Author: Crofts Dental Practice

Let’s explore the benefits of white fillings

In offering our patients quality cosmetic dentistry our highly capable dentists at Crofts Dental Practice rely on treatments, techniques and products that offer an overall natural dental appearance.white-fillings-essex

We know well how detracting the glint of metal in the mouth can be in a tooth-wide smile. More and more patients are becoming aware of how glaringly obvious certain dental treatments look when they open their mouths to smile or to speak.

To avoid this awkwardness, patients can opt for, where available, tooth-coloured alternatives that blend in with the rest of the mouth, enabling the patient to feel more confident when engaging in face-to-face interactions.

Fillings remain the easiest and most effective form of treatment to deal with cavities. Thanks to progressive dental techniques, patients are no longer limited to just one type of filling choice. The introduction of white fillings Essex offers patients the benefits of both functional and aesthetic qualities.

In this post, we take a look at what white fillings Essex are and why they are the preferred option for patients.

Benefits of choosing white fillings Essex

To fill in cavities (holes in enamel), dental practitioners use dental material (metal or a composite of materials) to stop these holes from getting bigger that leads to eventual tooth decay and loss.

White fillings are made from a combination of materials such as glass and plastic and it is this unique mixture that affords its natural tooth-coloured appearance. The fact that the resin is purposefully matched to the rest of the mouth helps in achieving a desirable seamless look. Natural appearance is just a start on the arm-long list of positive plus points.

Fillings made from composite resin offer an unbeatable quality of structural integrity. A minimal amount of enamel needs to be prepared before receiving white fillings and so teeth weaken (due to removal of a large proportion of enamel) and the resultant teeth sensitivity is avoided. This type of fillings helps to maintain the structure and integrity of teeth receiving treatment as well as that of the rest of the mouth.

Improvements in the technology used in the making of composite resin have resulted in strengthening the fillings to the extent that they now are able to weather the pressures of biting and chewing without the fear of cracking.

The nature of composite resin fillings make it so that they take less time to put in. The materials in the resin harden relatively quickly, and once applied to the tooth receiving treatment, our dentist will use a special light to quicken the hardening process – a process that can take a matter of seconds.

There is no equal to the versatility of white fillings. As the material blends in to match the rest of the tooth, these can be used to fix other dental flaws apart from tooth decay, like fill in chips and cracks in enamel and improve the look of worn down teeth.

Need to bring back your beautiful smile? Let our experienced friendly dentists at Crofts Dental Practice help restore your dental health and function. Simply call our reception team to book a consultation appointment for you to find out more how we can help you improve your smile.

How we accommodate nervous patients at our dental practice

Fear of the dental chair is a longstanding problem that prevents nervous patients Essex from seeking the professional dental care they need to maintain optimal oral health. Figures from an Adult Dental Health Survey reveal that at least one in ten people in the UK experience dental phobia.nervous-patients-essex

The whys and wherefores of dental fear and anxieties comprise of a range of experiences (both personal and of others) that can start off in childhood. The effects of a poor dental experience as a child can carry over into adulthood, threatening the health and function of the mouth.

In addition to prior bad experiences, patients may also be affected by horror stories told by family members and friends. The look of needles and the sounds emitted from dental instruments can also set a patient’s nerves on end.

As difficult as it may be for patients to deal with these fears and anxieties, it is of the utmost importance that their dental health is not neglected. Choosing a dental practice that understands and sympathises with the fears and anxieties of nervous patients Essex can help reduce the occurrence of these disquieting feelings so that patients can get the professional dental care they need.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we take the issues our nervous patients Essex have seriously and have put in place a number of supportive measures to ease their anxieties. It is not every dental practice that can boast of a special nervous patients’ clinic. The fact that we run one goes to show how well we accommodate the needs of nervous patients. Read on to find out more about how we support patients suffering from dental phobia.

What nervous patients can look forward to at Crofts Dental Practice

We pride ourselves on being a dental practice that places a firm focus on caring and compassionate patient care.

We understand that the longer a patient has to sit in the waiting room to see a dentist, the more anxious, nervous patients can get. We have taken pains to ensure our waiting room is welcoming and relaxing and that the staff is friendly and accommodating so patients can feel free to address their concerns.

We include a wide range of entertainment – music and TV programmes – to help patients lower anxieties by taking their minds off treatment. Patients are also welcome to bring along their own choice of music should they wish.

Other intervention measures include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and sedation dental techniques. CBT has been found to offer particular benefits to anxious patients needing dental care but who do not wish to be sedated. This short-term therapy focuses on distinguishing, and then promptly changing, those unhelpful thoughts that affect behaviour.

For those patients preferring to be sedated during their treatment, we make available inhalation sedation (gas and air) as well as intravenous sedation. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have in regards to sedation dentistry.

Thanks to our support measures, we have been able to successfully help many nervous patients restore their dental health and function. If you are a nervous patient and would like to know more about our support measures, give our reception team a call at Crofts Dental Practice.

Teeth whitening; systems we offer at Crofts Dental

Do you want a whiter smile?teeth-whitening-essex

At Crofts Dental Practice, we can offer teeth whitening Essex, to help you get a slightly whiter version of your current smile or we can aim to provide you with a smile worthy of Tinseltown!

Our dentist is happy to provide the following guide to the teeth whitening Essex systems that we can offer to our patients; Zoom and Enlighten. So, enjoy!

Zoom!

This teeth whitening Essex works by applying whitening bleaches directly to the teeth and activating the oxidising gel using a UV light.

This is the best system to use if you have surface stains, which can be caused by smoking, coffee or the consumption of other foods and drinks that are high in tannins. The light and the gel break up these kinds of stains and disperse them, leaving your smile up to 8 shades whiter.

Now, you may be worried about sensitivity, but this is not an issue with Zoom. The bleaches contain compounds that reduce sensitivity after treatment.

Zoom can be applied in the dental chair by our team, or at home by yourself, or both! The initial session with our team involves the placement of a dam, to prevent gum irritation and the application of the gel.

At home, we will provide you with a custom-fitted mouthpiece and you will apply a drop of the gel to the mouthpiece. This gel is available in 2 strengths; DayWhite (for daytime bleaching), and NiteWhite (for overnight bleaching).

Enlighten

Similar to Zoom, Enlighten can be applied by our team both in the dental chair and at home.

It takes around 15 days to whiten your teeth and, once again, its mode of action is based on oxidizing gels being applied to the teeth. A UV light will be applied by our team which will help to break down stubborn stains and can whiten your smile by over 10 shades if you want to achieve that Hollywood gleam!

A custom-fitted tray is used for at-home whitening, for which our team will create a targeted, but weaker gel than the one we use in surgery that you can apply yourself. Typically, this will be done at night time.

Sensitivity

As briefly mentioned before, both systems have built-in, anti-sensitivity protection, so once the treatment is complete, you won’t have to worry about discomfort.

If, however, you have very sensitive teeth before beginning treatment, it is worth discussing alternative treatments with our teams, such as veneers or composite bonding.

Longevity

Unfortunately, the results obtained by either Zoom or Enlighten are not permanent and will vary based on several factors.

These include your dedication to oral hygiene if you use top-up treatments in between our team reapplying the in-chair gels, and whether you smoke.

And so, it is hard to put an average on how long your whiter smile will last, but it can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. Both systems allow patients to top-up their smiles at home with weaker versions of the gel used in the surgery, but care should always be taken when applying these.

Myths about dental implants answered

Think oral implants will become infected?dental-implants-essex

At Crofts Dental Practice, we have a wealth of expertise when it comes to fitting dental implants Essex and can help you to separate the truth from the myths you may read online.

Here, our team debunks common myths about dental implants Essex, to help you learn the truth about these nifty restoratives.

Myth 1- Oral implants require a lot of maintenance

Dental implants Essex require no more maintenance or work than your natural teeth.

So, to ensure that both the implant and the prosthetic tooth or teeth do not succumb to gum disease, you will need to brush your teeth twice a day, floss them with the same regularity and of course, visit our team twice a year for a check-up.

Myth 2- Oral implant fittings are painful

No, they aren’t- we promise!

When it comes to having oral implants fitted, our team will always ensure that the gums and the jaw are fully numbed, to prevent any feelings of discomfort. Although, you may feel pressure as we fit the implant(s).

Once you are at home, any discomfort should be controllable by taking over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, as these medications are renowned for thinning the blood and can lead to the worsening of bruises.

Myth 3- Oral implants are likely to become infected

This is a puzzling myth as, due to the sterile environment that they are fitted in and due to the cleanliness of dental surgeries in general, they are at no higher risk of becoming infected than any other type of surgery.

When you are at home after having oral implants fitted, you should take care to keep the site of the implant clean, using saltwater. Refrain from brushing the area for a few days to allow the gums to heal and to avoid aggravating the stitches.

But, there are some signs to keep an eye out for, which could indicate an infection. These include a foul taste or odour in your mouth, swelling, discolouration of the gums (blue, reddening or yellowing), a fever, feeling or being sick and worsening discomfort.

If you notice any of these symptoms, then please contact our team for an emergency appointment.

Myth 4- Oral implants are expensive

OK, so this is a myth that may not be entirely false, but we feel we have to include it.

If you are looking at the total due after having oral implants fitted, then it will probably look very pricey, but actually, our team at Crofts Dental Practice may be able to offer you financing options to help you spread out the cost into affordable monthly repayments.

For more information on this option, please talk to our team.

Myth 5- Oral implants are risky

No, they aren’t.

A lot of research has gone into assessing suitability for oral implants, along with the fitting itself and the aftercare. In short, this is a science and our team knows all that there is to know about it.

The procedure itself has been practised for decades in operating theatres and the only issues that prevented it from being performed in dental surgeries before were those surrounding numbing agents and anaesthetics.

Are you apprehensive about root canal treatment?

Fear and apprehension are normally the result of a lack of knowledge about an impending event or experience. At Crofts Dental Practice root canals Essex are only performed after a comprehensive examination and a thorough discussion with you. We explain the reasons why you need the treatment, but we also explain the procedure, duration and the benefits to you. Our experience is that armed with this knowledge and having been given the opportunity to ask questions and allay fears, patients are less scared of the procedure.

root-canals-essex

What is dental pulp?

Each tooth has a root or roots. Your front teeth normally have one root and your back teeth two or three roots. Each tooth is filled with a pulp medically referred to as endodontium and this provides the material necessary for your teeth to grow and remain healthy, it is found underneath the dentine.

Why would I need root canal treatment?

You might need this treatment if you experience sensitivity with your teeth, severe toothache, sharp pains in your mouth or if you develop a severe infection in your mouth. An accident or sports collision where you have banged your teeth hard against an object may mean a crack  has developed and this is another reason why your tooth pulp may be damaged. Other indications are if you find that when you chew or bite you experience a sharp pain, or suffer sensitivity when drinking hot or cold fluids. Rub your finger over your gums and if you find small pimples on them that is another indication. If you have swollen gums or if your gums appear darker than usual seek dental advice.These can all be urgent signs that there are problems with the dental pulp in a tooth. Treatment of root canals Essex will become necessary when a thorough examination identifies that the dental pulp has been infected by bacteria, as the pulp will slowly begin to die. Dental pulp cannot heal itself and even if the pain subsides over time this may only be an indication that the nerves have died.

The procedure

Removal of the dental pulp is carried out under local anaesthetic and you should feel no pain. Using a dental dam to ensure that the tooth is isolated we will make an opening in the top or crown of the infected tooth. Using a variety of small dental instruments we will clean out all the pulp from the various chambers within your tooth. We will then fill your tooth with a specially formulated dental material which will completely seal the root canals Essex. Usually at this stage a temporary filling is used to block the opening and you will be required to return in a few weeks for the final procedure. On your next visit the temporary filling will be removed and your new crown will be fitted restoring your tooth back to full functionality.

Return to eating and drinking normally

It is recommended to give it a day or two before normal eating and drinking may resume. You can restart your normal oral hygiene routine and your treated tooth will last as long as your other teeth.

Do you suffer from sensitive teeth?

There is nothing worse than tensing up because you know that when you drink something hot or cold you are going to experience a sharp pain due to sensitive teeth Essex. At Crofts Dental Practice we know how debilitating this problem can be and you are not alone. The causes are numerous and we will quickly identify the cause, but you will need to visit us at our dental surgery. You may simply be brushing your teeth too vigorously or you may be using a brush that is too hard for your teeth. Eating foods which have a high acidic content such as tomato sauce, oranges, lemons, kiwis and grapefruit will all cause your teeth to ache. It may be that you are doing your own teeth whitening at home using over-the-counter whitening products. Prolonged use of the chemicals and alcohol in mouthwash can also lead to damage to the enamel of your teeth. Teeth grinding is a common cause which over time exposes the dentine, resulting in exposure of the tubes which lead to the roots of your teeth. These are all things that we will quickly identify and help you to correct.

 

sensitive-teeth-essex

More complicated conditions

Sensitive teeth Essex can, however, be related to more complicated conditions which may require dental treatment. You may have excessive plaque which builds up after eating and the correct regular brushing and flossing will help keep the amount of buildup to a minimum. It will still be necessary to have your teeth cleaned at least every six months by our dental hygienist to ensure that your teeth are properly maintained. Gum disease, caused by improper dental care or from receding gums which can be a result of ageing, can also result in sensitive teeth Essex. You may not realise that you have a chipped or cracked tooth or teeth. There may be some decay from fillings that have weakened resulting in bacteria in the small crevices.

We can bring you lasting relief

All of these causes can be treated and there is no need for you to suffer excruciating pain when we are here to offer you lasting relief. Prevention is really the key and by introducing you to a proper regular oral hygiene regime we can help you to ensure that you enjoy the foods and drinks that you love.

Conditions caused by modern technology

One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is as a result of social media technology. Many of us use social media regularly and this increase in the use of our mobile phone camera has resulted in a desire to have perfectly white teeth. The use of over-the-counter tooth whitening solutions has also resulted in an increase in tooth and gum problems. We can help you by doing your teeth whitening in our surgery. We will carefully examine your teeth and gums and identify any conditions that may be developing. We will also choose the correct treatment solution that is best suited to your particular teeth, rather than an off-the-shelf solution. We also use special gum shield protection to avoid any damage to your gums. This could be one of the problems that is causing your teeth to be sensitive and we believe that it is best to let your dentist attend to your teeth and gums as they are precious and we know best how to take care of them for you.

A guide to maintaining fresh breath from us at Crofts Dental

When you are struggling with unpleasant breath, this can be embarrassing, and you may be wondering why it’s happening. Here at Crofts Dental, we can give you all the information you need to try and get fresh breath Essex by yourself, as well as being there to offer extra help if you need it.

fresh-breath-essex

What causes smelly breath?

Even when you have a good oral hygiene routine, sometimes certain things can still cause your breath to smell unpleasant more often than usual. If you have been struggling with this, then don’t hesitate to contact us and we will do everything we can to help you get fresh breath Essex again.

Food and drink

One of the causes that we have seen in our patients is eating or drinking strong-smelling foods or drinks often, as this can contribute to bad breath. Make sure to brush your teeth and floss soon after eating these foods if you eat them often, to help with preventing longer term bad breath.

Smoking

Another thing that is more damaging than strong-smelling foods and is a very common reason for bad breath is smoking. When you smoke, this can massively contribute to accelerated tooth decay, which can cause constant bad breath. It is best that you do everything you can to try and stop smoking to protect your oral health, as well as your health in general.

Problems with your teeth

If you have a very good, regular oral hygiene routine, don’t smoke and don’t eat strong-smelling food very often, but you are still experiencing bad breath, there may be underlying problems with your teeth. It could be gum disease, an infection, or holes in your teeth, so make sure to come in and see us if you are worried about this.

What you can do

There are a few things that we recommend to our patients to do to help prevent bad breath, as there could just be a small change you can implement that makes a big step in contributing to your fresh breath Essex. Don’t worry though, if you are still experiencing bad breath, just pop in to our practice and we can help you with treating it.

Oral hygiene

As mentioned above, we strongly believe that having a good oral hygiene routine is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health, and therefore preventing bad breath. If you don’t regularly brush your teeth, tongue and floss, then this creates an ideal environment for bacteria to spread, which can cause decay and other problems.

Dental check-ups

Making sure that you visit us regularly for check-ups can really help with preventing bad breath. It allows us to make sure that your oral hygiene is the best it can be, and means we can try and spot any issues early on that may contribute to bad breath.

Gum and mints

A lot of our patients feel embarrassed when they are experiencing bad breath, and may want short-term help with this by using chewing gum and mints. These are fine to use as long as they are sugar-free, because if they aren’t, the sugars can cause decay, which will only contribute to your bad breath in the long term.

How can our dental implants help with missing teeth?

Having missing teeth can affect both your oral health and your confidence, and you may be looking for a way to resolve this. With dental implants Essex, your lost teeth can be replaced to a high standard, and with a natural look.

dental-implants-essex

What are they?

Dental implants Essex can be a very effective treatment when it comes to replacing lost teeth, and this is partly due to their structure. They are usually made out of three parts, the first being the implant screw. The screw is the piece that is the foundation for your new tooth. On top of this, we will attach the abutment, which holds the crown in place. The crown is the part that really makes the difference to the appearance of your smile, as it is a piece of porcelain that is coloured and shaped to look like your other teeth.

What’s our process?

When you come to our practice for dental implants Essex, it is very important that we have a consultation with you. This appointment allows us to explain all of the information about the treatment, and answer any questions you may have. After this, we will examine your mouth and take scans such as X-rays to get a better idea of your needs. It is vital that we make sure you have enough bone left in the area for your implant screw to be held in place.

Once we have had the consultation with you and you are eligible and ready to go ahead, we will book your first surgical appointment. During this appointment we will insert the implant screw, which is a simple and fairly quick process. We will then close the area back up and leave it to heal for a few months. This is a very important part of the whole process, as this healing time allows your bone to fuse with the screw.

Once the area has healed, we will invite you back to the practice so that we can attach the abutment and the crown. This is when you will really see the difference that implants can make to the look of your smile.

At Crofts Dental Practice, our team of highly trained dentists will take very good care of you before, during and after the treatment. They will always put your needs first, and make sure that you have the best experience possible whilst improving the look of your smile.

Why choose implants?

This treatment is a very popular choice with our patients when it comes to replacing their teeth, and you can see why from some of the advantages mentioned below.

Strong

One of the main things that you will notice when you get implants with us, is how strong they are. When you have your implants, you won’t have to worry about food restrictions, as they can withstand the usual forces of chewing that your natural teeth can.

Appearance

The look of your smile once we have put your implants in is the main reason why our patients choose this treatment. When you have missing teeth, it can feel embarrassing and can knock your self-confidence, so to be able to replace the tooth with something that looks and feels natural is a huge advantage.

What are the benefits to orthodontics?

Patients experiencing problems with the alignment of their teeth, jaws or bite will want to find out more about how orthodontics Essex can help relieve their symptoms.orthodontics-essex

At Crofts Dental Practice, we offer patients a myriad of viable modern solutions in orthodontics Essex. More and more patients – adults, in particular – are interested in teeth straightening appliances that can fit in with their lifestyles. Modern orthodontics Essex caters to this demand by introducing distinctive appliances that feature forward-thinking designs.

Misaligned teeth not only create unsightly smiles but give rise to a number of dental health problems. Linked to teeth misalignment issues are poor oral hygiene, digestive issues (when food cannot be chewed properly), dental pain, gum disease and tooth loss. And this does not even take into account the devastating effects of what the loss of confidence in smiling can do to a patient’s mental, social and professional wellbeing.

There is strong evidence that links orthodontic treatment to the overall quality of life. Orthodontic treatment can help patients bite and chew better, improving their ability to eat a wider variety of foods. It can also allow patients to smile better and gain confidence in speaking to others, forming friendships or advancing in their careers.

Types of orthodontic devices available

At our practice, we make available a range of workable teeth-straightening devices so that our patients can choose one that suits them according to their specific needs and preferences.

For us to provide our patients with a superior level of patient care, we must evaluate their goals and lifestyles, allowing us to determine the right treatment plan that will give them the results they are after. During our free consultation appointment, our experienced dental practitioner will provide the patient with the necessary information on all the orthodontic treatment plans suitable so that they can make an informed choice.

We offer the Inman Aligner – a teeth-straightening system that manipulates teeth into position, using moderate force. This system is safe, aligns front teeth relatively quickly and is completely removable.

Another popular, modern teeth-straightening device available at our practice is Invisalign. This system comprises a predetermined set of transparent aligner-like trays that can be custom-made for each patient. This treatment plan requires the patient to change their trays according to a set schedule. Like the Inman Aligner, these trays are removable, which offers several benefits.

Not all orthodontic appliances may suit all patients, and for those with more complex misalignment issues, lingual braces may be a better fit. These braces resemble the design of traditional braces in that they feature brackets and wires. However, they are distinctive in that they are attached behind the teeth, placing them out of sight.

Some appliances like the Six Month Smiles treatment plan can offer patients even faster methods of straightening teeth. This is achieved because these appliances focus only on straightening specific teeth like those in the front. The device’s design features nickel-titanium wires that can be matched to the colour of the patient’s teeth.

Whether you want to improve your oral hygiene, relieve facial pain or even improve the quality of sleep, we can find the right orthodontic plan for you. Why not take advantage of our free professional consultation at Crofts Dental Practice by giving us a call today?

The types of preventative dentistry

During our time practising dental care at Crofts Dental Practice, we have seen quite often that patients, who visit us when suffering from dental emergencies, invariably end up spending more time in the dental chair and more money in the long run.preventative-dentistry-essex

Common dental emergencies, like tooth pain, are often a result of minor problems escalating into bigger ones that can no longer be ignored. These minor problems can be effectively treated with preventative dentistry Essex, saving patients time and money in dealing with future problems and allowing them to avoid the resultant pain and discomfort.

In the past, a lot of dental care was about treating problems once they arose; however, today, modern dentistry focuses on preventing problems from occurring in the first place. Dentists have found that measures such as preventative dentistry Essex are particularly beneficial in working towards this aim.

At our dental practice, we offer a range of quality preventative dentistry Essex that helps patients of all ages keep their smiles happy.

Preventive dentistry measures available at Crofts Dental Practice

From deep dental cleanings to screening for oral cancer to helping patients avoid bad lifestyle habits, here are a few of the ways we use preventive dentistry for the benefit of our patients.

Gum health

The longevity of teeth is directly tied to gum health. Poor gum health can have devastating consequences for the health of teeth and the jawbone and should on no account be ignored or left untreated. One of the preventive measures that protect gum health is regular deep cleaning procedures with our dentist. Scraping away plaque and tartar ensures that no bad bacteria lurk about and threaten the gum line.

Taking care of sensitive teeth

Any type of discomfort experienced when eating or drinking is a sure sign of a dental problem, which is why patients should always address tooth sensitivity issues. There are many reasons as to why patients may experience this sensitivity when consuming certain cold or hot foods and beverages, and our professional dental practitioner can get to the root of the cause and prescribe suitable treatment plans.

Protect teeth enamel with fluoride treatments

This type of preventive dental measure is mainly applicable to children. Tooth decay is prevalent in children due to their diets being high in sugar and their teeth enamel being more vulnerable to the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Fluoride treatments work wonderfully well in boosting the strength of enamel to resist the invasion of plaque and tartar and prevent tooth decay.

Relationship between smoking and poor oral health

One of the responsibilities of dental practitioners is to explain to patients the consequences of bad lifestyle habits, such as smoking, to their oral health. Gum health is a particular concern when it comes to patients who use tobacco products.

Are you looking for an experienced and friendly dental team at the forefront of modern dental care? We, at Crofts Dental Practice, have professional dentists who will partner with you to ensure you enjoy good oral health. So, why not contact us today to schedule an oral health checkup?