DENTAL TREATMENTS

Implants

An implant is titanium metal replacement for the root of the tooth placed in the jaw bone. It can be used as a support for a replacement tooth or bridge.

Implants are one way of replacing missing teeth. A post is planted in the jaw bone to support a replacement tooth. This acts like root of a natural tooth. Implants can also be bridges or dentures. Implant treatment has two stages. First, the implant is placed in the jaw. Then, when the jaw has healed, replacement teeth are attached. If you decide to go ahead, this is what will happen. Implants are put into holes in the jaw with a local or general anaesthetic. The implant is screwed in and the gum is stitched so that it heals over the implant. Then, under the gum, the bone grows round the implant to hold it firm. Implants usually have two sections - the post in the jaw and an extension that is added later when the post is secure. The replacement teeth are fixed or attached in a way which lets you remove them for cleaning.

Bridges

A bridge replaces a missing tooth (or teeth) by fixing the replacement to the neutral teeth at each side of the gap. Some bridges have crowns at each end.
Others are fixed to the surface of the teeth next to the gap. Sometimes a bridge is only fixed to the tooth on bone side of the gap.

This is a way of replacing a missing tooth by using the adjacent teeth either side of the gap to support a replacement. The supporting teeth and the replacement are joined together as one unit so that in use the other teeth take the load of the missing tooth. The bridge is permanently cemented into place so it is part of the mouth.

TOOTH WHITENING

(BLEACHING) with Hydrogen Peroxide

This method of lightening teeth involves using a thin plastic tray which fits your mouth. A small amount of bleaching gel is applied inside the tray and when inserted into the mouth it does not touch your gums and burn them. Dentists use special jelly bleach.

Root canal treatment

Root Filling (ENDODONTICS)

The nerve inside a tooth can die because of decay or trauma. The tooth can be retained by cleaning out the damaged nerve and filling up the empty space with a root filling.

VENEERS

This is a thin layer of specialised porcelain, roughly as thick as a thumbnail, which is bonded onto the teeth to improve the colour or the shape of the teeth.

CROWNS

A crown (often called a cap) is a cover which protects a damaged or ugly tooth. By using high strength ceramic the natural colour of the tooth can be copied to give a natural appearance.

DENTURES

Where a number of teeth are missing replacement with a denture may be required. These are removable appliances which can have either plastic or metal framework with plastic replacement teeth.

FISSURE SEALANTS

A plastic covering can be applied to the source of molar or prendar teeth to prevent decay. This is a totally painless procedure without any drilling particularly appropriate for children.