Dental Implant Treatment is comfortable, survey reports

For some people, there is nothing more terrifying than the thought of a trip to the dentist.

Even scarier for some is the prospect of replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant.

However, as dental implants grow in popularity as a permanent solution to tooth loss, it is

time to put nervous minds at ease.

A recent survey conducted informally by the American Academy of Periodontology (Periodontology is the branch of dentistry that places implants) asked periodontal patients what factors stopped them from getting a dental implant. The second most

popular answer given by respondents was “fear or anxiety”.

However, the same survey also revealed that of those patients who had previously received a

dental implant, more than half reported “very little to no pain or discomfort” experienced during the process and only 33% described the procedure as “somewhat painful or uncomfortable”.

These survey results help demonstrate that although dental implant procedures illicit fear or anxiety in potential patients, the reality is that the actual experience is not something to be frightened of. In fact the biggest group of people in this survey found this to be the case!

Why is everyone so afraid of procedures such as dental implants?

Perhaps fearing the dentist and certain dental procedures is something that is ingrained in our minds from a young age? Perhaps it is the result of ongoing, perpetuated stereotypes?Regardless of the cause, it is important to find ways to “unlearn” this fear, especially if you have been recommended or are considering a dental implant as the best course of treatment.

Seeing a dentist regularly and trusting his or her advice will help you to best maintain your oral health and minimize expense, time, and discomfort. If you decide to get a dental implant and are feeling anxious or fearful, find ways to feel more in control of your experience.

Here are my top recommendations

Find a dentist who will carefully explain the procedure.

Knowing exactly what will occur when the dental implant is placed can help put your mind at ease.

Find a dentist who will explain your options for techniques to control pain and stress, such as medications, the use of local anesthesia, sedation, or relaxation techniques that can make your treatment virtually painless.

Do you think you may have found that dentist? If you do then I'd welcome a chat with you, please call me now on 01737 240123

Paul Barnes, Periodontist, Ringley Park Dental Practice

Happy with your smile?

Are you unhappy with your smile?

Do you want to change your smile to improve the colour, shape or length of your teeth?

Or change the appearance of your gums or lips to give your overall smile a more appealing look?

A recent survey revealed that:

• Over 75% of people don’t feel confident to smile in a photograph.

• Over 45% of people make judgements about people by the look of their smile.

• Over 75% of people think that a beautiful smile helps people psychologically.

• Over 65% of people think that an attractive smile helps romantically.

A smile makeover involves one or more cosmetic, dental or facial rejuvenation procedures to improve the aesthetics of your smile. A smile makeover to one person could mean something completely different to another, and it is a very individual choice.

For example, some people want the perfectly white Hollywood smile makeover, or the celebrity smile with pearly white porcelain veneers. Other people may just want a simple improvement, such as the replacement of amalgam fillings with composite and teeth whitening. Whatever the reasons for your dissatisfaction with your smile, there are many different ways in which you can improve your smile using modern cosmetic dentistry:

• Crooked teeth can be straightened with Invisalign braces or conventional orthodontics. They can also be covered with porcelain veneers for a faster solution, often referred to as “instant orthodontics”. In this situation, the main disadvantage is that your teeth need to be prepared for veneers.

• Chipped, broken teeth can be repaired – the treatment will depend on the extent of damage, but the options include cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.

• Missing teeth can be replaced – gaps between your teeth can cause functional problems as well as being unsightly. Often, a smile makeover involves the replacement of existing restorations or gaps between teeth. Solutions include dental implants, a dental bridge or a denture.

• Gaps between your teeth can be closed to give your smile a more even look. This can be achieved instantly with porcelain veneers. Orthodontics can also be used to move the teeth and close the gaps between them. Invisalign invisible braces, the Inman aligner, and fixed orthodontics like Damon Braces are just a few options for moving your teeth to close gaps.

• If you have a gummy smile, this can easily be remedied by surgical or laser gum contouring.

• If you are not satisfied with the colour of your teeth, or if you have badly stained teeth, they can be treated with prophyjet cleaning or professional teeth whitening.

• If you have deep smile lines, frown lines or lips that have lost their fullness, these can all be improved using a combination of Botox and dermal filler treatments.

The end result of a smile makeover for many people is a smile to be proud of, one that is straight, white and perfectly aligned. At Ringleypark Dental Practice we have all the skills and latest equipment to make your “Smile Dreams” come true.

Dr. Arthur Walsh

Straight Teeth For Adults

Many people associate braces with kids and teens. However, they are becoming increasingly popular among adults as well. These great orthodontic tools can help correct bite problems and give you a beautiful, straight smile no matter how old you are.

In fact, braces for adults are listed as the most effective way to permanently improve your teeth and your appearance in a conservative way. So, if you want to improve your smile, take the time to learn more about braces for adults.

Braces for adults are great option for many people. The first step to adding these dental tools is to find a dentist with a special interest in braces.

Upon speaking with your dentist, you will receive a full assessment of your smile and any bite problems that need to be addressed. Then, the dentist will discuss your braces for adults treatment plan. This information is invaluable to deciding whether or not braces for adults are right for you. Without a personal assessment, it is difficult to understand all of the factors that will impact your braces experience.

Cost is one of the most daunting aspects of braces for adults. Braces cost for adults generally start at £2500 depending on the length and intensity of treatment. Costs also vary based upon the type of braces you choose.

The most traditional option is fixed braces. These attach to the front of teeth, which are moved by manipulating an arch wire. Fixed braces usually take between nine months and two years to fully work. After this time, the adult braces are removed and the patient is left to wear a retainer, which is usually barely visible, for some period of time determined by your dentist.

Fixed braces are the most visible type of braces. This makes them somewhat unpopular among people who fear the stigma associated with their appearance. Thankfully, a few other options are available for adults.

One popular variation on fixed braces for adults is ceramic braces. These are manufactured to be a similar shade as a person’s teeth. Subsequently, ceramic braces are less noticeable.

Finally, there are clear braces for adults that are not fixed to the teeth. These braces for adults are worn for at least eighteen hours per day and removed during meals. Every few weeks, the braces are exchanged for a new, modified set. While invisible braces are effective, they generally only work for people with mild to moderate bite problems.

You are never too old for braces. People of any age can benefit from these devices and achieve the beautiful smile they have always dreamed of. So, if you are unhappy with your teeth, see your dentist at Ringley Park Dental Practice and ask about braces for adults.

Mrs P (age 58) Patient of Dr Freeke

I had my first braces at 58, including colourful elastics, and had to wear them for about 2 years, wearing retainers during the night now. It was well worth it! I was concerned about my teeth becoming more and more crowded and uneven, and I developed a lisp. They are so much straighter now! My smile looks better and they function better. Yes, I have to go for check-ups every few months, but it has been well worth it and I don’t mind. Being able to chew properly is most important especially as one gets older. Properly functioning teeth are therefore very important. Very few people made comments during my brace treatment period. The overall result is worth the inconvenience!

Dr Henk Freeke

henk@ringleypark.org

Do you or your partner suffer with snoring?

SNORING & SLEEP APNOEA

Snoring is a very common problem and a recent survey has shown that one in five people find it difficult to fall asleep and are kept awake by a snoring partner.

At Ringley Park Dental Practice in Reigate, Surrey we are experienced in assessing for snoring and possible sleep apnoea and are able to make comfortable custom made anti-snoring appliances which means a bed partner can finally fall asleep without listening to loud snoring.

Sleep Apnoea, defined as periods of ‘stopping breathing’ can be responsible for a number of symptoms. Sufferers of Sleep Apnoea may experience some of the following:

• Extremely loud heavy snoring, often interrupted by pauses and gasps

• Excessive daytime sleepiness, e.g. falling asleep at work, whilst driving, during conversation or when watching TV. (This should not be confused with excessive tiredness from which we all suffer occasionally).

• Irritability, short temper

• Morning headaches

• Forgetfulness

• Changes in mood or behaviour

• Anxiety or depression

• Decreased interest in sex

At Ringley Park Dental Practice we are able to provide overnight monitoring equipment to screen for possible Sleep Apnoea. If necessary, we can then refer patients for more detailed sleep studies.

Many patients’ lives are hugely improved by wearing an anti-snoring appliance, particularly if their partner is finally able to sleep better. This improves relationships and everyone is a winner.

It is really important that snoring appliances are 1) custom made, by an experienced practitioner and 2) adjustable.

At Ringley Park we are able to offer this service in a comfortable environment.

Blog posted by Dr Jill Nightingale

How can I get rid of my fear of the dentist?

Being afraid of the dentist is very common. Approximately 80% of the adult population in the USA reports some anxiety about forthcoming dental treatment. At Ringley Park Dental Practice in Reigate, Surrey, the dentists are experienced in offering dental treatment to nervous patients. Along with a caring approach our dentists aim to provide treatment in a kind and gentle manner. Treating nervous patients is something we are used to doing on a daily basis.

Starting at the first consultation, we aim to discuss your concerns in full and tailor your treatment accordingly. Your first appointment is intended to be a consultation without any treatment being carried out whatsoever. It can sometimes be a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you if you need some extra moral support.

If you haven’t been to a dentist for many years, don’t despair and don’t be embarrassed either. We are not here to be judgemental; we are merely looking to help you with your dental health and also to help you get over your fear of the dentist.

If the thought of treatment still seems too daunting or complicated, we have experienced anaesthetists available who can sedate you to make the experience more comfortable. Using this technique, drugs are given by injection and you are still conscious, but very relaxed indeed. Your awareness of the treatment is therefore minimal and the time passes very quickly.

For local anaesthetic procedures (using an injection to numb the tooth or gums) it is important that if anything is uncomfortable during treatment you can communicate this to your dentist. This means that you are far more in control and can give a signal (chosen by you and your dentist) to indicate that you need to stop.

The huge technological advances that have been made in dentistry over the last few years have also helped to make the experience far more comfortable and much less daunting. As a result, patients can be more confident that they can receive even complex dental treatment with the minimum of fuss. Some techniques avoid the use of the drill, such as Healozone, air-abrasion and bonding. Some don’t need any anaesthetic and therefore no needle! Alternatively the routine use of anaesthetic creams before an injection can reduce discomfort dramatically. Also a computerised local anaesthetic machine that looks like a pen called ‘The Wand’ has been shown to give more comfortable injections.

There is an immense amount of job satisfaction when people feel less anxious about their visits with us. Watching people gain confidence and develop good relationships with us is a fantastic part of our job.

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