Dental Blog - Crofts Dental Practice

Telltale signs that you need root canal therapy

Experiencing severe pain that stems from your teeth is not a sign of a healthy mouth and could be a reaction to an infected or inflamed root canal. Not receiving medical attention for a dental issue of this kind could lead to extensive tooth loss and seriously impair your life.

root-canal-therapy Our dental practice, Crofts Dental Practice, administer endodontic treatments, such as root canals in Essex, daily. We have successfully treated all types of root canal issues, from the most straightforward to complex cases, and are ready to help you!

Is my tooth infected?

There is a notable difference between ordinary toothache and the pain that accompanies an infected root canal; this type of sensation is akin to an intense and consistent throbbing or pressure on your tooth, getting worse over time.

Are root canals in Essex necessary?

Root canals have been coined “tooth-saving surgeries”. Often, to preserve regular teeth, we must perform root canals in Essex.

By not undergoing treatment, your infected root canal can lead to an abscess and the eventual, but avoidable, loss of teeth.

Explaining the anatomy of the tooth

The Greek term “endo” means inside and “odont” means tooth. Put together, “ëndodontics” refers to the study of the inside of your tooth, namely the pulp.

The pulp is the epicentre of your tooth, where all your blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue are found. Dental problems will arise when the pulp becomes infected. The unhealthy pulp must be removed to prevent abscesses from forming and also to save the tooth.

Can a tooth survive without pulp?

The pulp is necessary for developing teeth but has less of a function when your pearly whites are fully formed. In short, yes, they can survive without, as permanent teeth do not need pulp.

What is root canal therapy?

Many regard root canal therapy as a significant procedure, which is painful and expensive, but this is not wholly accurate.

Millions of patients undergo this treatment every year, and while it does save teeth, it is not the ordeal people think it to be.

The procedure occurs in four stages:

X-rays are taken to validate whether you need root canal surgery. If you need the treatment, we will discuss your options with you before moving forward with the procedure.
On the day of the root canal, we will administer anaesthesia to numb the pain. You may feel slight discomfort during the procedure and some tenderness during recovery once the anaesthesia has worn off.
Using endodontic-specific tools, we make an incision on the crown of the tooth. We then remove the infected pulp and give the root canals a thorough cleaning.
To prevent re-infection, we fill the space with a biocompatible filler. Where there is extensive decay, we might apply a crown to the damaged part of the tooth.

Is extraction an alternative to root canals?

When faced with severe pain, some patients might turn to extraction, which is not always recommended. The procedure might be effective in eliminating your discomfort and is considered a cheaper option. However, your tooth will have to be replaced with artificial ones to prevent further dental issues down the line, which will be more expensive and time-intensive in the long run.

Entrust our tooth-saving specialist for an emergency root canal surgery.

Dental implants as a solution to losing teeth

Teeth can be lost in several different ways. As they are quite brittle, teeth can often be knocked-out or broken, which can usually occur during a fall, or in a sporting injury. Teeth are also an organic component, which means that they are subject to disease and decay, which may be another reason why your teeth are missing. At Crofts Dental Practice, we understand entirely the trauma and discomfort over losing your teeth, and want to approach the situation quickly and professionally, while keeping your well-being in mind.

Dental Implants in Essex If your teeth have been missing for a while, then it is important to address them as soon as possible. We will fix both teeth that have been lost that day, to teeth that have been missing for years, using the same approach. However, teeth that have been missing for a while can pose a risk to your oral health, as your jaw and bite can be misaligned. This can mean that your other teeth, that are otherwise healthy, can become eroded and therefore damaged,due to your missing tooth, which can result in sensitive teeth, and a greater risk of cavities.

Replacing teeth that are missing

There are many ways to replace a tooth that has been missing, as it all depends on the location of the tooth, the extent to which it is missing, and how many other teeth are missing alongside it. For example, if you have suffered from periodontal disease, and all your teeth are missing, then dentures may be appropriate for you. If a row of teeth are missing, then a bridge may be suitable. For a single tooth, a crown or a dental implant may be the best option.

Dental implants in Essex

A dental implant is an extremely advanced procedure, and considered one of the most effective ways to replace a tooth that is missing. A dental implant is essentially a titanium screw that is inserted into the jawbone, effectively to replicate the root of the tooth. This treatment can be done if the entire tooth is missing, and therefore needs a full replacement. If you are looking for dental implants in Essex, then Crofts Dental Practice will be able to provide you with this treatment.

Things to consider with this treatment

If you are considering dental implants in Essex, then it is crucial that you consider all the pros and cons of the treatment, before going ahead with it. Implants are a permanent fixture, as they are fused with the jawbone, so they cannot be removed. This is a positive, as it makes them extremely strong, however may not be desirable for some people.

As implants require an extremely advanced procedure, and take a long time, they can be expensive. This can be a deterrent for some people, however due to how permanent they are, they are often considered an investment, as they will rarely need a replacement, making them surprisingly cost effective. If you are interested in dental implants in Essex, then come and speak to us, and we will be able to guide you through the process.

Dental hygiene for fresh breath

If you are looking for fresh breath in Essex, then look no further than Crofts Dental Practice. We understand how important dental hygiene is for oral health, and also aesthetics and confidence. Bad breath is an unattractive feature, and if you are concerned about having bad breath then it may be a result of having poor dental hygiene. Speak to us if you are concerned, and we will be able to guide you on the best course of action for your teeth.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is caused by the decay of bacteria in the mouth, which can produce bad smells. Therefore, a good level of dental hygiene is important as it removes the decaying materials from the teeth, which is what could be causing the smell, and can reduce your risk of cavities.

If you are looking for fresh breath in Essex, and feel like your dental hygiene is of a sufficient standard, then the reasoning behind your bad breath could be something else, and in some cases more serious. Throat and lung infections can also contribute to bad breath, so it is important to get yourself checked as soon as possible.

How to prevent bad breath

Bad breath can be prevented by brushing twice a day using the correct techniques and flossing at least once a day. By maintaining this as a dental hygiene routine, your breath should stay fresh. There are other methods to maintain a good hygiene routine and avoid bad breath, such as avoiding particularly high-sugar foods, and using mouthwash occasionally if you are looking for a particularly fresh feel in your mouth.

Hygiene appointments

We advise that you come in for a hygiene session regularly, to make sure that your teeth are as clean as they can be. This treatment is also referred to as a scale and polish and involves the professional cleaning of your teeth. This is to ensure that plaque and cavities are kept at bay, and with a good dental hygiene routine as well, your teeth will be perfectly clean. Often regular toothbrushes, and a slack routine, can mean that certain areas of the teeth may get neglected. This is where cavities will form and where the source of bad breath may emerge.

Interdental Brushes

Interdental brushes are another way in which you can ensure that your teeth are being cleaned to their fullest potential. Interdental brushes are often given to patients that have been fitted with braces, as often a regular toothbrush cannot reach certain areas of the teeth, and therefore they can become a hotspot for plaque and decay. However, even with teeth that do not have braces, interdental brushes can be very useful at removing excess food that you may have missed. They also provide a softer and more precise brushing method closer to the gums, as brushing too firmly at the gums can cause them to recede.

If you are interested in improving your dental hygiene routine, and making sure that you have fresh breath in Essex, then get in contact with Crofts Dental Practice, and we will be able to assist.

If you’re looking for a dentist who provides unparalleled dental excellence in Essex, why not try Croft Dental Practice?

Why?

It’s easy to overlook regular check ups in our busy lives; but did you know that regular check ups are essential for not only our oral health but also for our general health. It is important to head off potential problems at the pass before they can develop into something more serious. We at Croft Dental Practice offer a range of treatments to keep your oral health optimised.

Orthodontics in Essex Perhaps you have missed going to see a dentist for a while are you maybe suffering from an anxiety with going to see a dentist are you new tit the area or just looking for a new dentist. We at Croft dental Practice have been the go to dentist in Epping for almost 30 years. That of course speaks for itself .We specialise in preventative dentistry and orthodontics and also have a range of other treatments available from general dentistry to cosmetic and whitening procedure that will get you smiling. With our fully trained staff and a raft of expertise we can transform your smile easier and for less than you could imagine. Advances in dental procedures along with state of the art equipment allow us to offer treatment to you in a relaxed and comfortable way. We foster relationships with our local community and we sincerely value our patients both young and old. So if its general orthodontics in Essex that you require with check-ups and teeth cleaning, we can offer a full service to keep your teeth in tip top condition.

What can we do for you

If you need orthodontics to realign and manoeuvre your teeth into position we can help with this also. At our practice we can really help to give you the smile you have always wanted. We offer cosmetic whitening techniques and veneers for far less than you could imagine. Our knowledgeable and welcoming staff at Croft dental practice will discuss the treatment options available and discuss with you the best way to achieve the smile you always wanted. Despite the aesthetic side of things, orthodontics are also important to us. Orthodontics in Essex includes the little touch ups that you might be looking for, whether this be alignment of your jaw and teeth, or if you are simply unhappy with the way your mouth sits.We have a range of payment options including a dental plan which allows you to spread the cost with easy monthly payments. Children of our paying patients are able to receive check ups free of charge.

Perhaps you have a fear of going to the dentist and let’s face it many of us have, we are very experienced in helping you get the treatment you deserve. Our staff are well trained in dealing with anxious and the more nervous of our patients. Upon arrival we will ask you to complete a general questionnaire so we can have a better understanding of your general health. Then you will meet your dentist and he will discuss the questionnaire with you before performing a thorough examination of your dental health. Once we have completed this we will have a better understanding of any treatment you may need and can then design a treatment program for you.

So don’t delay! Contact Croft dental practice today because a brighter smile is nearer than you could imagine.

Wow! A dentist providing unparalleled dental care for over 30 years?

In today’s fast moving world that surely is a find. Here at Crofts Dental Practice situated in leafy Epping, we have indeed been looking after our patients oral health day in day out for over 30 years. We have always strived to foster close ties with our community, and our patients come from a wide area including Essex, Hertfordshire and London, and enjoy a full service and first class dental and preventative dentistry orthodontics treatment.

Who are we?

Here at Crofts Dental Practice our dedicated team are on hand to provide you with a first class dental service. Whether it’s preventative dentistry in Essex such as dietary or daily health tips and tricks, you can be assured you are in safe hands. We offer a full service of treatment options at affordable prices. Our dentists are highly trained and specialised and patient care is at the heart of our practice. The team is lead by Dr Jazz Battu who qualified from the prestigious Guys kings and St Thomas’ dental school in London and Gan Dharrie-Maharaj who qualified at the Royal London hospital in 1993 and Dr Tarik A M Shembesh, who graduated from the University of London with honours.

But don’t take our word for it! As you would expect after 30 years, we have many patients happy to share their experience with you on our testimonials section of our website.

What we can offer you?

There are many different services that we can offer you, ensuring that whatever your need is, it will be fulfilled. Whether this be cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, fillers or smile makeovers, or the everyday essentials that you are looking for. We offer a wide range of services such as emergency dental care, root canal therapy, extractions or bridges or crowns. And if that isn’t enough, we can also provide you with the important, everyday tips and tricks that are essential in preventative dentistry – dental hygiene advice, children’s teeth and sensitive gums advice, as well as mouth cancer screening. But if you’re looking for more than just preventative dentistry in Essex, we can also help you with services of facial aesthetics, for example lip fillers, wrinkle reduction, or dermal fillers. These are used to replace lost volume in the face, caused by the loss of collagen. Whether this be due to age or missing fat, these non-permanent injections are painless, and give you a youthful, natural look that you were born with.

Why?

Sometimes in our busy lives, we can overlook our dental care and forget to look after ourselves. Whether you’re new in town or are looking to change your dentist, we can offer you a full service dental treatment for less than you think. We specialise in preventative orthodontics, and our friendly welcoming practise has over 30 years practise in providing this to many other people like yourself. So no matter what your problem may be – a sporting accident, illness or something else that can randomly pop up in day to day life, here at Crofts Dental Practice we have your back – why not leave the rest up to the professionals?

The pros and cons of dental implants

If you have lost one or several of your teeth then you will possibly feel self conscious about your smile. But negative emotional impacts are only a small factor in the wide range of complications that you may experience due to your incomplete smile.

Dental Implants in Essex Aesthetically, missing teeth can lead other people to wrongly surmise that you are less intelligent, less successful and less trustworthy than those who are rocking a beautiful, pearly white smile. It can also lead to premature aging as your cheeks can appear sunken where teeth are not there to fill out the face.

Physically, poor oral health leads to poor nutrition. Missing teeth can be painful where the sensitive gum tissue can be damaged and cut at the site of missing teeth. You may have noticed that you have ended up eating foods that you are able to eat rather than what you should or want to be eating.

Your surrounding teeth can also move to accomodate for your missing tooth, causing issues throughout the entire mouth. Teeth are more exposed to harmful bacteria when not neatly lined up against one another and are at more risk of decay or damage.

It therefore comes as no surprise that is is important that you seek to replace teeth that have been knocked out or have needed to come out due to illness, disease, age or injury. We are here to advise you in a considerate and non-judgemental way on the best methods that are available to you.

What is a solution?

Perhaps the most popular option today, due the longevity, reliability and functionality of the end result is dental implants in Essex. This is where a small metal screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone, where it fuses over time with the bone and surrounding soft tissues to become a permanent fixture in the mouth, not unlike a natural tooth root.

When it comes to replacing teeth, as with any procedure, surgical or not, the advantages and disadvantages need to be weighed up so that you can have a full understanding of what you are committing to.

We need to take several scans in order to ensure that you are suitable for the treatment. There are many different options within the realm of dental implants in Essex which means that a lot of our patients can benefit from them. You perhaps may need some prior treatment to take place before we are able to insert the implant into your jaw.

If you have some kind of underlying dental or health condition then you may need to get this under control before you have dental implants in Essex for your smile transformation. Such conditions like gum disease or tooth decay may create complications so we believe it is better for you to wait until these issues are under control.

This is a permanent solution and you may find that like many of our patients, you hardly notice that you have a tooth implant over time. The crowns look and feel just like regular teeth and perform in just the same way as your original tooth did. With appropriate care of the site to avoid infection and rejection of the metal screw, then there is no reason why this treatment will not last you for your lifetime.

Dental crowns: a common dental restoration

We competently perform one of the most common kinds of restorative dentistry that takes place in a modern dental practice, which is dental crowns in Essex. They are used to fix teeth that have been broken, are weak due to excessive decay or because of a very large filling.

Known as the multi-taskers of dental work, dental crowns in Essex are used both restoratively to protect your tooth and cosmetically to enhance the appearance of your smile. If we have informed you that you need to get one of these ‘caps’ to fit over your teeth, then chances are that you are very likely to accidentally cause further damage to your tooth whilst eating and chewing. This can happen at any given time and is best to be avoided.

There is nothing wrong with getting one of these caps placed over the top of your teeth and dental crowns in Essex are a common restorative dental procedure that we frequently do to protect your teeth from further harm. They are coloured to look exactly like the natural hue of your tooth and are therefore invisible to see to the untrained eye. We are even able to tailor make every cap so that they suit your unique smile and teeth; there is no one size fits all for this kind of procedure.

Advances in technology

Previously, it was generally considered a somewhat lengthy and uncomfortable procedure for you when a crown needed to be fitted. You had to have moulds taken of your teeth which we then had to send away to a laboratory for the dental caps to be made and returned. They were then glued onto the teeth using a special cement.

With digital scanners and the innovative Cerec machine, this is a thing of the past. We first scan your teeth and then use these high quality images to construct a ceramic cap within a half hour using our in-house Cerec machine, meaning that the entire treatment can be done within the one appointment.

We use only the best materials to ensure longevity and durability of your cap. It is important to be able to provide you with a peace of mind when it comes to protecting your teeth from further harm as well as getting your time and money’s worth from your dental treatments with us.

If the materials are not of the best quality, there is a chance that after several years of wear and tear, the cap can come loose. This is considered to be a dental emergency and you should quickly present yourself to us in order to recover that exposed tooth.

When is this treatment a good option?

If you have discoloured fillings and would like to improve upon the appearance of your smile, then having a natural coloured cap covering these fillings or even replacing them is a very good option that we can offer you.

Alternatively, if you have had a root canal treatment, then you will need to have a crown to protect and cover that restored tooth. This allows you to bite and chew as if it were a real and fully functional tooth.

This treatment option is also used to anchor a denture or a bridge more firmly in place in your mouth. Their uses are really quite extensive and as such has been subject to rigorous testing to ensure quality and durability.

Need orthodontics in Essex? Come to Crofts Dental Practice to get that dream smile

Fewer things fill dental patients with more dread than being told they need braces. The image of that awkward teenager with large metal braces shoots through their mind and causes many patients to refuse treatment; leaving them with misaligned teeth and unresolved confidence issues.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we can resolve the majority of dental alignment issues without having to fit traditional metal braces and can offer our patients a wide range of orthodontics in Essex to straighten their smiles.

Different types of braces

As dentistry has evolved, so have the different kinds of alignment solutions that can be offered to patients. Some dental practices are affiliated with a particular dental brand or type of dentistry, but at Crofts Dental Practice we will always put our patients needs first when discussing orthodontics in Essex with them.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are comprised of both metal and brackets. Unlike traditional braces, they are fitted to the back of teeth and are therefore not visible when you smile.

They can be used to treat slight alignment problems or more complicated orthodontic issues.

Inman aligner

More specifically geared towards correcting overcrowding of the front teeth, the Inman aligner gently guides your teeth in to the new, desired position over a matter of weeks.

A plus of this type of brace is that it is removable and can be taken out when you are eating or cleaning your teeth. It is also ideal for orthodontic relapse and can even help with protrusions and with dental rotations.

Six-month smiles

This type of brace boasts being able to straighten teeth in a period of six months and in our experience at Crofts Dental Practice, it does just that!

With this particular brand of braces, there are actually two separate aligners that may be used. One is an invisible aligner that is custom made, fitted to your teeth, and the other is an invisible brace, comprised of thin wires to gently push your teeth into their new position.

As its name suggests, the average treatment time is around 6 months and this brace type can be used to correct crooked, spaced or misaligned teeth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an ideal orthodontic option for our patients who have mild to moderate alignment issues. This system uses a series of clear, thin aligners to gently move your teeth into their new position.

One of the best things about using Invisalign is that the outcome is predictable. Using computer 3D modelling, you and your dentist can discuss how you want your teeth to look after treatment. Then, a customised set of aligners will be designed specifically to get your teeth into that position by the time treatment is completed.

These are just a few of the options you will have when you come to Crofts Dental Practice for orthodontics in Essex. we will specify any treatment based on your individual needs to give you the best outcome.

Call us today about orthodontic options!

Want to straighten or whiten your smile? Get porcelain veneers fitted in Essex

From time to time, we have all looked through a celebrity magazine and stared quizzically at someone whose teeth have seemingly transformed overnight.

Years ago, cosmetic dentistry was truly a luxury reserved for the stars of Hollywood due to prohibitive pricing; that has all changed.

Porcelain Veneers in Essex Many dental surgeries across the UK now offer a range of cosmetic dental treatments to all their patients, so that perfect smile is now within your reach!

A popular form of cosmetic dentistry is the acquisition of porcelain veneers in Essex. These provide instant straightening for slightly misaligned teeth and can also whiten your teeth without the need for cleaning!

Advantages of porcelain veneers

At Crofts Dental Practice, our dental team are extremely experienced in fitting porcelain veneers in Essex and have helped many of our patients straighten their teeth using them.

There are many other positive aspects to having dental veneers fitted, which we have heard from our patients time and time again.

Stain resistant

With the average diet containing multiple acidic foods such as coffee and orange juice, it is no surprise that our teeth can become stained.

Even if you have your teeth whitened professionally, given time, they may become stained again, meaning you can either choose to have them whitened again or you may opt to have veneers fitted.

One benefit of porcelain veneers is that they are stain resistant. So even weeks after they have been fitted, your smile will look as good as it did when you first left our dental surgery.

Corrects imperfections

Staining isn’t the only issue that veneers can correct.

Through our busy lives, we may incur minor or major cracks on our teeth, causing them to become misaligned or misshapen.

When you come to our dental surgery, we will examine your teeth and customise veneers to restore the natural shape to your teeth and hide the appearance of any cracks or misalignment. As dental veneers can be fitted in two settings, it really is a quick dental makeover.

Less invasive

Interestingly, many dentists are using porcelain veneers in Essex to replace the traditional dental crown. Traditionally, when a patient had a crown fitted, it was an arduous task of slowly prepping the tooth with specific drilling techniques, to ensure the crown stayed in place. As veneers are easier to fit and have a stronger bond to the tooth, they offer the perfect solution to traditional crowns.

Easy maintenance

Dental veneers have a long lifespan once fitted and require no special treatment to keep them looking their best. Indeed, all you need to do is keep up with your daily oral hygiene routine and your restoration will be easy to maintain.

Dental veneers are suitable for everyone not so confident about the look of their teeth and provide our customers with an instant boost of confidence. At Crofts Dental Practice, we offer our patients a free consultation and offer a dental plan to help you spread the cost.

Is it time to unlock your smile potential with Orthodontics in Essex?

Are you worried that your crooked teeth are knocking your confidence and that the only solution open to you is that of ugly metal braces? Don’t despair, at Crofts Dental Practice we offer many solutions to any dental problems you may have and seeking orthodontics in Essex may just be the light at the end of the tunnel for your teeth!

But just what is Orthodontics in Essex?

This type of dental practice deals with the correction of the alignment of teeth and jaws. If these are not straightened this can lead to further dental issues because crooked teeth, for example, can sometimes be very hard to keep clean and tooth decay can occur.

So what treatments could there be for my crooked teeth?

We offer a number of solutions that could be the answer to your prayers for a stunning smile, the first is that of Invisalign treatment. If you feel self-conscious when thinking about having the old school metal braces, this could be the perfect treatment for you. Invisalign aligners are practically invisible as they are made from clear material. A series of bespoke aligners are made specifically for each patient and these are each worn for around two weeks at a time, before moving on to the next aligners.

There is also another innovative alternative treatment which is that of lingual braces, they are are a dentistry solution for modern times. The treatment is very simple, an impression of the teeth is made and then a bespoke metal bracket is shaped for your teeth. These brackets are fixed to the back of the teeth and attached with bands. These braces move to align with teeth over time and can take anything from 12 to 18 months.

We also offer the Inman Aligner treatment which is ideal for overlapping or protruding front teeth. With this procedure, the teeth are guided to an ideal position in a very short time, in most cases 16 to 18 weeks. The Inman is very adaptable as it can be removed to fit with your lifestyle.

How do I look after my teeth after treatment

Overlapping and wonky teeth can not only cramp your style, but they can also damage your health. With overcrowding or crookedness, teeth can be very hard to clean, especially in between, so it can be hard to complete an oral health regime properly. By getting one of our many new and contemporary treatments like Invisalign, Inman or Lingual braces, you will gain positive benefits to your oral health.

We recommend always cleaning your teeth twice a day and flossing or using an alternative, to ensure that you keep bacteria and plaque at bay.

Hello beautiful!

Your goal of a bright and straight smile will soon be reached if you take the opportunity of all the great treatments there are on offer here. You can feel safe in the knowledge that you will be in the good hands of dental professionals who, collectively, have years of experience between them. Let us use it to help you.