Dental Treatments
To best describe our treatments without resorting to overly technical dental terminology we thought it would be useful to describe some of the conditions that we commonly treat.
So, what can be done if...
- ...I'm scared of the Dentist/drills/needles?
- ...I have missing teeth but I don't like dentures?
- ...my teeth are discoloured?
- ...I would like to improve my smile/appearance?
- ...my teeth are worn down/look short or chipped
- ...my teeth hurt or are sensitive?
- ...my teeth are crooked/gappy/stick out?
- ...I have sore/bleeding/receding gums or bad breath?
- ...my teeth are loose?
- ...I suffer from chronic/persistent jaw pain/headache/neck stiffness?
...I'm scared of the Dentist/drills/needles?
Firstly our friendly, cheerful and kind staff will do their utmost to make you and anyone that accompanies you at ease.
It may be useful to know that these days a large proportion of Dentistry requires no anaesthetic or numbing at all. If necessary we have gels (Oraqix®) and creams which will numb your gums sufficiently on their own, or prior to giving a routine anaesthetic.
Here at Apollonia we have a laser cavity scanner that can detect decay much earlier and more accurately than the conventional methods of probing and x-rays. This means it is far easier to treat. We can use a preventative approach to stop decay in its tracks, or remote it where necessary via a gentle, painless technique called AIR ABRASION. Yes, that's right - no drilling!
If the thought of even this makes you anxious we can perform it all under sedation. For those having more invasive treatments or for the very nervous we are equipped to provide full intravenous sedation on the premises.
...I have missing teeth but I don't like dentures?
Lots of people don't like wearing dentures because it makes them gag, they can't chew their food properly or because they have to take them out at night. It doesn't have to be like this...
Bridges
One alternative is bridgework where replacement teeth are permanently supported and held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap.
Another alternative is dental implants (Nobel Biocare System). An implant is placed at the site of the missing tooth or teeth and so they don't rely on other teeth for support. Dental implants are considered the next best thing to natural teeth and can replace anything from a single tooth to a whole set. Your teeth will not only be stronger, they will help maintain the bone structure and so preserve your facial features.
They can also improve digestion by allowing you to chew all types of food properly, dramatically improving your diet, general health and feeling of well-being.
...my teeth are discoloured?
If the discolouration is on the surface of your teeth then you can have them professionally cleaned by our Hygienist.
If you wish to change the actual colour of your teeth we can achieve this using a bleaching/whitening technique or in some cases by 'veneering' them.
Veneers are thin porcelain facings bonded on to the front of your teeth and to change their colour and/or shape. Veneers usually involve only minimal preparation of your teeth and, in some cases, no preparation at all.
...I would like to improve my smile/appearance?
A nice smile makes people instantly warm to you. You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
Often, smiles may easily be improved by good professional cleaning and a whitening procedure. This is painless, quick and completely non-invasive.
The look of the teeth may also be improved by tooth bonding where a tooth coloured resin (composite) is strongly bonded to the natural tooth to improve colour, shape, position or texture. Usually this is done with no drilling and no injection.
In some cases, veneers or crowns are recommended where porcelain facings or coverings are applied to teeth to make them look better. In this way we can correct gaps and crookedness, conceal discolouration or wear and change the shape and size of the teeth. Both of these methods are extremely stain resistant.
We can provide a natural harmonious look right up to a Hollywood smile
If you have missing teeth we can give you fantastic quality, life-like dentures or provide permanent replacements via bridgework or dental implants (Nobel Biocare System)
If you have a 'gummy smile' i.e. show a lot of gum between you top teeth and upper lip, we can temporarily or permanently bring your lip position down to improve your looks. This may also be caused by your teeth appearing too short. We can correct this by recontouring your gums and correcting this proportion.
Brightening and changing the shape of your teeth and gums can dramatically alter your smile and return it to its youthful appearance lending the whole of your face a younger look. We can improve things still further by treating the lips and face too with our cosmetic non-surgical procedures.
...my teeth are worn down/look short or chipped
Everyone's teeth suffer varying degrees of wear and tear over time. This may be due to a heavy or inbalanced bite or other things such as diet. Our Dentists would diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Some people just require advice and general non-invasive maintenance treatment to prevent futher wear. Some minimal cases may just need a tooth coloured resin (composite) which painlessly bonds to their teeth to replace lost tooth substance. It may be necessary in more severe cases to provide the teeth with crowns or similar, where coverings are fitted over the entire tooth to protect them and prevent further damage.
...my teeth hurt or are sensitive?
Sensitive teeth may simply be caused by the need for your teeth to be professionally cleaned or due to gum recession exposing sensitive roots. This be dealt with painlessly and easily by our Hygienist and Dental Therapist.
A thorough check-up with our Dentists will reveal the need for any further treatments due to decay, cracks, wear and tear, infection or inflammation. An appropriate treatment plan of general Dentistry would then be provided for you along with an estimate of costs.
...my teeth are crooked/gappy/stick out?
They can be often be staightenend orthodontically by conventional or 'invisble' (Invisalign®) braces.
Crowns & Veneers
Alternatively teeth can be veneered or crowned. Veneers are thin porcelain or composite facings bonded to the fronts of the teeth to correct moderately poor alignments. Crowns or 'caps' are coverings that sit over your teeth to restore each tooth to a better shape and size and correct more severe crookedness.
...I have sore/bleeding/receding gums and/or bad breath?
Usually this is due to gum disease which will require treatment from our Hygienist. Receding gums may also be due to heavy loading of the teeth from ginding them, either at night during sleep or due to an imbalance in the bite. This would be diagnosed and corrected by our Dentists.
...my teeth are loose?
This condition is most usually due to advanced gum disease and so you would usually require treatment with our Hygienist after a check-up from our Dentist.
If intervention is early enough it is often possible to save loose teeth. Occasionally however, loose teeth can be due to excessive stresses due to ginding them at night or an uneven, unbalanced bite. This would be diagnosed and treated by our Dentists.
...I suffer from chronic/persistent jaw pain/headache/neck stiffness?
The teeth and jaw joint function together as a dynamic system and cannot be considered independently. Important muscles and structures of the head and neck are directly connected to the jaw joint. Therefore problems with the teeth or jaw joint can give rise to chronic, painful symptoms in these regions.
Our Dentists would check your bite (occlusion) and be able to help a great number of people suffering from these complaints.
In some cases, persistent or recurring pains like this may be due to a particular localised problem such as an infected root or impacted wisdom tooth. Dr Goddard could remove this for in one simple visit under local anaesthetic or under intravenous sedation if you prefer.