Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

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.

Lost some of your natural teeth? Dental implant treatments in Guildford

If you have lost some of your natural teeth through accident, illness or even extraction, you will no doubt be aware of how it can impact your confidence when smiling.

Dental Implants in Guildford A dental issue that is common, extensive tooth loss can not only affect your confidence, but can also impact your ability to eat a wide variety of foods and can even affect the strength of your bite.

Dentures used to offer a practical solution to this problem, but often created issues too, such as extensive rubbing on the jaw line and worry about them moving or falling out unexpectedly.

Luckily, modern dentistry has found the perfect solution to all of these issues in the form of dental implants in Guildford.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants in Guilford are small, titanium screws that are placed into the jawbone, allowing single teeth, bridges and dentures to be fixed on to them, providing an immovable alternative to dentures.

Implant dentistry is a safe way to not only improve your smile, but provide a great way to increase the strength of your bite, allowing you to eat whatever foods you want to without issue, restoring the functionality of your teeth.

Other benefits of dental implants

If you have gaps in your teeth, dental implants are an effective way to fill these gaps and improve your confidence instantly.

At Farnham Road Dental Practice, our team of experienced dentists are told by our patients who have had implants fitted, of the many other benefits they have noticed.

Speech

An often-overlooked concern regarding missing or misaligned teeth is that of speech. When a person has dentures fitted, they must adapt, learning how to speak again, as dentures can be bulky and uncomfortable. Not only this but many people with dentures report having to tighten their facial muscles as they are worried about their dentures becoming loose, this will also have an impact on speech patterns.

As dental implants are attached to the jaw line, they are not bulky and therefore do not cause any disruption to speech patterns. As they cannot come loose, people with implants can relax their facial muscles and talk freely without issue.

Eating

Although there is a wide range of denture adhesives on the market, denture wearers often report feeling unconfident eating certain foods, like corn on the cob. As consumption of this type of food requires excessive and specific jaw and teeth movements, it is understandable why those wearing dentures are concerned about performing it.

With dental implants, you can perform as many specific movements of your jaw as you want to, your implants will not come loose, providing greater security when eating different types of foods.

Lifestyle

Implants require care but no more than regular teeth.

If your brush and floss twice a day and attend dental check-ups every six months, there should be no problems or additional purchases required to keep them healthy and strong.

Interested in dental implants in Guildford? Call us today!

Do your dentures wobble? Denture stabilisation in Guildford

Dentures are great. Whether a full mouth or a partial bridge, dentures disguise the appearance of missing teeth and offer a simple solution to help people chew their food with ease.

Denture Stabilisation in Guildford However, despite the most advanced denture adhesive gels and dental advancements to ensure a better fit to the gum line, wearers of dentures often experience their dentures moving.

This creates multiple oral problems. Obviously, if your dentures are moving, you are going to avoid opening your mouth wide for fear of them falling out. This causes many individuals with dentures to deliberately tighten their facial muscles, to attempt to prevent movement – this can cause an unusual speech pattern and can be uncomfortable.

Luckily, the dental industry has found the ideal solution in denture stabilisation.

What is denture stabilisation?

Advances in dentistry have meant that the technology used for single dental implants has been expanded and adapted.

Denture stabilisation uses the same underlying principle as dental implants. Using implants secured to your jaw, your dentures will be attached to them creating an immovable set of teeth. It really is that simple.

There are several techniques used with denture stabilisation and at Farnham Road Dental Practice, we will happily discuss which option we feel is right for you.

Implant retained dentures– your dentures are attached to your jaw with a set of small screws. This is the most commonly used method and cannot be removed.

Bar supported dentures- your dentist will fit 3-4 implants and a customised bar. A series of clips are attached to hold the denture in place. This method is removable for cleaning purposes and for sleep at night.

Advantages of implant overdentures

An obvious advantage to this procedure is the new security of your denture’s position in your jaw. But there are many other advantages that you may not have thought of too!

Speech

Going back to those facial muscles, if you have loose dentures that move, chances are at some point, you have tried to hold them in place by tensing the muscles around your mouth.

Even if you have never done this, loose dentures can cause unusual speech patterns. As dentures that do not fit are often bulkier, they can alter the movement of your tongue and jaw too.

With denture stabilisation, the secure attachment to the jaw removes all these issues immediately, leaving you free to speak the way you used to.

Improved bite

Remember that dreaded moment when you were out and about with family or friends, and felt forced to order soup due to all the other food items being hard or chewy?

When you have implant overdentures, that will never happen again. The added security you will experience with your new secure dentures will increase the strength and accuracy of your bite, meaning you can eat and drink whatever you want.

Think denture stabilisation is for you? Contact our Farnham Road Dental Practice for denture stabilisation in Guildford to arrange a consultation today!

It is time to renew your chew?

It’s great to know that you have a new set of dentures which will allow you to smile again…. But how well are you chewing your food? If you had your dentures fitted a while ago, they may have started to move around your mouth a little, and this could mean you are not eating everything you want to.

If this is the case it could be time for denture stabilisation in Guildford and we have all the information you need on how to proceed here at Farnham Road Dental Practice!

Oh no, this sounds complicated?

There really is no need to panic! This is very common as over time when wearing dentures, you can lose the support of the bones underneath. Soft tissue will also start to recede and this is why many people are in a constant state of discomfort when trying to accomplish everyday functions such as eating or even laughing and smiling. This is why you need extra support for your dentures and the modern solution of denture stabilisation in Guildford really comes into its own.

But how is denture stabilisation achieved?

This process is extremely simple, quick and safe and also the perfect alternative for those who do not want to undertake the procedure of having individual implants. Our dental professionals will discuss the whole process fully with you beforehand, so you know exactly what will take place.

Implants will be surgically placed in your jaw and over a period time will naturally start to join with the bone and tissue. Once full integration has taken place the dentures will be fixed securely to the implants, however, this means that the dentures will not be able to be taken out for cleaning purposes, as previously.

So how should I clean my dentures when they are fixed?

It is most important to ensure that any food has been cleaned away, using a soft toothbrush is preferable, as harder bristles can scratch the denture material.

What will the result of this procedure be?

Your dentures will have much more support and be fixed securely so that you can eat what you want and smile when you want! It will stop your jaws receding and therefore keep the natural shape of your face. It will assist you in regaining your confidence in social situations.

Welcome back normal life

It will be a relief for you to know that with this simple procedure your teeth will no longer be moving around your mouth, making everyday tasks so hard. Once you have spoken to one of our team and started on the road to a more stable set of teeth you really won’t look back.

At Farnham Road Dental Practice we have all the knowledge and experience needed to make your treatment as comfortable as possible, ensuring that you can enjoy all the benefits of your denture stabilisation in Guildford. So say goodbye to teeth in a glass every night and hello to apples, pears, chatting, smiling and laughing!

Do you need dental implants in Guildford to brighten up your smile?

If you dread any social interaction because you are embarrassed about your teeth and hide your mouth with your hand when talking or smiling, then a trip to see us at Farnham Road Dental Practice could just be the thing for you!

One of our many different solutions for a whole array of dental problems is that of dental implants in Guildford. As we get older it can become harder and harder to grow old gracefully with a beautiful smile if you have teeth missing from decay or from a sporting accident. But just how do implants work and are they the best option for your needs?

How dental implants work

If you have knocked out a tooth by accident or even have one missing due to gum disease, your dental practitioner may suggest dental implants in Guildford as a solution for you. Modern day implants look like natural teeth and can last, if looked after well, for a very, very long time.

Vintage is the groovy trend at the moment, but not when it comes to a nice set of pearlies! But don’t panic, super modern implants are in fashion now! And the procedure couldn’t be any simpler. A small, strong post, generally made from titanium, is placed into the jaw bone and then the artificial tooth is connected to it. Even if you have a number of teeth missing, it is possible to attach more than one tooth onto the implant, so that you get your normal functioning teeth and happy smile back. You will also need to be prepared to make regular trips back to your dentist before the actual implant is finally secured in your mouth, as our technicians will need a little time to craft the parts that are needed.

Oral health is the name of the game!

Everyone should have a good home oral health care regime and this is no different after you have had implants. Artificial teeth actually promote healthy bone growth and caring for them couldn’t be simpler. It’s easy, just make sure that you floss to prevent bacteria and plaque building up and brush your teeth twice a day.

Goodbye gaps and hello new pearly whites!

Once you have come and discussed your needs with us and we have laid all your options out on the table, you will be at the beginning of your new dental journey. We will ensure that we are with you every step of the way, this support will ultimately help you to reach your goal, allowing you to regain your confidence and boost your self-esteem.

With a regime of good home oral health care, combined with regular check-ups on your artificial teeth from your dentist, a brand new smile should last for many years to come.

So get with the trend of modern, magnificent dentistry and enjoy your life again, laughing and chatting…and all without your hand in front of your mouth!

Reinventing the visit to the dentist

Are you one of those people who have had a lifetime of having to steel yourself every time you go to the dentist? Of shaking, sweating with anxiety when you get there, maybe not even being able to go over the threshold of the clinic?

Nervous Patients in Guildford Being scared of the dentist may be entirely irrational, but no amount of logic can help solve a phobia. And about 13% of the world’s population suffers from dental phobia. This is the extreme end of being scared to visit the dentist.

What’s so scary about the dentist?

There are so many aspects of dentistry that can frighten people. Some people are scared of needles. Others have developed a phobia about the drill. Some have had their fears passed onto them from watching parents who were also scared of the dentist. For others, their fears stem from an unfortunate experience in their childhood, back when dentistry was more brutal than today. Now dentists are routinely trained to calm and soothe nervous patients.

The knock-on effects of being a nervous patient

If you keep trying and failing to get to the dentist because of your fears, it could be years since you had a check-up, let alone any treatment. It’s not uncommon for nervous patients to have waited until things have gotten very bad inside their mouths before the pain finally drives them into the dentist for emergency treatment.

The trouble with putting off check-ups and treatments is that any treatments are always going to be driven by an emergency. That means more pain, more anaesthetic, and more time in the chair.

It’s far better to find a way to reduce the anxiety. One way is to tell us about your fears and then we can work together to help to reduce them. Of course, sedation is available. We also suggest coming in to view the practice and having a chat with us before you even think about booking an appointment for a check-up or treatment. We can talk about what makes you anxious and find ways to enable you to relax. Just getting to know us will take some of your anxiety away.

Nervous? You’re not the only one

Being scared of the dentist used to be thought of as something a bit silly. Few people liked to own up to it, especially if they were big, strong, capable people who weren’t scared of anything else. Nowadays, however, fear of the dentist has been recognised as being very common. Even extreme fear of the dentist, that which is so bad as to be termed a phobia, is not unusual. Around 13% of the world’s population are classified as suffering from dental phobia.

Nervous Patients in Guildford It’s nice to know you are not alone, but even nicer if you know that your dentist knows all about dental phobia and has trained in ways to make it easier to bear.

What does dental phobia feel like?

Dental phobia is more than just being a bit nervous. You may experience panic attacks, shakiness and sweating, just at the thought of going to the dentist. This level of fear often leads patients to cancel appointments, if they manage to make them in the first place.

The vicious cycle of dental phobia

Suffering from dental phobia can lead to a vicious cycle of avoiding check-ups, ignoring mild symptoms of decay and gum disease, cancelling or just not showing up for more appointments, and then finally only coming along when the pain in the mouth is stronger than the discomfort of extreme anxiety.

By this stage, treatments are more likely to be invasive and lengthy, involving local anaesthetics, which for those of us who are scared of needles is a particular nightmare. Long, involved treatments only serve to reinforce the fear, no matter how gentle and caring the dental staff have been.

Are you a sufferer of dental phobia?

If you think you might be dental phobic, it’s important that you tell the staff at Farnham Road Dental Practice when you first come and register with us. Or, if you have been too scared in the past to tell us, then tell us now. We won’t laugh at you or scold you. We just want to make sure that we offer you all the knowledge and experience we have in dealing with nervous patients, so that we can make your next experience a positive one.