Author Archives: Zubair Sacranie

About Zubair Sacranie

Dr. Zubair Sacranie is a highly qualified and experienced clinician in the fields of cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology. He qualified from the Dundee Dental School in 2000 thereafter completing his two year General Professional Training Scheme. During this time Dr.Sacranie had training in implant and complex restorative dentistry as well as in orthodontics and peadiatric dentistry. Dr Sacranie worked in a private dental practice in Coventry for four years before becoming the Principal and owner of the Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic. He is also the practice principle at Water Orton Dental Centre.

Dental Cleaning - Everything You Need To Know

Dental Cleaning – Everything You Need To Know

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Do you want to enjoy pearly white teeth without the need for professional teeth whitening? An essential requirement for having sparkling white, beautiful teeth is to keep them clean through regular brushing and flossing. However, in some, cases despite maintaining optimal oral hygiene, dental problems still develop. This is where professional dental cleaning – also known as professional teeth cleaning – comes in. 

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning or professional teeth cleaning, is a procedure in which your dentist will remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth. This is done to treat inflammation of the gums and the underlying jawbone. 

If your dentist has recommended deep cleaning your teeth and are not sure what this procedure involves, this article is for you. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about professional teeth cleaning. 

Why Is Dental Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Despite meticulous oral hygiene care through brushing and flossing, a thin layer of food debris can form on our teeth known as dental plaque, especially in the tight spaces between the teeth where the bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach.

Over time, this plaque hardens to become the calculus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bacteria utilise the sugars inside plaque and tartar and release harmful products that cause gum inflammation and teeth cavities. The harmful bacteria inside the plaque can also enter the bloodstream to cause infection in other body organs – some of which may prove life-threatening. 

The simplest solution to this problem is professional cleaning. During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of underlying gum inflammation. If they find inflamed, bleeding and swollen gums along with plaque and tartar deposits. 

Can You Get Gum Infection After Deep Cleaning?

Your dentist, hygienist or periodontal specialist will perform deep cleaning to minimize the chances of development of gum inflammation. A deep cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth and below the gumline, thereby getting rid of the bacteria that cause disease.

Therefore, the chances of development of gum infection immediately after teeth cleaning are very low. However, the infection can reappear if you do not look after your oral hygiene, which results in the re-attachment of plaque deposits on the teeth. 

Is It Painful To Get A Deep Cleaning At The Dentist?

During deep cleaning, your dentist will use an ultrasonic scaler, whose tip vibrates at a very high frequency to remove the plaque and tartar deposits. Most people feel a slight sensation of vibration during professional cleaning. However, people having sore or tender gums may feel some pain or discomfort. To prevent this, your dentist will apply cotton soaked in a local anaesthetic to make them pain-free. Therefore, the simple answer is – no, you won’t feel any pain during the teeth cleaning procedure. 

Why Is A Teeth Cleaning Often Painful?

Most people a feel a sense of pressure on their teeth during professional cleaning, which they often confuse with pain. However, in cases where your dentist has to go below the gumline to remove the plaque and tartar deposits, you may feel pain. Periodontists prevent this situation by making the gums numb with a local anaesthetic. 

What Does The Dentist Or Hygienist Do At The Appointment?

During your appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will use various specialised equipment to remove plaque and tartar. First, they will numb your gums. Afterwards, they will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove the adherent deposits.

You may experience bleeding from your gums during, whcih is nothing to worry about. Also, your teeth may become sensitive for a few days, and may bleed spontaneously, which is also normal. This sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding will go away in a few days as your gums and the underlying jawbone begin to heal. 

How To Have Healthy Teeth Naturally?

As discussed earlier, the secret to having naturally healthy, sparkling white teeth and pink gums, is optimal oral hygiene maintenance. All you need to is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.

If you can do this, you won’t have to worry about any dental problem anymore. Not only will you enjoy excellent oral and physical helath, but you will also be a proud owner of a naturally beautiful and attractive smile. 

Tips For Healthy Teeth And Gums

Clean teeth are healthy teeth. Here are few tips that can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums:

  1. Brush using a fluoride containing toothpaste 
  2. Use dental floss or Waterpik to remove interdental plaque 
  3. Use fluoride-containing mouthwash for added benefit 
  4. Eat a tooth-friendly diet and avoid foods containing carbohydrates and processed sugars
  5. Avoid parafunctional habits like nail-biting or tongue thrust
  6. Never use your teeth as bottle openers or scissors!

Follow these tips and you won’t have dental problems in future.

Another important that can save you from expensive dental treatment on avoidable problems is regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning. At Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, we believe in preventing dental problems before they occur.

That is why emphasize greatly on the importance of regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings. If you wish to enjoy a perfect set of teeth and healthy, beautiful smile, then Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Dentistry should be your first choice. So, book a consultation appointment today and let us take care of your family’s dental health.

fast braces

How Fast do Braces Work?

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Are you thinking about getting braces? You might be overwhelmed by the various braces available for orthodontic treatment. The selection of braces for your orthodontic treatment that offers the best aesthetic and functional results while fitting your budget can be a challenging task. Another factor to consider is the treatment time. Today, fast braces are available to treat tooth misalignment in a much shorter time than conventional metal braces. 

If you are confused between selecting the conventional or fast braces and would like to know more about the pros and cons of each, then read on. This article offers an overview of different types of braces and will help you choose an orthodontic system that best suits your dental needs. 

How Long Will It Take For Braces To Straighten My Teeth?

Orthodontic treatment often works faster if we are only moving the front 6 teeth, often called the ‘social six’ – This is because the roots of front teeth are smaller than the roots of the back teeth and so can be moved much faster.

The estimated time required for fixing an orthodontic problem depends on three main factors:

  • The severity of the orthodontic problem
  • The type of braces or orthodontic system used 
  • Patient compliance 

According to the British Orthodontic society, minor tooth problems involving the front six teeth can be treated as early as six months with traditional braces. However, more complicated issues involving the bite may take longer – anywhere between 12-24 months – for complete treatment. 

There is another option for people who do not want to wait that long- the fast braces. As the name suggests, these braces fix tooth misalignment in a shorter duration compared with conventional metal braces. According to the manufacturer, fast braces can take anywhere between three months and a year to treat orthodontic problems. Again, that would depend on the severity of your problem and how well you adhere to your dentist’s instructions. 

Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose With Braces?

To realign your teeth, your dentist has to move them or reposition them. Since the roots of our teeth are embedded in the bone, your orthodontist has to exert pressure on the roots to move them. During this process, the bone around the roots is removed to allow for the movement of the tooth.

This is why you may feel that your teeth have become loose during orthodontic treatment. However, there is no need to worry; as soon as the tooth movement stops, bone tissue forms around the root, anchoring it firmly within the jawbone. 

What Will Happen If Braces Move Your Teeth Too Fast?

Like other bones inside our body, the jawbone also undergoes remodelling when put under pressure. If too much force is applied to the teeth for faster movement, it will be directly transmitted to the underlying jawbone. As a result of this pressure, the jawbone starts to resorb, causing two problems.

First, bone resorption makes the teeth mobile in their sockets. Secondly, excessive pressure on the teeth can lead to the inflammation of the periodontal ligament – the tissue which suspends our teeth in their sockets, causing periodontal inflammation. That is why dentists apply gentle and controlled forces on the teeth during orthodontic treatment to ensure no adverse effects. 

Fast Braces: Pros And Cons?

Fast Braces are an attractive treatment option for those  looking for an orthodontic treatment option that works faster than traditional braces. But this is not their only benefit. Let us look at some of the disadvantages and benefits of Fast Braces. 

  1. Pros of Fast Braces
    1. Less painful than conventional braces
    2. No or minimal need for tooth extractions 
    3. Minimal changes in bite
    4. Fewer wires and adjustments needed compared with conventional braces- fewer orthodontic visits required.
  2. Cons of Fast Braces
    1. Not a “comprehesive” orthodontic treatment, with more emphasis on the “aesthetics” than the functionality
    2. Fast Braces may not be suitable for complex or complicated orthodontic problems.

Fast Braces Vs Regular Braces

Any type of orthodontic brace can be turned into fast braces. Therefore regular braces and fast braces are often the same thing. There are a few systems such as the Inman Aligner which allow very rapid movement of teeth in approximately 16 weeks, although Invisalign can also move teeth in up to 6 months if the conditions are right.

How Do Fast Braces Work?

According to the manufacturers of Fast Braces, these are low-profile orthodontic brackets that use flexible orthodontic wires to move the teeth quickly and without the need for using heavy forces. A distinct difference between the mechanism of the conventional braces and the Fast Braces orthodontic technology is that the traditional braces first move the roots and then the upper portion of the teeth.

In contrast, the Fast Braces are designed so that they move both the tooth root and the upper part of the teeth – the crown – at the same time. This is a significant reason why Fast Braces can fix front teeth problems shorter than the traditional fixed braces. 

If you are confused between choosing conventional or Fast Braces, let an experienced and qualified dentist help you at your nearby dental practice.

At Solihull Dental and Implant Centre, we have a team of highly experienced dental professionals who will help you choose an orthodontic treatment option that offers the best aesthetic and functional results. We also take pride in having state-of-the-art dental diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to offer the highest quality dental services to our esteemed patients. 

NO matter how fast you want your teeth to be straight, consider Invisalign aligners. We offer all orthodontic services under one roof. So, book an appointment with us and take your first step towards a healthy and beautiful smile – Fast! 

What Is Invisalign?

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Our teeth are not just meant for eating. They have another vital role to play – they are the most crucial component of our facial aesthetics. While perfectly aligned teeth make us look charming and attractive, people with crooked or misaligned teeth are often perceived as unattractive and less intelligent. If you are concerned about your misaligned teeth, this article will explain how you can get a rockstar smile by getting your teeth straightened with Invisalign. 

Invisalign Versus Braces – A Comparison

If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, most likely, you will have two treatment options in mind; traditional metal braces and the Invisalign aligner. So, which option is the best for you? You can only decide once you know the differences and similarities between both the orthodontic options. 

Perhaps, the most noticeable difference between the braces and the aligners is that while the metal braces are highly conspicuous, Invisalign aligners are made from a transparent material – making them virtually invisible when you wear them. 

Similarly, braces remain fixed to your teeth while the aligners are removable. Also, since the brackets are bonded to your teeth with an adhesive, your dentist will ask you not to eat hard or sticky foods – as doing so may result in the dislodgment of your brackets. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners can be removed whenever you want to eat or drink something. 

Since the Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them off while brushing and flossing to achieve optimal oral hygiene, unlike the metal braces, which create difficulties in teeth cleaning, especially the teeth’ tight spaces. 

In terms of the range of treatment, metal braces can be used for treating even the most complicated orthodontic cases. On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are generally suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic problems. 

Can You Get Invisalign For Only Top Teeth?

Generally, orthodontic treatment with aligners involves wearing a set of upper and lower aligners. Wearing both the upper and lower aligners ensures that the alignment of the top and bottom teeth is achieved harmoniously, and symmetrical results are achieved. However, in cases where there is a mild misalignment in the upper or the lower jaw, your dentist may ask you to wear aligners only on the affected jaw. 

Please note that this is not done routinely, and dentists handle such situations on a case-to-case basis – depending on your individual dental needs. Before starting the treatment, your dentist will perform a detailed clinical examination of your teeth. He or she will also make a 3D digital scan of your teeth (Often using an Itero element scanner) to prepare a custom treatment plan for you. Only after thorough treatment planning, your Invisalign will let you know whether you need aligners in both jaws or one only. 

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

Whether it’s the conventional fixed braces or the Invisalign aligners, treatment duration depends on various factors. The most crucial factor is the severity of the orthodontic problem. Typically, mild to moderate problems with tooth misalignment can be fixed within 8-12 months with Invisalign. However, it may take anywhere between 18-24 months for complete treatment when it comes to more complex or complicated orthodontic issues. 

Another factor that affects the treatment time is patient compliance. Especially in removable aligners, many patients forget to wear them for the recommended duration, or they misplace or break them frequently. The manufacturers of Invisalign Clear Aligners recommend wearing your aligners for 22 hours each day for optimal results. 

How Does Invisalign Move Teeth?

At the beginning of your treatment, your orthodontist will give a set of numbered aligners. You will be asked to wear an aligner set for about two weeks and then switch to the next set of aligners. Your dentist will design your aligners to exert gentle forces on your teeth to move them in the desired direction. The Invisalign aligners are made from a proprietary SmartTrack material, which ensures that they snugly fit around your teeth while remaining comfortable and moving your teeth as fast as possible – without causing pain or discomfort. 

How Long Do You Have To Wear Invisalign?

Your dentist will ask you to continue to wear your aligners until all your teeth have been straightened. Depending on the complexity of your case, your orthodontic specialist may give you anywhere between six to forty-eight aligner sets. Once you have worn a set for fourteen days, you will be asked to switch to the next aligners. In this way, each aligner set will bring you one step closer to the goal – perfectly aligned and straight teeth. 

Your orthodontic may reduce the treatment time by using special attachments with your aligners. Moreover, you can also shorten the duration of your treatment by adhering to your dentist’s instructions. Make sure you wear your aligners for a time duration determined by your doctor – removing them only for eating or brushing your teeth. In case you accidentally break or fracture your aligners, visit your orthodontist immediately to get a replacement so that it does not affect your treatment. 

You must also take note that once your dentist has completed your active treatment with aligners, you may have to wear Viverra retainers for some time. According to the National Health Service (NHS), A retainer is a removable or fixed appliance used for consolidating your treatment – and ensuring that your teeth do not move back to their previous position. 

Are you looking for a reliable and friendly dental practice to get your teeth straightened with Invisalign Clear Aligners in Solihull? Look no more! Our team of experienced dentists and Invisalign specialists prepare a customised treatment plan for you – to transform your smile – and give you a set of perfectly aligned, pearly-white, and healthy teeth that you can be genuinely proud of! So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with us today for a free consultation, and let us take care of all your dental problems. 

What Will An Emergency Dentist Do?

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what does an emergency dentist do

Most dental practices provide dental services during business hours. However, have you ever wondered what you would do if you had a dental injury or sudden toothache in the middle of the night? More importantly, where to go in case you have an emergency during lockdown? 

Emergency dentists are dental professionals who are trained in treating different types of dental emergencies. Since dental emergencies, like other types of emergency situations, can arise anytime, and anywhere, emergency dentists provide their services round the clock, seven days a week.

Whether it is a cracked tooth, bleeding due to an injury, or wisdom tooth pain, your emergency dentist during COVID-19 lockdown can take care of all your dental problems. 

Tooth Abscess Stages

According to the National Health Service (NHS), A tooth abscess refers to collecting pus inside the tooth, the gums, or the bone that supports the teeth. Dental abscesses form due to the penetration of bacteria inside the teeth or gums, leading to inflammation. 

A dental abscess develops over the course of various stages. Initially, white spots form on teeth that have become weakened due to the metabolic activity of the harmful bacteria present inside the plaque and tartar deposits. These white spots indicate the weakening of the outer enamel layer of the tooth. 

With time, these white spots turn into small holes through which the bacteria can penetrate the deeper layers of the tooth – the dentin and the enamel – which contain the nerves and blood vessels. Once the bacteria enter these sensitive layers of the tooth, they release toxins which lead to inflammation inside the pulp tissue and causing pressure buildup within the tooth. 

This is when the tooth starts to hurt badly. Initially, the pain may go away after taking pain medications. However, as the inflammation progresses, pain medications become ineffective, indicating that the pulp tissue has become irreversibly infected. At this stage, your emergency dentist during coronavirus pandemic may have to perform a root canal procedure to remove the inflamed pulp and relieve the pain. 

What To Do If A Dental Abscess Bursts On Its Own?

A dental abscess around the soft tissues typically manifests in the form of gum swelling. As the inflammation progresses, the swelling and the pain also increases. If you see any swelling around your gums, you should visit your dentist immediately as dental abscesses are a sensitive issue. 

However, if you are unable to see an emergency dentist during COVID-19 and the abscess bursts on its own, then there are few steps that you should take:

  • Rinse with Salt Water – if an abscess bursts on its own, you will feel immediate pain relief, followed by a bad taste in your mouth. When this happens, rinse your mouth with salt water for two minutes. This ensures that the bacteria in the region are neutralised and also promotes faster healing. You may repeat this activity after every hour until you can visit your emergency dentist during coronavirus. 
  • Mouthwash – you may also use mouthwash to kill the bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. 
  • Use an Ice bag – placing an icebag over the face where the abscess has burst can minimise the inflammation and bleeding. 

Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To Body?

If an abscessed tooth is not treated timely, the infection could spread to other parts of the body. When the inflammation enters the soft tissues, this condition is called cellulitis and can be potentially life-threatening if not treated promptly. Symptoms that indicate the spread of abscess inflammation elsewhere in the body include:

  • Facial swelling causing bilateral asymmetry.
  • Fatigue, restlessness, and confusion
  • Increased heart rate and breathing. 
  • High-grade fever – often exceeding 39 ℃.
  • Dehydration – decreased frequency of urination and change in colour of urine. 
  • Difficult or painful swallowing – due to the swelling.  

When To Go To The Dentist For Tooth Pain?

Toothaches can occur for a variety of reasons. Many situations causing tooth pain are not severe and do not require visiting an emergency dentist. However, there are certain situations in which a toothache may indicate a serious condition which must be treated without delay. Here are some cases involving dental pain which demand immediate treatment by an emergency dentist during lockdown.

  • Something Stuck Between two Teeth – if something is stuck between your teeth, it can cause significant pain and discomfort – even bleeding. Before calling your emergency dentist, first, try to remove the foreign object by swishing with water. You may also gently use dental floss to remove the stuck item. If these measures as not successful, then you should visit your emergency dentist for treatment. 
  • Dental Abscess or Swelling – if you feel that an abscess or any other swelling is growing in size, and you are experiencing symptoms that the inflammation is spreading to other body parts such as fever, pain lethargy and lightheadedness, then you should visit your dentist immediately.  
  • Broken Tooth – a chipped or broken tooth can hurt very bad, especially if the underlying dentin and pulp layers are exposed. If you feel that you have a broken tooth, you should immediately visit your dentist, even if it is not aching yet. This is because the sooner you go to your dentist, the higher are the chances that your dentist can save the tooth – and prevent subsequent pain or inflammation. 
  • Dental Injury – you should visit your dentist immediately in case of toothache caused by an accidental injury to the teeth or the face. 

Finding an emergency dentist during coronavirus is quite difficult. If you’re looking for an emergency dentist in Birmingham, then you have come to the right place.  

Whether it is an abscess, severe pain or any other type of dental emergency, we offer rapid treatmen. For the convenience of our patients, we are also open during the COVID-19 lockdown. If you feel that you have a dental emergency, simply visit here and follow the instructions to book an emergency appointment. We will take care of the rest. 

Teeth Whitening For Sensitive Teeth: How to Get it Done

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Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth

A beautiful set of white teeth is something that many people desire. In fact, the global teeth whitening market is predicted to reach 7.40 billion dollars by the year 2024. However, some people are reluctant to use a teeth whitening kit because of their sensitive teeth. 

Thankfully, there’s a solution to this problem. If you’re ready to become confident in your teeth, take a look at the information below to learn more about blue light teeth whitening and more. 

Blue Light Teeth Whitening: What Is It?

Blue light teeth whitening is a popular form of whitening that’s alluring to many people. It’s a cool, advanced way of removing stains from teeth and providing a whiter smile.

A standard blue light teeth whitening kit generally works by combining the energy transferred from the blue light with peroxide. The process includes putting hydrogen peroxide solution over the teeth and then inserting a blue light mouthpiece. It’s said that adding the light significantly reduces the colour of teeth than using peroxide alone.

Blue Light Teeth Whitening Side-Effects

A blue light teeth whitening kit looks fancy, but is it safe? Well, everyone is different, and an individual with sensitivity might experience more side effects than others. The lights could cause gum irritation, burning of soft tissue, damage to the teeth, and enhanced tooth sensitivity.

But according to studies performed, blue lighting for whiter teeth doesn’t cause extensive damage to tooth enamel. It’s important to note that blue light whitening is used in dental offices and home kits. If you have sensitive teeth, it’s a good idea to get the procedure done at a dental office.

How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Teeth

Red wine is a drink that many people like to indulge in. Unfortunately, it often causes stains on the teeth. If you have significant stains from red wine, you may not correct them with a standard teeth whitening kit or a teeth whitening pen. It’s best to go to a professional and let them do a proper dental treatment. 

Luckily, there are techniques you can do to help prevent red wine stains and get rid of them after you drink. One of the most effective things you can do is brush your teeth before drinking red wine. Stuck-on food particles take on the colour of the wine. By removing them beforehand, it reduces stains.

You can also eat cheese while you drink red wine. Many people do so because the two pair well together. However, cheese also creates a waxy film on the teeth, which protects them against stains.

Also, teeth wipes are a tool that you can use while drinking to remove stains from your teeth as you sip.

Teeth Whitening Kits: Teeth Whitening Strips Reviews

Teeth whitening strips have mixed reviews. For some, they work well. But for others with severely stained teeth, teeth whitening strips are not effective.

Not only that, but at-home teeth whitening strips aren’t the best option for individuals with sensitive teeth. Instead of using a homemade treatment, let’s our professionals at Lytham Dental Clinic do it for you.

Take a look at our teeth whitening testimonials to learn more from our satisfied clients.

Teeth Whitening Procedure: Teeth Whitening Methods at the Dentist

Professional teeth whitening in the UK is performed by any dentist that’s registered with the General Dental Council. The teeth whitening process at a dental office is split into two methods:at-home and in-office.

The dentist begins by making an impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard. You’ll use your mouthguard at home in conjunction with a bleaching gel. This process generally lasts about 2 to 4 weeks. The gel is required to stay on your teeth for the amount of time specified by the dentist

In the office, the dental provider performs laser whitening. A bleaching agent is applied to the teeth and a blue light or laser is illuminated onto the teeth to activate the whitening. This process generally takes about an hour. Depending on the agreement with the dentist, you might do the bulk of your treatment at home or in the office.

What to Do for Pain After Teeth Whitening

Pain after teeth whitening treatment is normal, and it usually subsides within a few days. To ease the discomfort use a soft bristle toothbrush after your treatment. It will ensure that you don’t further irritate your teeth.

Also, it’s best to avoid hot or cold foods during this timeframe. For instance, you shouldn’t have hot soups or ice cream. Consuming these types of food can further irritate your teeth and cause more sensitivity.

If you must drink a cold beverage, drink through a straw. Doing so helps to prevent contact with your teeth.

Furthermore, over-the-counter medications are effective with relieving pain. In certain cases, your dentist may also prescribe a pain relief medication that’s more potent. Pharmacies generally have better anti-inflammatories and painkillers than what’s available over the counter.

If your pain and sensitivity continue over a few days, reach out to the dentist to see how they can help. They may alter your treatment so that the pain isn’t too severe.

Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: Professional Treatment

Are you afraid to use a teeth whitening kit because of your sensitive teeth? If so, let The Solihull Dental & Implant Clinic help you. We offer teeth whitening and have provided satisfactory results to many patients. Plus, we offer other dental health services like hygiene therapy, veneers, braces, crowns, and more.

If you’re ready to get a brighter smile, call us at 0121 705 3635

What are Dental Implants?

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Gone are the days when dentures and bridges were the only options available for replacing missing natural teeth. Today, dentists use dental implants, which have become the most popular option for replacing teeth which have been lost, either as a result of an injury or due to infection. But, do you know why dental implants have become so much popular? The reason lies in their unique design features. Continue reading to find out more.

What is an Implant?

Dental implant Compared to tooth root

An implant is a small screw shaped fixture that is fabricated from titanium alloys. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they become firmly anchored and serve as the tooth is root component of artificial teeth. Once the implant is completely embedded in the bone, a suitable prosthesis, depending on the number of missing teeth, is attached over it. Implants are incredibly effective as they help to prevent bone loss by supporting the surrounding bone.

How do Dental Implants Work?

It is often said that dental implant-supported teeth look and feel just like natural teeth. This is primarily because of a unique property of Titanium dental implants known as osseointegration. Titanium alloys possess the capability of promoting bone formation around them. That is why when an implant is inserted into the bone, the healthy bone starts to form around it and firmly anchors the implant. This allows the implant to support artificial teeth which are attached to them.

Why are dental implants necessary?

Dental implants can be used for the treatment of the following problems:

  • Single Tooth Replacement – an implant can be used for replacing a single missing tooth by attaching a crown over it.
  • Replacement of Multiple Teeth – another beneficial feature of dental implants is that a single implant can up to 3 or 4 missing adjacent teeth.
  • Replacing all Missing Teeth in a Jaw – when it comes to replacing all teeth in a jaw, only 4,6, 8 implants placed strategically can be effectively used for this purpose. Such a prosthesis is known as an all on four, six or eight implant-supported fixed prostheses.
  • Replacement of Old Dentures – for people who are not happy with the fit or esthetics of the removable dentures, they can benefit from an implant-supported prosthesis.
  • Smile Makeover – if you are not happy with your facial esthetics and smile, then your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams with dental implants.

What is dental implant surgery?

Placement of dental implants is usually carried out in different phases:

  1. The Surgical Phase

Placement of dental implants is an oral surgery ‘sprocedure. Therefore, it is performed under the effect of local anesthesia, or if required, under sedation. First, your dentist will make an incision over the soft tissues where the implant has to be inserted, to expose the underlying bone.  Then, your dentist will drill a hole in the bone and then carefully screwing in the implant into it. A healing collar is placed over the implant, followed by suturing back the soft tissue flap.

The surgical site is then left undisturbed for about 6 months to allow an optimal healing process to take place.

  1. Restorative Phase

During your next appointment, which will approximately be after 6 months of implant insertion, your dentist will examine the surgical to ascertain whether complete healing has taken place. If yes, then your dentist will place a pre-fabricated prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or a denture over it to restore the missing teeth. That’s it, your missing teeth have been replaced with an implant.

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Dental implants are by far, the most durable, strongest and the safest option for replacing lost teeth. In addition, they also allow for the attachment of highly esthetic prostheses (dentures, crowns or bridges) over them, so that the replaced teeth look just like your natural ones. Dental implants also restore your ability to chew and speak without any difficulty.

If you have lost one or more of your natural teeth, and you’re looking for the most reliable option, then dental implants should be your first choice. You will never regret your decision.

Request a Free Dental Implant Consultation

Dentists near me for nervous patients

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Dentist near me for nervous patients

Dental anxiety and fear are quite common concerns when visiting the dentist, hence the reason people search for the phrase ‘dentist near me for nervous patients’, this is quite understandable!

So, to help, we’ve researched some of the most common questions that people ask when they are nervous about visiting the dentist.

Do dentists hate to see anxious patients?

No, we don’t hate seeing anxious patients at all. We absolutely understand that it can often be quite disconcerting going to the dentist. Panic attacks and actual dental phobia unfortunately relatively rare.

What’s important is to let your dentist know that you are anxious, That way we can look for ways to help you know you are in safe hands and to help you overcome any physical symptoms of your anxiety.

The fight or flight response can be quite strong when we are put under stressful situations, communicating with us PRIOR to your appointment means we can understand what triggers any anxiety disorder and help avoid any trigger situation.

How can people overcome fear of going to the dentist?

A few simple tips are as follows:

  • Book an appointment in the morning, this will ensure you can relax for the rest of the day as your appointment will be over.
  • For regular appointments, make sure you have a good breakfast. This will set you up for the day and ensure your energy levels remain high.
  • Lay off the alcohol! Not only does it dehydrate you but it can also make you worry.
  • Bring a friend. Decide before hand on what you are going to talk about, make it subjects that relax you and keep you calm. Perhaps discuss a recent holiday, or where you are going next time.
  • Recognise that you have an inner voice talking to you (we all have this) and that this inner voice can actually be controlled.
  • Talk openly to us. We will NOT judge you or tell you off for not coming to see us… honestly
  • Agree a stop signal with us, this will ensure that (like you inner voice technique) YOU are in control

It’s an incredibly important that you to visit the dentist regularly, to keep your dental health in tiptop condition and also ensure that you have routine oral cancer checks.

Is it normal that I’m scared of dentists judging my teeth?

It is quite a common misconception that dentists will judge your teeth. We absolutely will not. Our role is to investigate and report on anything clinically that we see. If we see a problem with your teeth we will let you know, based on the clinical evidence presented before us.

NEVER will we judge your teeth or anything about you. We may give you advice to get the best dental treatment to help you, but this is always done in a non-judgemental factual way.

What are my options if I’m terrified of the dentist?

There are a few options to help with anxiety or panic disorder at the dentist, we always recommend going with the least invasive option to begin with, in ascending order these are:

  1. Talk to your dentist, be open and honest, follow our advice above and relax knowing that we have your best interests at heart.
  2. Ask your dentist for oral sedation prior to visiting, a simple tablet can help you relax.
  3. Relative analgesia could also be used, this is laughing gas, it is self-administered at the dentist and can help you relax deeply. Not all practices offer relative analgesia.
  4. Conscious sedation via intravenous injection. This is often known as twilight sedation, you will be conscious but so deeply relaxed that you will have no recollection of your treatment at all. Many patients opt for this type of sedation when having treatments such as dental implants.

Why are most little kids afraid of dentists?

The honest truth is that children learn to feel nervous! Most commonly kids learn the behaviour from parents. Modern dentistry can be made extremely comfortable for adults and children alike and people are often surprised that it is completely pain-free most of the time.

Unfortunately people don’t often realise this and accidentally pass on dental anxieties to their kids.

One of the best ways to overcome this is to bring children to the dentist at a very early age, allow them to sit on your lap in the dental chair at the beginning, progressing to them sitting alone on the chair and just enjoying the ride as it goes up and down. As they progress into toddlers we can then begin to look in their mouth in a very gentle way.

How many adults have fears of going to the dentist?

In the United States up to 75% of people have some form of dental anxiety, according to the Journal of The American Dental Association. In addition to this approximately 20% of those people have a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder or phobia.

Oddly, in the UK these figures seem to be much lower:

  • One in every seven adults who has ever been to a dentist suffers from extreme dental anxiety
  • The most common fears for visiting a dentist are having a tooth drilled (30%) and having a local anaesthetic injection (28%)
  • Visiting the Dentist is ranked number one (22%) for making people nervous, closely followed by heights (19%). Nearly 10 times as many people (22%) are nervous of visiting their dentists, compared to their doctor (2%)

Figures quoted via The British Dental Association.