Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

Dental Implants a triumph of dental progress

For decades, and despite dental improvements tooth decay, injury and disease caused millions to suffer from tooth loss. During this period the only treatment available was to have a bridge fitted or to get dentures. In the 1950’s an orthopaedic surgeon accidentally discovered how titanium and bone reacted and from this discovery, implants were born ! So what are dental implants? They are effectively substitution roots which provide fixed replacement or extractable teeth which match existing teeth with a solid foundation. Dental Implants Guildford offers this procedure to patients with healthy gums and sufficient bone mass to support an implant. Patients suffering from chronic disorders like heart disease and or diabetes or who have had radiation therapy need individual evaluation. The patient must be willing to commit to a regime of methodical oral hygiene and structured dental visits. Implants require a comprehensive consultation with a dentist to ascertain if this procedure is the correct one for them.

Enhancements an expectation

The feel and look is so natural that they cannot be detected easily from your natural teeth. Often people with dentures find that because they don’t fit too well they tend to mumble or slur when they talk. Because they are fused to the bone they feel comfortable and permanent allowing you to eat confidently without discomfort. There is no need to reduce surrounding teeth as with a bridge and implants allowing easier cleaning between teeth, resulting in better oral hygiene. Smiling and laughing are a lot more comfortable as there is no need to worry about dentures dropping causing embarrassment. Well cared for implants are very durable and can last a lifetime.

What does the treatment entail

Committing to Dental Implants Guildford requires a commitment to seeing the treatment to its conclusion and the results are worth it, your dentist will create a treatment plan beforehand. This treatment normally requires a trained team specifically trained in this procedure.The first process entails a titanium post being inserted into the bone which is inserted into the socket created by the extracted or missing tooth. The jawbone will gradually grow around this post so that it is securely fixed to the jaw, this will take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks to heal. At the next visit an abutment is attached to the post to provide a solid structure for the new tooth, allowing it to anchor securely. Impressions of the teeth are taken so that a new tooth which is called a crown can be constructed which matches the surrounding teeth in shape and colour. The new tooth is made to look and feel like your natural teeth and because it is secured to your jawbone it will function like your natural teeth.

Is the procedure painful

More often than not a local anaesthetic is administered and there is some discomfort but the pain is reported to be less than a tooth extraction. Once the treatment has been completed there can be mild soreness which can be easily treated with pain-killers. Regular brushing, flossing and dentist visits, the same regime as natural teeth, will be sufficient to take care of the implant.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants Guilford are a great option to replace missing or single teeth. These replacements can be in the form of dentures, bridges and crowns. This solution is big in modern dentistry and is a popular treatment among patients. Dental implants Guildford are designed and structured in a form of metal screws which are small in size. These metal screws are then placed in the jaw so that the alternative replacements such as the crown can be fixed onto them.

Teeth loss can occur due to many reasons one of the most common issues is surrounding aging and injury. When a patient loses their natural teeth the jaw bone and the gum begin to break down and disappear. This can cause periodontal disease and other infections. Dental implants are placed in the jawbone; this fuses together and makes the implant function in the same way as natural teeth. Additionally, the implants will help you eat, chew and bite without having to worry about moving dentures. No diet change will be necessary as the implants are tight and secure onto the jaw. This means an individual will not have to worry about eating chewy and hard food. We at Farnham Road Dental Practice offer a range of available treatment plans to your preference. If you are considering undergoing Dental implants Guildford; do not hesitate to book an appointment with our dentist practise in Guildford.

Benefits of dental implants

Dental implants have many life benefits; this can range from physical, social and emotional advantages.

Natural looking

After the dental implant has been secured into the treated area with the alternative solution (prosthetic teeth) there is a natural finish. The implant sits in the same way a natural tooth would and fuses with the gum line. This means that the implant is very discreet in its nature and other individuals will not be able to tell the difference between the restoration and a real tooth.

Functions in the same way as natural teeth

The most significant benefit of receiving dental implants is that they act and function like natural teeth would. The dental implant’s purpose is to provide strength in the same way a missing tooth would. Since the prosthetic tooth is firmly attached to the jaw bone this therefore gives the tooth stability.

Long-lasting and effective treatment

With the right and appropriate aftercare a dental implant has the ability to last for a long period of time and even a lifetime.

Cost effective treatment

Since other restorations need many replacements and follow up treatments the dental implant treatment is a much more cost effective procedure. Dental implants require less replacement as once the implants have been placed in the treated area it will not move from its spot. Our dental staff will help and aid individuals to concentrate on oral hygiene and prevent any future dental problems.

Dental implant aftercare

Post procedure an individual is recommended to do the following once the treatment has taken place. Since dental implants are a long term solution it is important to maintain oral hygiene. After two weeks post procedure it is significant to wash and rinse the area with an antiseptic mouthwash. This should be done once morning and in the night.

Does teeth whitening hurt? Common myths explored

As one of the most popular of all cosmetic dental techniques that we offer, dental whitening is in no danger of slowing down.

Although, in recent years, the emphasis on oral whitening has changed; in the past, many people wanted a smile that would seemingly glow in the dark whereas today, more patients want a smile that looks natural.

At Farnham Road dental, whether you want a gleaming smile or a more natural look, we can help with our teeth whitening in Guildford. Using either oxidising gels or abrasive techniques, we will remove the stains and leave you with a smile that is the shade you have always wanted.

Interestingly, there is a fair amount of myths that surround whitening, so let’s have a look at the most common ones so you can decide if teeth whitening in Guildford is for you.

It is dangerous

If performed by a professional, dental whitening is completely safe and our team at Farnham Road dental can assure you that the teeth whitening in Guildford that we offer is perfectly safe.

However, if you are inclined to purchase products over the counter, we advise you to speak to a pharmacist or a member of our team before using them. Under no circumstances should you use an oral whitening gel you bought on the internet, as it can be hazardous and can cause blisters.

It is painful

Again, if performed by a professional, oral whitening is perfectly safe.

Although, if you suffer from sensitive teeth, you should inform our team before we begin any type of whitening treatment; oxidising gels can exacerbate sensitivity and abrasive whitening can too. In this instance, we may suggest a different procedure such as dental veneers to whiten your teeth without the gels or abrasions.

I can whiten my teeth at home with toothpaste

Much like the over the counter mouthwashes, store-bought pastes usually contain about 1% hydrogen peroxide. If you use such pastes continually for months, then you may notice a very gradual whitening of your teeth.

If you visit our team at Farnham Dental, we can provide you with slightly stronger gels, which can whiten your teeth quickly and will have longer-lasting results.

Baking soda is an effective whitener

Baking soda is not an effective oral whitener; if anything, the concentration of the soda being pressed against your teeth could result in the enamel becoming eroded.

Also, baking soda is more likely to upset the pH balance of your mouth, which can cause ulcers to form. If you want to whiten your teeth gradually at home, talk to our team about using our customised trays and our targeted gels.

Professional whitening is too expensive

In short, the results we can achieve with a bit of oxidising gel and dental know-how would cost lots of money to achieve at home with toothpaste.

Dental whitening performed by our cosmetic team is worth every penny and we have thousands of whiter smiles under our proverbial belts to attest to that.

Curious about teeth whitening?

Are you fed up with hiding your smile in photos? Do you wish your teeth looked whiter but have tried every over the counter whitening gel and toothpaste?

If you are like most people, you wish your smile was a few shades lighter. Not only does having a whiter smile have a positive impact on your confidence, but it also makes you look healthier in general, so who wouldn’t want a whiter set of teeth?

Our dentist Farnham Road can help you to get the brighter smile you want, using teeth whitening in Guildford. Using either gels or abrasive polishing, we can remove stains and help you to get a smile that you won’t be able to stop showing off.

How does tooth whitening work?

In short, it works by removing the stains which are set in your teeth.

In the modern world, many products can stain your teeth, including coffee, chocolate and red wines. And once our team has assessed the cause of your dental staining, we can pick a suitable type of teeth whitening in Guildfordto remove it.

Depending on the type of staining, this will be either an oxidising gel or an abrasive polish. The oxidising gel will be applied in-surgery by our team and may include 14 days of using a weaker gel at home, applied using trays.

Is it uncomfortable?

In short, teeth whitening in Guildford should not be uncomfortable while we are performing it.

However, the use of oxidising gels and abrasive polishing can cause discomfort and issues with sensitivity once the procedure is completed, so please tell our team if you have a history of sensitive teeth. If you notice the formation of ulcers on your gums when using the at-home whitening gels, stop using them immediately and come to our surgery for a visit.

How long do the results last?

On average, the results of dental whitening can last up to 1 year, but you will need to use our whitening gels to help keep that grin glowing.

And lifestyle choices can have an enormous impact on the longevity of the whitening; if you smoke, consume coffee or are a bit of a fan of wine, these can all stain your teeth and reduce the effects of the whitening.

If you wish to undertake professional whitening regularly with our team at Farnham Road, we advise having at least 12 months between treatments.

Can I prolong it at home?

Yes, you can.

We can provide you with top-up gels to use at home, which will keep your teeth stain-free but the easiest way to prevent the reoccurrence of staining is to watch what you eat.

Remember, smoking, eating excess amounts of sugar and drinking coffee can all cause tannins to build up, and for stains to reoccur, so eliminating these from your diet as much as possible will help to keep your smile sparkling.

Contact our team at Farnham Road today for more information about the dental whitening products that we can offer.

A guide to emergencies and dental pain from Farnham Road Dental Practice

It’s time to talk about something that no-one ever really wants to discuss; dental emergencies and the discomforts that they can bring.

If you have ever had a dental emergency caused by a loose filling or an abscess, chances are that you remember the sensation quite well. However, as discomfort is subjective, it can be hard for someone who has a busy schedule to be able to identify if their dental discomfort is indicative of something minor or more serious.

So, how can you tell if you can delay your dental appointment until the weekend or if you need urgent dental care?

At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we know all about emergencies and dental pain in Guildford. Over the years, our team has encountered thousands of patients with a raging toothache which pointed towards emergency treatment, and have composed the following list to help you identify if you need to see our team urgently, or if you can make an appointment for 2 days. Now that’s helpful!

So, what are the synonyms we have picked to help you identify if you need emergency care?

Sharp or piercing

Emergencies and dental pain in Guildford are often described by our patients as a ‘sharp, piercing’ sensation.In short, if you have a tooth which feels as if its roots are being intermittently pierced (sounds odd, but if it happens it is an accurate description!), then you need to see our team for an emergency appointment. Such discomfort indicates an abscess forming or potentially an unerupted but impacted tooth.

Fleeting

Fleeting pain is a bit of a strange word when linked to emergencies and dental pain in Guildford but if you have identified it, it may point to a loose filling or crown which needs to be examined promptly before it falls out.

With this feeling, it may worsen sporadically and last a few seconds but it doesn’t spread and it rarely feels as deep in the tooth as the root.

Temperature related

Temperature related discomfort or sensitivity can point to a cavity, a loose filling or even an abscess so, as soon as it hurts to drink tea or coffee, you need to see our team.

If this discomfort worsens over the day, e.g. it responds to air temperature changes, this is a sure-fire indicator of an abscess which requires urgent treatment.

Hot

Hot pain is common when the nerve of the tooth is exposed, which can occur due to decay or injury. Either way, it is not pleasant and may feel as though it is radiating along your jaw.

As soon as you notice this, you need an emergency appointment to cover the exposed nerve and prevent any abscesses from working their way in.

Bruised

Typically linked to the root of the tooth, this type of sensation may point to an abscess forming around the pulp. If the gum appears blue, purple or yellow, you will need to see our team as soon as possible as you have an infection.

Is your cracked enamel an emergency? A guide to emergencies and dental pain from Farnham Road

In 2020, many people became more attuned to identifying a health emergency.

emergencies-and-dental-pain-in-guildford

However, in 2021, while more people can accurately spot when someone requires an ambulance, many people are still somewhat undecided about how to best identify a dental emergency.

Of course, many people when asked to picture a dental emergency envision someone who is in a great deal of discomfort with a swollen face, but is this the only dental issue warranting a same-day appointment?

At Farnham Road Dental Practice, our team is well versed in both emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, and are here to shed some light on this most delicate of issues. We are proud to be able to offer our patients same-day appointments as and when required, allowing you to get back to your day pain-free. We pride ourselves on our level of emergency care, so when you come to us, you can rest assured that your dental issue will soon be resolved.

But it is one thing for a dentist to be able to spot emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, but how can you better this skill at home? Here, we offer a guide to identifying emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, to help keep you safe.

Discomfort

A sharp, stabbing, burning or pulsating pain are all indicators that you have a dental emergency on your hands and need to see our team in Guildford.

If the discomfort is preventing you from working, eating or sleeping, then you need to book an emergency appointment as such signs may indicate an abscess, which can be life-threatening.

Cracked teeth

A cracked tooth or teeth may seem simple enough but left untreated, cracks can spread and allow bacteria to get underneath the enamel and cause decay. Not only that, but a cracked tooth may spread inwards toward the pulp, causing heightened sensitivity and allowing infections to occur.

As soon as you spot a crack, contact our team at Farnham Road Dental.

Loose or lost filling

A loose filling doesn’t have to hurt to warrant emergency treatment.

If the filling has fallen out completely, then book an appointment to have another one fitted. Not doing so can cause decay, damage to the enamel and the tooth alongside being a breeding ground for bacteria to wreak havoc on the pulp.

All uncomfortable and avoidable, as soon as the filling is loose, contact us!

Bleeding

Oral bleeding is usually benign and linked to facial trauma or even a tooth extraction.

However, if there is a continuous bleed coming from your mouth which isn’t slowing with the application of pressure and gauze, you will need to see us for either stitching or to have surgical glue applied.

Swelling

Like the lost filling, oral swelling does not need to be painful to warrant an emergency trip to see us.

If there is a gradual or sudden swelling to your face, under your jaw or in your mouth, our team will be able to book you in for a same-day appointment.

A dentist is here for emergencies and dental pain in Guildford

It is comforting to know that there is a dentist readily available to support you through any emergencies and dental pain Guildford that you might experience in your life. We are proud to be relied on consistently by our patients and we also offer our services to anyone who needs immediate care for any emergencies and dental pain Guildford that you or your loved ones may have.

Simply get in touch by calling us and one of our team will walk you through anything you need to know before you reach us. If you call after hours, simply follow the instructions that are recorded so that you can find the right professional to help you as quickly as possible.

By knowing some of the steps that are necessary to take during an emergency as well, you could make all the difference when it comes to restoring a tooth back to full functionality again.

This is particularly true when it comes to avulsed teeth, because through a combination of swift dental action and by caring for the avulsed tooth in the right way, there is every chance that we are able to permanently place the tooth back into the socket and therefore, avoid all of the distressing after effects that losing a tooth has on a person. It can certainly be a traumatic experience, but with a few smart steps, we can hopefully reduce the impact to a single experience, rather than a lifelong battle to ensure the full functionality and strength of your smile.

What are some of these steps?

When a tooth has been avulsed, or knocked out of the mouth completely, avoid overhandling the tooth and avoid touching the root altogether. Do not vigorously rub or scrub the tooth clean, rather gently rinsing it in a saline solution or milk.

If you soak or wash the tooth in plain water, the cells in the delicate root swell and burst, essentially killing the tooth and meaning it will not be able to be used.

If you are able to replace the tooth back into the socket without too much pain, then do this, placing a cotton cloth overtop and biting down gently to hold it in place. Whatever you do, do not swallow the tooth! There is not much we can do about this. If you can make it to our practice within the hour for immediate treatment, then if the tooth itself is not broken, then we might be able to save it.

The importance of this kind of care

Emergencies and dental pain Guildford are a very real situation for many and having this service available for those who need it is critical for the wellbeing of our community.

If you have a sore tooth, please, seek immediate care from one of our professionals. If you have suffered an accident and have hurt, chipped, broken or lost your tooth, seek our support and come in to see us straight away. If you have a pressing concern, you have lost a crown or another restorative treatment seems to have failed, this also is treated as an emergency and you should make sure that you speak with us, so that you know what you can do to ensure your smile remains healthy.

Seeking support for emergencies and dental pain Guildford?

When you’re in pain, it is an all-encompassing and overwhelming experience. If you have had a toothache that just will not go away, then seeking a professional to help you to get rid of the pain is pretty much foremost in your mind.

If you are needing an oral healthcare professional for emergencies and dental pain Guildford, then look no further than us for all of your needs covered in a swift, compassionate and professional manner. All you need to do is phone our practice and if any emergencies and dental pain Guildford is out of hours, then there will be instructions for you to follow to make sure that you can get a hold of the right professional as quickly as possible.

The importance of swift action

After an accident, it is critical that you seek immediate care, even if your tooth is just chipped. This way, we can prevent further injury taking place and even ensure that your tooth remains healthy.

In a more serious situation, such as an avulsed tooth, if you are able to seek professional care within an hour of the accident occurring, then there is a chance that we will be able to reinsert the natural tooth, avoiding you a lot of time and money in needing to have it professionally replaced.

There are many solutions that we can offer in an emergency setting to make sure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Knowing that you are in competent and extremely experienced hands can alleviate the trauma significantly, especially when we have available all of the resources and modern technology possible to give your smile the best possible chance of recovering.

What about for a toothache?

When a toothache simply won’t go away, we treat this as an emergency and you should as well. Do not sit in discomfort for a moment longer than you need to, but rather seek professional support as quickly as you can to minimise the detrimental impact that this pain can have on your wellbeing.

Unfortunately, pain is a sign of something relatively sinister and restorative treatments are generally the course of action. Depending on your personal situation which we will examine during the emergency appointment, we can quickly deal with the problem or provide you with a temporary fix, before booking another appointment to complete the restoration.

We are compassionate, non-judgemental and experienced professionals who competently work with a wide range of emergencies and dental pain Guildford. We treat patients who have avulsed or chipped teeth through accidents and we remove or restore teeth that have become painful due to poor oral health.

We even correct old restorative treatments, such as replacing a crown that has been chipped, broken or lost, ensuring that the integrity of your smile remains intact for as long as possible. If you wait until your scheduled routine appointment to be seen regarding some of these issues, then a lot more damage could have been done, as your tooth is again exposed to the elements.

We look forward to helping you regain your confidence and oral health once more.

What is a dental emergency?

The nature of a dental emergency was clear before the lockdowns started, but during the first national lockdown, our dentists were forced to close our doors. In the second lockdown, we have been upgraded to key workers, who are able to respond to emergencies and dental pain in Guildford. Which leads to the question of which conditions need emergency care, and which ones are suitable for home-treatment in the interim?

So, now more than ever, we need clear definitions of what emergencies and dental pain Guildford are and what should be treated in our clinic and what is appropriate for at-home care. Let us take a pragmatic look at urgent dental care and explore which issues will require a same-day appointment from our team at Farnham Road.

Unignorable pain

If you have constant pain which prevents you from focusing on anything else and is stopping you from sleeping, this is a medical emergency and will need to be assessed by our team. Or if you have a pain that is not responding to any kind of over the counter pain relief, be sure to contact our emergency team for an appointment.

Sharp-edged teeth

If the broken edge of a chipped tooth is cutting into your tongue or cheek and is breaking the skin, contact our team for advice.

Having an open wound in the mouth can lead to infection but having a sharp-edged tooth also signifies a breakage that will need to be assessed promptly.

Blue swelling

If you have a blue discoloured swelling which is spreading across the mouth, up to the roof or under the tongue, contact our emergency dentist. This could point to an abscess, which warrants immediate medical attention from our team. Along with this, if you are running a high temperature and skin mottling occurs, this is a sign of life-threatening sepsis and you need to go to your nearest hospital.

Trauma related injury

If you have been in any sort of accident, or have suffered a trauma to the facial area and one of your teeth has broken in half, you will need to see our team immediately so that we can provide you with the best possible car. Leaving a broken tooth exposed may cause 0ther secondary issues, such as infections, discomfort and the gum may grow over the root. Our team will assess the injury and aim to attach or restore your tooth, which may involve fitting a crown. If there is too much damage, then we will choose to extract the remaining root of the tooth.

If you call us, you will be put in contact with our on-duty dentist, who can talk you through your options and book you in if required. We hope to ease your discomfort as much as possible.

What are dental emergencies and how do you prepare for them?

What are dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies can be quite stressful and frightening if they reach us unprepared. Dental emergencies can mean a variety of conditions, such as rapidly increasing orofacial swelling, dental traumas, severe dental or facial pain, gum tissue or tooth infections, etc. but they are all characterised by requiring immediate assistance and treatment from a professional. It is very important to be prepared for dental emergencies and know what to do under different circumstances. While preparing to see your dentist, knowing some emergency dental first aid techniques can also be very useful. Having an emergency dentist can prevent you from having to look for one during a potentially stressful and painful time, which can certainly take away some of the worry that occurs during a dental emergency. If you are looking for an emergency dentist to treat emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, look no further, book an appointment with us, the Farnham Road Dental Practice.

What to do if dental trauma occurs

Dental traumas can be very painful, which is not a surprise. As pain is a sensation developed throughout evolution to quickly withdraw from painful stimuli (acute pain) or to indicate that we need to rest a body part in order to heal it (chronic pain), dental pain – given the proximity to the brain, a vital organ – is often very intense. Different types of dental traumas can occur, including mild scratches of the enamel, chipping of teeth, a whole tooth getting knocked out, or in some cases even the gum tissue or the inside of the cheeks can get damaged. If the enamel gets damaged or a chipping or a crack occurs, seeking treatment fairly soon can solve the issue. If a whole tooth gets knocked out, it is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible, as the chance of successful reimplantation decreases with time after the injury occurs. Try licking off the impurities from the tooth and storing it in milk while you are on your way to our dentist. It is very important however, that you do not store the tooth in water. If you are looking for a dentist to treat emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, we can assure you that you will be treated promptly in order to alleviate your discomfort and worry.

What to do if you experience dental pain

Dental pain can be very frustrating and even debilitating, it can really make focusing on your daily tasks difficult. If you experience dental pain try looking for a cavity on your teeth in good light. A black or brown spot on the surface of one of your teeth can indicate tooth decay. Dental pain does not only occur from cavities. It is important to see your dentist immediately if the pain does not go away after 2-3 days, or does not respond to over the counter medications, such as paracetamol. Rubbing a small amount of clove oil can help with dental pain before you are going to your dentist, as it contains a potent and natural local anaesthetic. If you are looking for treatment for emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, and need a dedicated, proficient emergency dentist, we are here to help when you need us most.