Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

How dental implants work and how they could help you

The modern up-to-date nature of dental implants in Guildford is what draws many people toward the treatment. If you have been spending hours researching replacement tooth options then stop. Book a consultation at our practice, Farnham Road Dental Practice, and find out how you can get completely natural looking teeth that are long-lasting and function just as your original ones once did.

Once you have attended your consultation appointment and one of our practitioners has confirmed that you are suitable for the treatment your next appointments will be scheduled. The first part of the treatment consists of you having one or multiple titanium screws inserted into your jawbone, where they will fuse together over time. The screws are positioned where the roots of your original teeth used to be. This keeps your jawbone stimulated and prevents it from deteriorating after you have lost teeth, boosting your overall health as well as your appearance.

These screws act as a support for your new artificial teeth, and after your mouth has healed you will have another appointment during which your dental practitioner will attach the required appliance to these supports.

A simple treatment no matter how many teeth you are restoring

What appliance you require will depend on how many teeth you are missing and what positions they are in if you have some original teeth left too. Getting dental implants in Guildford is easy whether you are restoring one or all of your teeth. Your dentist will discuss which appliance is going to be most effective for you at your consultation appointment.

When you are replacing a single tooth, or multiple teeth in different places that still have original teeth on either side of them, a crown or multiple crowns will be fitted to your tooth implants.

A bridge or partial denture is used when you are missing multiple teeth, but which appliance is most suitable for you will depend on the positioning of your missing teeth. If you need to replace multiple teeth that are all next to each other then a partial denture will be used, but if you have original teeth in between your missing ones then a bridge will be more effective and offer your original tooth more support.

If you are replacing a whole mouthful of teeth then a full denture will be fitted. You will not need one screw per tooth if you are replacing all of your teeth. Some patients only need four screws to support their new teeth, whilst others can require up to twelve.

Do you wish to upgrade from your current appliance?

Many people that get dental implants in Guildford are upgrading from their removable dentures or other appliances, such as metallic coloured crowns. Removable dentures are efficient when it comes to replacing teeth, but people often find themselves worrying about their dentures coming loose or falling out in public, or getting food stuck in them if it is too chewy or sticky. Tooth implants will eradicate these worries, as your new teeth are unable to come loose due to their fixed nature and you can enjoy any food you would like to eat.

Another reason why some people favour this treatment over others is that it provides you with completely natural looking teeth that blend in with your original ones. The tooth-coloured restorative treatments like crowns are difficult for other people to spot, meaning when people upgrade from their metallic coloured crowns they often notice a boost in their confidence too.

Could you benefit from teeth whitening treatment?

If you want to find out more about how teeth whitening in Guildford could boost the brightness of your smile then it is easy to book an appointment to speak to one of our dental practitioners, either online, on our website or over the phone. At Farnham Road Dental Practice we know how important it is that you have a smile that you feel proud of, and even if you are only whitening your smile by a shade, we know that you will notice and love the difference that you can see.

Stained teeth can affect all sorts of people and they can be caused for a variety of different reasons. If you are worried about your teeth becoming stained then have a chat with one of our professionals to find out what you can do to help boost the brightness of your smile. These days it is possible to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, meaning that your treatment does not interfere with your daily routine either.

What is this treatment and how does it whiten your smile?

You are in charge of your treatment when it comes to getting teeth whitening in Guildford. After your initial consultation your dental practitioner will provide you with custom-made trays that you will need to wear at night. Normally you will need to wear these for around two to three weeks in total. The trays are custom-made to fit over the top of your teeth, so should be comfortable to wear and easy to take in and out.

Your dental practitioner will show you how to put the right amount of gel into the whitening trays, as this is what transfers the whiteness onto the surfaces of your teeth. All of our patients are guaranteed at least a B1 shade for their teeth by the time their treatment has ended. Keeping on top of your teeth’s brightness is simple too. Most people can maintain the whiteness of their teeth by wearing their whitening trays a couple of times every three to four months. If you are unsure about how often you should be using your trays this is something that your dental practitioner can advise you on.

What causes teeth to become stained?

Teeth can become stained, yellow or brown in their appearance for several different reasons. When you have your teeth whitening in Guildford your dental professional will be able to fully assess the condition of your teeth and inform you of what is most likely to be causing your stains.

If you have had a bad brushing routine for a long time then chances are that your teeth are more likely to become discoloured over time. Having a good teeth cleaning regime is important, and it is equally as important to be using mouthwash and flossing too.

Some lifestyle habits can cause your teeth to become stained early on in life. These include things such as drinking a lot of tea and coffee, as well as consuming certain foods regularly. Drinking alcohol frequently can also increase your chances of having stained teeth, as can smoking.

Achieve straighter teeth with Six Month Smiles

Many adults live with crooked teeth, despite feeling self-conscious about their smiles, because they are put off by the idea of wearing metal braces.

straighter-teeth-with-six-month-smile Traditional braces, while useful in straightening teeth, are not for everyone. While this orthodontic device has received upgrades and vastly differs from earlier prototypes, with metal firmly affixed to your teeth, it is not as subtle as other teeth-straightening methods.

If you value discreetness and a shorter treatment time, then Six Months Smiles in Guildford is a highly-sought-after treatment, which might be a suitable solution for your dental issue!

Book a consultation at our clinic, Farnham Road Dental Practice, if you want to flaunt straighter teeth in the near future.

What irregularities can Six Month Smiles in Guildford treat?

Our Six Month Smiles treatment programme can correct mild to moderate misalignments, including crooked and crowded teeth and gaps, as well as some misaligned bites. Because the treatment is shorter, the primary focus of the braces are the front teeth that are visible when you smile.

Can I expect to see a full mouth transformation in this time?

We can guarantee our patients straighter teeth, but if you want a full set of entirely straight teeth, you should consider alternative methods that require a longer duration for treatment.

What are the benefits of choosing Six Month Smiles in Guildford?

We use tooth-coloured wires, which makes the device more discreet than metal braces. Because the cables blend with your teeth, some might describe the straightening aid as practically invisible to the naked eye.

Apart from their appearance, people often complain that conventional orthodontic devices are unaffordable. If you cannot afford the higher prices of metal braces, our Six Month Smiles package might be better suited for your budget because a reduced treatment time spells for a reduction in costs.

Is everyone a candidate for the Six Month Smiles solution?

Affordable treatment, reduced treatment time, maximum discreetness and a straighter smile are factors you can expect from this specific treatment.

That said, the device primarily focuses upon aesthetic concerns regarding your front teeth and does not address more complicated irregularities like a severe overbite – do not expect significant changes made to your bite.

We will explain all of this to you before you undergo treatment because we want you to be aware of the device’s limitations from the get-go.

Is treatment precisely six months?

On average, treatment time for most of our patients is six months. However, because all dental issues are unique, a month or two might be added, in order to optimise the results.

Are there alternatives to Six Month Smiles?

Our Six Month Smiles might not be suitable for your specific irregularity, but don’t worry – we offer a range of straightening aids that can fix your issue!

Invisalign, also referred to as invisible braces, is another popular method to straighten teeth, which uses clear, custom-fabricated aligner trays. Like Six Month Smiles, the device is subtle by design. Another added benefit is that the trays can be removed at a moment’s notice to eat, brush your teeth and play sports. A complaint about braces we hear often is that the contraption makes teeth-cleaning tricky, and one’s dental hygiene is often compromised – by removing the tray as needed, you can eliminate this issue.

Are you ashamed of your crooked teeth? Start your journey to straighter pearly whites with us.

Start your Six Month Smiles journey with us!

We want to let you in on a little secret: it is possible to flaunt straighter teeth without having to wear conventional braces for years, thanks to Six Month Smiles in Guildford. With our collective experience, a wealth of knowledge and expertise, our dental team at Farnham Road Dental Practice can promise you a desirable smile in just six months.

What makes Six Month Smiles in Guildford possible?

Over the six months of treatment, we affix tooth-coloured wires that apply light pressure to your front teeth. During this time, only the aforementioned teeth, typically the pearly whites that are visible when you smile, are re-positioned.

If you are getting married or attending a black tie-event soon and do not want to feel self-conscious about smiling broadly, our Six Month Smiles in Guildford might be the best form of treatment for you.

What results can I expect to see?

A straighter smile where mild irregularities of your visible teeth are corrected – this may include crooked or crowded teeth, gaps and some misaligned bites.

It is essential to manage your expectations – not all of your teeth will be perfect, but you will see a significant improvement to your smile, appearance and confidence.

If you want to see changes made to your front teeth, and do not mind the current position of your back molars because they are out of sight, then you will be satisfied by the results we deliver with our Six Month Smiles solution.

Are the results permanent?

Six Month Smile’s results can be permanent, but there is a possibility that your teeth might shift over time. Prevent a relapse from occurring by wearing a retainer post-treatment.

I want to avoid having a metallic smile during treatment: is this possible with Six Month Smiles?

Apart from the reduced treatment time, another benefit of Six Month Smiles is its absolute discreetness. Are you put off wearing metal braces because of the way you might end up looking? The wires we use for this treatment are tooth-coloured, which will blend in with your mouth, achieving a subtle, desirable effect.

Are these kinds of braces cheaper than conventional straightening methods?

Yes, because the treatment time is shorter, the cost of Six Month Smiles is greatly reduced.

If you cannot afford traditional braces, our Six Month Smiles treatment might be more aligned with your budget.

Will I experience pain?

Like regular braces, it will take time getting used to the sensation of having foreign materials affixed to your teeth. Expect to feel some discomfort initially, as your teeth adjust to the device and the wires apply pressure to your teeth.

However, unlike standard straightening aids, the pressure placed on your teeth is light because we are only re-aligning a few of your teeth and not the whole set, so you will get used to this brace more quickly.

How often will I have to see my orthodontist?

Less often than you would with regular braces – because only a light pressure is used, the straightening aid does not need to be adjusted and loosened as frequently.

Achieve perfect pearly whites without undergoing years of treatment and spending exorbitantly on traditional braces!

Having a mouth cancer screening because of smoking

Smoking is quite clearly detrimental to your health, and is one of the biggest causes of lung cancer, as well as many other conditions. However, many people are unaware that smoking causes mouth cancer too, which can be just as deadly. If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford,then it is important that you take note of Farnham Road Dental Practice, as we will be able to supply you with a high-quality and reassuring screening.

Mouth Cancer

Studies have shown that smoking is responsible for over 60% of all cases of mouth cancer, which means that there is a direct link. This means that by cutting your smoking habits, you are hugely cutting the risk of contracting mouth cancer. Smoking can also stain your teeth, and give you bad breath, so cutting smoking entirely is a benefit to your cosmetic and your general oral health.

Alcohol and Smoking

Combining alcohol with regular smoking can further increase your risk of mouth cancer, and can mean that you are significantly less healthy overall. The risk is also combined from both, so it is crucial not to do both if you want to reduce your risk. If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford, it may also be a time to consider your drinking and smoking habits, as you may be closer to developing mouth cancer than you think.

Diet

Diet can be a big factor in the development of mouth cancer. A diet that is extremely low in vitamins, or nutrition, can result in an increased risk of cancer, which if you are also smoking and drinking heavily, can put you at great risk. A poor diet can also be detrimental to your teeth and can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Other diseases

Obviously, a previous case of cancer can pose a risk of mouth cancer occurring, such as oesophageal cancer, or cervical cancer. This can mean that you might be cleared for one type of cancer, for mouth cancer to reappear. If you are nervous or worried about your mouth cancer screening in Guildford, then we understand how you feel, and want to be as accommodating as possible, and make sure that you are well cared for, and feel as relaxed as possible.

It is recommended that you write down any anxieties or questions that you may have on a piece of paper, as this will help you visualise your worries and make sure that you ask us everything that you are intending to ask, and make sure that you are fully informed.

Farnham Road Dental Practice

Farnham Road Dental practice is committed to giving you the clearest and most well-informed mouth cancer screening possible. It is important that you consider all your options, and make sure that you have all the comforts that you deserve. If you are considering coming for a screening, or even are just concerned about the risks of mouth cancer, then please speak to us, and we will be able to help.

Mouth cancer screening

Mouth cancer can be particularly unpleasant and can be caused by a multitude of different things, but the main one being smoking. Smoking is a key component in the development of mouth cancer, which can be extremely detrimental to your health, and ultimately be fatal, if it spreads to other areas.

If you are looking for a mouth cancer screening in Guildford, then this is something that we, at Farnham Road Dental Practice, will be able to offer you. The mouth cancer screening process will consist of several steps and components which will enable us to determine exactly whether you have mouth cancer, and if so, how developed it is. We want to ensure that you are as relaxed and as comfortable as possible, and that you are reassured of the process, yet informed of the reality of cancer.

Visual Exam

The visual exam part of the screening is to simply take a look inside your mouth, at any particular areas that you may have identified. Your dentist will look inside your mouth and may even look in your nose for any signs of abnormalities. Any kind of unusual bumps or swellings around the nose and mouth may be a sign that you have mouth cancer, or if not, then a medical issue that will need to be treated.

The throat is also a common place for problems to occur, so your dentist will look in and around your throat for any issues, including your tonsils, which may be subject to tonsillitis. During our mouth cancer screening in Guildford, we may discover other issues that are not cancer related, but still may be an issue that is worth addressing for your overall health.

Physical Exam

This part of the screening is to determine whether the mouth is functioning correctly, and whether there are any sore or sensitive parts to your mouth, which may be signs of mouth cancer. We will touch or feel certain areas of the mouth to feel for any abnormalities, as many growths or cysts can be invisible, yet felt under the skin. They may even be in areas where you didn’t notice their presence. One common procedure is for the patient to swallow while we examine the throat, as often an abnormality can prevent itself when you are swallowing. We will often ask if a certain touch, or amount of pressure is painful, which can also reveal suspect areas.

Further testing

We may use a specific method to remove the cells from the mouth for testing, which is what will most likely happen if we discover an area which is suspected to be cancerous. We may also use dyes and cameras in your mouth cancer screening in Guildford, which can further help to investigate areas of the mouth and nose which could be harmful. It is important to remember that this is always a precautionary method, and is not conclusive, so you may need to have repeat screenings if you want to distinctly determine whether you are harbouring any cancer.

What are dental implants in Guildford?

Have you lost a tooth and are not sure what to do about it? Perhaps you are having problems with existing crowns, bridges or dentures? If this sounds like you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here, at Farnham Road Dental Practice, where we can offer you a modern solution for your missing teeth.

Dental Implants in Guildford Whether it is for a single tooth or multiple teeth or indeed all your teeth, we have the answer! Our dentists provide quality care in replacing missing teeth in a safe and supportive practice, putting the needs of our patients at the heart of what we do.

Dental implants in Guildford are a modern solution to replacing missing teeth. We simply place small metal screws, made of titanium, into your jaw in the place of the missing tooth. Once established, the bone gradually bonds with the implants, creating a stable and secure base for artificial teeth. We can then fix crowns, bridges and dentures onto the implants in order to create a natural looking smile. This is now considered the most popular choice for replacing teeth and here at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we can replace either one single tooth or multiple teeth.

Are implants the right choice for me?

We are able to provide implants for most of our patients experiencing missing teeth, with the exception of children whose jaw and facial bones are still growing and developing. There are so many benefits compared to traditional options for missing teeth, that choosing implants really could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

So what are the benefits of having implants?

There are many benefits to choosing dental implants in Guildford. Our implants will give you the feeling and appearance of real teeth and provide support for your face so that your natural facial shape and smile are maintained, often taking years off your appearance!

If good hygiene is maintained our implants can last you a lifetime so that you never have to worry about missing teeth again. They provide a stable structure for replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges or dentures so that you can smile, bite and chew with confidence. No more having to worry about sticking to soft foods in case a tooth falls out!

Often when you lose your natural teeth you also start to lose your jawbone density and remaining tissues. Our implants help stimulate the jawbone to grow, as it bonds to the metal screws, creating new tiny blood vessels and creating a mouth that is healthy and strong. They also stabilise and improve existing loose dentures or can even fully replace them.

In addition, you will not need to remove your new teeth from your mouth like traditional false teeth. You will carry your new smile with you 24/7, just like the real thing!

So if this sounds like the ideal solution for you, get in touch with us here at Farnham Road Dental Practice so we can talk you through your options to regain a natural, fully functioning smile that is all your own, giving you the confidence to carry on your life with a full set of teeth!

What are orthodontics in Guildford?

Here, at Farnham Road Dentist Practice, we strive to support you in having teeth to be proud of. We understand that teeth don’t always grow straight by themselves and many people need some dental intervention in order to achieve their best smile. Orthodontics refers to the straightening of teeth, often using braces.

Orthodontics in Guildford Are your teeth making your mouth uncomfortable and perhaps not able to function properly? Perhaps you hide your smile due to lack of confidence because of the appearance of your teeth? We can help! Our orthodontists are highly experienced in recommending the best treatment for crooked, protruding or crowded teeth.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits to having orthodontics in Guildford in order to perfect that smile. We can use braces to straighten crooked teeth or correct dental crowding. If your front and back teeth are not aligned correctly, we can correct this so that you have an even bite. Having straight teeth means that there is less chance of damage to prominent teeth and of strains on jaw muscles and of course, your appearance and confidence can be dramatically improved by having an attractive smile! In addition, straight teeth are also easier to keep clean, reducing the likelihood of tooth decay and gingivitis.

What kinds of braces are there to choose from?

Here, at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we offer a variety of different types of braces that can blend in to the colour of your teeth or hide behind your teeth and we even offer clear braces that are hardly noticeable at all. All our braces are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible to keep you feeling positive about your smile, while the braces work their straightening magic! We even give you a fixed or removable option so that you can choose the option that is most comfortable for you and that suits your lifestyle.

Who can have orthodontics in Guildford?

Orthodontic treatment is suitable for both children and adults. We can start treatment for children once most of the adult teeth have come through, usually around 12 years old. However, we can just as effectively fit braces on teenagers and adults with great results. If you feel it is the right time for you or your child to consider having braces fitted don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly staff here at Farnham Road Dental Practice.

What else do I need to know?

It is important to have a good standard of oral hygiene before you commence orthodontic treatment as there is an increased risk of tooth decay if your mouth is not cared for properly.

Treatment can sometimes involve wearing headgear at night or having jaw pins put in as a temporary measure in addition to wearing your brace. It is sometimes necessary to remove some teeth as well.

Treatment usually takes between 18 – 24 months but this can vary considerably between patients, depending on how much treatment is needed. Some cases may only take as little as 6 months!

In order to get referred for orthodontics in Guildford, please speak to us here at Farnham Road Dental Practice and we will be happy to discuss the best options for you.

Top tips for dental emergencies and dental pain

Dental pain can be excruciating and if you need to see a dentist urgently, you may be left bewildered by how this can be arranged. Unlike other medical emergencies that allow a patent to call an ambulance or present themselves at the nearest Accident and Emergency department , there is not just one clear way of obtaining the treatment needed for a dental emergency. However, there are steps that can be taken that allow patients to access appointments for emergencies and dental pain at Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guildford.

Prevention is better than cure

This may seem like obvious advice, but a visit to an emergency dentist can be avoided if patients attend dental check-ups regularly and take care of their oral health. Even if a patient does not attend regular check-ups but has noticed something wrong with their teeth, gums or jaw, they should not leave it until it is painful to make an appointment with the dentist.

What to do when a tooth has been knocked out

If you have been involved in an accident that resulted in one or more of your teeth being knocked out, you may be able to have the tooth or teeth reinserted into the gum. It is vital that you do not handle the root of any teeth that have been knocked out, and if possible you should place the teeth in milk. In some cases, patients can reinsert the tooth themselves and bite down on a paper towel for several minutes. Even if you have successfully reinserted the tooth, you should make an appointment to see us as soon as possible. Our dental professionals will administer any necessary pain relief and will treat the gum and teeth appropriately.

Dental pain or accidents can occur at any time of the day or night, which is why we provide an out of hours service for patients in need of emergency dental care. By registering with us you can be assured that if any accident happens, you can call our practice and be given an emergency appointment. Our patients can receive same day treatment for all emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, including chipped teeth, toothache, a swollen face, abscesses, and fillings. It is important that you give our team a call as soon as you are aware of any problems so that we can apply the appropriate treatment as soon as possible and to avoid any future difficulties.

Getting the right help in an emergency

If you have been involved in an accident or an incident that has left you with injuries to your face or teeth and you begin to feel faint or are sick, then you should call for an ambulance as soon as possible, or make your way to your nearest Accident and Emergency department. After you have attended A&E you may then be advised to seek emergency dental help.

How do I get treatment for dental emergencies and dental pain in Guildford?

If you are currently suffering from pain in your gums, jaw or face, or want to know what to do if you experience this in the future, we have advice that could save you a lot of time and get you the treatment you need.

Our experienced team at Farnham Road Dental Practice know how frustrating it can be to want an emergency appointment but not know who to call. We provide same day emergency appointments for all manner of dental emergencies and dental pain in Guildford. When you come to our clinic for treatment we will quickly assess your symptoms and give any necessary pain relief or other treatment to make you comfortable. One of our dentists will then perform any treatment necessary and advise you if any further treatment will be required. It is not necessary to be a regular patient to use our services for emergencies and dental pain and you can contact one of our out of hours dentists by calling the practice and obtaining the emergency dentist’s number. Although you do not have to be a regular patient, if you are, we can access your records quickly and our dentists will be familiar with you and your dental health history. It is therefore helpful to register with us in case you have any emergency requirements in the future.

What is classed as an emergency?

If you are suffering from severe toothache that is not eased with regular pain-relief medication or you have a swollen face or abscess on your tooth, you may require emergency dental treatment. Patients that have been involved in an accident or incident that has chipped a tooth or knocked one or more teeth out can also seek emergency dental attention. You may think that a broken tooth or missing filling will not be viewed as an emergency, but not seeking treatment for chipped teeth or fillings that have fallen or been knocked out can pose potential health hazards in the near future. There are many types of treatments available at our clinic for emergencies and dental pain in Guildford and if you believe you need an emergency appointment you should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

A same day service in Guildford

Farnham Road Dental Practice is pleased to be able to offer patients same day appointments for their dental emergencies. By providing such a swift service we can prevent any further damage being done and can tend to patient’s pain relief needs as soon as possible. To find out more or to book a same day emergency appointment call our clinic now to speak with one of our team or to acquire the number of the emergency dentist.

Other medical emergencies

If you are experiencing dizziness, excessive bleeding, or nausea as a result of an injury to your face or teeth you should consult your GP or go to your nearest A&E department as soon as possible.