Dental Blog - Garden View Dental Care

Unsure if you need an emergency appointment with our dentist? Five symptoms to look out for!

Is that toothache not going away? Have you woken up and half of your face is swollen?

Don’t panic!

As odd as it may sound, dental emergencies are extremely commonplace. Indeed, in the UK alone, the majority of dental surgeries offer same-day appointments to those with dental pain, meaning that there is a high demand for this service!

But, how do you know if your toothache or swelling requires a same-day trip to the dentist? Is discomfort an accurate measurement of urgency? Surprisingly, no.

At Garden View, our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield will aim to see you on the same day as you make a call to us. Our team will aim to treat you gently and quickly, so you will leave our surgery feeling better than when you first arrived. After all, life doesn’t stop for dental emergencies and neither should you!

But how do you know if you require an appointment to see our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield? Read on to spot the telltale signs.

Discomfort

While this is not a sure-fire indicator of a dental emergency, it is usually a symptom that our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield sees the most frequently.

When you notice a sore, throbbing or pulsing pain under or near a tooth, you need to come in and see our team. In the meantime, take anti-inflammatory painkillers and avoid drinking hot or cold beverages. Also, we recommend using an ice pack to the throat and chin to alleviate any associated swelling.

Swelling

As mentioned before, a swelling usually accompanies a sore tooth; but what if it doesn’t?

If you notice a sudden or gradual swelling to your gum, jaws or neck, contact our team immediately. This could be indicative of an impacted tooth or even be the first symptom of an abscess forming, so it’s best to get that sorted quickly! Even if your tooth isn’t painful.

Lost filling or crown

Commonly seen with older fillings and crowns that are made of metal, a lost filling or crown may or may not feel painful.

Once a filling or crown is gone, your tooth will feel sharp and may be sensitive or more tender to pressure. Or it may not be uncomfortable, but a loose or lost filling or crown can allow bacteria access to the pulp of the tooth. And, as any dentist will tell you, an infected pulp is much harder to treat and is more painful to manage. Don’t risk it!

Bleeding

If you have been in an accident or playing sports and there is a consistent flow of blood from your oral area, you need to see our dentist as soon as you can.

Blood loss is never a good thing and an open cut in the mouth may become infected. Our team will aim to identify the cause and stop the bleeding.

Orthodontic attachments

Braces are amazing but sometimes, brackets can detach and wires can snap. Oh dear! If you encounter either of these problems, see an emergency dental team and book an orthodontist appointment too!

Heard that a root canal will cause irreparable damage? Five endodontic myths debunked by Garden View

Along with braces, root canals are one of the most disliked of all dental procedures.

While you may have heard all manner of horror stories revolving around this procedure, it is actually a very straightforward treatment that reaps many long-term benefits for the person who is undertaking it.

It may be tempting to say no to a root canal and ask for an extraction of the offending tooth as an alternative, but in choosing this option, you are missing out on the myriad advantages that are to be gained from endodontics. Also, if you are someone who takes pride in their smile, given the option of the most aesthetically pleasing procedure, the root canal wins over an extraction every time!

Our team at Garden View is aware of the worries our patients have about root canals and want to separate the myths from the facts about this procedure. Our dentist in Buckinghamshire performs thousands of root canals every year, and has seen at first-hand how beneficial this procedure can be for maintaining good oral health, and keeping your smile in one piece!

So, time to separate the myths from the facts!

Myth – Root canals are painful

Fact- Before our dentist in Buckinghamshire begins your root canal treatment, your mouth will be sufficiently numbed.

However, while many people who have root canals performed will be in discomfort before the procedure, a root canal is actually likely to eradicate the pain caused by the infection. Meaning that all you have to lose from this process is discomfort!

Myth – Root canals aren’t suitable for pregnant women

Fact- Before undertaking any endodontic treatment, our dentist in Buckinghamshire will perform an X-ray on your jaw. This will be to assess the damage the infection or trauma has caused to your tooth below the gum. It will also enable them to see the spread of the infection.

Pregnant women can and do have root canals performed and the radiation exposure from the X-ray is minimal, meaning it will not harm the baby. The anaesthetics used during this procedure are also safe for pregnant women.

Myth – Root canals weaken the tooth

Fact- Drilling through the centre of a tooth does initially weaken it.

However, once your root canal has been performed, our team will top it with either a crown or a filling, ensuring that your tooth remains strong and does not fracture. Simple!

Myth – Root canals are only required if there is discomfort

Fact- A damaged pulp does not always cause pain; our team is trained to identify issues with the pulp of a tooth through either infection or damage. If the pulp of your tooth is identified as needing repair, then our team will suggest a root canal to save it.

Myth – Root canals cause the tooth’s roots to be removed

Fact- While the name suggests the roots of the tooth are involved, they are not.

A root canal removes the pulp of the tooth and leaves the roots in place. We agree – the naming is indeed odd!

Need straighter teeth in a hurry? Come to Garden View for fast orthodontics options today!

When most adults hear the word ‘brace’ they shudder; they have either worn a traditional, orthodontic one as a child or they knew someone who did. When surveyed, the majority of adults have stated that even if they were able to get a straighter smile, they would not be willing to undertake treatment with an orthodontic aligner.

We don’t blame them! Traditional aligners are metal, can be very uncomfortable after they are tightened and, of course, they are far from discreet. And this is before we get to the period of treatment time people often wear them for; no adult really has time for that!

Luckily, if you want to straighten your teeth promptly without attracting unwanted attention, there is an answer!

At Garden View, our team is knowledgeable about every type of adult aligner and can offer the majority of our patients clear braces in Buckinghamshire. With our most popular aligner being the Six Month Smile system, we can guarantee that you will have a straighter smile in under a year; perfect if you have some important photos coming up!

But why should you choose these clear braces in Buckinghamshire over other types of adult aligners? Read on to find out!

Fast treatment

With the Six Month Smile clear braces in Buckinghamshire, you should have a straighter smile in, well, six months.

Due to how this brace works and the fact that it is targeted to straighten the teeth located at the front of the mouth, the treatment is accelerated, meaning that there is no time wasted with tightening, adjustments or hygienist trips.

Cheaper

Of course, as with most adult orthodontic options, the time you wear the brace for will impact on the overall price that you pay.

When it comes to Six Months Smiles, many of our patients at Garden View are surprised at how cost-effective this aligner is, especially when compared to other adult braces. You can get a straighter smile with this system, without putting too much pressure on your finances!

Discretion

As adults, a lot of our day to day life relies on our appearance, which is why many adults shudder when their dentist recommends braces to them.

The Six Month Smile aligner is a fitted brace but, unlike traditional orthodontic alternatives, it is visually discreet, comprising of a thin piece of wire and either enamel coloured or clear brackets. No one will see them unless you point to them!!

Great results

The bit you’ve been waiting for, the results of this aligner.

While the Six Month Smile system is not for everyone, our patients who have undertaken treatment with it have reported a straightened smile, in less time, that lasts. Provided you follow all of the aftercare that our team provides for you after using this system, that straighter smile will last you the rest of your life; what more could you ask for?

Want to discover if you are a suitable candidate for Six Month Smiles? Call a member of our friendly team today!

Smiles all around with your dentist in Buckinghamshire

We warmly invite you to visit your dentist in Buckinghamshire to ensure that your smile is as healthy as it can be. Only with healthy teeth and gums can you enjoy a fully functional smile which can last for a lifetime. We recommend you take the time to come in to visit us twice a year to benefit from the range of different up-to-date and innovative tools and equipment that we have on hand. Our focus on preventive dentistry enables you to minimise your chances of needing restorative treatments done, which can at times be costly and painful.

Rather than getting to this situation, let us thoroughly examine your smile using digital scans, high magnification and strong lighting in order to identify any early signs of decay so that we can work together early in rectifying the situation. By informing you of your current dental health and offering ways in which to improve your oral hygiene routine with trusted methods which can strengthen your teeth, you can ensure your smile remains strong and healthy.

After you have lost your milk teeth during childhood, your new teeth are with you for life, so it is important to care for them in order to keep your original teeth with you for as long as possible. A simple visit to your dentist in Buckinghamshire twice a year is little effort to ensure that major dental work or loss of teeth is a risk kept to a minimum as much as possible as you age.

We provide you with all of the available options that you have in terms of preventive, restorative and cosmetic dental care, so that you are fully informed of the choices that you have. We can explain to you any potential risks associated with each treatment plan, expected costs and the advantages in both the short and long term.

Armed with this information, you will be able to make the best possible decision for your health. We understand that people can be hesitant to give themselves the gift of a healthier, happier smile, because of potentially large costs that they feel they cannot afford. Trust that your dentist in Buckinghamshire understands that you don’t always have money put aside for such situations. This is why finance options are available, meaning that you don’t have to compromise on your health because your current budget does not accommodate for the best possible treatment plan going forward.

It is important to us that you receive the treatment plan that you truly feel is best for yourself. It is our aim to provide you with the best possible treatment and service available so that you can be really pleased with the results. By talking with us and working together on creating a bespoke treatment plan that meets all of your unique requirements, you are able to ensure that your smile is healthy, strong and shared with the people that you know and love, just as it should be.

We look forward to you joining our warm and friendly practice where you will be able to see the results that you are looking for.

Think discomfort is the only sign of a dental emergency? Read on to learn about the more subtle indicators

When going about day to day life, most people know how to accurately identify an emergency; if you see a fire, it’s an emergency. Just saw someone get hit by a car? You call an emergency service!

Of course, these are all obvious examples. But, looking at more subtle signs, like that chip in your tooth from last week’s rugby game; is that an emergency?

It is easy to assume that one of the main signs of an emergency related to teeth is discomfort.

However, there are indeed more subtle signs which can highlight the need for a same-day appointment, many of which are overlooked by dental patients.

At Garden View, we know it can be hard to identify when a tooth needs urgent treatment or can wait a few weeks. But, if you do need a same-day appointment, our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield will be able to slot you in. Our surgery leaves appointments open each day to accommodate dental emergencies, and so, if you need an urgent appointment, you can count on us!

But what are some of the more subtle signs that you need to see our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield? Read on to find out our top five!

Aching and bleeding gums

If you like to brush hard or get a bit too into it when flossing, then some minor amounts of bleeding may be considered normal to you; while you may need to see our hygienist for some top-up sessions in the correct flossing or brushing techniques, this is not an emergency.

However, if your gums ache or bleed a lot after you brush, you need to see our emergency dentist in Beaconsfield. This can indicate an excessive amount of bacteria on the gum line which, if left unchecked, can get under your gums and cause issues like abscesses or even tooth loss.

Loose tooth or teeth

Indicative of either damage to the jaw or nerve, a loose tooth should never be overlooked in an adult.

It may also indicate that you are experiencing severe gingivitis or another type of oral infection. If left unchecked, any of these conditions will get worse and cause further havoc in your mouth!

Metallic taste in your mouth

An interesting symptom associated with older, metal-based fillings, a prominent metallic taste in your mouth may point to either a cracked or damaged filling.

Urgent dental care is required, as this could lead to further cavities forming or even a dental infection.

Bruised feeling in your jaw

If you notice a sensation that is similar to a bruise, this could be the first stage of an abscess forming.

Of course, this needs urgent attention, as the discomfort will worsen and the infection may spread and become harder to treat.

Chips and cracks

A common occurrence, both chipped and cracked teeth left untreated are more susceptible to decay and can cause dental infections. If you notice a chipped tooth, even if it isn’t causing discomfort, see our emergency dental team immediately!

A range of treatments available with your dentist in Buckinghamshire

Whether you are looking for a qualified professional to ensure your smile is as clean and healthy as it can be, or you are wishing to perfect your smile to boost your confidence and enjoy all that this can bring, a dentist in Buckinghamshire is able to offer you a vast range of treatments and advice that can ensure you’re smiling from ear to ear.

Boasting competitive prices, a friendly atmosphere and the latest, greatest technology and equipment on site, your dentist in Buckinghamshire is a one-stop shop for all of your dental care needs. It is important to be able to discuss all of your options with an understanding, non-judgemental and friendly oral health care professional and this is just what you can get here at our Garden View practice.

Having open, honest and candid conversations about your oral health with your dentist in Buckinghamshire is beneficial because only when both individuals are understanding one another can a plan be formulated, in order to achieve oral health goals.

Some of us only wish to have a healthy mouth, but don’t entirely know how to achieve it. Only an oral health care professional is able to educate and inform patients on what their personal situation is and what steps need to be taken in order to create a healthy and long-lasting, functional smile.

Other individuals have specific goals, such as correcting the alignment of teeth, whitening teeth to a specific colour or having a treatment done such as veneers, which are well reported and have stunning results. So whether it is cosmetic, preventive or restorative treatments that you are looking to have done, rest assured that we will work together with you to help you achieve the best possible results.

What are some of the treatments available?

These three different fields of dentistry; preventive, restorative and cosmetic are the foundations that all treatments are based on. Many procedures overlap, meaning that a cosmetic treatment is often a restorative or preventive one as well. However by ensuring that you look at all three of these fields, you are making sure that you are providing yourself with an all round oral health care.

Preventive care is a lot about education, ensuring that you and your family know the importance of having an appropriate oral hygiene routine at home to prevent plaque and cavities forming. Other issues to prevent are gum disease, excessive staining of teeth and injuries, by being conscious and aware of what you eat and drink and to protect teeth during physical sporting activities with a mouthguard.

Restorative care deals with issues that arise in the mouth that need to be addressed in order to maintain full functionality of your teeth and mouth. Root canals and fillings are good examples of this kind of treatment. Cosmetic dentistry covers a diverse group of treatments, ranging from teeth whitening to gum realigning. Other treatments such as dental implants, teeth straightening or using white fillings are sometimes classed as cosmetic treatments as well. By talking to a professional about what treatments would be beneficial for your personal situation, you can create a combination that is effective for you.

What are the benefits of choosing an emergency dentist?

As dental emergencies are often unexpected occurrences, and accompanied by intense pain and discomfort, having a reputable dental practitioner available to provide reliable dental care should be every patient’s top priority. And these emergencies usually require professional dental attention. Even though a knocked-out tooth may not seem like an emergency situation; it is. It has been found that a single missing tooth can have dire consequences for the entire mouth structure which will have consequences further down the line. At Garden View dental clinic we have an Emergency Dentist in Beaconsfield to provide dental care in critical situations. We encourage patients to put appropriate plans in place to protect their oral health for when professional dental attention is required and they are under undue stress and pain.

An Emergency Dentist in Beaconsfield is a dental practitioner specifically trained to provide critical dental care. The timely actions and skills of our Emergency Dentist in Beaconsfield can not only ease the discomfort of the patient but may save him or her from the additional costs of replacement treatments. Consider for a moment the difference in costs if a natural tooth is saved (this is highly possible if proper dental care is sought as a matter of urgency) instead of having an artificial restoration.

3 Reasons to seek dental care from an emergency dentist

Professional dental care

A dental clinic offering urgent dental care will be staffed by experienced professionals with the proper skills and knowledge and have the relevant dental tools to take care of any dental emergency.

Treat the source of the pain or problem quickly

With their intimate knowledge of oral structures, a dental practitioner is best placed to get to the root of the dental issue quicker than a general medical professional would. This means that a patient spends less time in pain or discomfort.

Prevent further compromised oral health

A gum infection may not seem like an overly worrying condition. Yes, there may be some discomfort but patients often make the wrong choice of pushing through this discomfort until they cannot handle it anymore. We do not encourage this approach. Swollen or tender gums may not seem life-threatening but ignoring the problem could cause it to escalate, and progress to a more advanced stage that threatens the health of natural teeth as well as impacting one’s overall physical health.

No one likes the thought of a dental emergency which is perhaps why so many patients do not have plans in place to deal with one when it occurs. It is the general consensus among all our patients that dental emergencies are inconveniences we could do without. The best way to reduce the associated stress experienced by the patient and their loved ones is to know beforehand that quality professional dental care is available if it is needed.

It is always best for patients to take the responsible road to ensure their dental health. If you are not sure whether the situation necessitates urgent dental care; consult a dentist. Get quality dental care in times of an emergency. Find out how we at Garden View dental clinic can help. Contact us today.

Ask the dentist – Proven techniques to keep teeth healthy

We are always delighted when our patients want to take a proactive approach to keeping their teeth in a healthy condition. Fortunately this is not difficult to do with the help of a Dentist in Buckinghamshire.

It is important that patients acknowledge that like the rest of their bodies, oral care needs to be maintained over one’s lifetime. Our Dentist in Buckinghamshire can point patients in the right direction as to which steps best protect oral health. These steps range from dentist-approved habits, to using recommended dental tools and oral care products. To make certain that they are looking after their teeth properly there are daily actions, and at least one annual responsibility, a Dentist in Buckinghamshire will recommend.

Actions every patient should take to ensure healthy teeth

Everyday habits to observe

Clean the mouth (teeth, gums and tongue) before bed

We can not emphasise enough that patients should resist the temptation to skip cleaning teeth before going to bed, no matter how tired the patient is. Over the course of the day germs and plaque build up in the mouth. Brushing at night helps to minimise this accumulation.

Hydrate

We would encourage patients to increase, if necessary, the amount of water they drink. The most opportune time to do this is after having a meal. To keep one’s mouth healthy, it is important what one does between brushing at the beginning and end of the day. Drinking water helps to get rid of the destructive effects of certain types of foods and beverages, mainly those that are acidic or sticky in nature.

Replace bad habits that destroy teeth

Habits are automatic behaviours that patients can’t help but find themselves performing. Habits (if they are not working for you in a positive way) can be changed with consistent practice and willpower. Patients first need to be aware of any self-destructive habits before they can learn to undo them.

Examples of bad habits that contribute to poor oral health include:

Consuming too much food that lacks the proper nutrients the body needs.
Biting down on hard non-food objects like pens and bottle caps etc.
Teeth grinding (consult a dentist for helpful ways to address this)
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Not using a mouthguard when participating in sporting activities.
Neglecting to repair or replace dental devices such as damaged braces and dentures

At least once every year

Have your mouth checked by a dental professional

In the absence of pain and discomfort, a patient may be mistakenly led to believe that all is well with their teeth and gums. It is important to bear in mind that certain areas of the teeth are not visible without the use of dental technology and the ONLY sure way to determine oral health is to visit the dentist.

These check-up appointments are beneficial for taking preventive measures or to initiate corrective dental treatments to secure present and future healthy teeth and gums.

Not sure when you last visited a dental clinic for a check-up or professional teeth cleaning? Contact us at Garden View dental clinic today to book an appointment.

Why clear braces are a practical consideration for senior patients

Clear Braces in Buckinghamshire no longer belong to the realm of teenagers and young adults. Patients in their senior years can also benefit from viable orthodontic treatments. With age the body undergoes all sorts of changes and the mouth structures are no different. Patients may have previously had a gleaming set of straight teeth but the situation can change as they get older. Some of the common dental issues many older patients experience include excessive tooth wear, teeth shifting out of alignment, and the formation of gaps.

Modern healthcare has contributed to longer lifespans. Senior patients are living longer and are often more engaged in social activities in their retirement years. Self-confidence can play a significant part in socially active lifestyles – self-confidence that can be boosted by straight smiles and healthy teeth.

Orthodontic care offers a lot more than just aesthetic value

Orthodontic concerns, such as overcrowding or misaligned bites, have an impact on oral health that goes beyond cosmetice value. There are associated issues that include tooth decay, the loss of bone quality, and lack of adequate gum support. It is primarily for these reasons that we encourage senior patients to seek professional dental treatments at a reputable dental clinic. Here are a few more ways dental braces can help patients in their senior years.

Improved mouth function

Clear Braces in Buckinghamshire can be used to promote oral functions. A key benefit is better chewing efficiency. When teeth do not align properly, this can result in reduced chewing functionality and restrictions placed on what one can eat.

Proper maintenance

Correct teeth alignment improves a patient’s ability to better take care of their oral health. It is easier to clean straighter teeth than it is to clean crooked teeth. With more effective cleaning, teeth are less likely to see the appearance of cavities or the development of gum problems. Patients opting for Clear Braces in Buckinghamshire to address their maintenance issues are less likely to need more costly dental care later on.

Enhanced overall health

Orthodontic problems can cause discomfort and correcting these issues can enhance overall wellbeing. Temporomandibular joints (TMJ), headaches and muscle pain, reduce quality of life.

Many of the common dental conditions that are a result of ageing teeth can be successfully treated with orthodontic treatments. Why not take advantage of dental technology that can address issues such as cracked teeth and gum recession? Older patients should be aware that in order to benefit from braces, they need to satisfy the dental practitioner that their gums are disease-free, and that the quality of their jawbone is suitable to receive treatment.

Being proactive about orthodontic care helps patients take control of their oral health. Thanks to the array of orthodontic options available in the dental industry today, senior patients can choose the most suitable option for them. Our experienced and compassionate dental practitioners at Garden View dental clinic can help you with your orthodontic needs. Call our office today to schedule a consultation. We offer a range of braces to choose from.

The dentist answers your commonly asked questions about bad breath

The cause for one of the most common dental issues – bad breath – is hard to pin down without the help of a Dentist in Buckinghamshire. This is because there could be a number of different factors that come into play from poor oral health to a medical condition. It is best for patients to consult with a Dentist in Buckinghamshire to determine the root cause or causes. Once our Dentist in Buckinghamshire conducts a thorough oral health assessment, we can then advise on the best course of treatment to address the problem.

What patients want to know most about bad breath

In the interests of patient education, we thought we’d provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our dental practitioners are asked about bad breath.

What are some of the best ways to prevent bad breath developing?

The first thing we recommend is to look after your oral hygiene. This means not only taking the time to clean teeth and gums, but to brush the tongue as well. Many patients are often unaware of the importance of tongue cleaning. Bacteria can thrive on the tongue’s uppermost layer which leads to bad breath.

Seek appropriate dental care for underlying issues such as tooth decay, abscesses, dry mouth and periodontal disease. The role of a dentist is critical in not only treating bad breath, but in preventing the condition too.

Can smoking tobacco cause bad breath?

Smoking has been associated with bad breath along with other dental issues such as teeth discolouration, gum disease and oral cancer. If smoking is the cause of bad breath, the only option for the patient is to stop the habit.

Can a health issue bring on bad breath?

There are a number of medical conditions that can give rise to chronic bad breath. These include: diabetes, kidney problems, and acid reflux. It is important to let our dentist know if you have any of these health issues.

Can sugar-free gum help improve bad breath?

The main role of chewing gum (sugar-free variety is recommended) is to stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. This is especially important for patients exhibiting dry mouth syndrome. The mouth requires saliva to help flush out bacteria, as well as food particles that are left behind after eating.

What products can I use to banish bad breath?

Patients can make use of a number of products that may assist in controlling bad breath. These are specially-formulated products that we can recommend. Toothpastes, mouth rinses, and oral sprays can be particularly beneficial.

To help a dental practitioner identify the cause of bad breath, a good idea is for patients to record what they eat in a food diary and to bring this along to their appointment.

Bad breath is a very treatable condition and there is no need for a patient to shy away from social events. If you suspect you may have a halitosis problem, why not schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists at Garden View dental clinic today? It is always best to address any dental issues as soon as it arises to prevent the need for complicated treatment in the future.

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