Restorative Dentistry
If your tooth needs filling or restoring, we provide a range of procedures to bring them back to their original form. We also have various protective and preventative treatments to increase tooth strength and long term health of your teeth.
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.
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 can advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings.
Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?
It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material. If the size of the existing cavity is too large, then filling will not be the strongest option. One way around this would be to use crowns or inlays; 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.
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.
Hygiene
We work together with the dental hygiene clinic (based at the same location) to ensure your we keep your gums healthy and your teeth sparkling. Alternately, your dentist can also perform a scale&polish as needed.
Tooth Extraction
We ALWAYS try and keep a tooth if possible. However, when a tooth has suffered significant damage and can no longer be saved, or is at risk of damaging other teeth or your gums, we can remove it for you.
Endodontic and Root Canal Treatments:
The purpose of the root canal procedure (also known as endodontic treatment) is to rid a tooth of infection.
Once there is an infection in the root canal, in order to remove the bacteria there are two options:
Tooth removal or Root canal treatment
The bacteria inside the tooth is removed to prevent infection reoccurring. A root canal treatment which is done properly under the right circumstances, is a painless procedure with a high chance of success.
Root canal treatments save millions of teeth each year, relieving the patients from tooth pain. In order to understand how this procedure is conducted, you need to know a little about the tooth anatomy. There is a soft tissue inside every tooth which is called the pulp. This section is under the white enamel and is under protection of a hard layer called dentin. The soft tissue, pulp, contains blood vessels and nerves which are essential for root development of teeth during growth. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to factors such as decay, crack, chip, damaged crowns and repeated unadvised procedures, it may cause severe pain and abscess. In an adult with fully developed teeth, there is no need for pulp as the teeth continue to be nourished by the surrounding environment.
Advantages of Root canal treatments:
Maintenance of the natural look of your teeth
Restoration of chewing and biting force
Protection of neighbouring teeth from excessive strain
Affected teeth can survive as long as other healthy teeth
Eliminates the need for on-going dental visits should the treatment be successful.
Dentures:
A removable set of artificial teeth – either complete or partial – made to replace natural teeth you have lost, to restore appearance and oral functions.
Teeth Grinding:
Do you ever wake up with sore teeth and an achy jaw? You could be suffering from bruxism, also known as teeth grinding. Bruxism typically happens unconsciously at night during sleep, but it can also occur during the day. It manifests as clenching and rhythmic contractions of the jaw muscles.
What are the symptoms?
A grinding sound during sleep
(perhaps overheard by someone else in the room)
Headache
Facial pain
Tight or painful jaw muscles
Swollen facial muscles
TMJ disorders
Stiff or achy shoulders and neck
Ear pain
Injured gums, tooth fracture and eventual tooth loss
What are the causes?
Stress, anxiety, and anger
Heavy smoking and alcohol consumption
Caffeine
Depression, as well as certain antidepressants
(including, Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil)
Sleep disorders
A complication of Huntingdon or Parkinson’s disease
Missing, broken, or misaligned teeth
What does treatment involve?
Many people with bruxism find their condition so mild that it doesn’t require treatment, but it’s important to let your dentist know so they can look out for damage to the tooth enamel. Visit Hove Dental Clinic for a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. We’ll develop your own personalised treatment plan to put an end to your teeth grinding and restore your oral health.
You may be given an occlusal appliance (a custom-made mouthpiece) to wear in order to protect your teeth and reduce jaw muscle pain. This appliance may be called a splint, bite guard, night guard, or bruxism appliance. These appliances are usually worn during the night as you sleep.
If your bruxism is caused by a sleep disorder, a mandibular advancement device can be used to bring your bottom jaw forward.
Alternately, if your lifestyle is the cause of your bruxism, it’s important for you to find ways to improve your quality of life. Reducing or eliminating alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine will help.
Stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions can be managed with regular exercise, meditation, relaxation, and hypnosis. You can also try relaxing your jaw muscles before sleep by holding a warm washcloth to your cheek in front of your earlobe.
Do you need treatment for teeth grinding in Hove? Contact us to book an appointment today, and let one of our skilled and experienced dentists help you.
Call 01273 526 574 to book your appointment
