Some dental funnys on a gloomy day
By Patrick | July 14, 2008
For the middle of July it is not great weather, so we thought we would drag out some of the old funnies about dentistry. If you have any more, just hit the comments button.
People think dentists are sad, because we always look down in the mouth (groan).
A couple of quotes
I’d be equally willing for a dentist to be drilling than to let a woman in my life–Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady
Love conquers all things- except poverty and toothache– Mae West
Topics: Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
Our root canal services in Swindon
By Patrick | July 13, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal
Why do I need root canal?
There are several reasons for root canal. The over-riding reason is that the nerve in the centre of the tooth is either giving problems, or as a result of dental treatment needed, it might give problems.
Extensive decay
With tooth decay there is a layer of bacteria which penetrates further than the actual destruction. Once the decay is near the nerve there will be bacteria contaminating the nerve. This causes inflammation, and pressure builds up inside the tooth. This pressure cuts of the blood supply to the nerve, and so the nerve dies. The throbbing sensation often felt is the pressure rising with each heart beat. That is why it can get worse with any exertion. It can also get worse whilst lying down, as the blood pressure to the head is increased.
Broken teeth
If you have an accident, or break a tooth biting into something hard, you can expose the tooth to the mouth. If this is simply a tiny spot, we can try simple fillings, if bigger, it is wise to have the tooth root treated, as it is likely to give problems
Following fillings or crown work
As mentioned above, the nerve can be contaminated by bacteria from decay. Often we can remove the decay but it is too late as the bacteria have penetrated too far. In addition, the removal of the decay will increase the inflammation inside the tooth. The combination of this and any bacteria can push the nerve over its limit.
In a similar manner, any extensive drilling, for example crown preparations, can cause inflammation which can cause the death of the nerve.
Prevention of later problems
If we have to cut teeth back very extensively, we can end up either reaching the nerve, or being exceptionally close to it. In these cases the tooth would almost certainly give problems afterwards, and we might then have to drill through a new crown, leaving it weaker. In these case we elect to root treat the tooth before the crown.
In a similar vein, if a tooth has consistently been given problems, and it needs crowned, we will root treat it first, as it is easier to get a good result.
As a comparison
You could build a house with uncertain foundations, and then underpin it at a later date, but it is far easier to simply get the foundations correct.
Why do I need to see an Endodontist?
Root canal dentistry is a distinct branch of dentistry, and it requires much specialist root canal equipment, and many unique skills. Some dentists choose to concentrate their skills on one area. Here at Seven Fields, Dr. Massimo Giovarruscio provides the root canal treatment, Dr. Holmes provides the cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Turri the Periodontics, (gums), Dr. Wilson the surgery and sedation, and Dr Seddon the dental implants. Your dentist may have areas of dentistry which he prefers, and may choose to leave certain areas to others.
It may also be that your dentist is happy to provide some root canal work, but will leave the more difficult cases, such as back teeth or re-treatments to a dentist with more experince.
What symptoms might indicate that I need root canal?
The symptoms of root canal do vary considerably, and if you are in doubt, you should consult your dentist. We do provide emergency appointments for non-registered patients. The symptoms of teeth needing root canal can include;
Sensitivity to hot and cold
If the sensitivity only lasts a few seconds, and is a sharp pain, you will probably just need a filling, but if the pain lasts more than a couple of minutes, tehcahnces are you need root canal work
Pain on biting
Pain on biting can be related to several dental issues, but if there is an abscess under a tooth, biting on the tooth puts pressure on the abscess, causing pain.
Swelling
Swelling around a tooth is most frequently associated with an infection. This infection can be from a root canal related infection, although there are other types of infection
Bitter Taste
Sometimes you can get an infection which connects with you mouth. You can then experience a nasty taste. Some people will notice a little spot that when pressed tastes nasty. Again this can also be related to other infections.
Constant Throbbing Pain
A constant throbbing is characteristic of an infection, which is under pressure. This is a very typical situation.
No symptoms at all
Sometimes the nerve can die, and give no pain what so ever. This is one of the reasons why dentists take routine x-rays, especially if they are thinking of crowning teeth
How will the dentist decide if I need root canal?
As mentioned above, there are many symptoms which can relate to root canal issues. Your dentist needs to take a history of your symptoms, examine the tooth, and probably take x-rays. It is then important to see if saving the tooth makes sense. It could be an isolated tooth at the back of your mouth, with curved canals, poor gums, and no tooth opposite. In this situation, having the tooth removed makes more sense. It might however be your front tooth, which has some decay, and can be easily treated, filled and saved.
Does it always work?
Root canal, when carried out by a skilled Endodontist carries a very high success rate, typically around 95% success after ten years. Initial treatments are more successful than re-treatments, and areas without chronic infection are more successful than those with one.
What are my options?
The typical options can be to remove the tooth, and either leave a gap, or replace the tooth with one of the options available. (You can get more detail of this in the Implant section under single tooth).
On occasion, we might look at a tooth, and decide that whilst technically the underlying root canal conditions are poor, the tooth is not giving any problems. In some circumstances we can keep the tooth under observation.
Is it always the best answer?
Now days there are many different options to root canal treatment. Typically we will look at how broken down the tooth is. An upper pre-molar tooth, (behind you canine or eye tooth), which is broken down to gum level, has two delicate roots, and has a degree of gum disease will have a poor prognosis compared to an implant, and the treatment to restore it might actually cost more. However in many situations, a root treated, restored tooth will carry a similar prognosis to an implant, the treatment will cost less, and it will take less time.
I already have a crown, can I have root canal work?
If you tooth is already crowned, we can often preserve the crown, by drilling through it. It is easier to obtain a good result by removing the crown, and so it the crown will need replaced anyway, we will remove it.
If it is going to be a technically difficult root canal, to give ourselves the best chances of success, we will often want to remove it. With back teeth we can sometimes remove the crown in a manner which allows us to replace it.
If there is a post down the tooth, we would almost certainly need to remove the crown to allow the removal of the post.
How do I see the Endodontist at Seven Fields
If you have no dentist;
Simply contact us, either by telephone or e-mail, using details either at the bottom of this page (click on e-mail), or using the side bar on the home page (click on Seven Fields on the top of the page). We prefer to arrange a full new patient consultation, but if you are experiences acute problems we can arrange an emergency appointment.
Dentist Referral
If you already have a dentist we do prefer that they refer you to Massimo. This helps us get any pertinent background details.
Self-Referral
If you do have a dentist, but would like us to carry out your root canal, we are delighted to limit the treatment to just the area in question.
I have had root canal with you can I join the practice?
We are delighted to accept new patients, however, if your dentist has referred you, our ethics require us to return you to your dentist. We also find that it is better if you can stay with your usual dentist who has the best long-term knowledge of your teeth.
Topics: Root Canal Swindon, Swindon Dentist | 3 Comments »
Please feel free to ask Questions
By Patrick | July 11, 2008
If there are any aspects of the dental work we provide here at Seven Fields, Swindon, please let simply use the comments box and ask us. I am sure for each person who asks, there are probably one hundred who want to know.
So send in you questions about general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, root canal dentistry, periodontology (gums), sedation or implant dentistry, and see if you can stump us!
Topics: Dental Implants Swindon, Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
How Many Dental Implants in Swindon?
By Patrick | July 9, 2008
We are heavily involved with dental implants here at Seven Fields, and one of the most common questions we get is asked is along the lines of ;
’Do I need an dental implant for each tooth missing?’
The simple answer is no.
Now for some detail
If we place a full arch of dental implants we typically need a minimum of four or five implants.
The case above shows an entire lower arch replaced, and held in position by four dental implants
(With all the cases show; Dental Implants restoration -Patrick Holmes, Swindon Wilts. Dental Implant Placement Ian Seddon, Swindon, Wiltshire)
The next case shows a full upper arch on five dental implants
Now, that is full arches of dental implants dealt with. This is the typical case when we replace a full denture, or make sure we avoid using one.
The next obvious one is for a single crown.
The answer is easy here. One crown, one implant
The more difficult cases to be accurate about are multiple teeth. We cannot place one implant to hold two teeth, as they would tend to rotate the implant and it would not work well, and so again for two teeth, we need two implants, but we can use two implants for three teeth, and even four teeth.
This case shows four front teeth held in position by two dental implants
When we reach five teeth, we normally are up to three dental implants, and once we reach typically seven or eight teeth, we need the four implants.
To summarise
One tooth missing One dental implant
Two teeth missing Two dental implants
Three teeth missing Two dental implants
Four teeth missing Two dental implants- maybe three
Five teeth missing Three dental implants- very occasionally two
Six teeth missing Three dental implants
Seven teeth missing Three dental implants- maybe four
Eight teeth missing Four implants- occasionally three
Full arch Four or five implants
All these figures depend on the position of any other teeth, and what teeth are in the opposite jaw, along with the quality of the bone, but I hope they give some approximate ideas
Topics: Dental Implants Swindon, Swindon Dentist | 2 Comments »
No excuse not to smile Tooth lightening only £200
By Patrick | July 6, 2008
At less than half the price of the average in Swindon, we are delighted to offer tooth lightening at just £200.
This is for tooth lightening at home, which is now shown to be the most efficent method for tooth lightening.
(If you do want in surgery tooth lightening, we can offer the latest ultrasonic activated method which has replaced the use of lasers or lights in all the ‘happening’ US tooth bleaching clinics. This takes more surgery time, and so does cost more. We use it in conjunction with the tray system, and its advantage is that it does reduce the number of times that you need to wear the trays.)
So, how does the tooth ligtening work…
We take impressions of your teeth, and a tray is custom made for your mouth
At home you then place gel into the tray, and wear it at either at night, or for two to three hours during the day.
The trays typically need to be worn 8-10 times.
With the ravages of time, (well red wine, coffee, tea and other nice things) your teeth can darken down again. You can very simply use the trays for one or two nights to ‘top up’, and re-lighten your teeth
This picture shows the results you can achieve
Topics: Special Offers, Special Offers Dentistry | No Comments »
It’s all crystal clear now
By Patrick | July 5, 2008
I am just back from one of the highights of my annual post-graduate calender, a British Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry meeting. This meeting was particularly special, as it was the first one to be held exclusively for Full Members. There are only 35 Full Members in the UK, and so it was a very informal meeting with a great sharing of information. We were sharing the latest information on the use of zirconia crystal in dentistry…yes I know this is the sort of thing designed to send people to sleep, but in a nutshell, it is a material we can use as a substructure for our crowns to make them even more lifelike. There is also evidence that used in a certain way with our implant dentistry, it can help keep the surrounding tissues healthy.
Okay, so I need to get a life outside of cosmetic dentistry, but it probably is better to have a dentist who loves what he does, that is my excuse.
From an important point of view, what it means is exceptionally natural looking teeth, when you want to improve your appearance
Before
To see more of our crowns, look at the photo gallery, under crowns www.sevenfields.co.uk/sevenfields_interactive/sevenfields_interactive_photogallery.html
Topics: Swindon Dentist, cosmetic dentistry swindon | No Comments »
It’s not just fizzies that are bad for your teeth
By Patrick | July 2, 2008
Smoothies “can damage your teeth”
Reports from BBC Online, The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail warn of a potential “erosion epidemic” caused by the increasing popularity of fruit smoothies. The British Dental Health Foundation warns that smoothies “contain very high levels of sugar and acid and so can do a lot of damage to the teeth.”
So what should you drink on a hot summers day?
It can actually be hard to find something which is safe for your teeth.
Swindon dentist, Dr. Patrick Holmes, explains that there are two problems with drinks; sugar and acid.
The sugar provides fuel for all the bacteria to cause decay, while the acid can soften the tooth, which can either dissolve away or be worn away more readily.
As an example, a glass of orange juice will more than double the potential for wear 30 minutes after drinking it, just when many people will be brushing their teeth.
All fizzies such as colas, lemonades and mixers are likely to be acidic, and the diet versions are often worse.
The safest drink is obviously plain water, or failing that a sugar free squash with plenty of water.
Badoit sparkling water is not acidic.
Alcohol wise, there are many culprits; alco-pops, wine and cider are obvious problems.
With spirits, its the mixer that is the problem, so possibly James Bond had it right all along…vodka martini, shaken, not stirred
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7409825.stm
Topics: Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
Tooth Lightening- Smiles for the summer
By Patrick | July 1, 2008
We have decided to help beat the credit crunch and inflation in one go.
We have slashed the price of our home tooth lightening to £200. The average price in Swindon is over £375, and this might even make us the cheapest in the UK.
We can also perform in surgery tooth lightening, using the latest ultrasonics, a technique even more advanced than light or lasers. What we have found, and this is now backed up by scientific journals, is that the ‘at home’ technique delivers more predictable results in less time, for less money. The teeth shown are actually Dr Holmes’, and so you can see first hand the results possible.
We are happy to provide tooth lightening to patients not registered to the practice, as a ‘one-off’ treatment
Topics: Cosmetic Dentistry, General Dentistry, Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
Swindon Dentist or Photographer?
By Patrick | June 30, 2008
We thought we would pop this up to help show the difference cosmetic dentistry can make.
The top ‘morphing’ is an actual case based not on any simulation, but on the before and after shots.
The bottom image is a photograph of the work before it was fitted
Our aim with this section is to share the areas of our day to day work that are difficult to characterise in individual web pages. We hope that we can use some conventional photographs, to show you the what a Swindon Dentist can do for you. We take a lot of photographs of our cases, for three reasons.
1) Clinically it is very useful to be able to check details
2) We can help our technician by giving him more details
3) Patrick is involved in lecturing in cosmetic dentistry, and currently is scheduled to lecture for Astra implants on the restorative aspects of their implants, and he is also booked to lecture for King’s College London
During this case we took over 120 photographs in its documentation.
It is important to point out that we would never use photographs that can identify people without permission.
Topics: Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
Are hammers really good for your teeth?
By Patrick | June 30, 2008
Hammers and dental hygiene
The Telegraph and The Guardian report on the results from the British Dental Health Foundation and Oral B National Dental Survey, which, based on a sample of over one thousand people in ten cities, reveals “an alarming lack of concern for dental and gum care,” according to the BDHF. The reports describe the use of objects people have used in the absence of dental floss to clean between their teeth, including, amongst other things, hammers, screwdrivers, pen knives, scissors and needles. Chief Executive of the BDHF, Nigel Carter, notes “twenty seven per cent of people have opened a bottle with their teeth” and adds, “these results do not give people in the UK a great deal to smile about.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1992415/Why-use-dental-floss-when-you-can-use-a-hammer.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/may/20/health
Topics: Swindon Dentist | No Comments »
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