Cosmetic Dentistry
Advances in materials and dental techniques have broadened the horizons in the field of creating the perfect smile. We can introduce you to a full range of cosmetic treatments from the simple whitening of teeth to the use of porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges and tooth coloured fillings. Should you have any concerns regarding the appearance of your teeth please advise your dentist who will be able to explain the benefits cosmetic dentistry can offer.
Implants
These are titanium fixtures that are placed within the bone of the jaws. The bone then integrates with the titanium allowing the fixture to be used as an anchor onto which a crown can be placed or a denture or bridge retained.
The advantage of this form of treatment is that a missing tooth or teeth can be replaced without the need to involve or damage adjacent teeth. The prognosis of implants is very good although the costs can be high.
This makes them the treatment of choice rather than bridges and dentures for
replacing missing teeth. Implants can now be placed during a short
procedure and then restored with a temporary tooth on the same day.
For more information on implants visit the Association of Dental
Implantology site at www.adi.org.uk
or Nobel Biocare at www.nobelbiocare.com or Neoss at www.neossimplant.com.
More details on our Dental Implants service can be found here.
Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist is a very important member of our team. She is a specialist in the treatment and prevention of gum diseases that cause strong teeth to be lost due to the destruction of supporting tissues such as bone, gum and ligaments. She routinely cleans teeth, monitors gum condition and offers advice on oral hygiene techniques and diet.
If your dentist recommends an appointment with the Hygienist it is because signs of gum problems have been diagnosed and you will benefit from the care in both active treatment and preventive advice that the Hygienist can offer.
Headaches, Joint and Muscle Pain
In some patients there is a lack of harmony in the way teeth meet which then with other factors such as stress can cause tooth grinding at night thus precipitating symptoms. These symptoms of Occlusal Disease can present as headaches, facial pain, neck and shoulder pain, wear of teeth and breakdown of gum attachment. We are in many cases able to treat such symptoms by the use of bite guards and selective grinding of destructive tooth contacts.
These principals governing the way teeth bite together are vital when constructing a number of large fillings or crowns, if they are not applied the dentist may iatrogenically initiate the symptoms listed above. Stephen Nicoll mainly provides for the treatment of occlusal problems.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is the alignment of teeth in the dental arch
to achieve both aesthetic and functional gains. We are always monitoring
and assessing our patients from an orthodontic viewpoint but in
general prefer to refer patients to a specialist in this field if
treatment is required.
Orthodontic movement is becoming more accepted in the adult population.
With the advent of brackets on the palate side of the teeth, clear
brackets on the front of the teeth or even invisible plastic aligners
treatment can be provided without the usual aesthetic compromise.
Wisdom Teeth and Minor Oral Surgery
Members of our team have a sound foundation in this field. We are therefore keen to provide a service circumventing the need for hospital referral.
Dentures
When patients have lost a number or all of their teeth metal or plastic dentures
can offer an expedient, adaptable and cost effective solution for
restoring function and aesthetics. In some cases we use dentures
retained on underlying implants for a more stable and functional
result.
Endodontics
Endodontics or root filling is often required when trauma or decay
causes damage to the pulp and nerve tissue inside the root canal
of the tooth. The process involves cleaning and shaping of the complex
internal anatomy of the root canals and then filling these with
an inert and biocompatible material.
You may be aware of speculation that instruments used in root filling
treatment could cause the transmission of CJD. For this reason all
endodontic instruments used in our practice are strictly single
use.
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