The teeth are durable and made of strong stuff, but even the most careful people can experience accidents which cause them to lose teeth. Teeth are lost all the time, whether it be through sporting activities, accidents or injuries or as a result of gum disease or medical treatment for an underlying health condition, but thankfully, there is a range of treatments available for missing teeth.

Why is it important to replace missing teeth?

If you have a missing tooth or a number of missing teeth this can have implications for the look of your smile, as well as the function of your mouth, so it is always beneficial to replace missing teeth. Gaps in the smile affect your overall appearance and this can cause you to suffer from low confidence and embarrassment when you smile in public; spaces also increase the risk of oral diseases and encourage the neighbouring teeth to move, which may have negative implications for your bite.

If you are missing teeth, you may also find it difficult to chew properly and your speech may be affected. The teeth are also responsible for supporting the cheeks and lips and you may find that your cheeks start to sag slightly if you have a number of missing teeth.

What are the options?

There are many options for replacing missing teeth. The best long-term solution for a missing tooth is a dental implant, which is designed to replace the root section of the missing tooth. The implant is screwed into a socket in the jaw bone and once it has healed, either a dental bridge or crown can be attached to it, then the tooth will look exactly the same as a natural tooth.

Dental implants are expensive and for those who are looking for a less costly solution, a dental bridge may be the answer. Dental bridges comprise a false tooth, known as a pontic, which is used to the neighbouring teeth to fill a gap. If they are well looked-after, dental bridges can last for several years.

Dentures are a very effective solution for missing teeth, especially if you have a large number of teeth missing. Dentures are sets of false teeth, which are designed to look like natural teeth. Dentures restore function to the mouth, enabling you to eat and speak normally and they also create an attractive smile, so you can feel confident when you open your mouth.

If you have missing teeth and would like to discuss treatment options please contact us at Dublin18 Dental Care near Dublin18 for more information.

Over time your teeth can become weak through your normal day-to-day activities when it comes to your teeth, such as what you eat, whether you smoke or from not having the best dental hygiene routine.

Dental crowns

If this happens to you there is something you can do, get dental crowns, which will act as a protective cover to the damaged tooth in question. The main aim of the dental crown is to restore and protect damaged and cracked teeth and even teeth that may have broken down over time.

Different types of crowns

At Dublin18 Dental Care near Dublin18 there are a wide range of options available such as porcelain crowns, procera crowns, post and core crowns and crown lengthening, which all act to protect your teeth. However there is another option in the form of the Cerec Crown, which may be useful to patients as they can be completed in just one visit.

CEREC technology

Cerec Crowns are only available in 16 clinics within whole of Ireland and Dublin18 Dental Care is one of them. This new technology allows your dentist to fix decayed teeth and replace them with crowns; it can also remove any unreliable amalgam filling all in just one appointment.

The procedure is straightforward and requires the use of a camera instead of the traditional x-ray to take a digital image of the prepared tooth. After this is completed, the computer and the Cerec 3D software will turn the digital image into a virtual model of your prepared tooth. This also means that the patient won’t experience any discomfort whilst waiting for impression molds of the tooth to set.The restoration piece will then be created for you there and then while you wait, before it is milled and polished and bonded into place within your mouth.

This new software also means you won’t have to wait several weeks for your crown to be prepared while you deal with a temporary one.

 

 

Tooth extraction is, sadly, sometimes necessary. This might be as a result of gum disease, tooth decay or an extreme fracture. It might even be something as simple as your wisdom teeth coming through at a funny angle, or that extraction is required in order for a brace to fit. There are several types of extraction available, all of which are used in different scenarios.

Simple extraction

These are usually performed under local anaesthetic on teeth which are visible in the mouth and require the use of instruments which can elevate and grasp the tooth in question.

Surgical extraction

This procedure is for teeth that cannot be easily accessed, or simply cannot be removed in the dentist’s surgery under local anaesthetic. Surgical extraction may sound scary, but it is nothing compared to the nightmare that is living with an infected tooth. At Dublin18 Dental Care near to Dublin18, we understand that a procedure like this may make you anxious and we are always happy to listen to your concerns and talk you through the procedure.

Upper wisdom teeth extraction

Wisdom teeth, unlike other types of tooth, tend to have three roots instead of two. As a result, they can quite easily be removed and may not be as painful or awkward as other extraction procedures. If your wisdom teeth are causing you problems, this procedure may be worth exploring as an option with your dentist.

Post-treatment

Following any kind of extraction, your dentist will provide you with a regimen to follow. Some bleeding following extraction is normal. It is advised that, following the procedure, you don’t smoke or rinse your mouth too vigorously. It is also advised to drink through a straw for 24 hours.

Consultation

If you fear the worst, don’t suffer in silence – the discomfort of extraction is nothing compared to living with major dental problems. Call us at Dublin18 Dental Care and we will do everything we can to help.

We all know the importance of good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and use of mouthwash are essential to maintain good teeth and prevent the build-up of bacteria. However, occasionally even the most careful of us can still experience problems with our teeth. This is where fillings can prove useful. Fillings can be used for two predominant reasons: to provide protection against further bacterial build-up in the tooth, or to strengthen and protect a tooth which may have been slightly decayed. Fillings may occasionally be recommended to help with other issues too, including malocclusion (having an incorrect bite) and helping a patient to chew correctly. Fillings are usually only used to help teeth with less serious types of damage. While these functions are shared by all types of filling, the different types of dental filling are suited to different needs for different patients.

Amalgam fillings

Amalgam fillings are made from metal, usually a mix of metals including sliver, copper, mercury and tin. This means they can be noticeable as they do not match up with the natural colour of teeth. However, this type of filling is incredibly strong and can withstand great pressure asserted by bites. This also ensures longevity; with correct care, amalgam fillings can last up to twelve years.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings meanwhile are made of a soft material which can be moulded to the exact shape of the tooth. While they are not as long-lasting as amalgam fillings, usually lasting around five years, they provide a much better look cosmetically, as composite fillings can easily be made to match the colour of the surrounding teeth. This procedure is best suited to smaller fillings that do not need to withstand great pressure. The CEREC procedure, using new technology, similarly allows for ‘invisible’ fillings, and can be completed in one appointment.

Contact Dublin18 Dental Care for further information on your suitability for this procedure.

 

 

 

 

Mouthguards can be used for a number of reasons, from protection during contact sport to treating the pain of teeth grinding. Here at Dublin18 Dental care we offer a range of mouth guards to suit individual patient’s needs, which includes:

Nightguards

Many people suffer from teeth grinding for a number of reasons, with anxiety and stress being a main cause of teeth grinding for patients from Dublin18. Patients often grind their teeth at night so are unaware of such behaviour until symptoms of teeth grinding occur, such as a painful jaw and flattening of the teeth.

A nightguard is worn throughout the night whilst the patient sleeps so that if teeth grinding does occurs the teeth and jaws are protected. A nightguard doesn’t solve the problem of why you are teeth grinding but it does stop you causing yourself more harm and injury.

Sports

Aggressive contact sports such as rugby and boxing require mouthguards in order to stop any harm or injury from occurring if the person is hit in the mouth or face. Dental injuries can be very severe if a mouthguard is not worn whilst taking part in contact sports. There could be tooth loss or tooth breakage, which can lead to costly dental treatment in the long run.

Essix Retainers

Essix retainers are made from completely clear plastic and are used after braces have been taken off to prevent the teeth moving back to their old position. Essix retainers are incredibly strong, keeping your teeth in place while you sleep. As well as wearing your Essix retainer during the night they should also be worn for around 4 hours during the daytime, however, they are very comfortable and clear, so no one will be able to see them.

It is very important that you wear your retainer after orthodontic treatment to ensure that your post treatment positioning remains in place and doesn’t revert back to the way they were prior to the treatment.

Teeth can become sensitive when the tooth enamel erodes and the nerves become exposed. This can result from incorrect brushing technique, when bristles are too hard or even as a side-effect of whitening treatments. Tooth erosion may also be caused by sugars and acidic foods, some medications, poor oral hygiene and teeth grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms of tooth sensitivity

Patients with sensitive teeth feel pain when drinking and eating hot or cold foods; even breathing cold or hot air can trigger tooth pain. The pain is experienced because the dentin below the worn enamel surface is eroded, leaving the nerves exposed. This kind of sensitivity can impact daily routine and leave people disgruntled.

Treatment for sensitive teeth

Sensitive teeth can be treated with toothpastes that have desensitising agents, such as Sensodyne and other sensitive teeth toothpastes. There are also certain mouthwashes which help to reduce sensitivity; however, these products are unable to replace worn enamel, so it is always best to adopt a preventative stance where possible.

A trip to Dublin18 Dental Care can be of assistance if you are currently having issues with sensitive teeth. The dental team will be able to assess your teeth and decide upon a diagnosis. Whether the issue is caused by poor dental health or diet, bruxism or related health conditions, we will be able to provide advice and treatment where applicable.

Preventing sensitive teeth

We believe that prevention is always better than having to find a cure. It will prevent pain in the first instance and also save you money. It is advised to follow a good oral hygiene routine, limit intake of sugar and acidic foods, check your toothbrush’s bristles are soft, be gentle when brushing your teeth and to attend regular dental check-ups to ensure underlying conditions are diagnosed and treated quickly.