Dental Blog - Kings Dental Clinic

What to expect from your root canal?

Root Canal, that sounds scary right. Well there’s no need to be daunted. We strongly believe here at King’s Dental clinic that the more you know the more confident you can be about your treatment. Yes, some complex treatments will need to be referred to a specialist but for the more common treatment of root canals in Hammersmith let’s look at the normal steps and likely outcomes.

Most likely this will take place over two visits. Should an infection presently exist, then you will need to stop treatment for a while it is thoroughly treated with a course of antibiotics. This is necessary before normal dental work can resume.

Why would a root canal be needed?

Receiving a root canal in Hammersmith is a very common procedure performed by dentists, the treatment is also known as endodontics and it’s used to treat the infections that occur right at the centre of a tooth. This treatment isn’t generally painful and it can actually save the tooth that might otherwise have to be completely taken out. Why might it be needed? This infection can be caused by a number of things but most commonly results from bacteria residing in the mouth and basically taking over the tooth. Many things can lead to this including general tooth decay, poor or leaking fillings and maybe damage to the tooth as a result of a traumatic event such as a fall or facial injury.

What’s the structure of your teeth?

Firstly it’s important to know a little bit about teeth to understand this process of root canals in Hammersmith. The tooth is made of two specific parts, the root and the crown. The Crown is simply the top part of a tooth whereas the root is the part of the tooth that extends down under the gum and into the bone in your jaw. The aptly named root anchors your tooth into position. The root canal is the connection between one part and the other.

The Prep Work

Endodontics, root canals, by definition are under the teeth. it’s necessary therefore for your dentist like the team at Kings Dental to begin treatment with an X-ray. This will give us the clearest picture of what is going on and the best chance of treating the cause effectively.

The process

While the rest of the process may seem daunting it should be noted that effective pain relief will be provided by your dentist and as a very common procedure much has been done to make it as comfortable as possible.

The tooth is exposed from the top to allow the pulp to be gently removed. This pulp is what carries the infection and must be removed. The canal itself is now exposed. This can is widened using files to allow it to be cleaned and filled. This is perhaps the longest part of the process but should not be rushed. Once completed the tooth is then refilled with the pulp and if necessary a crown may then be placed on top.

Though a reduced lifespan a tooth treated like this can last you many years. Speak to our team today for a more detailed view on what your personal treatment plan may be.

Could dental implants in Hammersmith put a permanent smile on your face?

A smile for life

With advancements in medicine coming on in leaps and bounds, the average life expectancy has risen steadily over the last few decades. As we all live longer, more and more people are looking for permanent solutions to lost teeth – rather than just aesthetic or temporary fixes.

Our mission is to put a beautiful, healthy-looking, and full smile on the face of every patient at Kings Dental Clinic. One of the most successful ways of achieving this that we have found is through dental implants Hammersmith.

Implants are, without a doubt, one of the most important and impressive developments in contemporary dentistry. Yet, many people are still unaware of how they could be benefiting from them – or that they are even an option.

Why seek out dental implants Hammersmith?

Having missing teeth presents a whole world of problems that people who have a full set of healthy teeth may never consider.

Besides the obvious cosmetic disadvantages, there are several adverse health impacts having an untreated space in your mouth can cause.

Gum disease – Because of the missing space in your mouth, the surrounding teeth often shift over time as they attempt to fill the space themselves. This can lead to an increased likelihood of developing gum disease as food and bacteria can form in the newly made spaces between teeth.

Difficulty eating – Many people feel that it is only challenging to eat tough or brittle foods if you have a missing tooth or teeth. In reality, even the softest foods can cause severe discomfort.

Loss of bone density – This is one of the most severe consequences of having an untreated space in your mouth. If it is left for a considerable amount of time, the unused and thus unstimulated bone tissue around the tooth is absorbed. This can result in a change to the entire facial structure of the patient.

Thankfully, by seeking out dental implants Hammersmith from us here at Kings Dental Clinic, it is possible to prevent any of the above symptoms and restore the aesthetics of the lost tooth and its functionality.

What are dental implants?

Rather than sitting on the patient’s gum line as many dentures or bridges do, the dental implants we offer at Kings Dental solve a lost tooth at a structural level.

This is done by surgically embedding a false tooth-root directly into the jawbone of the patient. Titanium-alloy metal is explicitly used in the dental implant procedure to bond itself with human bone tissue.

Once this titanium-alloy socket is surgically placed within the patient’s jawbone – to close the gap where their tooth would be – it is given a short time to heal.

During this healing period, the implant and bone tissue merge, which means that it can then be used as a permanently fixed point to attach a prosthetic.

Because the implant is fixed within the patient’s jaw like a natural tooth, implants are often considered the most comfortable way of replacing a tooth – and can be used with the same force and confidence as a natural tooth.

Do you require help with smoking cessation?

Within the field of preventive dental care at our modern, professional, and fully accommodating dental clinic situated in the heart of Hammersmith, we offer all of our patients a specialist treatment referred to as ‘smoking cessation’ Hammersmith. Despite the high number of patients receiving this particular treatment within the walls of our clinic, many patients may be unsure of the exact treatment process to expect from smoking cessation Hammersmith.

What is smoking cessation?

Smoking cessation Hammersmith is the treatment of damaged gums and teeth that can occur from the consumption of cigarettes on a regular basis. Unfortunately for patients who do consume tobacco, yellowing and general wearing and decay of the teeth are a common consequence, in addition to the effect that tobacco can have on the gums too.

So how does the smoking of cigarettes affect gum tissue?

Many patients who smoke on a regular (or possibly very heavy) basis may be unsure of the true consequences the consumption of this tobacco substance is having on, not only the pigmentation of their teeth, but also their gum tissue too. At our clinic within Hammersmith we treat many patients who may be unaware of the effect their habit is having on their health, which is why our specialist and friendly team of dental healthcare professionals are here to help.

What can we do to help our patients?

Tobacco can not only cause yellowing of the surface of the teeth (which is commonly treated via the use of cosmetic dental procedures such as tooth whitening) gum tissue cells can also unfortunately be negatively affected, but what are the consequences of this for the patient? Damaged tissue cells within the gums can unfortunately encourage vulnerability to the development of oral diseases and infections (such as gum disease, to name just one common example) however, there are also alternative consequences to be aware of.

Did you know?

Many smokers may be aware of the effect that smoking cigarettes can have on the pigmentation of the teeth (such as extreme yellowing of the teeth which may not always be resolved), however there are unfortunately many other negative consequences that can occur.

What are the other negative effects of smoking cigarettes?

In addition to general yellowing of the surface of the teeth and an increased vulnerability regarding the development of oral diseases and infections, many smokers may also experience side effects such as bad breath, and an increased chance of developing oral cancer. In addition to these consequences, patients may experience unexpected effects such as jawbone loss, an affected sense of taste and smell, a distinct ‘hairy tongue’ in addition to a poor healing of unwanted oral sores.

So what’s the solution?

If you are a patient who is experiencing negative side effects to your smoking habit, you may be looking for a solution to your dental concerns. At our modern clinic within Hammersmith we offer our patients a huge amount of experience within the field of smoking cessation. Paying regular visits to our surgery can not only ensure you stay on top of your oral health, but we can also provide a wealth of advice for those struggling to manage the effects.

A fresh smile with cosmetic dentistry Hammersmith

We all deserve to have a smile that we are truly proud to share with others. It is a right that professionals are able to offer any individual who comes in for cosmetic dentistry Hammersmith.

We have a range of different treatments that are aimed at highlighting your unique beauty, remaining natural whilst perfecting, whitening, straightening and strengthening your teeth and gums. A lot of our treatments can be designed to work in a bespoke manner for your unique situation and we are able to combine many to create a plan that is tailor made just for you.

This means that the results expected can be uniquely perfect for both what you are looking for with your teeth and what you need in order to have a fully functional and beautiful smile.

What are some of the treatments that we have available?

Cosmetic dentistry Hammersmith is all about listening to your needs and that means working to a specific timeline that is important to you. We even offer wedding day smile packages, knowing that these events, or ones very similar to it, are momentous in our patients’ lives. Such aspects that complete a special day simply need to fall into place and you can be assured that we can provide this kind of service. If you’re looking for a picture-perfect smile on your wedding day, then speak with us, knowing that we will work to this timeline and offer the right solutions to get that right result for you.

Depending on the time frame available, cosmetic dentistry Hammersmith has a number of different options on offer. Each situation is obviously different, however we can say that in general, anything between weeks and years we can work with.

For shorter time frames, veneers are a suitable choice for people with a range of different dental issues. This treatment consists of covering the outer surface of your tooth with a thin shell, creating a more desirable appearance.

We can do this with a single tooth that causes you discomfort, or multiple teeth, depending on your budget and your circumstances. If you have discoloured teeth that cannot be easily whitened because the staining is due to medication, ageing or past dental treatments, then veneers would be a favourable option for you.

You can also use this treatment for broken, chipped or cracked teeth as it also prevents further damage taking place whilst the veneer is in place. Slightly crooked or gapped teeth are also amended, meaning that you do not need to invest many months into correcting the appearance of your smile, which is especially important for wedding day treatments when the date is relatively close.

It only takes a couple of treatments to finalise veneers, an initial consultation and the preparing of the teeth for the placement and then the placement some weeks later. As your shells are bespokely, you do need to account for some time for these to be made, so that they suit your face and your original teeth perfectly, creating the most natural look possible.

Are you concerned about your oral health in Hammersmith?

Keeping your teeth happy

At Kings Dental Clinic we believe it is our job to keep our patients’ teeth as healthy and happy as they can possibly be. Given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we understand that for many people out there, visiting their local dental practice may not be their highest priority. However, that being said we do also wish to emphasise to our patients the importance of keeping up a good standard of oral health, as this has repercussions for their outward appearance and inner wellbeing. Anyone who feels that perhaps they have not been paying enough attention or scrutiny towards their dental routine recently and has concerns about their oral health in Hammersmith should contact our practice here at Kings Dental to make sure their teeth get the care and attention that they deserve.

What can Kings Dental Clinic do for me?

For those who are worried or concerned about their oral health in Hammersmith, the best solution would be to contact us here at Kings Dental Clinic and arrange to see our dental hygienist. It is the role of our hygienist to make sure that the teeth of each of our patients are as healthy as can be, and that there are no signs of any gum problems – such as periodontal disease – in development. Our dental hygienist can also carry out a professional cleaning service, during which specialised equipment is used to remove any excess plaque and tartar build-ups from the harder to reach areas around a patient’s mouth. Anyone who is worried about their oral health in Hammersmith should speak to our hygienist and arrange an appointment at their next convenient opportunity. This is a way of ensuring that their teeth are properly assessed and that any potentially damaging bacteria is removed before it can develop into a tooth or gum infection such as gingivitis. Another one of the benefits of visiting our hygienist here at Kings Dental is that they can provide advice and helpful tips to patients with regard to how best to maintain their oral health, which can have a massively positive overall effect on their teeth in the long term.

Invisible orthodontics

One concern which patients regularly voice to our dental practitioners here at Kings Dental Clinic is having teeth which are visibly crooked, overlapping or misaligned. This can make eating tough foods and pronouncing words and phrases difficult, as well as have a damaging impact on a patient’s social life or self-confidence. When people consider orthodontics, they are often limited in their thinking to traditional metallic braces. Braces of this nature – often referred to as ‘train tracks’ – are effective in their goal of realigning crooked teeth, but they do so in a way which often leaves a visible impact on how patients look. Nowadays however orthodontics has developed into a much wider range of treatment options, which include more discreet or ‘invisible’ options. These cosmetic alternatives are designed to leave little to no impact on how patients look from the outside and often do not need anything to be bonded to the patient’s teeth at all. Anyone who wishes to realign their teeth, but does not wish to affect how they look in the process, should contact our orthodontic experts at Kings Dental to arrange a consultation to find out more about cosmetic orthodontics.

Why is oral health important?

Oral health in Hammersmith is something that is incredibly important to consider. Your oral health is an important component of your overall general health. The health of your mouth could have implications on your wider health. Poor oral health is something that could have adverse effects on your smile and this in turn could lead to issues for your mouth over time. You could be leaving your mouth prone to issues such as periodontal disease and infections. This could lead to issues such as tooth decay and possible tooth loss.

Taking care of your smile and listening to your dentist’s advice could allow your smile to be as healthy and as strong as it can be for the longest period of time. This article will run through the treatments and advice that we can offer to combat poor oral health. We will also discuss what you should do next if you decide that we could be the practice to help you.

How can I care for my oral health?

Oral health in Hammersmith can be taken care of by our dental professionals through preventive dentistry. We can work with our patients to help them take charge of their oral health. Each patient’s smile is different and it is important for patients to understand how to best care for their oral health. We can assist children in their journey into looking after their own teeth. It is important that children begin to understand the importance of oral hygiene.

We can also assist patients in the education on how to care for the health of their gums. Healthy gums are imperative to ensure the health of the overall mouth and this can prevent issues such as periodontal disease. We can assist patients who have sensitive teeth to allow them to not succumb to issues such as cold foods. We are able to assist and educate with dental hygiene. This can improve the overall health of your mouth as well as ensuring fresh breath at all times. We can give you advice and help you with smoking cessation as well as providing a dedicated mouth cancer screening service.

What should I do next?

Should you decide that oral health in Hammersmith could be a good fit for you then you should consider getting in contact with us to discuss your options moving forward to improving your overall oral health. You can have a look at our website to be kept up to date with how we are running our practice in the current climate. You could also call us here today at Kings Dental and we can begin to assist you in your endeavours to improve your oral health. If you take charge of your oral health today then you are making a commitment to your teeth and keeping them stronger for longer. Your natural teeth can last a lifetime if you take proper care of them and follow the advice that is issued to you by your dentist. We believe that everyone should have access to the best quality healthcare and advice and we are fully supportive of all of our patients.

Staying on top of your oral health in Hammersmith

At our dental clinic situated within Hammersmith we take great pride in the high standard of dentistry we provide to all of our new and pre-registered patients. Our modern and welcoming dental clinic boasts an impressive team of dental specialists who all share the same passion for the dental care they offer! Many of our patients may overlook the importance of their dental health, despite this however a regular biannual check-up with our dentist at Kings Dental Clinic could be considered as vital to maintaining a high standard of oral health in Hammersmith.

Dental hygiene is viewed in high regard at our clinic in Hammersmith

At our clinic in London we embrace high quality dental care, in addition to the variety of dental treatments we provide. Despite offering an extensive array of preventive, orthodontic, general, and even cosmetic dental care, we place great emphasis on the maintenance of oral health in Hammersmith.

What to expect from a dental hygiene appointment at our clinic

Many of our patients, especially those who are anxious, may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a biannual dental hygiene appointment at our clinic. Once our patients have booked an appointment via our online contact details we can begin the treatment process.

What happens next?

During a dental hygiene appointment patients can expect to receive several standardised procedures such as an oral assessment, to name just one common example, in addition to a tailor-made plan to cater for their individual dental needs. Just one example of a standard service during a hygiene appointment is that of a scale and polish (also commonly referred to as a ‘cosmetic clean’).

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish is a common service during a dental hygiene appointment, and is typically completed within the space of minutes! Despite the scale and polish being frequently administered within a biannual check-up, many patients may be unsure of how it produces a healthier, and therefore happier smile. A scale and polish is administered by a dental hygienist who will work to remove a build-up of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth, this accumulates due to an excessive amount of oral bacteria within the mouth.

So how does it work?

A scale and polish is essentially a professional service which uses a combination of special brushes and dental pastes to remove calculus from the surface of the teeth, however there is more to dental hygiene than a simple cosmetic clean!

Taking care of your oral health in the comfort of your own home

Unfortunately visiting the dentist twice annually may not be enough to maintain an adequate standard of oral health, several steps may therefore have to be taken in order to keep your mouth looking and feeling clean and healthy! One of our fantastic and experienced dental hygienists may offer you advice on how to best take care of your smile at home, this is often unique to your individual dental case and works to ensure you achieve the best possible dental results all the time.

Why should I worry about oral health?

Oral health in Hammersmith can be used as an indicator of overall general health. We, as dental professionals, believe the level of your oral health can also be used to determine your well-being and quality of life. The better shape your mouth is in, the better your overall health. A range of diseases and conditions are treated within the field of dentistry, this includes gum disease which in extreme circumstances can develop into periodontal disease. Tooth loss and oral cancer are two other conditions which can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Both can seriously impact a person’s wellbeing. Any injuries or trauma to the mouth can also be dealt with by us as dental professionals. Many of these issues can be kept at bay with a good level of home oral hygiene. You can aid your own health and hygiene levels within your mouth by following good dental hygiene practices, as well as following any advice from your dentist at Kings Dental Clinic. This article will discuss why your oral health is important, as well as how to maintain a good level of dental wholesomeness, which will allow you to keep your teeth and gums strong and pristine.

Why is oral health important?

Oral health in Hammersmith is important, to ensure that a patient has good general health, as the mouth is the gateway to the body. We believe that it is important to maintain an excellent level of oral cleanliness and care to make certain that you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. It is crucial to maintain a good hygiene level to avoid problems such as gum disease, which can cause more complications for you and your teeth further down the line. This can help you prevent issues such as abscesses and receding gums. Maintaining a good hygiene and health level within your mouth, as well as keeping up with dental appointments, can allow any health concerns such as oral cancer or cavities to be screened and caught early. Issues that you can be born with, for instance birth defects which include conditions such as a cleft lip and palate, can be monitored to ensure you keep your mouth at its best.

How to maintain good oral health

Oral health in Hammersmith can be attained and maintained by ensuring that you brush your teeth and gums regularly. It is crucial to be stringent about your dental routine, to ensure that you do not develop any of the diseases and issues that have been previously mentioned in this article. You should also consider using mouthwash and floss between your teeth at least once a day. Paying attention to your diet and not consuming too much food which could cause issues with plaque and cavities, (this includes food that is high in sugar), is also imperative. Keeping up with dental appointments here at Kings Dental Clinic can allow you to maintain a mouth that is at its most healthy. Following the advice of your dentist can empower you, and help you make decisions from day to day that work towards greatly strengthened dental health. Your dentist might prescribe specific regimes, as well as treatments that could help you do this. You may also choose to opt for other treatments that could, in the long run, help the health of your mouth, as well as the appearance of your smile. This includes treatments such as orthodontics, where your teeth are moved into a straighter position. They then become easier to clean, which in turn allows you to improve the health and hygiene of your mouth.

Improving your oral health in Hammersmith

We welcome you to investigate further ways in which to improve your oral health in Hammersmith. By taking action, you can enjoy the benefits that a healthier and more beautiful smile can offer you. You may feel more confident in yourself, you may feel others respond to you more positively and you will certainly enjoy stronger teeth for longer in your life.

There are many things we can help with as dentists when it comes to your oral health in Hammersmith. We work within three general realms of dentistry to offer you a complete all-round care. These realms are preventive, restorative and cosmetic. By taking advantage of our skills in all three, you can achieve that smile that you have always wanted to have and you can enjoy it for life.

Let’s talk about preventive care

This is perhaps the most important field of dentistry, as without preventive care, we are fighting a losing battle. We arm you with knowledge and tools that you can use to support your teeth every day.

Oral health in Hammersmith happens between visits, not only when you come into the dental practice for a scale and polish. So by ensuring that you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily, avoiding sugary foods as best you can and making sure you wash out your mouth after eating food or drinking beverages that may stain your teeth, you are protecting and caring for your teeth as they wage war against plaque, bacteria and cavities.

Each tooth needs the support of all the others. When one tooth is compromised and either needs to be removed or restored, then it is likely that the surrounding teeth are going to be negatively affected.

By listening to a dentist about any particular issues that you may be more susceptible to because of genetics, lifestyle choices or diet, you may be able to take proactive steps in maintaining the health of your mouth.

What happens if I have let it get too far?

This does happen and we want you to know that our non-judgemental dentists are here to help. We avoid causing feelings of guilt and look forward to the future, rather than speaking about things in the past.

By offering you a range of different solutions if there are choices available, you are able to make an informed decision about what is best for your health of your smile, as well as your overall well-being.

It is important for you to make decisions quickly, so that infection or decay doesn’t become something more sinister than it already is. Until you repair the situation, you will find that the pain you experience, or the issue itself will not go away.

By coming in to see us every six months, we can catch early signs of disease or decay so that we can tackle the issue before it becomes too problematic. As with most things, preventive care is more effective than finding a solution to an issue once you present with symptoms.

Resculpt your inner beauty through cosmetic orthodontics in Hammersmith

Take control of your smile

Here at Kings Dental, the primary goal of our dental practice is to help our patients to take control over the way they look, and to understand the power of their smiles. Our smile, we feel, is one of our most valued social assets and something which dictates how we are perceived by others and plays a vital role in our daily lives. There are still far too many of our patients who are unaware of exactly the extent that seeking cosmetic orthodontics in Hammersmith has the potential to positively change their daily lives, and just how much benefit they could get from seeking treatment.

What is cosmetic orthodontics?

Many people still view orthodontics within the traditional parameters. The vast majority of us, when thinking about orthodontics as a whole, envision traditional metal braces. The cosmetic orthodontics in Hammersmith that we provide to our patients here at Kings Dental however, is in fact a world away from traditional braces. Cosmetic orthodontics is defined by being a dental procedure designed to correct misaligned or crooked teeth, for cosmetic reasons. Treatment typically involves the patient wearing a brace of some description, although they are all generally far less detectable and more discreet than wearing conventional, fused braces.

What are my cosmetic orthodontic options?

Many adults often refrain from seeking out orthodontic help that is greatly required, due to misconceptions about the options there are available to them. Cosmetic orthodontics in Hammersmith that we provide to our patients at Kings Dental gives them access to an entire range of discrete, cosmetic alignment options – each being designed to meet the parameters of our individual patients.

One such option which we offer to our patients is the Six Month Smiles method of orthodontic alignment. This is a procedure which aims to align a patient’s teeth in as short a timeframe as six months. The procedure works in a similar method to conventional braces – it involves the use of brackets which are fixed to the front of a patient’s teeth and connected via wires. The fundamental difference however, which is what separates this method of alignment as a ‘cosmetic’ procedure, is that both the wires and the brackets are made using a transparent and tooth-colored material. As such, they are far less visible when they are attached to the patient’s teeth.

Invisible braces

Another method of cosmetic orthodontics which we offer here at Kings Dental is invisible braces. These are a relatively new form of treatment which does not involve the use of traditional practices and methodologies such as fused brackets or wires. This type of treatment instead only uses a transparent plastic retainer. This retainer is formed prior to treatment from a mould of each patient’s tooth shape. As a result, when it is worn over their teeth, it fits so perfectly that it becomes almost invisible. The process works through the use of deliberately placed pressure points that are built within the interior of the retainer, which – over the duration of the treatment – move the patient’s teeth to their desired alignment. Another massive attraction to this method of treatment is that the retainer can be removed throughout treatment, such as when eating or posing for a photograph.