General Procedures
Dental examinations are a very important part of every person’s overall health care. Even patients who have exemplary dental hygiene will still benefit from dental examinations, as any problems can be discovered early, while they are easy to treat. Dental experts recommend that people visit their dentist for an examination and cleaning twice a year.
Prior to a dental examination, a patient should provide an updated medical and dental history to the dentist. This can identify certain medical conditions or lifestyle choices that may affect a patient’s oral health. Patients may also wish to speak to their dentist about any fear, anxiety or special concerns (e.g., a sensitive gag reflex, bad breath, dental phobia).
Dental examinations involve a number of components. These may include:
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Visual inspection of the soft tissue inside the mouth, including a check for lesions and signs of oral cancer.
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Periodontal screening, which may include a measurement of the space between the teeth and gums for signs of gum disease.
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Examination of a patient’s bite, which may indicate a need for braces.
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Feeling the head and neck area, including the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), for signs of infection, disease or other problems.
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Dental x-rays, to identify any hidden signs of decay or disease. The frequency of x-rays depends on a patient’s dental history and risk of tooth decay.
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Visual inspection for signs of tooth decay. This may include the use of specialized tools that can help a dentist identify the presence of cavities.
preventative treatments
GUM DISEASE AFFECTS 95% OF ADULTS IN THE UK
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Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) is playing short-handed. And sometimes with everyone fighting the good fight, stubborn plaque and bacteria will require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.
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At Crosland Moor Dental Clinic, we believe in preventing gum disease by making sure you are fully aware of how to keep your teeth and gums healthy by correct oral hygiene methods.
preventing dental decay
BACTERIA + SUGAR + TIME = DENTAL DECAY
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Everybody’s mouth contains millions of bacteria. When food is eaten, bacteria in the mouth act on the sugars present in the food, to produce acid.
The teeth can normally withstand being attacked by acid up to three times a day. Frequent snacking, will result in acid being continually produced in the mouth. This will eventually lead to tooth decay. -
In today’s diets, most of the foods we eat contain sugar (even savory items such as baked beans and crisps), so we need to be very careful when selecting foods to snack on in-between meals.
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Foods which contain sugars are a good source of energy, but care must be taken not to consume them in between meals too often.
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Correct Tooth brushing - this will clean the surfaces of the teeth.
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Using Fluoride toothpaste – this helps the teeth protect themselves from acid attacks.
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Correct diet – limit the amount of times that sugar is consumed.
DENTAL DECAY can be prevented by:
AVOID "HIDDEN" SUGARS FOUND IN VARIOUS FOODS
We all realised that if foods taste sweet, then they must contain sugars. Surprisingly though, some items which are savory are still extremely high in sugar content.
“BAD SNACKS”
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Any sweets – especially boiled sweets or toffees/chewy sweets – be aware 1 tube of polo mints contain 8tsp of sugar
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Chocolate – In any form whatsoever (3 tsp of drinking chocolate contains 3tsp sugar)
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Sweetened fruit juice (Ribena contains 6tsp sugar per glass)
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Sweetened breakfast cereal (Sugar puffs contain 8tsp of sugar per serving)
“SAFE SNACK SHEET”
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Plain, Salt and Vinegar and Chicken flavoured Crisps. Hula hoops, Ringos, Wotsits, Chipsticks, Discos, Quavers
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TUC, Cheddars, Twiglets, Cream crackers
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Sugar free chewing gum
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Oranges, Bananas, Cherries, Peaches, Apples, Melon
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Milk, Coffee/tea (no sugar), Sugar-free squash
Cosmetic Private Dentistry
DO YOU?
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Cover your mouth when you smile?
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Feel embarrassed when you talk to people due to your teeth?
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Find yourself looking at other people’s teeth and wishing you had teeth like them?
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Have difficulty speaking because of missing or crooked teeth?
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Suffer from bleeding gums?
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Experience halitosis (bad breath)?
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Have chipped teeth?
Did you know that your smile is the first thing that someone notices about you and it can influence how confident you feel and how other people interact with you?
Are you bothered about a small gap in your front teeth? Or do you want a complete “smile makeover” to give you that “Hollywood” smile? – Crosland Moor Dental Clinic can provide you with the skill, expertise and results to give you the smile you have always wanted! From tooth whitening to complete mouth rehabilitation, Crosland Moor Dental Clinic can provide you with a combination of treatments to achieve the look that you want. A whiter, brighter smile can make your smile look great and feel great. This can be easily achieved by our tooth whitening procedures. A crooked smile can be fixed without wires with invisible braces to straighten the teeth (this would be a referral to a specialist) or by placing porcelain veneers to bring some of the teeth forward. Veneers or crowns can also be used to repair broken down teeth.
Missing teeth can be replaced by a denture, a bridge or a dental implant (Implant procedures are done by a specialist referral).
TOOTH COLOURED FILLINGS
At Crosland Moor Dental Clinic, we can offer our patients where appropriate, tooth coloured fillings so that no one will ever know that you have a filling. Another great advantage of tooth coloured fillings is that they have similar physical characteristics to a natural tooth. Tooth coloured (composite) fillings actually “bond” to your tooth, and thus restore the strength of the decayed tooth. Most people have fillings of one sort or another but today, because we are much more conscious of our smile, we can choose a natural looking alternative - the composite or tooth-coloured filling. Crosland Moor Dental Clinic offers excellence in reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry using the finest materials, procedures and techniques for tooth whitening, veneers, crowns and bridges. We understand that not everyone wants a perfect Hollywood smile, but everyone should have a beautiful smile they can be proud of! Each individual person will have their own idea of their own perfect smile, and it is our aim to help them to achieve their own personal desires.
Why not discover the difference that a beautiful, healthy smile can make to your life?
A composite resin is a tooth-coloured plastic mixture filled with glass (silicon dioxide) first introduced in the 1960s. Originally only used for front teeth because of their softer nature, modern improvements to their composition make them generically suitable today. Composite fillings are more difficult to place than silver fillings so may take your dentist a little longer to complete. The main advantage of composite fillings is their aesthetic appeal. White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings but there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. The life expectancy of your composite filling can depend on the depth of cavity and its position in the mouth; your dentist is best positioned to advise you.
PORCELAIN VEENERS
SOME PEOPLE ARE BORN WITH NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL, WHITE, STRAIGHT TEETH. FOR OTHERS, THE SAME LOOK CAN BE ACHIEVED USING PORCELAIN VENEERS.
THE TEETH ARE SLIGHTLY SHAPED AND THEN PORCELAIN VENEERS ARE MADE, WHICH CAN ALTER THEIR COLOUR, SHAPE AND POSITION OF YOUR TEETH.
WHAT IS A VENEER?
Porcelain laminates, also known as porcelain veneers, are thin shells of porcelain which exactly fit over the front surfaces of the teeth. The veneers have the unique ability to completely mask unattractive stains while letting light through to appear entirely real. Like fake fingernails, they are fixed with an adhesive to the front surfaces of teeth.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO A VENEER?
Porcelain veneers solve the same types of problems as bonding - chips, gaps, stains, discolorations, and crooked teeth; however, the veneers have the additional advantage of strength and support. Veneers are relatively maintenance-free and are much more durable than bonding.
If very dark stains need to be masked or if existing porcelain crowns need to be matched, porcelain veneers may be the treatment of choice.
HOW IS A VENEER MADE?
Porcelain veneers require two dental visits because of the laboratory work involved. The tooth is minimally shaped to create space for the veneer. Typically, there are 7-14 days between appointments, although special arrangements can be made for a shorter waiting time.
PORCELAIN CROWNS
WHAT IS A CROWN?
A crown is a cap that is placed over a tooth and held in place by dental adhesive or cement.
Crowns are used for several reasons:
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as a protective cover for badly decayed teeth or fractured teeth
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as a permanent restoration for teeth with large fillings
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to correct minor problems in natural teeth like spacing and irregular shape or severe discolouration
WHAT ARE CROWNS MADE FROM?
Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. They can be made from ceramic or metal alloys. A combination of metal and ceramic is also possible to maximise strength and simulate the appearance of natural teeth.
Taking the correct shade of colours to be used is extremely important in matching the crown with the other teeth, providing the patient with a natural looking tooth.
HOW ARE CROWNS MADE?
Firstly, the teeth to be crowned are prepared. This involves reduction of the tooth size (usually under local anaesthesia) followed by an impression or mould of the prepared tooth. This trimming of the tooth is required to create space for the crown to be fitted. The mould taken is then sent to a laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate the crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is made and fitted onto the trimmed tooth.
At the second appointment, the temporary crown is removed and the tooth surfaces cleaned. The completed crown is then cemented onto the prepared tooth with dental cement.
HOW LONG DO CROWNS LAST AND HOW DO I CARE FOR THEM?
Crowns are made of inert materials that do not deteriorate over time. However, the underlying tooth is still prone to decay and gum disease.
Daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining good oral health as well as keeping the crown trouble-free. The most vulnerable portion of the crown is the margin or the junction between tooth and crown.
Regular check-ups will enable your dentist to detect any problems with your crown and recommend necessary treatment. Ceramic on the surface may chip or fracture. Avoid chewing excessively-hard substances like ice cubes, metal pins or bones.
DENTAL BRIDGE
WHAT IS A BRIDGE?
A bridge is a means of replacing a missing tooth or teeth, using the neighbouring teeth as supporting structures. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth / teeth are trimmed down in the same way as for a crown.
The crowns made are joined together by adding a false tooth in between. The resulting structure is called a bridge.
Like crowns, they are also fabricated in a laboratory utilising the same materials and then fitted in the mouth. Maintenance care for bridges is similar to that for crowns. The focus is on regular flossing, brushing, as well as regular check-ups
CAN ALL MISSING TEETH BE REPLACED WITH BRIDGES?
Bridges can be used to replace a small number of missing teeth if the neighbouring teeth are sufficiently strong. The number of missing teeth, condition of the neighbouring teeth, condition of the supporting gums and bone are all important factors which need to be assessed by your dentist prior to making a bridge.
Dental implants can be used as an alternative to a bridge. A dental implant can be used to replace a missing tooth or teeth, without the need to trim the neighbouring teeth.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which is placed in the upper or lower jaw bone where the natural teeth have been lost.
As the implant is made from pure titanium it ‘integrates’ with the surrounding bone to provide a firm foundation for the replacement of the missing tooth.
Once the implant has integrated with the bone – a process known as osseointegration – it is ready to carry a tooth or other structure. Implants can replace individual teeth or be used to help stabilise poorly retained dentures.
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
Whether you have one tooth missing or no teeth at all, dental implants could make a big difference to the way your mouth looks, functions and feels. Implants are considered to be the ‘gold standard’ treatment for missing teeth in many situations.
Available data on early implants has now shown cases functioning successfully for over 25 years. The technology involved in implants has continued to develop and improve even further. Unlike conventional bridge work, implant treatment does not involve destructive procedures to the adjoining teeth therefore avoiding additional stress to these teeth.
As with all of our detailed cosmetic dentistry procedures you will be invited for an initial consultation with AN implant specialist during which the best course of treatment will be established and the procedure explained, (this is done by referral to a specialist provider).
TOOTH WHITENING
THE TAKE-HOME TREATMENT USES THE BREAK DOWN AND RELEASE OF OXYGEN TO WHITEN THE TEETH. WITH THE HOME KIT, YOU PLACE THE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE FORMULA INTO A CUSTOM-MADE TRAY, CREATED ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR MOUTH FROM A MOULD CAST BY YOUR DENTIST.
Typically, at-home users wear each application for anywhere between four to eight hours, depending on the length of time the dentist recommends. Studies show an improvement of up to six shades after just three applications.
The Convenience of the take-home kit is that you can use it any convenient time at home, whether watching television, reading a book or even doing the ironing!
Emergency Appointments
WE UNDERSTAND THAT SOMETIMES, SITUATIONS MAY ARISE WHERE YOU WANT TO BE SEEN BY A DENTIST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IF YOU HAVE AN URGENT PROBLEM, WHICH CANNOT WAIT, PLEASE TELEPHONE OUR RECEPTION TEAM ON 01484654438 AT 8.45AM IF POSSIBLE.
At Crosland Moor Dental Clinic, we will always try and see emergency patients soon as possible. However, there are occasions when we may not have any appointments available and then you would be requested to come along at a specific time to be seen on a “sit and wait” basis.
If you experience a dental emergency outside of our surgery hours, you are advised to contact NHS direct on 111 or visit their website www.nhsdirect.uk
GUM DISEASE AND ORAL HYGIENE
WHY MIGHT I BE SUSCEPTIBLE?
Periodontal disease is the number one cause of tooth loss amongst adults. This is because a certain number of people (15-20%) have immune systems that overreact to the bad bacteria in their mouths.
When this overreaction occurs, the immune system attacks and breaks down the bone and tissue that surround the tooth. This destruction is not predictable and can occur sporadically. None of us knows if we are part of this 15-20% because we can’t usually feel or notice the onset of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. Both adults and children should be routinely checked for gum disease.
KEEPING YOUR GUMS IN SHAPE
Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist/therapist) is playing short-handed. And sometimes with everyone fighting the good fight, stubborn plaque and bacteria will require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.
GUM DISEASE IS NOT CURABLE, BUT IT IS TREATABLE, AND IN MOST CASES, CONTROLLABLE
ARE YOU LIVING AT HIGH RISK FOR GUM DISEASE?
STRESS:
When your immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
DENTAL NEGLECT:
Avoiding the dentist is a lifestyle choice that puts you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.
SMOKING:
Smoking: Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers.
DIABETICS:
Diabetics are more susceptible to gum disease, especially if their condition is uncontrolled or undiagnosed. This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Cancer Screening
At Crosland Moor Dental Clinic, we are committed to the overall health of our patients.
Part of our dental examination includes checking all the hard and soft tissues inside your mouth (teeth, gums, palate, throat, tongue, floor of the mouth and cheeks) as well as the outside of your mouth (under your chin and neck). By doing this, we can check for any abnormal or unusual changes.
Cancer of the mouth can be totally painless in it's initial stages. Early detection of any type of cancer can make a huge difference in the type of treatment is available as well as the recovery rate after treatment.
The majority of lesions or lumps within the mouth are totally benign. Any suspicious finding during your examination will be recorded and you will be informed. A referral will then be made to a hospital for further tests to be carried out. Any changes within the oral tissues may indicate cancer, but can often be minor irritations such as thrush.
The following personal habits may increase your risk of getting oral cancer.
DRINKING ALCOHOL
SMOKING TOBACCO
CHEWING TOBACCO
SMOKING AND / OR CHEWING PAAN (BEETLENUT)
If you have been previously diagnosed with mouth or aero digestive tract cancer, please inform us, so that we can tailor your oral care to suit your individual needs.
White Composite Fillings
Dental decay happens when the enamel and dentine of a tooth becomes softened by acid attacks, producing a cavity, thus requiring a filling.
Tooth decay occurs due to a high sugar diet and poor oral hygiene.
Our team can help you and your family, alter your dietary habits and your oral as well as your hygiene techniques in the battle against dental decay.
WHITE COMPOSITE FILLINGS
If a tooth is decayed, we can restore it using a white (tooth coloured) filling. White fillings are available in many different shades so that they can match your natural teeth.
EATING
Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods and foods cut into small pieces will help. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent dentures from tipping. Once you become accustomed to chewing, include other foods until you return to your normal diet.
INCREASED SALIVARY FLOW
You may experience an increase in salivary flow when the dentures are first inserted. This is a natural response of the salivary glands that will return to normal after a few weeks. You can improve the situation by swallowing more often.
SPEECH
New dentures may alter your speech initially. Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will speed up the adaptation process. This problem rarely persists beyond two weeks.
SORE SPOTS
Minor irritation caused by surface irregularities or pressure spots on the denture-bearing areas are quite common. Your dentist will relieve the discomfort by adjusting the denture surface. Stop wearing the denture if the irritation is very painful. Consult your dentist immediately.
Care of your dentures
Like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque and food debris, particularly in areas where the denture is in contact with the remaining teeth and gum. In addition to the usual oral hygiene measures like tooth brushing, dentures should be cleaned regularly. Poor denture hygiene can result in stains on the denture and a bad odour.
If possible, dentures should be removed and cleaned after every meal. When cleaning, remember the following:
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* Use a soft hand brush or a special denture brush.
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* Avoid very hot water as it may distort the denture.
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* Use mild detergent to clean dentures. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can roughen the polished surface of the denture. Do not use bleach as this may whiten the pink acrylic.
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* Hold the denture firmly while cleaning. Accidentally dropping the denture may result in chipped or broken dentures. Always wash your denture over a basin of water.
Soak the dentures in denture cleanser once a week to remove stains and always rinse them thoroughly before using the dentures again. When you are not wearing the dentures, store them in water. Dentures may lose their shape if left to dry out.
how long should you wear your dentures. During the first few days you are advised to wear them most of the time except when sleeping. Always remove the dentures before going to bed. This will allow your gum tissues to rest and promote oral health. Gentle massaging of the gums with a soft toothbrush is encouraged. Remember to soak the dentures in water to prevent them from drying out.
THE NEXT DENTURE REVIEW.
Your jawbones and gums naturally shrink over time and this can cause the dentures to fit less securely. Ill-fitting dentures can give rise to chewing difficulties, soreness, infections and changes in facial support. It is important that you visit your dentist to have your dentures and oral tissues evaluated yearly. Your dentures may need to be adjusted, relieved or even relined from time to time to ensure an optimal fit. Do not attempt to adjust the denture yourself - seek professional help.
With time and practice you will soon learn to eat, talk and smile with your dentures as you would with your natural teeth.
None Surgical Solutions
LINES & WRINKLES ARE NOW EASILY TREATED IN JUST A FEW MINUTES
“When people ask me what’s your secret? I just Smile!”
Some facial lines add character and interest to our face; however, these small lines can progress into creases which can age us dramatically. There is nothing more ageing than loss of fullness in the face, wrinkles and lines.
The art of facial aesthetics (the non-surgical solution) is to use Botulinum toxin injections along with dermal fillers to achieve an improved natural look.
Botulinum toxin (Type A) can also be used to cure Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating. This treatment usually lasts for approximately 6 months (new nerve endings grow within 6-8 months). You should notice a change for the better within 7 days and results have been shown to decrease sweat production by up to 90%
NATURAL DERMA FILLERS
Dermal fillers delay the signs of ageing by giving nature a helping hand. Fillers boost the skin’s hydration system to refresh looks naturally by restoring youthful volume to the skin. We use a hyaluronic acid-based product. Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the human body, allowing it to be absorbed naturally over time. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane® is non-animal which means that no skin tests are needed and that there is a minimal risk of allergic reactions.
So, if creams are no longer living up to their promise and surgery is a step too far, dermal fillers are probably the ideal treatment for you.
Restylane® is made in Sweden, a nation known for health, nature and beauty. Since 1996, over 10 million treatments have been successfully performed in more than 70 countries worldwide.
HOW DO DERMA FILLERS WORK?
Dermal Filler treatment can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour and patients are able to return to work immediately following the procedure.
Prior to administering the injections, the operator may choose to use a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. Then, a small amount of filler is injected into the skin with a very thin needle. Because the needle is so thin, there is very little discomfort associated with the injections.
The hyaluronic acid molecules that make up the most important part of the natural filler naturally draw in water and cause the tissue beneath the lines and wrinkles to swell. This immediately fills out wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother surface. The result is a younger looking face in minutes.