Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your dental checkup, your dentist can detect early changes in the mouth that need further investigation. Mouth cancer has a high mortality rate with over 1700 deaths/year. The main problem is the lack of early detection. Regular dental checkups minimise risk.
Gum Disease
Strong teeth require healthy gums and bones for support; if optimal oral care is not maintained, gum disease and several unwelcome health alignments will begin to affect your ability to enjoy and live life to the full.
The main motivation for looking after your teeth is to look good, which in turn promotes self-confidence. However, your dentist does not just check that your teeth look good – they also ensure that any potential issues related to your teeth or gums are healthy.
Gum Disease video
Halitosis
Dental neglect causes the mass of bacteria (plaque) that grows on surfaces of the mouth and teeth forming a soft white coating, as this builds up it produces undesirable smells from inside the mouth.
Unfortunately, lifestyle choices such as smoking and eating certain foods such as garlic and onion can also make the breath more pungent.
However, it is equally essential to identify non-dental causes like certain nasal and gastric conditions. These medical reasons may sometimes require referral for further investigation.
Halitosis (bad breath) video
Everyone can benefit from preventative dentistry, whether you are caring for a full set of healthy teeth or battling to beat gum disease. A tailored plan from your dentist will prevent the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the chances of infection and cancer.
This process is particularly valuable for children, as this provides them with early education and the importance of visiting the dentists.
Below is a list of oral health products and their uses:
Interdental cleaning and flossing
Interdental cleaning – brushes have small bristled heads designed to get in between your teeth, where you’re not able to reach with your toothbrush. They come in different widths to suit the sizes of the gaps (these are available to purchase here at ConfiDental Care) where flossing cannot be done OR will not help. When used together with a toothbrush, you will be able to remove daily formed plaque on all five sides of each tooth, containing many bacteria.
Note: Research does show that interdental brushes provide better plaque removal than floss.
Interdental cleaning video
Dental floss – flossing helps and is recommended for use when the gaps of your teeth may be too hard to clean with an interdental brush (tighter spaces). You may also have a personal preference for using one or the other or a mixture of the two.
Dental floss and interdental cleaning video
Electric brush
Brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush is a good alternative option when compared to a manual toothbrush. Studies have shown a superior clean when compared to using the manual method.
Patients who may benefit from an electric toothbrush:
• dental hypersensitivity
• gum bleeding
• oral maintenance
Electric brush cleaning video
What are the benefits of using an electric toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes are a popular choice amongst our patients as they have many benefits:
• Timers and pacers to encourage a 2-minute clean.
• Various cleaning modes
• Different brush heads – Differing styles to achieve different results.
• Pressure sensor to avoid any issue on the gums hence allowing a gentler clean on your teeth and gums.
Manual toothbrush cleaning video
Cleaning using SUPER FLOSS – where teeth are joined together e.g. with a splint or bridge or fixed retainers.
Super floss video
Tongue cleansing
Dental hygiene mainly revolves around proper maintenance and care of the teeth and gums. However. It is equally important to clean your tongue thoroughly daily.
Tongue cleansing video
Why is it important to clean your tongue?
Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day takes care of bacteria and debris, a large amount still remains in your mouth. Food debris and bacteria collect on your tongue, throughout the day, coating it in a mucus-like substance.
Likewise, your body cleans out toxins while you are asleep at night. Some of these toxins get deposited on the tongue, which is the reason why it is good practice to clean your tongue every morning.
Modified toothbrushes or plastic/metal tongue scrapers should be used twice a day after brushing to prevent bad breathe (halitosis).
Appliance cleaning (brackets and wires set up).
It is vital to keep your teeth and mouth clean during Orthodontic treatment (teeth straightening). We advise you to use a combination of both brushing and interdental brushes daily. Regular use will prevent your teeth from discolouration/staining and gum disease. Please see the maintenance video in the “teeth straightening” section
Children
We understand that the task of brushing a child’s teeth can sometimes become a battle!
However, oral hygiene is vital for everyone, so trying to find a way to get this done on a regular basis is in your child’s best interest.
1. Booking regular 6-month checkup appointments for your child, ensure good oral health from an early age – Kids are more likely to grow up with a positive attitude about going to their dental visits. Their personal experiences as a child will determine their view of going to the dentist for their entire life.
2. Brush teeth twice a day for 2 minutes – Getting into a habit of brushing your child’s teeth for a minimum of 2 minutes, twice a day will provide healthier teeth, fresh breath, fewer cavities, and a reduced chance of painful dental problems in the future.
2-minute brushing video
Kids tooth-brushing video
3. Fluoride application
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and is found naturally in fish coffee raisins as well as an added supplement where needed. Dentist recommend flouride toothpaste but in addtion may advise or perform in-surgery procedures to enhance the protection of teeth.
Below is a list of supplemental products that contain fluoride;
• toothpaste
• mouthwashes
• gels
• varnishes
• supplements
What are the benefits of fluoride application?
If you wish to see your dentist or an oral health educator, please call us at ConfiDental Care on 020 8289 3388.
4. Fissure sealants
Fissure sealant procedures are to partially fill any deep pits and fissures (grooves and small hallows) in the back teeth (molars and premolars) used for chewing. These fissures can collect bacteria, which may be difficult to remove through regular toothbrush cleaning and can lead to future oral health complications. Therefore, with fissure sealant application the teeth are made easier to clean, thereby protecting against decay.
It’s important to understand that sealing teeth does not make the biting surface completely smooth but reduces the depth of natural grooves and holes.
What are the benefits of a fissure sealant?
Periodontal Disease
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits, where bacteria begins to collect at the gum line as dental plaque (a sticky film of bacteria). This causes the gum to recede from the tooth, initially forming small ‘pockets’ and allowing the plaque to grow below the gum line . Any unremoved plaque will harden into calculus and become impossble to remove without professional help.
What happens if it is left untreated i.e. plaque and calculus build up ?
In advanced stages the bone that supports the teeth are destroyed, periodontal disease symptoms;
Treatment
You dentist may perform the following/or as required.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection!
Periodontal Treatment video
Prevention and Maintenance
You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by:
Although, your gums will become healthier after periodontal treatment and extend the longevity of your teeth – maintenance of good oral hygiene is vital allowing bleeding gums and any redness/swelling to improve. Loose teeth may also begin to feel firmer after treatment.
If you think you are experiencing gum disease/periodontal disease, please contact us on 020 8289 33 88 or email info@confidentalcare.co.uk and book your checkup at your dentist in Bromley!
Tooth extraction
At ConfiDental Care we understand that losing a tooth can be stressful.
Easing the burden, making the process as smooth as possible, and managing the associated anxiety is important to appreciate. Our experienced and sympathetic dentists are competent to manage a variety of cases and discuss suitable replacement teeth where appropriate.
What is a tooth extraction?
Decayed, damaged, or loose teeth due to gum disease, can all require extraction.
Wisdom teeth which come through at an awkward angle and cause problems (such as decay in adjacent teeth or, being difficult to clean, and causing infections) similarly requeire extraction.
Teeth are sometimes removed from children’s mouths to help other teeth grow into the correct position.
Who can benefit from a tooth extraction?
In modern minimally invasive dentistry, tooth extraction is less common than it used to be. Your dentist will always look to preserve your natural tooth for as long as possible. However, if a tooth has been severely infected, and no treatment can bring improvement, an extraction is recommended to eliminate the infection and help preserve good overall oral health.
The most common reasons for tooth extraction are listed below:
• Severe tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth trauma
• Unsuccessful root
• Dental abscesses
• Severe toothache
• Orthodontic treatment
• Crowded teeth
• Impacted wisdom teeth
Should I replace the missing tooth?
If you are missing one or more teeth it’s very important that you look into your options for tooth replacement as soon as possible. If you wait too long, not replacing it can cause the following problems:
Shifting of teeth: The gap created by a lost tooth can cause unusual drifting of teeth.
Premature aging: Over time, a missing tooth can take a toll on your appearance. This results in sunken cheeks , increased wear on existing teeth making you look older than your real age.
Plaque build-up: If you lose one of your posterior teeth, cleaning can become challenging and there are chances of plaque build-up. This may lead to other dental problems such as gingivitis and tooth decay.
Impaired speech: A missing tooth can affect your speech and can even lead to a lisp.
Chewing difficulty: Each tooth serves a purpose for eating and with a missing tooth, especially our posterior teeth (molars) which are predominantly used for chewing.
The good news is that if you’ve lost one tooth or multiple teeth, there are a variety of excellent tooth replacement options that can help restore your smile and boost your oral health.
• Dental implants
• Dental bridges
• Full or partial dentures
Nobody wants to lose a tooth, but with regular dental check-ups dental hygiene sessions, you should be able to keep your natural teeth for most of your life.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is also known as endodontics, a treatment that is required when the blood supply and nerve of the tooth have been affected by decay or an injury. Later, if not treated infection can spread into the root canal system of the tooth causing an abscess and can become a visible swelling which as a result causes sensitivity to hot or cold. It may also cause discomfort when biting and putting pressure on the tooth through talking and eating.
There are a couple of steps to a root canal treatment;
1. The affected tooth is opened, the infection is carefully cleaned from the dental root/pulp using tiny files and the space filled. A temporary filling is placed allowing the tooth left to settle.
2. The next step is to confirm any pain or swelling has settled and infection subsided. Therreafter an appropriate restoration such as a filling, overlay, or crown will be placed to protect the tooth to protect from damage.
Who would benefit from root canal treatment?
• Root treatments are usually painless; they are associated with a high degree of success and in many cases better than losing the tooth.
• If your tooth has an abscess it can initially be managed with prescribed antibiotics however, it is important to remember that this is only a temporary measure and the problem will recur if left untreated.
• The visible sign of a nerving dying is when the tooth begins to darken in colour. A small bump on the gum, close to the painful tooth, or a tender or swollen gum around the tooth are key signs that root canal treatment may be necessary.
• Upon completing your treatment, you will be left with your own tooth – which is a great bonus.
What if the tooth is left untreated?
If a tooth is left untreated, an infection can not only be very painful but can lead to a tooth abscess or even tooth loss.
What if it happens again?
Root canal treatments are complex and later down the line can show signs of failing. While they are highly successful once completed , on occasion they can be re-root treated with the appropriate specialist.
Root Canal Process Video
Rest assured that today’s dentures are not like those of decades gone by. They are now more lifelike and comfortable than ever! Fitting snugly over your gums to restore your smile and counteract any problems missing teeth can cause – such as trouble eating and speaking. They are a much more permanent and durable denture solution than other denture materials.
What are dentures?
Dentures are flexible removable replacements of your lost teeth made of acrylic , cobalt chrome, or nylon. They are carefully designed to fit comfortably over the gums, they not only replace missing teeth but fill any gaps left by them.
Who can benefit from dentures?
Many experienced denture wearers can cope and are comfortable with the level of functionality it provides them. However, loss or ill-fitting dentures can cause many dental problems. The type of denture your dentist designs for you will be custom made and dependent on how many of your teeth are missing varying from either a complete denture or a partial denture.
Complete denture – this replaces all your upper and lower teeth and fits over your gums.
Partial denture – this replaces one or a couple of missing or decayed teeth and is held in place with metal/tooth coloured clasps.
What are the advantages of dentures?
Dentures can help return your smile and confidence back, reducing facial muscle sagging, supporting cheeks and lips, and giving you a full set of teeth that you are proud of.
Long-lasting – Dentures that are well cared for can last for up to 10 years, making them a long-term tooth replacement option.
Cost-effective alternative – Dentures are often a more cost-effective option, costing less at the outset than other tooth-replacement methods.
Hygienic – Dentures must be removed to clean, brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and maintaining an overall healthy oral hygiene.
Reduced facial sagging – Tooth loss can cause sagging skin and muscles. Dentures provide support for the cheeks and lips to reduce this.
Better quality of life – Missing teeth can reduce your ability to eat and speak. A complete set of dentures help overcome this.
Cobalt chrome dentures (has a metal framework which can be hidden from the smile zone) are sometimes recommended as they are more durable and lightweight. Chrome dentures can be used in both the upper and lower jaw and comfortably fit in place over the teeth or using a metal clasp that prevents movement.
Overall, they are a much more permanent and durable denture solution than other denture materials.
What are the disadvantages of dentures
Despite the well-fitting nature of the product they are sometimes loose, especially for the inexperienced first-time wearer. There are ways to improve the outcome if dentures are the first choice for you. The dentist will discuss options here. Experienced wearers can acheive great results with a replacement denture and this may be the primary choice for them.
Facing tooth loss is a serious decision and the presence of ‘fixed-teeth’ solutions such as Dental implants or bridges exist for those patients not willing to look at a ‘removable’ solution.
We advise you to bring your old dentures along with you when considering replacement as this will help your dentist with designing your new ones.
Your dentist will discuss the most suitable way forward to improve fit and stability.
Call us at ConfiDental Care to book your appointment.
Acrylic and Chrome denture video
Easing the burden of losing a tooth, making the process as smooth as possible, and managing the associated anxiety. Our experienced and sympathetic clinicians are competent to manage a variety of cases and discuss suitable replacement teeth where appropriate.
If you are unhappy with a damaged, unsightly or discoloured tooth – or even if you have an old or broken restoration – a dental crown may be the right choice to restore your tooth and regain your bite and perfect smile!
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a synthetic cap, usually made from a material called porcelain, which is placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure.
Who can benefit from a crown?
When you have damaged your teeth or lost tooth structure, perhaps due to tooth decay or a dental fracture, the best choice of dental restoration is often a dental crown.
There are various situations when your dentist might recommend a crown;
• To restore your tooth if it is heavily filled, chipped and is weak from decay, slowly breaking it down
• Protecting a tooth which has had root canal work
• If you desire to improve the appearance and practicality of your teeth
• To restore additional protection after you tooth may have broken down or severely worn down
• You need a crown to cover a dental implant
• If you would like to simply cover misshaped or severely discoloured tooth
• If you feel that your crown is loose and unstable – the causes can either be by the cement beneath the crown or by the tooth itself.
What are the advantages of a crown?
Teeth straightening – Cosmetic dental crowns can be used to improve tooth alignment (straighten teeth), improve colour, shape, size and many other cosmetic concerns.
Material – Crowns can be made from a variety of different materials, depending on the patient’s need and preference. Full Metal Crowns Porcelain Fused to Metal, crowns, Pressed Ceramic Crowns and Emax/Zirconia Crowns. The latter are highly aesthetic and examples are in our Smile Gallery
Highly realistic – These materials (above) can have similar properties to natural teeth in weight and texture, making them blend in and look aesthetically pleasing.
Consult your dentist at ConfiDental Care, to choose the best treatment suitable for you!
Dental Options Crown video
Dental bridges are a form of replacement teeth that are designed to fill the spaces left by missing teeth. They can be invaluably beneficial both for health and cosmetic reasons.
Your dentist will create a dental bridge of the correct dimensions.
What are dental bridges?
Dental Bridges are made up of dental crowns joined together to fill the gaps of one or more missing teeth. The ‘false’ tooth is called a ‘pontic’ and is generally fused in between two crowns which behave as anchors supporting the false tooth i.e – ‘bridging the gap’.
Dental bridges can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants. No matter which treatment route your dentist advises, the result is the same — a perfectly bridged gap. Different designs are available ( adhesive bridges vs conventional dental bridges) see our cosmetic dentistry page for available options. The dentist is happy to recommend the most suitable option.
Who would benefit from a dental bridge?
If you have lost one or more teeth, you have likely noticed a negative effect on the function, appearance, and health of your smile. It may be more difficult to speak, chew, and eat as normal, and you may feel embarrassed about your smile because of the gaps left by missing teeth. To restore your smile and self-confidence, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. A bridge can be used replace one/several missing tooth/teeth.
When in place, a bridge can improve your smile by:
• Restoring the natural shape and volume of your face
• Improving your ability to properly chew, speak, and eat
• Enhancing the beauty of your smile
• Preventing the remaining teeth from moving into the space left by the missing teeth
• Relieving uneven stress on the bite
• Replacing an unwanted removable partial denture
• If you have damaged teeth alongside a healthy tooth or an implant
• If patients who have just had a tooth extraction get dental bridges to prevent further damage.
• Patients wanting to have a fuller smile or tooth structure opt for dental bridges.
• Children born with an abnormal jaw where no permanent teeth could grow can get removable dental bridges.
Advantages of a dental bridge?
Simple procedure – Dental bridges are less invasive than procedures like dental implants. It is a great alternative for those who cannot undergo surgical procedures due to medical reasons.
Functionality – Another important benefit is the ability to chew properly and to speak clearly. After a patient loses a tooth or teeth, it can be challenging or uncomfortable to chew certain types of food , the pronunciation of words or the embouchure can also suffer. A dental bridge can solve this.
Appearance – Improves the overall look of your smile.
Faster procedure than implants – It’s much quicker and easier to get dental bridges (only a few weeks at the most), whereas implants may take several months.
Aesthetically, a dental bridge can compensate for the loss of the original teeth, particularly if the bridge is closely matched in colour to the surrounding teeth.
Prevent Teeth from Moving – A dental bridge can help you keep your natural teeth in place. When you fill in gaps along your gum line with a restorative element like a dental bridge, your other natural teeth are much less likely to drift and become loose.
Enhances speaking and pronunciation – Dental Bridges improves your natural speaking and also improves you’re eating and chewing abilities. Dental bridges fill the gaps in the teeth and this could help you speak without any inhibition.
Long-lasting – With appropriate oral hygiene, a dental bridge can last successfully for approximately ten years.
Easy maintenance – Dental bridges are preferred by many patients due to the ease of maintenance associated with them. After some time, our patients become accustomed to them. Since these are permanently fixed to the abutment teeth, they do not need to be regularly removed for cleaning. Instead, they can easily be cleaning by brushing, flossing (super floss), and mouthwash.
Bite – They correct and redistribute the normal bite force, compromised by your missing teeth.
Comfort – Getting used to your new dental bridge is usually easy and comfortable.
Bone loss – A bridge lowers the risk of bone loss consequently, maintaining the structures of your face.
Dental Bridge video
Fluoride is found in water, toothpaste, and some foods. It helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens the tooth enamel in adults and children. If you have any questions related to the amount you believe your child should consume please ask your dentist at ConfiDental Care.
What are fissure sealants?
Fissure sealants are a preventative measure against tooth decay.
Fissure sealants are placed on the back teeth (molars) of permanent/adult teeth and used to protect the chewing surfaces. Fissure sealant application typically lasts for several years. However, it is important to keep in mind that fluoride application and fissure sealants alone will not prevent tooth decay in your children. Good oral hygiene is essential for a long-lasting healthy smile.
We believe prevention is always better than cure so ConfiDental Care and begin your child’s journey today!
Fluoride & Dental Fissure Sealant video
Copyright © 2024 ConfiDentalCare