Exchanging up to Date Research

August 17th, 2011

Tooth wear is a multi-factorial condition of growing concern and is becoming increasingly significant in the management of patients. People are now retaining their teeth for longer, becoming more aware of their teeth and treatment possibilities and expecting their teeth to last them a lifetime. Although there is usually one predominant cause of wear for an individual, a number or wear processes often occur together, the most common form, especially in the younger age groups, being erosive tooth wear.

One of the effects of tooth wear, erosive tooth wear combined with abrasive wear, can lead to dentine hypersensitivity. This affects about 15 per cent of healthy dentate patients and 96 per cent of individuals susceptible top periodontal diseases.

Interestingly, only a very small area of dentine needs to b exposed to cause the excruciating pain. This can be confusing, as large areas of exposed dentine may or may not cause pain. The dentine tubules need to be patent from the dentine surface to the pulp for pain to be experienced, thus treatment modalities are current, as they focus on dentine tubules occlusion.

Tooth wear, which is said to be the fourth most common dental problem after caries, periodontal disease and trauma, is likely to increase in the future. It’s important to know how to manage these cases with preventative measures, and when to intervene restoratively. White fillings, veneers or crowns can be used to treat this problem. Call 01432 272238 for information.

 

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Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Crowns, Dental Veneers, White Fillings | No Comments »

PROTECT YOUR TEETH FROM THOSE TACKLES

February 16th, 2011

Herefordshire is home to a number of thriving rugby clubs, and at the Hereford Dental Clinic we are sometimes asked to treat players with missing or damaged teeth – which could have been avoided had they worn a mouth guard.
Rugby is a high-impact sport, but football, cricket, boxing, martial arts and even cycling can carry the risk of damage to the teeth, not to mention a painful injury, a crooked smile and an urgent visit to Hereford Dentists.
Dentists at our Clinic can advise on the best mouth protection to ensure you retain your looks, and safety, in your chosen sport, and should the worst case scenario happen, we offer a walk-in emergency service for patients who require urgent treatment.
Dental emergencies can include a broken tooth, missing filling or crown, a painful jaw or toothache – none of which have to be the result of your weekend sporting activity!
Toothache indicates an underlying problem, and needs immediate investigation, while a fractured tooth may be a sign that there is decay which has weakened the tough outer surface and is close to the nerve, or the fractured portion of the tooth has exposed a sensitive area.
Seeking assistance from our team will ensure the tooth is treated promptly and with care restore it back to its normal state. Whether you need a filling, inlay or crown these procedures can be undertaken in one visit. Visit our CEREC page for information on same day restorations
If you have lost a crown or filling, or if it has become dislodged, we can fix or replace it while you wait. It’s important to visit a dentist if you loose a crown/inlay as an unprotected tooth may lead to pain or further damage.
A swelling may be the sign that an infection is present, and redness or pain will tell you that you need immediate assistance to stop the infection from spreading.
If you have a dental emergency contact the clinic for expert advise and we will arrange an appointment within 24 hours.

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Posted in Dental Crowns, Emergency Dentist, White Fillings | No Comments »

The Importance Of A Mercury Free Dentist Hereford

May 14th, 2010

Silver fillings were used for many years until fairly recently in dentistry. Nowadays dentists know that this type of filling can be dangerous and other substances are utilized by dentists in order to fill teeth with caries. However, there are many people who still have the old style fillings in their mouth and these can cause serious health problems in the future. For this reason you should visit a mercury free dentist Hereford to have the old fillings replaced.

Silver fillings, which are also known as amalgam fillings, can cause health problems. The reason for this is that they release mercury vapors into the body and this is a toxic substance, that is considered now one of the most dangerous non radioactive substances known to man.

There are around 100 health problems that mercury in your system can cause, among them are: auto immune diseases like fybromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, anxiety and depression. These are potentially very dangerous health issues and should be prevented in any way possible.

Women should also be particularly careful with mercury fillings because they can also affect the health of any children that you may give birth to. Mercury levels in the mother have been linked in some studies to children developing learning problems and even autism.

Mercury poisoning can come with any number of symptoms, but some of them may include: dizziness, irritability, diarrhea, mental disturbances, colitis, irregular pulse and heart beat, tremor, gingivitis and many others. Since there is such a long list of possible symptoms it is really best to prevent the problem from occurring by replacing fillings, rather than waiting to see what happens.

There is not considered to be any safe period when you have mercury fillings. As soon as they are placed in your mouth they can begin releasing the mercury vapors. It depends on each person’s physiology how long it takes for them to start causing health problems. Each silver filling has a high amount of mercury included: normally between 40 and 50 per cent. These fillings are not safe and now that people understand how toxic they are, they should be removed as soon as possible from the patient’s mouth and replaced with more modern methods.

Looking after your health is one of the most important things that you can do. So if you have silver fillings, then you should visit a mercury free dentist Hereford in order to seek their advice about how to protect your health.

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Posted in Amalgam fillings, Cosmetic Dentistry, Cosmetic Surgery, White Fillings | No Comments »

The Importance Of A Mercury Free Dental Clinics In Hereford

May 10th, 2010

Not so very long ago it was usual to use silver fillings that had high levels of mercury in them. Nowadays there are much better options that are much safer for your health. In recent years it has been revealed that there are substantial health dangers that are associated with mercury fillings. For this reason you should visit a mercury free dentist Hereford to have those old fillings replaced by the new style that will not compromise your health.

Silver fillings, which are also known as amalgam, should be replaced in order to avoid developing a number of health problems that are caused by mercury in your system. The issue with these type of fillings is that mercury begins to leach into your system almost immediately by gases that are produced in the mouth. Mercury is considered to be one of the most toxic substances on earth.

Amalgam fillings can lead to such health problems as: auto immune diseases such as fybromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and anxiety. There are many very serious health problems and diseases that can be caused by mercury, so this should be a major impetus towards having your old fillings checked out and replaced.

Women who could become pregnant and have the old style fillings should also have them replaced as soon as possible as they can also affect the health of your unborn children. It has been suggested that mercury in the mother’s system can be linked to autism and learning difficulties in their children.

There are a multitude of symptoms of mercury poisoning and among them are: dizziness, irritability, diarrhea, irregularities in heart beat and pulse, colitis, bleeding gums, mental disturbances, tremors and much more. There are so many possible symptoms that the best course of action is to have any silver fillings replaced regardless of whether or not you think you do have symptoms of mercury poisoning.

There is no period of time that is thought to be safe for having fillings with mercury. Immediately they begin to release vapor that enters your system and over time it can be the cause of health problems. In some people it may take up to 20 years for you to have problems depending on your individual physiology. All fillings that use amalgam have a high percentage of mercury: normally between 40 – 50 per cent.

Protecting your health is one of the best things that you can do for yourself, so if you do have silver fillings in your mouth, then it is wise to visit a mercury free dentist Hereford to have them removed as soon as possible.

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Posted in Amalgam fillings, Cosmetic Dentistry, Cosmetic Surgery, Private Dentist, White Fillings | No Comments »

The Importance Of A Mercury Free Dental Clinics Hereford

May 8th, 2010

For many years mercury was used as standard practice for filling teeth in dentistry. However, these days there are other substances that are much safer and more effective at fixing dental problems. People who have mercury fillings in their teeth should consider visiting a mercury free dentist Hereford to have the old amalgam replaced by more up to date fillings.

Amalgam fillings should be replaced wherever possible as there are a number of health problems that can be associated with these type of fillings. The silver colored fillings continuously release mercury into your blood stream and over time it can cause various health problems, which could easily be avoided. Mercury is, put simply, a toxic substance and it should not be in your body.

Among the health problems that amalgam fillings can cause are: heart disease, auto immune diseases such as fybromyalgia and multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety and depression. Clearly, these are some serious diseases that should be prevented wherever possible.

It is very important that women of child bearing age have their mercury fillings replaced since having the mercury leaching into your system can not only affect your health, but may also affect the health of any children that you have. It is thought that there may be a link between mercury and children developing learning disabilities and autism.

There are many different potential symptoms of mercury poisoning, just a few of them include: irritability, mental disturbances, gingivitis, colitis, diarrhea, irregular heart beat, dizziness, tremor and the list goes on. Due to the huge list of symptoms, it is best to get the fillings replaced to be sure that you are not suffering from mercury poisoning.

Mercury begins to escape from silver fillings immediately upon placement, there is not considered to be a truly safe time period for the use of this substance and there is no level of mercury in the blood that is thought to be safe. Each silver filling that is put into the body has between 40 – 50 per cent mercury, so it is clear that these type of fillings are not suitable to be used these days now that we understand just how toxic they can be.

Your health is the most important possession that you have. If you do have some silver fillings in your mouth, then you should have them replaced as soon as possible by visiting a mercury free dentist Hereford.

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Posted in Amalgam fillings, Cosmetic Dentistry, White Fillings | No Comments »

A Guide on Amalgam and White fillings at Hereford Dental Clinic

January 23rd, 2010

What are amalgam fillings?

Amalgam or silver fillings are the metal coloured fillings that many people have. Amalgam was the traditional material used for fillings for many years.

Why should I consider white fillings?

Most people have fillings of one sort or another in their mouths. Nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about the way they look.

Can I get them on the NHS?

The National Health Service will not usually allow white fillings on the biting surfaces of back teeth. However, this does not apply to the sides of back teeth or to any front teeth. There is a slight chance that some people may be sensitive to the metals used in silver amalgam fillings. If this sensitivity is proven, it may be best to replace the amalgam fillings with another type. (In very exceptional cases these replacements may be available on the NHS, if a consultant decides that a patient is extremely sensitive to these materials and asks for them to be replaced.)

Are they expensive?

Because many white fillings are only available privately, costs can vary quite a lot from dentist to dentist. Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used and the time it takes to complete the treatment. Costs may also vary from region to region. As a guide, white fillings start from around £40 each, but your dentist hereford will be able to give you an idea of the cost before you agree to treatment.

Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?

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 a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dentist hereford can advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings. However, any fillings provided on the NHS are automatically guaranteed for one year.

Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist hereford decides that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material. Some dentists prefer not to put white fillings in back teeth, as they are not always successful.  One way around this would be to use crowns or inlays, but this can mean removing more of the tooth and can be more expensive.

What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?

This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient. Your dentist herefordshire should be able to give you more information about the particular material that they use.

Where can I get them done?

Most dental practices offer white fillings as a normal part of the treatment they give you. However, white fillings are classed as a cosmetic treatment, and you can therefore only have them if you pay for them.

Are there any alternatives to fillings?

Adhesive dentistry is another form of this treatment. This involves bonding the filling to the tooth. The dentist has to remove less of the tooth, which is obviously better. As we have already said, there are alternatives such as crowns and inlays although they can cost a lot more.Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns or fillings.

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Fissure Sealants at Hereford Dental Clinic

January 5th, 2010

What are sealants?

Sealants are a safe and painless way or protecting your children’s teeth from decay. A sealant is a protective plastic coating, which is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Which teeth should be sealed?

Sealants are only applied to the back teeth the molars and premolars. These are the teeth that have pits and fissures on their biting surfaces.Your dentist will tell you which teeth should be sealed after they have examined them, and checked whether the fissures are deep enough for sealing to help. Some teeth naturally form with deep grooves, which will need to be sealed, others with shallow ones which will not need sealing.

Decay present

What is involved?

The process is usually quick and straightforward taking only a few minutes per tooth. The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, prepared with a special solution, and dried. The liquid sealant is then applied and allowed to set hard usually by shining an ultraviolet light onto it.

Will my child feel it?

No, it is totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards.
How long do they last?

Sealants usually last for many years, but your dentist will want to check them regularly to make sure that the seal is still intact. They can wear over time, and sometimes the dentist needs to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.

How do they work?

The sealant forms a smooth, protective barrier, by covering all the little grooves and dips in the surface of the tooth. Dental decay easily starts in these grooves.

fissure sealants placed

When should this be done?

Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.

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Silver Mercury Amalgam Fillings Removal – Hereford

January 4th, 2010

At Hereford Dental Clinic we offer a safe method of removing silver mercury amalgam fillings efficiently. A patient recently attended and had the following silver fillings present in their lower teeth

Silver mercury amalgam fillings which are to be removed at Hereford Dental Clinic

Silver mercury amalgam fillings which are to be removed at Hereford Dental Clinic

After two visits we were able to remove all the silver mercury fillings and place white composite fillings and two dental crowns. This treatment was done under sedation and the patient was lightly sedated without being aware of what was going on. This meant that instead of four or five visits the treatment could be done in two visits. The patient was over the moon.

 

g-morris-after

White Fillings placed along with two dental crowns to remove the unaesthetic silver mercury fillings

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry, White Fillings | No Comments »

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