Dental Examination
Regular examinations are recommended not only to help identify and treat any dental problems early but to help prevent dental diseases from arising.
During the examination your dentist will aim to address any concerns you may have regarding your oral health. The examination will begin with a thorough assessment of the head and neck followed by an assessment of the oral soft tissues, teeth and gums. If required, dental x-rays can be taken at this appointment to further help identify dental diseases such as cavities and provide a picture of your bone support. If any treatment is required, the dentist will discuss all appropriate treatment options and address any questions you may have about these, leading to the formation of a tailored treatment plan.
Promoting good oral health and preventing oral health problems is a primary focus at St Andrews. We aim to achieve this by providing advice you can follow at home with regards to diet, tooth brushing and any habits that may affect your oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment is an advanced treatment aiming to remove infection which has collected around the root your tooth, the treatment itself has an 85% success rate. It is needed when decay in your tooth or under an old filling has spread into the nerve supply and along the root canal system. Symptoms such as sharp shooting pain, radiating pain on pressure, earache and headaches are commonly experienced.
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic therefore no pain will be felt. The infected nerve supply is removed with specific instruments. Once the canals are disinfected and shaped they are then filled with a rubber like material sealing any voids. The tooth is then filled like a normal filling. 1-2 appointments are needed. In complex cases you may need to see a specialist.
Originally nutrients and blood are supplied to the tooth via the nerve supply. In root treated teeth, the nerve has been removed and therefore the tooth is more susceptible to fracture. It is advised that the root treated tooth is crowned/capped to protect the tooth from damage.
Amalgam
Amalgam is a traditional filling material that has been used for more than 150 years in dentistry.
Amalgam fillings are silver in colour as they are made up of a mixture of metals which include liquid mercury which gives amalgam its flexibility when using to allow for strong adaptation to cavity walls. It also contains, in a stable form, metals such as silver, tin and copper.
Due to it very durable and long lasting nature, it is a filling of choice for some in their back molar teeth, an area which experiences extremely high stress’ over time when chewing.
Snoring appliance
This is an appliance that is made for a patient who keeps their partners awake. Some people also suffer from sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for short periods of time) which can leave them feeling very tired during the day.
The treatment of snoring can be provided with a bespoke oral device and is a professional treatment option used by a dentist. At our practice, it is created from your unique dental impressions and designed to fit your mouth perfectly so as to give superior comfort and hold. It is easy to use every single night, which is great news for snorers and their partners! Wearing an oral device consistently is where you’ll see positive long-term results.
TMD/Jaw Pain – Excessive clenching or grinding of your teeth will cause wear and damage to both your teeth and jaw joints. This is referred to as TMD. Quite often this can occur in your sleep and you may not be aware that there is a problem. Symptoms include joint/ear pain, restricted opening, headaches/migraines, tooth wear, and jaw stiffness.
Mouthguards – For anyone who wants to protect their teeth when playing sports or, if you grind your teeth while you’re asleep, we may recommend you wear a mouth guard at night. These even out the pressure across your jaw and create a physical barrier between your upper and lower teeth to protect them from further damage.
Veneers – are thin bespoke ceramic shells that are bonded to the front surface of your existing tooth, commonly used to disguise imperfections such as crooked or chipped teeth, discolouration, gaps and uneven teeth to conceal the underlying cosmetic issues and create a great new appearance. It can be a favourable option over other cosmetic treatments to achieve an overall smile makeover.