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Archive for the ‘Dentistry’ Category

Here’s Why You Don’t Need to Worry About Fillings Anymore!

Friday, November 4th, 2016

If you have a cavity, there’s no need to worry. We have extensive experience in fitting fillings, and we can restore your tooth without impacting on your beautiful smile. If you need a new filling, or you’re thinking about replacing an old filling, you’re in safe hands at Liverpool Implant & Aesthetic Dental Spa.

What exactly are fillings, and why would I need one?

Fillings are small restorations, which are used to seal and fill cavities. When the tooth enamel becomes weak, the tooth is vulnerable to harmful bacteria. These bacteria release powerful acids, which erode the enamel and cause holes, known as cavities, to develop. If cavities are left, there’s a risk of infection spreading through the tooth. You may also find that you experience dental pain and increased sensitivity. Fillings help to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria through the tooth and they also make the teeth stronger.

In the past, mercury amalgam was often used to fill teeth, especially the molars. Today, most people choose to have white fillings. White fillings are made from a combination of dental composite, resins and glass ionmers. They restore the teeth without impacting on its aesthetic. This means that you won’t be able to see the filling.

What’s so good about white fillings?

Most people prefer to have white fillings because they blend seamlessly with the rest of the tooth. This means that you can smile without worrying about showing off unsightly metal fillings. White fillings are also safer and more environmentally friendly. Although mercury fillings are still approved for use in the UK, there are safety concerns and these fillings have been banned in some countries. If you have amalgam fillings and you’d like to replace them with new white fillings, we will happily do this for you. All you need to do is give us a call and make an appointment.

White fillings don’t last forever, but they should last around five years if they are well cared for. We will check your fillings and any crowns or bridgework every time you have a routine check-up.

How we Treat Missing Teeth

Monday, October 24th, 2016

We offer a host of options for patients looking to replace missing teeth. Whether you have lost a single tooth through injury or decay or you have a full set of missing teeth, we can help to restore your smile and enable you to eat and speak without any difficulty or hassle.

Our treatments

We have treatments available to replace single missing teeth, as well as full arches of teeth. Our options cater for all budgets and treatment preferences and we will go through all the different treatments with you during the consultation to help you make a decision.

Dentures

Dentures have been around for many years and they remain a very popular choice for patients who have a large number of missing teeth. We provide full and partial dentures, and we use the finest quality materials to produce prostheses that are functional and life-like. Dentures restore the aesthetic of the smile and enable you to carry out important functions, such as chewing and grinding down food and speaking.

We also offer implant-retained dentures, which are dentures that are supported by dental implants. These dentures are secured firmly and they enable you to enjoy improved functionality, as well as peace of mind, as your denture will never slip or slide out of position.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a viable option for patients with one or several missing teeth, as they can be connected to bridges, crowns and dentures. Implants are designed to replace the root of the missing tooth and they are the closest substitute for a natural tooth; they last a lifetime and they also provide amazing aesthetics. The treatment process does take some time, but the results of treatment are very impressive and once the new restoration is in place, you can relax and enjoy your new smile.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges are an affordable solution for single missing teeth. The most common type of bridge, the traditional fixed bridge, comprises of a false tooth, which is secured by a crown on either side. Bridges can be made from various different materials, including ceramics such as porcelain for a natural aesthetic and they should last for up to 15 years. The treatment process is relatively simple and there is minimal discomfort involved.

If you have missing teeth, call us today and we will be happy to explore all the options with you!

Dental Emergency? Here’s What to Do!

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

Accidents happen. Here is how we can help you and how you can help yourself, in a variety of emergency dental scenarios.

What if my tooth gets knocked out?

Firstly, try not to lose the tooth as it is possible to re-insert it after it has been knocked out. No worries if you do lose a tooth though, we offer a variety of tooth replacements. If you do still have the tooth, wash it carefully and attempt to re-insert it. If it won’t fit back in place, either put in a bowl with some milk or gently put the tooth in your mouth against your cheek. The faster you are at getting to the dentist, the more likely you are to save the tooth!

What if I fracture my tooth?

If your tooth is broken or fractured, please take advantage of our emergency appointments and call right away! Cleaning your mouth with warm water is useful. You can also use a cold compress to help with swelling.

What if I bite my lip or tongue badly?

Don’t trivialise this – you might need stitches! If you are losing blood, visiting your nearest emergency room is more than advisable.

What if I think my jaw is broken?

Apply a cold compress to your jaw to help relieve swelling. If your jaw hurts following an accident, we suggest visiting your local hospital for a check-up.

My tooth REALLY hurts!

Toothaches can happen for a number of reasons, but their most common cause is tooth infection. If your toothache is worsening, you can try to stave off further developments by rinsing the mouth with warm water and flossing to remove trapped bits of food. Specialised mouthwashes can also help fight excess bacteria.

DO NOT rest pain killers on your gums or teeth, lest you risk burning your gums.  If the pain persists, contact us to receive treatment!

What Could Crown Lengthening Do For You?

Friday, October 14th, 2016

Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure. You might consider it if you’ve got a damaged or decayed tooth in desperate need of repair.

Why might I need crown lengthening treatment?

If you need a crown, but don’t have enough tooth exposed to fit it in, you’ll probably need crown lengthening treatment. This might be the case if your tooth has broken at the gum line or if you have a “gummy smile”.

Before treatment

As it is a surgical procedure, you’ll probably be referred to a periodontist (the fancy word for gum disease specialist!). They’ll examine your mouth and help you arrange a date for the procedure. You’ll also be advised to have a professional cleaning to get rid of any plaque or tartar before the main event.

The procedure

Crown lengthening is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, so there’s no need to worry about being uncomfortable. Now, this procedure can take a while, especially if you’re treating more than one tooth, but you’ll be in the best possible hands, so you can just relax. Once your gums have been prepared, your dentist will place a temporary crown, which will stay there until your gums have healed and you’re ready for a permanent one.

Aftercare

You might feel a bit of discomfort afterwards, but this should subside quickly, especially if you take painkillers. Your dentist might also give you a special mouth rinse and provide some top hygiene advice. You’ll have stitches in your gums so try not to brush near them (the rinse should help to remove bits of food). Steer clear of hard foods for a while after surgery, as eating them might be a bit painful!

Wisdom Tooth Extractions Aren’t as Bad as You Think!

Thursday, September 22nd, 2016

Most wisdom teeth erupt without causing any damage, but in a small number of cases a tooth may come through incorrectly, leading to pain and infection.

In these cases the best thing to do is to remove the tooth before it causes any lasting damage.

Causes of an impacted wisdom tooth

Partial bony impaction: In some cases, only part of the tooth is able to erupt and generally this involves the crown portion on the tooth making its way through the gums, with the tooth pointing forward. The main damaging effect of partial bony impact is pericoronitis, when the tissue covering the tooth forms into a pocket, which then becomes infected. If this happens, it is best to have the tooth extracted.

Complete bony impaction: The tooth may also be entirely covered in bone and upon trying to erupt becomes enveloped in a sac, which can then turn into a cyst. This can be especially damaging to the jawbone, so it is important to have it removed.

Reasons to have a wisdom tooth removed

  • To prevent the spread of infection from the damaged tooth.
  • To stop damage to the teeth next to the eruption site.
  • To prevent cysts, which could cause serious damage to the jawbone.

Wisdom tooth removal may cause some swelling and short-term pain and there is the chance of infection if the gums are not kept in a good condition, but when you think about what could happen, a tooth extraction is definitely the best option.

If you are suffering with continual pain with your wisdom tooth, regardless of whether they have just begun to erupt or continue to bother you, please get in touch with the practice to discuss wisdom tooth extraction.

Excellent Dental Care for the Whole Family

Monday, September 12th, 2016

Striving to provide communities with holistic dentistry care, Liverpool Dental Spa offers treatments for people of all ages.

Introducing infants to dental care

Our oral structures start to develop from birth. It is therefore important for infants to have a dental check-up so that they get used to dental care and to ensure that they are developing as they should.

Prevention of tooth decay and gum disease

Every member of the family is vulnerable to developing tooth decay or gum disease. Dentists and dental hygienists provide advice about oral hygiene practices and nutritious eating for stronger and healthier teeth and gums.

Six monthly dental check-ups enable a dentist to identify early signs of oral decay or disease. Emergency dentistry care is available for sudden oral trauma, including tooth ache and knocked out teeth. Seeing a dental hygienist ever three months for teeth cleaning, scaling and polishing helps to remove plaque and tartar where tooth brushes may not reach on a daily basis.

Orthodontic care

As toddlers develop milk teeth that are gradually replaced by permanent ones, orthodontic conditions may arise. Teeth may grow crooked or irregularly spaced. These conditions including protruding and overcrowded teeth may be treated with modern braces systems designed to improve oral function and facial aesthetics. Adults may similarly need teeth straightening and treatment for jaw disorders or bruxism.

Teeth replacement options

We offer choices in artificial teeth replacement for one or more missing teeth from tooth decay, gum disease or oral trauma. These natural looking options include crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants. Dental implants act as replacements for tooth roots to which tooth restorations may be anchored for greater control over oral functions and a beautiful smile.

Dentistry the Whole Family Can Smile About

Friday, August 26th, 2016

Oral health is important at all ages, which is why comprehensive dental care is available for all the family. Most oral health problems can be prevented, so it’s important to focus on keeping our teeth healthy and strong to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. These problems don’t just affect your mouth, they can have a knock-on effect on your overall health, not to mention your confidence and wellbeing!

Children’s oral health

Children’s teeth are precious things and your little ones should really start visiting the dentist from the age of 12 months. It’s important to make dental trips fun so your child always has positive memories of the experience. Dental phobia is common even in youngsters, but enjoying a trip can help to make your child feel at ease. Children should learn about diet and oral hygiene from an early age and your dental team will be able to give you plenty of advice to keep those pearly whites beautifully bright.

Adult oral health

Your teeth say a lot about your general health and it’s very important to look after both them and your gums. Most dentists have loads of hygiene treatments to offer so you don’t have to shake hands with any nasty oral diseases. They’ll also offer lots of restorative treatments and nutrition advice, as well as tips for quitting smoking.

Check-ups

All dentists recommend regular dental check-ups for all the family. You should really see your dentist every six to nine months. Routine check-ups don’t last long but they can make a massive difference to your oral health because it helps the dentist spot any early warning signs. It also makes sure your teeth look beautiful and healthy.

 

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

Thursday, August 18th, 2016

At Liverpool Dental Spa, we are proud to offer the latest treatments for missing teeth, including dental implants and modern dentures. We recommend replacing missing teeth for many reasons, from improved quality of life and enhanced facial aesthetics to better oral health.

Our treatments

We offer a range of tooth replacement treatments, including dentures and dental implants.

Dental implants are one of the most exciting developments in modern dentistry. They provide a long-term solution for missing teeth and offer the same level of functionality as natural teeth.

Dentures have been used for many years and are a tried and tested method. They are sets of false teeth designed to restore full function to the mouth and improve the aesthetic of the smile. Modern dentures are very lifelike and boast excellent standards of functionality.

Which is better: dentures or dental implants?

It is hard to say which is better, as patients have different needs and one treatment might suit one patient better than another.

Dental implants are advantageous because they last a long time, they recreate the aesthetic and role of the natural teeth and they also help to reduce bone loss. Implants are a more expensive treatment option, but they last a lot longer than dentures and dental bridges, they are easier to maintain and there are no problems with the denture becoming loose or irritating the gums.

Dentures can be beneficial for patients who have a large number of missing teeth and they are a more affordable option than dental implants. Modern dentures are much lighter and more lifelike than dentures of old and they can really make a difference to your quality of life.

If you are interested in restorative treatment and would like to find out more about dentures and dental implants or discuss your options with one of our friendly dentists, contact reception today to book a consultation.

All You Need to Know About Oral Cancer Screening

Tuesday, August 2nd, 2016

What are the causes of oral cancer?

There have been numerous risk factors attributed to the development of oral cancer, including:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking
  • HPV virus

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

The signs of oral cancer can vary from person to person and often depend on how far the disease has progressed. However, symptoms to look out for include:

  • White and red patches in the mouth and on the tongue and lips
  • Sores that take a great deal longer than normal to clear
  • Pain in the mouth or neck

If you have any of these symptoms and think you may be at risk, make an appointment to visit your dentist right away.

Once possible instances of cancer have been found we can plan the next step and have you treated as soon as possible.

If you would like an oral cancer screening and form more information please call the practice, we treat patients from throughout Liverpool and the UK, so feel free to stop buy wherever you’re from.

All About Digital X-Rays

Friday, July 29th, 2016

Dental X-rays or dental radiographs are an integral part of dental examinations for patients from London. If you are visiting the dentist for the first time then a full set of digital X-rays (which in total are 18) would be required for any type of extensive treatment. Every 6 to 18 months, 2-4 check up X-rays will also be taken and the number of X-rays taken will depend upon the dental health of the patient. There are a few apprehensions people have when it comes to dental X-rays, which includes whether or not they are safe during pregnancy, is the amount of X-rays delivered safe and are dental X-rays beneficial.

There are many benefits of digital X-rays, which make them very important before most dental treatments. With the help of X-rays, the dentist can find cases of tooth decay, which otherwise would have be hidden to the naked eyes. Digital X-rays can also reveal the development of abscesses, tumors, cysts, extra teeth and broken teeth. They can also help to check the condition of dental fillings, root canals, dental bridges and tooth crowns. In cases of periodontal diseases digital X-rays reveal tartar buildup, bone loss and can be used to check if the bone levels are appropriate for dental implants.

Most people are aware of the side effects of over exposure to X-rays, which make them worried about digital X-rays. The dentists are aware of the harmful effect of traditional X-rays, which is why they cover patients with a lead apron and use high-speed film during the procedure.

Digital X-rays are not only safe, but are also a very effective tool to treat most dental conditions and are safe enough to be used during pregnancy.

Even though digital X-rays can simplify many complex dental conditions, it does not completely eliminate the need for visual examination when it comes to the neck, TMJ, oral cavity and head. The combination of both visual examination and dental X-rays is the best approach.

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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