Nov
27
If you haven’t seen it yet here’s our new video:
The Scott Arms Dental Practice and Dental Implants Birmingham helps patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you would like to book an appointment with one of our emergency dentists our highly skilled implant dentists then contact the dental team on 0121 357 0500
Nov
15
Dental implant treatment can transform peoples lives. Many people wear dentures to replace their missing teeth, they can be so self-conscious of their dentures they may not even tell their partners.
Recently we treated a lady in Birmingham who had all her teeth extracted when she was 17 years old. She got married when she was 18 years old that was in 1965. For 45 years she silently wore her dentures and her husband never knew she had false teeth.
She decided to undergo dental implant treatment. After treatment was completed she had a fixed bridge on implants, totally replacing her upper denture and she was able to eat in restaurants and speak confidently, her life was transformed.
Fortunately for her she still had enough bone after all those years to have implants, but what if the bone has resorbed? With advances in dental treatment it is now possible to reconstruct most patients jaw bone. In the upper jaw the procedure involves placing some bone mineral underneath the gum which is gradually changed into natural human bone over a period of time enabling implant placement, this procedure is sometimes called a sinus lift. In the lower jaw bone similar mineral can be used or bone can be grafted from a different part of the jaw to where it is needed and again after a few months implants can be placed.
With these new techniques many patients that were previously unable to have dental implants treatment can now benefit from this type of treatment, from the replacement of a single tooth to the placement of a full arch of fixed teeth that will look and feel very natural. Some patients may wish to just stabilise their dentures which is a simple procedure involving the placement of between 2 and 4 implants depending on the bone quality, quantity and density. Dentures stabilised by implants should be secure enough for a patient to be able to bite into an apple! The other advantage is that the majority of the patients palate (roof of the mouth) is uncovered so patients can taste their food and the dentures feel significantly smaller than normal full upper dentures.
Before any procedure is carried out it is important to find out what is the desired end result. Patients will require a full check-up with radiographs and sometimes a CT scan which measures the three dimensional aspect of the bone. At this stage treatment options can be discussed and patients can consider their budget for dental treatment.
After the completion of dental implant treatment it is important to maintain a high degree of good oral hygiene. For many patients this is a second chance to get the teeth back and to improve the quality of their lives, it is an investment in their own health and patients tend to be very cautious when they have lost their teeth once. Dental implant treatment may change your life for the better, improve your self-confidence and prevent further bone shrinkage and loss of other teeth.
For further information on dental implant treatment in Birmingham and other techniques to replace missing teeth please feel free to contact our reception team Monday-Friday 8.30-5.30pm on 0121 357 0500 or book online for a free dental implant assessment.
Oct
08
Cosmetic dentistry is not your usual dental check-up in which you’ll receive a scale and polish accompanied by the odd filling or two. Cosmetic Dentistry is the art of improving the appearance of your smile using one of many cosmetic dental treatments. Our Cosmetic Dentists Birmingham have been whitening, straightening, reshaping and repairing teeth for over 20 years and have helped thousands of patients improve their smiles. But what are the types of cosmetic dental treatment available to patients?
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments as it is a quick and easy way to change the appearance of your smile. After consulting one of our Birmingham Dentists, professional teeth bleaching will involve taking an impression of your teeth. This will then be sent to a dental laboratory where a tailor-made bleaching tray will be made for you. This fits into your mouth just like a mouth guard, allowing the tooth whitening agent to only reach your teeth that need to be whitened.
The teeth whitening agent used by our Birmingham Dentists is carbamide peroxide. As it is broken down it allows oxygen to enter the enamel of your teeth which makes them a lighter shade. As we age our teeth begin to darken, food particles and smoking can stain your teeth which cannot be removed by brushing alone. Professional teeth whitening can counteract the effects of staining allowing you to maintain a pearly white smile.
Dental veneers are thin sections of porcelain that fit precisely over the front of your tooth like a false fingernail would over a nail. Dental veneers can achieve many improvements with your smile including; treating discoloured teeth, closing a gap between front teeth and can also repair damaged teeth. After a consultation with your Birmingham Dentist, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental technician who will make your custom-made dental veneers. These can then be fixed onto your teeth giving an impressive natural-looking result.
Dental crowns are similar to veneers; they are another popular cosmetic dental treatment carried out by our Birmingham Dentists. Instead of being a thin sheet of porcelain that fits over the front of your teeth (veneers), crowns are a tooth restoration that completely caps a tooth. Crowns are also custom-made by a dental technician, which are then fitted by your Birmingham Dentist. Dental crowns are just like fitting a new tooth onto your old tooth, they are often recommended to patients who have large fillings so that the cap will protect the tooth. Dental crowns can:
Dental implants are simply the best way to replace a missing tooth. They look feel and function just like a real tooth. Dental Implants involve placing a small titanium insert into your jawbone, which forms an artificial tooth root that can anchor crowns or a denture in place. The bone actually grows onto the titanium implant (a process called osseointegration) which fixes the artificial tooth root in place permanently.
Dental Implants can be restored with a dental crown, which will look and act just like a normal tooth. The dental crown is custom made by a dental technician to match the rest of your smile. When multiple teeth need replacing dental implants can be used to stabilise dentures or bridge work. Click here to find out more about dental implants, or feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice and book a free dental implant assessment in Birmingham.
There is an endless supply of cosmetic dental treatment information on the internet available to patients, however is takes a trained dental professional to assess which treatment route is best. If you’re looking at improving your smile for cosmetic reasons it’s worth paying a visit to an experienced cosmetic dentist in Birmingham such as those at Scott Arms Dental Practice where they can advise the best treatment route for you.
Sep
20
Fillings are used to restore decayed, worn or broken teeth. Most commonly, fillings are used to restore decayed teeth that have become damaged as a result of eating or drinking sugary foods and drinks. The risk of decay is increased in patients who have poor oral hygiene, perhaps from not brushing or cleaning between their teeth properly. Fillings are just one type of way to restore teeth, other treatment alternatives include crowns and veneers.
Fillings are used to fill cavities (holes in your teeth) as a result of decay and wear. There are two main types of fillings used by dentists in Birmingham as shown below, white fillings and metallic fillings (silver amalgam).
A Comparison between White Fillings (tooth coloured) and Metallic Fillings (silver amalgam)
As shown in the photos above, white fillings match the colour of your teeth to blend into your smile. Most patients prefer this natural looking alternative as they are conscious about showing metallic fillings when they laugh and smile.
White fillings are classed as cosmetic dental treatment and cost between £35 and £105 depending on the size, type of filling and time it takes to complete the filling treatment. Click here to see our Birmingham Dentist prices.
Today’s latest technology allows white fillings to be on par with their metallic counterparts. Previously metallic fillings were considered to last much longer than white fillings, but as technology has advanced the composite used to make white fillings has improved. The life expectancy of a white filling depends on which tooth it is located within and other factors such as the patients bite. Our Birmingham Dentists will be able to advise you on exactly how long each filling should last.
Our Birmingham Dentists usually advise our patients to only swap their metallic fillings with white ones when the old ones need to be replaced. Removing the old filling is quite a simple procedure for a dentist to carry out and involves no discomfort to the patient as their mouth is numbed fully using local anaesthetic. In some cases replacing metallic fillings with white ones can produce dramatic cosmetic results if the old metallic fillings are visible when smiling, talking or laughing.
Whilst the silver amalgam used to make metallic fillings is cheap, durable and easy for dentists to use there is controversy with its usage. Amalgam fillings have been banned in countries such as Norway, Denmark and Sweden due to amalgam containing mercury. Scientists believe amalgam fillings leach mercury into the mouth, which can cause many health problems associated with regular mercury exposure. However studies have been shown to suggest that these fillings do not present a health risk as the level of mercury is so low. Due to this, many of our Birmingham Dentists recommend patients choose white fillings over their metallic counterparts.
White fillings are typically made from tiny glass particles, resin and a setting ingredient. The filling material is typically made by your dentist to match the shade of your teeth, producing a tooth coloured filling that will blend in with the rest of your smile.
If you’re interested in getting white fillings (tooth coloured fillings) then it’s worth speaking to one of our experienced Birmingham Dentists who can examine your teeth and offer you the best possible treatment options. Call the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 0500, we’re here to help.
Sep
14
We all know that smoking’s bad for us, but how does it affect your oral health. Today one of our Birmingham Dentists looks into the impact smoking has on our dental health.
Smoking can cause many different medical problems and even lead to fatal diseases. Most people don’t realise the damage smoking can do to their gums and teeth. Smoking can lead to the following:
The nicotine and tar present in the tobacco can stain the teeth, making them yellow . As this develops further, heavy smokers end up with teeth that are almost brown in colour after years of smoking. To remove the staining simply brushing your teeth will not work, it requires a professional cleaning and a whitening method to undo the staining that has occurred.
It’s recommended to visit your dentist regularly for both a normal check-up and a full mouth examination so that any other conditions can be spotted early. The staining on your teeth associated with smoking and plaque build-up cannot be removed by brushing alone. By seeing a dental hygienist you can ensure your teeth are kept clean by a professional scale and polish that can remove plaque/staining that cannot be removed by brushing alone. This is essential in preventing symptoms of gum disease progressing, preventing its side effects such as bad breath and tooth loss.
By visiting your dentist you can ensure you mouth is thoroughly checked as they are trained to spot any problems such signs of oral cancer, cavities and gum disease that would be incredibly difficult for an untrained professional to spot. Importantly, your dentist can help guide you with important advice to help maintain a good standard of oral hygiene. If you have any questions related to smoking and your oral health, or require any other dental advice feel free to contact that Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 0500, where we would be delighted to help.
Sep
01
Most Dentists in Birmingham will tell you that one of the most common dental problems is tooth decay. Tooth decay (also called Dental Caries or Cavities) is caused by acids in the mouth dissolving the outer layers of your teeth. Our mouths are full of microscopic bacteria that live off the food and drink we consume. The bacteria combine with food particles and saliva to form plaque, which is a soft deposit that forms on the outside of your teeth. When you consume food or drink that is high in sugar, the bacteria use this to produce the energy they need and in return release acidic chemicals. Over time this acid will dissolve the outer surface of your tooth which can lead to many further problems. The outer surface of your tooth can become dissolved, eventually reaching the pulp of the tooth, which could expose the nerves inside and cause painful toothache. Without treatment from a Dentist in Birmingham this could get worse and the tooth will end up falling out.
Tooth decay is a very common problem in the UK, with over half of adults having one or more decayed teeth. Tooth decay occurs more often at the teeth towards the rear of the mouth (the molars and and premolars) . The shape of these teeth allows food debris to become stuck, which lead to the formation of plaque and subsequently lead to tooth decay. These teeth are actually more difficult to brush also, making it harder to prevent tooth decay.
It is true that our teeth and gums are constantly under attack from the food we eat. Especially the sugary snacks, not only do these increase your risk of obesity and heart disease, they are the prominent cause of tooth decay. The top foods to watch out for are: table sugar, boiled sweets, honey, milk, dry fruits, bread and crisps. Importantly, meal frequency (the spacing between meals) is important as constant exposure to sugary foods increases the risk of tooth decay. Activities such as smoking decreases saliva production and will increase the rate of tooth decay.
How do you spot tooth decay? During its early stages it may be very difficult to spot, but over time as it progresses more and more symptoms become apparent:
Tooth decay can be spotted by a dentist quite easily, in more difficult to reach teeth an x-ray may be required which will clearly show the effects of tooth decay.
Preventing tooth decay is significantly easier than actually treating it. We recommend that you keep a good standard of oral hygiene. Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day; and floss to ensure trapped cavity-causing food debris is removed from those hard to reach places. It’s recommended that along with regular dentist check-ups, you should see a dental hygienist every 3 months to have your teeth professionally scaled and polished. As plaque forms and hardens, it’s not possible to remove it by brushing alone. A scale and polish however can remove this hardened substance and help prevent more building up.
If you are suffering from tooth decay don’t worry, there are ways to replace repair damaged/missing teeth such as fillings, crowns and dental implants. If you would like more information or require emergency dental treatment feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 0500 where one of our Birmingham Dentists will be delighted to help.
Aug
23
Having a tooth knocked out from an accident or injury can be a traumatic experience. Having an unwanted gap in your smile can lower self-esteem and have a huge impact on your mental health. But it’s not the end of the world, there are several ways to replace a missing tooth that will leave your smile looking just as good (or even better) than before!
In America there are over 5 million knocked out teeth (avulsed teeth) each year. When a child loses their milk teeth, it’s best just to stop the bleeding and wait for the new adult teeth to grow through. However it’s a different story when your adult tooth has been knocked out as you’re not going to grow a replacement.
The tooth can still be saved if you get it to a dentist on time. If the tooth is fractured/broken it’s likely that it can’t be re-implanted but still take it to your dentist anyway to check. If the tooth is still intact, you need to get to a dentist as soon as possible as its likely that the tooth can be put back into your mouth and saved. As time goes by however, the chance of this procedure succeeding drops dramatically after an hour.
Whilst you wait to see a dentist, it’s important to look after your missing tooth. Avoid touching the root and if it’s still connected to your mouth try not remove it. It is important that you avoid cleaning the tooth. The best way to look after it is it put the tooth back into its empty socket. If this is not an option store the tooth in your cheek or in a glass of milk. The tooth has a higher chance of successful re-implantation if you keep it in an environment similar to its natural one.
Your dentist will clean the tooth socket and flush out any debris before re-implanting the original tooth. The tooth will then be supported using a splint to keep it stable, this will allow the tooth to reattach over time, a process which could take weeks.
If the tooth cannot be re-implanted you don’t have to settle with a missing tooth. There are many cosmetic options to replace missing teeth, such as removable dentures and a fixed bridge. The most popular (and best way) to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant. Dental Implants look feel and function just like a normal tooth, and if looked after correctly can last a lifetime. Dental Implants involve inserting a titanium fixture into the jaw where the missing root used to be. This implant can then be restored with a crown that looks exactly like your other teeth, matching and completing the rest of your smile.
We recommend to all our patients involved in sporting activities to get a professionally fit mouth guard to prevent the occurrence of dental trauma and knocked out teeth. A bespoke gum shield will be created for you based on an impression taken of your teeth, giving you a mouth guard that fits around the teeth and offers significant protection for your teeth.
If you have recently lost a tooth or are looking to replace a missing tooth please contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 0500 our Emergency helpline is available until 11pm week nights and 24 hours on Friday & Saturday into Sunday.
Aug
02
Did you know you can get teeth implants in Birmingham that look feel and function similar to normal teeth?
For many different reasons people in different stages of their lives need to replace missing teeth, lost due to sporting accidents, gum disease or simple neglect of their teeth. Teeth implants placed by our Dentists Birmingham can be used to solve the missing tooth problem.
Teeth implants use titanium inserts to replace the missing tooth root. Titanium is a metal that can be accepted by the patient’s body; the bone of a patients jaw grows onto the inserts, fixing them in place permanently. These new artificial teeth roots can last a lifetime if looked after. The artificial tooth root (titanium implant) can then be restored with a crown or a fixed bridge, or even support a denture. Teeth implants are the best way to replace single missing teeth or even multiple missing teeth; they look, feel and function just like normal teeth!
Dental Implants can produce amazing smile transformations, improving the appearance of a personal smile and help boost patients confidence and self-esteem. Check out our dental implant testimonials to read how some of our patients have felt after teeth implant treatment. Dental Implants also preserve the gum and the supporting bone, helping to prevent bone shrinking and thus delaying one of the signs of aging. By using teeth implants to replace gaps caused by missing teeth, it helps to distribute force over the neighbouring teeth and help lengthen their life span. To see the cosmetic advantages of teeth implants check out the photos below:
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| Missing tooth upper left 1 | Missing tooth upper left 1 |
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| Single dental implant | Final smile |
The teeth implant treatment procedure is very gentle, carried out under local anaesthetic and only slightly uncomfortable to the patient. In some cases where the patient is anxious, a mild sedative can be used to make you feel more at ease. Most of our teeth implant patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure itself.
If you’re interested in finding out more about teeth implants, feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice on 0121 357 0500. Currently we offer a free no-obligation teeth implant assessment, where you will be invited to our practice to meet one of our implant dentists in Birmingham and find out how we can help improve your smile.
Jul
22
Many patients seeing a Birmingham dentist often suffer from feelings of anxiety and nervousness when it comes to routine dental treatment. Whilst a gentle, unhurried and sympathetic approach to Dentistry is most often practiced by our dentists, for some patients their experience at the dental surgery can be more comfortable with intravenous sedation.
Sedation is a procedure that uses sedative medications to relieve anxiety in patients, making them feel relaxed and comfortable. It is usually known by dental patients in Birmingham as “getting put to sleep”. However, whilst you don’t actually fall asleep during the treat you are actually in a drowsy and sleepy state. Sedation is different from anaesthesia in medical procedures, where the patient is put into a deeper state of sleep. Sedative dentistry benefits a large number of patients, such as those suffering from dental phobia to those with an extreme fear of needles.
Intravenous sedation enables you to relax and feel at ease during your dental treatment. Sedation makes you feel like you’ve had a couple bottles of wine, very relaxed and “chilled out”. Most patients that undergo sedation say that they really enjoy the experience!
Intravenous sedation is usually administered in the back of the hand or in the patients arm. Our Birmingham dentists at the Scott Arms Dental practice use a drug called Midazolam, this produces sleepiness or drowsiness in patients and relieves anxiety before the required dental treatment takes place. Once administered to the patient, the drug acts very quickly and the patient becomes more relaxed in a short period of time. The patient stays awake and is still able to communicate with the dentist, but can’t usually remember any of the procedure.
Your Birmingham Dentist will carry out a pre-operative assessment, which includes factors such as; age, medical status, degree of anxiety and the difficulty of the work required. Following the assessment your dentist will advise you on whether intravenous sedation is a recommended option required treatment.
In order to undergo sedation at our dental practice, you must be accompanied by a responsible person, who is able to wait and escort you home. It is advised that you arrange for someone to stay with you for the remainder of the day after treatment.
We advise our patients against eating a heavy meal prior to undergoing sedation. An acceptable option is a light meal (such as tea and toast) together with a small non-alcoholic beverage roughly 2 hours before the treatment. Routine medication should be still taken, we advise the patient to bring all medication with them, including inhalers. Patients should wear shoes with a flat heel, and loose clothing that doesn’t restrict breathing and lets you roll up your sleeves. Alcohol should be avoided within the 24 hour period before your appointment.
We advise that you are driven home by car with an accompanied escort. You must not drive or go out on the road, and should rest quietly at home for the remainder of the day. Any equipment that may harm you should be avoided (e. g cookers, kettles, power tools, sharp objects etc.) It is advised that you don’t sign any important legal documents and alcohol should be avoided within the 24 hour period after your sedation treatment.
Intravenous sedation is such a fantastic tool to help alleviate anxiety from dental patients requiring dental treatment. From wisdom teeth extractions to dental implant treatment, the technique of dental sedation has helped many patients suffering from dental phobia to help get the treatment they need. If you have any questions regarding Intravenous Sedation or any other dental matters, feel free to contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice in Birmingham on 0121 357 0500 where we will happy to take your call.
Jul
08
Wisdom teeth are the 3rd molars that appear usually between the ages of 16 and 25. Even though roughly 35% of the population’s wisdom teeth not erupt at all and some people actually have more than 4 wisdom teeth. However many Birmingham dentist patients suffer from wisdom teeth problems as they come through, especially if there’s not enough room for them next to the other 28 adult teeth.
As wisdom teeth come through, in a large number of cases in Birmingham dentist patients there is simply not enough room as the other teeth act as an obstruction. This can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted; emerging from the gum at the wrong angle, only partially emerging and even emerging in the wrong place. When wisdom teeth become impacted it is important that this is treated to prevent any severe problems occurring, which may include the following:
Not all problems associated with wisdom teeth will require the wisdom tooth to be extracted. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of the teeth and gums, usually involving the dentist taking an x-ray to identify the wisdom tooth problem.
An x-ray is usually taken by your dentist Birmingham to help identify the problem associated with your wisdom tooth pain. The x-ray above shows emerging wisdom teeth in a patients mouth.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure carried out by Birmingham Dentists. If the wisdom tooth has failed to emerge properly sometimes a small incision must be made into the gum to gain access to the tooth properly. Sometimes it may prove easier to take out the tooth in smaller pieces as there may be no need for incision. The removal of the wisdom tooth shouldn’t be painful as there area where it’s removed will be numbed by local anaesthetic.
After the wisdom tooth has been successfully extracted some stiches may need to be used, these may dissolve over time or be removed by the dentist. After the procedure patients will have a review appointment around 7 days after the extraction to review the healing of the socket where the wisdom tooth was removed.
Having a wisdom tooth removed, that has most likely been causing a lot of pain can make Birmingham dental patients relatively anxious. Our Birmingham Dentists at the Scott Arms Dental Practice have treated thousands of anxious patients over the last 20 years for wisdom teeth problems. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually done under local anaesthetic and there is no pain or discomfort, we also offer sedation to particularly anxious patients. Intravenous sedation allows anxious Birmingham dentist patients to feel relaxed and comfortable during wisdom tooth treatment and many really enjoy the experience!
If you’re suffering from problems associated with Wisdom Teeth or need an emergency dentist Birmingham, please contact the Scott Arms Dental Practice emergency dentist helpline on 0121 357 0500, which is available until 11pm week nights and 24 hours on Friday & Saturday into Sunday. We aim to provide the best dentist treatment in Birmingham and we’re here to show you how comfortable and easy Wisdom Teeth treatment can be when done right by a Birmingham Dentist.
