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Archive for the ‘Dentistry’ Category

Top Tips to Relax after Dental Surgery

Friday, January 27th, 2017

Medical and dental treatment can put your body through the ringer, so it’s vital to relax and take it easy afterwards. If you’ve had dental surgery, here are some top tips to help you rest and relax.

Arrange a lift home

If you’ve had oral surgery or you’ve had treatment under sedation, you won’t be able to drive, so make sure you arrange a lift home. Ask a friend or relative to stay with you while you have treatment, and then drive you home.

Book time off work

If you know you’re having dental treatment, it’s a good idea to book a couple of days off work. You don’t want to do anything too strenuous when your body is healing, and you probably won’t feel like working even if you haven’t got any pain.

Take it easy

When you get home, it’s important to take things easy. Don’t try and start cleaning, doing household chores or working. Relax with a book, have a nap or put the TV on.

Avoid strenuous activity

Even if you feel fine, don’t do anything strenuous for the first few days after you’ve had dental surgery. You may feel like you want to get back to normal and start going to the gym, for example, but give your body a bit of time to rest and recover first.

Stick to soft food

If you’ve had surgery your mouth may feel sore for a short period of time. Biting down on hard foods may cause you added discomfort, so opt for foods that are easy to eat like mashed potato, scrambled eggs and yoghurt.

The Magic of Mini Implants

Friday, December 30th, 2016

Dental implants offer an array of benefits for patients with missing teeth, but they’re not always suitable for every patient. Sometimes, when there’s a lack of dense tissue in the jawbone, traditional implants may not be a viable solution. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams of a stunning, functional smile. Often, mini implants can provide a solution.

About mini dental implants

As you’ve probably guessed from the name, mini implants are a smaller version of traditional implants. They are often recommended when a patient is told that they aren’t a good candidate for implant treatment because of a lack of bone density. As mini implants are smaller, they are easier to tolerate. Although they are smaller, they are still robust enough to provide anchorage for tooth replacements like bridges and dentures.

What does treatment involve?

The procedure to fit mini implants is simpler and less invasive than normal implants. The implant is placed under the gum line in socket in the jawbone. The head of the implant is exposed, and this is the part that is connected to the bridge or denture. Usually, it takes months for an implant to heal. With mini implants, the process is much faster, as the implant isn’t as deep. Often, we can fit the new teeth on the same day as the implants are placed.

The benefits of mini implants

Mini implants can offer you a host of benefits whether you’re having tooth replacement treatment for the first time, or you’ve had issues with dentures in the past. Mini implants provide stability and support for new teeth, and they enable you to enjoy a natural looking smile, as well as vastly improved oral function. You can smile, eat, and speak without any anxieties at all, and you have peace of mind that your teeth are firmly rooted. Treatment is faster than conventional implant treatment, and the procedure is also less invasive.

If you’d like to find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Sort Your Sleep Apnoea in Time for a Silent Christmas Night!

Thursday, December 22nd, 2016

We all need our sleep. If snoring or sleep apnoea are keeping you awake at night, we can help. Call us now, and hopefully we’ll have you sleeping peacefully in perfect time for silent Christmas nights.

What is sleep apnoea and what causes it?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder, which affects your breathing while you’re asleep. The term apnoea means that your breathing is restricted for episodes that last at least 10 seconds. In the most serious cases, sleep apnoea can be life-threatening. Snoring and sleep apnoea are the not the same. However, persistent snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnoea.

In many cases, sleep apnoea is associated with being overweight. This reduces oxygen flow because the airways are constricted. Smoking and other respiratory illnesses can also increase the risk of sleep apnoea. In some cases, symptoms may be exacerbated by lying in certain positons, usually on your back, and drinking alcohol.

How can dentists help?

You may think of going to the dentist if you’re having trouble sleeping. However, we can offer effective treatments for sleep apnoea and snoring. We provide custom-made bite guards, which can help to eliminate the symptoms of breathing troubles. The aim of the bite guard is to increase oxygen flow by opening up the airways. As the bite guard is made to fit you, you should find it very comfortable, and it should improve your sleep quality and that of those around you.

If you’re keen to restore peaceful nights to your household, now is the time to get in touch. Our expert dentists are ready and waiting to help. Don’t let sleepless nights ruin your Christmas!

You Can Avoid Dental Decay in the New Year

Thursday, December 15th, 2016

At this time of year, many of us start thinking about making resolutions. Perhaps you want to give up smoking or make more an effort to hit your 5 portions of fruit and vegetable a day target. If you’re looking for inspiration, why not make it your aim to improve your dental health? Here are some easy ways to avoid dental decay in 2017.

Brushing tips

Brushing your teeth is a really easy way of preventing decay, but you have to do it right to get the best results. Brush for at least 2 minutes, and make sure you cover every individual tooth. Move the brush right to the back of the mouth to clean your moles, and don’t forget to brush along the gum line. Don’t be too vigorous when you’re cleaning; if you brush too hard, you will damage your enamel. We recommend using fluoride toothpaste; fluoride is a mineral, which helps to strengthen the enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.

Healthy eating

Many cases of dental decay are linked to sugar consumption. Today, we consume more sugar than ever before. Sugary foods increase the risk of decay because they cause bacteria in your mouth to release acids. These acids weaken the enamel. Once the enamel is damaged or worn, there’s a high risk of cavities. Try and avoid eating foods like sweets, chocolate and biscuits on a regular basis. Fizzy drinks are also another common offender. It’s particularly important to avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks between meals.

Visiting your dentist

If you visit your dentist on a regular basis, you have a much lower risk of developing decay and gum disease. Dentists are trained to spot the early warning signs of decay, and they can act to make the situation better. Placing a filling, for example can help to prevent an infection spreading throughout the tooth. We recommend regular check-ups every 6-12 months. If you have toothache, or you’ve started to experience severe sensitivity, arrange an appointment as soon as you can.

Give Your Teeth Their Healthiest Christmas Yet!

Monday, December 12th, 2016

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for most of us, but when it comes to your dental health, there are risks. During the festive period, we tend to relax our diets and indulge on all kinds of traditional treats. This Christmas, spare a thought for your teeth and gums, and give them the healthiest Christmas yet. All you need to do is bear these simple tips in mind:

Book a routine check-up: if you haven’t been to the dentist in the last 6-12 months, now is an ideal tie to make an appointment before Christmas. Nobody wants to spend the festive period missing out on the fun because they’ve got toothache. When you see your dentist, they will carry out a series of checks to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. If there are problems, they can be treated. If you have signs of decay and gum disease, for example, leaving them can result in serious damage.

Avoid snacking: it’s tempting to graze all day at Christmas time when there are bowls of nuts and crisps scattered around, and family-size tubs of chocolate on offer. Snacking doesn’t just ruin main meals. It also increases your risk of dental disease. When you eat, bacteria release acids that attack your enamel, making it soft. It takes time for the enamel to reharden. If you’re snacking, this means that your enamel never has chance to recover, and there’s a real risk of cavities forming. Try and stick to eating at mealtimes.

Eat in moderation: it’s understandable to go a bit crazy at Christmas time, but try and moderate your intake of sugary foods and drinks. There are plenty of savoury delights that you can enjoy instead. One simple way of reducing your sugar intake is to swap fizzy drinks for sugar-free versions. Fizzy drinks are acidic, so if you are drinking diet versions, use a straw, and drink a glass of water or milk afterwards.

Keep up with your normal oral hygiene regime: at Christmas time, we tend to go into holiday mode and slack off a little. It’s fine to enjoy a lie-in, but don’t relax your oral hygiene regime. It’s essential to clean your teeth twice a day every day for at least two minutes each time.

Professional Advice for Denture Wearers

Thursday, December 8th, 2016

If you have missing teeth, dentures can be a wonderfully effective solution. Dentures are sets of prosthetic teeth, which enable you to do everything you could do with healthy natural teeth. We are able to provide custom-made partial and full dentures. If you have dentures, or you’re thinking about getting dentures, here is some professional advice, which may prove useful.

Caring for your dentures

When you have dentures, it’s important to look after them. This involves taking good care of your mouth, and keeping your dentures clean. To prevent the risk of oral disease, you’ll need to keep your mouth clean. If you have natural teeth remaining, brush them as normal, and take steps to remove bacteria and food debris from your denture. You can use cleaning solution or gently wipe your dentures clean. If you have any questions at all about looking after your dentures, ask your dentist. Always use lukewarm water when you’re rinsing the denture; if you use boiling water, this may result in distortion. When you take your denture out, make sure you keep it somewhere safe. Don’t clean your denture over a hard surface without putting down a cloth or towel first. By doing this, you’ll prevent damage if you drop the denture.

Seeing your dentist

When you have dentures, regular dental visits are strongly recommended. Your dentist can keep an eye on your mouth and check the condition and fit of your denture. If you do experience any discomfort, or you’re worried about the fit of your denture between appointments, call us, and we’ll arrange to see you as quickly as possible. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and soreness, so it’s important to address any problems as a priority.

5 Amazing Facts about Da Vinci Veneers

Monday, December 5th, 2016

Da Vinci veneers are one of the world’s leading veneer systems. If you dream of a bright and beautiful smile, this could be the treatment for you. Here are 5 amazing facts to help you learn more:

  1. Da Vinci veneers are the A-listers of the cosmetic dentistry world: if there’s one treatment that’s associated with the glamour and glitz of Hollywood, it’s Da Vinci veneers. These stunning veneers have long been the choice of popular personalities looking for a flawless smile. As well as being selected by famous faces, Da Vinci veneers also appear on TV on a regular basis. If you’ve ever watched Extreme Makeover, you’ve probably seen the difference this treatment can make.
  2. Da Vinci veneers are thinner than other types of veneer: Da Vinci veneers are thinner than many other types of porcelain veneers. This means that minimal preparation is required; the aesthetics also look incredibly natural.
  3. You can achieve an incredible new smile in just 2-3 visits: it’s easy to assume that getting a new smile takes months. However, with Da Vinci veneers, we can transform your teeth in just 2-3 visits. During the initial appointment, we will plan your treatment and answer any questions you have. Your bespoke veneers will be expertly crafted, and then we can fit them.
  4. Da Vinci veneers are resistant to staining: the last thing you want when you’ve got a radiant new smile is your veneers to become stained and discoloured. These veneers are stain-resistant, so you can enjoy a pristine white smile for longer.
  5. Da Vinci veneers last longer than other veneers: Da Vinci veneers may be thin, but they’re also tough. They are made from hard-wearing materials, which enable you to enjoy a beautiful smile for years.

Call us today to find out more and see if Da Vinci veneers are the best choice for you.

What To Do If You Have Problems With Your Jaw

Friday, November 18th, 2016

Jaw pain is a fairly common problem. You use your jaw joints a lot, so it’s no wonder that sometimes, wear and tear can take its toll. If you have pain in your jaw, we can help to make you feel more comfortable.

What causes jaw pain?

Jaw pain may result from an injury or it may be a sign of temporomandibular joint disorder or TMD. The temporomandibular joint is the joint that connects the skull and the lower jaw. If you put your fingers on your face by the side of your ears and move your mouth, you’ll feel the joint working.

TMD is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that include clicking and popping noises in the jaw, stiffness, pain, and a restricted range of movement. There are various possible causes of TMD, but the most common is bruxism. Bruxism is the medical name for grinding your teeth. When you grind or clench your teeth, this can increase tension in the muscles around the joint. Bruxism can also cause headaches.

How we can help

If you’re experiencing symptoms including jaw pain because you’ve been grinding your teeth at night, we may recommend that you wear a bite guard at night. A bite guard is a custom-made device, which sits in your mouth while you sleep. It works by preventing contact between the top and bottom arches of teeth.

If you have jaw pain, don’t suffer in silence. Come and see us, and hopefully, we’ll be able to find a solution in no time.

Mouth Cancer Action Month – Why You Should Get Screened

Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month and we’re encouraging all our patients to arrange a screening check. Screening is a means of identifying early warning signs, which may not become apparent to the patient until much later. Early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment significantly.

About oral cancer

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a form of cancer that affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. Many people are still unaware of the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer, even though the number of cases in the UK has increased by more than a third in the last decade. The aim of Mouth Cancer Action Month is to get people talking about mouth cancer, and inform them about the symptoms they should be looking out for.

Signs of oral cancer include red or white patches in the mouth or throat, any abnormal lumps or swelling, difficulty swallowing, a persistent sore throat and lesions or ulcers that take a long time (more than two weeks) to heal. The main risk factors are smoking, drinking regularly, a poor diet and exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus) infection.

What does screening involve?

Screening is a simple check, which enables your dentist to look out for early warning signs. Dentists are trained to notice changes in the mouth and throat, which may be indicative of mouth cancer. If there is a suspicion, your dentist can refer you for further tests. There may be absolutely nothing to worry about but it’s always best to be on the safe side. Your dentist can also talk to you about the symptoms of oral cancer, and help you to reduce your risk of developing this potentially deadly disease.

If you have any questions about mouth cancer, our team will be happy to help.

Bridge the Gap Towards a New Smile

Tuesday, November 8th, 2016

If you have missing teeth, replacing them can bring all kinds of benefits. A dental bridge can offer a solution to patients with a single missing tooth or a number of gaps in the smile. If you’ve lost a tooth, why not call and find out more now?

About dental bridges

Dental bridges are an effective solution for missing teeth. They aim to bridge the gap between remaining teeth when natural teeth have been lost as a result of decay, gum disease or accidental injury. There are various types of dental bridge, but the most commonly used device is a traditional fixed bridge. This restoration consists of a pontic, a false tooth, which is fused to a crown on either side.

Dental bridges can be made from an array of different materials. Porcelain is a popular choice, as it matches the natural tooth colour.

How is a bridge fitted?

We can usually fit a bridge over the course of two appointments. During the first session, we’ll create a mould, which will be used to create your bespoke bridge. We send the mould away, and highly-skilled dental technicians create your bridge. When the bridge is ready, we can then place it. Once it’s in the right position, we will secure it firmly.

How long should a bridge last?

Bridges can last up to fifteen years if they are looked after properly. Once your bridge has been fitted, you should care for it as you do your natural teeth. When you have a check-up, we will have a good look at the bridge to make sure everything is as it should be.

Is a bridge the best option for me?

Dental bridges are not the only tooth replacement treatment we offer; we also provide custom-made dentures and dental implants. If you have missing teeth, we will go through all the treatment options with you and discuss the pros and cons of each. You can ask as many questions as you like, and hopefully, we’ll be able to help you decide which treatment is best for you.

 

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6 Dentistry Awards!

Winners for National UK Award

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team

Winners for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Dental Team
  • > 2008 Best Dental Practice

Finalists for North West Awards

  • > 2009 Best Practice
  • > 2008 Best Dental Team

Finalist & Highly Commended for

  • > 2007 Best Young Dentist Dr Marius McGovern