treatment; however, new payment plans are available to help you afford the smile of your dreams. Prices are also becoming increasingly competitive as new treatments come onto the market and a growing number of practices and clinics offer cosmetic services.
Which options are available?
Dental treatment is often expensive and for some people, stumping up hundreds or even thousands of pounds is just not possible. For this reason, payment plans are a great way of paying for treatment. The idea of a payment plan is to spread the cost of the treatment, so that you pay a set fee in regular instalments, rather than being faced with a large bill which needs paying up-front. Different plans have different time-scales; some plans may spread the cost over six months, while others may be 12 months, 18 months or 24 months. Some plans have interest charges, while others will be interest free.
If you are interested in having dental treatment, do not be put off by the cost. You may find that there is an affordable means of getting the treatment you want to so make sure you enquire to find out about the options available to you.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: Dental costs, Dental payment plan, Finance options, Smile importance
| July 20, 2011 at 11:57 am | No comment
TMJ Disorder and How to Deal With the Pain
TMJ stands for Temporal Mandibular Joint. It is a joint that connects the jaw bone to the rest of the skull, with the actual joint located just in front of the ear. It is also probably the most used joint in the body as we use it for eating, speaking, breathing and swallowing. As such, it may be used up to 2,000 times a day. Because of this huge amount of use problems can sometimes occur, what is known as TMJ Disorder or TMJ Pain. This pain is usually located just in front of the ear where the jaw and skull link, but the pain can also spread to the cheeks, jaw or the rest of the ear as well as causing headaches.
Symptoms
The symptoms are sometimes not picked up on by people as they don’t always seem to relate to the jaw or don’t cause pain. Among these are the clicking of the jaw, frequent headaches, light headedness, ringing in the ears, tooth wear from stress and grinding teeth and earache.
What can be done to help?
Many doctors would recommend softer foods in order to let your jaw bone rest. Your teeth, and consequently your jaw, come under immense pressure through the day because of the amount of use your jaw is put under. Eating softer foods could take a great deal of stress from your teeth, for example. Not moving the jaw too much when it isn’t in use can also be helpful, though this is difficult for those who may grind their teeth or enjoy a sing along to their favourite song even! It is also advised not to open your mouth too wide when you yawn.
Medication has also been found to be very helpful. Common pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help in the short term, although the above methods will help more in the long run. Consulting a dentist can sometimes help a great help too, as the alignment of the teeth and your bite can be major factors in causing TMJ pain.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: grinding teeth, stress, TMJ Pain, TMJ Treatment
| June 25, 2011 at 1:15 pm | No comment
Hygiene your way to success
In generations gone by, the quality of dental hygiene was nothing short of awful. Tooth decay was common place and losing one, two or several teeth was the norm. However, there wasn’t the range of technology available to us which if presented to our descendants might shock them as they would be overwhelmed by how far technology has come since those days when only the wealthy could afford dental treatment.
The importance of oral health
There is no arguing in the fact that oral health is very important. Not only does is it make good common sense for our teeth to be presented in the way which nature intended for them to be but they also feel great after being cleaned. Even after they have been scaled and polished at the dentists (if you have not had this done to you before I highly recommend it) the smooth feeling which your tongue experiences afterwards is a joyous feeling. As we cannot rely on our dentist to clean our teeth, it is down to the individual to be the one responsible for looking after your own gnashers and there are a number of ways in which you can do this.
Cleaning them twice a day with a strong toothbrush is very important. Circular motions rather than from side to side is the correct style of brushing, as is using fluoride rich toothpaste. By doing this allows for all the excess parts of food which have become dislodged in our teeth to be fully removed via a thorough cleaning method and using a product which is healthy not just for teeth but also our gums.
Flossing daily is not the recommended advice, but on three different occasions a week. Normal brushing might not remove every single piece of foodstuff and any extra help which assists our teeth is surely a positive, and not a hinder.
Posted in: Dental Health, General dentistry
Tags: dental treatment, oral health, Oral Hygiene, tooth decay
| June 10, 2011 at 12:02 pm | No comment
Is your oral health putting your heart’s health at risk?
The link between poor oral health and increased risk of heart disease is just one of a long list of health warnings we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Most of us will go with the notion that if we listened to every health warning out there then life would be incredibly boring. Nevertheless, the growing evidence to support the claim that the risk of heart disease is as much as doubled when a person’s oral health is poor means that it is probably worth paying that little bit of extra care and attention to your teeth.
The figures speak for themselves
A number of studies have been carried out in this area after it was discovered that there was a link between gum disease and heart disease. Although researchers are as yet unsure as to the exact cause of this link the figures speak for themselves and the one thing researchers are sure about is the fact that there is a very real correlation between gum disease and heart disease.
Many believe that the link is based on the fact that when a person is suffering from gum disease there is a significant build up of harmful bacteria in the mouth; another symptom of gum disease is regular bleeding and if blood can get out it follows that bacteria can get in. It is believed that these bacteria once in the bloodstream can increase the chance of clotting or cause a build-up of arterial plaque that restricts blood flow and eventually leads to heart attacks and strokes.
What’s the link?
Gum disease is a much more serious problem than you may assume it to be and not taking its potential seriously is naïve to say the least. When you think about the biological explanation for the link between gum and heart disease the possibility does become a little more logical and although it seems far-fetched it is probably best to consider the scientific proof research has already uncovered.
Gum disease is a widespread problem due to the fact that it can be present without symptoms and without pain but eventually a mild case will develop into something very serious. Preventing gum disease is one thing that, luckily for us, is simple. A good oral hygiene routine which involves effective brushing twice daily; flossing before bed; using a bacteria-busting mouthwash; and visiting the dentist regularly for check ups will keep your oral health in tip top condition and gum disease at bay.
The idea may seem a little dramatic and it may seem like one more health risk you don’t have time to worry about but heart disease is a very serious condition that most certainly changes the life of any sufferer. Keeping your oral health in check takes just a few minutes of your time each day and now, it seems, it has the potential to prevent some life-threatening illnesses.
Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: Dental Health, Dental Hygiene, gum disease, Heart Disease, oral health
| April 27, 2011 at 11:14 am | No comment
