Q: Why is brushing important?

A: Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque. If the plaque isn't removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.

Q: How can plaque cause decay?

A: When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel breaks down forming a hole or cavity.

Q: How can plaque cause gum disease?

A: Plaque can harden into something called calculus another name for it is 'tartar'. As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost. Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.

Q: How can I prevent gum disease?

A: It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected. If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist. It is important to keep up your regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.

Q: How do I know if I have gum disease?

A: Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed. Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all. It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition

 

 

Q: How can my dentist help?

A: If you do have bad breath, you will need to start a routine for keeping your mouth clean and fresh. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to watch out for any areas where plaque is caught between your teeth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to clean all those areas that are difficult to reach. They will also be able to show you the best way to clean your teeth and gums, and show you any areas you may be missing, including your tongue. One of the warning signs of gum disease is that you always have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Again, your dentist or hygienist will be able to see and treat the problem during your regular check-ups. The earlier the problems are found, the more effective the treatment will be.

IMPLANTS

Q: Are they painful? 

A: These days a lot of the implants that Robin and Nick place are done without cutting the gum, so there are no stitches afterwards and usually no bruising later. Even with a bigger procedure requiring stitches, most patients report that it is no worse than having a tooth out, which with ‘The Wand’ is no longer an onerous procedure.Most people are amazed at the lack of pain/ swelling afterwards.

Q: Does it take a long time?

A: If the bone is of sufficient quality the implant can have a tooth put on it within 12 weeks.

Q: Is it a problem if they fail?

A: Whilst it is always disappointing if an implant fails,( the success rates are 95% for lower and 88% for upper at 15 years) usually the area can be retreated with another implant after a healing period.

Q: Will they look natural?

A: Come and see our gallery of cases we have completed. If there is sufficient bone there we can get a nice result.

 

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