Dental Blog - Farnham Road Dental Practice

It’s a knock out!

What is the definition of an emergency? Emergencies require swift and urgent action and taking that action shoots to the top of the priority list. Some dental emergencies creep up on us — we’ve been living with a mildly uncomfortable tooth for a few days, but it’s woken us up in the middle of the night as a raging toothache that is making our whole head hurt, including our ears and that bit down the side of the throat.

In other emergencies, dental pain in Guildford may not be at the top of the list of issues. Instead it might be that tooth that until a few seconds ago was in your mouth and is now lying over there next to your BMX/skateboard/tennis racquet. There are so many ways we can get our teeth knocked out, and sometimes the shock of it means we don’t feel any pain for a bit.

Emergency Dental Care in Guildford This is the time to act. If you can, whip out a piece of clean material, such as a tissue and pick up the tooth by the crown, being careful to avoid the root. If you are at home, you can wash it carefully; the best way is to lick it, but rinsing it in water is also good. Then try to put it back into its socket. If that won’t work, you can just tuck it inside your cheek or store it in milk. Try not to let it dry out. If it’s your young child’s tooth that has been knocked out, don’t try to put it back, store it in milk and bring your child and their tooth to us.

Get to us at Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guildford as soon as possible. If you can see a dentist within an hour of your tooth ending up in front of your feet, you stand a good chance of it settling back into its socket permanently.

Broken teeth

If you can find the broken off bit, store that in milk and bring it over as we might be able to glue it back on.

Mouth guards

If you, or your nearest and dearest, regularly does a sport that could knock teeth out, you should get a mouth guard.

If it hurts, get it seen to

When your adult teeth come through, you really need to take care of them. We are not sharks, able to replace teeth throughout our lifetimes. We only get one set of adult teeth, and when they’re gone, they are gone. Yes, they can be replaced with dental implants, but far better to always be aware of and value the ones we’ve got.

That means if one of your teeth gets damaged, you should get to the emergency dentist as soon as possible. Yes, even if the damage is just a small chip. Chips may have broken through the protective enamel of your tooth to vulnerable dentin below and decay can set in soon after.

Emergency Dentist in Guildford People often associate emergencies and dental pain in Guildford, but a small chip may not hurt at all. You may just find a tiny bit of tooth in your mouth after biting down on something hard, like a bit of grit in your rice, or an olive stone.

Get in touch

Farnham Road Dental Practice, your Guilford dentist, is part of the local out of hours emergency service, which operates from 6–10pm during the week and 8am–10pm at weekends. By calling this service, you can access the on-call dentist to be seen as soon as possible. Store our number in your phone so that you can get hold of us when there is an emergency.

Of course, it’s not just little chips that need to be dealt with by the emergency dentist. We also deal with anything that is causing you pain. If you are experiencing dental pain, it can be excruciating, taking over your entire head and leaving you unable to be aware of anything else.

Pain is a sign that you should not ignore. It is a signal that something serious is wrong in your mouth and you need help before things get any worse. It may be something like an abscess, which is a build-up of pus, often below a tooth in the gum, or even in the bone. It is caused by infection, and needs to be drained as soon as possible. Leaving it can result in the loss of the tooth.

Prevent bone loss with dental implants in Guilford

People who have lost one, several or most of their teeth are likely to experience quite a few problems in the long run. Eating and speaking are affected with tooth loss and missing teeth can also have a negative impact on your oral health. Besides the obvious cosmetic effects, the loss of a tooth can lead to jawbone loss and eventually, further tooth loss.

Having said that, dental implants are the most effective method for preventing bone loss in the jaw. Unlike other tooth replacement options that merely sit on the gums, dental implants fuse with the jawbone and become a permanent part of the mouth. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we use dental implants in Guilford to support a variety of replacement teeth including single crowns, dentures and bridges.

Understanding how dental implants work

Dental implants are small titanium artificial tooth roots that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace natural missing tooth roots. Since they are made of titanium, a metal which is compatible with human body tissue, dental implants have the ability to attach permanently to the jawbone, creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth, which then look, feel and function just like natural teeth.

How does bone loss work?

When teeth are missing or damaged beyond repair, many people opt for dentures and bridges since they are cheaper than dental implants. However, dentures and bridges do not replace missing tooth roots and this can lead to many problems down the line.

As soon as a tooth is removed, the jawbone stops being stimulated. The jawbone requires stimulation to maintain bone tissue and without it will start to recede. After some time, the receding bone can start to affect the surrounding teeth, making them loose and unstable. Combined with bone loss, this can lead to further tooth loss and a real change in the appearance of the face.

Unfortunately, dentures and bridges cannot prevent this from happening. However, dental implants ensure that the jaw receives constant simulation in the form of biting and chewing. For this reason, dental Implants are, by far, the most effective treatment for preventing bone loss and stimulating bone growth within the jaw.

Health benefits of dental implants in Guilford

Tooth loss is not a pleasant experience, but most people experience it at some point in their lives. Whether the result of gum disease, an accident or old age, missing teeth can compromise your oral health and wellbeing.

Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants can protect your oral and general health. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants provide you with stability, restoring your ability to speak, bite and chew. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, dental implants in Guilford are our treatment of choice for patients who have lost one, several or all of their missing teeth. Besides their obvious aesthetic benefits, dental implants have many health benefits as well.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are replacement teeh that look, feel and function like natural teeth. These small titanium posts are surgically inserted into the jawbone after a tooth has been lost, to replace the missing tooth root. Because titanium is compatible with the human body, dental implants actually fuse with the jawbone creating a stable foundation for replacement teeth such as crowns, bridges and dentures.

Health benefits of dental implants

When you have missing teeth, the jaw that would normally support those teeth, will begin to deteriorate gradually. As a result, your jawbone can become soft or uneven, leading to bone loss. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants prevent bone loss and also stimulate bone growth, keeping the jawbone healthy.

At the same time, dental implants act as placeholders, keeping your teeth aligned instead of letting them shift over the gaps created by the missing teeth. Dental implants also restore balance to your bite, promoting better eating and speaking.

Finally, dental implants can greatly improve your confidence and self-esteem in various social settings. Implant-supported replacement teeth are like natural teeth and if you take good care of them, they have the potential to last a lifetime.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Generally, dental implants are ideal for all patients who have lost one, several or all of their teeth due to injury, disease or decay. However, health and not age is a determining factor for dental implants. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to have dental implants.

Denture stabilisation with dental implants in Guilford

Patients who have been wearing dentures for many years, find that they tend to slip easily and cause discomfort and frustration throughout the day. Dental implants, on the other hand, offer permanent tooth replacement, but can be quite expensive. If you wear dentures and find it difficult to chew properly, speak clearly, or feel comfortable, but do not want to spend a fortune on dental implants, you may be a good candidate for implant supported dentures at Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford.

By placing a few dental implants (usually two) with snaps on the lower arch of your mouth and up to four dental implants on the upper arch, our dentists can stabilise your dentures, restoring your speaking and chewing functions. This treatment combines the best aspects of dental implants and dentures at the fraction of the cost.

Why are dental implants important?

Dental implants are surgically embedded titanium posts that are attached to lifelike replacement teeth. Since implants are fixed into the jawbone, they are not visible and rest beneath the gum line in the bony socket that used to hold your missing tooth. Because they are made of titanium, a material that is compatible with body tissue, they fuse with the jawbone, creating a permanent foundation for the replacement teeth and preventing further deterioration and bone loss.

Dental implants become part of the jawbone, therefore, provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. Whereas other tooth replacement options, including removable dentures and bridges, may need to be replaced every few years, dental implants should last a lifetime with proper care. That’s what makes them good value in the long-term.

Implant-supported dentures, in particular, offer a viable solution for many patients who have lost most of their teeth. Not only dentures are stabilised permanently in the mouth, but also transmit forces to the jawbone, preventing bone loss and keeping the shape of your mouth intact.

Am I eligible for denture stabilisation?

Implant-supported dentures are ideal for patients who have several missing teeth on their upper or lower jawbone, yet have enough jawbone to support them. Even if you are missing teeth for years and your jawbone has naturally deteriorated, you may still qualify for implant-supported dentures.

Replace your missing teeth with dental implants in Guilford

It is easy to think that losing a tooth is only going to affect your appearance. Unfortunately, tooth loss has many negative long-term consequences for your oral and overall health. We tend to picture teeth as individual units, but in fact, they are part of a complete and complex system. Teeth work together in balance, and problems can occur when they don’t.

If you have lost teeth because of an accident, gum disease or other causes, you may be considering dental implants. Unlike conventional tooth replacement options such as dentures and bridges, dental implants actually fuse with the jawbone and become a permanent part of your mouth. At Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford, we advise our patients to replace their missing teeth with dental implants in order to avoid additional dental work and further tooth loss in the long run.

Don’t ignore your missing teeth

Missing teeth can trigger a chain reaction of movement which could eventually affect jaw function and density. Tooth movement can negatively affect your bite and lead to misaligned or gapped teeth. Your ability to eat properly will also be compromised. You may find yourself deciding among the foods you ‘can’ eat, as opposed to the foods you actually want to eat. Depending on where your missing teeth are located, you may have to change your diet drastically and resort to unhealthy choices. Finally, gaps in your mouth can also lead to speech and pronunciation problems that can affect your social life. Luckily, all these problems can be overcome with dental implants.

Health benefits of dental implants

Essentially, dental implants are small titanium posts, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. Since they are made of titanium, a material that is compatible with the human body, they actually fuse with the jawbone, creating a stable base for replacement teeth. Besides keeping your jawbone healthy and strong, dental implants also help keep your natural teeth and gums healthy, as gaps in your smile are difficult to clean properly. Reduced jaw bone density from missing teeth will also leave you susceptible to other health issues, such as infections and further tooth loss. Dental implants prevent all these issues and restore the proper function of your teeth.

Dental sedation for nervous patients in Guilford

Dental anxiety is a very common phenomenon. Some people feel afraid of the dentist, whereas others are put off by the idea of pain and oral treatment. At Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford, we understand that a visit to the dentist can be quite challenging. That’s why we have adopted a relaxed and informal approach that helps put our patients at ease. Moreover, we offer various sedation options to ensure you never skip your next dental appointment again.

What is dental sedation?

Dental sedation refers to a number of relaxation techniques (whether medical or not) that aim at calming patients before and during dental treatments. A lot of patients avoid visiting the dentist even if they suffer from a bad toothache, because of dental phobia. Medical sedation involves the administration of a mild sedative orally or through the bloodstream (IV or intravenous sedation). Sedation is different from general anaesthesia because the patient remains conscious throughout the treatment, maintaining his calm and control.

Who needs dental sedation?

Sedation is ideal for patients who fear to visit the dentist, or are anxious about more complex dental procedures involving an operation. Sedation is also a good option for patients who are afraid of needles.

Some people may suffer from medical conditions that make their teeth and gums sensitive and susceptible to pain, therefore, sedation is an ideal option for comfortable treatment. Our experienced dentists are open to discussion on all types of sedation with you and explain to you how they actually work in order to make the best decision possible.

What are my options?

There are two main types of dental sedation used to relax patients during dental treatment. Depending on your health and individual needs, oral or intravenous (IV) sedation can be of benefit. The first one comes in the form of a pill or other medicine that has to be taken in advance of dental treatment. IV sedation, on the other hand, is administered shortly before the treatment by an experienced and well-trained dentist, constantly monitoring the patient’s heart blood flow, oxygen and pulse. Our dentists are happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each option and help you decide what’s best for you.

Dental sedation options for nervous patients in Guilford

When it comes to patient comfort, at Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford we understand that putting your mind at ease is an essential part of dental care. With nearly 10% of British people having an exaggerated fear of the dentist, you are not alone. Whatever the cause, we appreciate your anxiety and we are here to help you overcome it.

Why are people anxious of the dentist?

Nervous Patients in Guilford Anxiety in the dental setting is something dentists come across frequently. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we explain treatments as thoroughly as possible in order to avoid any surprises and we listen to our nervous patients without judging them. Dental phobia (fear of the dentist) is a very common fear. In some cases, it may have occurred after a bad experience with a dentist in the past.

For some people it is directly related to the expectation of something painful. Others just can’t tolerate the needles, the noise, or even the smells of a dental practice.

For all these reasons, we have a gently and friendly approach and we offer sedation dentistry, to help you have a relaxing and comfortable dental experience.

Intravenous sedation

Intravenous sedation is a very effective technique for the complete control of anxiety in nervous patients. As the name suggests, IV sedation involves the administration of a mild sedative through the bloodstream before a dental treatment. IV sedation will not knock you out completely – you will still be able to communicate with the dentist if needed, but you will feel relaxed and pain-free throughout the treatment.

IV sedation is ideal for complex oral treatments such as dental implants, tooth extractions or root canal treatment. IV sedation is very safe when carried out by a specially trained dentist. However pregnant women and people suffering from certain conditions cannot have IV sedation for safety reasons.

Once the procedure is finished you will feel completely relaxed, yet you will still be under the influence of the sedative for a few hours. It is strongly advised to bring an escort to accompany your home, otherwise you will have to wait at the dental practice for the drug to wear off in order to leave on your own.

Enjoy the health benefits of a complete smile with dental implants in Guilford

Teeth are essential for our well-being since they allow us to smile, communicate with others, and eat. Your teeth are vital for your health and longevity, but sometimes accidents happen. Whether you have lost one or more teeth due to injury, gum disease, tooth decay or old age, tooth loss has negative effects on your oral and overall health.

Even if you miss a single tooth, your body will gradually reabsorb bone tissue, increasing your risk of further tooth loss. Tooth loss can also have a negative effect on your self-esteem and damage your confidence for good. Fortunately, you can now replace your missing teeth with dental implants at Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are durable, long-lasting and look and feel just like your natural teeth. This way you can continue eating your favourite foods and protect your oral health.

How do dental implants work?

Dental implants are small, titanium fixtures, which are surgically fixed into the jawbone and allowed to fuse with the bone tissue over the span of a few weeks or months. Unlike conventional dentures and bridges that simply sit on your gums, dental implants incorporate with bone tissue and prevent further deterioration of the jawbone, while encouraging its further growth. Essentially, dental implants act as replacements for the roots of missing teeth. Once they have healed completely, replacement teeth in the form of crowns, bridges or dentures are placed on top of them.

Health benefits of dental implants

Dental implants look, feel and act like natural teeth. Your dentist will show you how to take good care for your new implants and set up regular appointments and cleanings to ensure that your dental implants are healthy. With proper care and diligent brushing and flossing, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Once dental implants heal, most patients cannot tell the difference between them and their real teeth. Thus, normal, everyday activities such as eating, chewing and brushing your teeth are fully restored. More importantly, dental implants restore your natural jawbone by reversing the effects of bone loss. This goes a long way toward healthier teeth and gums.

To find out more dental implant health benefits, contact our dental practice today.

Stabilise your dentures with dental implants in Guilford

Long-term denture wearers find that even if their dentures have been fitted carefully to their gums, or relined to fit again, jawbone loss continues to make it hard to keep them in place. Like any bone, the jawbone requires stimulation in order to remain healthy. In the case of the jawbone, much-needed stimulation is supplied from the chewing forces of natural teeth. Unlike dental implants which are incorporated into the jawbone, conventional dentures simply sit on the gums, being unable to prevent bone loss and absorption.

Dental Implants in Guilford Poorly fitting and loose dentures can cause mouth sores and constant irritation, not to mention slippage and certain diet restrictions. Dentures do not restore more than 10% of your normal chewing power, meaning any hard or chewy foods are off limits. However, many patients who have lost most or all their teeth opt for dentures because they are much cheaper than dental implants. What if we told you that you can now combine both treatments at the fraction of the cost and regain your confidence to face everyday life back?

At Farnham Road Dental Practice in Guilford, we are here to help with your loose and unstable dentures. Modern dentistry has made it entirely possible to use a small number of dental implants (usually 2-4) to stabilise your denture, restoring its firmness and comfort. This way you can have a full set of functional teeth at a lower cost than a mouthful of individual dental implants or implant-supported bridges.

How denture stabilisation works

Stabilising your dentures with dental implants involves a minor surgical procedure, carried out under either local anaesthetic or sedation.

Our experienced dentists will plan your dental implants prior to your surgery, meaning that a full arch of teeth can be supported by between two and four dental implants. Once your dental implants are implanted into your jawbone, a healing period will follow, during which you may continue wearing your regular dentures. Once the dental implants fuse with the jawbone, your new dentures will be attached with special clasps on top of your dental implants.

Denture stabilisation with dental implants is ideal for full upper or lower dentures, although modern techniques also allow us to look at improving partial dentures as well.

Good care at home and regular visits to your dentist, will ensure the health and longevity of your implant-supported dentures.