Dental Blog - Harley Street Dental Clinic

Been told you need a root canal? 5 myths and facts about this procedure by Harley Street Dental Clinic

It is without a doubt one of the most feared and misunderstood of all dental treatments available – the root canal.

While many people dread needing to have a root canal performed, it is actually a very straightforward procedure, which offers both restorative and cosmetic benefits to you as the patient. Historically, the alternative to root canal therapy was a full extraction, which would have had an obvious downside to the aesthetics of your smile.

Today, root canal therapy is a straightforward and painless way to restore a previously infected tooth. Our dentists can offer you endodontics in Harley Street of the highest standard, to help you maintain the functionality of all of your teeth and keep your smile in one piece!

But what are some of the more common myths surrounding endodontics in Harley Street that make root canals such a feared procedure?

Root canals are painful

False.

It is easy to understand where this myth originated from but it is false!

While there will usually be some discomfort when you visit our team for endodontics in Harley Street, this will typically be caused by the infected pulp in your tooth.

Before we perform any kind of treatment to relieve an infection, our dentists will ensure that your mouth is sufficiently numbed and will recommend pain relief for you to take at home post-treatment. A root canal is no more painful than a filling and actually resolves discomfort in much the same way, the relief after treatment will bear this out.

Root canals don’t work!

False.

In relation to restoring and preserving a once infected teeth, root canals have an extremely high success rate – well over 95%, 10 years after treatment has been completed.

If the tooth becomes infected again, you may need to have another root canal performed, but as most teeth are topped with a crown to preserve the treatment, chances of reinfection are low.

A root canal will kill the tooth

False.

While it may seem that having your tooth pulp cleaned would kill your tooth, this is not true.

A root canal offers our dentists the chance to clean and disinfect the inside of your tooth, removing the infection and restoring any damaged bone. All nerves and blood vessels in and surrounding the tooth will remain intact.

Having a root canal takes multiple appointments

False.

Undergoing root canal therapy typically takes 2 appointments; one to diagnose the issue with the tooth and the other to complete the therapy.

While this appointment will be longer than a standard 10 minute check-up, most root canals take on average between 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete, so the procedure time is not excessive.

There is a lot of after pain associated with a root canal

False.

Once the treatment is completed and the numbing agents have worn off, you may feel a sensation similar to a bruise on your jaw and around the treated tooth.

This is completely normal and should be manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. If you are in excessive discomfort, contact our team immediately for a same-day emergency appointment.

You can find a dental clinic in W1 that can deliver results

It doesn’t matter what you are looking for; whether it is advice and support to ensure your oral hygiene habits are following recommended procedures, or you could be looking for that smile makeover you have always wanted, we make it our priority to listen to your needs so that we can offer you a bespoke treatment plan that you can be happy with.

Your local dental clinic in W1 prides ourselves in an attention to detail which gives us a leading edge in being able to create treatment plans that are tailor made to our patients. We can guarantee that your dentist has set aside adequate time and is happy and interested in getting to know you and your experiences so that we can understand what it is you are looking to achieve in your time here with us.

Our resources are vast and we take advantage of our new and innovative technology in our dental clinic in W1 so that you can expect brilliant results. Whether it be children’s dentistry, cosmetic procedures, or restorative care, we are proud to provide a service for you that extends beyond your expectations.

Once you come in to see us, you are a part of a larger family. We care for all of our patients completely. We believe that it is our duty to ensure we are doing what we can to keep your mouth healthy and strong. Dental care goes beyond teeth and gums and we understand that the entire body is working as one holistic unit. We believe that when your smile is fresh and healthy, your complete wellbeing is fresher and healthier as well.

So when are you coming over?

We look forward to having an initial consultation with you in our dental clinic in W1. Here we can get to understand your dental hopes and fears. Restorative work is important, but we are not all about that here. We want to know what it is that you love about your smile, and what might keep you from being your full and true self.

Your lifestyle habits and your diet can play a huge part on the health of your teeth, which can affect how you feel about your smile. For this reason, we are interested in helping you to reconsider some lifestyle actions that may not be so healthy for not only your teeth and gums, but for your general wellbeing.

It’s alright if you are not interested in going there right now, just know that we are here for you if you are interested in change. As non-judgemental and supportive health care advisors, we simply want what is best for you.

Only when you feel comfortable with us will you be able to really open up and discuss aspects about your oral health that are important to you. Our team has been chosen not only for their advanced skills and prowess, but also for their approachable, caring, and respectful personalities. We look forward to establishing a positive relationship with you soon.

Enjoy a brighter smile with your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street

Many of us wish to have picture perfect teeth to boost our confidence and allow us to project our best smiles to the world. There are many different treatment systems that we can offer you in order to allow you to do this. It really depends on what it is you’re looking for.

By coming in to see a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street, we can examine your teeth and gums and discuss what procedures are available to you to help you achieve the look you seek. We will be able to provide you with a range of suitable options as well as recommend what we believe will provide you with the best results for your unique smile. The final decision is of course always yours, but you can feel supported and guided by our professionals who take all of your concerns into account.

Many patients turn to us for procedures such as whitening, straightening, or smile makeovers. We are excited to work with our patients to give them a smile that they have always wanted.

Improving the appearance of teeth can also improve your overall health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and veneers are a great way to hide stains, cracks, or slight misalignments whilst covering the tooth and protecting it from further damage. We encourage you to speak with a cosmetic dentist in Harley Street about your personal situation and how a treatment plan with us can improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Other services, such as providing you with tailor made devices for the prevention of snoring, or grinding teeth, can change your life. Rest assured we always offer solutions for people who are anxious about having a treatment done.

How does teeth whitening work?

One of the quickest treatment systems available, taking as little as fifteen minutes. We have chosen to go through the finer details of teeth whitening today so that you can gain a better understanding of how your cosmetic dentist in Harley Street will provide you with a brighter smile:

When you come in to see us, we will assess your teeth to discover what type of staining your teeth have. Different staining products react differently to the bleaching agents that we use and by understanding what has stained your teeth, we are able to act accordingly.

A customised tray is made during your appointment to fit snugly over your teeth. By tailor making a tray that fits your unique smile, we can ensure that every tooth is coated and that there is minimal spillage of the gel.

This whitening gel is inserted into the customised tray once it has been fitted over your teeth. The process is fast and can deliver results in a lunch appointment. We can use strong bleaching gels when you come into the practice as we are able to strictly monitor the time that your teeth are in contact with the gel.

We can also provide you with home treatment kits for your convenience that are usually worn overnight to bleach stains from your teeth more gradually. As with any whitening treatment; results do vary.

By receiving a whitening treatment, you are able to know that you are receiving the best possible results that are available on the market rather than taking a gamble with a kit you have purchased online.

An orthodontist in Harley Street on braces for teens

Everybody wants to have a beautiful smile and straight teeth. An orthodontist in Harley Street is able to identify whether it is necessary for a child to have braces to correct their bite and straighten their teeth.

If possible, straightening teeth at a younger age is more ideal as bones have yet to harden, making them more malleable. Of course, it is not impossible to straighten adult teeth, however, it may take more time to achieve that final look as an individual ages.

Teenagers are at a stage in their lives where they become aware of their appearance. Crooked or misaligned teeth can potentially damage their self-esteem. Therefore, a treatment such as braces is essential for teenagers who want to be able to enhance their smile and overall dental health.

However, teenagers often don’t like braces, even though they want the results they offer. The reason teenagers shy away from braces is most likely due to peer pressure and misconceptions about the reality of this treatment journey. This is where an orthodontist in Harley Street can address some of the myths that surround teeth straightening.

I cannot play wind instruments anymore

One of the most misleading misconceptions we have encountered surrounding braces is that teenagers cannot play instruments while wearing them. The myth has discouraged several teenagers and their parents from allowing themselves to consider braces. It may be a little tricky at first, but like most things, practice makes perfect and it can be done.

But they hurt!

Braces can be uncomfortable, especially during the first few days. However, they rarely hurt. Some teenagers report discomfort during the early few days after placement and after they have visited their orthodontist in Harley Street for adjustments, while others don’t. If your teen is afraid of the pain, we can prescribe a mild painkiller whilst others report that a cold compress helps during those first few days.

They are really obvious

We know that it can be stressful wondering how you will look whilst going through the teeth straightening journey. We offer Invisalign and classic braces that are discreet, invisible and clear. They can also come in an array of colours should you wish to wear them as a statement. They don’t last forever, so embrace this time in your life.

How long you wear your braces will be based on the severity of your dental problem. The average period of wearing braces for most teenagers is eighteen months. You could wear them for fewer months.

Having worked with many teenagers and helped them to receive braces for a great number of years, our professionals will gladly serve you. We will help you to choose the most suitable braces to treat your dental problem, to improve your smile, and your confidence, as a teen.

Feel free to ask us questions during your consultation. We will be glad to discuss any concerns about braces, equip you with knowledge and assist you through the treatment journey.

What are the need-to-knows about dental implants?

It is well worth taking the time to think over all the factors involved when considering Dental Implants in Harley Street. In having all the relevant information at hand, a patient is better able to make the most suitable choice in dental treatment. Dental Implants in Harley Street is just one of various dental treatments offered at our Harley Street dental clinic to artificially restore teeth that have been lost due to decay or trauma. These teeth restorations are also considered by some as a preferred dental cosmetic option.

For patients who would like to know whether Dental Implants in Harley Street is a suitable option for their dental needs, the first step would be to gather information about the treatment – what the procedure involves, patient suitability and the benefits the treatment offers. While information is easily available online, it is best to rely on a trusted source of information such as a reputable dental clinic with dentists experienced in performing the procedure.

Significant factors to think about when deciding on tooth implants

Who will be performing the procedure?

Why is the choice of dental practitioner so important? Experience is the best teacher for a procedure such as dental implants. With each procedure performed, a dentist builds on their hands-on experience, knowledge and skills. The greater the experience, the greater the likelihood of a successful procedure and satisfied patient. We believe patients should feel comfortable enough to ask our dental practitioner about their success rate in carrying out dental implants before actually making a decision.

What approach would a dental professional use to perform the procedure?

How thorough is the consultation process? What are the factors the dentist will look at in deciding whether a patient is suitable to receive tooth implants? How does the dentist decide how many implants are needed and where to place them? These are all key questions to ask to determine the ideal choice in the dental practitioner who will be responsible for providing treatment.

Do I meet all the patient criteria?

Certain dental procedures require a patient to meet a set number of criteria before our dental practitioner can initiate treatment. This is for the sole purpose of ensuring the treatment offers the highest rate of success. This is also an ethical code of practice and points to a dental clinic that focuses on patient interests.

Among the critical criteria for implant success and longevity are optimal dental health, good overall physical health, and adequate bone and gum support. If some of these criteria are found wanting, there are additional dental treatments that can improve these areas. Bone grafting, for example, is a popular method for improving jawbone density.

Cost of treatment

At the consultation appointment, our dental practitioner should be able to provide the patient with an estimated cost of treatment. Patients are encouraged to ask questions about the different items listed on the quote to ensure they get the full picture of what they are paying for.

Not sure if you meet the requirements for dental implants? Come in and talk to one of our experienced dentists at Harley Street dental clinic. Call today for an appointment.

Why dental clinic visits are necessary

Patients often don’t realise the importance of visiting a dental clinic in W1 for regular dental check-ups until a problem with their oral health develops and they are in extreme discomfort. At our Harley Street Dental Clinic our check-ups and procedures are carried out by experienced and qualified dental practitioners and are focussed on:

Conducting thorough oral examinations to detect current and potential problems.
Treating a variety of dental issues.
Providing corrective and preventive procedures.
Performing cosmetic procedures for patients who want to enhance the appearance of their teeth.
Educating patients on the necessity of looking after dental health and providing recommended dental guidelines to help them achieve this.

3 important dental check-ups to have

In addition to ensuring the overall health of the mouth is healthy, there are a number of other essential check-ups we carry out at our dental clinic in W1 that we encourage patients to have done.

Oral Cancer check

Many patients are not aware of having a dentist carry out an oral cancer check while at a dental clinic in W1. The expertise of a trained dentist is required to identify the various warning signs of what is considered a very serious dental disease. As with a number of other dental diseases, oral cancer is a progressive disease and for this very reason, timely detection and treatment is critical.

The check for oral cancer is quick, non-invasive and there is no discomfort experienced. The dentist will be on the lookout for evidence of dead tissue as a result of tumours.

Gum disease detection

Another worrying progressive dental disease is gum disease. The adverse effects of this disease make direct and indirect inroads into various areas of a patient’s life that may not be obvious at first. One of the most serious consequences of gum disease is tooth loss. Consider the impact of this for the patient. Replacing missing teeth can be costly for a patient and not replacing missing teeth presents other problems for a patient, from difficulties with chewing to adversely affecting their self-image or self-esteem.

2. X-ray checks for an in-depth oral exam

Mouth structures include those parts of the mouth that cannot be seen by the naked eye and require X-rays that provide images that go beneath the surface. These X-rays provide dentists with a closer look at the hidden layers of teeth and jawbone. Without X-rays it is practically impossible for dental professionals to diagnose certain issues that are lurking under the surface.

Some of the dental issues that require X-rays to be taken are impacted teeth, jawbone damage, bone decay and tumours and cysts. These issues need to be treated quickly and effectively to prevent more complex problems developing.

Examination below the jawline

The most common areas of a regular dental check-up include the tongue, teeth and gums but a thorough check-up should also cover the lymph node in addition to the neck and jaw. The examination is important to detect signs of swelling or lumps that may indicate a serious health issue.

At our Harley Street Dental Clinic we pride ourselves in offering our patients the best quality dental care available. We are able to do this thanks to a dedicated dental team comprised of professionals in various fields of speciality. Give us a call today to schedule a quality dental check-up.

Does your child need braces? Four long term benefits of orthodontics for children

It can seem like a nightmare getting your child to attend a basic dental check-up and when they are told they may need a brace, you could be mistaken for thinking a volcano has erupted! While it is far from the most popular medical treatment your child will need, if their dentist states to you that they could benefit from a check-up with an orthodontist, it is important to pursue it.

Timing is important when it comes to children’s dentistry; just after all of their baby teeth have fallen out and their adult teeth are emerging is the desirable time for them to visit the orthodontist. Before their adult teeth are set in place, an orthodontist has the opportunity to move them easily, without causing extreme discomfort or pressure on their jaws. Delaying treatment could be extremely detrimental to your child’s physical and mental health, potentially causing issues later in life.

When it comes to childhood braces, you can come to us for your child’s orthodontics in Harley Street. Our team will assess the condition of your child’s newly emerged adult teeth and assess the fastest way to realign them, without causing undue stress to your child. We aim to make all of our procedures seamless and will work to make both you and your children feel relaxed in our surgery.

But what are the long term benefits of orthodontics in Harley Street? Read on to find out!

Better prognosis

While we cannot see into the future, early orthodontics in Harley Street can provide both you and our team with a rough idea of how your child’s adult teeth will form.

If we detect an underlying problem with how they are aligned or notice any protrusions, we can correct them sooner, allowing the teeth to move when they are at their most adaptable.

Bite correction

A huge area of childhood braces revolves around over, under and crossbites.

While these may seem fairly benign as a dental issue, they can cause problems such as oral grinding and have been linked to more extreme facial injuries when falling.

Having a brace fitted on your child will correct all manner of bite issues and create a more symmetrical, straighter smile.

Improve long term oral health

Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain.

If your child has misaligned or crowded teeth, it is highly likely that they are missing areas in their mouths with their daily dental routine. This can lead to plaque accumulation, tooth decay and periodontal diseases like gingivitis.

While you may not feel like the most popular parent in the world, saying yes to your child’s brace treatment sets them up for a lifetime of straighter, healthier teeth and better overall health too.

Create more room

Adult teeth that are crowded or overlapping can prevent other teeth from emerging, causing your child discomfort.

Braces can help space out crowded teeth more evenly, creating room for unemerged teeth to grow and ensuring that all of the new teeth are correctly aligned.

Over 50? Want a better looking smile? Treatments that our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can offer

It is all too easy to associate cosmetic procedures with younger people.

After all, if you ever find yourself on a cosmetic treatment website, it is almost certain that the before and after pictures will involve younger people, who already have flawless skin, displaying the benefits of dermal fillers.

If you are an older person, you may feel fed up with having gaps in your teeth or wearing dentures for example, but are worried about approaching a dentist for any kind of restorative procedure. You may worry that you will be seen as too old and don’t want the embarrassment of being turned away.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we don’t care if you are over 60 or 70! If you have good oral health, have no health issues that may impact on the cosmetic procedures we offer and are over the age of 18, we can help you restore or achieve that winsome smile that you deserve! Our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can help you choose the most beneficial treatment for you, so you can feel confident in your smile.

But what are some of the most popular treatments that our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can offer to older people? Read on to find out!

Dental implants

Fed up with your dentures rubbing against your gum line?

Our cosmetic dentist in Harley Street can offer you a permanently fitted, immovable alternative that both looks like a real tooth and functions like a real tooth. Dental implants comprise of two parts; an implant (that looks like a small screw) that is drilled into your jaw and a prosthesis (a single tooth, teeth or full set of dentures) that are attached to the implant.

This provides an immovable prosthesis that can bite into and chew all food without issue and can be colour matched to any natural surrounding teeth.

Tooth whitening

As we age, our teeth accumulate stains, leaving them looking yellow or brown.

Our team can offer you a deep whitening regime, which is performed both in your own home and at our surgery in Harley Street. Using gentle oxidising gels, we remove deeply set stains from your teeth, leaving your enamel cleaner and looking healthier.

White fillings

Many older people suffer from calcium deficiencies, which can play havoc with your teeth, regardless of how often you brush them!

If you do find that your teeth are becoming more susceptible to decay, don’t fret! Our team can offer you sophisticated and natural-looking white fillings for any tooth in your mouth. This offers a discreet alternative to the traditional metal fillings and offers you a filling that has a longer life span too.

Veneers

Fed up with those chipped teeth in your mouth?

Porcelain veneers can disguise the appearance of aged teeth and can also be a fantastic way to create a more symmetrical, crack or chip-free smile. If your teeth are too sensitive for whitening, veneers offer you a painless way to whiten your teeth too! Come and see our team, we will be happy to help you.

Still on the fence about having cosmetic dentistry? 4 ways it can change your life in Harley Street

Curious about cosmetic dentistry?

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we know more and more people are approaching our dental team about having their teeth whitened, straightened, bonded and implanted; cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever in recent years and as more dental advancements become available to our team, it is going to soar in desirability!

When you decide you want to straighten your teeth, or that you have had enough of that gap, our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic can help. Our specialised cosmetic dentist in W1 can help you achieve a smile that will change your life and will boost your confidence to the highest level!

So, we hear you ask, how exactly can cosmetic dentistry change my life?

Improved oral hygiene

Similar to investing in excessive amounts of hairspray and gel after getting that amazing haircut, when you have any cosmetic procedure on your teeth, you will obviously want to keep your teeth looking their best.

This may prompt you to improve your oral hygiene habits; everything from purchasing a more expensive toothbrush to attending appointments with our hygienist dentist in W1, having cosmetic dental work will get you focussed on keeping your dental hygiene at an exceptionally

high level.

Better diet

While it is common practice in modern society to consume large amounts of coffee, tea, and other acidic beverages, these habits are not always good for our teeth and they are certainly not good for our bodies.

After you have had cosmetic dentistry with our dentist in W1, you will want to prevent any staining or sticking to your newly whitened teeth, or that new dental implant. This will lead to a reduction in sugary and acidic foods, which will be beneficial for your gastrointestinal health.

Less discomfort

When you have teeth that are misaligned, you are at a higher risk of grinding your teeth together at night.

As we fall into slumber, our lower jaws fall back due to the muscles relaxing; if your teeth are not correctly aligned, this can cause your upper and lower jaws to grind against each other. When this happens repeatedly, it can lead to neck pain, headaches, and migraines occurring in the morning, which is the worst way to start your day.

The cosmetic procedures we offer at Harley Street Dental Clinic will help you realign your smile and reduce discomfort caused by bruxism or teeth grinding.

Longer life

It is the first thing people want a new baby to do to them; smile!

This is with good reason. Smiling is a natural way to express happiness and studies have found that when we smile, our brains release endorphins and a feel-good chemical called dopamine. Smiling also reduces stress, which in turn, has been thought to extend life significantly.

If showing your teeth makes you feel anxious, we want to help you boost your confidence and achieve that great smile that you deserve; whether you need dental implants or whitening, our team at Harley Street Dental Clinic can help!

Fearful of the dentist? Five ways to calm your nerves from our team at Harley Street

It goes without saying that the most universally disliked of all medical check-ups is the dental check-up.

Many people have experienced some kind of issue while in the dental chair, which has caused them to feel exceedingly anxious when their check-up reminder comes through their letterbox. While it is human nature to avoid things we dislike, not attending these check-ups can lead to further issues with your teeth, which may become harder to ignore.

Luckily, there is a solution.

Modern dentistry can offer solutions to those who are fearful of dental check-ups and our surgery in London is no exception. Our dentist in Harley Street is proud to be able to offer the most nervous patients a range of distractions, to make their time in the dental chair more comfortable.

But what can you do, as the patient, to help yourself overcome your fear of the dentist in Harley Street? Read on to find out our top suggestions!

Recognise your feelings

This may sound easy but it can be extremely difficult to acknowledge unpleasant emotions like anxiety and fear.

If you need to book an appointment to see our dentist in Harley Street, do not push your fears to the back of your mind and try to forget them; they will inevitably come back. Explain to our receptionist staff that you are feeling anxious and our team will strive to make your dental check-up much more tolerable.

Bring along a loved one

Who doesn’t like a good day out with a friend?

While going for a dental check-up may not be at the top of the list for an exciting day out, bringing a friend or family member along to a dental check-up can really take the edge off.

They can distract you in the waiting room and hold your hand in the dental chair and afterward, they can take you out for coffee! Brilliant!

Distractions

Many people who are nervous about dental check-ups find it is the sound and smells of the surgery that makes them nervous.

When you come to Harley Street Dental, feel free to bring along a headset with your favourite music, and audiobook or even earplugs if you need to; we won’t judge and fully support such distractions.

Sedatives

If your fear of the dental chair is quite intense, it may be worth discussing your worries with your doctor.

Although it is not a long term solution to solve anxiety, they may be able to offer you some sedative tablets or antihistamines, which will reduce your anxiety before you get to the dental surgery. These can make you feel drowsy, so you may need to bring along that friend with their coffee shop trip afterwards too!

Seek psychological help

If you cannot walk past a dental surgery without breaking into a cold sweat, it is time to seek professional help.

Many psychologists and psychiatrists across the UK can offer you therapy to help desensitise you to the dental chair and can provide you with more targeted relaxation techniques. Good luck!

Enquiry Form

Contact Us