Cracked tooth syndrome (CTS) is a dental condition in which a partial crack extends into the dentin. It may also occur in the pulp of the tooth. This condition is when a cusp of a tooth cracks and begins flexing upon biting causing a very sharp pain. A cracked tooth hurts because this crack exposes the inside of the tooth (dentine) that has very small fluid filled tubes that leads to the nerve (pulp). Flexing of the tooth opens the crack and causes movement of the fluid within the tubes. When you let the biting pressure off, the crack closes...
Call Us 01903 962 878Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.00pm, Closed between 1pm and 2pm
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition that affects the joints of the jaw and causes significant pain, mobility issues and other symptoms. There is no real cause or treatment methods method for TMJ which can make it extremely difficult to deal with. This disorder occurs as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of the...
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
People’s dental health care has improved over the years but there are still cases of tooth loss among individuals. This may be as a result of a gum disease, such as gingivitis, trauma or dental decay. Though dental plates and bridges have improved, many people opt for dental implants. These are usually a successful solution and enable the person to almost forget that they have ever had a tooth loss. This is because the implants look and feel natural. However, having dental implants is a complex procedure which does have some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages of dental implants...
Bnefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace missing teeth and restore smiles. They are great alternatives for people who are in good health and have lost their teeth due to several reasons. Dental implants can change and improve the quality of a person’s life significantly. Dental implants are used to replace a person’s original tooth root in the mouth where teeth are missing. They are basically a replacement for natural teeth roots. Inserting dental implants following tooth extraction will preserve the bone because the bone and natural implants form a solid and long lasting bond. The dental implants (roots) and...
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental procedure that is aimed at improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums and/ or bite. These procedures correct the simplest dental problems to severe ones. The procedures also improve the functions of the teeth which include chewing food properly, as well as speaking properly. Medical practitioners who perform these dental procedures are known as cosmetic dentists. Cosmetic dentistry has been classified into two categories: orthodontics and prosthodontics. The field of orthodontics deals with studying and treating ‘bad bites’ or malocclusions. Bad bites may be due to tooth irregularity, jaw misalignment or both. Prosthetic...
Gum Lifts
Gum lifts involve the removal of gum to make the teeth appear longer and the gum line even. It is also known as gingivectomy. This procedure involves working with the underlying tissues and bones and aims at rendering symmetrical teeth to make the individual’s smiles look aesthetically appealing and attractive. This process, also called crown lengthening, aims at covering up the ‘gummy’ smile of an individual. People who have excess gum covering the front teeth and the upper lip that come up high when they smile are often self conscious of their smiles. An uneven gum line can make the...
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures that attempt to prevent decay of teeth and reverse the effect of gum disease. They are also known as conventional periodontal therapy, non- surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning. The objective of scaling and planing is to eliminate the etiologic agents which cause inflammation thus helps to establish a periodontium that is free of disease. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. The process cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. The dentist may need to...
Tooth Polishing
Tooth polishing is the smoothening of all exposed tooth surfaces with a rubber cup, a brush or by an air polisher driven by a slow speed hand piece or water unit. It is frequently the final stage of dental cleaning and scaling, along with certain other processes. This method removes stains, smoothens and polishes the surface of the tooth. As a result of these procedures, the teeth are smooth clean at the end of the treatment. Dental polishing was considered important for the removal of plague and stain prior to a fluoride treatment to ensure that the fluoride is adequately...
Dental Instruments
Dental instruments are the tools that dental professionals use to provide dental treatment. They include tools to examine, manipulate, restore and remove teeth and surrounding oral structures. Examination instrument allow the dental professional to manipulate tissues during treatment or during dental examinations. Mirror. Dental mirrors are used by the dentist or dental auxiliary to view a mirror image of the teeth in locations where visibility is difficult or impossible. They are also useful for reflecting light onto desired surfaces, indirect vision and with retraction of soft tissues to improve access or vision. Other than showing the interior of the mouth,...
Gum Graft Surgery
Gum graft surgery is the surgical method used for repairing receding gums, especially when roots of the teeth get exposed due to receding gum line. Receding gums can give rise to several problems such as tooth decay, plaque formation, cavities and teeth hypersensitivity. Sometimes receding gums can also lead to complications like loss of the underlying jaw bones that support the teeth. The gum tissues, which are known as gingival actually act as a barrier against bacteria and also protect the teeth from trauma or injury. So, loss of gum tissues or recession exposes the roots and the underlying bones...