People usually end up going to the dentist when something hurts. But by that time, a minor problem could have turned into something rather serious.
Pain or Sensitivity
Pain in the tooth area, even if it comes and goes, is something that should be checked by a dentist as soon as possible. Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks can also be an early sign of tooth decay or receding gums.
Bleeding or Swollen Gums
As the NHS states, if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth it means you could have gum disease. Catching the problem early means the treatment is likely to be simple and won’t cause any permanent damage.
Visible Changes to a Tooth
It’s also important to get prompt appointments if you notice any visible changes to your teeth, for example, a chip, a crack, a lost filling or a dark spot on your tooth.
Life Events That Affect Your Teeth
Your oral health can be affected by a variety of things, including pregnancy, new long-term medication and quitting smoking. Get your teeth checked by a dentist in Bournemouth or elsewhere as soon as possible.
Dental Emergencies
Urgent care is required for severe tooth pain, knocked out teeth, severe swelling of the face or mouth or an abscess.
For Dentist Bournemouth, visit //gentledentistry.co.uk.
Even if it’s been over a year since your last dental appointment then it’s time to book an appointment!
Booking a visit about the look of your teeth
Not every appointment has to be about pain. Plenty of people book because they are unhappy with how their teeth look, and cosmetic dentistry deals with exactly that: the shape, colour, size and position of teeth, along with the appearance of the gums and smile. Treatments are now safe and comfortable enough that many people choose them simply to feel more confident.
Veneers are one of the most common options. These are very thin porcelain layers fixed over the front of a tooth to hide chips, worn enamel, misshapen teeth and other flaws, changing the look of the smile without removing the tooth. Dental implants are another popular treatment where a tooth is missing. Laser whitening uses special lasers to lift stains and bring back a brighter, more natural shade. If a chipped or discoloured tooth has been bothering you, raise it at a routine check-up. Your dentist can check that the tooth is healthy first and then talk you through which cosmetic options would suit.
Why whitening belongs with a dentist
Wanting whiter teeth is a perfectly good reason to see a dentist. In the UK, teeth whitening can legally be carried out only by a trained dental professional. A beautician or hairdresser offering it is breaking the law, and could cause lasting damage to teeth and gums without knowing how to put it right. A dentist will check your oral health first and decide whether whitening is suitable at all.
Whitening does not change the shape of teeth or remove their surface. A carefully measured bleaching gel is applied using trays fitted to your mouth, and your dentist will agree the shade you are aiming for and how many sessions it will take. Some sensitivity is normal and should settle once treatment ends. Unsuitable products can lead to blistered lips and burnt gums. Over the counter kits sold on the high street and online are best avoided, as they may not list exactly what they contain, which makes it hard to judge how safe they are.
What happens during root canal treatment
If a dentist appointment reveals that you need root canal treatment, it usually takes more than one visit. Your dentist will first take a series of x-rays to work out exactly what needs doing, and complex cases may be referred to an endodontist, a specialist in this kind of treatment. You will also be told what type of anaesthetic is needed, depending on the state of the tooth.
During treatment, the dentist opens the top of the tooth to reach the pulp inside, which is likely to be infected, and cleans out any abscess at the same time. Once the pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and widened so they can be filled. Because canals are narrow and teeth have different numbers of them, this can take more than one appointment, with a temporary filling in between.
At the final visit a permanent root filling is placed. Treated teeth are more likely to break, so a crown is often fitted to protect it.