Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

Why are patients scared of going to the dentist?

Dentophobia- a fear of going to the dentist- is extremely common amongst many children and adults in the UK. Nervous patients in Guildford usually have something in common – they experience anxiety attached to trips to the dentists for reasons that may, or may not, be rational. Nervous patients in Guildford may be suffering from dental phobia whether they realise it or not. But the question is, what makes nervous patients in Guildford so afraid?

A fear of pain

No one likes pain, let alone dental pain which can be extremely traumatic and scarring. Once a person endures a particularly painful procedure with a dentist, it is extremely difficult to overcome and forget about it. In many cases, it becomes lodged in our brains and serves as a reminder that all experiences with a dentist must be the same. But this isn’t true whatsoever, no two experiences are ever the same. Thanks to anaesthetics, most procedures nowadays are actually painless. Some patients may experience minor discomfort after an invasive procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.

Remembering a bad experience

One bad experience can set a precedent for every dental visit in the future. One bad experience can induce intense fear and can often stop patients visiting their dental practice when necessary, or ever again for that matter. Unfortunately, some procedures can vastly change the state of your mouth and may take a long time to complete. Naturally, this would be nerve-racking, but it should never put you off visiting your dentist ever again. In most circumstances, the worst has been and gone, and it can only get better.

Worried about bad news?

Fear of bad news is common across all medical fields. With modern technology such as google, it is very easy to self-diagnose and let anxiety consume us. Putting off news from your dentist can be very detrimental for your health if your condition is serious. No one wants to receive bad news, but it is necessary to improve your life in the long term and speaking to your dentist sooner rather than later could save you a lot of money or pain in the future. That being said, not all news is bad and patients need to remind themselves of that.

Fear of tools

Some dental instruments can look intimidating and scary. From drills to metal scrapers, some of their tools can induce fear in patients and can turn routine check-ups into traumatic experiences. Dental tools cannot be changed but rest assured, they are being handled by a professional at Farnham Road Dental Practice who knows how to work them. In most cases, they look scarier than they are.

Feeling vulnerable

Feeling vulnerable during a procedure can cause intense anxiety and fear. Lack of control or feeling trapped are common emotions to experience during dental work, but often this can spiral and lead to more fears. However, your dentist will always explain each and every step of the procedure to you, which should eliminate the fear of not knowing.

How patients can overcome their fear of the dentist

A trip to the dentist for nervous patients in Guildford can be daunting for many reasons. Nervous patients in Guildford worry that it will be painful, embarrassing, and frightening, but our professionals, here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, are experienced in helping patients overcome their fears. Nervous patients in Guildford will always be listened to and supported through treatment, because we understand that dental work can be traumatic. Here are our tips on how to handle your dental anxiety.

Choose the right dentist

If you suffer from dental anxiety, selecting a dentist who will listen and consider your fears is very important. A dentist who is empathetic and patient is more likely to present these qualities during your treatment, as opposed to someone who is not. For children who suffer from dental anxiety, try seeking out a paediatric dentist who is trained to deal with youngsters. This is particularly important for children, because one negative experience could traumatise them for many years, turning even minor procedures, such as routine check-ups, into a distressing event.

Change your perception of fear

Pain is an experience that sticks with us all. Anaesthetic and numbing gel are effective in numbing or alleviating pain but depending on the procedure, some pain may linger. In order to overcome your fear of pain, experts would recommend performing deep breathing exercises to slow your heartbeat and clear your mind. Similarly, learning different ways to relax before your appointment could help with pain management and make your entire experience more bearable.

Request numbing gel

Studies have shown that across all medical fields, one in five people are scared of needles. Needles can be very intimidating, and it is natural to feel nervous, especially when that needle is being injected into your mouth. Rest assured, dentists will usually administer numbing gel to relieve the pain of injection and will always take your anxiety into consideration. Most patients have described that with numbing gel, dental injections have been completely painless.

Listen to music

Fear can sometimes be triggered by sounds and in the case of dental care, drills can instil huge levels of anxiety. This is normal, but an empathetic dentist will also consider this fear and suggest ways to improve the situation. Use headphones to drown out the sound. Music can be incredibly soothing and distracting, and could help drown out the daunting buzz of a dental drill.

Anaesthetic is not as frightening as it seems

Anaesthetic across dental and medical fields can be an area of great concern. A lot of people worry that they will still experience pain, whereas others fear the sensation of numbness and feeling out of control. The anaesthetic used during dental procedures simply numbs a particular area, but does not stop the ability to function. Even if your cheek or tongue feels swollen when numbed, you will still be able to swallow properly and move them.

It is natural to feel embarrassed

Dentists deal with damaged, discoloured, and decaying teeth every single day, which is why you should never feel ashamed about the condition of yours. Being open and honest about this with your dentist could prevent unwarranted anxiety and apprehension. Their words of reassurance could make your experience far more relaxing.

Building your smile through dental implants in Guildford

Smiling ought to be easy

Here at Furnham Road Dental Practice, we recognise the issues that are faced daily by those who are missing teeth. We understand that daily life can often be a struggle for those who are missing one or more teeth, and that eating even the simplest of meals can be a painful challenge. Here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we genuinely urge anyone who is currently living daily with an untreated gap in their teeth to urgently seek dental implants in Guildford to permanently restore their smiles and confidence and allow them to smile freely and without care.

Why seek out implants?

Having a space in your mouth can be severely damaging in ways which you may not have realised. If there is a space in your mouth which has not been stimulated for some time, the bone tissue above in the patient’s jawbone can be absorbed by the body and displaced elsewhere. This bone loss can result in the patient looking far older than they may actually be. Also having a missing tooth can cause speech problems and other innumerable long-term negative health implications. There are also large social implications that can hurt a patient’s confidence and mental wellbeing. This can often cause a patient to hide their smile out of pain and fear of exposing embarrassing gaps in their teeth.

How are implants different from similar treatments?

Unlike other treatments which are designed to fill in missing gaps in a patient’s mouth such as dental bridges or crowns, implants offer a permanent solution. Where these other treatments aim to fill in the space in a patient’s teeth at a purely superficial, aesthetic level, dental implants solve the problem at its core. As such, they are a permanent solution which not only looks identical to a natural tooth, but also feels identical. Dental implants in Guildford are also as strong as a natural tooth, and do not typically require any further visits to the dentist after they have been installed.

How do implants work?

Dental implants in Guildford work by embedding a false root into the jawbone of the patient, between the gap where they are missing a tooth or more. This root is constructed from titanium-alloy, which has the unique function of being able to bond itself within human bone. As it does this, the results are that the implant is thoroughly and permanently lodged within the patient’s jaw structure, in a way which is almost the same as a natural tooth would be.

What does it involve?

Prior to beginning the dental implant procedure, an extensive assessment of the patient’s dental health must be carried out. This is done to assess whether they have any underlying conditions such as periodontal disease which may prevent treatment from being carried out, or whether or not a sinus lift would be required – in instances where severe bone loss has taken place. If the patient is deemed healthy enough to complete treatment, then they will be administered a local anesthetic and the installation process will be carried out. This involves stripping back a section of the patient’s gum tissue until the bone is exposed – before making a small hole into the bone, into which the tintiaum root is deeply embedded. Then the root is given time to bond within the patient’s jaw, before a replica tooth is fixed into it.

Discover your true beauty through dental implants in Guildford

Take the initiative

Across the nation, a rising number of new patients are increasingly taking the initiative to seek out dental implants in Guildford as a way of improving their dental wellbeing and, in turn, their lives. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we recognise the daily struggles that are faced by those who suffer from an untreated missing tooth or teeth, and are fully aware of the struggles which they are faced with daily. We feel that anyone out there who is currently living with a missing tooth or more ought to turn to Farnham Road Dental to provide them with dental implants in Guildford to restore their smiles and their happiness.

What are dental implants?

If you are unaware of what dental implants in Guildford are, and how they could put a smile on your face, then do not fear. Dental implants are a permanent solution to those who are missing one or more teeth, and work by addressing the issue at the root. Rather than simply cover up a gap in a patient’s mouth, dental implants fill the gap in a permanent and sturdy fashion by creating an artificial tooth root which is placed within the jaw tissue of the patient. Those who opt for dental implant treatment find them to both look and feel almost completely identical to natural teeth, and that implants rarely require frequent return visits to the dental practice after they have been installed.

What does treatment involve

If you feel like you would be an ideal candidate for dental implant treatment, and that your smile could benefit from being permanently restored – then the first step would be to visit our practice in Guildford for a friendly, non-committal conversation. In doing so, you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with both the intricacies of the procedure, as well as our practitioners here at Farnham Road Dental Practice.

This initial conversation and consultation period can also allow one of our dental implant specialists to assess your dental health. As installing dental implants involves a dental operation, then the patient has to be of a certain level of oral health. Any signs of onset periodontal (gum) disease, severe decay or extensive bone loss must be identified prior to beginning treatment, as this could result in the procedure being dangerous for the patient. Provided that no such signs or indicators that the patient is unfit to continue treatment however, then the insertion of the implants would then be carried out.

This begins with the gum tissue of the patient being stripped back in the space where the implant would be installed. Next, a titanium tooth root would be deeply inserted into the patient’s jawbone. This root would then begin to fuse itself with the bone tissue of the patient, which would result in the implant being forever fixed in place, like a tooth’s natural root would be. Then a replica denture is placed within the root and the gap is bridged, allowing the patient to smile fully and enjoy life to the fullest.

Getting dental implants in Guildford

In the western world, large numbers of people are affected by tooth decay every day. Tooth decay is a result of oral bacterial overgrowth and acid production. Given that the harmful bacteria feed on sugar and other food remains that get stuck on our teeth, a correlation can be drawn between the sugar rich western diet and the increasing number of tooth cavity cases. Tooth cavities can usually be treated by fillings. However, if the decay has affected the living part of the tooth (called the pulp tissue) the tooth might have to be removed. In this case a dental implant is recommended to be implanted as soon as possible, to minimise the time the tooth has spent outside the mouth. This increases the chance of the dental implant successfully remaining at its desired location.

To get dental implants in Guildford book an appointment with our team here at Farnham Road Dental Practice!

Dental implants are usually screw-like structures made out of a very rigid and durable metal, such as titanium. This ensures that the implant will withstand the large amount of pressure exerted on it. The dental implant is placed into the jawbone. The body recognises the implant as a tooth, and through a process called osseointegration it engulfs it, which allows modern dental implants to stay in the mouth for a long time. On the top of this dental implant, an appliance called a crown is placed. A crown is a cap that covers the dental implant, or in other cases the damaged tooth. Crowns that are made out of a variety of materials are available. Often they are made out of some type of metal as well, such as stainless steel or alloys, which are mixtures of metals.

Metal crowns are probably the most durable, and the most capable of resisting the tremendous amount of pressure imposed on them during chewing. Metal crowns do not usually chip either. However, many people have metal allergies, in which cases metal crowns are contraindicated. Crowns can also be made out of resin. The advantage of this material is that these crowns can be made for a low price. On the other hand, resin crowns are less of a long term solution, as they are eroded more easily, and over time the likelihood of fractures increases. Porcelain can also be joined with metal to create a crown. The porcelain part of these is capable of chipping, and there might also be a line on the border of the porcelain and metal parts, which may bother some patients. Crowns made completely out of ceramic or porcelain are a great solution for patients with metal allergies. These however are slightly less durable than their metal counterparts and can be prone to chipping.

If you would like to get dental implants in Guildford, our team warmly welcomes you to attend an examination session. Your dentist evaluates your individual circumstances, and together you and your dentist can decide what kind of treatment plan would be most appropriate for you.

What are the benefits and risks associated with dental implants?

How do dental implants work?

If you have been affected by tooth loss due to tooth decay or any other reason, our dental implants in Guildford can serve as a solution for these problems. Dental implants are available here at Farnham Road Dental Practice. These dental implants are surgically introduced appliances that serve as fixation points for crowns and bridges. The implants are metal objects with a similar appearance to screws. They are surgically introduced into the jawbone, where they interact with the bone tissue and integrate into it. As a result of this process, the crowns and bridges used to replace missing teeth remain functional for a long time if the implantation is successful. The implants also will not slip, and therefore do not create any bone damage which older methods such as dentures or fixed bridges might.

What are the criteria for receiving dental implants?

Most patients are capable of getting dental implants, however, certain criteria must be met to make the operation both safe and effective. Your jawbone should have got to its maximum growth before getting dental implants. It is also a requirement to have the appropriate bone structures in the jaw and have healthy surrounding tissues (gingiva, etc.) in the mouth. If you are affected by any disease or condition that can have an impact on bone growth, getting dental implants is contraindicated. If you are a long term tobacco smoker, this can influence your oral tissues in a negative manner, therefore the evaluation of your oral tissues is necessary. You are also advised to quit smoking when getting dental implants.

What are the benefits of getting dental implants in Guildford?

Losing teeth is very inconvenient. It affects patients in a wide range of ways, depending on the location of the lost tooth or teeth. The most obvious inconvenience is the difficulty that patients may experience with chewing or eating. Tooth loss can also cause difficulties with speech, not to mention the appearance of it when it affects an immediately visible area. One of the lesser known negative consequences of tooth loss is the negative effect it might have on the jawbone structure and the oral tissues. The longer time your tissues and your bone spend without your teeth or an implant in them, the more they disintegrate and the less likely it will become to successfully deliver dental implants. Therefore it is important to consult your dentist in time when you experience tooth loss. If you are a patient that is capable of receiving our dental implants in Guildford, these implants can provide a solution to many of the problems that tooth loss can cause.

What kind of risks are involved?

As a dental implant is introduced surgically, it comes with certain risks, which are important to be considered. Every single surgery comes with risks, and the risks associated with dental implants are relatively small, however, it is important that you know about them. Infections or nerve damage might occur where the implant is placed in a small number of cases. When the dental implant is required to be operated into the upper jaw, it can pierce a sinus, which can result in sinus problems.

Brightening up on the benefits of teeth whitening in Guildford

Shine like a star

One of the most popular methods of cosmetic dentistry which we offer here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, is teeth whitening in Guildford. Whilst there has always been a demand for cosmetic teeth whitening, in recent years we’ve witnessed a significant spike in awareness and engagement around this method of cosmetic dentistry across all ages. Here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we feel that the recent trend towards cosmetic tooth whitening has been brought about, in part, by the ‘perfect’ smiles which are presented to us through television and the media. The high profile of media celebrities has, we feel, played a significant role in steering a good deal of us towards taking action to improve and maximise the potential of our own smiles.

Bright and confident

Whilst the correlation between white teeth and prosperity is nothing new, and even dates as far back as ancient Egypt – when white teeth were seen as a sign of beauty and wealth – it is certainly a prevailing desire for many. A recent study found that those who have whiter, brighter teeth are seen as more successful and good-looking. It also stated that their employment opportunities were broader, and their perceived age reduced by a whopping 5 -10 years. Whilst this is reason alone for a great number of us to seek teeth whitening in Guildford, there are actually numerous other reasons why cosmetic tooth whitening can be beneficial for both your oral health and social well-being.

Growing concern

It was recently found that today, men across the UK are more concerned with their teeth becoming dulled or yellowed than losing their hair. This is a complete reversal in attitudes and opinions than a similar study carried out several years ago and is testimony to the importance that is placed on the brightness and colour of our teeth. Often, as we age the natural enamel of our teeth becomes dulled or yellowed. The enamel is the outermost layer of tooth, and the one which is most open to superficial stains. Poor or lazy brushing techniques can also result in build-up of plaque staining or discolouring your enamel. Additionally, smoking or consuming highly acidic foods or drinks can cause large or unsightly stains forming on your enamel. Whilst these stains may be the cause of concern or embarrassment, thankfully they need not last for long as our teeth whitening in Guildford can fully eradicate years worth of discolouration or stains on a patient’s teeth and leave them with a renewed, brighter smile and the self-esteem to match it.

Bringing the practice to you

Here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we provide our patients with an effective and perfectly safe method of home-whitening. The initial stage in beginning the whitening process with us would involve a consultation period, to establish whether or not you are eligible for treatment and highlight the benefits you may experience. Thereafter, a custom-built retainer would be created in-house from a mould of your teeth. You would then take this retainer home with you along with a tube of a peroxide-based, specialist whitening gel. Once at home, and at a time which is convenient to you, you would then apply a small amount of the gel inside the retainer before wearing it periodically over the following two weeks. Over this time, you can witness your teeth brightening shade by shade until they are as bright and healthy looking as you would wish.

Let us brighten up your world, with teeth whitening in Guildford

Let yourself shine

Having white, gleaming teeth is an attribute many of us desire. Whilst this is nothing new, in recent years we’ve noticed a significant peak, here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, in the number of new patients who are seeking out further information on cosmetic teeth whitening in Guildford to bring out the true brightness and potential in their smiles and boost their self-esteem and confidence. Whether this increase in new patients is due to the rise in social media documentation and photography of our daily lives, or whether it is the ‘smiles of the stars’ which are shown to us through films, media and television that is the cause of this increase – here at Farnham Road Dental Practice we are just overjoyed to see a rising proportion of people – both young and old – take back control of their smiles enabling them to truly shine through seeking our services.

Washed-out smiles

There are a multitude of reasons as to why someone may seek out cosmetic teeth whitening in Guildford from one of our expert specialists. Over time, the natural enamel – which is the outermost layer – of a patient’s teeth can become stained, discoloured or yellowed. This is a natural stage in ageing, but can be the cause of a great deal of social anxiety for many. Additionally, certain lifestyle choices and dietary habits can result in superficial stains or marks on a patient’s teeth. Typically, any fluid with the potential to stain your clothes (red wine, tea, black coffee etc) has the potential to stain your teeth and – if consumed regularly – can result in your teeth becoming dulled or marked. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also some of the common causes of tooth discolouration or staining, and certain medications can also have a detrimental effect on the colour of your enamel. However, if the enamel on your teeth is yellowed, stained or marked, you needn’t fear. Thanks to the expertise of our specialists here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, those who opt for teeth whitening in Guildford can find their smiles rejuvenated and rid of any stains in a matter of weeks.

Brightening things up

The process of seeking out the aid of our teeth whitening specialists here at Farnham Road Dental Practice initially involves the patient taking part in a friendly, informal consultation. This helps us establish the extent of treatment that is necessary, as well as to gauge the overall dental well-being of the patient and establish their eligibility for cosmetic whitening. The consultation also allows us to take an impression of each patient’s unique dental structure. From this, a bespoke mould is created in-house, which the patient is then allowed to take home. Once home, the patient can apply a small amount of a specialist peroxide-based whitening agent, provided by us here at Farnham Road, within the retainer, before wearing it. As the patient continues to wear their retainer periodically – at a time of their choosing – over the next two weeks, they will gradually see their teeth get whiter and whiter, until they are shining healthily and the patient’s self-confidence is restored.

Heard the buzz about Six Month Smiles? Five benefits of using this adult brace at Farnham Road Dental

Do you want to feel proud of your smile? Did you say ‘no’ to braces as a child and now regret it?

You are not alone!

While there are benefits to undertaking orthodontic treatment earlier in life, if you missed that window, it is no longer the end of the road. Today, many adults and teenagers are choosing to undertake braces and aligners later in life and, unlike traditional orthodontic braces for children, there are so many options to choose from!

When you come to Farnham Road Dental, our dental team will discuss with you the benefits of each adult-targeted brace and help you decide which one is best suited to your individual needs. One of our more popular adult braces is the Six Month Smiles in Guildford, which, as the name suggests, can give you a straighter smile in just 24 weeks!

But what are the benefits of choosing Six Month Smiles in Guildford? Read on to find out!

Discretion

When thinking of a fitted brace, you would be forgiven for envisioning the traditional, metal braces that are commonly worn by children.

Although this brace is also fitted to the teeth, the brackets and other components are tooth coloured, making this brace visually discreet and easy to conceal if desired; perfect for adults and teenagers!

Treatment of multiple conditions

Another benefit of this brace is its power!

Like traditional braces, Six Month Smiles in Guildford can treat a variety of dental problems, ranging from overcrowding, or excessive spacing to over or underbites!

Although you will require a consultation with one of our orthodontists to determine suitability, of all the adult braces available, this brace is the most versatile as well as being fast working.

Comfortable

Another misconception in relation to braces is discomfort; we all remember that one child at school who was forever complaining about dental discomfort after having their braces tightened.

While it is true that there may be an adjustment period required for you to get used to wearing this brace, overall, wearers have deemed it extremely comfortable.

Unlike traditional braces that move the crown and the root of the tooth separately, this brace moves them both at the same time, reducing feelings of discomfort and pressure in the jaw.

Management

One reason our dental team at Farnham Road Dental Practice enjoys working with this brace is that it offers them a greater range of clinical management.

If you have protruding teeth or a couple of teeth that are misaligned, this brace allows our dentists to target the treatment of moving those specific teeth, while leaving the rest in place.

This makes the treatment easier for both you and our dental team, and also speeds it up!

Time!

Of course, the main reason this brace is so popular among adults and teenagers is its treatment time frame.

Compared to other adult braces like Invisalign, which offers an average treatment time of 9 months, this brace’s average is 6, meaning you can get that straighter smile in practically no time at all! Perfect!

Want straighter teeth as an adult? Five FAQs about Six Month Smiles at Farnham Road Dental

Are you an adult with misaligned teeth? Are you worried that the window to straighten them has passed?

While in years gone by this may have been the case, in dentistry today, there are many options available to help you. The world of adult orthodontic procedures is booming in popularity and, depending on your unique clinical presentation, there is almost certainly a brace that can help you!

At Farnham Road Dental, our team of dentists and orthodontists are proud to be able to offer all of our adult patients a range of different braces and aligners. Everything from the world-famous Invisalign aligner to Six Month Smiles in Guildford is available at our surgery, helping you to get that straighter smile you deserve.

Before you book a consultation with us, you will have questions about our braces. In this article, we have compiled the five most commonly asked questions about our Six Month Smiles in Guildford to give you more insight into this treatment.

How can this brace work in only six months?

When considering Six Month Smiles in Guildford, it is important to know how this brace works as a dental device.

Unlike traditional orthodontic braces that move the top of the tooth (crown) and the bottom of the tooth (root) separately, this targeted brace moves both at the same time. This enables a shorter treatment time and provides a much more comfortable experience.

Is it uncomfortable?

While you may require a slight adjustment period once this brace is fitted, throughout the treatment, there should be minimal to no discomfort.

Our team at Farnham Road Dental will need to see you on average every 2 weeks to make adjustments to the brace, but once again, this should not be uncomfortable.

I have an overbite – can it help me?

As over or underbites are exceedingly common in dentistry, we cannot say for certain if you are a suitable candidate without performing an examination.

One of our trained providers will assess your teeth for suitability at your initial consultation.

Isn’t it just the same as Invisalign?

In a word, no.

There are many differences between these braces and the Invisalign aligner, a primary one being that this brace is fitted to your teeth, whereas Invisalign is removable.

Similarly, while the Invisalign brace is targeted to correct only mild or moderate misalignments in the mouth, the Six Month Smiles braces can correct a wider array of dental issues; everything from severe spacing to a pronounced underbite! Although both orthodontic options offer an accelerated treatment, the average time each aligner is worn for differs; Invisalign treatment takes on average nine months, whereas, in relation to the Six Month Smiles braces, the average treatment time is in the name!

How much will it cost?

Once again, this is difficult to answer without actually examining your teeth. Generally, this treatment is less expensive than traditional orthodontic braces and our team at Farnham Road Dental may be able to offer you a treatment plan or an individual financing option.