| RESTORATIONS
The vast majority of the restorations we provide in the practice are non-metal
and of natural colour. If you stipulate an avoidance of metal substances,
we are happy to respect your instruction.
New for Old
Before: deep tooth abrasions from excessive cleaning force, an
increasingly common feature in older mouths.
After: after a simple one-visit restoration of both teeth. Not
only natural appearance, but also a protective shield that will help preserve
the teeth. Easy for the patient and instantly useable.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I've heard that amalgam (silver) fillings are unsafe
- do they pose a health risk?
There is always much debate and discussion but few really hard
facts. Amalgam is a combination of mercury and silver. The real problem
seems to be “free” mercury itself, in liquid or vaporised
forms. But in amalgam it is locked in if the amalgam is produced and handled
correctly. Take a look at the Web for information. Fact is, in the UK
we have had silver amalgam restorations (i.e. an alloy of silver and mercury)
for far longer than most people realise, since the mid 1800s.
I don't want metal fillings, thank you. Is that OK?
Yes. We prefer you to have non-metal restorations generally.
The natural colour materials are good and there are always new developments
in both materials and techniques.
Can I have a gold tooth? It appeals to me.
If we can see no harm in it for you, then yes. A number of patients
like to show a little gold in their smile.
MOUTH
GUARDS
Sometimes called Gum Shields, these are for teeth protection during certain
risky contact sports, such as rugby, football, hockey, squash, martial
arts.
The ready made ones don’t fit accurately enough to give your teeth
the best protection. We will make you a custom fitted appliance suited
to the sport you advise us you will be playing.
We can make them in various colours and colour combinations!
They don’t last forever, especially in a growing young person. If
in doubt, ask us to check your old one.
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
When things go irreversibly wrong in the delicate “nerve”
tissue in the middle of a tooth, then root canal treatment provides the
means to both keep the tooth and often to relieve discomfort. The alternative
would be loss of the tooth.
Patients are continually surprised at what can be saved. Apparently hopeless
looking teeth can often be reclaimed as yours, provided good home mouth
maintenance is already in place.
Treatment covers systematic internal cleaning and then filling.
Following root canal treatment, the tooth needs final restoration with
maybe a crown or a simple filling.
Most cases are treated within this Practice. Just occasionally, there
are cases better treated by a specialist practitioner (Endodontist) and
such a case is referred, with the patient’s agreement, to a trusted
colleague. They return to us for final restoration.
ORAL SURGERY
Removing teeth is a necessary treatment sometimes, but usually much easier
than the patient anticipates. We are extremely careful and sympathetic.
Simple root removal and simple gum surgery are undertaken.
Some cases benefit from referral to a specialist colleague and this may
be a Consultant Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon or possibly a specialist
periodontist. Such matters are discussed and agreed beforehand.
Online leaflets: If you want general information
on a condition or treatment, go to the British
Dental Health Foundation's web site where they have over 40 online
leaflets.
Online Resource: Want to find out about dental treatment?
Want to know how to look after your teeth better? Visit the new BDA
Smile web site.
3D Education: Learn about dental anatomy, conditions,
treatments and good oral health with the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational
web site.
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