Restorative treatment
Dental Fillings
Dental Fillings are a restorative treatment that are able to improve the condition of teeth which may have been worn down by decay or erosion.
Inlays
Inlays are not unlike to fillings, in that they are able to improve and maintain the biting surface of the tooth, with the inlays being made at a laboratory to suit a patient’s specific tooth structure.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are able to strengthen teeth that have been damaged or cracked. The crown will sit above your real tooth, in order to improve functionality and aesthetic appearance.
Dental Bridge
A Dental Bridge is a type of fake tooth that is placed into an area where there is a missing tooth and then secured into place by adjacent teeth, thus improving function and appearance
Dentures
Introduction
Whether you have worn dentures for some time or are about to wear them for the first time, you probably have many questions.Dentures in one form or another have been around for many years. The earliest recorded use of dentures was more than 2000 years ago. Today, dentures are better quality and more comfortable than ever before.
Why bother with dentures?
Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance. A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak. What is a denture? A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. A complete or full denture is one that replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws.A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments. What are dentures made of? The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures. Will dentures make me look different? Dentures can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that little change in appearance will be noticeable. Modern dentures may even improve the look of your smile and help fill out the appearance of your face. Will I be able to eat with dentures? Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal healthy diet. Will dentures change how I speak? Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help. Over time you will adjust and get used to it, so don’t worry!If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition the denture by gently biting down and swallowing. If this continues consult your dentist. Will my sense of taste be affected? This is quite a common worry, but the fact is that your teeth have nothing to do with your sense of taste. Your taste buds are mainly on your tongue and they will still be there so eventually everything will not taste too different. However, at first food may not taste the same, as your dentures will interfere with your taste buds while your mouth adjusts to the feel of the denture. Your ability to sense hot food and drink may also be affected, so for a while it is a good idea to avoid very hot food and drinks, as you may burn yourself. How long should I wear my dentures? During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. This will allow you to adjust to your new dentures and let them settle in. After an initial period of adjustment your dentist may advise that you remove them before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps promote oral health. If you decide to keep them in overnight, it is important that you clean them thoroughly before you go to bed, just as you would natural teeth. Must I do anything special to care for my mouth? Even with full dentures, you still need to take good care of your mouth. Every morning and evening, brush your gums, tongue and palate (roof of your mouth) with a soft -bristled brush. This removes plaque and stimulates circulation in the mouth. It is vitally important that partial denture wearers brush their teeth thoroughly every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to further teeth being lost. What is the difference between conventional and Immediate Dentures? Conventional dentures are made and inserted after teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. Healing may take several months.Immediate Dentures are inserted immediately after teeth have been removed. To do this, the dentist takes measurements and impressions of your mouth during a preliminary visit An advantage of Immediate Dentures is that the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bone and gums can shrink over time, especially during the first six months after teeth have been removed. When gums shrink, Immediate Dentures may require relining or even replacing to fit properly. What will dentures feel like? New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. Should this continue, consult your dentist.It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. If any problems persist, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist as soon as possible and not wait for your regular check up. Do not take your dentures out though, leave them in, that way the dentist will be able to see where it is sore and sort the problem out quicker. How do I take care of my dentures? Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped. When cleaning dentures it is recommended that you do so over a folded towel or sink of water. When you are not wearing your dentures, they should be stored in a container containing enough water to cover them.Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food debris and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures becoming stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. There are special denture cleaning brushes available but a soft bristled toothbrush can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes, which can cause damage The use of an effervescent denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Can dentures be re-polished? Yes they can. After considerable use, dentures can become slightly dull and rough. However, if you take them back to your dentist, they can be re-polished and restored to their original appearance. Will my dentures need to be replaced? Over a period of time, dentures will need to be relined or re-made due to normal wear or a change in the shape of your mouth. Bone and gum ridges can recede or shrink causing jaws to align differently. Loose dentures can cause health problems, including sores and infections not to mention discomfort. A loose or ill-fitting denture can also make eating and speaking more difficult. It is important to replace worn or poorly fitting dentures before they cause problems. How often should I see my dentist? Regular dental check-ups and having your teeth professionally cleaned are vital for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, most dentists recommend that under normal circumstances this should be done every 6 months. Full denture wearers should consult their dentist as to frequency of visits With regular professional care, a positive attitude and persistence, you can become one of the millions of people who wear their dentures with a smile.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is the removal of the tooth from its socket in the bone. The reason you may require a tooth extraction is because either:
- there is not enough room for it and it will become impacted (in the case of wisdom teeth surgery)
- it must be removed to assure that the rest of your teeth grow properly
- it so severely decayed that it is beyond repair
Here at Wellington Street Dental our dental surgeons are highly experienced at carrying out tooth extractions using the latest techniques. We aim to make your visit as comfortable and painless as possible.
If your tooth extraction is an emergency we offer a 24 hour emergency dental service so rest assured that no matter when you are in pain we are here to help.
Preventive Dentistry
At Wellington Street Dental, we provide a range of preventive dental treatment. Early Decay Detection
Decay may or may not cause discomfort; even though it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is deteriorating. Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.
Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth. Early Gum Disease Screening
Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination. Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Mouth Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is because of late detection. Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal problems or are not sure. Six-monthly dental checkups allow early detection! Bad Breath
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions. Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.
The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems. Mouth guards & sports mouth guards
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.
It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey and football – which can cause broken and damaged teeth; and American football, boxing and rugby – which can all cause broken or dislocated jaws. A custom made mouth guard will help protect against these events.
Broken or chipped teeth can be restored using porcelain veneers and crowns.
Call us today to book a consultation!
Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene is a very important part of keeping a healthy smile. Our highly skilled hygienists are specially trained in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease and dental cavities.
Good oral hygiene habits are the foundation to healthy teeth and gums and need to be established from childhood. Our Hygienists are keen to educate both adults and children about the use of toothbrushes, electronic aids, dental floss and inter-dental brushes.
During your visit to the hygienist your teeth and gums will be thoroughly examined and any irregularities noted. Plaque and surface stains will be removed by gentle scraping, polishing and using the latest prophyflex power sprays. Fresh Breath Treatment
Many people are very often conscious and even embarrassed that they have ‘Bad Breath’. The truth is… most people suffer from bad breath at sometime and are in need of a fresh breath treatment. Treatment involves taking an integrated approach to the problem and addressing underlying issues such as tooth decay, oral hygiene and poor diet.
Dental Veneers
What is a veneer?
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain. What are the advantages of veneers?
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed.
When would I need a veneer?
Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.
What about alternatives?
A natural-coloured filling material can be used for minor repairs to front teeth. This is excellent where the tooth supports the filling, but may not work so well for broken tooth corners. There will always be a join between the tooth and the filling material.Crowns are used for teeth that need to be strengthened – either because they have broken, have been weakened by a very large filling, or have had root canal treatment.
How long will a veneer last?
Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist will tell you how long each individual veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.
How are teeth prepared for a veneer?
Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size. A local anaesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not necessary. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’. This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.
How long will it take?
A veneer takes at least two visits; the first to prepare the tooth and to match the shade, and the second to fit it. Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.
Will I need a temporary veneer between visits?
Because the preparation of the tooth is so slight you will probably not need a temporary veneer. The tooth will look very much the same after preparation, but will feel slightly less smooth.
What happens after the veneer is fitted?
Only minor adjustments can be made to the veneer after it is fitted. It is usually best to wait a little while to get used to it before any changes are made. Your dentist will probably want to check and polish it a week or so after it is fitted, and to make sure that you are happy with it.
Teeth Whitening
Enlighten Teeth Whitening
Enlighten Teeth Whitening offers an alternative to replacing discoloured teeth and is able to lessen the chances of tooth sensitivity more common with other tooth whitening systems.
Home Teeth Whitening
Home Teeth Whitening Kits are the cheap and easy to use option when it comes to improving the look of discoloured teeth, requiring a minimal amount of appointments to get things going.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Reshaping Teeth (shortening, lengthening, closing gaps, gum contouring)
Porcelain veneers and crowns, together with gum contouring, can be used to lengthen and reshapen teeth. Call us today to book a smile makeover consultation!
Caries / Decay & White Fillings
We can remove silver (amalgam) fillings and replace them with white, tooth coloured fillings. Call us today to book a White Filling consultation!
Fluorosis (White Marks) and Stains
We can remove fluorosis (white marks on teeth) and stains by covering them with white, tooth coloured composite veneers.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
Accidents happen, especially during sports. Broken or chipped teeth can be restored using porcelain veneers and crowns.
Your own customised mouth guard can be created to prevent further accidents.
Call us today to book a consultation!
Root Canal Treatment
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess.If root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
What does it involve?
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.Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle.The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.
What if it happens again?
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back the treatment can be repeated.
Is it expensive?
Your dentist will be pleased to give you an estimate.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth.Although some people would prefer an extraction, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
Will the tooth be safe after treatment?
Yes. However, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you.
What about aftercare?
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary snacks, and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist for regular check-ups.
Patient Education
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