Author: Crofts Dental Practice

Helping people live with sensitive teeth Essex

If you are one of a large number of adults in the UK who experience severe shooting pain in their teeth when drinking hot coffee or biting into ice cream, then you need to know that you do not have to live with this experience as help is available to help you at your local dental practice.

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Let’s make it clear from the start that having sensitive teeth is not necessarily a sign that you are not looking after your teeth correctly or that you are living with poor oral hygiene standards. Dental sensitivity is a condition that affects many adults who brush their teeth twice a day as recommended by their dentists. You need to be aware that there are many reasons you could be suffering from this uncomfortable condition, and the best way forward is to allow a trained dental professional to examine your teeth and gums. This should help you identify the root cause of any discomfort that you may be living with.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we have a wide variety of experiences when it comes to helping patients with sensitive teeth Essex, and we are confident that we will be able to help you.

Understanding the cause

Understanding the main causes of sensitive teeth Essex can often help you to avoid doing anything to make your discomfort any worse. This understanding may lead you to carry out activities that improve the health of your teeth and gums and effectively reduce any sensitivity that you may experience.

One of the biggest causes of sensitivity in your teeth could be the enamel that forms the outer layer of your teeth is eroded or damaged in some other way; this could be that you have chipped a tooth without knowing. The main cause of tooth erosion is foods that are heavy in sugar or acid content, as these sugars or acids may start to attack the outer layer of your teeth and start to create small holes or cracks in your tooth’s protective shell that may leave the nerve of your tooth slightly exposed.

While we are aware that there are a number of toothpaste brands that are available via supermarkets and chemists across the United Kingdom that can help to decrease sensitivity in your teeth, we would argue that they should not be used in isolation if you want the best results. For this reason, we would urge you to seek out professional help and advice if you wish to find a long-term solution to any issue you are experiencing with your teeth.

Starting to change

There is absolutely no need for you to go through life with sensitive teeth Essex when there are treatments available at your local dentist that could reduce or alleviate any sensitivity you may be feeling in your teeth. To start to make a change, you should contact our dental clinic to find out how we can help you.

The Crofts Dental Practice is a modern, professional and friendly dentist in Epping.

Understanding the need for root canals Essex

Let’s be honest, none of us really enjoy the thought of having to undergo dental treatment because, for most of us, the thought of someone poking around in our mouths with their fingers and medical instruments is an uncomfortable one. These thoughts may lead you to decide not to visit your local dental practice to undergo your oral checks and receive any treatment you may need. This may then put you at greater risk of developing a serious oral health issue that may require invasive dental treatment.

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One of the most complicated issues that your teeth could develop is an abscess or infection that finds its way to the inside of your tooth, where the soft tissue of your tooth is contained. If this tissue becomes infected, you may find yourself living with severe pain and discomfort; this may only get worse if left untreated and could also spread to other teeth and parts of your mouth, causing further complications when it comes to treatment.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we know that the words root canals Essex can invoke some negative reactions when heard a loud; this is due to a lack of understanding about what these treatments are and how they are used. You may not like the idea of undergoing one of these treatments, but if you have a tooth infection, then this may be the best way to save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.

Why use this treatment

The outside of your tooth is covered with a hard enamel shell, which gives the tooth its size and shape. The hard shell can protect the inner layers like the dentin and the pulp chamber.

Inside the chamber is the soft tissue called the pulp, which feeds the roots of the tooth with the nutrients needed as it grows. The role of this pulp is less important once a tooth is fully grown as it will gain nourishment from the tissue surrounding it.

If the pulp inside one of your teeth is infected, you can develop a severe toothache, and treatment may be needed at the heart of the tooth to remove the infected pulp. This may lead our dentist to use root canals Essex as this may be the best course of treatment for your teeth.

Knowing the warning signs

It may be useful for you to know the warning signs that the pulp inside one of your teeth has become infected. Sudden and severe toothache, prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot and cold items, discolouration of the tooth, or increased sensitivity in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth could all be warning signs of the pulp of your tooth being infected.

If you find that you are suffering from any of the above warning signs, then we would recommend that you contact our clinic so that we can arrange an appointment where we can examine your teeth.

Root canals Essex are not to be feared; you need to see them as just another dental treatment that could help you.

The Crofts Dental Practice is a modern, professional and friendly dentist in Epping.

How to prevent gum disease from happening and keep your fresh breath

Most people know that brushing and flossing their teeth is important to maintain fresh breath Essex, but many don’t know that gum disease is a common dental problem. Gum disease can be caused by many factors, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking and diabetes, and its symptoms include swollen, red or bleeding gums and bad breath. Gum disease can be treated with antibiotics, mouthwash and surgery.

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What is gum disease, and what are the symptoms?

Gum disease is an advanced infiltration of the gum tissue by bacteria it causes inflammation in the short term giving the gum a dark red colour and over time the swollen tissue becomes spongy and dies, receding.

To prevent gum disease from happening, it is important to practise good oral hygiene habits. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is also essential for preventing gum disease. And if you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels can help reduce your risk of developing gum disease.

The outcome of gum disease

If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other health problems. This outcome of receding gums can lead to bacteria getting into the bloodstream and causing infections. Gum disease is also linked to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Once the surface of the root is exposed, it can also become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. It is important to see a dentist if you think you might have gum disease so that it can be treated before it causes any further problems.

In the long term, the loss of gum tissue around the root of the tooth can create spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets trap bacteria and plaque and are difficult to clean. The bacteria in the pocket can eventually break down the bone around the tooth, causing the tooth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Gum disease is a serious condition that should not be ignored.

Gum disease and bad breath

Bad breath is one of the most common symptoms of gum disease. It can be caused by bacteria in the mouth that accumulates on the teeth and gums. The bad odour can also be caused by food particles that become trapped in the teeth and gums. Fresh breath Essex can be maintained by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, using mouthwash and avoiding foods that cause bad breath.

Treatment for gum disease

The most common treatment for gum disease is antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, such as amoxicillin, doxycycline or metronidazole. These antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause the infection. Mouthwash may also be prescribed to help kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation. Surgery may also be necessary to remove the infected tissue and restore the health of the gums.

Management of gum disease and maintenance of fresh breath Essex is a long-term process. Even after the infection has been cleared, you will need to continue to practise good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly to prevent the gum disease from coming back.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. While they may not be right for everyone, they can last for years with proper care. Dental implants Essex are essentially artificial teeth that can be implanted into your jawbone. They can last a long time, but how long they last depends on a variety of factors, such as how well you take care of them, your oral hygiene habits, and the type of implant you get. Generally, dental implants can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with proper care.

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What are dental implants, and how do they work?

Dental implants Essex are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium and are placed directly into the jawbone. Over time, the implant will fuse with the bone and act as a tooth root. Implants can be used to replace a single tooth or a whole set of teeth.

Implants work by replacing the roots of missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone begins to shrink, and this can lead to problems with the alignment and stability of other teeth. Implants provide a stable foundation for replacement teeth, which helps to preserve the structure of the jawbone and prevent further shrinkage.

The benefits of dental implants

Implants are a popular choice for many people because they offer a number of benefits. Implants are made of titanium, which is biocompatible, meaning that it is compatible with the body; this makes dental implants a good choice for patients who have problems with their natural teeth or wear dentures.

Dental implants Essex are very strong and can last for many years. They are also very stable, meaning that they do not move around in the mouth as dentures do. This makes them a good choice for people who eat a lot of tough foods or who grind their teeth at night.

Implants are also a good choice for people who want to improve their appearance. Implants look like natural teeth and can help to improve the appearance of someone’s smile.

How long do they last

Implants last a long time if they are taken care of properly. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up.

Factors that affect the lifespan of dental implants

There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of implants, including the patient’s oral hygiene habits, the type of implant used, and the surrounding bone density.

Oral hygiene is extremely important when it comes to dental implants. Patients need to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to keep the implant site clean and free of bacteria.

Finally, the crown installed on top of the implant can also affect its lifespan. Crowns made of porcelain or ceramic tend to last longer than those made of metal; they can be replaced as needed without disrupting the implant.

What are the benefits of orthodontics?

It is an old assumption that teeth straightening treatments are mostly for children and teenagers. Modern dentistry has made orthodontics Essex available to help adult patients improve their oral health and perfect their smiles.

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At Crofts Dental Practice, we offer quality orthodontics Essex to help patients achieve a healthier mouth and straighter smile. The first thing patients associate with wearing braces is fixing a crooked smile, but this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of benefits to orthodontics Essex.

Advantages of seeking orthodontic treatment

Improved dental function is an important benefit that should not be overlooked. Bite problems can result in pain when biting and chewing. In addition to discomfort and pain, patients may not be able to eat certain foods, which puts a restriction on meeting their full nutritional needs. Wearing braces to correct bite function can greatly improve a patient’s eating ability without pain and discomfort.

Achieve improved dental health for the long term. There are many risks to dental health from dental caries to gum disease to damaged teeth. It may surprise patients, but orthodontics can help with all these unwanted dental conditions.

Poor oral hygiene, which is a major cause of most dental complaints, is due to orthodontic problems like crooked teeth and overcrowding. These conditions increase the difficulties of tooth brushing and flossing. When teeth alignment is corrected, patients will find it easier to clean their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene, minimising the chances of dental diseases developing in the future.

When dental health improves, the state of physical health does too. One of the least understood roles of good oral health is protecting physical health. When poor oral hygiene leads to an overrun of bad bacteria in the mouth resulting in gum disease, there is a heightened risk of the patient developing systemic chronic conditions, which can be fatal.

Heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and other inflammatory conditions have been linked to bad bacteria that escape the oral cavity to enter deeper into the body through the bloodstream. Straightening the dental arch to make cleaning teeth more effective reduces the chance of bad bacteria overwhelming the mouth.

Range of orthodontic treatments

To encourage adult patients to consider orthodontics for enhanced oral health and function, we have available several discreet teeth straightening devices. The list of our modern orthodontics solutions includes Invisalign, Inman Aligner, Lingual braces, and Six Month Smiles.

Invisible braces are so named because they are less noticeable when worn on teeth. There are different ways to disguise the presence of braces. Some resemble aligner trays made from clear plastic material, while others look like traditional braces but are positioned behind teeth where they are out of sight.

Another benefit of modern orthodontics is that many treatment methods offer a shorter duration period. One such is the Six Month Smile which takes an average time of six months to produce desired results. Patients should be aware that this treatment plan may not be applicable to treat major orthodontic problems.

To find out more about modern orthodontic treatments to enhance smiles, come and talk to us at Crofts Dental Practice. Contact our friendly front desk team to book an appointment.

What is the importance of preventative dentistry?

An important field of dentistry we offer at our modern Crofts Dental Practice is preventative dentistry Essex. Many patients will be familiar with the dentist’s role in treating dental diseases but unfamiliar with how professional dental care is also about preventing diseases from developing. This role of dentists is referred to as preventative dentistry Essex.

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Preventative dentistry Essex involves all those treatment plans and techniques that put a stop to symptoms from progressing into full-blown problems. For example, a dentist may suggest deep dental cleaning procedures to remove plaque deposits that threaten the health and integrity of tooth enamel. Leave plaque deposits to accumulate on teeth, and soon cavities will begin to form on teeth resulting in tooth decay.

Proper at-home oral hygiene obligations together with the choice to opt for preventive dentistry techniques will help patients avoid problems such as gum disease, tooth loss and chronic bad breath.

To better understand the importance of preventive dentistry, we go over the weightiest reasons to seek preventive dental treatments.

Reasons why preventive dentistry is important

Treating dental problems early will help you save on dental care costs. Patients mostly concern themselves with what routine trips to the dentist will cost them but fail to consider the impact of not scheduling these appointments.

Without proper professional dental care, it is without a doubt that oral health will deteriorate at some point; this will then mean spending much more on treating dental problems in advanced stages than it would be to pay for preventive treatments.

Not to mention the debilitating pain that often accompanies dental problems. Preventive dentistry is said to cost patients less in dental care costs, save time by avoiding protracted treatment durations and escape the pain experienced due to dental complaints.

Get the health of your teeth checked. Many symptoms that indicate teeth and gum health are at risk cannot be identified by the patient. It is not just toothache or inflamed and bleeding gums that foretell a dental problem is in the making. There are other signs that only an experienced and knowing dentist’s eye can easily discern red flags – red flags such as tooth discolouration, weakening of enamel and problems that exist below the gum line.

Dental exams protect physical health in unexpected ways. Patients with poor oral health, especially those suffering from serious gum disease conditions, often have other medical complaints with heart and lung health.

Bacteria that give rise to gum disease also trigger inflammation in the body as well as clog up blood vessels to increase the risk of blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Preventive dentistry that protects gum health work to the benefit of heart and lung health too.

Get reliable advice and guidance on how to employ preventive dental techniques at home. Patients must not forget that it is their own behaviour at home that also dictates how healthy the condition of their mouths remains.

Tooth brushing and flossing, using a good fluoride toothpaste brand and limiting the frequent consumption of acidic and sugar-rich foods and beverages are all recommended preventive techniques patients can use at home to minimise the occurrence of dental problems.

Find out more in a visit to our dentist at Crofts Dental Practice. Make a quick call to the reception desk to schedule a consultation.

How CBCT can help with diagnostics and dental implants

CBCT is a technology that is used in dentistry to get a detailed three-dimensional view of the dental structures in the mouth; this helps with diagnostics and treatment planning of dental implants Essex. dental-implants-essex

Why we invested in CBCT

CBCT technology is important for dentistry because it provides a level of detail that is not possible with traditional x-rays, which allows for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, making our surgery safer.

CBCT is able to improve the success of almost everything we do, including dental implants Essex, and give our patients the care they deserve.

What is CBCT, and how does it work

CBCT is a type of CT scan that uses cone-shaped x-rays to create detailed three-dimensional images of the dental structures in the mouth; this helps with diagnostics, treatment planning and surgical guidance. CBCT is also used for orthodontics and implant dentistry.

The cone beam CT scanner rotates around the patient’s head to create the images. The scanner consists of a large x-ray tube and detector that rotate around the patient’s head. The x-rays pass through the patient’s teeth and bone and are detected by the detector, and the data is then processed to create a 3D image.

3D models are not only more useful than traditional x-rays, but they are also easier to transport than dental moulds. This makes them an excellent tool for both dental professionals and patients. 3D models can be used to show the location of teeth, jawbones, and other structures in the mouth. They can also be used to reveal how teeth are positioned in the jaw and show the progress of dental treatment over time. 3D models can also be used to create custom dental appliances; this means that patients who need braces, for example, can have their braces made to fit their specific mouth shape.

How CBCT is used in dentistry

CBCT is used in dentistry to get a detailed three-dimensional view of the dental structures in the mouth. This helps with diagnostics, treatment planning and surgical guidance. CBCT is also used for orthodontics and implant dentistry.

For treatment planning, CBCT can help determine the best approach for treating a problem. It can also help plan for oral implants, braces and other procedures.

CBCT is also used for orthodontics. It can help determine how much tooth movement is needed and how long the treatment will take. It can also help plan for braces on teeth that are difficult to see with traditional x-rays.

CBCT is also used for implant dentistry. It can help plan for dental implants Essex by showing the location and size of the implant site.

The future of CBCT

The future of CBCT looks very promising. With the increasing use of CBCT in dentistry, there are many new applications for the technology that are being developed. For example, CBCT can be used to create a 3D print of a patient’s teeth, which can be used for oral implants or other treatments. CBCT can also be used to diagnose tumours and other health problems. This technology is constantly evolving and improving, so the future of CBCT looks very bright.

What to expect with CEREC technology with dental crowns

If you’re looking for a dental treatment that doesn’t require multiple appointments, CEREC technology may be the right choice for you. This technology allows for single-appointment dental crowns Essex, veneers and inlays/onlays. At Crofts Dental Practice, we use CEREC technology to create tooth-coloured restorations that are indistinguishable from natural teeth.

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What is CEREC technology?

CEREC technology is a CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) system that is used to create dental crowns Essex, veneers and inlays/onlays. The system uses a special camera to take an impression of the tooth that needs to be restored. This digital impression is then used to create a 3D model of the tooth. From this model, the restoration is milled out of a block of ceramic material. The entire process can be completed within a single appointment.

Advantages of using CEREC technology

There are many advantages to using CEREC technology, including:

  1. Single-appointment treatments – with CEREC technology, there is no need for multiple appointments or temporary restorations. The entire treatment can be completed in just one visit to our dentist.
  2. Natural-looking results – the ceramic restoration milled out with CEREC technology can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth, resulting in a restoration that is virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth.
  3. Durable and long-lasting – the ceramic material used with CEREC technology is very strong and durable. With proper care, your restoration can last for many years.

What to expect when having CEREC treatment?

When you come to Crofts Dental Practice for a CEREC technology treatment, we will first take a digital impression of your tooth after removing any decay and tartar. We will then use this impression to create a 3D model of your tooth and fabricate the prosthetic, installing it the same day.

FAQs about CEREC technology treatments

  1. How long does the treatment take?

The entire treatment can be completed within just one visit to the dentist. The digital impression and 3D modelling usually take about 15 minutes. The restoration is then milled out of a block of ceramic material, which takes about 45 minutes for one of our dental crowns Essex.

  1. How much does the treatment cost?

The cost of the treatment will vary depending on the type of restoration being made. However, in general, CEREC technology treatments tend to be more affordable than traditional dental treatments.

  1. Is the treatment covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of CEREC technology treatments. However, we recommend that you check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

  1. Are there any side effects?

There are no known side effects associated with CEREC technology treatments. However, as with any dental treatment, there is a small risk of complications such as tooth sensitivity or discomfort.

  1. How long does the restoration last?

With the proper care, your CEREC technology restoration can last for many years. However, it is important to note that the restoration is not indestructible and can be damaged just like your natural teeth.

What you should know about children’s dentistry Essex

If you are a parent, you will know how important it is for your children to have healthy teeth. As our dental health can affect our overall health and wellbeing, it is encouraged that parents take their children to see a dentist regularly to ensure they have good oral health. childrens-dentistry-essex

Dentistry is important for children to prevent tooth decay and oral diseases, which is why children need to have regular checkups as they may not be aware of their oral hygiene habits.

If you are based in Essex, you will be happy to know that there are high-quality dental practices that offer children’s dentistry Essex, including our own, Crofts Dental Practice based in Epping, Essex.

About our practice

Crofts Dental Practice is a family dental practice that has been providing patients with high-quality treatments within modern dentistry for over 30 years. Our dentists offer all our patients a high level of patient care and are skilled in providing dental treatments within various areas of dentistry, such as general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We also offer free six monthly checkups for the children of our adult patients who are registered with us to encourage them to bring their children to our practice from an early age.

Why children need to see a dentist

Children’s dentistry Essex is different from that of adults because children have many baby teeth, which leaves them more susceptible to cavities, gum disease or, even worse, tooth loss. So through regular appointments at our dental practice, our dentist can help in the prevention of all these issues by carefully monitoring your child’s dental health.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we provide a number of preventive dental treatments to our child patients, with one being fluoride applications.

Fluoride applications

Fluoride applications can reduce the risk of dental cavities and strengthen your child’s teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that is found in both water and soil and can make enamel harder. Such treatments can be used either as preventives or to repair any damaged areas in a child’s mouth.

At Crofts Dental Practice, if we have offered fluoride application for your child, our dentist will paint the fluoride on the surface of your child’s teeth to help mineralise them. This is a safe and effective treatment that can achieve an effective level of fluoride in the saliva. If needed, our dentist will also apply fissure sealants, which are tooth-coloured plastic coatings that can be applied to the biting surfaces of your child’s teeth to prevent bacteria and food debris from getting stuck in the teeth. Fissure sealants can also reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Bringing your child to our dental team at Crofts Dental Practice regularly can also allow our dentist to spot whether there are other issues with your child’s teeth such as the development of an underbite, overbite or crossbite. The sooner these issues are identified by our dentist, the quicker you will be able to treat and correct these issues and guarantee better dental health in your child’s future.

Missing a tooth?

Losing a tooth or several teeth is never a pleasant experience. Whether it is by accident, injury or even due to natural causes, having missing teeth can not only knock your confidence, but have a negative impact on your overall health if not treated. denture-essex

This is why dental practices like our own, offer dental treatments within restorative dentistry that are able to repair and replace damaged or missing teeth, and restore your smile to what it once was.

So if you are someone who is currently dealing with a dental issue such as a cracked or broken tooth, or you have lost either a tooth or several teeth, you may want to book an appointment to visit our practice, where an experienced member of our team will be able to provide you with advice and information on the best restorative dental treatment for your dental concern.

Restorative dentistry at Crofts Dental Practice

Based in Epping Essex, our surgery is a private family practice that offers dental treatments within cosmetic, general and restorative dentistry. We understand how important it is to have a smile and teeth you are happy with, which is why our team of dentists and dental professionals work hard to ensure that they provide the highest quality dental treatments for our patients.

Restorative dentistry at our practice is something we are passionate about, and we offer a wide range of dental treatments to repair and restore your smile. Over the years, with the aid of dental research and dental technology, restorative dental treatments are now more advanced and beneficial than ever before.

So if you are someone who has recently lost your teeth and you are looking for a way to replace them and restore your smile, you may want to consider one of the restorative dental treatments we offer at our practice, which is dentures Essex.

Dentures Essex

Dentures are a popular and beneficial restorative dental treatment for those who are missing several or all of their teeth. They can be either removable or fixed, and can be made from a number of materials such as plastic, acrylic resin, or porcelain.

Dentures come in different forms. For those who have lost a few teeth, partial dentures or implant-supported dentures may be recommended. For others who have lost all of their teeth, full dentures Essex will be the more suitable option given there are no healthy remaining teeth in the mouth. Whether full or partial, the dentures will be made to fit snugly in your mouth and will be custom made for each patient once impressions are taken of their mouth.

The advantages of having dentures

Replacing your teeth with dentures comes with a number of benefits. Firstly they are made to look just like your natural teeth, so this is ideal for those who may be worried about their new smile not looking as natural as possible. Dentures will also allow you to eat and speak with confidence again, without the fear of your teeth shifting or falling out unexpectedly.