MISSING TEETH

Excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks can cause tooth decay. Your teeth can also be damaged by physical wear and tear in the course of time and age. However, the type of treatment you will get depends mainly on the severity of the damage on the teeth.

Treatments For missing teeth

There is a plethora of treatment for tooth pain, discoloured or damaged teeth, and tooth decay. To help restore your smile and self-confidence, your dentist may recommend veneers, crowns, or fillings.

What are fillings?

When there is a hole in your teeth (cavity) or you have got a chipped tooth, and a dental filling is a treatment you will need to fill it. Since dental cavities become more significant with time, you must notice it on time — the earlier they are detected and filled, the lesser the problem. An untreated cavity or chipped tooth can cause infection, tooth loss or fracturing, bad breath, and toothache. However, a routine dental checkup can help prevent these issues.

How Do I Know When I Need A Dental Filling

Everyone may need a dental filling especially when they experience a disturbing toothache, sensitivity to cold or hot food and drinks as a result of a cavity — food getting stuck in a decayed tooth, or sudden pain when they chew. A tooth filling may be required for the following reasons:

Abrasion and attrition

This is a condition where your teeth wear down  because of aggressive brushing or teeth grinding

Acid erosion

The acids in some food and drinks can attack and dissolve your tooth enamel (a hard protective covering of the tooth). Also, ailments like hiatus hernia or reflux can cause the protective enamel coating of your teeth to get worn-out.

Chipping

An injury or chewing on something hard can also break or chip off some part of your teeth. Consequently, the inside of the tooth is exposed, and erosion can set in with time.

Tooth Decay

This is one of the primary reasons why dental fillings are needed. After eating sugary foods and drinks, some bacteria feed on the leftovers on your teeth; this bacteria can form plaque where adequate care is not given to your teeth. The acid in the plaque goes on to soften and dissolve your tooth enamel, resulting in a cavity.

If you need a dental filling, visit Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic in London, or you can call us on  02071830755 today.

What To Expect During A Dental Filling

A modern dental filling may not require tooth removal; however, if your dentist deems it necessary, they may inject you with a local anaesthetic to numb the affected part.  Next is the replacement of any weak or decayed portions of the tooth. Then your dentist will shape, clean up, and dry the tooth left so it can be filled — your cavity will be filled with an amalgam or composite filling, and your bite will be checked to see that it is normal.

What Are The Available Types Of Dental Filings?

The extent of damage done and the type of teeth affected will determine the kind of treatment you will get— your dentist can also discuss any of the following options with you:

Inlays and overlays (onlays)

This treatment is used when a standard filling is not appropriate. Inlays or overlays are best for larger chewing surfaces like your molar teeth. Inlays cover up the hole in your tooth, while overlays shape up the tooth. These dental fillings can be made from porcelain, metal, or composite. If you desire an inconspicuous treatment, porcelain may not be suitable.

Composite

Composite fillings often referred to as white fillings are made in the colour of your natural teeth. — They best conceal your filling due to their appearance. This type of dental filling is available for only private treatment.

Amalgam

A combination of metals like copper, silver, and tin produces these conventional silver-coloured fillings. Amalgam filling does not wear off quickly. Therefore, they are best for fillings in your rear teeth. If you take excellent care of your teeth, you can use amalgam for 20 - 40 years.  Pregnant women should first discuss the use of amalgam with their dentist since some of them may react to this treatment option.

A root canal treatment may be needed if your tooth cavity is very deep or if you have a damaged tooth —this helps to prevent you from taking out your tooth.  Although used interchangeably, root canal fillings are not the same as standard filling.

What You Should Do After Getting A Dental Filling

After your dental procedure, you will feel a numbness in your mouth due to the local anaesthetic, and until this subsides, you may not be able to chew or drink comfortably. When your oral sensation returns, you may experience a tingling.

Do not chew with the treated part of your mouth to protect your filling and avoid biting yourself mistakenly. A week after your dental filling, you may experience a heightened sensation when you consume hot or cold food. If this sensitivity continues for long, report to your dentist as it could be a sign of changes to the nerve, which may require treatment.

Maintaining Excellent Dental Care After Fillings

One good treatment option for repairing tooth cavity is dental filling. They can stop toothache and prevent more tooth decay. However, it is safe at first not to have tooth filling. With help from your dentist, you can achieve this with the following measures:

• Reduce and manage your consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks. When your teeth are regularly exposed to sugar for a long time, your mouth has a lower chance of recovery
• Maintain a routine dental checkup
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss your teeth before brushing
• Use toothpaste recommended by your dentist
• Do not use a toothbrush for more than three months

Your oral health is best taken care of by your dentist.

What are crowns?

A crown or dental cap is a tooth-shaped covering that encircles the exposed part of the teeth completely. It is often used to strengthen and improve the appearance of the teeth. A possible permanent solution to a damaged tooth is a dental crown — it resembles and functions like your healthy tooth.

In cases where dental fillings are not suitable, crowns can restore damaged or weak teeth. Sometimes, people prefer crowns because of its aesthetic appeal, but primarily it is due to the absence of a remaining tooth structure. This is seen when the tooth has been fractured, or it has a large filling. Materials like ceramic, metal, or a combination of both can be used to make dental crowns. Porcelain crowns are one of the latest advancement in orthodontic treatment with ceramics, and it appears like your natural teeth.

Benefits Of Dental Crowns

If you have a severely damaged or weak tooth, a crown can provide support and prevent more decay, keeping your tooth secure for a long time. A chipped or stained tooth can be restored to its standard shape and colour with a crown. As long as you take good care of your teeth, your crown can last for a very long time

Are There Alternatives To Dental Crowns?

Yes! Some of this alternative include:

• Fillings - Tooth cavity is repaired with dental filling— they also treat toothache and prevent more decay. Fillers can be in different types, but the most common is the composite and amalgam, which looks like your natural teeth.
• Veneers - This is a customised thin moulding from porcelain that is glued to the front of the tooth. Veneers are also used to cover spaces in teeth when orthodontic treatment is not suitable. You should consult your dentist to know which treatment option is ideal for you. Remember that the severity of the damage and the type of teeth affected will determine the treatment you will receive.

What is the cost of dental crowns?

The cost of dental crowns depends on the materials from which the crowns are made and the tooth to be treated. You can consult your dentist to get a quotation on the cost of dental crown treatment.

Fitting of crowns

Two dental appointments are usually needed to make and fit a crown. On your first visit, the weak part of your teeth will be removed, and the teeth prepared to hold the crown.

An impression of your teeth will be taken by your dentist. A temporary crown produced by a laboratory technician with directions given by your dentist, it will be fitted over your tooth. During your second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and a new one bonded to your tooth. A crown can be mounted anywhere in your mouth, and its location will determine the material used in production — it can be produced from metal, porcelain, or a combination of porcelain and metal. For the treatment of a tooth that is visible when you open your mouth, a porcelain crown is used.

What to expect after fitting a crown

Patients may experience slight uneasiness after getting a crown. Initially, the repaired tooth may feel sensitive and unusual, which is a normal feeling that would pass away within 2 - 3 days. Your gum may have sores around it but brushing carefully will help your gum to recover. A dental crown can last for years as long as you take proper care of your teeth.

What Are Veneers?

A veneer is a customised thin wafer of porcelain that is permanently glued to the front part of a tooth. The right veneers provide a quick and long-lasting solution to people with stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. Veneers improve the aesthetics of a smile —where orthodontic treatment may not be appropriate; veneers can come in handy to cover gaps in teeth — it is made to resemble your teeth in size, shape, and colour; therefore creating a more natural-looking tooth. The beauty of using porcelain veneers is that you can choose the right colour that will brighten up a discoloured tooth.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Veneers?

The first advantage veneers provide a more natural finish.  Veneer is a cosmetic treatment that offers a long-term solution for chipped, discoloured, or crooked teeth.

You can select a matching porcelain veneer for your existing teeth to brighten up its appearance. Most interestingly, porcelain veneers can help you achieve a beautiful and more natural smile based on its light-reflecting qualities.

Porcelain veneers are not easily stained and last longer than composite bonding— if you take good care of them, porcelain veneers can last for a very long time.

A milder method to changing the shape or colour of a tooth is provided by veneers. Unlike crowns, only a little amount of enamel needs to be taken out to fit the veneer, but the strength is almost the same and results prove to be more natural.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Veneers?

Having veneers fitted over your teeth is a long-lasting solution to crooked teeth, and it is not a reversible treatment. You may need a few weeks to get used to the feeling of having Veneers in your mouth.

There will be a change to your teeth structure and shape to take out the exterior part of the enamel and receive the veneers. You may experience heightened sensitivity after getting veneers. This is why you need to consult your dentist before making up your mind on which option is right for you.

Are There Other Treatments Options Aside Veneers?

Yes, and some of  this treatment alternative include the following:

Orthodontics

This includes removable and fixed braces that are used to repair crooked or misaligned teeth and cover gaps in teeth. Presently, invisible braces are now available in orthodontics, meaning you can get a barely noticeable treatment.

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped covering that encircles the exposed part of the teeth completely. It is often used to strengthen and improve the appearance of the teeth. A porcelain veneer cannot be distinguished from the other teeth, and it is beneficial.

Composite Bonding

This is a quick, non-invasive treatment that can be done in one appointment. A composite resin is bonded to a discoloured tooth to improve its natural colour and shape. Considering all the available options is crucial. Your dentist will take you through the different procedures and work out the best treatment with you.

Fitting Of Veneers

Before getting a veneer, you will need to consult your dentist to be sure it is the right treatment for you — when that is done, your tooth will be prepared to receive the veneer. This procedure involves removing a thin layer of your enamel to create space for attaching the veneer to your tooth easily without any change in your tooth size. You may not feel any pain during this process, but a local anaesthetic can be given to you as a precaution.

An impression of your mouth will be taken to create a perfect veneer for your tooth. While waiting for your veneer, a temporary cover will be used to cover your tooth.

Finally, the veneer will be fitted on your tooth and adjusted accordingly before being bonded into position. You should take care of your veneer as you would your natural teeth. This is because, with proper care, veneers can last for a very long time — should your veneer be damaged, they can be replaced.

Caring For Your Veneers

After getting your veneers, there may be soreness around your gums. Do not panic as it is a normal feeling that will pass after a few days of brushing carefully. It is easy to maintain veneers; take care of them the same way you care for your teeth.

Is It Important To Restore Your Teeth?

Yes. It is crucial to repair damaged teeth. Not only does it prevent further damage, restoring your teeth preserves the healthy parts of your tooth.

Pain can also disappear when you repair cracked or chipped teeth and cavities. You become more comfortable eating and drinking. Taking care of your oral health contributes immensely to your overall well-being.

Need Private Treatment?

Contact Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, in London — we provide veneers and crowns as orthodontic treatment. You may have to pay a little more for porcelain crowns and white fillings for private remedy. Do give us a call on 02071830755 if you need an experienced dentist to handle your dental treatment.