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Archive for the ‘gum disease’ Category

Root Canal Treatment For Patients In The City Of Liverpool

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Root canal treatment is used when there is a danger of infection developing in the root of the tooth. There may already be some infection in which it is vital for this to be treated otherwise it could cause major complications for the patient.

The need for root canal therapy occurs usually because of the development of infected abscesses below the line of the tooth. The tooth itself may have to be removed initially, but the abscess itself is the main problem.

Saving the Tooth

In order to save the tooth from infection the dentist will drill into the pulp chamber removing infected pulp along with the root nerve. An inert filling is then inserted into gap. This seals the canal opening preventing any bacteria from infecting the area.

The normal material used in the procedure is a latex product developed from the sap of the percha tree. It is generally known as gutta-percha. This rubber-like material is used because of its non-elastic properties, making it easy to use. It is injected into the root canal along with dental cement and sealant.

Is the procedure painful?

Unfortunately as with most dental treatments, root canal therapy can be painful. However the dentist will apply a local anaesthetic. That said if the abscess is swollen it can affect the anaesthetic. In this case the abscess will have to be drained before any local anaesthetic is applied. It is generally the pressure of the abscess in the first place that will have caused the pain.

If it is found necessary to drain the abscess then the dentist will probably prescribe an antibiotic prior to booking an appointment for root canal treatment. Further, the latter can be a difficult surgical procedure to carry out. This may mean several visits before it is completed. The dentist will in all probability prescribe pain relief as part of the after care.

Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy

Currently, the only real viable alternative to root canal treatment is to have the tooth extracted. However the tooth itself may be healthy so it is a drastic step to treat a problem caused by an abscess.

Tags: liverpool, removing tooth infection, Root canal treatment, Root canal treatment Liverpool
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Liverpool Patients Learn all About Gum Disease

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

In order to understand what is the difference between these two gums related issues, we need to understand what each disease entails. The signs and symptoms of both are similar but the underlying issue is very different.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the term used for non-destructive periodontal disease. This is caused by the bacteria in plaque which attaches itself to the tooth’s surface throughout the day. If left untreated it can lead to the more serious form of periodontal disease which is termed as destructive as it attacks and destroys the gingival tissue.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of this include swollen gums that may appear either bright red or even purple in colour. There may well be pain or tenderness in the gums and they may bleed during and after brushing. Treatment revolves around the removal of excess plaque and improving oral hygiene routine.

Gum disease or destructive periodontitis and occurs when gingivitis is left untreated. This is when plaque and bacteria have spread and gone below the gum line. The toxins produced by the bacteria begin to attack the gums and creates severe inflammation. As time goes on, the gum tissue itself as well as the bone structure that holds the teeth in place is attacked and broken down.

The gums will begin to separate from the teeth allowing more plaque and bacteria access to the gum tissue. Over time the teeth will become loose and will have to be removed. The signs and symptoms of this are very similar to gingivitis however it may be accompanied by bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth.

Treatment available

Treatment for this advance stage of gum disease begins with the removal of the plaque and can include root planning, scaling and even surgery.

Tags: gum disease, gum disease Liverpool, Liverppol Dental Spa, oral health
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Doing Something about Bad Breath in Liverpool

Friday, July 27th, 2012

Halitosis or bad breath can affect many people in Liverpool and the UK, and can be very embarrassing. Bad breath may lead to us feeling self-conscious about being around people at all, and so it is important to treat it to avoid the suffering that this can cause. In addition, bad breath can be linked to oral disease or decay, and so it is important to see if the problem can be treated to ensure that it is not linked to further problems.

What causes bad breath?

One of the most common causes of bad breath is simply eating strong-smelling foods, such as dishes containing a lot of onion or garlic. Similarly, drinks such as tea or coffee can affect the way your breath smells, as can smoking. However, the most common cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene. Not cleaning the teeth and mouth properly will lead to decay and build-up of bacteria and plaque, which will begin to smell bad. Therefore, a good oral hygiene routine is the first step to combating bad breath. Occasionally, bad breath can be linked to other conditions, such as not producing enough saliva, stomach problems such as gastritis, cavities or problems with the respiratory tract (i.e. throat or nose infections).

How can bad breath be stopped?

The first step to fighting bad breath is of course to make sure that you are maintaining the best hygiene routine possible, to prevent build-up of plaque and bacteria. It is also a good idea to visit the dentist to help, particularly since bad breath can be linked to more serious problems such as tooth decay. At Liverpool Dental Implant and Aesthetic Spa, your mouth will be thoroughly checked to ensure that there are no signs of more complex problems linked to bad breath. A thorough cleaning session can also be provided which can help eliminate the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Tags: Dental hygienist clean, Dental hygienist clean Liverpool, General dentistry, liverpool
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Why Patients in the City of Liverpool May Need Their Tooth Extracting

Tuesday, July 24th, 2012

Occasionally it is necessary to have a tooth removed, when reconstructive work is not a viable option. While this might seem like an extreme procedure, there are a number of reasons why tooth extraction might be necessary, and Liverpool Dental Implant and Aesthetic Spa in the City of Liverpool takes every step to make sure the procedure is as simple and painless as possible.

Why might I need a tooth extracted?

One of the most common reasons for having a tooth removed is that decay has set in, and not removing the tooth could lead to further problems, such as a painful abscess, which would be more difficult to rectify. It may also be necessary to extract a tooth after it has been broken by trauma, for example a fall or a sports injury, in cases when the tooth cannot be repaired. Gum disease might also necessitate a tooth extraction, as could tooth overcrowding, when not all the teeth can fit in the mouth; this can be due to having a smaller jaw, or having lost ‘milk teeth’ at an earlier than usual age. Finally, it can be common for people to need wisdom teeth to be extracted, as they too can crowd the mouth.

Making extraction easy

Tooth extraction need not be a frightening procedure, as it will always be performed with a local anaesthetic and so the only ‘pain’ involved should be a feeling of mild discomfort. Liverpool Dental Implant and Aesthetic Spa is also keen to help patients who may be particularly nervous; you can discuss this with your dentist if you are nervous before the procedure, and sedation is available to all patients. After the surgery it is best to avoid hot food for 24 hours, and also to avoid rinsing the mouth out for this time. After this, gently rinsing the mouth with a glass of warm, salty water is a good idea.

Tags: City of Liverpool, Tooth extraction, Tooth extraction City of Liverpool, Tooth removal
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The Best Way to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Smiles in the City of Liverpool

Monday, July 16th, 2012

When we eat and drink every day food particles build up little by little in our mouth, caught between our teeth. Without cleaning our teeth, these food particles will begin to rot, which causes bad breath. It will also cause plaque and eventually tartar to start to grow around the teeth. This discolours the teeth, affecting your appearance, but it can also lead to the teeth becoming damaged and weakened due to the tooth’s enamel being eroded. Eventually this will cause cavities or even more serious problems such as tooth loss. Gum disease can be another consequence of inadequate dental hygiene.

Dental hygiene at home

To help prevent this it is important to maintain good dental hygiene at home. The most important step is of course brushing the teeth with fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day. Do not brush too vigorously, as this can damage sensitive tissues. Flossing is also important, as this will help to clean between the teeth, an area that cannot be reached with a toothbrush and so is more prone to decay. The use of a fluoride mouthwash is also important, as this will help to rinse and clean the whole mouth, again, including areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. In addition, a good diet is important, particularly one that avoids too many sugary foods – especially between meals.

Dental hygiene at the practice

Even with a good hygiene routine, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist in the City of Liverpool occasionally for a professional clean, or a scale and polish. This will ensure that teeth remain as clean as possible, as well as helping them to look and feel better in your mouth. A professional hygienist can of course provide a more thorough clean than is possible at home, and may be able to help those with more serious problems such as hardened tartar, or periodontal (gum) disease.

Tags: City of Liverpool, Dental hygienist, General dentistry, General dentistry City of Liverpool
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Spotting the Smallest Signs of Tooth Decay in Liverpool During a Dental Check-up

Friday, June 29th, 2012

Tooth decay is a silent disease, with symptoms only apparent once the damage has been inflicted. Bacteria, plaque, sugar, acid and poor oral hygiene are all causes of tooth decay, which begins as mild enamel wear and ends up with the infection of the inner dental chamber.

How does tooth decay occur and what can my Liverpool dentist do to stop it?

Tooth decay occurs when plaque and bacteria are able to build-up on the teeth. The bacteria releases acids, which eat away at the dental enamel, first affecting the surface of the tooth, then the dentin layer and finally infecting the dental pulp inside the tooth.

It is not until the final part of the decay when the infection enters the dental pulp that pain occurs, but by this point it is too late and the tooth is technically dead, after which you will require root canal treatment and dental crowns.

However, at Liverpool Dental Implant and Aesthetic we use lightening, magnification and x-rays to thoroughly assess any dental decay. Even the smallest sign of erosion will be inspected and treated, using a mixture of dental cleaning and white fillings.

What else can a dentist spot during a dental check-up?

Visiting the dentist every 6 months allows them to know what your healthy mouth looks like, which makes it easier to spot any abnormalities, which may cause you harm.

Problems such as gum disease and, even more seriously, mouth cancer, can all be spotting, checked and treated earlier rather than later if you take the time to visit your dentist regularly.

If you would like to book an appointment for your dental check-up please call the practice. We would be more than happy to help and are here to answer all of your questions.

Tags: Dental check-ups, Dental check-ups Liverpool, liverpool, White fillings
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What are the Best Ways of Protecting the Teeth of Children in the City of Liverpool?

Friday, June 22nd, 2012

Your may think that because children’s milk teeth are replaceable that they don’t need as much care as adult teeth. This couldn’t be more wrong and children’s teeth are of incredible importance to the health of adult teeth because:

They provide a guide for the adult teeth to come through.
They allow the child to eat a range of food.
Keeping milk teeth clean helps to keep adult teeth clean, as bacteria can spread from one set of teeth to another.

Children’s tooth decay

Children’s teeth can become decayed for a number of reasons, including:

Poor oral hygiene.
Too many sweets.
Sugary drinks before bed.
Not enough calcium in their diet.

Whatever the reason for childhood tooth decay the effects will be shared with the adult teeth, with tooth decay able to attack an entire tooth and affect the gums and teeth beneath.

Protecting your child’s teeth

In order to stop such damage from occurring there are a number of easy tips, which every parent throughout Liverpool and the UK can follow.

These include:

Taking your child to the dentist from the age of 1 year.
Regular appointments every 6 months.
Brushing their teeth for two minutes a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
Keeping sugary snacks to a bare minimum and keeping them to around mealtimes.
Only giving them water before bed if they need a drink.
If they do want to snack in between meals give them celery or carrot sticks, which are good for the health of the teeth and body.
Provide straws with all sugary drinks and fruit drinks.

Protecting your children’s teeth now will ensure have a health and long-lasting smile for the future.

If you would like more information of children’s dentistry or to book an appointment please call the practice today.

Tags: Children's dentistry, Children's dentistry City of Liverpool, City of Liverpool, Dental check-up
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Patients in Liverpool Who are Nervous are Calmed During Their Treatment with Dental Sedation

Monday, June 18th, 2012

A large portion of the UK population feel nervous when going to the dentist, with some people suffering so severely from a fear of the dentist that they avoid any contact, even when tooth loss, bleeding gums and severe pain occur and they desperately need treatment.

What are the causes of dental phobia?

Dental phobia can occur for a number for reasons, each one varying from person to person. Negative past experiences at the dentist, whether due to pain or the uncaring attitude of the practitioner can all cause psychologically harm, which can lead to dental phobia.

What can be done to help dental phobic patients?

Today, the attitude and treatments provided by your dentist have changed and many dentists undergo specific training to help them find the best ways to treat their nervous patients. Taking appointments slowly and listening to the requests of the patient is one of the simplest ways of alleviating any feelings of distress, and using pain free injections such as the WAND device is another helpful method of enabling nervous patients to have a pain free experience when at the dentist.

However, one treatment above all else has brought a sense of calm to the dental chair-namely Sedation.

What is Sedation and how does it work?

Sedation is used to ease a patient into a contented, relaxed state, where they feel no pain, no anxiety and no fear. Administered via a vein, the sedation solution eases a patient into a feeling of calm without making then unconscious. You will still be able to breathe by yourself and you will be able to response to simply requests from your dentist, but you will neither feel nor fear the procedure that is going on.

If you are nervous of the dentist and would like to know about dental sedation please get in touch with the practice. We offer sedation to patients throughout Liverpool and the UK and would be happy to help you receive the treatment you need.

Tags: liverpool, Sedation, Sedation Liverpool, WAND
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Dental Check-Ups to Help Patients in Liverpool Maintain Their Beautiful Healthy Smiles

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Here at Liverpool Dental Implant and Aesthetic Dental Spa we not only provide amazing cosmetic treatments for our Liverpool patients, we also ensure that their teeth, mouth and gums are in the very best of health.

Visiting the dentist every 6 months will allow your dentist to keep an eye on the health of your mouth and notice any changes quickly, after which they will be able to treat them swiftly, before any lasting damage is made.

Why are dental check-ups so important?

Problems such as tooth decay and gum disease begin unnoticed. In the case of tooth decay no pain will be felt until the infection has eaten through your dental enamel and dentin and infested the inner dental chamber. This will often mean that the tooth must be treated using root canal treatment, or it will have to be removed. Gum disease may start as some mild bleeding when you brush your teeth, but can soon spread to the rest of your mouth, causing pain and tooth loss.

You dentist can spot even the smallest signs of decay and disease and will use preventative treatments such as fillings, periodontal cleaning and fluoride sealants.

Dental check-ups and oral cancer screening

Another disease your dentist can check for is oral cancer. The number of oral cancer cases rose to 6,000 in 2011 and it is thought these numbers could get even bigger. Risk factors for oral cancer include drinking, smoking and the HPV virus. Symptoms include white and red patches found within the mouth, sores that take a long time to heal and pain in the neck or back of the throat.

If caught in the early stages treatments are 90% successful, however, if the problem is allowed to progress this drops to 50%.

It is therefore imperative that you visit your dentist every 6 months, so they will be able to spot and prevent these diseases and conditions from developing.

Tags: Dental check-up, liverpool, Oral cancer screening, Oral cancer screening Liverpool
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Patients in Liverpool with Loose Dentures can Experience a Stronger Smile with Dental Implants

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Patients in Liverpool with ill-fitting or loose dentures may suffer with a daily struggle when eating, speaking and even smiling. Loose dentures can cause a host of problems including bone degeneration due to the continual wearing down of the supporting bone tissue. This wear is what causes dentures to become even looser and many patients will go through a number of dentures during their lifetime to maintain some kind of function.

What can be done about loose dentures?

However, with dental implant stabilised dentures patients can experience a solid and strong smile again, meaning they can eat what they want and never fear the embarrassment of dentures falling out of their mouth.

What does the dental implant treatment involve?

Implants are fitted into your jawbone in specific areas, which provide the best support from your denture. The titanium posts are then left to fuse with your jawbone, to ensure that you have a strong, secure foundation for your denture. Once your implants have integrated with your jawbone your denture can be fitted into place, for a strong, stable smile.

What are the main benefits of dental implant stabilised dentures?

Patients with stabilised dentures can experience many benefits, including:

A strong set of teeth they can use to eat anything, meaning their diet doesn’t suffer because of their teeth.
Teeth that remain within the mouth, never falling out and causing your embarrassment.
Strong and healthy jawbone tissue, which is strengthened rather than worn away.
Long-lasting smiles, with dental implants lasting for many years, if not a lifetime, if they are well maintained.

If you would like more information on stabilising your dentures using dental implants please call the practice today, we will be happy to hear from you.

Tags: Dental implants, Implant stabilised dentures, Implant stabilised dentures Liverpool, liverpool
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