Search results for "."

Our case of the month for September 2016 involves a single dental implant to replace a molar tooth. Molar teeth are extremely important teeth for chewing and replacing them is vital to maintain function and protect the adjacent and opposing teeth. Single dental implants are excellent at replacing missing molar teeth. The process is usually straight forward and can be described in 5 steps:
 

1. Careful planning
2. Place dental implant
3. Allow healing of 10-12 weeks
4. Take impressions
5. Fit implant crown

Our case is a classic case involving a lower left missing molar tooth:
 

If you are missing teeth, then you have probably already done some research into dental implants. However, unless you have already undergone treatment you may be unaware of what the process involves. Well, we can simply it for you in 10 simple steps:
 

1. Full diagnostic planning - a full clinical examination, x rays, photographs and study models.
2. CT scan of the area.
3. Digital planning on specialist software.
4. Fabrication of surgical stent if required.
5. Place dental implant(s).
6. Allow healing of 12 weeks.
7. Take impressions.
8. Place temporary teeth ( for multiple implants) or final tooth (single implant).
9. Review.
10. Monitor and maintain.

Of course, there are variations to this plan and we can place immediate temporary teeth on the day of implant placement if conditions allow. Dr Nissit Patel has over 12 years experience in placing and restoring dental implants using multiple systems. These include Nobel Biocare, Astra, Southern, Implant Direct, Blue Sky Bio, Straumann to name a few. If you are considering dental implants, we are offering a FREE no obligation consultation with Dr Patel. Restore your smile and confidence today, contact us!

A client came to see us recently, who was kindly referred by another patient, who was fed up of seeing a different dentist every time she went for an examination or treatment. Not only was she nervous of treatment in the first place but the fact she required substantial treatment made things even worse. A dentist should be a person of trust whom you will allow to help you through a journey to maintained oral health. This simply cannot happen if you are seen by differing personnel, where you have to explain the history over and over again. Unfortunately, we are seeing this becoming more and more common.

However, there are excellent, caring practices out there which offer continuity of care. Progressive Dentistry is one of them. You will see the same dentist and hygienist every time; it is your choice. We believe in personal dentistry where we will do our best to appreciate your individual circumstances and tailor the treatment accordingly. If you require appointments early morning, late evening or at the weekend; this will be arranged. If you need a longer appointment even for a routine treatment, we will oblige. If you would like us to arrange travel arrangements for you after treatment, you have just to ask.

Don't put up with poor service, poor communication and poor attention to detail. As one of the best dentists in London, we're different. Give us a try and see how.

We love dentistry and the way we can improve someones smile and life with modern day techniques. Dentistry no longer has to be painful, involve lots of drilling or leave you in agony. Times have changed and all for the better. We can now transform your smile with no drilling, no needles, no pain and affordably. For example, just take a look at this case:
 

Our case of the month for August highlights what can be done using a Social 6 lingual brace. A lingual brace is one which sits behind the teeth, making it a truly invisible brace. Social 6 braces are placed on just 6 teeth, with the aim to correct the front 4 teeth. It is also incredibly quick- most cases take just 3-4 months. Our case shows a great result, with a lovely smile created in just a few months. Please take a look at the before and after photos:
 

As you may know, fluoride is used in dentistry to prevent dental decay. It can be taken up into the crystalline structure of enamel, replacing the normal hydroxyapatite crystal structure into a structure called fluorapatite. This can resist acid attack to a greater degree and there is a reduction of the solubility of enamel in acid. Prevention is far better than cure! What's more, fluoride also has an inhibitory effect on oral bacteria which cause decay as they produce weaker acids and polysaccharides which diminishes the overall acid attack. In most adult toothpaste, there is 1000-1500ppm F.

As a general rule, there is NO need to use a lower PPM F toothpaste for children just use a small amount (pea sized). Encourage your child to spit out the excess paste and not swallow. If you live in a water fluoridated area, there is an argument to use toothpaste at 500ppm F due to the lower risk factor. High fluoride toothpaste should NOT be used fort children due to the risk of fluorosis. This is where adult teeth can develop with a mottled, chalky and discoloured appearance which is unaesthetic and very difficult to treat.

Mouthwashes generally have a lower fluoride concentration and hence are safe to use as an adjunct on a daily basis for children over six years old as long as they can spit out and not swallow. Non alcohol mouthwashes which are less harsh on the oral mucosa should be used. Fluoride varnish such as Duraphat by Colgate can be a very useful treatment for those at high risk of tooth decay. The concentration is high, about 22mg/ml, and can only be placed by a dentist or therapist. It has been reported that such varnish applications can reduce decay rates by up to 46% in the adult dentition.

The question of toxicity always arises when fluoride is discussed. Thus far, there have no reported cases of acute toxicity due to ingesting toothpaste which is reassuring. However, as with everything in life, care should be exercised when young children are involved. Keep all oral care products out of reach and in a safe bathroom cupboard for example.

If you suspect that your child has consumed excess fluoride, get them to drink lots of milk and seek immediate medical care.

Our case of the month for July is a lovely treatment involving one of our favourite treatments- ABC. A is for alignment B is for bleaching C is for composite bonding In many cases ABC can correct and transform a smile in a few months, with no drilling, no needles, no pain and at MUCH less cost than conventional treatments. Our case is a simple case correcting minor crowding and achieving symmetry with cosmetic bonding:
 

Today is the 47th anniversary of the moon landing. Just think what has happened in the world over those past years. Our world revolves around dentistry. The change in dentistry in just fifteen years has been incredible. Here are some of the major advancements that we have seen in the world of dental care:
 

1. Digital x rays - in the past x rays would have to be developed in a dark room or processed taking more than ten minutes. Today, scanning of phosphor plates takes seven seconds or images are available immediately with sensors.
2. Lasers - laser dentistry is still relatively new but an major part of dentistry in the future. Lasers can disinfect, aid regeneration, aid healing, remove decay, sterilise gum pockets and much more.
3. Adhesive dentistry - long gone are the days of cutting teeth heavily to fill them with mercury containing amalgam fillings. MI dentistry is now the in thing with adhesive technology and composite bonding.
4. Prevention - one of the best pieces of advice is prevention, prevention, prevention. Most disease can be avoided with sound home care techniques. Early decay can be reversed and gum disease can be treated in part at home.
5. Intra oral cameras - seeing is believing. In the past you would simply have to take the dentist at his word. Now you can see everything in your mouth in great detail. Communication is the key to success.
6. Microscopes and magnification- even 2.5 x magnification allows us to see in great detail. Microscopes are now used by endodontists on a regular basis. In fact, we would not refer to one without a microscope.
7. Super seals- Biodentine is a new 'super seal' which helps to allow pulpal healing rather than the dreaded root canal. In the past deep decay resulted in root canal treatment in almost every case. Now, we have a 70% success chance of avoiding this.
8. Implant dentistry - dental implants are the gold standard in replacing teeth. The world of implant dentistry has evolved at an amazing rate and we can now predictably place implants due to the great advancement in CT scanning technology.
9. CT scans - these allow 3-D images of the hard tissue structures of the mouth to allow planning in great detail. We can plan dental implant treatment in great detail without having the patient present. Stents can be made to allow us to place the implants in the correct position and avoid anatomical structures.
10. CAD-CAM and intra oral scanning - we now have the ability to take scans of your teeth and gums without impressions. These can be e mailed to the laboratory for the fabrication of crowns, bridges, implant work, study models, orthodontic appliances and much more.

We could go on and on! Ask your dentist which of these advancements they have adopted and seek treatment that is right for you. After all, we do not live in 1969!