Surgical lasers at our W1 dentist

Lasers are not new in medicine as a whole, having been implemented in retina and lens corrections for 20 years and almost as long for delicate heart procedures. But with the increased experience and reduced costs of equipment, we are proud to be able to utilise them at our dentist W1.

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Using lasers for surgical incisions goes beyond early sci-fi hype. Being able to make an incision extremely accurately without creating a pulling and tearing force, makes lasers excellent for extremely delicate surgical work. This is why they found their initial niche with lens, spine and neuro work, rapidly moving arteries of the heart across hospitals later on.

Wherever incisions have to be made cleanly and blood loss minimised, lasers have the advantage of partially cauterising the incision as it is made.

EPIC system

The EPIC laser system is a diode CPU based laser system which gives us, at Harley Street Dental Clinic, the flexibility to give a wide range of treatments, from managing discomfort to surgically removing gum tissue and lightening teeth! 

Modulating the beam in both intensity and frequency makes it less like a scalpel and more like an entire set of tools in its own right.

Current role in treatment

We use the EPIC by Biolaze to its full potential. For the relief of pain, we directly stimulate the nerves in order to disrupt the receptors in much the same way as TEN’s systems, but we use light instead of electricity.

Cold sores and oral ulcers

The treatment of ulcers focuses on resolving the infection to resolve the symptoms. This is normally done with a cyclohexane mouthwash, but by using focused laser pulses, we can sterilise the gum tissue in a very targeted way.

Cosmetic gum treatment

The ratio of gum tissue to enamel when smiling has its own rules of attractiveness; too much or too little can often be seen as off-putting. Also badly defined asymmetric arches are also seen as undesirable and these can all be corrected with cosmetic gum contouring. By surgically and strategically removing small quantities of gum tissue, the arches can be emphasised. Using a surgical laser allows us to minimise discomfort and bleeding. 

Surgical intervention and the remove of oral growths

There are several forms of benign oral growths, the most common form of skin tag developing from the gum tissue after a severe case of gingivitis. Although generally harmless, a skin tag can be irritating and when accidentally bitten, very uncomfortable.

Correcting tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)

Some cases of tongue-tie, where the membrane connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth extends along the bottom of the tongue and holds the majority of the tongue down, can be resolved by surgical intervention. A limiting factor is usually the high rate of blood loss making it another great case for a laser dentist W1.

Possible future of laser dentistry

Currently procedures with our lasers are limited to soft tissue and there is yet to be an appropriate diode laser that could be used on enamel, but this would be a natural progression and one that we would happily embrace at our dentist W1. Can you imagine a future dentistry without a whirr of the drill? We can!

Feeling at ease with your dentist Harley Street

Knowing the team supporting you

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When looking for a dental practice very rarely do people consider how well they may or may not get on with the dental team. Whilst at no point does anyone expect to become best friends with their dentist Harley Street, getting along amicably and having confidence in the person helping you with your oral hygiene is essential. After all, together you form a team to ensure your oral health receives the very best care.

When looking online at dental practices, the dental surgery team concerned is often put up on the website in a photograph along with their qualifications. Whilst these two things are of course important to take a look at, what is more important is to look into the reviews of the practice and the individuals within the practice.

Are the team friendly? Are they welcoming? Will they go the extra mile for nervous patients?

Whether nervous, new to the practice or a regular attendee, our dental team, from receptionist through to dentist Harley Street, understands how important rapport is,  which is why we work with you and get to know you from the very beginning. In order to work together successfully we have to have an understanding that works both ways. This is something we always strive for at our Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Keeping on top form

Whilst qualifications are always essential within the dentistry world, once gained it is important to continue developing skills in terms of knowledge and practice. With updates and alterations constantly improving methods, it is important to find a dental team that adheres to this process as well as keeping on top of any standards needed for the profession. This is why all members of our dental team are encouraged to continue personal development, whilst abiding by the General Dental Council which offers strict guidance to dental professionals. Having qualifications from years ago is a given, but keeping up-to-date with all the new knowledge and methods in dentistry is essential. We ensure our dental team is continuing to be on top form.

Covering all treatment styles

Traditional treatments, innovative treatments, cosmetic treatments, no matter what you are looking for, finding a dental practice that has you covered is important. For some practices having the ability to out-source patients is more suitable and enables the patient to return for their regular dental care. For other, larger practices, such as our clinic, offering a wide range of dental services has never been simpler. From dental check-ups, to cosmetic tooth realignment processes to facial aesthetics. No matter the requirement, we can help keep you at ease whilst providing you with the services you may need or want.

Becoming one of the family

Whilst we know that we are available for your oral health needs, for us as a dentist Harley Street it is more than that. When you come on board we become a team, a family, working towards improving and maintaining your oral wellbeing. Together we can ensure that your smile stays in place and continues to shine.

Can our dentist help in a dental emergency?

If you are struggling with a dental emergency, then don’t hesitate to contact us as soon as possible for an appointment. It can be a really stressful and painful experience, and we will do all we can to help you during the first appointment.

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What is a dental emergency and how can we help?

You may be wondering what problems are classed as a dental emergency, and want to know how we can help you when going through them. No matter what the issue is, if you are experiencing intense pain and/or discomfort, don’t ignore it as it could quickly worsen. Our team is highly trained to deal with any issue you may have with your teeth, so you will be in great hands.

Toothache

The first type of dental emergency that we can help to treat is toothache. A large number of people will experience this in their lifetime, for a multitude of reasons. We highly recommend that if your toothache doesn’t go away within 2 days, then you should book an appointment with our dentist W1. It could be caused by an underlying problem that you aren’t aware of, and therefore could worsen. Some of the things that can cause toothache include gum disease, a cracked tooth, a dental abscess, or an infection.

When you come into our practice for an emergency appointment with toothache, we will first try to relieve your pain as much as possible to minimise discomfort during the appointment. After this, we will examine your mouth to try and find out what’s causing the issue. Depending on what the problem is, we will hopefully be able to treat it there and then. If we can’t do this, we will set up a treatment plan for you to help resolve the issue.

Cracked or damaged tooth

If you have had an accident and have damaged your tooth, it’s important that you are seen by our dentist W1 as soon as possible. If you leave a damaged tooth untreated, it can get infected and weaken even further. When you come in, we will do the best we can to fix your tooth, usually through the use of fillings or bonding. If the tooth is severely damaged and is beyond repair, we may need to extract it. A tooth extraction is a routine procedure that we provide regularly, so it is done as efficiently as possible to minimise your discomfort. If you do need an extraction after damaging your tooth, we can provide you with a replacement at a later date such as a dental implant.

Knocked out tooth

Knocking your tooth out can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, and also put the surrounding teeth at risk. When you are attending the appointment with our dentist W1, the first thing we will do is clean the area and get rid of any fragments that may be left to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, if the patient has managed to save the tooth and it’s in good condition, we can reattach it. If you haven’t managed to save it, we will be able to replace it for you in the future.

Are you looking for a dentist on Harley Street?

When you’re looking for a dentist Harley Street, at our practice we know that you don’t want to have to go anywhere else for more specialised treatment if the need should ever arise. That’s why we offer a wide range of treatments to suit all dental needs and we even offer facial aesthetics treatments too! Our dentist Harley Street can cater for you and the whole family. With a professional and vastly experienced team, we put our patients at the centre of all that we do and we aim to provide high-quality care with modern dentistry to suit your individual needs. One of our most popular treatments for correcting misaligned teeth is Invisalign.

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a treatment that consists of aligners that are worn over the teeth to push them into their desired positioning over a period of time, usually ranging from 6 to 18 months depending on your specific needs. The aligners are transparent so that when they are worn, they can’t be seen and only your teeth will show through. The aligners are removable allowing for maximum comfort and convenience, as well as discretion. The aligners are also custom-made to fit your mouth with precision, which means that you should be able to avoid the discomfort that can sometimes be felt with alternative treatment methods.

How are the aligners custom-fitted to my mouth?

Using iTero technology, here at our clinic, we will take a digital scan of your mouth and from this we will have the measurements required to send to the laboratories for your aligners to be manufactured. We will also be able to generate a 3D animation of how your teeth will appear after the treatment has been completed before you get started, which can be a really great motivational factor to encourage wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day!

What else do I need to know about Invisalign?

As the aligners may be removed for up to 2 hours a day, it means that you don’t need to wear them when you are eating and drinking, so you won’t have to clean them up after meals. You will also be able to brush and floss as normal, avoiding any increased risk of dental complications as a result of not being able to do so. This can sometimes happen with other treatments such as fixed metal braces – it can be hard to clean properly around wires and brackets! You should also find that the aligners are much less easy to break, fixed braces can be prone to accident with their delicate wires and brackets. Which means that you shouldn’t need to have as much time off work or school to come and see us for emergency appointments.

A further consideration about Invisalign is the fact that improving the appearance of your teeth should also improve your self-esteem. Once you have the beautiful smile you’ve dreamt about, you will want to show it at every given opportunity.

To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment for you, simply book in for a consultation with our dentist Harley Street. We will examine your mouth and discuss the treatment options with you, and you can ask any questions you need to. Together, we will find a way to get you the beautiful smile you’re after. If it isn’t realignment you need, we’ve got a whole range of treatments to ensure that you and your smile are working together in harmony.

Menopause and your mouth; risks higlighed by our dentist

Most women know that if they are pregnant, or have just had a baby, they will need to keep a very close eye on their oral health, to ensure that the hormonal fluctuations caused by the pregnancy do not cause long term damage to their teeth or gums.

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But what about women who are going through perimenopause, or even menopause itself? Can this natural process cause issues with dental health too?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our dentist W1 is trained and able to help women cope with every stage of their life, ensuring that any hormonal changes that are created by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or hormone replacement will not create long-term problems with their dental health.

So, what issues can perimenopause and menopause create in your mouth? Our dentist W1 provides the following guide.

Periodontal disease

It is nothing short of an annoyance that menopause can cause gum disease.

According to our dentist W1, this is due to the fluctuating hormone levels, which can lead to the gums becoming hypersensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. In normal circumstances, this bacteria would not be problematic, but due to surging and decreasing hormones, it can create an extreme response from the immune system, leading to inflammation and gum disease.

If you have noticed that your gums are sore, bleeding or inflamed, please contact our team for a check-up as soon as possible.

Dry mouth

Many people experiencing menopause notice that their mouths become dry more easily, due to an underproduction of saliva.

This may not seem like an issue, but it can in actuality increase the chance of tooth decay. Saliva in the mouth plays an important role in the daily removal of bacteria and plaque from your teeth and so, if it is being underproduced, it can lead to consequences such as an increased risk of cavities and tartar formation.

Our team can mitigate this issue by applying a fluoride sealant to your teeth, to prevent the chance of decay from forming and providing an extra barrier against plaque and bacteria.

Tooth decay

In the same way that hormonal fluctuations can cause the gums to swell, they can also cause the calcium in the teeth to reduce. And, if you have a family history of conditions like osteoporosis or another degenerative bone disease, then you may begin to notice a higher incidence of tooth decay around the time of menopause.

In this instance, we recommend that you talk to your doctor and we can help by applying fluoride sealants alongside performing white fillings as and when they are required.

Tooth loss

Don’t panic, but menopause and associated issues can lead to tooth loss.

Declining oestrogen levels in the body can lead to bone loss in areas such as the hips and the spine, but can also cause bone loss in the jaw, which can lead to tooth loss and jawbone loss. We can aim to restore teeth that have been lost in this way using dental implants, depending on the extent of the bone loss or dentures.

Why the dentist is important; a guide for older children

Hello to all those children out there!

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We know what you are thinking; your parents are trying to get you to go to a dental surgery to have your teeth looked at and you don’t want to go!

You will be happy to learn that you aren’t alone; as many as 1 in 3 children don’t like having their teeth looked at, but at our practice, we are trying to make dental care as fun as possible!

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our dentist Harley Street knows how boring or scary getting into the dental chair can be. And so, we take pride in offering our child patients a friendly welcome, while also helping you learn how to look after your teeth. Great!

But why should you listen to your parents and attend your upcoming check-up with our dentist Harley Street? Read on to find out!

Smiling is fun!

When you smile, you are showing off all of your teeth and, of course, you will always want your smile to look its best!

But if you don’t come in to see our dentist Harley Street when you are told to, this can lead to your smile not looking the way you want it to. You may begin to notice brown spots on your teeth which can make you feel a bit unsure about showing your smile. These brown spots are called cavities and, if they are left for too long, they can get bigger and will begin to hurt.

But our team can fix them!

Health is important!

Your teeth and gums are part of your body and, just like every other part of your body, they need to be looked after.

In the same way that you go with your carer, parent or older sibling to the doctors and opticians for a check-up, you should always aim to do the same with our dental team. This can help us prevent issues before they happen; remember the brown spots we mentioned earlier? By cleaning your teeth and applying a special varnish to them, our team can prevent them from happening.

Braces

Now, we know what you are thinking!

You don’t want to go for a check-up, because you have a friend who has braces and you are worried that you will need them too.

But braces can be a great thing to have; they straighten your teeth, they improve your speech and dental hygiene and they can be personalised with your favourite colours.

As you get older, it can become harder and more expensive to have your teeth straightened, so it is worth doing it when you are younger. That way, when you grow up, your smile will look great!

Also, we can offer a different range of braces than we could in the past; you may even be able to get a clear brace!

Brushing and education

It is important for your oral health that you know how to brush your teeth properly; that way, you can get rid of plaque, which can lead to cavities and sore gums. But our team can also talk to you about what foods are good for your teeth and which ones are not so good. That way, you can keep your teeth strong and healthy!

Laser dentistry and how it can help you

By staying abreast of any new dental technological advances, we can provide you with the most up-to-date, convenient and useful treatments on the market. Let’s find out more about how laser dentistry is changing the way we deliver services at our dentist W1.

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Why use lasers?

Lasers have had an ever-growing impact on medicine in general. Their usefulness lies in their ability to carry out very precise incisions, which are cauterized as they are made. Computer-controlled removal of a micro-mm of tissue is now possible and the first applications were in laser eye surgery, as portions of the lens could be shaved away using high-intensity laser light.

Their introduction into surgical theatres was driven by the need to reduce blood loss during procedures. When it comes to our dentist W1, laser dentistry allows us to avoid the drill. For many patients the use of the dental drill is extremely unpleasant mainly due to the vibration and noise. Neither of these is a feature in laser led dentistry.

Root desensitisation

Sensitivity can be extremely disruptive and although is often caused by thinning enamel, there are only limited available treatments to build up or protect the tooth. Assuming there are no cavities, the structure is not at risk, so the only issue with sensitivity is the discomfort that usually accompanies anything hot or cold being put into the mouth.

This can be addressed directly with laser treatment disrupting the nerve and permanently ending any sensations of thermal sensitivity.

Soft tissue procedures

Our EPIC laser system in the clinic allows us to perform many soft tissue procedures in a rapid minimally invasive way too. Not only are these procedures faster, but also less likely to result in infection.

When cold sores and mouth ulcers require surgical intervention, laser procedures can remove that tissue and increase healing times over scalpel based intervention. Growths of all kinds can be removed in a similar way. Not only is this an efficient way to deal with benign, but inconvenient skin tags, it is also a very useful way of collecting the biopsy tissue of growths.

Gum tissue can be easily and precisely shaped; this can increase the definition of your gum line or aid in preventing receding gums. Providing defined arches of gum tissue and correcting your tooth to gum ratio, gingival contouring is primarily considered aesthetic. We are more than happy to offer it as an option and included in our range of treatments at our dentist W1.

If you would like to find out how our laser dentistry could help you or one of your family members, please feel free to get in contact with the clinic. We are currently accepting new patients and would be happy to consider you if you want to fill out our new patient query form. We understand how many patients have deep concerns about seeking treatment and can be extremely anxious about dentistry in general. If you suffer from dental anxiety please mention it to our reception staff and enquire about our use of laser dentistry.

How our dentist can help with bad breath

Do you have bad breath, and have tried everything to resolve it?

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At Harley Street Dental, our dentist Harley Street has helped many of our patients banish less-than-fresh breath and can ensure that you stop feeling self-conscious about this issue with our range of targeted treatments.

Here, our dentist Harley Street takes a brief look at some of the most common causes of bad breath and how our team can help.

Food

OK, so it goes without saying that if you eat garlic, you may need a few breath mints before meeting up with friends.

But it is often overlooked by patients how certain foods can impact how their breath smells and so, our dentist Harley Street can offer you dietary advice on how to keep your breath smelling sweeter. This may involve drinking more water, eating less spicy foods and refraining from consuming alcohol, which can cause the mouth to become dry.

Lifestyle

This brings us nicely to the area of lifestyle, and how it can impact your breath.

If you drink alcohol often or you smoke cigarettes, chew tobacco or smoke a pipe, then it is likely your breath is going to offend.

Not only that, but all of these habits also increase the risk of oral, throat and lung cancer, so the risks go far beyond smelly breath!

We can offer you guidance concerning smoking cessation and, if required, will help you gain access to services that can assist you with alcohol consumption, which needs to be overseen by a general practitioner.

Gum disease

Another cause of bad breath is periodontal disease.

This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease emit bad odours and, if you have an excess of them in your mouth, they are going to be making your breath smell!

But we can help; our hygienist can offer you a scale and polish which will remove the plaque and bacteria from above and below your gum line, while also helping to reduce the effects of the gum disease.

We may also prescribe you a bacteria neutralising mouthwash or toothpaste, which will help prevent the issue from recurring.

Tooth decay

Similar to gum disease, tooth decay can cause your breath to smell bad, especially if it is advanced.

Once again, bacteria is to blame for this and, should you come to our team with bad breath caused by tooth decay, we will be able to offer fillings, crowns, root canals or extractions depending on the level of the decay.

Acid reflux

A common ailment that affects around 1 in 7 people at some time, acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid reaches the mouth. It more commonly occurs at night time and can be linked to food, illness, medication and weight. It can also cause bad-smelling breath, but luckily we can spot the signs of it on your teeth in the form of acid erosion on the backs of your teeth. We can’t reverse the acid reflux, but we can protect your teeth from it by applying a fluoride sealant.

Reasons to see our emergency dentist at Harley Street Dental Clinic

Do you have a toothache that is keeping you awake?

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At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our dentist W1 is proud to offer emergency dental treatment to all our patients as well as a triage service for those who are uncertain whether they require urgent dental care.

Here, our dentist W1 runs through the most common reasons why people seek out emergency dental treatment.

Discomfort

A universal indicator that you need to see our emergency dentist W1 is if you are in discomfort.

If this discomfort has come on suddenly or has been gradually creeping up, you still need to seek help since oral discomfort can be indicative of anything from a dental abscess to a lost filling.

So, if you have a toothache that is distracting you, call our team!

Ulcers

Many people have experienced ulcers, especially when they have been unwell or stressed.

And whilst there is nothing inherently urgent about an ulcer in your mouth, if you notice that they are recurring or one of them is larger than a 5 pence piece, then you should seek emergency medical attention from our dental team.

Ulcers that are large or persistent can be an indicator of oral cancer, so it is best to get them checked out as early as possible.

Swelling

Swelling to the face, neck, gums or jaw should always be treated as some kind of emergency, especially if it seems to develop quickly.

Once again, even if this swelling does not hurt and you can identify the cause of the swelling, you will still need to seek medical attention from our emergency team. In most cases, oral swelling is linked to an abscess, a food allergy or even an impacted tooth, all of which need urgent treatment.

If you have a swelling that is preventing you from eating or drinking, seek emergency treatment from your nearest hospital.

Lost restorative

If you have fillings or crowns, there is a high chance that after 10 years, they may come loose or fall out. This likelihood increases if your fillings or crowns are made from amalgam or have a metal element in them as these expand and contract with hot and cold liquids.

You may have heard that losing a filling or crown is uncomfortable; however, this is not always the case. So, if you notice that you have lost a filling or crown, do not delay in seeking emergency treatment, even if there is no pain.

We will always aim to restore the lost filling or crown, and provided that there has not been a delay in treatment, we will rarely have to perform any work that is more extensive or invasive.

Bleeding

If you have recently had blunt force trauma to your face, then some bleeding is to be expected.

However, if you have applied pressure to the source of the bleed (with clean gauze) for around 20 minutes and it is still bleeding, then you will need to book yourself in to see our emergency team.

We will aim to stem the flow of the bleed and treat the underlying cause; should that be an injury, we may apply stitches.

If you are uncertain whether you have a dental emergency, please contact our team for advice.

Why it is important to see our dentist regularly

The majority of people in the UK, and indeed worldwide, avoid attending their dental surgery unless they have a dental emergency.

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And whilst this may seem like the perfect plan, especially if you don’t suffer from bad or weak teeth, it can very quickly become a bad idea to avoid dental checkups.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we know how important prevention is in dental care, and our dentist Harley Street recommends that all of our patients attend a checkup every 6 months as a bare minimum. That way, we can provide easier treatments to problems, which, if left untreated, may result in more intense procedures further down the line.

On to specifics; why is it important to see our dentist Harley Street at least twice a year? Read on to find out.

Cleaning

We know that you are, at heart, a good dental patient who cleans their teeth twice a day, avoids sugar and will always inform us if there is a dental issue.

However, when you visit our dentist Harley Street, we can clean your teeth thoroughly, removing any calcified plaque (tartar) and ensuring that there is no plaque underneath your gum line.

This will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy and, in the long-term, your overall health in better condition.

Decay prevention

OK, so when you hear the word ‘decay’ concerning teeth, you probably think that this entails treatments such as fillings or crowns.

Well, whilst that is part of the restorative aspect, we can offer sealants to prevent decay from forming, keeping your teeth healthy and intact without the need for any further procedures. Great!

Gum disease prevention

A simple checkup can also help to prevent gum disease.

By examining your teeth, we can determine whether you need to brush your teeth more regularly, have an active case of gum disease or need to see our on-site hygienist to remove plaque.

Oral cancer screening

Oral cancer is on the rise in the UK; however, it is also one of the most preventable of all cancers.

The best way to detect and treat any signs of oral cancer is to attend a dental checkup once every 6 months with our team. We are trained to spot anything unusual or suspicious in your mouth and can refer you to the appropriate professionals for treatment if needed.

Remember, oral cancer is not only one of the most preventable cancers, but it is one of the easiest to treat too. So, to safeguard your general health, please attend our surgery for checkups and cancer screenings.

Cosmetics!

Suppose you have had a gap in your smile for a few years now and are eager to have it filled, how else will you manage this without attending a dental checkup and discussing it with our team? A checkup provides far more than an opportunity for our team to check your teeth for signs of decay. Rather, it allows us to discuss treatment options with you to help you get the smile that you have always wanted whilst giving you the green light about your dental health too.