General Dental Services

Orthodontics - moving teeth

Orthodontic treatment is the term used for straightening or moving teeth to improve their appearance and how they work. It can also help in the long-term health of the teeth, gums and jaw joints, by evenly spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth. It is quite common to have crowded or crooked teeth. With the proper orthodontic treatment we can straighten teeth or move them into a better position.

In cases where people have prominent teeth, which are more likely to be damaged, orthodontic treatment can move them back into line. In other cases, the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct both.

When the teeth donʼt meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and in some cases headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help in these situations. Treatment is generally best carried out in children, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and more and more are doing so.

For more details on our range of orthdontic appliances visit our Services page.

Peridontics - bone and gum disease

Are your gums red and tender? Do they bleed when you brush or floss? If so, you may have gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms and attacks the gums surrounding the teeth and the bone supporting your teeth.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. There is usually little or no discomfort, the gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. This is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and can be easily reversed with good home care and professional treatment.

You may be susceptible to a more advanced stage of the disease called periodontitis. Bacteria and plaque attacks the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The bone begins to separate from the teeth, forming pockets where even more bacteria and plaque can accumulate. If left untreated, the pockets deepen as more and more tissue and bone is destroyed until the tooth becomes loose and may need to be extracted. This is the commonest cause of losing teeth - NOT decay, as most people think.

Endontics - root treatment

Endodontics is the term used for root canal treatment - required when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. In the early stages of the infection you may not feel any pain. In some cases the affected tooth could darken in colour which may mean that the nerve of the tooth is dying or has died. In these circumstances root canal treatment would be required.

Infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth which may eventually lead to an abscess. This is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms can range from dull sinus-lift ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection.This is a skilled and timeconsuming procedure and may involve several visits. We are specialists in this area and will be able to carry out treatment.

Teeth Grinding - splints to save teeth

Do you grind your teeth, but don't know it?
Bruxism, as it is known, occurs in most humans at some time. It is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is often caused during sleep by the subconscious processes becoming active while the higher control by the brain is inactive. Some bruxism activity may be rhythmic - as in chewing - whilst others may be sustained - like clenching.

Most people are unaware and only a small percentage develop symptoms which may require treatment. But it can affect both the teeth and the structure surrounding including the head. In children, they may outgrow the problem as their teeth grow, however adults should address the problem with their dentist.

We can determine the problem and advise on the best course of action to both help eliminate the habit and repair any damage that may have been caused.

Restoration - fillings and treatments

Fillings: There are a number of different fillings available including:
amalgam (silver coloured)
composite fillings (tooth coloured)
glass ionomer (tooth coloured)
gold inlays and onlays (gold coloured)
porcelain inlays (tooth coloured).

Composite fillings have been available for some time now and are generally recognized as being strong, but may not be as hard wearing as amalgam fillings.

Of course the main benefit of composite fillings is that they are tooth coloured and made from powdered glass quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base. We can match the filling to the same tone as your existing teeth.

After the tooth is prepared, the filling is bonded onto the area and a light shone onto it to set it. They will last a long time and, of course, donʼt stand out like old silver fillings used to.

Porcelain crowns and bridges - to restore heavily filled, unsightly or weak teeth

Porcelain crowns are the perfect permanent restoration when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed or compromised aesthetically. A one to two millimeter dimension all around the tooth and on top is removed to fit the crown while strengthening and preserving the remaining natural tooth structure. Depending on each individual and dental condition, we offer all-porcelain or porcelain fused to biocompatible metal or gold crowns.

Each type of porcelain crown is handcrafted by Dental Laboratory technicians to mimic your natural teeth and to ensure maximum light translucency and color.

Older, more inexpensive crowns were fabricated with opaque, flat-looking materials that did not let natural light pass through as a natural tooth does. With these older crowns, there can be a dark gray shadow or line next to the gum line. Our handcrafted porcelain crowns do not show any gray discoloration on your gum tissue or teeth. With our natural light-diffusing porcelain and dental artistry, we can assure you a natural and healthy smile.

Preventative Practices - brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning

Brushing our teeth is often taken for granted. But it has never been more important to protect your teeth and avoid gum disease. It is estimated that 75% of people have some form of gum disease. And gum disease has been linked to serious health complications and can cause dental problems that may be avoidable.

Flossing is also an important part of your dental health programme. Our advice is to floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque that a toothbrush just cannot reach. That familiar enemy plaque can cause tooth decay which may lead to gum disease.

Cleaning the tongue regularly is also important. Did you know that 90% of bad breath is caused by bacteria breaking down protein on the tongue. It makes your tongue look white and smells like a rotten egg. Simple cleaning for a few minutes every morning and evening with a Gel and Tongue Cleaner can provide fresh breath all day long. Tongue Cleaners are widely available from chemists and stores.