Dental Blog - Crofts Dental Practice

Oral health – why your gums are important too

Healthy gums are a prerequisite for healthy teeth. Not only do they provide the support needed for your teeth to function as they should, but they also act as a barrier that covers and protects the bones of your teeth from harmful bacteria. Unhealthy gums provide an environment for these bacteria to reproduce in, multiply and eventually compromise your teeth.

At Crofts Dental Practice, we understand that healthy teeth and gums not only give you a beautiful smile, but also indicate good oral health and hygiene. Our experienced dentists will help you avoid or reverse gum disease with thorough preventive care that allows us to identify gum issues early and treat them accordingly. Even, if you are diagnosed with gum disease, our dentists will help you overcome it in order to maintain your healthy smile for longer.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a condition that affects the soft tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. Gum disease is usually the result of plaque build-up above or below the gum line. Common causes of gum disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking, crooked and misaligned teeth which are hard to clean, pregnancy, diabetes, certain medications as well as genetic predisposition. Gum disease causes the gums to swell and bleed. If left untreated, a serious gum disease known as periodontitis can infect your gums and the bone underneath your teeth causing them to loosen and eventually fall out.

Healthy gums in Essex

Fortunately, gum disease is easily avoided by taking care of your teeth and gums at home as well as with regular dental check-ups. Basic oral hygiene practices like brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, rinsing with an antiseptic mouth wash and staying in good physical health, are all great ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a deep cleaning, including scaling and polishing, is also important, since no matter how diligently you brush and floss your teeth at home, plaque tends to build up on your teeth over time.

Protect your smile

Keeping your gums strong and healthy is a great way to maintain your overall health. If you suffer swollen of bleeding gums, please contact us today.

Transform your face with a smile makeover in Essex

Achieving the best smile possible goes beyond just cleaning your teeth and avoiding cavities. Fixing cosmetic flaws such as misaligned teeth, discolourations and fractures, is the first step to a great smile. Smile makeovers can have a profound impact on the signs of ageing and on your overall appearance in general.

At Crofts Dental Practice in Essex, smile makeovers are the ideal treatment for patients who want to transform their smile entirely. After performing a comprehensive analysis of your smile, our experienced dentists, can advise you on the best cosmetic dentistry treatment or series of treatments for your individual needs. The exact type of treatment as well as the length and cost of treatment, will be personalised for each patient.

Smile Makeovers in Essex A common cosmetic treatment used in our smile makeovers are dental veneers. These are custom-made, thin shells made of porcelain or composite, which are bonded in front of your teeth. Dental veneers are minimally invasive compared to other cosmetic procedures and are widely used to restore chipped, misaligned or discoloured teeth and cosmetically alter your smile. Unlike dental implants and bridges, dental veneers require minimal preparation of the teeth. At Crofts Dental Practice we offer a special type of veneers, Lumineers, which are ultra-thin, durable veneers that require no tooth preparation at all.

Yellow and discoloured teeth can take away from an otherwise healthy smile. Professional teeth whitening can safely brighten your teeth by many shades. Tooth colour and shading can also be fixed with veneers, dental crowns or even composite cosmetic bonding.

If you require a more extensive smile makeover, we can include crowns, bridges, teeth straightening or even dental implants to completely rejuvenate your smile. Dental implants not only look and feel natural, but also fuse with your jawbone to provide maximum support and resilience.

Some of these treatments are instant and can be completed in one visit, while others may take more than one visit and can be completed over the course of a few months. All of our cosmetic dentistry treatments are carried out to the highest standard using only high-quality materials and trusted techniques.

Get in touch

Looking for high-quality, affordable smile makeovers in Essex? Get in touch with Crofts Dental Practice to book a consultation today.

Dental anxiety

There are several reasons why people may be nervous about visiting the dentist. It may be something as simple as the clinical smell of a dental practice that puts people off, or a previous bad experience that could have stayed with them for life.

nervous-dental-patients There are many millions of people that suffer from dental phobia. With 29% of us suffering from regular dental pain, it is important to face your anxieties, so these pains can be remedied before they become more serious.

Nervous patients at Crofts Dental Practice

Many patients feel nervous when they visit the dentist. All our dentists are qualified to treat patients who do not feel totally comfortable about the experience of a dental appointment.

All of the staff at Crofts Dental Practice are sensitive to the concerns of nervous patients and those with dental phobias. However, we understand that in certain circumstances, sedation may be a helpful option for those who are worried about their treatments.

Sedation can be used to assist in the process of several treatments and there are a number of different sedation options.

RA and IV sedation

For RA sedation, a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen is adjusted to suit each patient. Different people need a different mix of these gases to achieve a feeling of being warm, cosy and far away. We use a small soft sterile nosepiece for you to breathe through.

IV sedation will require an injection in the back of the hand. If you dislike needles, we can use the happy air first to relax you and reduce sensations and then the injection is quickly over without you noticing too much. Many people find this a great way to do it.

How does it feel?

You will certainly feel very calm. Most people also feel some other sensations, which can include warm and heavy feeling arms and legs, mild tingling in fingers and toes and a sense of feeling far away.

A lot of patients also recall voices and music appearing to become distant, combined with a sense of not minding being at the dentist anymore.

The sedation is just for relaxation. If you are having a treatment such as a filling, you will also require local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on.

How can cognitive behavioral therapy help at the dentist?

People with dental phobia tend to avoid visiting the dentist. They are therefore at risk of suffering more dental pain, poor oral health and a detrimental effect to their quality of life.Estimates from a recent Adult Dental Health Survey suggest that around one in 10 people experience extreme anxiety about seeing their dentist.

nervous-dental-patients-in-essex Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term therapy that typically lasts 5— 10 sessions. The therapy has been shown to help with a range of psychological issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders and seems to be especially effective within dentistry. CBT interventions have been shown to be successful in reducing dental anxiety and increasing regular dental attendance.

People suffering with dental phobia are most commonly given sedation to allow them to become relaxed enough for a short period of time to have their dental treatment performed. CBT aims to make patients overcome their fears in the long term, rather than just as a temporary measure.

The primary aim of CBT at Crofts Dental Practice is to enable patients to receive dental treatment without the need for sedation, by working with each individual patient to set goals according to their priorities.

How does it work?

CBT is a form of talking therapy that directs patients to identify and evaluate thoughts and feelings. This approach is based on the underlying idea that dysfunctional thoughts, emotions and behaviors are the foundation of many psychiatric issues.

Treatment tends to be short-term, with the therapist training and instructing the patient on how to identify patterns of ‘automatic’ thoughts that cause distressing or unhelpful emotions like dental anxiety.

King’s College London Dental Institute did a survey about the success of dental CBT with99 women and 31 men.The researchers said that of all patients referred for a course of CBT, 79% went on to have dental treatment without the need for sedation and 6% had their dental treatment under sedation.

The survey found that the average number of CBT appointments required before a patient received dental treatment without sedation was just five.

Crofts Dental Practice in Essex could help you conquer your dental fear, so, why not give us a go?

A professional touch for clean and healthy teeth

It can be hard to find the time to prioritise your dental health. However carving out a little time to visit a dental hygienist can actually save you time in the long run. Your dental hygiene lies at the heart of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. With our friendly and skilled dental hygienist at Crofts Dental Practice in Essex, your teeth and gums can receive the care and attention they need to stay in good condition.

Prevention: the best line of defence

When is comes to fending off dental diseases, prevention is the best way to keep them at bay. Battling bacterial build-up with regular visits to our dental hygienist in Essex means you can avoid a host of dental problems. Using the latest equipment and materials, you teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, scaled and polished. This will remove accumulated bacteria, plaque and tartar, which brushing and flossing alone can’t achieve.

By taking care of your dental hygiene with the help of Crofts Dental Practice, you can reduce the chances of your teeth suffering from decay and your gums becoming inflamed. Red and swollen gums can be sensitive to touch and can lead to infection of the areas surrounding your teeth. Needless to say this is not a comfortable experience. So to avoid dental pain and discomfort, take advantage of the professional cleaning services offered by our dental hygienist.

Helpful tips to give you back control

Our dental hygienist can advise you on how to take care of your teeth at home. While this may seem as straightforward as simply brushing and flossing, sometimes a slight change in technique can enhance the cleaning of your teeth. This gives you the power to improve your dental hygiene and health.

When you have braces, dentures, bridges or dental implants, you may also need particular guidance on how best to clean your teeth. Our dental hygienist can give you the information you need to maintain your dental hygiene in these cases.

Find out more

To experience the feel of professional cleaned teeth and enjoy the dental health benefits, call or email Crofts Dental Practice today. Our dental hygienist is here to help you.

Keep smiling with Crofts Dental Practice

Taking care of your teeth and gums takes more than daily brushing and flossing. The best way to beat bacterial build-up and ward off tooth decay and gum disease, is to seek help from a dental professional. At Crofts Dental Practice in Essex, your dental hygiene is our top priority. With our skilled dental hygienist, your teeth and gums will have the best chance of staying in tiptop condition.

Why dental hygiene is so important

From a purely aesthetic point of view, healthy teeth and gums look good. Whenever you smile, your teeth are put on display for all to see. Keeping them healthy means you can smile with confidence.

Good dental hygiene also means you are less likely to experience the discomfort of tooth decay and gum disease. The latter is associated with higher risks of developing diabetes, stroke and heart disease. So taking good care of your teeth and gums means safeguarding your general health too.

Daily brushing and flossing is a great first step to maintaining good dental hygiene in Essex. Unfortunately this is not enough. Bacteria are persistent and will find the smallest nooks and crannies to take hold in your mouth. A build-up of bacteria can cause inflammation, gum disease and tooth decay. However there’s no need to worry, our dental hygienist has the skills and experience to help you avoid these unsavoury consequences.

Visiting our hygienist

Using special equipment and pastes, our dental hygienist will clean, scale and polish your teeth. This will significantly reduce the accumulation of bacteria. You will also receive advise on the best techniques for brushing and flossing your teeth at home. A small change in your approach can make a significant difference to your daily dental hygiene routine.

If you wear braces, have a bridge, dentures or dental implants, you may need some extra help to keep on top of your dental hygiene. Our friendly dental hygienist can give you a hand with this too.

Get in touch

Your dental health and wellbeing is of utmost importance to us. Using the latest dental technology, our dedicated staff strive to ensure your dental treatment leaves you smiling. So make your dental hygiene a priority and call or email us today.

Why Crofts Dental Practice?

Crofts Dental practice has been maintaining healthy teeth and healthy gums in Essex for over 30 years. Our friendly, experienced and professional team are always on hand to ensure that your experience at Crofts Dental Practice is top class.

Every member of our staff is highly trained to ensure you have a seamless and stress-free journey through the dental treatment process. That could be for cosmetic procedures, such as dental implants or preventative treatments, such as ensuring healthy gums in Essex.

healthy-gums-in-essex Recent renovations and upgrades to our surgery offer comfortable and safe surroundings, keeping Crofts Dental Practice firmly in touch with all modern advances and techniques in dentistry. The practice now uses fully computerized systems to aid with diagnosis and treatment planning. This could mean that you may be able to see what results you can expect before treatment is started. Whether you require cosmetic improvements or healthy gums in Essex, you can look forward to a warm welcome at Crofts Dental Practice.

Dental hygiene

Dental hygiene treatment at Crofts Dental is delivered by a dental hygienist who will help to remove any plaque from your teeth that may have built up in certain areas, as well as specialising in ensuring our patients keep healthy gums in Essex.

Healthy gums are essential to keeping your oral hygiene standard high. Dental hygiene at Crofts Dental Practice also forms part of treating gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that our hygienists will be able to help you with.

Gum disease

There is a proven relationship between gum disease and health complications such as a stroke and heart disease. Studies have shown women with gum disease also show higher incidences of pre-term, low birth-weight babies.

Other research has shown more than 90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, which can include swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems. Such diseases can include diabetes, leukemia, various cancers, heart disease and kidney disease. Your dental hygienist appointment at Crofts Dental Practice can help you, not only with your healthy gums in Essex, but also with spotting potential life-threatening illnesses as early as possible.

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.