Smiles@Legacy

Preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments.

Smiles@Legacy

Flossing

by

Your dental health is of utmost importance as your teeth serve various functions in your daily life, including chewing and digesting food, speaking clearly, and maintaining the shape of your face. To ensure optimal oral health, it is crucial to clean all areas of your teeth, including the spaces between them, which cannot be reached by brushing alone.

One effective method for cleaning between your teeth is through the use of dental floss or tape. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas where a toothbrush cannot reach, such as between your teeth and under the gumline. Your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate proper flossing techniques, including how to use an appropriate amount of floss, hold the floss correctly, and employ a gentle rocking motion to clean between your teeth. It is also important to clean around any dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or implants, which may require the use of specialized flossing products.

In the beginning, you may experience some bleeding or soreness while flossing, but this should subside as the plaque is broken up and the bacteria are removed. If bleeding persists, it is advisable to consult your dentist. If you have difficulty using floss, alternative methods, such as floss holders or interdental cleaning aids, can be used. Your dentist or hygienist can provide further guidance on these options.

In conclusion, flossing is an essential aspect of maintaining optimal oral health. With proper technique and regular use, it can effectively remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, keeping your smile healthy and radiant.

Prevention Advice…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…

Brushing

by

Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and function of your teeth and gums. Brushing is a crucial aspect of this routine and helps to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate on the surface of your teeth. If left unaddressed, plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Tooth decay occurs when plaque produces acids that attack the enamel of your teeth. This process can eventually lead to the formation of cavities. Gum disease, on the other hand, occurs when plaque hardens into tartar, causing the gums to become inflamed and infected. Regular cleaning, including brushing and flossing, is crucial in preventing the buildup of plaque and gum disease.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend an appropriate toothbrush based on your individual needs. It is important to choose a brush with soft or medium bristles and a small head, which can reach all parts of your mouth, especially the back teeth. You should replace your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the bristles become worn.

When brushing, it is important to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the outer, inner, and biting surfaces, as well as your tongue. You should use a fluoride toothpaste and brush at least twice a day, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist. If you experience discomfort or bleeding after brushing, you should consult your dentist for further evaluation.

Brushing is an essential aspect of maintaining good oral health. By incorporating it into your daily routine and using proper techniques, you can help prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, and maintain a healthy smile.

Prevention Advice…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…

Interdental Brushing

by

Interdental brushing is an important aspect of maintaining optimal oral hygiene. An interdental brush is a small brush designed to clean between your teeth, where food debris and plaque can accumulate. While it is not meant to replace your toothbrush, it can be used in conjunction with it for a thorough cleaning.

The small filaments and compact head of the interdental brush make it easy to access difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring that all parts of your mouth are thoroughly cleaned. Interdental brushes are available in various sizes and textures, including original and soft options, making them suitable for even the most sensitive teeth and gums.

To effectively use an interdental brush, select a suitable size and shape the head into a slight curve. Gently insert the brush between your teeth, turning it slightly to reach all areas. Repeat the turning motion several times until you are satisfied the space is clean. Rinse the brush thoroughly in clean water during and after use.

It is recommended to clean between all your teeth at least once a day. By incorporating interdental brushing into your daily oral hygiene routine, you can help prevent dental decay and gum disease, maintain a fresh breath, and ensure a thorough cleaning of your mouth.

Prevention Advice…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…

White Fillings

by

White Fillings: Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Why should I consider white fillings?
A: White fillings, also known as tooth-coloured fillings, have become increasingly popular as they provide a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional silver amalgam fillings. Many individuals prefer white fillings as they blend seamlessly with the natural tooth colour, ensuring that their fillings remain inconspicuous when they smile or laugh.

Q: Can I get white fillings on the NHS?
A: The National Health Service (NHS) typically does not provide white fillings for the biting surfaces of back teeth. However, this restriction does not apply to the sides of back teeth or any front teeth. In rare cases, if a patient is proven to be extremely sensitive to the metals in silver amalgam fillings, a consultant may recommend replacing them with an alternative material, potentially making white fillings available through the NHS.

Q: What is the cost of white fillings?
A: Since many white fillings are offered through private dental practices, costs can vary significantly depending on the dentist, size and type of filling, the complexity of the treatment, and the region. As a general reference, white fillings start at approximately £60 each. Your dentist will be able to provide a more accurate cost estimate before proceeding with the treatment.

Q: How do white fillings compare to silver amalgam fillings in terms of durability?
A: Historically, white fillings were considered less durable than silver amalgam fillings. However, advancements in dental materials have led to the development of tooth-coloured fillings with properties comparable to silver amalgam, showing promising success rates. The longevity of a white filling depends on its location within the mouth and the forces exerted on it during biting. Your dentist can advise you on the expected lifespan of your fillings. Note that fillings provided by the NHS come with a one-year guarantee.

Q: Should I replace my existing amalgam fillings with white fillings?
A: It is generally advisable to replace fillings only when your dentist determines that an old filling requires replacement. In such cases, you may request a tooth-coloured material for the new filling. Some dentists may be hesitant to use white fillings in back teeth due to concerns about their durability. Alternatives like crowns or inlays may be considered, but they may involve more tooth reduction and higher costs.

Q: What materials are used in tooth-coloured fillings?
A: Tooth-colored fillings are typically composed of glass particles, synthetic resin, and a setting agent. Your dentist can provide more information about the specific materials used in their practice.

Q: Where can I get white fillings?
A: Most dental practices offer white fillings as a standard treatment option. However, since white fillings are classified as a cosmetic treatment, they are typically only available through private payment.

Q: Are there any alternatives to fillings?
A: One alternative to traditional fillings is adhesive dentistry, which involves bonding the filling material to the tooth and requires less tooth reduction. Other alternatives include crowns, inlays, and veneers, although these options may be more expensive.

Our treatments include…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…

Root Canal Treatment

by

Root Canal Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is root canal treatment?
A: Root canal treatment, or endodontics, is a dental procedure required when the tooth’s pulp, which includes the blood and nerve supply, becomes infected due to decay or injury.

Q: Why is root canal treatment necessary?
A: If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may propagate through the tooth’s root canal system, potentially resulting in an abscess. The infection can spread if root canal treatment is not performed, necessitating tooth removal.

Q: Is root canal treatment painful?
A: The procedure is not painful, as a local anaesthetic is administered. The experience should be similar to receiving a standard dental filling.

Q: What does the procedure entail?
A: The goal of root canal treatment is to eliminate all infections from the root canal. The treatment is intricate and time-consuming, often requiring multiple visits to the dentist. The initial appointment involves the removal of infected pulp and the cleaning and shaping of the root canal, followed by the placement of a temporary filling. The tooth is then checked at a subsequent visit, and if the infection has cleared, a permanent filling is applied. The root is subsequently cleaned and filled to prevent further infection.

Q: How will my tooth appear after treatment?
A: In the past, teeth that underwent root canal treatment frequently darkened. However, modern techniques have primarily mitigated this issue. If discolouration occurs, various treatments are available to restore the tooth’s natural appearance.

Q: Is root canal treatment costly?
A: Root canal treatment is available through the National Health Service, but due to the complexity and duration of the procedure, many dentists prefer to perform it privately. Your dentist can provide a cost estimate.

Q: What are the consequences of not undergoing the treatment?
A: The alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. Although some individuals may prefer extraction, retaining as many natural teeth as possible is generally recommended. Since the pulp cannot heal once destroyed, leaving an infected tooth in the mouth is inadvisable.

Q: Will the tooth be secure after treatment?
A: Yes, but restoring the tooth with a crown is advisable to provide additional support and strength.

Q: Where can I receive root canal treatment?
A: Root canal treatment is a standard dental procedure that your dentist can perform.

Q: What should I know about aftercare?
A: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment should be cared for like any other tooth. Clean your teeth at least once a day with fluoride toothpaste, reduce sugary snacks, and schedule regular dental check-ups.

Our treatments include…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…

Crowns

by

Crowns: Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is a dental crown?
A: Dental crowns serve as an optimal solution for reconstructing teeth that have been broken or weakened due to decay or an extensive filling. A crown fits securely over the remaining tooth structure, enhancing its strength and restoring the tooth’s natural shape and contour. Crowns are occasionally referred to as “caps,” with an “anterior crown” specifically denoting a crown applied to the front eight teeth.

Q: What are the reasons for needing a crown?
A: Several factors might necessitate a dental crown, including:

  • A large filling that weakens the tooth 
  • Discoloured fillings, which can be replaced to improve the tooth’s appearance
  • A root filling requiring a crown for protection 
  • Tooth damage from an accident 
  • Securing a bridge or denture firmly in place

Q: What materials are crowns made of?
A: Dental crowns can be composed of various materials, with new options continuously emerging. Currently, the following materials are commonly used:

  • Porcelain bonded to precious metal: A prevalent choice, this type of crown consists of a precious metal base with layers of porcelain applied over it.
  • Porcelain: While not as strong as bonded crowns, porcelain crowns can appear very natural and are often used for front teeth.
  • Porcelain and composite: A combination of porcelain and composite resin materials can yield highly natural-looking crowns, albeit not as strong as bonded metal crowns.
  • Glass: Glass crowns exhibit a natural appearance and can be used for both front and back teeth.
  • Precious metal (gold and palladium): These crowns boast exceptional strength and durability, though they are typically not employed for highly visible front teeth.

Q: How is a tooth prepared for a crown?
A: To prepare a tooth for a crown, the dentist will remove most of the tooth’s outer surface while retaining a robust inner core. The tooth material removed will be equivalent to the thickness of the crown to be fitted. After shaping the tooth, the dentist will take impressions of the prepared tooth, the opposite jaw, and potentially another to capture the patient’s bite. These impressions, along with any other necessary information, will be provided to the dental technician for crown fabrication.

Q: Who is responsible for creating the crown?
A: A skilled dental technician will receive the impressions and information about the tooth shade to craft the crown. They will construct models of the patient’s mouth to ensure a perfect fit for the crown.

Q: Will the crown be noticeable?
A: No, the crown will be custom-made to blend seamlessly with the patient’s other teeth. The color of adjacent teeth will be recorded to ensure a natural appearance. A temporary, typically plastic, crown will be fitted during the first appointment and replaced with the permanent crown in approximately two weeks.

Q: What is the duration of the treatment process?
A: At least two visits are required: one for tooth preparation, impression-taking, shade determination, and temporary crown placement, and another for the permanent crown fitting.

Q: Is the tooth preparation process for a crown painful?
A: No, the dentist will use a local anesthetic, and the procedure should feel similar to receiving a filling. For teeth without nerves that require a post crown, local anesthesia may not be necessary.

Q: How do post crowns differ?
A: Post crowns are employed when a tooth has undergone root canal treatment. The weakened tooth crown is drilled down to the gum level, and a dual-ended post is created to fit into the root canal. This post, made of prefabricated stainless steel or custom gold, is cemented into the root canal, with one end supporting the crown.

Q: Are there alternatives to post crowns for root-filled teeth?
A: If a root-filled tooth remains largely intact, it may be possible to rebuild it using filling material. This “core” is then prepared similarly to a natural tooth, and impressions are taken for crown fabrication.

Q: How long can a crown last?
A: The lifespan of a crown depends on proper maintenance. While the crown itself cannot decay, decay can develop where the crown edge meets the tooth. It is crucial to keep this area as clean as the other teeth to prevent decay from compromising the crown. With appropriate care, crowns can last for many years, but your dentist will be able to provide a more specific estimate.

Q: How are crowns attached to teeth?
A: Once the fit and appearance of the crown are verified and approved by the patient, it will be cemented in place using specialized dental cement. This cement also forms a seal to help secure the crown.

Q: Will the crown feel different?
A: Initially, the crown may feel somewhat different due to its slightly altered shape compared to the pre-crowned tooth. However, this sensation should subside within a few days. If the crown feels too high or causes any discomfort, the dentist can make adjustments.

Q: Are there alternatives to a dental crown?
A: A veneer may be a suitable alternative to an anterior crown. Your dentist will advise you on any appropriate alternatives based on your specific situation.

Our treatments include…

Smiles@Legacy

Our experienced team is passionate about providing a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in the quality of treatment you receive.

Contact Smiles at Legacy…