Dental Blog - Kings Dental Clinic

Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about prosthodontics but were afraid to ask

What is prosthodontics?

Prosthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focusses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and maintenance of the mouth function. It is also used to improve the comfort, appearance, and health of patients with conditions associated with missing or failing teeth.

What is a prosthodontist?

A prosthodontist is a dentist who has completed dental school plus three additional years of advanced training. They specialise in treating and handling dental and facial problems that involve restoring missing tooth and jaw structures.

Prosthodontic treatments

Prosthodontic treatments are designed to create a balance between function, longevity and aesthetics. Prosthodontic treatments at Kings Dental Clinic include dental implants, dental veneers and other bonded restorations, dental crowns and dental bridges.

As well as these, prosthodontics treatments can also include removable complete dentures. Complete dentures help people who have lost all their teeth due to trauma or poor oral hygiene, giving them better chewing abilities in addition to a more appealing appearance.

In addition to these, the prosthodontist is also able to provide treatments for jaw problems, snoring disorders, sleep apnea problems and a degree of reconstruction surgery following treatments for oral cancer.

Full mouth rehabilitation

Full mouth rehabilitation treatment improves the appearance of the teeth and has several less obvious benefits. Full mouth rehabilitation is one of the most comprehensive forms of dental treatment that is currently available.

The process combines all dental specialties to individually reconstruct all the damaged teeth in the mouth. This helps to correct a variety of complaints, such as improper bite position and chipped, worn down or broken teeth.

Full mouth rehabilitation is widely considered to be preferable to offering patients removable dental restorations such as dentures.

Anyone considering a full mouth rehabilitation should first consult with an experienced dentist, such as those at Kings Dental Clinic in Hammersmith, who will perform a comprehensive examination to see if the treatment is the best course of action.

The dentist will also consider aesthetics, including the colour, shape, size and proportion of the teeth and consider whether there is a stable bite when deciding if a patient is suitable for full mouth rehabilitation.

The decision on which procedures are required during each full mouth rehabilitation ultimately lies with the dentist and any specialists working with them on behalf of the patient.

Root canal therapy with a 95% success rate

Many people are more than a bit scared at the thought of root canal therapy. Maybe it’s because it is a treatment which is only required when you are already in pain from an infected or diseased tooth. Whether the infection came from decay or a trauma, it’s often very painful.

root-canal-therapy-in-Hammersmith Here at Kings Dental Clinic in Hammersmith, root canal therapy is carried out using the latest techniques, equipment and materials.

We use a specialist endodontic microscope to diagnose the infection, and also to aid its treatment. Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with root canal therapy.

Treating the infection involves cleaning out the infected pulp from the roots of the tooth. We achieve success rates of higher than 95% for our root canal therapy.

The complexity of each case depends on which tooth is infected. Front teeth have only one root, whereas back teeth can have two or three, increasing the length of treatment and its complexity. This may mean that you will need more than one appointment to complete the treatment. If that is the case, you will be fitted with a temporary crown or filling to protect the tooth between appointments.

After the treatment is complete, we like to fit your tooth with a crown; this covers the work, protecting it, and it also strengthens the tooth.

All our root canal therapy work is carried out by one of our dentists who has a Masters degree in endodontics from a world leading dental hospital.

We carry out root canal therapy under local anaesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort to a minimum. However, we know that it is not uncommon for patients to be anxious about vising the dentist, and that is why our practice is dental phobia certified. Our principal dentist has been helping anxious patients by using relaxation sedation for more than 15 years. This uses a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which we call happy air, to relax you to the point that you will still be conscious but unaware of the treatment. You will be comfortable throughout the treatment and still able to follow any instructions the dentist gives you.

Dental implants – an amazing solution

When you visit Kings Dental Clinic, Hammersmith, dental implants are one of the great solutions that we use to replace missing teeth. They are arguably the best solution out there and, in some ways, they can improve on natural teeth!

How do I get dental implants?

The full process of getting dental implants in Hammersmith is best explained by a member of our team. This is because there are several steps involved and the more detail you get about each part, the better prepared you will be. Also, we can gather information on your set of circumstances by conducting an examination of your mouth, possibly taking x-rays and taking a health history from you.

Essentially, dental implants are inserted into the jaw where your tooth root would have been. They are then integrated into the jaw by the action of the bone which grows up around the implant. This gives you back your natural bite capability. You can choose the foods you really want to eat again based on your preference rather than the abilities of your teeth or dental replacement.

Better than natural teeth

If you care for them properly, your dental implants will remain the same over time. They will not age or get cavities. This does not mean that you can be cavalier about your dental hygiene however, because you still need to think of your gums which can get inflamed or infected as usual. Also, at Kings Dental Clinic, Hammersmith, dental implants only replace teeth that you have lost. Your remaining teeth, if healthy, can be left in the mouth and they will still need taking care of just as thoroughly as before.

Unlike other dental solutions for missing teeth, dental implants will not lose any of their functionality over time. They will remain strong and useable for a lifetime if you look after them properly.

We look forward to taking this journey with you and supporting you every step of the way. From initial consultation, through treatment and healing and then onwards to our excellent aftercare service. Our experienced team can tailor a treatment package to meet your needs and help you integrate your procedure seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Smoking cessation in Hammersmith

There is no getting around it – smoking is bad for your teeth and it is bad for you. It is likely to give you bad breath and tooth discoloration and can cause various inflammations in the mouth. You are less likely to be a viable candidate for some highly restorative dental treatments like dental implants and the bone in your jaw is at more risk of deterioration. This means a decreased ability to support the teeth or implants. Smoking also contributes to the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth and increases your risk of developing gum disease, which puts you at risk of losing teeth. In the long run, it’s going to be easier all round if you can stop now.

Be free of smoking and its effects

You can be free of smoking in quite a short space of time and there is so much help available for smoking cessation. In Hammersmith, at Kings Dental Clinic, we want to be able to start to help you repair and reverse the effects of smoking. Once you have quit, there are things we can do to give you a bright smile again including teeth whitening and a good clean to remove plaque and tartar. The body is pretty great and starts to heal itself from the effects of smoking straight away. Any healing that you need to do from dental treatment or any other health problem will then be faster and more effective.

Oral cancer screening

If you are a smoker or have been recently then you can be at higher risk of cancer. One of the services we offer is an oral cancer screening programme, during which we check your mouth for any unusual lumps and bumps and check out what those might be. It is important that if you have anything you are concerned about including; lesions, a feeling of something stuck in your throat, or persistent pain that you see your doctor or dentist straight away.

A great way to reduce your risk is smoking cessation. In Hammersmith, at Kings Dental Clinic, we always do what we can to encourage our patients to quit and think it is an amazing thing to choose to do for yourself and your health.

How can facial aesthetics help my social life?

If you are looking to retain your youthful looks, even when you have lived a full and meaningful life, then facial aesthetics may be for you. In a world where our face counts for everything, you may want to prove that you are not only capable, but beautiful too. You will have all your colleagues looking at you, wondering what your secret is! Facial aesthetics in Hammersmith are quick, painless with almost instant results. At Kings Dental Clinic, we offer a range of options if you are looking for a younger version of your face. Isn’t it true, that when we feel good inside that life starts to become better on the outside? Well, why not start with more confidence as you take a step to lessen that frown line! If you would like to shine out how good you feel, then see our website to find out if Botox could be for you. We offer finance plans to make sure that there is an option to make it affordable for your budget.

Will anyone notice?

We offer differing types of facial aesthetics in Hammersmith, one of the types we offer is called Botox – botulinum toxin. We inject it into your face, on the area where you want the wrinkles softened. The injection takes only ten minutes, does not require anaesthetic and works by stopping the nerve endings in the muscles, which cause the lines. The result is a younger, smoother face for you. The treatment will take 4-7 days to show effect. This treatment is only temporary, so if you want to continue to look like this you will need regular treatments.

Why are dentists offering it?

It may seem strange that in Hammersmith, facial aesthetics are offered by dentists. Well, who would have a steadier hand and have full knowledge of the muscles around the face then dentists? Well trained and fully professional, our dentists at Kings Dental Clinic are happy to give you the chance of more confidence in your hard-working life. After all, we only live once don’t we! Make the most of your face, see our website for the full list of our facial aesthetic treatments.

Using removable appliances for straighter teeth

Did you know that braces are not the only option for patients who want to straighten their teeth? At King’s Dental Clinic in Southwark and Hammersmith we also offer treatment with removable appliances, which can be used to correct a wide selection of orthodontic conditions.

straighter teeth Removable orthodontic appliances come with a range of lifestyle and health benefits. They are made of clear plastic, which means that they are not immediately noticeable to anyone not “in the know”. This means you can straighten your teeth conveniently and discreetly.

Because you can take them out for short periods to clean, to brush your teeth and to eat and drink, removable appliances have minimal impact on your lifestyle. You should wear them most of the time (your dentist will advise you how many hours a day you should be wearing your device) but removing them briefly will not impact upon your treatment.

Being able to take them out to clean also helps to avoid the difficulties some patients with conventional braces have around dental hygiene. Braces can be tricky to clean around, although your hygienist can provide useful tips and recommend the best techniques and special equipment to clean around your braces. With removable devices you can simply take them out to brush your teeth, helping to keep plaque at bay.

Often, removable orthodontic appliances can move your teeth more quickly and comfortably than traditional braces, too. Your treatment time and your best treatment options will depend on the type and amount of correction needed, and will be discussed by your dentist at your initial consultation.

Inman Aligner

The Inman Aligner is just one of the popular removable orthodontic devices available at King’s Dental Clinic. It uses a lingual coil sprint to put pressure on the back of the teeth and a bar across the front of the teeth to reverse the same pressure. These components work in unison to squeeze the teeth together.

Treatment times will vary, but results can be seen in as little as eight weeks.

What is the process for having dental implants?

Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. They are the only permanent tooth replacement option and, thanks to advances in technology and techniques, more patients than ever before are now suitable for treatment with dental implants.

If you are interested in treatment with dental implants, your first step should be to book a consultation with an experienced implant dentist at our Hammersmith or Southwark dental practices. Your dentist will carefully examine you to assess your suitability for implants.

As previously mentioned, most patients with missing or failing teeth are now suitable for implant treatment, so it’s worth booking a consultation even if your dentist has previously told you implants are not for you. Smoking can affect the chances of your implants’ success, so you should consider using our smoking cessation service if you are a smoker interested in dental implants.

Patients who have been wearing unsecured dentures for several years may have experienced some bone loss, a common side-effect of losing your teeth. While this was previously a barrier to getting dental implants, at King’s Dental Clinic we are able to offer bone augmentation and sinus lift treatments, which help to regenerate your bone enough to provide a secure base for implants.

Implants are usually placed under local anaesthetic, although we are able to offer treatment under relaxation sedation for nervous patients. Your dentist will carefully plan the position of your implants to carefully avoid any nerves or other structures. Implant placement is a minor surgical procedure and any post-operative discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers.

Sometimes it is possible to place your new teeth at the same time as your implants, while in other cases you will need a healing period of a couple of months for your implants to integrate with your jaw bone. If this is the case you may have temporary restorations fitted for the duration of the healing period, so you’ll never be without teeth.

Using cosmetic dentistry for the perfect smile

Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of the profession that deals with the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Many people are unhappy with some aspect of how their smile looks. At King’s Dental Clinic we offer a wide range of cosmetic dental options to suit all needs and budgets.

cosmetic dentistry Some people know exactly what they would like to change about their smile, and what treatment they need to do it. Others just know they are unhappy with their smile but are unsure which treatment or combination of treatments is the best way to improve it.

We invite anyone interested in cosmetic dentistry to come in for a consultation at our Hammersmith or Southwark dental practices. Our skilled clinicians will carefully examine your teeth and gums and will also take your whole facial structure into consideration before recommending the best treatments to help you get the perfect smile.

You may benefit from one treatment or a combination of two or more from our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry menu.

Treatment options include:

Porcelain veneers

Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain placed over the front surfaces of the teeth to improve their appearance. A single veneer can cover a permanently stained or discoloured tooth, while a full set can create a smile makeover, covering gaps and mild alignment problems and giving teeth a more uniform appearance.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening uses special bleaching products to gently remove everyday stains from your teeth. It is safe when carried out by a dentist and can be done here at the practice or at home.

Gummy smile correction

Removing excess gum tissue to give your teeth a more uniform appearance, leaving you with more tooth than gum on show when you smile.

Discreet orthodontics

Correct the alignment of your teeth discreetly and quickly with a range of cosmetic orthodontic options.

Facial aesthetics and removing wrinkles

Feeling good about your appearance means more than just being confident about your smile. That’s why at King’s Dental Clinic in Hammersmith, we offer a range of facial aesthetics treatments to help combat the lines and wrinkles that appear as we get older. These treatments are quick, non-surgical and safe.

What causes premature ageing of the skin?

Many factors are involved in premature skin ageing. These include:

* Excessive exposure to the sun.

Spending a lot of time in the sun without using protection leads to wrinkles and thinner skin, and can also damage the vital skin proteins elastin and collagen. This is usually most noticeable on the face and hands, which are usually exposed to the sun more than the rest of the body.

* Not drinking enough water.

Good hydration is important for your skin. If you don’t drink enough water and become dehydrated, this can show on the skin of your face.

* Dietary factors.

Not eating a balanced diet and drinking too much alcohol or coffee (which have dehydrating effects) and affect the appearance of your skin.

* Smoking.

As well as being generally bad for you, smoking prevents oxygen from entering the skin cells, and is a common cause of lines around the mouth – known as “smoker’s lines” – thanks to repeat inhalation.

Treatment options

Facial aesthetics treatment helps to combat the signs of premature ageing safely and without the need for surgery. Our practitioners are experienced and fully qualified to deliver facial aesthetics treatments. Dental professionals also have the added advantage of expert knowledge of facial anatomy and structure, meaning they can deliver just the right amount of treatment for a natural-looking result.

At King’s Dental Clinic Hammersmith we offer:

Botulinum Toxin
Dermal Fillers
Thread Lift
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Mesotherapy
Whitebox treatment

The best treatment will depend on your individual wants, needs and circumstances. Your first step should be to book a facial aesthetics consultation with our experienced practitioner, who will establish your needs and draw up a customised treatment plan.

Replacing a single missing tooth with Dental Implants

There are many reasons patients lose a tooth. Accidents and injuries, tooth decay and gum disease can all lead to tooth loss. Particularly if the tooth is near the front of your mouth, this can have a serious impact on your self-confidence. A lost tooth can also affect your ability to bite and chew food, potentially restricting your diet.

At King’s Dental Clinic we would always recommend replacing a missing tooth. If you don’t, remaining teeth may become crooked as they move into any gaps, potentially becoming more difficult to clean and increasing the chances of further dental health problems developing. One of the most popular ways to replace a missing tooth is by using dental implants.

Dental implants are small titanium screws that your dentist places in your jaw bone during a minor surgical procedure. They integrate with the bone and act as replacements for the root part of a missing tooth.

Many patients at our Southwark and Hammersmith dental practices report that this is more tolerable than having a tooth extracted, and in most cases it can be carried out under local anaesthetic. We do also offer implant treatment under sedation for patients who are nervous or dental phobic. Our principal dentist has many years of experience using relaxation sedation to help nervous patients get treatment.

To replace one missing tooth with a dental implant, your dentist will usually attach a crown to the implant, replacing the visible part of your tooth. Once your implant has been placed, there is usually a healing period of a few months before your final, permanent crown is attached. This crown will be carefully matched to the colour of your natural teeth, ensuring a highly realistic result.

Your new, implant-secured tooth will look and act just like a natural tooth. With proper care your implant will last for many years – a lifetime in some cases.