Dental Blog - Crofts Dental Practice

Smile – you have healthy gums!

With proper care, your teeth and gums can stay healthy throughout your life. The healthier your teeth and gums are, the less risk you have for tooth decay and gum disease. For healthy gums in Essex, Crofts Dental Practice are here to assist you.

healthy-gums-in-Essex There are five steps to keep an exceptional level of oral hygiene for your teeth and gums:

Brush at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. If you can afford the cost it may be worth investing in an electric toothbrush. Place your toothbrush at a 45° angle against your gums and brush each tooth 15 to 20 times. It is important to move the brush gently, using short strokes. Don’t scrub.
Flossing regularly will ensure food does not get stuck between your teeth, as well as minimising plaque buildup.
Rinse your teeth twice daily with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Eat foods that are good for your teeth. For healthy gums in Essex is it a good idea to minimise the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
By regularly visiting your dentist at Crofts Dental Practice,Essex, healthy gums can be maintained. You can choose to see a dentist, or our dental hygienists to keep in tip-top oral health.

Keeping healthier gums

Your gums are like cushions for your teeth. They surround and protect your teeth and help to support them. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth. Without healthy gums, your teeth will not survive and may begin to fall out.

You must be aware of red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush them. This could be a sign of gum disease. It is known as gingivitis and if left untreated can develop further into a type of infection known as periodontitis. This affects the entire area surrounding the tooth.

To keep healthy gums in Essex, we recommend you come in for regular hygiene appointments check-ups at Crofts Dental Practice. Drop into the surgery today and find out how our dedicated team of dentist, dental nurses and hygienists can help you keep your gums in great condition and you in good oral health.

What is involved in smile makeovers in Essex?

Smile makeovers are, as the name suggests, a complete revitalisation for your smile. They can include a number of treatments over a period of time that are all part of a plan to give you a bright new look. After a detailed, free consultation at Crofts Dental Practice, you will be given the opportunity to take a journey towards a new you. With our smile makeovers in Essex, we offer transformation, and renewed self-assurance to patients who are ready to take the next step.

At Crofts Dental Practice, Essex, smile makeovers are often made up of a series of procedures from our range depending on the adjustments you want. Below are details about just some of the things that can be changed or refined and some ideas on how we might go about doing it.

Shape and size

You can have the shape and size of your teeth adjusted with something like veneers. These are sheets of durable, tooth coloured material that are placed over the top of a tooth or multiple teeth. These can be a slightly different shape or size to your original tooth and so can correct unevenness or maybe even close a small gap.

Position

We have a range of teeth alignment options available to straighten you teeth. These range from invisible braces and clear aligners to something more traditional depending on what work you need, what budget you have and what your needs are in terms of aesthetics while you are undergoing treatment.

Colour

For all of our treatments, we like to give you options to make sure you feel you have a choice and can have the treatment that most closely matches you needs. Our teeth whitening service is no exception. We have a speedy, one day, in-clinic option and an at home, highly effective, do-it-yourself option. You may choose a combination of both depending on the effect you want to achieve.

Missing teeth

If you come for a smile makeover and you have missing teeth, you are likely to want to start there as gaps in the teeth can be unsightly, obvious and can have knock-on oral hygiene effects. We offer crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants depending on what you need. Each of these solutions has different benefits and drawbacks that your dental practitioner will discuss with you in detail.

New smile, new you

Have you heard about cosmetic dentistry but do not know what the best treatment for you might be? Maybe you already know about some treatments, such as teeth whitening, but are wondering if that will be enough to have the impact you want. At Crofts Dental Practice, Essex, smile makeovers are something that we offer to patients to ensure that they are able to access all of the treatments that are appropriate for them.

smile-makeover-in-essex When you come for smile makeovers in Essex, you are getting your vision transformed into reality by your dentist’s expertise. You could ask 100 people and get 100 answers about what constitutes the perfect smile so it is important to have a dentist who listens and is able to convert your wishes into an effective treatment plan.

Cosmetic treatments change the shape, position, size or colour of your teeth and some of the more extensive ones either replace missing teeth or teeth that are beyond repair by any other means. It may be that you need a combination of treatments and this is why we offer smile makeovers in Essex. It means that your dentist can put together a package that does everything you need. They will be able to guide you on which treatments to have first, provide you with a detailed timetable of appointments that also lets you know what to expect from each visit and give you information about the costs involved.

We offer a free smile makeover consultation so you can check your options before going ahead with anything. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you might have about cosmetic treatment or visiting the dentist in general. We want to tailor your visits so that they suit you and so that you feel comfortable paying repeat visits to us.

Why choose us?

At Crofts Dental Practice, your smile is our passion and we want to refine or restore it to a level that has a real impact on your life. Whether personally or professionally, confidence can lead to authentic changes and more positive interaction with those around you. Start making the change you want today by contacting us.

Anxious about going to the dentist?

There are options available to help nervous patients. According to NHS Choices, 25% of us are anxious about visiting the dentist, luckily more dentists than ever before understand the fears some people may have, and there is a lot that can be done to relieve these fears. The Dental Health Foundation has a helpline that people can call to discuss a whole range of topics relating to oral health, they have been running for 15 years and have received over 350,000 enquires. Anxious patients are welcome to call the helpline to discuss any fears they may have, the foundation promises to give free and impartial advice.

What can be done to de-stress you

Many dental clinics, like Crofts Dental Practice, have options for nervous patients in Essex. Services we offer to relax patients include: a free consultation with a dentist to discuss any concerns you may have, reduced waiting times – as all of their appointment run on time – a friend or family member can assist you during any treatments, and you can watch TV or listen to music during treatments to help nervous patients in Essex feel more at ease. In addition, cognitive behavioural therapy offered by the practice has helped many people overcome their anxiety and fears, however, sedation is also an option at the clinic and there are two types of sedation offered to nervous patients in Essex: RA sedation is the use of gas and air to help patients relax, they will be awake and know what’s happening during the treatment,however it won’t concern them. The second type of sedation offered is IV sedation; patients will probably be unaware of what’s happening under this form of sedation but they will understand the dentist, and will be able to comply.

Crofts Dental Practice has a great amount of experience in working with nervous patients in Essex. If you’re afraid to go to the dentist and need some oral care, or if you want to finally overcome your fears, please don’t hesitate to call and speak to one of their members of staff who are all trained in dealing with nervous patients.

Scared of going to the dentist?

Well you’re not alone; many people suffer dental anxiety or dental phobia, according to Colgate Oral Care Centre. research has been done to determined why people feel this way concerning dentist, the most common answers include: the fear of being in pain (some people may have experienced this in earlier dental treatment), feeling like they are not in control, embarrassment of someone looking in their mouth (especially if they have concerns about the aesthetics of their teeth), and bad experiences they have had in the past. If any of this seems familiar to you, please know that you’re not alone; there are things that can be done to help you through this and make you feel more at ease.

Helping nervous patients in Essex

At Crofts Dental practice, weunderstand that many people have dental anxiety and dental phobia, and our staff are all trained and have experience in working with nervous patients and they offer options to help relaxation and de-stress when oral care is needed,for their nervous patients in Essex.Crofts Dental Practice offer a free consultation to anyone who is feeling anxious or scared, patients can speak to a dentist, and discuss their concerns without any judgements, they don’t even have to sit in a dental chair! If treatment is needed at the practice in Essex, nervous patients are more than welcome to have a family member or friend present during any treatments to help ease their anxiety. In addition to this, patients are able to watch TV, or listen to music during treatments, as the practice understands that familiarity can often help ease anxiety. Sometimes waiting for an event to take place is often what causes stress to many people, the clinic understands this, and ensures that all of its appointments are running according to schedule, this means nervous patients in Essex can avoid that anxious stage. Patients are even welcome to refreshments during any small waiting periods.

In addition to the ways previously mentioned in which Crofts Dental Practice can help relax its nervous patients in Essex, they also offer other options to help, such as: sedation and cognitive behavioural therapy. To find out more, don’t hesitate to contact the practice and discuss your concerns.

A guide to dental implants

Dental implants are an increasingly popular way of replacing missing teeth. At Crofts Dental Practice in Essex we offer a range of implant treatment options, designed to replace anything from one to all of your natural teeth. We can also offer additional procedures to help people who have already experienced bone loss, with the help of a sinus lift or bone graft.

How dental implants work

Dental implants are the only way to replace the root portions of missing teeth. Whilst not visible in everyday life, the roots of the teeth are just as important as the crowns. As well as keeping the teeth in the mouth, they are vital to preserving the health and vitality of the jaw bone.

When several or all of the tooth roots are missing in one or both jaws, the bone will start to resorb or degenerate. This not only makes dentures loose and means dental implant treatment in the future will be more complex (although still possible) but can also alter the structure of your face and make you look old before your time.

A dental implant is a titanium tooth root that is placed directly in your jaw bone during minor oral surgery, which most people at our Essex dental clinic only require local anaesthetic for. As soon as the implants are in place, a process called osseointegration begins, which sees the implants integrate with the jaw bone.

Osseointegration takes a few months to complete, and ensures that your jaw bone is kept healthy and strong as well as making sure your new teeth stay where they should. During this healing period, your dentist may fit temporary teeth; alternatively, you might be able to continue wearing your old denture after adjustment.

Once integration is complete, you will be called back to our Essex dental clinic to have your permanent new teeth fitted. This may be a single crown to replace one missing tooth, a bridge or a denture to replace several of all of your teeth.

Whichever option is used, you will soon be enjoying all the benefits and functionality of a second set of healthy adult teeth. This includes being able to eat what you like, and speaking and smiling with renewed confidence – and no danger of loose dentures putting a dampener on things.

An introduction to teeth whitening – the most popular cosmetic dentistry choice in the world

Teeth whitening is the most frequently requested treatment in the world of cosmetic dentistry. When it’s provided by a qualified dental professional, it’s a safe, effective, and quick way to brighten up your smile without the need for invasive procedures.

Crofts Dental Practice in Essex offer three options for teeth whitening treatment, all of which begin with a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

teeth-whitening-essex A dentist is the most important person in any teeth whitening procedure. The General Dental Council classes whitening treatment as dentistry, and as such it can only be legally prescribed by a dentist. Another suitably trained and qualified dental professional – a hygienist, or a hygiene therapist, for example – can carry out the physical procedure of teeth whitening, but only on a dentist’s prescription.

At our Essex dental practice we are aware that there are numerous products that claim to whiten teeth available on the open market. We also hear of beauty salons offering this treatment. All of these options should be avoided to ensure treatment that is safe, effective, and legal.

Whilst whitening products bought from a supermarket or high street chemist are unlikely to damage your teeth, they are also unlikely to live up to their promises, failing to deliver the results that you want. If you have an underlying problem such as enamel erosion or tooth decay, some products can also cause sensitivity.

Products bought from the internet may be of dubious origin, which means you can’t know for sure that they contain what they say they do, or that levels of the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide are legal. Beauticians offering the treatment do so illegally; the GDC has carried out many successful prosecutions for illegal dentistry, but all too often someone has to suffer painful damage to their mouth in order for illegal providers to come to light.

Think about it; you wouldn’t accept any other form of cosmetic dentistry from anyone other than a dentist. Teeth whitening must be considered in the same way.

The three options for whitening at our Essex clinic are:

Home whitening, supervised by your dentist
Power whitening, carried out by your dentist
Combination whitening – both of the above combined.

Could dental implants be the ideal solution to your tooth loss?

Dental implants are the only permanent way a dentist can replace missing natural teeth. Replacing teeth is important for both your dental and general health; even one lost tooth can make dental hygiene harder to maintain as other teeth move into the gap, getting twisted or crooked in the process. Several or all teeth missing will negatively affect your diet, your speech, and your confidence.

Crofts Dental Practice in Essex offers a number of implant solutions, designed to replace one, some, or all of your natural teeth. We believe that dental implants are, more often than not, the perfect solution to tooth loss, because as well as keeping your new teeth secure in your jaw, they also prevent the problem of bone loss.

dental-implants-essex Bone loss is a common side-effect of losing several teeth. It happens because when the tooth roots are missing the jaw bone starts to resorb. This is the primary reason traditional dentures become loose, because the changing structure of the jaw bone alters the fit of your dentures.

Badly-fitting dentures can affect your diet, often restricting you to soft foods or liquids, can alter your speech and make it difficult to speak clearly, and can shatter your confidence.

Dental implants replace the root portions of lost teeth and prevent all of these problems. They are small titanium screws that are placed in the jaw bone during minor oral surgery, which most people at our Essex dental clinic only require local anaesthetic for, as it is generally considered more bearable than having a tooth extracted.

As soon as they are in place, dental implants start to integrate with the jaw bone. This takes a few months and will provide support for a crown, bridge, or denture that is akin to that of a natural tooth root, meaning your new teeth will both look and act just like the real thing.

Bone loss

Dental implants prevent bone loss, but at our Essex clinic we are able to help people who have already experienced a loss of bone density. An additional procedure – either a bone graft or a sinus lift –can be carried out prior to implant placement.

Using cosmetic dentistry to create the smile of your dreams

At our Essex dental practice, we believe that quality cosmetic dentistry is about making dreams come through. It doesn’t matter whether your aspirations for your smile are large or small – cosmetic dentistry can find the perfect solution.

cosmetic-dentistry-essex Once considered the exclusive preserve of celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is now available to more people from all walks of life. An increasing number of women and men are turning to cosmetic dental treatments as they begin to realise the true value of an aesthetically-pleasing and attractive smile.

If you think that cosmetic dentistry has to take a long time, cost a lot of money, and requires a lot of invasive treatment, it’s time to think again. Many of the procedures at our Essex practice are complete in just a few appointments.

What is your dream smile?

The term “dream smile” is an entirely personal thing. What it means to one person may be entirely different to what it means to the next. If you don’t believe us, why not do a straw poll of your family, friends, or colleagues?

Whilst to you your dream smile may just involve bright, white, healthy teeth, your brother might rue the day he decided not to wear his retainer after teenage orthodontics, because his teeth have become squint or misaligned again.

Your mum might be embarrassed by obvious metal fillings, whilst your boss may have knocked a tooth out and want to replace it.

The good news is, thanks to the extensive cosmetic dentistry menu at our Essex clinic, there’s a solution to all of these problems and more.

The perfect treatment for your discoloured teeth will depend on what has caused the staining. Everyday stains can safely be removed with professional teeth whitening, whilst permanent discolouration can be covered by one or more porcelain veneers.

Your brother can benefit from subtle methods of teeth straightening such as Six Month Smiles or the Inman Aligner, whilst a cosmetic dentist can replace your mum’s fillings with tooth-coloured alternatives. As for your boss’s missing tooth, a cosmetic bridge or dental implant and crown can be used to fill the gap.

Cosmetic dentistry has a solution to every aesthetic problem. All you need to do is ask.