Transform Your Smile

Blog posts by Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic relating to Transforming your smile

Dental Implants in Solihull: Your Complete Guide

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As a dental professional with extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology, I’ve seen how transformative dental implants can be for patients. Whether you’re looking to replace a single tooth, enhance your complete smile, or restore your oral health, dental implants are a reliable, long-lasting solution. At Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic, located in the heart of the West Midlands, we’re proud to offer exceptional dental implant treatment tailored to your needs.

In this blog, I’ll address common questions about dental implants, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

One of the most frequent questions I receive during an implant consultation is about the longevity of dental implants. Simply put, with proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. However, their durability depends on several factors, including:

  • Oral Health: Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, are essential for maintaining the longevity of your implants.
  • Bone Quality: Implants rely on the surrounding bone for stability. Patients with strong, healthy bone tissue typically enjoy longer-lasting results.
  • Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and poor dietary habits can compromise the success of implants.
  • Dental Care Team: Choosing an experienced and skilled implants clinic, like ours in Solihull, ensures the best possible outcomes.

Do Dental Implants Hurt?

Many patients worry about pain during dental implant treatment. The truth is, with the use of local anaesthetic, most people experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthetic numbs the area, allowing us to work while you remain comfortable.

After the procedure, some mild discomfort is normal as your body begins to heal. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Most of my patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the recovery process is.

For those feeling nervous, our friendly team is here to ensure you feel at ease throughout your journey. From the initial consultation to the final restoration, your comfort is our priority.

What Are Other Options to Dental Implants?

While dental implants are a gold standard for replacing a single tooth or restoring multiple missing teeth, they’re not the only option. Depending on your unique needs and goals, alternatives include:

  • Dentures: A more affordable option that provides a removable solution for missing teeth. While they’re effective, dentures may not feel as natural or stable as implants.
  • Dental Bridges: Ideal for replacing a single tooth or a few missing teeth, bridges rely on adjacent natural teeth for support. They don’t preserve bone health as implants do, but they’re a viable solution for many patients.
  • Day Teeth or Same-Day Implants: In some cases, we can provide implants to replace teeth in a single day. This depends on the patient’s bone density and oral health.

During your intitial consultation, we’ll discuss all available options to help you decide on the best treatment plan for your needs.

What Does Torque Mean for Dental Implant Screws?

In dental implantology, torque refers to the force applied when securing the implant into the jawbone. Getting the torque right is crucial for implant stability and long-term success.

Here’s why it matters:

  • Too Much Torque: Over-tightening can damage the surrounding bone, compromising the implant’s integrity.
  • Too Little Torque: Insufficient tightening may cause the implant to loosen over time.

At Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic, we use advanced technology to ensure precise torque application, giving you the best foundation for a secure and stable implant. This meticulous attention to detail sets our implants clinic apart.

How Long Does a Dental Implant Take?

The timeline for a dental implant varies depending on the complexity of your case. Here’s a general breakdown of the process:

  1. Implant Consultation and Treatment Plan: During this initial visit, we assess your oral health, take detailed scans, and discuss your goals. This helps us create a personalised treatment plan.
  2. Implant Placement: The implant is surgically placed into the jawbone under local anaesthetic. This typically takes about 1–2 hours per implant.
  3. Healing Period: The implant needs time to integrate with the bone (a process called osseointegration). This can take 3–6 months.
  4. Restoration: Once the implant has fully integrated, we attach a custom crown, bridge, or denture to complete your natural tooth replacement.

For some patients, such as those with strong bone quality and no additional treatments required, we may offer same day teeth for a faster solution.

Why Choose Solihull Dental for Your Implants?

At Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic, we’re passionate about providing high-quality dental implant treatment to help our patients achieve their best smiles. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Expertise You Can Trust: With extensive training and experience, I’ve worked with leading cosmetic and implant surgeons across the UK. My team and I bring this expertise to every case.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology: We use the latest advancements in dental technology to ensure precise, predictable results.
  • Comprehensive Care: From replacing a single tooth to restoring a complete smile, we offer a full range of dental treatments tailored to your needs.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: Our friendly team is committed to creating a relaxed environment where you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your care.

Your journey to a confident smile starts here. Contact us today to schedule your visit!

What Causes Crooked Teeth and How to Straighten Them?

What Causes Crooked Teeth and How to Straighten Them?

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Do you know what is the first thing people notice about you when you meet them for the first time? It’s your smile and your facial appearance. So, if someone has a charming smile and a set of perfectly aligned teeth, they will be perceived as more attractive and approachable. Similarly, people with flawed smiles or crooked teeth are considered unattractive. 

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, don’t let them come in the way of your self-confidence. There are various treatment options available to straighten crooked teeth and help you enjoy an attractive smile. So, what causes crooked teeth and how to straighten them? If you’re looking for an answer to this question, then you have come to the right place. This blog will explain everything you need to know about crooked teeth and their treatment. So, read on! 

Should Crooked Teeth Be Straightened?

Crooked teeth should be straightened for various reasons. 

  • Smile and Facial Aesthetics – crooked teeth can significantly affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that people with straighter teeth and attractive smiles were perceived as more approachable and attractive than those with flawed smiles. 
  • Oral Health Maintenance – another reason for having straight teeth is one’s oral health. Did you know that it is more difficult to ensure optimal cleaning with misaligned teeth? Therefore, crooked teeth are at a higher risk of developing oral health-related complications such as gum disease, and tooth decay. 
  • Physical Health and Well-being – did you know that optimal food digestion is highly dependent on our teeth? Straight and optimally aligned teeth allow for optimal chewing and food digestion, while crooked teeth make it harder to break down food into smaller pieces. This can lead to physical health-related problems such as generalised weakness and indigestion. 

How To Fix Crooked Teeth?

The most effective way to fix crooked teeth is by straightening them through orthodontic treatment. This is because orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign clear aligners addresses the underlying issues and helps restore one’s smile and oral health. 

However, many people do not want to wait for many months to have their teeth straightened with aligners or braces. In such cases, there is a cosmetic alternative available with composite bonding and veneers. In the cosmetic treatment option, your dentist will mask the tooth misalignment aesthetically by using tooth-coloured cosmetic bonded fillings or porcelain veneers. Although this is a quick-fix solution, it does not fix the underlying problem of tooth misalignment. 

What’s The Best Solution For Teeth Gap And Receding Gums?

In gum recession, the gums start to move downward from their position due to underlying gum disease. This not only makes the teeth appear longer, but gaps also start to form between the teeth. This compromised aesthetic condition can be fixed with braces or clear aligners. Alternatively, your dentist may use veneers or composite bonding to cosmetically fix the issue. 

Are Braces The Only Solution For Crooked Teeth?

Many people find metal braces inconvenient and unaesthetic. If you have also been avoiding orthodontic treatment because you don’t want to wear those conspicuous braces, then there are other options available to straighten your teeth. For example, you can straighten your teeth using Invisalign clear aligners, which are an inconspicuous, convenient, and more comfortable alternative to braces. 

Can A Cosmetic Dentist Fix A Crooked Tooth?

A cosmetic dentist can use various treatment options to fix a crooked tooth. For example, cosmetic bonding is one of the most commonly used options for fixing damaged teeth. Similarly, porcelain veneers can be applied to crooked teeth to restore their aesthetics. Finally, a large aesthetic defect on a tooth can also be fixed with porcelain crowns. Your dentist will recommend a cosmetic treatment option based on the extent of the aesthetic issue. 

Can Veneers Fix Receding Gums?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to grow gums back once they start receding. So, the only treatment option in this case is to apply a veneer on the exposed tooth surface. Besides, your dentist can also perform gum grafting to restore the optimal height and position of the gums. 

Which Is The Right Age To Get Teeth Braces For Uneven Teeth?

The best age for getting braces in children is 10 – 14. At this stage, all the permanent teeth have come in, and the bones are actively growing and flexible. So, when the braces apply forces on your teeth, the jawbone and facial muscles will adapt accordingly and allow for easier tooth movement and alignment. So, it is advisable to start orthodontic treatment at an early age. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

Dental bonding can be used as an alternative to braces to aesthetically fix mild to moderate tooth alignment issues. However, it should be kept in mind that bonding will only fix the cosmetic issue and the underlying problem will not be addressed. 

What’s The Most Efficient Way To Straighten One Crooked Tooth?

The most efficient and durable way to straighten crooked teeth is through orthodontic treatment. This is because orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners not only restores facial aesthetics but also restores optimal tooth alignment. So, if you’re considering having your teeth straightened, you should consider orthodontic treatment as the most effective solution. 

If you’re looking for dental practice for braces or clear aligners in the West Midlands, Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic should be your first choice. We take pride in being the best dental practice in town with an experienced and qualified dental team. So, book an appointment today to learn more about your orthodontic treatment options. 

Veneers For Crooked Teeth

Veneers For Crooked Teeth-Everything You Need To Know

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Some people are born with perfectly straight, sparkling white teeth; On the other hand, others may have some facial defects that ruin their smile and facial aesthetics. If you have crooked teeth that make you shy away from smiling or speaking publicly, cosmetic dentistry can help you! This article explains one of the most effective and time-tested options for fixing crooked, misaligned, or chipped teeth – dental veneers. So, continue reading to find out how you can enjoy a rockstar smile with dental veneers. 

What’s A Veneer?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, veneers are wafer-thin shells of composite resins or porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers are used for a wide variety of cosmetic and restorative dental issues without the need for excessive removal of the natural tooth structure. 

Can I Get No Prep Veneers If I Have Crooked Teeth?

No-prep veneers, also called lumineers, are extremely thin shells like veneers – only much thinner – that can be applied directly to the teeth without the need for tooth removal (in most cases). As a result, lumineers are an ideal option for fixing minor cosmetic defects. However, in excessively crooked teeth, your dentist will first restore them with a suitable filling material and then apply lumineers over them. This is because the lumineers are so thin that they do not play a protective or supportive role – they only enhance the aesthetics. Therefore, a pre-requisite for lumineer placement is that the teeth should not have extensive structural damage. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which your dentist will restore grossly damaged or stained teeth by applying a tooth coloured filling material over them. Dental bonding is performed at the dental chairside and is typically suitable for restoring mild aesthetic or structural defects. On the other hand, dental veneers are prepared in the laboratory. Hence, they are much stronger and aesthetically pleasing than composite fillings. Besides, veneers are also relatively long-lasting and do not get stained easily. Therefore, if you are looking for the best aesthetic outcome, you should go for veneers. 

Who Qualifies As A Good Candidate For Dental Veneers?

Any individual having crooked or chipped teeth is a potential candidate for porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are ideal restorative options in the following cases:

  • Cracked or chipped teeth 
  • Permanent teeth stains 
  • Mild teeth gaps 
  • Mild teeth overlapping 
  • Smile makeovers 
  • Tooth recontouring 

Are Veneers Harmful To Teeth?

One may think that since veneers require removal of the healthy tooth structure for their attachment, they will be harmful to one’s oral health. But, that is not the case; only a very thin layer of the enamel is removed, which will not harm your teeth. However, if you don’t maintain optimal oral hygiene around your veneered teeth, it can lead to secondary tooth decay and other complications. 

Can You Get Veneers Without Straight Teeth?

Although the ideal option for straightening misaligned teeth is orthodontic treatment with either braces or Invisalign aligners, there are cases in which dentists can cosmetically straighten mildly misaligned teeth with veneers. However, braces and Invisalign aligners are still the choice treatment option for fixing more complex alignment problems. 

Are Veneers Good For Teeth?

Veneers are used for restoring the aesthetics, structure, and function of grossly damaged teeth. Therefore, teeth straightened or restored with veneers become structurally more robust and possess excellent aesthetics – blending in perfectly with the existing healthy teeth. So, yes, veneers are suitable for restoring damaged teeth. 

Can A Teeth Gap Be Hidden By Veneers?

Another use of dental veneers is cosmetically restoring teeth gaps. Your dentist will fix this problem by attaching slightly wider veneers that fill the teeth gap. So, the veneers basically cosmetically “mask” the cosmetic issue. If optimal treatment is sought, the gap should be closed with orthodontic treatment options like teeth braces or clear aligners. 

Can You Get Veneers For Overlapping Teeth?

As discussed earlier, the best treatment option for misaligned, gapped, or overlapping teeth is orthodontic treatment. However, some people cannot afford the treatment, while others do not like to wait for months to achieve the desired aesthetic results. In these cases, dentists suggest an alternative cosmetic option with veneers. In some instances, dentists can fix minor teeth overlapping with porcelain or composite veneers. 

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The clinical service life of dental veneers depends on various factors, including the type and quality of the used material, skills and expertise of the dentist and the laboratory staff, and, more importantly, oral hygiene maintenance. According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, well looked after dental veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. Generally, porcelain veneers are stronger, durable, and more stain-resistant than composite-based veneers. 

At Solihull Dental Centre and Implant Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a charming and beautiful smile. That is why we offer premium cosmetic dentistry services to the residents of Solihull and surrounding areas. Whether you need implants for missing teeth, Invisalign aligners for your kid, or professional teeth whitening to get rid of your coffee or tea stains, we offer all dental services under one roof.

If you would like to consult with our dental team, you can book a consultation appointment here. Our friendly, experienced and qualified team looks forwards to serving you and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful, and lasting smile.

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

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.

How to repair a chipped or broken tooth

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Chipped teeth are quite common so our Solihull dentist Dr Zubair Sacranie decided to write a blog post dedicated to chip teeth and looking at how to repair them.

Causes of a chipped tooth

Chipped or broken tooth can happen for many reasons, trauma is the most common but also malocclusion can cause teeth to chip or break.

Chipped tooth repair

It’s actually quite easy to prepare a small chip in a tooth. Your dentist will probably use a technique called bonding. Bonding involves cleaning out any discoloured or decayed area around the chip, preparing the surface of the tooth with a special etching gel and then applying a tooth coloured resin directly to the tooth.Chipped front tooth

With many colours and translucency of resin to choose from this is a highly skilled procedure to ensure that the chipped tooth repair is invisible.

Whilst there are a few home kits available to repair chipped teeth in this way they very often have limited range of colours and don’t have the necessary tools, equipment or materials in order to prepare the tooth adequately for bonding meaning home repairs can often not look quite as good and may not last as long.

Chipped teeth are not usually painful as it is normally only the hard outer layer (enamel) that chips.

Broken tooth repair

If the tooth has a large section broken off then this may be too large to repair with bonding. A large broken area of the tooth can also be painful if the break is close to the pulp.

Normally the best way to repair a larger broken tooth like this is to opt for dental veneer or possibly a dental crown. A dental veneer is bonded to the remaining portion of the tooth and will simply replace the broken section. A dental crown would be used if the brake is particularly severe.

Whilst the veneer or crown is being made your dentist will usually place a temporary filling to avoid any sensitivity or pain.

Broken or cracked molar

Broken cracked back teeth are far more likely to need a full dental Crown to repair them. A dental Crown covers the full circumference and amount of the tooth, leaving no natural tooth exposed. These types of crowns are stronger and dental veneers and can withstand the biting forces exerted upon them in the back teeth.

Broken tooth pain

Broken tooth pain comes when the chip or break is very close to the underlying nerve of the tooth. In the short term you may like to try over-the-counter painkillers but in the long-term, if you have a broken tooth and there is pain, this indicates that you need to see a dentist as the break is very close to the nerve.

Chipped tooth at gum line

If you have chips on the tooth at the gum line this can be an indicator that either your bite has some form of malocclusion annual biting down excessively hard on one area, or that you may be brushing slightly too hard in one area of the tooth, causing it to wear away.

Your dentist will be able to assess your biting forces or teeth cleaning habits and let you know which one of these causes is most likely for you. Once the cause has been established action can then be taken.

Why Are Dental Implants so Expensive?

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The cost of dental implants is something  about which we are very frequently asked at our dental practice in Solihull. Dental implants often run into the thousands of pounds but why is this? In this blog post we will look at how dental implants can be made more affordable and what the components are which make up the cost of dental implants.

What makes up the cost of dental implants?

If you had to replace a missing tooth a dental implant is often considered the most viable solution, but what makes up the cost of the entire dental implant?

The cost of dental implant is made up of the following:

  • The planning stages.
  • The dental implant surgery to place the implant itself.
  • The restoration of the crown (the part of the tooth which you see) on top of the dental implant.
  • The dental implant components themselves.
  • The time of the dentist, implant surgeon and dental technician.

Let’s look at each of these in turn

The planning stages.

When you first coming to the dental practice with missing teeth you will have an initial consultation with the dentist who will discuss your options, (We offer a free dental implant consultation) typically your options would be to:

  1. Do nothing.
  2. Have a denture.
  3. Have a bridge.
  4. Replace the tooth with a dental implant.

At this initial consultation you should be provided with a full treatment plan including all of your options which also lays out the cost of dental implants.

For the purposes of this blog post, we are going to assume that the best clinical option for you is to have a tooth replaced with a dental implant. Once this decision has been made the dentist will begin the planning stages. This could include CT scans, x-rays and impressions of your jaw which can then be replicated in plaster.

 

Working with the scans and plaster models the dentist, surgeon and technician  can work out the best type of implant (length, width, style, brand) and plan the surgical stage.

As part of this planning they will also work out the best type/style of restoration to have on top of the dental implant. The planning stages can often take a few weeks to collate all of the information. Your dentist, technician and dental implant surgeon may then spend a few hours discussing your case and working out the best solution.

Once the planning stages have been undertaken you can progress with the surgery itself.

Free guide available for immediate download…

“What Everyone Should Know about Replacing Missing Teeth
BEFORE Starting Treatment”

 

Dr Sacranie Dental Implant ExpertA special report by Dr Zubair Sacranie revealing what everyone should know about replacing missing teeth.

  • Are you a candidate for dental implants?
  • What happens if you don’t replace missing teeth?
  • Will you really need to wear dentures?
  • How much will treatment cost?
  • How long will it take?
  • What are the downsides?
  • Will it hurt?

Take your first step to replacing missing teeth and download my free guide today.

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The dental implant surgery to place the implant itself.

implant-placement

With all of the planning complete you can progress to having your dental implant procedure. Sometimes the dentist themselves will place a dental implant or they may refer to another dentist who is a specialist or has a special interest in dental implant placement.

The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic but if you are particularly anxious it is often possible to arrange some form of dental sedation so that you are less aware of the procedure. It’s worth bearing in mind, however that dental sedation will often add to the price, particularly if intravenous sedation is used as an anaesthetist will often be present.

After the implant has been placed you move onto a healing phase, during this time you will often be provided with a temporary restoration, this may be in the form of a removable bridge.

The restoration of the Crown (the part of the tooth which you see) on top of the dental implant.

Dental implant Compared to tooth rootOnce the healing phase is complete and the dental implant has fully integrated into your jaw then you can move on to having a dental crown fitted on top.  You may have a visit by the dental technician to take a detailed analysis of the colour of the surrounding teeth in order to match the new tooth in perfectly. If you are having multiple teeth replaced then you have a slightly freer rein  as to the colour that you would like your new teeth to be.

The dental technician will then proceed to manufacture  the dental crown, this may be out of a zirconia material (zirconium oxide) this is one of the most abundant minerals known to man but needs to be highly processed in order to make it suitable for use within the human body.

The dental implant components themselves.

a cross-section through a dental implant

a cross-section through a dental implant

When you have a dental implant placed there is the cost of the titanium implant which is placed into your jaw. This is a precision made piece of engineering which is manufactured  down to Micron accuracy (thousandths of a millimetre).

There will also be an abutment which joins the dental implant onto the crown on top. This abutment will probably have a precision made gold screw, the screws are usually made out of gold as they are a slightly softer metal. When the screw is tightened the softer gold screw has some give, this allows the screw to be tightened more tightly but also means that in the event of excessive force being applied the dental implant itself will not break.

The screw becomes a failsafe in the system, it is far better for the screw to break (a relatively low cost component) than it is for the dental implant to file  all the crown on top to break.

The time of the dentist, implant surgeon and dental technician.

Whilst it is extremely difficult to say exactly how long or how many hours each professional will spend on your case it is estimated to be in the many tens of hours.

By the time your dentist, technician and surgeon have been through the diagnostic, treatment, healing, restoration and post-treatment follow-up stages  they will have spent many hours working exclusively  on your case..

How much do dental implants cost?

In order to make this more understandable most dental practices do not quote for each individual stage, they simply place all of the stages and associated fees into one cost. At our dental practice in Solihull, dental implants start at £1995.

We also offer 15% discount to any patients on our Denplan practice scheme,  further details of the Denplan scheme can be found here.

If one considers the lifetime value of this then dental implants are often the most cost-effective option. Implants should last many years providing high-quality dentistry, allowing you to smile eat and chew again with confidence. Who can put a price on that?