Dental Blog - Queens Park Dental Team

How an emergency dentist can treat broken or missing teeth

A common reason for needing to see an emergency dentist is lost or broken teeth. At Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth, we offer same-day emergency appointments, so if you have lost or damaged a tooth or teeth for whatever reason, don’t delay; get in touch to book an appointment.

emergency dentist bournemouth Teeth are lost for a variety of reasons, including accidents, injuries, gum disease and tooth decay. If an accident or injury has resulted in tooth loss, it may be possible for your emergency dentist to reimplant it in the socket. If you still have your tooth pick it up carefully by the crown (the visible part in your mouth) and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, carefully clean it under cold running water. Put it in a clean container and cover it either with your own saliva or with milk, and bring it to your appointment at Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth.

Accidents and injuries involving the mouth or head can often result in broken teeth. It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible even if your tooth only has a small chip or crack, because this can allow bacteria to enter your tooth, leading to the possibility of infection and a painful dental abscess, requiring root canal treatment and even potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated.

Your Bournemouth emergency dentist will assess the amount of damage that has occurred, and whenever possible will work to save your tooth. This may include using white (tooth-coloured) fillings, inlays, onlays, or a crown to restore or reinforce your tooth. Composite bonding material can also sometimes be used to restore damaged teeth, whilst porcelain veneers may be recommended for slightly chipped front teeth.

If you need an emergency dentist in Bournemouth, call 01202 303322 straight away.

When to call an emergency dentist, and what they can do

If you need an emergency dentist in Bournemouth, contact Queens Park Dental Team straight away on 01202 303322.As with any medical emergency, when you need urgent dental care it is best to act immediately.

What can my Bournemouthemergency dentist do?

Many things constitute a dental emergency. From lost or broken teeth to a painful abscess, unbearable tooth-ache to damages to restorations such as crowns or dentures, it is always prudent to act quickly.

We always try to book patients in with an emergency dentist on the same day whenever possible. For that reason, the earlier you contact the practice the better. Please call us on 01202 303322 for out of hours advice as soon as your emergency occurs.

The first concern of your emergency dentist will be to get you out of pain. Dental pain can be unbearable, and we will never leave a patient in pain. It is not always possible to fully treat a condition in one appointment, so you may need to come back to our Bournemouth clinic for follow-up appointments to fully cure your ailment.

If fear of the dentist has caused you to put off seeking treatment until an emergency arises, your emergency dentist will take the time to talk you through any procedures necessary, and will treat you with the utmost care and respect at all times. Modern dentistry is practically pain free, and we use the Vibrainject injection system at our Bournemouth practice to deliver local anaesthetic, meaning many patients don’t even realise the injection has taken place.

Common reasons for needing an emergency dentist include:

Broken teeth

We can use a range of techniques, including composite bonding or fillings, to repair your teeth.

Lost teeth

We may be able to reimplant your tooth, or can offer tooth replacement options.

Toothache

We will get you out of pain, then treat the underlying cause.

How a cosmetic dentist can quickly boost your smile

A cosmetic dentist has many techniques at their disposal to boost the appearance of your smile. At Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth, we offer a number of cosmetic dental treatments. Whilst we don’t believe in quick-fix solutions (because we believe that treatments should last) we do offer some fast ways to improve your smile’s aesthetic appearance.

cosmetic-dentistry If you are interested in improving the way your smile looks, you should book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist here at our Bournemouth practice. Hannah will listen to your concerns, including what you like and dislike about your current smile, and what you would like to achieve, before carefully examining your teeth and gums. At the end of your consultation she will run through all the appropriate treatment options to reach your smile goals.

Here are some of the quickest ways to boost your smile at our Bournemouth dental practice:

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available. When carried out by a qualified cosmetic dentist, it is predictable, reliable and safe.

We use the White Dental Beauty teeth whitening system at our Bournemouth practice, which is a home teeth whitening treatment. You will need to be measured for whitening trays, which are custom-made for every patient to ensure a perfect fit. You need to place a small amount of teeth whitening gel in the trays and wear them overnight for approximately two weeks, during which time the gel will gently remove the discolouration from your teeth.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed over the front of permanently discoloured, chipped or misaligned teeth to approve their appearance. This is a fast way for your dentist to boost the appearance of your smile. The veneers are attached with a strong bonding agent for a completely natural, beautiful result.

The emergency dentist: when you need to call

If you need an emergency dentist in Bournemouth, you should contact Queens Park Dental Team straight away on 01202 303322. We will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible, on the same day whenever we can, because in a dental emergency it is essential to act fast.

emergency-dentist There are many reasons that you may need to see an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies can arise at any time of the day or night, and the quicker you contact the practice the sooner we can see you and get you out of pain. Whether you are a regular patient or a visitor to Bournemouth, we can provide emergency dental treatment.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

These are just some of the reasons you may need to see an emergency dentist:

Lost teeth

Accidents and injuries that involve a blow to the face or mouth often result in damage to the teeth. If your tooth is knocked out, your dentist may be able to reimplant it in the socket. If you still have the tooth, be sure to pick it up by the crown and avoid touching the root. You can clean it under cold water and put it in a clean container, covered in your own saliva or milk. Bring it with you to our practice. If we cannot reimplant it, your clinician will discuss tooth replacement options.

Broken teeth

Teeth are often broken in accidents and sporting injuries. Even if a tooth is only slightly chipped or cracked, infection may be able to enter the root canal system, so you should see an emergency dentist. At our Bournemouth practice we may be able to restore your tooth using composite bonding material (the same material used for white fillings), crowns or veneers.

Toothache

Toothache is a sign something is wrong and can quickly become unbearable. Come into our Bournemouth practice as soon as possible and we will get you out of pain.

Why your dentist will recommend root canal treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is prescribed by a dentist in order to treat a tooth with infection. At Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth, we have carried out scores of endodontic procedures to help patients save their teeth.

root-canal-treatment Many patients are nervous when they hear the term “root canal treatment”, but in reality it is nothing to be scared of. It is also essential because, without it, you stand a good chance of losing your tooth.

The pulp or nerve at the centre of a tooth can become infected through tooth decay or through damage to your tooth through accident or injury. Even a small crack in your tooth can enable bacteria to get into the pulp and cause an infection, which is why you should always see your dentist as soon as possible if you crack or chip your tooth – even mildly.

The most common symptom of infection is toothache, which can also be accompanied by a painful swelling known as a dental abscess.

Your dentist will recommend root canal treatment if they diagnose infection. This is vital to saving your tooth, and while many people find the term frightening, in reality it should feel no different to having a standard filling.

Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you will experience no pain. At our Bournemouth dental practice we use the Vibraject injection system to deliver anaesthetic, which minimises the “bee sting” effect some patients have experienced in the past.

Once you are numb, your dentist will clean the root canal system of all traces of infection. Your tooth may be temporarily filled to make sure the infection has completely cleared, and you will be called back to our Bournemouth surgery after about a week to check your tooth before filling it permanently. You may also need a crown to give your tooth extra strength.

Visiting the dentist when pregnant and with small children

Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is very important at every stage of life. However, at Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth we believe that during pregnancy it is more important than ever to look after your oral health. We also believe that bringing children in to see the dentist from a young age can help them establish good dental health for life.

Your teeth during pregnancy

Most pregnant women are aware that they should take extra care with what they eat and drink during pregnancy. However, not so many know that they should also make regular visits to the dentist.

Pregnancy increases the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body, which can cause pregnancy gingivitis (gum disease) and increased tooth sensitivity. Some 50% of pregnant women in the UK are affected by pregnancy gingivitis, so it’s very important to take extra care of your teeth.

Dental health tips for pregnant women include:

Do not brush your teeth straight after being sick if you experience morning sickness. Instead, drink a glass of water while your nausea subsides, and wait about an hour to clean your teeth.
Be aware of signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums.
Visit your dentist if your teeth become extra-sensitive.

Children’s teeth

At our Bournemouth dental practice, we recommend seeing children from a young age. This will help them to establish good oral health habits and can set them up for having healthy teeth for life.

Attitudes towards the dentist are often formed in early childhood, and at Queens Park Dental Team in Bournemouth we believe that by providing child-focussed early-years dental care, we can help them to see the dentist as a friendly face and nothing to be scared of.

We also offer a wide range of preventative treatments, including fissure sealants and fluoride varnish.

Orthodontics in Bournemouth – It’s Not Just About Straight Teeth!

Besides choosing the type of braces you’d prefer to wear, finding the right orthodontist is one of the most important parts of the process. The person you choose to consult about orthodontics in Bournemouth, not only has to understand what you’d like to achieve from your treatment, but also how much you’re prepared and able to pay, and what concerns you may have about wearing braces in general. Most dental clinics offer a free initial consultation, so make the most of this and visit two or three until you find the one that you feel most comfortable with. Remember to take a list of questions with you, so that you don’t forget anything.

How to make your choice

orthodontics in Bournemouth Personal recommendations are always best so ask around amongst family and friends to see if they have any suggestions. Remember, a qualified orthodontist will have undergone additional training to dental school and will be fully trained in fitting braces as well as dealing with more advanced treatments. So be sure to find out what qualifications they hold.

Brand names

Another thing to be wary of is orthodontists who only offer certain braces such as invisalign or Damon. This is perfectly alright if that’s the type of braces that you’re after but don’t feel pressured into accepting a system if it doesn’t quite meet your needs. This is why it pays to visit several orthodontists in your area and find one that’s the best fit for you.

Location

Whether you’re considering invisible braces in Bournemouth or going down the more traditional route of metal braces, you’ll still need to attend regular visits to your dental clinic, so location is of importance. It can be very frustrating if your orthodontist is the other side of town and you’ve got to get through heavy traffic in the middle of your lunch break, for example.

Price

You may feel a little uncomfortable discussing money at your first consultation, but there can be significant differences between clinics for the same treatment. Make sure you get a price for the entire treatment from start to finish so that you can compare notes later. Many clinics offer payment options, so again find out what’s available.

Previous work

Finally, most orthodontists should be able to show you pictures of ‘before and after’ for patients that they’ve treated. This is a good indication of their expertise and you can ask whether you’re able to speak to any of the patients to find out first hand how they felt about their treatment and the results.

Armed with all of this information you should be able to make a decision to help you go ahead with tooth straightening. In Bournemouth there are plenty of clinics to choose from and if having whittled it down to one or two and not much to choose between them, then we’d say go with your gut instinct. Here at Queens Park Dental we have a small, friendly and skilled team and we make it our business to forge a relationship with each and every patient. We also welcome dental emergencies, why not contact us for a free consultation by dialling 01202 303322 or via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk.

Why It’s Best To Choose Professional Home Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering teeth whitening in Bournemouth then you’re certainly not alone. As a cosmetic dentist, tooth whitening is one of our most popular treatments as more and more people strive to achieve that celebrity white smile.

teeth whitening in Bournemouth Whitening your teeth can have a huge impact on your life, not only making your smile look brighter and more attractive, but filling you with confidence. In fact research has shown that for most people a healthy white smile is what they first look for in a partner. For others, they find that a white smile makes them more employable and furthers their career.

While there are numerous home whitening kits available in chemists and online, they can be tricky to use and don’t always deliver the results that you hoped for. For one thing, the bleaching tray that accompanies them is a ‘one size fits all’ type of tray that can cause the bleaching gel to leak out onto your gums or inside your mouth, burning and causing damage. For health and safety reasons, these kits can only contain a minimum amount of whitening agent, so don’t reach the desired level of whiteness that a celebrity smile has.

Consulting your dentist about home tooth whitening in Bournemouth offers the following benefits:

Your teeth will be assessed to ensure that you are indeed a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. Usually prior to tooth whitening we’d recommend a general clean to rid your teeth of any surface stains and plaque. In addition your mouth needs to be free of any gum disease. We can carry out any treatment needed prior to tooth whitening.

A custom tray will be fabricated to fit the contours of your teeth and gums to ensure no peroxide gel leaks out

If your teeth are sensitive then your dentist will be able to recommend a tooth whitening treatment for teeth and gums that are easily irritated

Professional teeth whitening kits are stronger than any you can buy over the counter and therefore will produce better results in a far quicker period of time. Lightly stained teeth will naturally whiten quicker but if you have dark stains, they will still whiten but it will take longer.

We use the White Dental Beauty system for our home trays which is proven to be safe and effective. Typically you wear the trays for just one hour a day which can be fitted into your schedule as you please. Some people wear them when watching their favourite Soap or while doing the dishes after dinner. If for any reason you can’t wear your trays on a particular day, then it will just take a little longer to see the desired results. How long the results last will depend on whether you revert back to the habits which caused the darkening and staining in the first place, such as drinking coffee or red wine or smoking.

If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening in Bournemouth and how we can help then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk or by dialling 01202 303322. We always welcome dental emergencies, please contact us for more information.

We look forward to meeting you.

Do I Really Need A Crown?

Perhaps your dentist has suggested that you need a crown and having gone home and considered the cost implications, you’re unsure about going ahead with treatment. As a busy dentist we regularly use crowns in Bournemouth patients to restore badly failing teeth, so we though we’d take this opportunity to discuss the whys and wherefores of crowns to shed a little more clarity on the treatment.

Reasons why a dental crown may be necessary

To reinforce a weak tooth which is badly decayed or fractured
To replace a previous large filling which is covering half of the width of the tooth or more
Following root canal treatment which has left the tooth hollow and susceptible to cracking
Fractures inside the tooth which are causing pain when you bite and chew
Excessive wear especially if you grind your teeth
To improve the appearance of an unsightly tooth
In conjunction with other treatments such as dental implants where a crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Alternatively missing teeth may be replaced with dental bridges that are composed of crowns fitted on the teeth either side of the gap and attached to false teeth in the middle.

Crowns in Bournemouth – your alternatives

If you’re having dental implants or a bridge fitted then there is no alternative to crowns. Quite simply they’re an essential part of both treatments. If, on the other hand, the crown is to protect a weakened tooth, then you have the following options:

Do absolutely nothing – If your tooth has been held together by a large filling and a small piece of tooth for several years then you may want to adopt the old adage of “if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it.” Sometimes removing a filling can create more problems than are solved and lead to other problems down the line such as needing a root canal and a crown. This could eventually happen anyway but that’s a chance you take.

An inlay or onlay – If the tooth is not quite at the point where it needs a crown but too badly damaged for a filling, then an inlay or onlay could be an option. This requires less preparation than for a crown and allows you to retain more of the tooth structure. An impression of the prepared tooth is taken and sent to the laboratory for a custom inlay or onlay to be made. Tooth coloured, it’s cemented into place and gives a seamless and natural appearance.

Extraction – If the long term prognosis for the tooth is not good, then you may decide to opt for a dental implant.

As you can see there are numerous reasons for crowns in Bournemouth and 9 times out of 10, if your dentist says you need a crown, then he’s right. If you feel you need a second opinion, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental by calling 01202 303322 or contact us via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. We use the latest in technology and aim to meet your dental needs, including dental emergencies, now as well as in the future and together we can discuss your best options. We’re a Bournemouth dentist that really cares, so call us today.

Why Do I Need A Retainer After Braces?

As an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth one of the questions we’re often asked is why is there a need to wear a retainer once treatment is finished. Basically, the reason is to keep the teeth in their new position. Braces work by gradually easing teeth into a healthier position and a retainer needs to be worn while the bone and tissue settles down around your teeth, and the bite stabilises.

For how long do retainers need to be worn?

orthodontics in Bournemouth The risk of relapse is highest during the first month after treatment has ended and as your body is constantly changing so too can your teeth shift position. Relapse won’t occur over night, but if you stop wearing your retainer your teeth will eventually revert back to their original position. By wearing your retainer as suggested, you can help keep your teeth straighter for longer.

What do retainers look like?

Retainers are custom made to prevent your teeth from moving back to their old position and take the form of a fixed or a removable appliance.

Acrylic and wire or clear plastic fits against the front of the teeth to hold a removable retainer in place. Typically the clear plastic version looks nicer but wears out faster. This form of retainer is usually worn full time for about 6 months after which time it’s worn during the night for several years. A fixed retainer is held in place by wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. This is usually kept in place for around 5 years although it’s not uncommon for an In-Line dentist in Bournemouth to recommend that it’s worn for a lifetime.

Removable retainers need to be taken out for eating and when playing contact sports as well as for brushing your teeth. To clean the retainer brush it using toothpaste and rinse it with tap water and then brush and floss your teeth. If you have a fixed retainer then you’ll need to take more care when brushing the back of your teeth and around the wire so that plaque doesn’t form. Ask your dentist in Bournemouth to show you how to floss using a floss threader.

How does a retainer feel?

Like any appliance worn in the mouth, it will seem a little awkward at first and will take a few days to get used to it and to speak clearly. Don’t worry if you experience more saliva in your mouth than usual, that’s totally normal. Fixed retainers don’t affect speech but do be careful when biting down on particularly hard or crunchy food.

Many people find their teeth shift position at some stage of their lives and this is why realigning them with a speedy treatment like In-Line is such a good solution for orthodontics. In Bournemouth we have helped restore the smiles of lots of patients who didn’t want to wear a traditional metal brace. We encourage them to wear a removable retainer for longer at night, and a fixed retainer indefinitely, so that they can continue to enjoy their new smile. If you’re in need of orthodontics in Bournemouth or if you have an dental emergency, then why not get in touch with Queens Park Dental by calling us on 01202 303322 or get in touch via our website at www.queensparkdental.co.uk. We’ll soon have the smile back on your face.

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