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Root canal treatment is a procedure used when the damage to your tooth cannot be repaired with a standard filling. This treatment preserves the natural tooth so that it does not have to be extracted. 

Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is used in a wide range of circumstances. If tooth decay is so advanced that the inner root of the tooth has become infected or damaged, then a root canal filling will be required. 

This may be the case if a deep cavity is present. The inner root of the tooth can also become damaged if a tooth is cracked or broken, for example during a facial injury or biting down on hard food.

The most common symptom is toothache. Dental pain may range from mild to severe and vary in intensity throughout the day. Some people find that the pain worsens when biting down on the affected tooth. Other people experience sensitivity to hot food or drink or have tender and swollen gums near the affected tooth.

Although pain can be temporarily soothed and swelling alleviated with an ice pack, anyone experiencing some or all of the above symptoms should make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.

The dentist will take an X-ray to visualise decay and conduct a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause. They will determine whether root canal treatment is the best course of action or if a standard filling will suffice. 

Depending on the symptoms and severity of pain described when you call the dentist surgery, they may even recommend immediate emergency dental treatment.

If a root canal filling is deemed the most suitable treatment, it may be performed immediately, or a future appointment will be made with the dentist or sometimes an endodontist (a specialist in treating nerve damage). 

During root canal treatment the dentist applies anaesthetic and carefully removes the nerve and the pulp from the inner root of the tooth (hence the name!) using a specially designed tool, then cleans and disinfects the tooth. 

The next step is to make sure the tooth is filled with gutta-percha material and fully sealed with dental cement to protect the tooth from further infection and damage, and restore its function in terms of biting and chewing. The procedure is very quick and no more painful than a standard filling!

Don’t ever delay seeing your dentist if you have a painful tooth. By getting treatment right away, you will end the pain — and you will prevent further complications that make treatment more difficult and more expensive.

All-on-four dental implants are an option for replacing a row of missing teeth and restoring your smile. When you are missing one or two teeth, your dentist may recommend a separate implant as a replacement for each tooth. However, this can be a lengthy and costly process if you have a complete row of teeth you are looking to replace. 

The All-on-Four procedure will involve four strategically placed dental implants, with a set of custom-made teeth (dentures or a bridge) attached to them. This provides greater stability and security to the artificial teeth, so they are more comfortable. 

All-on-Four dental implants are a perfect solution if you are missing a row of natural teeth or all your teeth, either on the upper or lower jaw. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether you qualify for the procedure. 

If you are missing only the odd tooth on a row then your dentist may recommend alternative solutions such as an individual dental implant or an implant supported bridge. 

Dental implants are composed of a titanium “root” that is anchored in the jaw bone. Therefore, your jaw bone must be strong enough to support the implants.

If you have ignored missing teeth for awhile, your jaw bone may have been lost due to lack of stimulation. A benefit of All-on-Four implants is that it stimulates the bone to generate growth, helping prevent further bone loss. 

To be a candidate for the All-on-Four procedure, you will initially need to have enough bone to support the dental implants, which is one reason why you should address missing teeth sooner rather than later. If you do not have sufficient bone then a bone graft may be possible.

Healthy gums and good overall oral heath are important in order to be considered for all-on-four dental implants. Your dentist will need to assess your teeth and gums during a routine check-up and if there are any problems such as gum disease or cavities it will need treating prior to qualifying for the implants. 

However, if you are missing a number of natural teeth, All-on-Four implants are a possible solution to help restore your appearance and smile. You’re invited to arrange a consultation with us to learn more.

The fast-paced world of adolescence can sometimes be quite overwhelming. Unfortunately, this can lead some teenagers to neglect the health of their teeth and gums. It is important to appreciate the fact that the decisions made during this stage of life will have a profound impact well into their adult years. 

This is why the correct habits should be adopted and certain practices should be avoided. What are some professional takeaway points and how can teenagers avert larger problems as they transition into adulthood? Let’s take a quick look at some relevant takeaway points. 

The Possible Health Risks of Electronic Cigarettes

Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes) have become a popular alternative to their traditional counterparts due in part to the assumption that they are healthier. However, these appliances are not without their risks. 

Recent studies have suggested that e-cigarettes could contribute to gum disease due to the inflammatory hormones which they cause the body to release. Furthermore, there may be a tentative link between “vaping” and potentially serious pulmonary injuries such as collapsed lungs. Thus, it may be better to avoid electronic cigarettes entirely. 

Orthodontic Issues

It is not uncommon for permanent teeth to emerge crooked during adolescence. This is why braces and similar treatments will often be recommended. We need to appreciate the fact that these will not only serve aesthetic purposes. 

Straight teeth are much easier to clean. This will reduce the chances of issues including cavities and gum disease. The same holds true in regards to wisdom teeth. If they begin to emerge at an improper angle, a dentist may be required to perform an extraction. This helps to avoid overcrowding and once again, more permanent problems can be avoided. 

Additional Oral Concerns

There is no doubt that every teenager wishes to enjoy a white and bright smile. However, this appearance may come at a cost if at-home bleaching kits are used. Such methods might actually cause the enamel to become damaged and it is not uncommon for teeth to become more sensitive. This technique should only be carried out by a professional. In the event of bad breath (also known as halitosis), changing oral care habits will often solve this problem. 

Consulting with a dentist will help to highlight any issues and identify the ultimate cause of these symptoms. Knowing how to properly address oral health concerns is the best way to prevent future dental problems. 

Tooth extraction sounds scary but it’s a completely safe procedure done by a general dentist or an oral surgeon. Extraction is usually a last resort after other treatments have failed to save the tooth. 

So, how do you know if you need a tooth extraction? Here are things to consider before getting your teeth extracted.

Is tooth extraction necessary for orthodontics?

Sometimes teeth may be too large in the mouth causing crowding. Crowding may lead to other dental problems such as decay and cavities. It may also pose a challenge when receiving orthodontic treatments such as dental braces. In such situations, tooth extraction may be needed to realign the teeth in preparation for braces. 

Do I need a tooth extraction for my cavities?

Your tooth may be severely damaged by decay, causing cavities that are not responding to other treatments. In this case, the best option may be to have it removed. Later you may go ahead and receive a dental implant for the missing tooth. This might correct a bite and reduce any discomfort you may have had.

What do I do about my wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are normally extracted when they become infected and cause pain. They often come in during the early 20s or late teens. These teeth often come in at awkward angles that may press the gum and other teeth. Wisdom teeth can be removed if they begin causing oral problems.

Do baby teeth get extracted?

Baby teeth or primary teeth usually fall out normally as a child grows. However, a baby tooth might need to be extracted if it hasn’t yet fallen out on time. Removing it paves way for the permanent teeth to come in normally and in the correct position. You should pay a great deal of attention to your child’s oral health to catch such problems early.

What next after a tooth extraction?

After the infected tooth gets removed, you might need to consider restorative treatments. Your dentist will walk you through all the available options. See the dentist regularly for follow up, checkups and dental cleanups.

Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene as this will prevent or reduce tooth decay. Brush twice a day and floss at least daily. Excessive sugary foods and acidic drinks aren’t good for your oral health, so be mindful of your diet. 

Early detection is the most successful way to treat oral cancer. This is why you must schedule a screening with your dentist in the near future, along with your regular six-month exam. 

You may have questions about this screening. Let’s break this process down so that you will be adequately prepared for the upcoming appointment.

The first step involves a visual inspection of the gums, teeth and surrounding tissues. Your dentist will be looking for any bumps or abnormalities that might require further attention. 

This is followed by a physical examination, feeling for nodules and unusual masses that might be present around the jaw or chin. You will be asked if you feel any type of discomfort during this stage. 

Finally, certain devices such as a small brush may be used to remove a handful of cells for further analysis. In other cases, an instrument known as a “nasopharyngolaryngoscope” can be employed to obtain detailed images of your throat (after a sedative or a local anaesthetic has been applied). 

What Happens After the Screening?

This is mainly a precautionary step as opposed to a procedure which is intended to accurately diagnose a specific condition. If an abnormality is detected, it is likely that a more in-depth follow-up appointment will be required. 

Those who regularly smoke or consume alcohol are recommended to get screenings on a more frequent basis as they are at a higher risk of developing certain types of oral cancer. 

Oral cancer screenings are quite common and they are normally associated with little (if any) discomfort. On a final note, let us highlight the fact that oral cancer screenings are rather straightforward and yet, they can be pivotal when detecting any possible areas of concern.

Dr S Etemadi (DSE) Dental Practice is a private general dentist in Northampton. The dental practice offers a wide range of Cosmetic and General Dentistry from Complete Smile Makeover to Root Canal Treatment and Implants. Contact us for an initial consultation!

Have you been less than satisfied with the appearance of your smile? Is a tooth deeply discoloured? Do you have a chipped or cracked tooth, or an uneven tooth? Is there a small gap when you smile?

Many of these situations can be remedied with the help of dental veneers. The main question is therefore what amazing advantages these veneers can provide — as well as what you can expect during the procedure itself. Let us endeavour to answer both of these logical questions.

What Exactly Are Veneers?

You can think of veneers are permanent “masks” for your teeth. Comprised of either porcelain or resin, these thin shells will be bonded directly to the front of one or more teeth. Veneers are often employed to address minor cosmetic or aesthetic issues and they have become increasingly popular thanks to their versatility.

Is the Procedure Painful?

No, it’s not painful in the least! The dentist will take a mould of your teeth. The moulds are then sent to a laboratory that will manufacture the veneers.

The dentist will remove a very thin layer of enamel to accommodate the veneer’s thickness. The veneers are finally cemented to these surfaces with a very strong bonding agent. You will be happy to know that this procedure is normally free from any pain or discomfort.

What Results Can You Expect to Achieve?

The great thing about veneers is that the results will be seen immediately after the procedure has been completed.

Not only can you enjoy a massively improved smile, but the chances are high that your self-confidence will significantly improve. If you have grown tired of shying away from group photos and similar opportunities, it’s time to speak with your dentist to learn more.

The bottom line is that veneers represent some of the latest and most impressive advancements within dentistry. Regardless of your age, these tiny shells can give you truly amazing and permanent results if cared for properly.

Dr S Etemadi (DSE) Dental Practice is a private general dentist in Northampton. The dental practice offers a wide range of Cosmetic and General Dentistry from Complete Smile Makeover to Root Canal Treatment and Implants. Contact us for an initial consultation!

Advanced periodontal disease affects millions of people, and if left untreated, this condition will often result in the eventual loss of teeth. This is why it is important to appreciate how this disease progresses as well as the treatment options which are currently available. You will then be able to speak with a professional about the necessary treatment.

More Than Gingivitis

It is first important to note that advanced periodontal disease is the direct result of gingivitis. Gingivitis (gum disease) occurs when plaque becomes trapped between the teeth and the gum line.

While this situation is quite easy to treat, it can also develop into periodontal disease if the proper steps are not taken. Not only will bacteria begin to affect the integrity of the surrounding teeth, but they can also deteriorate surrounding tissue and even the bone density if your jaw.

This is why seeking treatment as soon as possible is always recommended. So, what options do you have?

Non-Surgical Options

There can be times when surgery might not be necessary. A dentist will often employ techniques known as scaling and root planing in order to remove any plaque as well as to ablate small infections that may be present. This procedure is utilised in conjunction with localised numbing agents, so you will not experience much discomfort.

After the procedure has been completed, the gums will reattach and they will be evaluated to determine how long the healing process may take.

Additional Procedures

Other situations might require in-depth intervention to prevent further issues. One method is known as “pocket reduction”. In this case, a dentist will fold back your gums in order to remove any additional infection. Areas of damaged bone can also smoothed and allowed to heal.

You might also be a candidate for a gum graft if the localised tissue has eroded to the point that it will no longer properly heal. In very advanced cases, a bone graft from healthy areas of the jaw may be required in order to ensure that the condition does not progress any further. Of course, these situations and possibilities will be evaluated by your dentist so that the best option can be chosen.

The best way to combat this type of serious gum disease is to embrace the proper preventative maintenance techniques. This can help to avert a problem before it takes “root”.

Dr S Etemadi (DSE) Dental Practice is a private general dentist in Northampton. The dental practice offers a wide range of Cosmetic and General Dentistry from Complete Smile Makeover to Root Canal Treatment and Implants. Contact us for an initial consultation!