At Walkerston Dental, a top concern of our dentist Walkerston is to preserve the dental health of all our patients, which is why we offer a diverse array of dental treatments to cover many common oral health issues.
One of the dental treatments that increases the anxiety levels of many patients is that of tooth extractions. While our dentist Walkerston will do all that is possible to save and protect the natural teeth of a patient, sometimes this is not possible. Tooth extraction is a fairly common procedure and with modern dental techniques, having a tooth extracted need not be as nerve-wracking as it was once reputed to be.
What to know about tooth extractions
Depending on the nature and severity of a tooth that is damaged or is in a state of decay, our friendly dentist Walkerston can repair the damage or stop the decay from progressing with suitable intervention measures.
Tooth extraction is a procedure that sees the skills of a dental practitioner remove a tooth from its natural socket. This procedure becomes necessary when any attempts to save a damaged tooth have proved fruitless. Some of these reasons include:
- Trauma or injury to the face resulting in extensive tooth damage.
- Tooth decay has reached deep into the inner parts of the tooth.
- To create space in the dental arch, prior to orthodontic treatment, so that teeth can develop properly.
- The removal of Wisdom teeth.
- When baby teeth obstruct the appearance of permanent teeth (when these would normally appear).
Before initiating a tooth extraction procedure, our dental practitioner will want to go over a patient’s complete medical and dental history, in addition to taking X-rays in order to gain a deeper insight into the condition of the affected tooth.
The process of a tooth extraction will depend on the condition of damage or decay. Often for a simple extraction procedure, a local anaesthetic will be applied, while for more complicated extractions, a general anaesthetic may be required for a surgical extraction.
Simple tooth extractions are typically performed on a tooth that can be seen in the mouth (above the gum line). First, the tooth and surrounding gum tissue is numbed, the tooth is then loosened with a special dedicated instrument before being completely removed from its placing with dental forceps.
If a simple extraction is not suitable (when a tooth is damaged at the gum line or one that has not yet cut its way above the gum line), a dental practitioner may consider surgical extraction. This type of extraction is considered more complex, as a dental practitioner will have to cut into the gum line in order to reach the tooth that needs to be removed.
Once a tooth has been removed, it is imperative that the patient keep the area clean, so as to avoid the area becoming infected. It is equally important to stringently follow all aftercare instructions provided by the dentist. To book a consultation with our dentist at Walkerston Dental clinic, please reach out to our helpful team at the front desk.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
It can happen to the best of us; you are going about your day when suddenly you get a sharp pain in your jaw which makes your eyes water. A trip to our team reveals that you have an impacted wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted, leaving you with a lot of questions about what to expect from the procedure.
As unpleasant as they sound, dental extractions are exceedingly common and have a myriad of uses in dental care. While you may envision the old ‘tie a string to the door handle and slam it’ technique, this process has come a long way in relation to comfort, ease and more successful long term outcomes.
At Walkerston Dental, we provide extractions to patients across a range of ages, for different reasons as part of our general dental care. Our dentist Walkerston uses the most advanced tools to make the process as smooth as possible and to ensure that the aftercare is a breeze too. We also offer restoratives, so if a gap is left in your smile, it won’t dent your confidence or impact on your mouth’s functionality. Perfect!
So, what are some of the things that our dentist Walkerston is asked about extractions?
Why are teeth extracted or pulled?
There are many reasons why our dentist Walkerston may choose to extract your tooth. It may have decayed beyond repair, impacted (not erupting correctly and pressing on the root of a nearby tooth) or it may need removing to make room for orthodontic movement from an upcoming brace or aligner to ensure a smooth journey to straighter teeth.
What types of extraction are there?
Typically, there are two. A simple extraction which involves the removal of a tooth that is above the gum line and a surgical extraction, which may revolve around extracting a tooth that has broken and requires some incisions to remove.
Regardless of the type, we will ensure you are numbed prior to the work starting, so you won’t feel a thing!
How long will it take?
This depends on the type of extraction you are having, but don’t worry; we will complete it in one session!
A simple extraction usually takes up to 30 minutes, whereas a surgical extraction can take up to an hour. You will be numbed throughout the procedure and we will offer distractions (such as headphones) if needed. We want you to be comfortable after all!
Is aftercare difficult?
If you have had a surgical extraction, you will likely have stitches. Therefore, you will need to be a bit softer with your daily brushing.
Also, gargle salt water to keep the extraction site clean and if you have any concerns about healing or infection, contact our team for advice.
How can I prevent infection?
To prevent infection post-extraction, we advise that you gargle with salt water daily, avoid alcohol and refrain from smoking; these can all cause inflammation of the gums which can heighten the chances of an infection occurring.
If you suspect an infection, contact our team for an emergency appointment.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
There are few dental patients who would be happy to find out that they require a root canal.
As one of the most common of all the procedures performed by a general dental team, a root canal seeks to remove all of the infected material from the inside of the tooth, following an infection or the exposure of the pulp via a facial trauma.
So, why is it so unpopular?
We have a few theories! And the most common one is that dental patients are not often aware of the facts about root canals and as is usually the way with lack of knowledge, worry is the go-to response. In this article, we hope to change that a bit and to explain why root canals are beneficial.
At Walkerston Dental, our team knows all about root canals/endodontics and can ensure that if you need these procedures, they will be comfortable and the outcomes as long-lasting as possoble. Over the years, our dentist in Walkerston has performed thousands of root canals and can attest to the efficacy of the treatment and the benefits that it offers over alternative treatments.
What are some of those benefits? Read on to find out!
You have likely heard that root canals are uncomfortable. In short, this is not true and in actuality, they often resolve persistent dental discomfort.
Prior to the procedure being performed, our dentist in Walkerston will numb your mouth and once all of the infected material is removed, the swelling will recede and you will feel more comfortable.
One of the main advantages of having a root canal performed by our dentist in Walkerston is the aesthetic benefit.
Suppose you had an infected tooth near the front of your mouth- would you really want to have it extracted? A root canal restores the strength of your tooth without impacting its physical appearance, allowing you to keep your glorious smile intact! Perfect!
A root canal is only usually performed if there is an infection. And as the procedure itself involves the removal of the infected debris, it prevents the bacteria from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissue, keeping your mouth and oral health in good condition.
It also prevents damage to the jaw bone and reinfection, which can and does occur following an extraction.
While a root canal is a preventive against future infections, it also prevents a myriad of other dental issues from occurring.
It stops tooth movement that often accompanies extraction, thus it prevents orthodontic work. It prevents gum disease by keeping all of your teeth in your mouth. It also prevents expensive cosmetic procedures to fill in the gap in your smile.
Following on from the last point, orthodontics and cosmetics procedures like dental implants after an extraction are not cheap, and can often come with other complications.
By having a root canal, you can actually save yourself from expensive treatments and save yourself a great deal of time that could be otherwise spent in the dental chair.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Are you fed up with being banished to the spare room for snoring? Are you irritated by waking up with a headache and a sore throat?
Common in the population, snoring is often seen as an illness in itself, with many pharmacies offering nasal strips and tongue compressors all designed to eliminate snoring altogether. However, snoring is actually a symptom of many underlying medical issues and if you snore regularly (3 times or more a week), you should seek out professional help.
But what’s so problematic about making snorting noises a few times a week while you sleep?
At Walkerston Dental, our team has helped many of our patients overcome snoring and get a restful 40 winks with the use of custom-fitted mouth guards. Our dentist Walkerston will also offer you a health assessment if you come to us with snoring issues, helping to underpin the cause of this issue. After all, sleep is extremely important!
If through our tests we determine that you have obstructive sleep apnoea (a common cause of recurrent snoring), our dentist Walkerston will refer you on for further assessment due to the associated health risks. Are there health risks of untreated sleep apnoea? Read on to find out.
A key issue that occurs with sleep apnoea is oxygen deprivation, which is why our dentist Walkerston is so eager to help patients who snore.
Prolonged exposure to nocturnal oxygen deprivation can cause respiratory issues and you will probably begin to feel more out of breath in your daily life.
Depending on the severity of your sleep apnoea, we can help boost your oxygen levels with a night time mouth guard or a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP) machine.
Untreated sleep apnoea has been linked to a whole host of metabolic and endocrine issues, ranging from insulin resistance to high blood pressure.
To avoid these secondary complications, our team will send you for an assessment to determine how severe your apnoea is, which will impact on the choice of treatment we offer to you. Simple!
There is an interesting link between those who suffer from sleep apnoea and digestive disorders, such as heartburn, acid reflux or gastrointestinal reflux disorder or GERD. As these issues are more likely to occur at night, this can become a vicious cycle.
While you will need to see your doctor for help relieving the symptoms of most gastrointestinal issues, our team can protect your teeth against acid damage with fluoride sealants, while also preventing sleep apnoea with a special custom-fitted mouthpiece.
Sleep is important and if you regularly suffer from disturbed sleep due to sleep apnoea, this will have an obvious impact on your ability to function in your daily life and your mental health.
If you are worried about your sleep patterns and have had everything else ruled out by a doctor, visit our dental team for a full assessment and we will get you back to getting good sleep in no time!
Most people assume that once you have reached 11 years of age, all of your adult teeth have erupted and you can now look forward to a life with all of your permanent teeth.
However, the majority of the population will begin to notice the eruption of 4 more teeth between the ages of 13-17 years, located at the back of the mouth. Called wisdom teeth, these are often problematic and can cause discomfort in your jaw and your mouth.
As you can imagine, the main issue behind these teeth aching so much is that they rarely fit comfortably in your mouth. And so, as soon as they begin to erupt, you should contact our team at Walkerston Dental to discuss treatment options.
At Walkerston Dental, we know all about wisdom teeth and can offer you the most appropriate treatments to alleviate your discomfort. Our dentist in Walkerston will aim to take X-Rays of your jaw to ensure your wisdom teeth aren’t going to cause any issues to the surrounding area and, depending on the results, will formulate a treatment plan. Simple!
But what are some of the signs that you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? Our dentist in Walkerston provides the following insights.
Do you frequently suffer from pressure headaches, congestion or sudden sinus pain? It may be your wisdom teeth and you need to see our dentist in Walkerston for a check-up.
The nerves in the mouth, ears and nose are all connected and so, issues with the wisdom teeth can cause problems such as runny noses or headaches.
Discomfort at the back
An obvious indicator that there are problems with your wisdom teeth is a persistent ache at the back of your mouth. If you notice this discomfort and don’t address it, you run the risk of developing cysts or damaging the roots of surrounding teeth.
Stiffness of the jaw
As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth erupt between the ages of 13-17 years on average, making them the last teeth to emerge.
As a result, your other teeth have to move around, which can lead to temporary discomfort in the jaw. However, once the teeth have erupted, the pain should subside. If it doesn’t, and you have stiffness in your jaw, this could indicate that there is an issue with the roots of the teeth which may require the extraction of the wisdom teeth
OK, bad breath is fairly common first thing in the morning and after eating strong-smelling foods like garlic. But if the eruption of your wisdom teeth is accompanied by an unpleasant odour or taste, this may mean that you have an infection and you need to see our team for an assessment.
As mentioned before, many nerves in the mouth, nose and neck are connected. If you frequently wake up with a stiff neck, pain in the back of your head or pain when turning your head, you may have an issue with your wisdom teeth.
While there are few dental procedures which are popular, endodontics or root canals are among the most unpopular treatments as voted by dental patients.
And, while a root canal is a great way of removing an infection from a tooth, it is easy to understand why they aren’t popular; many people wrongly associate them with discomfort, the procedure itself sounds far from pleasant and of course, there is the myth of root canals killing the tooth.
Luckily, we are here to tell you that root canals do not hurt (in fact, they alleviate pain), the procedure is pretty standard and the tooth it is performed on does not die or turn black, despite what you may have been told!
At Walkerston Dental, our team has helped many patients by relieving dental abscesses with root canals and our dentist Walkerston can assure you that this process may actually help extend the longevity of your smile; not kill the teeth or cause discomfort! At Walkerston Dental, we pride ourselves on our level of patient care, so if you are worried about a root canal, visit our team for straightforward and easy treatment.
But what exactly happens when a root canal is performed? Our dentist Walkerston breaks down the procedure in the following jargon-free steps for your information.
Numbing and drilling
First things first, before the procedure begins, our dentist Walkerston will numb the area to prevent discomfort, however, pressure during this process is common.
Using a small drill, our team will drill down towards the root of your tooth, creating a canal by which we can see the infected pulp. Depending on how many roots your teeth have, this may be a single hole or 2 and can take upwards of 20 minutes to complete.
Once the hole is created, our team will use specialist brushes to widen the hole enough for the treatment to progress.
Again, this process can be extensive depending on how many roots require filling or if your roots are slanted; it is surprisingly common how often we see that! Once widened, we can move on to the cleaning.
This stage can involve brushes and suction and can be spread over 2 appointments.
However, it is in this stage that we seek to remove the infected pulp from the tooth, eliminating the infection and enabling the tooth to heal. Again, this process can take up to an hour.
Once the infected pulp has been removed and we have cleaned the canal, our team will begin the rather fiddly process of filling the canal.
This is done using a specialist packing agent, which ensures that your hollow tooth is protected and is also durable.
Crowns and fillings
Once the packing has reached the surface, we will top the canal off with either a crown or a filling to add strength to the outside of the tooth. With correct care, your root canal will last an average of 7 years and will keep your smile gap-free! Great stuff!
Known around the world for being linked to hygienists, a deep clean or scale and polish can be extremely useful to have at least once a year.
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, avoid sugar and attend biannual check-ups twice a year, you still may have an accumulation of plaque under the gum line. While this may not seem like a worrying issue, unseen plaque can cause issues like gum disease which can become unpleasant.
While your regular dental team will be able to remove some of the visible plaque, if you have recurrent swellings around your teeth, you may need a deep clean to remove the debris that is beneath your gums to resolve the issue.
And this is where our team can help! Our dentist Walkerston has helped numerous patients regain their healthy smiles using a deep clean, and can offer you tips to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. After all, a healthy mouth can be the basis of a healthy body and we take your health seriously!
But some people are wary of having procedures like deep cleans performed. Here, our dentist Walkerston answers the top 5 hygienist questions searched for online.
Do deep cleans hurt?
You may experience some discomfort when you come to our dentist Walkerston for a deep clean.
This will depend on 2 factors; how deep your pocket is (the space between your tooth and the gum) and the irregularities in your tooth’s root surface. However, we will aim to make you as comfortable as possible and can offer you a localised anaesthetic if requested.
How is gum disease treated?
Depending on the severity, our hygienist will use a myriad of techniques to treat it.
Firstly, a scale and polish will remove the plaque that is causing the inflammation. We may prescribe a medicated mouthwash and toothpaste, which will help to destroy any lingering bacteria. If it is a severe case of gum disease, we may also prescribe antibiotics.
My gums bleed when I brush, why is this happening?
While seeing blood when you brush is concerning, it may indicate that you are brushing your teeth too hard.
If you are brushing them lightly, this could point towards the formation of gum disease. Contact our team for more advice if you have concerns.
I have sensitive teeth, what should I do?
If your teeth are reactive to hot and cold stimuli, then you need to book a check-up with our team.
There are many causes of sensitive teeth, the key one being linked to microscopic holes in the enamel. Our team will assess the cause of the sensitivity and will fit a sealant or filling to alleviate the discomfort.
I am having a brace fitted; will I need to see a hygienist?
Having a fitted brace will require hygienist trips. Why? To remove bacteria and plaque that cannot be removed at home. This will reduce your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease while you are wearing the brace.
With so much emphasis in the dental community surrounding cosmetic procedures, it is easy to overlook or forget about the basics.
And of course, without a solid foundation of general dental health, there is no room for aesthetic improvement.
While you may be familiar with the twice-daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, there is far more to general dentistry when it comes to what our team considers as routine treatments. As dental techniques and technologies advance, there is now a differing opinion among dental teams as to what should be included under a basic dental care package.
At Walkerston Dental, our team strongly believes general dental procedures should offer more than just basic functionality. Our dentist in Walkerston is able to offer more cosmetic based procedures as part of general dental care, allowing you to have a smile that is both functional and also looks great! What’s not to like about that?
But what procedures does our general range of treatments include? Read on to find out.
Examinations with scale and polish
The first step in our general dental treatments is biannual check-ups, coupled with a scale and polish.
Our dentist in Walkerston will take a great time and care when it comes to assessing your mouth for signs of gum disease, decay and other issues while removing any stubborn plaque that may be lurking just underneath your gum line.
The end result is a healthy smile, that has a reduced likelihood of succumbing to tooth decay or gum disease. Perfect!
Fillings and crowns
If our dentist in Walkerston does notice that some work is required, then we are able to offer you restorative procedures, such as fillings or crowns.
We will always aim to use porcelain fillings or crowns, so the aesthetic of the restored tooth or teeth is retained.
Should your teeth be more damaged due to either injury or decay, our team can offer you an extraction. Extractions are only considered when other restorative procedures, such as crowns, are no longer viable due to the extent of the damage.
If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, we will assess whether they need to be removed and perform the surgery to do so.
Yes, you read that right!
As part of our general dental treatments, our team are proud to be able to offer our patients dental veneers in Walkerston.
A slim, porcelain covering that is placed on the front of your teeth, veneers are a fantastic way to conceal cracks, chips, discolouration and to protect sensitive teeth. In fact, if your teeth are sensitive, veneers are a great way to whiten them up to 18 shades without using bleach or oxidising gels.
Dentures and plates
Our team can also provide suitable patients with dentures, bridges and plates, to enable both an aesthetic improvement to your smile, along with restoring function and strength to your bite.
And there you have it! Contact our team for more information about our general treatments.
Not everyone has to live with the teeth they are born with. In fact, even those born with perfect teeth can have unfortunate accidents which affect their smiles and require treatment. Thankfully at our modern practice in Walkerston, we offer a range of cosmetic treatments that can get you smiling once more. So come in and see our dentist in Walkerston, and tell us about the results and smile you want and we’ll find the treatment plan right for you.
A gummy smile can overshadow even the most pretty teeth by covering them up and making them appear too short. By carefully reshaping the gums in a delicate procedure we can expose more of the tooth so that when you smile you can do so knowing that you are showing teeth and not gums.
Gums can also be overexposed when the muscles in the upper lip are overactive thus pulling the lip higher and exposing more teeth and gums than it should, if this is the case then a different treatment is required instead of a gum reshaping treatment, for further diagnosis on your gummy smile you will have to speak to one of our experienced dentists on the best course of action for you.
Orthodontics is a proven method to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth long term, orthodontics can also address issues with the bite called malocclusions. Traditionally, the only option for people seeking orthodontic treatment was to get metal braces. However, at a dentist in Walkerston, we can offer you a clear aligner treatments, such as Invisalign, which will straighten your teeth in a short period of time compared to braces and do so with complete discretion.
Clear aligner trays are custom made to fit and gently correct the position of your teeth. They are completely invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, cleaning and sporting activities which means there need be no change in your active lifestyle.
Crowns and Veneers
Crowns and veneers can quickly cover up a multitude of problems with the appearance of your teeth, whether they have been chipped, broken, stained or discoloured, a crown or veneers can be custom made to create a single new tooth or even cover up all the front teeth to give you that Hollywood smile.
This is the most simple and widely used procedure to transform the look of your teeth and can subtly renew your entire appearance. Whether you want to gradually lighten and brighten your teeth at home or have an immediate transformation in our practise and get your teeth a few shades lighter in a single session, it is easily done with professional whitening.
Whiter teeth look healthier and may encourage you to take better care of them once you have spent money making them beautiful. A whitening treatment at a dentist in Walkerston is recommended after your orthodontic treatment is complete in order to finish off the look and before a veneer or crown is set in order to choose a porcelain that matches your new white teeth instead of older yellowed ones.
Disclaimer: All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Many patients may overlook their scheduled bi-annual dental check-up at our dentist in Walkerston, despite this however a twice annual check-up at a patient’s local clinic can have a huge impact on the standard of their oral health! At our dentist in Walkerston we place huge emphasis on our patients’ dental hygiene, which is why we strongly encourage them to pay regular visits to our surgery.
Why do many patients overlook their scheduled bi-annual check-up at our clinic?
Many patients may postpone, reschedule, or even cancel their dental appointment altogether! This may however be for a multitude of reasons, a few examples of which consist of the belief that they maintain a high level of oral hygiene, a hectic work or social life, or simply financial concerns. Whatever the reason however, missing a dental hygiene appointment can have a massive effect on the health of a patient’s smile, which is why many individuals may wish to know how a regular dental appointment could benefit them.
What are the benefits of paying a regular visit to your dental clinic?
Many patients may not prioritise their dental health within their life which is why they may feel tempted to postpone or even refrain from attending their bi-annual checkup at our dental surgery altogether! Despite this however, paying a regular visit to your local surgery can have a multitude of health benefits. A few examples of which consists of the prevention of the onset of oral diseases and infections (such as gum disease, to name just one common example), in addition to removing the buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth, whilst checking for painful and sensitive areas of the mouth, which can develop into more severe dental concerns later on down the line!
The benefits don’t stop there
Lastly, regularly attending a bi-annual check-up at your local surgery can also have unexpected benefits for your financial health too. This is due to the fact that leaving oral concerns to the last minute can allow the dental issues to become more severe, therefore bringing unwelcome and therefore hefty dental bills for many patients.
How to book your dental appointment with a member of our highly trained dental team
At our dental clinic in Walkerston we strive to promote a high standard of dental care within the walls of both a modern, comfortable, and therefore friendly dental clinic. Our surgery is known within the local area as a modern and accredited dental surgery which ensures our patients are in great hands, every time. Our team of dental healthcare professionals constantly strive to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements within dental technology, whilst using the best possible materials on the modern dental market.
If our impressive surgery, in addition to our welcoming team of highly trained dentists, looks like they could work for your individual dental case then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our team now!
How to find us
Located on our modern and therefore easily accessible dental clinic website we not only provide our new and pre-registered patients with our direct telephone number, however we also offer our exact geographical location, in addition to an ‘email us’ option which ensures even our busiest of patients can stay on top of their oral health whilst providing our team with a few details regarding their dental case.