Covering a Dark Tooth - Case of the Month

This 28 Year old female patient wanted to improve the look of the dark front tooth.

Mr Freeke bonded a porcelain veneer, made by a dental technician, to the dark tooth surface. She was delighted with the outcome and reported that she felt confident to smile again.

Dentist: Dr Henk Freeke
Treatment Time: Typically 2 weeks

There are many ways to overcome dark teeth such as these, from teeth whitening to bonding to veneers - please contact our Surrey Dentists today to discuss the best options for you.

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

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