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Archive for the ‘Dentistry’ Category

The Delights of Modern Dentures

Tuesday, July 26th, 2016

Dentures are a removable cosmetic solution for missing teeth, using a structure made from acrylic resin with porcelain or metal to form naturalistic dentures designed to fit the exact dimensions of your mouth.

Dentures for missing teeth

Full dentures are a particularly attractive option for people who need a full set of functioning teeth, while partial dentures can help those who still have some remaining teeth. The decision will be based on several factors regarding your individual case, so a consultation with your cosmetic dentist can be invaluable for informing you of the different choices and the best option for you. Dental implants and dental bridges are two other common procedures for missing teeth.

What can dentures do for me?

Depending on the case, the dentist may need to remove some of the remaining teeth or strengthen the bony ridges between teeth with a surgical procedure. This will add vital stability to the dentures. An impression of the mouth provides the correct measurements and a selection of colours and shapes are available for the best custom fit. The finished dentures may include metal or porcelain in their structure to assist with bite strength and will make chewing easier. They also seek to reverse the effects of tooth loss on speech and expression by helping to build up the relevant muscles once more.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures are designed to replace every single upper and lower tooth. When tooth extraction is required to achieve a clear mouth, healing time must be allowed before the dentures can be fitted. The comfort of this model varies due to factors including bone and muscle strength and differences in people’s tongues and saliva.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures replace a specific amount of missing teeth to plug unappealing and unhealthy gaps. This is usually achieved through metal attachments linking the partial dentures to surviving teeth. They are useful for holding the remaining teeth in place so that no misalignment occurs. The risks of gum disease or more tooth decay are generally decreased after a partial denture is fitted.

Immediate dentures

Immediate dentures are a quick option for people from Liverpool who desire their treatment without waiting. Due to the way the mouth heals following tooth removal, these dentures may eventually have to be adjusted.

Upper dentures

Upper dentures provide the same sort of functionality as complete dentures and are made from the same materials, but they replace the upper teeth only.

Over dentures

Over dentures are similar to complete dentures, with the key difference that not all the remaining teeth are extracted. These natural teeth attach to the over dentures and help to stabilize them while chewing and biting. The procedure is more expensive but the benefits include better reliability and steadiness.

How long will my dentures last?

Dentures often last between 5 and 10 years, although the mouth is liable to change naturally over this period and thereby require a new fitting or adjustment.

Bridging the Gap Towards a Sensational Summer

Wednesday, July 20th, 2016

Gaps in the smile can take away our cheer, but you don’t need to put up with a gappy smile this summer. With our dazzling dental bridges, we can fill gaps and restore your smile ready for the sizzling celebrations.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative treatment  used to replace a missing tooth. There are different types of bridge, but most commonly, a bridge is made from an artificial tooth with a new crown on either side. The bridge is fused to the neighbouring teeth and we recommend ceramics to provide a truly natural look.

Bridge treatment usually involves two sessions over two to three weeks. In the first session you will plan your treatment ready to be placed in the second session. Your bridge will be custom-made just for you and can be made from ceramics so your new tooth looks as natural as the rest of them!

How long will a dental bridge last?

As long as you look after your bridge, it should last for up to 15 years.

Bridge-tastic benefits

Even a single missing tooth can have a massive impact on the way your smile looks, not to mention your oral health, and this can lead to low self-esteem. Bridges are a simple, affordable way to replace missing teeth and you’ll have a restored smile in just two weeks.

Once a bridge is in place, it will act like a natural tooth and should last for more than a decade. Bridges are designed to look just like natural teeth and blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. A bridge will not only restore your smile, but your confidence too.

Everything You Need to Know About Mouth Guards!

Monday, July 4th, 2016

Sports player? Discover the best way to protect your mouth from injury

You might not realise it, but a lot of sporting activities can put your mouth at risk of injury. Sustaining an oral injury is serious business and you might risk losing teeth or even having to have extensive surgery.

There is a simple way to prevent these nightmares and protect your mouth. Meet the standard mouth guard. Now you will find these in most sports shops, but don’t get your pennies out just yet. These stock protectors only offer a very basic level of protection and they’re sometimes not the most comfortable appliances. Yes, they are affordable, but that money will be wasted if they don’t offer you enough protection on the pitch.

Next up, the ‘boil and bite’ mouth guard. You plop these into boiling water and then bite them to make them a good fit for your mouth. Although more comfortable than stock protectors, they still don’t prevent very serious injuries.

If you want ultimate protection against nasty injuries on the field, the best advice is to see your dentist. They will construct a mouth guard from scratch so that it fits your mouth perfectly for optimum comfort. The downside is, these mouth guards are more expensive than those you can buy in stores, but it’s definitely worth it for the excellent protection and comfort qualities.

Talk to your dentist today to find out more about dental mouth guards!

Weak Teeth Made Strong!

Friday, June 24th, 2016

Tooth enamel is the strongest substance in the body, but it’s not completely invincible and our teeth can be damaged and broken. If you have an injury, are involved in an accident or have a decayed tooth, we can provide treatment to repair, protect and strengthen your teeth. Our dental crowns are built for style and strength and they will help to reduce the risk of further damage in the future.

About dental crowns

Dental crowns are restorations commonly used when a tooth is broken, damaged through injury or weakened by decay. If the cavity is too large for a filling or the tooth is fractured, it is beneficial to crown it to protect it, make it stronger and decrease the risk of more damage in the future.

Crowning a tooth involves placing a crown over the top of the tooth. For this reason, crowns are sometimes known as caps. With a crown in place, you can enjoy better function, especially when you chew or bite down on food, and a reduced risk of infection caused by decay spreading through the tooth.

Crowns can be made from various different materials and we often recommend ceramic crowns, as they match the shade of the tooth for a seamless look.

The procedure

Treatment involves two sessions. During the first appointment, we will prepare your tooth to remove the decayed tissue and shape it in preparation for the crown. We will then use dental putty to create an impression of the tooth and this will be sent off and used as a template by our highly trained dental technicians. When the new crown is ready, we will place it and secure it using strong dental adhesive.

Crowns are hard-wearing and they should last for around 10 years, provided that they are cared for well.

How to Deal with a Dental Emergency

Tuesday, June 14th, 2016

Most people are aware that if they need urgent medical help, they call 999 and an ambulance arrives, but what happens if you have a dental crisis in Liverpool?

What to do if you have a dental emergency

If you’re in pain, have an accident or injure your tooth and need urgent help, call us and we will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible.

Dental injuries

Types of dental injury include:

  • dislodged tooth (also known as avulsion)
  • severe dental pain
  • broken tooth
  • dental abscess

If you have lost a tooth through a sports injury or as a result of a fall, it may be possible for us to save the tooth, so call us as quickly as you can. If we are able to see you quickly enough, we will implant the tooth back into the socket and patch you up in no time.

Whatever your injury, we will do our best to remedy your pain and make you feel comfortable as soon as possible. If you need treatment and you are anxious, we can offer sedation. Sedation is a technique that enables patients to feel more relaxed and calmer during a procedure.

What To Do About Wisdom Teeth

Thursday, May 26th, 2016

The wisdom teeth have a bad name because they can be painful. If you have troublesome wisdom teeth, are in pain and you need help, we’re here for you! Simply call to make an appointment and we’ll fit you in as soon as we can.

About wisdom teeth

Our wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt. They are also known as the third molars and are located at the very back of the mouth, in the four corners. Most people start to get their wisdom teeth from the age of 16, but the time they develop varies hugely. Some people don’t get their wisdom teeth until they reach their 20s. Often, the wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems, but if there’s not enough space in the jaw for them to grow properly, they can start to develop at an angle and push against the neighbouring teeth, which can cause discomfort.

What are the options for painful wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, have started to push against your other teeth (i.e. have become impacted) or are decayed, it is usually best to take them out. You don’t need your wisdom teeth, so it’s usually better to extract them than leave them in if they are causing problems. If they are fine and you’re not in any pain, they can be left alone.

Wisdom tooth extraction is sometimes more complex than traditional extraction procedures because of the location of the teeth. They are harder to access than other teeth, and if they have started to grow at an angle, this can be particularly tricky. If you are having your teeth extracted, you will be cared for by one of our highly experienced dentists. Your tooth will be numbed completely before treatment so that you don’t feel a thing, and your dentist will do everything they can to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

What Does Your Smile Say About You?

Tuesday, May 10th, 2016

Of all the human expressions, a smile is the one that is easily and most commonly displayed. It is an expression that indicates happiness, a friendly attitude and a desire to communicate with the person receiving the smile. A smile is the most common expression in Liverpool and the world over, and is also an expression that most of us are very conscious about.

Smile imperfections

If you have been a regular smoker, then you may want to hide your stained teeth and this is sure to make you uncomfortable every time you smile. There are other factors as well that could make your smile imperfect. These problems could have been with your since birth or may have developed as you grow and for some it could have happened due to an unfortunate accident. The shape of your teeth matter greatly when you smile, so if they are crowded, crooked or chipped, your smile may look less than its best.

Cosmetic dentistry to the rescue!

Cosmetic dentistry has been fixing smiles for many years now and has some excellent solutions for people who want to make their smile perfect. Investing in a perfect smile can have a direct impact on your relationships, employment or business and the overall quality of life. Crooked and crowded teeth can be fixed with braces, while stained teeth can be brightened using various teeth whitening techniques or by applying porcelain veneers.

More comfortable than ever before

When it comes to visiting a dentist, most people are either scared of the procedures or the high costs that could be involved. However, this is just a perception rather than reality and the fact is, with the developments that have been made in the dental world, procedures and treatments have become increasingly more comfortable and cost effective.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Tourism

Monday, April 18th, 2016

Everyone wants the perfect smile but it is the case that most people will need to visit the dentist during their life for some problem or other. This can often be daunting for many reasons, but for some the cost of dentistry is a real issue. The end result, however, is always worth it.

As an alternative many people are now choosing to go abroad to have their teeth fixed, and with medical tourism on the rise and around 26,000 people from Britain flying out to undergo dental procedures each year, there are some pros and cons of going abroad that you should be made aware of:

Pros:

  • The first positive about dental tourism is the cost of the treatment. You can get treatment that would cost a lot more money in the UK done for much cheaper, sometimes even 70% cheaper.
  • There are a number of dentists working abroad that are registered as part of the British General Dental Council (GDC), so they are part of the British Dental Care system.
  • If they are part of the GDC then you can check their registration number in the UK before going ahead with the treatment, just so you can be sure of everything.
  • The aftercare is usually cheaper and there are dental practices that operate in the UK and abroad who tend to offer better prices in the UK as well. So that could work out even better for you.

There is a downside to everything, so here are the cons.

Cons:

  • Some of the dental equipment used abroad may not be of an adequate quality.
  • If there are problems when you return home it may cost you more money than you saved by going abroad, so this could work out to be a major problem if you’re low on cash.
  • You may need to make several trips if the treatment requires more than one procedure, or repeat visits, thus costing you an extensive amount of money in travel.
  • Some dental work can’t be guaranteed in some countries, so check before.
  • If you are only having a small treatment the price of travel and hotel, etc. may end up costing you more money in the long run.

So if you are thinking about going abroad for dental treatment just make sure you’ve thought it all through, otherwise you could be left with a lot of problems and a huge amount of debt.

Wave Goodbye to Wisdom Teeth Worries

Wednesday, April 6th, 2016

Manage the pain of wisdom teeth with the professionals at Liverpool Dental Spa

Usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 24, wisdom teeth are the last of the large grinding teeth positioned towards the rear of your mouth (molars).  While most people are unaffected by their wisdom teeth, if there is insufficient room for them to grow then it may result in what is commonly known as ‘impacted’ wisdom teeth – leading to pain, swelling and possible infection.

For permanent relief, the best approach is to have your impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed (extracted). Please note that antibiotics may be able to treat the infection, but it is possible for your symptoms to flare up at a later date if the tooth is not removed.

The operation will usually involve a local anaesthetic, but should your teeth prove problematic to remove then you may be given a general anaesthetic.  Prior to your surgery, your dentist or oral surgeon will inform you of what happens before, during and after the procedure, and any pain you may have.

Recovery is relatively quick but, if needed, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.  The first 24 hours after having a wisdom tooth extracted is imperative, so try not to vigorously rinse your mouth out as this may disturb blood clots that assist with the healing period.  After eating, you can gently rinse your mouth warm salt water. Teeth brushing should commence as usual but keep the toothbrush away from the wound for the first couple of days.

As wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure it is generally quite safe, but with every medical operation, always talk with your health professional about the risks before proceeding with treatment.

Say Goodbye to Toothache!

Thursday, February 18th, 2016

The last thing you want is to be tucked up in bed battling troublesome toothache. If you’re experiencing dental pain or you’ve had toothache on and off for a while, we are here to help. Our expert dentists can find the cause of the problem and provide treatment to say goodbye to tooth pain for good.

Why have I got toothache?

It’s very common to experience toothache. Sometimes, toothache is isolated and it comes and goes without much drama, but often, tooth pain can be persistent and in some cases it can be really painful and debilitating.

There are various causes of toothache, including dental injury, dental abscesses, decay and sensitivity, which can be linked to acid erosion of the enamel.

When should I see a dentist?

You should see your dentist if:

  • you develop sudden pain
  • you have pain on a regular basis
  • you notice symptoms such as heightened sensitivity, weakness in the tooth or bleeding gums
  •  you suffer a dental injury

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and if there is an underlying problem, we can identify it and find solutions to help ease your pain and get you fighting fit again.

What can be done for toothache?

In the short-term, taking painkillers can help to reduce discomfort. It is important to follow the dosage instructions. We advise booking an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can if you have severe or ongoing pain. We will examine your mouth and look for signs of decay, gum disease or injury and then plan your treatment based on our findings. Possible solutions may include a filling or a crown for decay, treatment for gum disease, oral hygiene treatments and treatment for a dental abscess. We can also provide advice about oral hygiene and diet to help to reduce your risk of developing further problems in the future.

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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