Author: Kings Dental Clinic

Worried about an upcoming root canal? Facts and myths about endodontics at Kings Dental Clinic

When you are told by your dentist that you require endodontics, it can bring to mind various unsettling thoughts.

root-canal-harley-street

Usually performed after there has been an infection in the pulp of the tooth, endodontics involves cleaning the inside of the tooth and removing any infected tissue, to ensure that all evidence of the infection is gone and the tooth is clean and healthy.

Understandably, many patients shudder when this is suggested by their dentist, worried that it will add to their discomfort or make their teeth more sensitive.

At Kings Dental Clinic, all of our general dentists are able to perform first-class endodontics or root canals in Hammersmith, leaving our patients with a restored and functional tooth that is free from infection. Our emergency dental team are also able to perform this tooth-preserving procedure, to ensure that regardless of the severity of your infection, you will leave our surgery with your full set of teeth.

But what are the real-life facts about root canals in Hammersmith and which are myths? Read on to discover the real benefits to patients of endodontic therapies.

Endodontic therapy is painful

Myth!

When you visit our dentists for root canals in Hammersmith, chances are you are already experiencing some level of discomfort due to the infection in your tooth pulp.

Before we proceed with any treatment to resolve the issue, our dentists will make sure the area is numbed and that you are comfortable for the therapy to proceed. During endodontic treatment, you will not feel any discomfort and once the numbing agents have worn off, you may experience a bruised sensation, but in comparison to the discomfort you felt previously, we promise it will be minimal!

Extractions are better for your long term health

Myth!

There is no evidence to suggest that extracting an infected tooth has a better long term outcome than endodontic therapy.

As endodontics involve cleaning the root of the tooth to remove any signs of infection, having an extraction may actually be less beneficial for the surrounding teeth, as the infection may still be able to spread. Also, if your infected tooth is located at the front of your mouth, having an extraction is going to lead to more pricey cosmetic procedures, like dental implants or a fitted bridge.

Endodontics kill your teeth

Myth!

While in years gone by endodontic therapies ran the risk of killing your teeth, thanks to modern dental techniques, the nerve of the tooth and the surrounding blood vessels will remain intact.

This will allow you to have the use of your once infected tooth back, without causing deterioration or breakages.

Endodontic therapy takes a long time to heal

Myth!

While you are likely to experience a feeling akin to bruising in your tooth and jaw post-treatment, your once infected tooth should be fully recovered in about a week. The benefits of keeping your natural teeth are obvious with this procedure. If after 7 days you are worried about experiencing an extended healing time, unusual swelling or discomfort, please call our dental team for an emergency follow-up appointment.

Do not hesitate when it comes to replacing teeth

Many people put off replacing their teeth, especially if it is just the one tooth that has been knocked out. They do not realise that leaving your mouth untreated and not having a replacement tooth fitted could cause additional dental problems in the future. At Kings Dental Clinic we have more than one treatment available that can restore your teeth and make you smile.

replacing-lost-teeth

Having dental implants in Hammersmith can completely restore your smile regardless of how many teeth you need replacing, and your new artificial teeth will look and feel completely natural. Many people opt for this treatment option because of its permanent nature, as the tooth implants are fixed into your mouth and are unable to be removed or come loose. They are made up of tiny titanium screws that fit into your jawbone as the root of a tooth would do, and not only do they provide a post for your false teeth to attach to, but they stimulate your jawbone, helping to keep it healthy.

Give your mouth some tlc

If you are missing a tooth, or several teeth, then the first step in replacing them is to make an appointment with one of our practitioners to discuss getting dental implants in Hammersmith. They will be able to assess the condition of your mouth and create a personalised treatment plan for you. This will cover how many screws you will need to have inserted into your jawbone, as well as what type of appliance is going to be most suitable for your circumstances.

How many screws you need will depend on how many teeth you are replacing. One screw can be used to support more than one tooth. If you are having a whole mouthful of teeth replaced then you can expect to need between four and twelve screws in total, but this is something that your dental practitioner will discuss with you at your consultation.

Replacing one tooth is commonly done by attaching a crown to your tooth implants. If you are missing multiple teeth then you may require a partial denture or bridge, depending on what positions your missing teeth are in. A full denture is used to replace a whole set of teeth. All of these artificial appliances are designed to look and feel like your original teeth, so nobody will even be able to tell that they are not real. 

Are you looking for an alternative treatment?

If you do not like the idea of having dental implants in Hammersmith then we do have other alternative treatments available for you. Dentures are a popular treatment option when it comes to replacing a whole mouthful of teeth and unlike tooth implants they are completely removable. It is important that you clean your dentures by leaving them out overnight in a special solution, but this is something that your dental practitioner will ensure that you know how to do.

Dentures rest on the tops of your gums and give you back your ability to chew and smile. Having dentures can really boost your confidence, as many people feel like they are unable to replace their teeth because it is too expensive but this treatment is more than affordable and will sometimes even be covered by the NHS.

Smoking cessation in Hammersmith – a guide

Are you a smoker and worried about your oral health? According to the Office of National Statistics in 2018, it was reported that 14.4% of adults in England were smokers, 15.9% of individuals smoked in Wales, 16.3% of adults smoked in Scotland and in Northern Ireland the percentage was 15.5%. Despite these figures, more and more people everyday are making an informed choice to quit smoking for good. Cigarette smoking has been proven to harm nearly every organ of the body, including parts of the throat, tongue and soft palate, and affecting your overall oral health. So if you are a smoker and you are thinking of quitting, by visiting our dental practice, Kings Dental Clinic, we will be able to provide smoking cessation in Hammersmith, which can assist you in gradually stopping smoking once and for all.

smoking-cessation-hammersmithHow tobacco affects our oral health

Frequent cigarette smoking can affect your teeth and gums in a number of ways. The chemicals in tobacco products affect the saliva flow in the mouth, which makes it easier for oral bacteria to stick to our gums and teeth. This can develop into plaque which, if not removed from the teeth or gum line, can harden into tartar, which is also known as calculus. Calculus is much harder to remove so it requires professional cleaning. Smoking can also cause bad breath and stain teeth to a yellow colour.

The normal function of gum tissue can also be affected by smoking, which can cause infections and restrict blood flow. Smokers are said to be three to six times more likely to develop gum and periodontal diseases.  Bacterial infections and periodontal diseases destroy the soft tissue and bone which anchor your teeth to your jawbone. The dental plaque, which forms in the pockets around the teeth, leads to this breakdown of soft tissue and bone. If you suffer from this disease, you may notice in the early stages that your gums bleed when you brush or floss. As the infection develops and worsens, your gums begin to break down, pulling away from your teeth and forming pockets. As the pockets between your teeth and gums deepen, more of the supporting structures are destroyed, which can result in your teeth becoming loose and painful, and in some cases individuals do end up losing their teeth.

There is also an increased risk of developing oral cancer for smokers.

What is smoking cessation?

If you want to stop smoking, our practice, Kings Dental Clinic, offers smoking cessation in Hammersmith, which aims to help beat your addiction and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Our dental professionals believe it is important to inform you of the risks and dangers associated with smoking tobacco, as we understand how important oral health is. By scheduling regular appointments with us we will be able to advise and help you to maintain good oral health and encourage you on your journey to stop smoking.

Ways to improve your oral health

For those who do smoke or use tobacco products, we advise that you brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before you go to bed. It is also recommended for our patients to brush daily, which can contribute in reducing the risk of oral health problems.

So if you are considering stopping smoking for good, rest assured that, at Kings Dental Clinic, our smoking cessation in Hammersmith will be able to provide you with the support needed throughout your journey.

Are you looking for a dentist that goes above and beyond?

Not only are we a dental practice that offers an unparalleled amount of treatment options under one roof, but we are a practice where many of our new patients come by way of referral from existing patients, family and friends.

dental-crown Who are we?

Whether it’s general dentistry you’re after to maintain your oral health, such as check-ups and cleaning, or perhaps you require a treatment plan which involves dental crowns or bridge work. Here, at Kings Dental Clinic, we have you covered. Perhaps you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile? Great! We can offer state-of-the-art treatments, using cosmetic dentistry techniques, such as advanced whitening and porcelain veneers. Whatever your needs, our experienced team has you covered!

If you have missing, chipped or broken teeth, we can offer dental crowns, which could perhaps be the perfect solution for you. It’s not pleasant suffering with broken or missing teeth, not to mention embarrassing. Many people who suffer with broken teeth don’t smile properly and naturally attempt to hide the appearance of their damaged teeth. It does not need to be this way as dental crowns can restore the structure, appearance and function and integrity of the tooth, allowing you once again to regain the natural function of chewing, whilst at the same time providing you with the freedom to smile again without embarrassment. Now isn’t that something to smile about?

Why choose us?

Are you new in town, or perhaps just looking for a dental practice who can offer all your treatments under one roof? Maybe you have been too busy of late to find the time to get to the dentist, or perhaps you are just nervous about even going to see a dentist. Don’t worry as we have your back. We are a dental phobic registered practice, and we are hugely experienced in treating nervous patients. With today’s advancements in modern dental techniques and state of the art equipment,  there is really no reason why your visit with us should be anything other than a comfortable experience for you. It is important to stay on top of your oral health and our friendly and welcoming team are on hand to make sure that this is a pleasant experience for you

If it’s cosmetic enhancement you are looking for, well you’ve certainly come to the right place! A great smile is not only good for your sense of well being and confidence, it can also leave a lasting impression just when it is needed most. With today’s state of the art whitening techniques, having that killer smile is no longer reserved only for movie stars and entertainers. It is available to you today, and for a lot less than you could imagine. We offer a range of convenient payment options to spread the cost of your dental treatment and to make it completely affordable for most of our patients.

So if you’re looking for a quality dentist is Hammersmith or Southwark, see what Kings Dental clinic can do for you, it really is a no brainer!

Improve your facial aesthetics without surgery

As people get older they often find themselves losing confidence when it comes to their appearance. There are so many different areas of the face that can appear less youthful over time, and whilst many people turn to surgery to have these aging signs reversed quite a lot of people are wary about undergoing such procedures. Here at Kings Dental Clinic we have several different non-invasive, non-surgical treatments available that will leave you looking and feeling much more youthful.

Facial Aesthetics in HammersmithIf you have been feeling insecure about your appearance, then booking a consultation appointment with one of our professionals will enable you to discuss facial aesthetics in Hammersmith. Your practitioner will be able to recommend treatments that will help your situation and create a personalised treatment plan for you. It is easy to book a consultation appointment at our practice online and via telephone, as well as within our practice itself.

What can we help you with?

Several different areas of the face change as you age and as your skin loses its natural elasticity it is likely to become wrinkled, loose and even saggy in some places. This can leave people feeling much older than they are and damage their self-esteem in the long run. Sometimes people feel isolated from others in their friendship group when they feel unable to join in with certain activities such as group photos because they feel insecure about their face’s appearance.

Facial aesthetics in Hammersmith can help with all of these issues, as well as things such as having smoking lines and dull looking skin. Having treatments will leave you feeling completely rejuvenated, and in some cases you will be able to see visible results from the moment your treatment has been completed. No treatment is permanent, so your professional will advise you of how often you will need to receive treatment if you wish to maintain your new look when you attend an appointment.

What types of non-surgical treatments are available?

Facial aesthetics in Hammersmith is made up of several different types of treatments that are capable of targeting different areas of your face. You may require Mesotherapy, dermal fillers, a thread lift or even Botulinum Toxin, and there are more treatments available at our practice too. The only way to tell which treatment you will require is by having one of our professionals assess the condition of your facial skin.

Sometimes people will require Mesotherapy, which is where you will have a series of injections that will provide your body with an additional supply of vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid and other acids that can help to encourage cell growth. Your body’s supply of hyaluronic acid depletes over time, which is one thing that gives your skin an aged appearance.

Dermal fillers work by replacing the body’s supply of hyaluronic acid, as this diminishes as you get older. Fillers can make the appearance of your skin seem more youthful as it plumpens it, giving your skin a tighter, less wrinkled appearance. Once you have had this treatment it is capable of lasting for anything between six and twelve months, but if you with to maintain your youthful appearance it is easy to book an appointment to have your filler topped up.

If you want any more information on the treatments that we have to offer then our team will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have and can explain how each treatment works and how it could benefit your individual situation.

Cosmetic dentistry could make you smile again

There generally comes a time when people often wish that they had taken better care of their teeth throughout their life, or simply want to improve their smile. Your teeth may have yellowed with age, or you might just need a filling or two. Whatever the journey to achieving your desired smile entails, here at Kings Dental Clinic we will endeavour to make getting cosmetic dentistry in Hammersmith as easy as possible for you.

Cosmetic Dentistry in HammersmithBeing frustrated or unhappy with your smile can cause all sorts of distress. You might have a family do or wedding approaching and have spent the last few days trying to find a way to smile confidently without showing your teeth or opening your mouth. You might end up feeling like you do not want to be in any photographs at all, and this could make you feel excluded from everybody else. How happy people are with their smile impacts their confidence, and at Kings Dental Clinic we aim to have all our patients smiling proudly by the time they leave our practice.

What treatments are available?

Within cosmetic dentistry in Hammersmith there is a whole range of treatments now available to patients. Some people will require teeth whitening, whilst others may desire to have a white filling fitted so it is less noticeable to others. When smiling, some patients will feel that their teeth to gum ratio is all wrong, and for this we can offer gum contouring, where we can reshape your gums, thus improving the appearance of your smile.

If your teeth need straightening slightly then veneers could well be the answer for you and having these fitted will also brighten the appearance of your teeth, allowing you to feel more confident about your smile.

Are you missing teeth?

Many people believe that if their teeth fall out, they will have to pay a fortune to replace them. Cosmetic dentistry in Hammersmith allows you to replace your teeth at an affordable price, with absolute certainty. There are many different reasons why you may be missing teeth, and sometimes the NHS will cover the costs for you when receiving treatment.

Dentures are one option that provides patients with the ability to replace a whole set of teeth, and they can either be removable or fixed onto implants. They are designed to look and feel exactly like your original teeth. It is best to make an appointment with one of our dental practitioners as they will be able to advise you on what treatment will suit you the most and answer any questions you may have.

Sometimes we see patients that have only one tooth that needs restoring to its original glory, and this can be done using a non-metal crown. These crowns are tooth coloured, meaning that you will be able to flash your smile without worrying about people noticing the treatment that you have had. They can fit straight onto a tooth, or they can be used in partnership with implants and bridges. People often feel the need to hide their smile when it has gaps in it, as they are insecure about it. Instead, you should think about visiting our cosmetic dentist so they can rectify any issues, so you can get back to living your life and smiling whenever you want to.

Worried about the dentist? Dental phobia treatments at Kings Dental Clinic

Fear of the dentist is extremely common.

If you have had an unpleasant dental experience at any time in your life, it is understandable that you may be apprehensive about seeing the dentist, even if you are in pain.

Dental Phobia in HammersmithUnfortunately, even the most diligent tooth cleaners may fall foul of a dental issue that requires treatment at some point in their life and this is when dental phobias in Hammersmith can create a problem. Not attending dental check-ups can lead to preventable issues like cavities, plaque accumulation and tooth decay. Among other things, if you are phobic of the dentist but find yourself losing a filling or developing an abscess, dental phobias can be quite dangerous and cause a great deal of pain.

What can I do?

When you have a dental phobia in Hammersmith, you are probably aware of the implications of not visiting the dentist and want to resolve the issue. After all, modern day dentistry offers amazing results in the field of cosmetic work such as whitening and dental implants.

You could try and seek out a sympathetic dentist, but this may be time consuming and if you are already in pain, you may not want to spend weeks hunting down a compassionate dentist.

How we can help

At Kings Dental Clinic, we understand how nerve racking it can be to visit the dentist when you have a phobia. All our staff are specially trained to make even the most nervous patients feel at ease and can provide you with a genuinely pleasant dental visit.

However, it is more than just making you feel comfortable. Our staff can help you rebuild your confidence when you come in for a dental visit, helping you to overcome your phobia and regain control.

Non judgemental

A common belief among those with a dental phobia is that when they go to the dentist, they will be lectured on the condition of their teeth. Talk about off-putting!

Our staff at Kings Dental Clinic understand that if you haven’t visited a dentist in 10 years for example, it is unlikely your teeth are going to be in tip top condition. We also know that you will probably be feeling upset and vulnerable when you visit us, so we promise you a non-judgmental approach when you come in for your first check-up.

You are in control

Phobias often stem from feeling a lack of control in a certain situation; you experienced something unpleasant in the past that you could not rectify and now, you are fearful of that situation.

When you come to us for your dental treatment, you are in full control. We will take as much time as you need, advise you and tell you exactly what we are doing. If you only want us to look at your teeth on the first visit, then that is all we will do.

If you have a dental phobia in Hammersmith and want to overcome it, please contact us now.

Do you have a dental phobia?

If you are a nervous patient you are not alone. It has been found through surveys that 36% of those who do not go regularly to a dentist, state fear as the reason. Therefore, it makes sense to find that many extremely nervous patients can have problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, simply because they have not been having regular check-ups, therefore making the whole issue worse.  It is less scary having a check-up than having 4 fillings done at once!

Dental Phobia in HammersmithHowever we know this is not to be taken lightly, dental phobia can leave patients in a total panic and absolutely terrified about visiting their dentist. Our team at Kings Dental Clinic are totally aware of how some patients can be really fearful of having treatments done.  We have very experienced dental practitioners who can talk to their patients and make them feel at ease.

We will help to take your fear away

If you are a very nervous patient, make us aware of this fact and we promise that our caring, experienced team will be more than happy to discuss options with you. Having a good chat and airing your concerns are the first steps on the road to healthy, happy teeth.

More reasons to have regular visits to the dentist

Those with a dental phobia in Hammersmith will not just run the risk of losing teeth through lack of oral care, but could also lose their confidence. Lost or yellowing teeth can all add up to making a person have lower self-esteem than others.  Some people become so embarrassed in social situations that they hide their mouth behind their hand when speaking or smiling and this can really start to affect a person’s whole life.  This can result in their professional and personal life suffering to a tremendous degree.

Do I have dental phobia?

Everyone’s fears and phobias are different and have different levels, no two are ever the same. However, if just the thought of visiting your dentist really fills you with dread it could be time to take action. Be honest with yourself and if you are finding that you cannot sleep before a dentist visit, get very nervous in the waiting room of your clinic or panic when you have things put into your mouth, then let us know in our initial consultation. This will enable us to look at the best way forward for you when deciding on any treatments.

Let us take the strain

We want you to be as comfortable and happy about visiting us for treatment as possible. Through a combination of in depth discussion about all of your worries and the procedures you need, our team will be with you every step of the way on your road to good oral health care.  You may have cause to be fearful due to bad experiences in the past or even embarrassment, but be safe in the knowledge that nothing will shock us and we are here to help.

Looking after your oral health

Remember when you were a kid, and you’d go to the doctor and they’d look at your tongue and get you to say ‘aaaaaah’? They were checking out your oral health. Medicine has long used the health of the mouth as an indicator for the health of the rest of the body. If you have a white, furry tongue, or, heaven forbid, a green furry tongue, then something’s not right.

Oral Health in HammersmithNow research has backed up this tried and tested method of checking health and has discovered that illnesses in the rest of the body are indeed linked to your oral health.

Gum disease, which is a disease of inflammation, often works as a pointer to disease elsewhere in the body. It is often an indicator of heart disease. The idea goes that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels, raising blood pressure and allowing less blood to move through them.

Gum disease may also be linked to birth problems. Women are more likely to get gum disease when they are pregnant as the increased levels of progesterone in the body make life in the mouth more habitable for bacterial plaque. Researchers are investigating whether gum disease in the mother plays a role in low birth weight or babies born with learning disorders, heart conditions or lung conditions.

Gum disease is also linked to lung conditions. When gum disease is treated, fewer bacteria go down into the lungs to exacerbate problems there.

Obesity has also been linked to gum disease, which seems to progress faster when body fat is higher.

What can you do?

You can combat gum disease by having a great oral health routine. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled brush and a good fluoride toothpaste. You need to back this up with a good flossing once a day and perhaps also interdental brushes to remove trapped food.

You also need to come along to Kings Dental in Hammersmith for regular check-ups and cleanings to remove hardened plaque. Between us, we can make sure that your oral health is in A1 condition.

Cosmetic orthodontics aren’t just cosmetic

The term cosmetic orthodontics implies that any benefits that come from cosmetic braces are purely appearance-related. But this is not true. As well as getting a smile to be proud of, having your teeth straightened increase your chances of making your teeth last longer.

The difference between cosmetic and normal braces is to do with how much your misalignments prevent you from doing things. If you have wonky teeth but can still eat and talk and are not in any pain, then any improvements to their positions have been deemed as cosmetic by the dental profession.

You may be able to chew just fine, but it could be that only some of your teeth are bearing the brunt of the forces created by chewing. You may also be more likely to grind your teeth at night. Over the years, this could lead to some teeth crumbling under the strain of chewing. When your teeth are well aligned, this is less likely to happen.

Also, when your teeth line up properly, they are much easier to keep clean. Plaque has fewer unreachable places to hide, and you will suffer from less decay or gum disease, if you keep up a good oral health routine.

So, although you may think that getting your teeth straightened is just so that you can feel better about your smile, you are giving yourself other important benefits too.

Here at Kings Dental Clinic in Hammersmith, we offer 3 great ways to get your teeth straightened. You can choose between fixed discreet braces or removable aligners.

Six Month Smiles

These bracket and wire braces are smaller than regular braces, and are made from clear ceramic and tooth-coloured wire. They are great for straightening the front 6-8 teeth and take around 6 months to do so.

Inman Aligner

A removable device with spring-loaded bows that go behind and in front of the teeth. Treatment takes 6-18 weeks.

Invisalign

Removable clear aligners that work in a series to straighten teeth. You can’t see them once they are in place. Treatment takes around a year on average.

Come on in for a consultation.