How your dentist can save infected teeth

Toothache should always prompt a visit to the dentist, because it is often an indication of either tooth decay or infection. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers the services of an emergency dentist when toothache is severe or even unbearable, but even mild toothache requires an appointment with the dentist to prevent it from becoming more serious – it will never get better on its own.

save-infected-teethTeeth can become infected more easily than people think. Dental decay can lead to infection if not treated promptly, whilst injury and damage to the teeth also frequently enable bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to infection.

You should always get even a minor crack in a tooth seen to by a dentist as a matter of urgency to minimise the risk of this happening. But if infection should arise, the important thing to do is not to panic, but to book an appointment at Harley Street Dental Clinic as soon as possible.

The need for root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is one of those procedures with a bad reputation, which can evoke fear in even the bravest of dental patients. However, with modern techniques and materials, this reputation is unwarranted. Root canal treatment is pain free at our Harley Street clinic. It is also essential to saving your tooth.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic our root canal treatment is carried out by specialist endodontist Dr Nectaria Polycarpou. An endodontist is a dentist who has undertaken additional training to specialise in endodontics – aka root canal treatment.

Dr Polycarpou is well known for her caring and gentle nature, helping even those who are scared of the dentist to enjoy successful treatment without pain or stress.

Root canal treatment involves the use of special tools to cleanse your tooth of all traces of infection. It often requires at least two appointments at Harley Street Dental Clinic to ensure that the infection has completely gone before the dentist permanently fills the tooth.

If you need more than one appointment, a temporary filling will be placed between visits. Often, after root canal treatment, it is beneficial to place a crown on your tooth for extra strength.

Orthodontics for adults: what you need to know

Orthodontics isn’t just for children and teenagers. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments for adults. These are much subtler, gentler, and often act much more quickly than standard metal braces.

orthodontics-harley-streetMost people think that orthodontics is all about approving the appearance of your teeth, and whilst this is a big part of it, it is not the full story. Orthodontics is designed to treat malocclusions, which is usually caused by a disproportionate relationship between the two jaws and/or by tooth irregularities.

As well as the obvious aesthetic concerns this can raise, it can also affect your diet if you struggle to bite and chew some foods, and can make it tricky to clean your teeth properly when there are hard-to-reach areas where dental plaque can build up. This can increase your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease, which both lead to tooth loss. Gum disease has also been linked to a number of general health concerns, from heart and lung disease to diabetes and strokes.

Therefore, improving your tooth alignment with a Harley Street orthodontist can bring many benefits to your health. Orthodontics involves the use of fixed braces, removable aligners, or corrective surgical procedures to improve jaw and tooth alignment.

Orthodontic surgery is rarely required in adulthood, because conditions which are that severe will be picked up by NHS orthodontics during childhood or the teenage years. However, adult orthodontics isn’t all about rapid cosmetic correction, either; we offer a number of different options designed to treat all manner of issues at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Harley Street orthodontics for adults

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we use both fixed braces and removable aligners for adults interested in orthodontics. Your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for you when you come for a consultation.

Options include:

Lingual braces – Made from metal but affixed to the rear sides of the teeth, these braces are invisible in day-to-day life.

Ceramic braces – There are a number of tooth-coloured ceramic braces available, from cosmetic options to those that do the same as standard metal braces, much more subtly.

Baby’s first visit to the dentist: the benefits of quality early years dental care

Bringing your child to visit the dentist from an early age will help to set them up with good oral health for life. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a dedicated children’s dentistry team, and recommend that you bring your baby for the first check-up from the age of 12 months.

children-dentistBy this age, their teeth should have started to appear – although every baby is different, of course, and you are welcome to contact our Harley Street practice at any time if you are concerned about your baby’s oral health.

These early visits to the dental practice are as much about getting your child used to the surgery environment as they are about checking the health of their teeth. Children often enjoy observing a parent or older sibling sitting in the chair and letting the dentist look inside their mouth, then copying what they see.

The aim is for your child to see the dentist as a friendly face, and practice visits as routine.

The children’s dental team at Harley Street Dental Clinic is led by Professor Raman Bedi, who is chair of the Global Child Dental Fund and co-chair of a global expert committee on caries management and prevention.

Children in the UK still have unacceptably high levels of tooth decay, and early visits to the dentist are vital to preventing this, and helping your child to avoid unnecessary pain, suffering, and shame. When you bring your child to visit the dentist at our Harley Street clinic, we will ensure that they feel safe and well-cared-for at all times.

Preventative treatments such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealant will be offered by your child’s dentist to strengthen and protect their teeth, whilst tips on tooth brushing techniques will be presented in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

Regular dentist visits also make it possible to spot possible signs of orthodontic issues at an early stage, often making them simpler and less invasive to treat. We have a unique collection of specialists at our Harley Street dental practice, including a team of orthodontists who can treat any problems promptly and efficiently should they be found.

How a cosmetic dentist can make your smile dreams come true

A cosmetic dentist has many ways of making over your smile. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, which can be used alone or in combination to create the smile you’ve always dreamt of.

cosmetic-dentistOnce upon a time, not so long ago, cosmetic dental treatment was only available to celebrities and the super-rich. But like so many things that begin in Hollywood, demand rapidly spread to the general public, and thanks to the advances in techniques and materials, the services of a cosmetic dentist are now available to more people than ever before.

What a Harley Street cosmetic dentist can do for you

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your smile, a Harley Street cosmetic dentist can help. We see patients with all manner of cosmetic dental complaints, and have a solution for every problem.

Even if you think you have the worst smile in the world – which we are sure that you don’t – and are convinced that there is nothing that can be done, it is unlikely to be something your Harley Street cosmetic dentist hasn’t seen before.

We have a unique collection of highly-skilled dental professionals and specialists at our Harley Street clinic, who will work together to create the smile of your dreams, whatever that may mean to you.

Popular treatments from a Harley Street cosmetic dentist include:

Teeth whitening

This is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the world, and must only be carried out by a dentist. It doesn’t work on every type of tooth stain, but is effective on discolouration caused by such things as tea, coffee, red wine, or smoking. We have three whitening options at our Harley Street clinic.

Teeth straightening

We offer a number of discreet tooth straightening treatment at our Harley Street clinic, using either discreet braces or clear, removable aligners.

Gum lift

A gum lift involves the removal of excess gum tissue, which can often be done painlessly using a laser. Laser dentistry also minimises any bleeding. A gum lift is an excellent option for people who have a gummy smile.

How to overcome fear of the dentist and get back to oral health

Fear of the dentist is a very common problem, and it can have a serious impact on many areas of your life. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our whole team is sympathetic to the needs of nervous dental patients, but we do not believe in the modern day and age that it needs to be a barrier to getting the treatment you need to restore your oral health. Your Harley Street dentist will work closely with you to help you overcome your fear – once and for all.

oral-health-harley-streetThere are numerous causes of fear of the dentist, with a negative experience during childhood being a commonly cited reason. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we encourage parents to bring their children in from an early age. We have a dedicated children’s dental team who will ensure that every experience your child has of visiting the dentist is a positive one.

Some people have specific triggers for their fears, such as the sound or sight of the drill. By talking to your dentist about your triggers, they can prepare by ensuring instruments are out of site when you enter the surgery. You can often listen to music or watch a film during treatment at our Harley Street clinic, so that the sound of the drill will be drowned out.

Modern dentistry has advanced a great deal in recent years. If you haven’t visited a dentist in decades you may be pleasantly surprised at how much things have changed. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we work hard to maintain a relaxed and tranquil environment that is a million miles away from the cold environment of dental practices of old.

For patients who need a little more help to relax, we offer two options for dental sedation at our Harley Street clinic. The first is relative analgesia, which involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to bring about a highly relaxed state, and has no unpleasant side effects.

The second option is intravenous sedation, delivered via a small needle. You will be monitored at all stages of sedation. Someone will need to drive you home after treatment.

Ways an orthodontist can help patients of all ages

An orthodontist can benefit patients of all ages. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a wide selection of orthodontic treatments, and is firmly of the belief that you are never too old to benefit from the services of an orthodontist.

orthodontics-harley-streetTraditionally, treatment from an orthodontist is associated with teenagers. However, whenever possible it is best to check for early signs of orthodontic issues in children between the age of seven and nine. This is one of the many reasons that it is important to bring your child to the dentist from an early age, because the earlier any potential orthodontic problems are spotted, the easier they tend to be to treat.

However, at Harley Street Dental Clinic we also offer a full range of orthodontic services for adults. Whether you didn’t have the chance to get treatment from an orthodontist as a child or teenager, or you had treatment but experienced adult relapse, the skilled orthodontic team at Harley Street Dental clinic can help.

What a Harley Street orthodontist can do for adults

When you come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with an orthodontist, they will conduct a thorough clinical examination to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

This could involve using a discreet fixed brace, or a clear, removable aligner. Your Harley Street orthodontist will talk you through the pros and cons of all relevant treatment options, so that you can make an educated choice.

Options include:

Invisalign

This popular system of clear, removable aligners has minimal impact on your lifestyle whilst also being able to treat a wide range of conditions. Your clinician will prescribe a series of aligners (the exact number varies from patient to patient) which you change fortnightly as your teeth start to move.

Lingual braces

These braces are made from metal, but no-one will notice them because your orthodontist affixes them to the rear surfaces of the teeth. They can treat a wide range of conditions, and are made from gold alloy, so are great for nickel allergy sufferers.

Whatever your treatment requirements, your clinician will create a fully customised treatment plan.

A dentist for all stages of life

It’s vital to consult a dentist at all stages of life. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a full range of general dental services for all the family, from the day your baby’s first tooth appears to scenarios where all of your natural teeth are lost. Even wearing dentures, you still need to visit the dentist regularly.

braces-in-harley-streetIndeed, your oral health care needs may change throughout life, but your need for check-ups with the dentist won’t. Harley Street Dental Clinic benefits from the services of a unique collection of dental professionals with a variety of specialisms and areas of special interest, meaning that whatever treatment you need, it can be carried out under one roof.

Children

Children in the UK still have unacceptably high levels of tooth decay. This is improving, but many children are still suffering unnecessary pain and distress caused by an entirely preventable condition.

Harley Street Dental Clinic has a team of children’s dentists, who will help to ensure that your child’s experience of visiting the dentist are unanimously positive. As well as catching any problems such as decay early, and offering preventative treatments including fissure sealant and fluoride varnish, bringing your child to a dental practice from their early years can help to avoid fear of the dentist later in life.

Teenagers

The teenage years are often synonymous with braces. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a number of subtle ways to correct orthodontic issues. A dentist can also help teenagers to understand the importance of good oral hygiene, and the effect too much sugar or fizzy drinks can have on their teeth.

Adults

Adults require regular dental check-ups throughout life. Some groups, such as pregnant women, need special care. An increasing number of adults are also turning to a cosmetic dentist to improve the appearance of their smile – our Harley Street clinic offers a wide range of cosmetic services.

Older people

If you look after your teeth, there is no reason to lose them later in life. Even if you have lost all of your teeth, however, you still need to visit the dentist regularly. Often, dental implants can stabilise your dentures.

Exploring the many ways a cosmetic dentist can brighten up your smile

A cosmetic dentist enjoys nothing more than transforming a patient’s confidence by transforming their smile. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a highly skilled cosmetic dental team, who can use a wide selection of techniques to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. One of the most commonly heard requests is for brighter, whiter teeth.

cosmetic-dentistIf you are concerned about the colour of your teeth, why not join us at our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist? They will perform a thorough clinical examination to assess the nature of your tooth staining, before recommending the best course of treatment.

Startlingly, the most common cause of tooth discolouration in the UK is visible dental plaque. This is bad news not just for the appearance of your smile, but also for your oral and general health, because plaque causes bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Ultimately, it can lead to tooth loss.

Should we find plaque to be your primary problem, your cosmetic dentist will refer you to a member of the hygiene team at our Harley Street dental clinic. Not only will the hygienist remove all traces of plaque, they will also help you to improve your home brushing and flossing routine to prevent it happening again.

Even people with good dental hygiene can suffer from stained teeth. Dietary factors – such as drinking a lot of red wine or coffee – often lead to tooth staining, as does smoking. Some medicines and medical mouthwashes can also cause discolouration of the teeth as a temporary side effect.

In this scenario, teeth whitening is an excellent solution. We offer several options for teeth whitening at our Harley Street clinic, and as long as it is prescribed by a cosmetic dentist it is a very efficient, reliable, and safe way of removing tooth staining.

A Harley Street cosmetic dentist can also help in cases of permanent tooth discolouration. Porcelain veneers offer an excellent option in many cases, whilst the use of white fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns to replace metal fillings will also brighten your smile.

When to call an emergency dentist, and what they can do

Should you require an emergency dentist in Harley Street, please contact Harley Street Dental Clinic straight away on 020 3797 3453. Dental emergencies can be painful and frightening, and it’s always recommended to get them seen to promptly.

Harley Street Dental Clinic is open from 8.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays. In addition, we run an out-of-hours emergency service for those who need to see a dentist urgently.

emergency-dental-careWe will always endeavour to see you on the same day whenever possible. The earlier you contact the practice, the more chance you have of being able to see a dentist the same day.

What constitutes a dental emergency?

Many conditions require the am emergency appointment. From knocked-out teeth to unbearable toothache, anything that causes severe pain or distress should be considered a dental emergency.

Below are some common emergency situations, along with what your Harley Street dentist may do.

Severe/unbearable toothache

Toothache should never be ignored, because it is indicative of an underlying problem. Mild toothache should prompt you to book the next available appointment with your Harley Street dentist. Tooth pain that is very severe requires an emergency appointment.

The first thing your Harley Street dentist will do is to get you out of pain. Common causes of toothache are dental decay and infection; it may be possible for your dentist to remove all areas of decay and fill your tooth at one appointment, but if infection is present this will usually require at least two appointments and a course of root canal treatment to put right.

Knocked-out teeth

A dentist is sometimes able to reinsert a knocked-out tooth into the socket. Indeed, sometimes you can do so yourself, but never force it, and never try to put a child’s milk tooth back. If you can put your tooth back in, bite down on a clean paper towel for 15-20 minutes and book an emergency appointment.

If you can’t, be careful to only touch the crown of the tooth, clean it with saliva if necessary and put it in some milk, then bring it to your appointment.

The benefits of visiting an orthodontist as an adult

Treatment from an orthodontist can benefit patients of all ages. Whilst orthodontics is usually associated with teenagers, Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a wide range of orthodontic treatment options designed for adults. These appliances can straighten your teeth more quickly and discreetly than metal braces.

orthodontics-harley-streetTeeth straightening treatment has many benefits for your dental and general health. Both braces and aligners will make your teeth easier to clean, which reduces the areas in which dental plaque can build up. This can cut your risk of dental decay and gum disease, which can both result in tooth loss.

More and more adults are seeking out an orthodontist later in life, whether they missed out on treatment during their youth or had treatment but failed at the retention stage, suffering adult relapse. Whatever your concerns, a Harley Street orthodontist can help.

In fact, we have three in-house orthodontists at Harley Street Dental Clinic. They are Dr Emma Lang, Dr Sarah Neale and they all treat both adults and children.

Subtle teeth straightening options from a Harley Street orthodontist

Depending on your clinical need, an orthodontist may recommend a discreet fixed brace or a clear, removable aligner. Each system is best suited to specific conditions and sets of needs, and will be discussed during your initial consultation at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Options include:

Incognito lingual braces

Lingual braces work in the same way as standard braces, with the big difference being that they are attached to the rear surfaces of the teeth, meaning that nobody will see them in everyday life. They can be used to correct a wider range of issues than some more cosmetically-focussed brace systems, with treatment times depending on the type and amount of correction needed. An additional benefit of the Incognito system is that they are made from gold alloy, making them ideal for those allergic to nickel.

Invisalign

This option involves the use of a series of clear, removable aligners to progressively move your teeth to a better position. You change your aligner every fortnight, and the length of your treatment varies between six and 24 months.