Treatments

 

White fillings

White fillings provide a more natural look than an amalgam filling. You may hear the dentist talk about ‘composite’, ‘glass ionomer’ and ‘compomer’ which are all different types of white filling used in differing situations.

What are the benefits?

  • Unlike silver (amalgam) fillings, white material sticks to teeth and can form edges, so it may be effectively used to repair front teeth that are chipped, broken, decayed or worn. It can also be used, as a ‘veneer’ to cover marks or discolouration that cleaning won’t remove.
  • White fillings are less conspicuous than silver fillings. They come in a range of shades, thus can be matched to the colour of your own teeth.
  • A tooth usually needs less preparation for a white filling than for a silver filling.
  • White fillings can sometimes be used in back teeth if there is not too much decay or damage.

The Disadvantages

  • More likely to get sensitivity after treatment. However techniques for placement now developed keep this to a minimum.
  • White fillings are sometimes not appropriate to place in back teeth, as they need very dry conditions, which can be hard to achieve right at the back of your mouth.  An onlay or crown may be a better option in some circumstances. We would of course advise you accordingly.

Periodontal/Gum Treatment

At Newport Dental Care we recommend dental hygiene treatments to our patients. Why? Because even the best brushing and flossing routines cannot eliminate all traces of plaque. Left on your teeth, plaque becomes hard tartar, which cannot be brushed off. This then traps more plaque and the cycle repeats, causing gum disease and frequently bad breath.

Our hygienist  removes plaque and calculus from your teeth in order to prevent the onset or progression of gum disease, and leaves your mouth sparkling clean.

The best way to help avoid gum disease and protect against your gums from receding is to practice good oral hygiene.

We will give you advice on the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean.

 What is gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. If left, this plaque builds up on and between teeth, irritating gums and making them swollen.

When this swelling happens, it can allow a space or ‘pocket’ to form beneath the tooth.   As the amount of bacterial plaque increases, so does the depth of the pocket. This causes gums to recede, exposing more of the tooth.   If left untreated, the pocket can become so large that teeth may loosen and even need to be removed.

There are two stages of gum disease:
1. Gingivitis
2. Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums.  It occurs when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen.  Often the swollen gums bleed when brushed.  It is reversible, however, if left untreated, long-standing gingivitis can develop into severe gingivitis or periodontitis.

Periodontitis

More teeth are lost through periodontitis than through tooth decay.  Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease where bacterial plaque destroys the gums, soft tissue and eventually the bone anchoring the teeth, making the tooth loose in its socket.  If left untreated, the tooth may eventually fall out or need to be removed.

 

Root Canal treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (sometimes referred to as endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.

If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess, and if root canal treatment (RCT) is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

Does it hurt?

No. A local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.

The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is therefore cleaned using instruments and cleaning agents and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist.

 

Crowns

A crown replaces part or all of the natural crown, or visible part, of a tooth. It is also sometimes referred to as a cap and is used in the following circumstances:

  • When most, or a large part of the original crown of a tooth has been destroyed
  • When a healthy tooth forms part of a bridge, or when it is used for cosmetic purposes
  • A natural crown that has become discoloured or unsightly. The new crown can be made to match the surrounding teeth in colour, shape and proportion.

There are different types of crown materials,precious metal – which is a metal alloy, gold crowns, porcelain (white) fused to metal crowns, all ceramic white crowns. Your dentist will be happy to explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Crowns can be made of a variety of different materials and new materials are continually being introduced. Some of the most popular options are listed below.

Porcelain bonded to precious metal: this is what most crowns are made from.  A precious metal base is made and then porcelain is applied in layers over it.

All-ceramic crowns: this modern technique offers a metal-free alternative, which can give the strength of a bonded crown and the appearance of a porcelain crown.  Therefore it is suitable for use in all areas of the mouth.

Gold alloy crowns: gold is one of the oldest filling materials. Today it is used with other metal alloys to increase its strength, which makes it a very hardwearing restoration. These crowns are silver or gold in colour.


Tooth Replacement Options


1. Full and Partial Dentures

A full denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces all of the natural teeth and lost soft tissues in the maxillary or mandibular dental arch. The denture is usually made of methyl methacrylate (acrylic) and is completely supported by the mouth tissues.

A partial removable denture is a removable dental prosthesis that replaces a number of teeth and lost soft tissues in the maxillary or mandibular dental arch.

Different types of partial removable dentures are available:

  • Cobalt – Chrome partial removable dentures show a metal frame made of an alloy mainly of those two metals and have the pink acrylic and acrylic teeth attached to it. They are both teeth and soft tissues supported and show most indications for clinical use compared to the other types of removable partial dentures
  • Acrylic partial dentures usually are made solely of methyl methacrylate and are completely supported by soft tissues. Most often indicated for use as a provisional solution
How should I clean my dentures?

The general rule is: brush, soak, brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures before soaking, to help remove any food debris. Using an effervescent (fizzy) denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then brush the dentures again, as you would your own teeth, being careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface. Most dentists advise using toothpaste and a small to medium-headed toothbrush. Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures, including the surface which touches your gums.  This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative.

There are many different denture-cleaning products. However, most dentists still recommend a small to medium-headed toothbrush to reach into the awkward corners, or a soft nailbrush, and ordinary soap. Soaking solutions can often help to remove staining and bacteria. We do not recommend that you use these solutions overnight.

What should I use to clean my dentures?

There are many different denture-cleaning products. However, most dentists still recommend a small to medium-headed toothbrush to reach into the awkward corners, or a soft nailbrush, and ordinary soap. Soaking solutions can often help to remove staining and bacteria. We do not recommend that you use these solutions overnight.

Is there anything I should avoid?

It is important not to use any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures. Bleaching can lead to weakening of the denture as well as making it look unsightly. Do not use very hot water to soak the denture. Again, it can weaken the denture causing it to break.

Should I remove my dentures at night?

Most dentists recommend removing your dentures at night to give your mouth a chance to rest. If you remove your dentures, it is important to leave them in water to prevent any warping or cracking.

2. Bridges

Dental bridges are false teeth anchored on neighbouring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth.  The false tooth is known as a pontic and is fused in between two crowns that serve as anchors by attaching to the teeth on each side of the false tooth and thereby bridging them together

3. Implants

A dental implant consists of the following three parts:

  • The implant: a titanium rod which acts as a ‘root’, ready for a replacement crown.
  • Abutment: the part which connects the  implant to the crown
  • Crown: the replacement for a natural tooth which is also known as a ‘restoration’.

The implant fits into a whole prepared in the jawbone and  fuses with it over time in a process called ‘osseointegration’. Dental implants are typically manufactured from titanium, a hard wearing material which is well tolerated by the body and enables ossoeintegration to take place easily.

The abutment is a locking device which fits over the top of the implant that extends beyond the gum line. The lower part fits onto the implant whereas the top part acts as a connector for the crown or a bridge. The abutment is only visible to the naked eye as part of a two stage delayed loading process in which the implant is fitted in a separate procedure from the crown. The abutment is no longer visible once the crown is attached.

The crown or restoration is a synthetic version of a natural tooth. It is fitted onto the abutment to give a realistic looking appearance and is usually made from porcelain.

Tooth Whitening

How does it work?

Tooth whitening is for the great majority of patients, a very effective and safe treatment. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are used to lighten the shade of the teeth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel. Over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also whitened.

Is it safe?

Teeth whitening is considered to be a very safe treatment that does not cause any damage to teeth structure. The only reported side affect is temporary teeth sensitivity that always goes after 1 or 2 days.

The teeth whitening method that shows most advantages and best results is at-home whitening with whitening gel.

They are only available from your dentist, who will supervise your treatment from initial consultation through completion. Your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and will use them to make customised whitening trays which will perfectly fit to your teeth. Using for tooth whitening very accurately fitting customised trays is very important as they will keep the sticky, viscous gel in better contact with teeth surfaces to be whitened and for longer and prevent migration to gums. Whitening trays will need to be worn by patient for at least 4 hours for each treatment session and can be kept in mouth overnight.

ADVANTAGES
  • Most effective method for tooth whitening.
  • Limited treatment time in surgery and as a result is
  • Less expensive.
  • Patient can check the teeth colour after every application and stop treatment when happy with result.
  • Very easy and cost effective to repeat the treatment if necessary in the future.
  • Gel contains Potassium Fluoride (PF), which helps to improve oral health by strengthening enamel, decreasing sensitivity and offering increased cavity prevention.
DISADVANTAGES
  • Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
  • The only disadvantage compared to whitening with light is that it takes longer. At-home tooth whitening with gel can provide results after just one night, though expect to see results in about a week.
Does it last?

The effects of whitening can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors that decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine. Whitening treatment though can be repeated and especially for at-home whitening with gel, patient can buy extra whitening gel from the practice and use it with the customised whitening trays. A new prescription from the dentist is not necessary.

Mouthguards

A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage.

It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes activities such as: cricket, hockey and football, boxing and rugby – which can all cause broken and damaged teeth, broken or dislocated jaws. A mouthguard will help protect against these events.

Last Updated on January 30, 2019