If you’re missing one or more of your teeth and would prefer not to have a bridge or full or partial dentures, you might consider asking your dentist whether you’d be a good candidate for dental implants.

In this month’s blog the team at College Dental Surgeries explain the process involved in getting dental implants.The dental implant process is a multi-stage, 6 to 12-month procedure to replace tooth roots with titanium posts, supporting permanent, custom-made artificial teeth. It involves a pre-operative consultation, surgical implant placement, a 3–6 month healing period, and finally, the fitting of the abutment and crown, bridge or denture.

To benefit from dental implants, you must be in good health (aside from missing teeth) and have a fully developed and healthy jawbone – healthy gums and a healthy jawbone are needed to support the dental implants. If there is not sufficient bone to place the dental implants it may be possible to have a bone graft prior to the dental implant treatment, increasing the treatment time.

Key Stages of the Dental Implant Process

1. Consultation & Assessment: The process begins with a thorough examination, including 3D CT scans and X-rays to evaluate jawbone health and determine suitability.
2. Preliminary Procedures (If Needed): If the jawbone is insufficient, bone grafting may be required to increase bone volume, which can take 3–6 months to heal. Any damaged teeth are extracted during this phase.
3. Implant Placement Surgery: Under local anaesthetic, the dentist makes an incision in the gum, drills a space in the bone, and inserts the titanium implant, usually covering it with stitches.
4. Healing & Osseointegration (3–6 Months): The jawbone grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. During this time, a temporary denture or bridge may be worn.
5. Abutment Placement: Once healed, a small connector (abutment) is attached to the implant to hold the new tooth.
6. Final Restoration: Custom-made crowns,bridges or dentures are fabricated and permanently secured to the abutment, completing the restoration of the smile.

If you would like to restore your smile, call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book a dental implant consultation appointment.

Gum disease is currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.Gum disease is an infection of the gums and supporting tissue caused by a build-up of plaque from poor oral hygiene. In this month’s blog the team at College Dental Surgeries look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of gum disease.

Signs of gum disease

Gum disease is surprisingly easy to overlook as it is often painless, which means that it can go unnoticed.There are 7 main symptoms you should keep your eye out for:

1. Swollen, red gums.
2. Gums that bleed easily
3. Constant bad breath
4. Gums that have receded
5. Pus in between the teeth
6. Changes in bite
7. Loose permanent teeth

Causes of gum disease

The bacteria present in plaque, a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth, causes gum disease. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Once the tartar forms it can only be removed by a dental professional.

However, there are other factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease:

• Hormonal changes – such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gum disease to develop.
• Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums – this includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including gum disease and cavities.
• Medications can affect oral health – some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
• Bad habits – such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
• Poor oral hygiene habits – such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Family history of dental disease – can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to keep gum disease at bay is a good oral hygiene routine. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and use inter dental cleaning aids to clean between teeth in the areas that brushing alone misses.

It is important that you attend for regular routine dental appointments as the dentist will be able to detect the early signs of gum disease. They will also be able to refer you to the hygienist who will be able to remove plaque and tartar build up. They will also be able to advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to follow in between appointments to keep your teeth looking their best.

If you are concerned about your teeth and gums call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book a consultation appointment as early intervention significantly improves outcomes.

This year, here at College Dental Surgeries our new year’s resolution is to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Have you been putting off getting your perfect smile? Looking for a brighter, straighter or fuller smile? Here at College Dental Surgeries we are able to offer range of cosmetic treatments not only to improve the appearance of your smile but also to help give you a more youthful appearance.

Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for a whiter, brighter smile, teeth whitening could be the perfect solution. Teeth whitening helps to remove staining and discolouration caused by ageing, smoking, diet and medications, making it a safe and effective way to enhance the appearance of your teeth for a relatively small outlay. Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence and the personal feel good factor, with a whiter smile tending to minimise the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving a more youthful appearance.

Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening can help to create a beautiful smile, improving the appearance of crooked or overcrowded teeth. Teeth straightening improves the appearance of your smile, helping to improve confidence and self-esteem. In the long term teeth straightening can help reduce the risk of tooth loss due to gum disease.

Dental implants

Dental implants are the next best thing to healthy, natural teeth and replace the root of a missing tooth and can be used to support crowns, bridges or dentures, depending on the number of teeth to be restored. Dental implants provide a permanent solution to patients who wish to effectively recapture the aesthetic and functional nature of their smile. Dental implants can be a long-term solution lasting for over 10 years with a very low failure rate, if looked after and can help to retain the natural shape of your smile.

Veneers

Porcelain veneersare hand crafted, fine pieces of porcelain that fit over your tooth in the same way a false nail fits over your finger nail. They can be used to correct a variety of different flaws including chipped, damaged, crooked, gapped or discoloured teeth. In order to provide you with a high level of finish, we add veneers from the centre teeth and also use pairs of veneers to ensure that your smile remains symmetrical. Veneers are expected to have a life span of around 7-15 years before they will need to be replaced.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding can be a fast, minimally invasive and inexpensive way to improve the appearance of your teeth. Composite resin is shaped and moulded onto your teeth to give the appearance of a straighter, whiter smile. It can help to improve the appearance of chipped and stained teeth. Unlike a veneer, cosmetic bonding can be completed in just one appointment.

Why wait? Call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book an appointment today to start your journey to a new you!

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? The team at College Dental Surgeries have the perfect way to ensure that this Christmas is white, with a course of teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is so popular is because it is non-invasive, easy to complete and most importantly it works. Helping to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile for relatively little outlay.

What causes teeth staining?

When you eat and drink staining foods, such as curry, red wine, tea, and coffee, or you smoke – the highly coloured organic molecules can enter your teeth via microscopic pores in the enamel and underlying dentine. In essence if a food or drink has the ability to stain your top or tablecloth, it can also stain your teeth.

How does the whitening gel get rid of these stains?

When you apply the whitening gel to your teeth the small peroxide molecules pass easily through the micropores and encounter the staining molecules that have built up in your enamel and dentine, breaking them down into active oxygen and water. The overall result is that your teeth look brighter and whiter!

• What treatment options are available?

Here at College Dental Surgeries we are able to offer at home teeth whitening:

• At Home Teeth Whitening

At home teeth whitening is the perfect treatment for people who want to improve the look of their teeth without interrupting their daily routine. The treatment has an excellent track record and pro-duces incredible results.

Before the treatment can begin, one of our highly trained dentists will take impressions of your teeth; this will be used by the technician to create custom made whitening trays. The dentist will then show you how to apply the teeth whitening gel to the trays. You will then be able to take the trays and whitening gels home to complete the treatment at a time to suit you.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat, or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

How long will my teeth whitening last?

Once completed, it will be necessary to top up your whitening every 1-2 years to keep your teeth looking their best.

What aftercare will my teeth need?

Caring for your teeth following teeth whitening:

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.
• You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth.
• Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.

Benefits of teeth whitening

• Teeth whitening improves appearance dramatically – It is an excellent way to improve one’s appearance. Having a beautiful smile is now within the reach of anybody who wants it.
• Teeth whitening boosts self-confidence – looking good very often influences how people feel about themselves. Therefore, the whitening process improves a person’s self-confidence and the personal feel-good factor.
• Teeth whitening is very affordable – You can change your appearance a great deal with a simple teeth whitening procedure, for a relatively small outlay.
• A whiter smile tends to minimise the appearance of facial wrinkles – giving way to a more youthful and energetic appearance.
• Teeth whitening does not have any harmful side effects on your teeth – teeth are not damaged or weakened by the whitening process if carried out professionally by our experienced dentist and with prescribed material.

So, what are you waiting for, call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340to book an appointment today and ensure you get your white Christmas!

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat and can affect nearly anyone, whether they have their own teeth or not. In the last year over 10,000 people have been diagnosed with disease in the UK.

Awareness on the major risk factors of mouth cancer is as low as 8% and that is why this month the team at College Dental Surgeries are looking at the factors that put you at greater risk of developing mouth cancer.

Risk Factors

Currently, 75% of mouth cancer diagnoses are linked to lifestyle factors, therefore it is possible to reduce the risks of developing mouth cancer by amending some of our lifestyle choices.

Tobacco

Many mouth cancer cases continue to be caused by smoking and tobacco use. Smoking accounts for two in three of all mouth cancer cases. The chemicals in the cigarette all enter the body through the mouth, where they transform the saliva which then damages the cells in the mouth and over-time can turn them cancerous. Research has shown that by quitting you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer by a third.

Alcohol

Drinking over your recommended alcohol units on a regular basis is another major risk factor linked with the development of mouth cancer, associated with around 30% off all cases. UK guidelines recommend a maximum of 14 units of alcohol a week for both men and women.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is spread through unprotected sex, so a good way to protect yourself against it is to use barrier contraception. If you have a child aged 12-13 they will be offered a HPV vaccine. This vaccine is another effective way to prevent HPV.

Smokeless Tobacco Products

One of the most dangerous and popular ingredients used in smokeless tobacco is the areca (or betel) nut. This is used in ‘betel quid’ which is made up of betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime. Research shows that people who regularly chew areca nut have a bigger risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx (throat), oesophagus (gullet), stomach and pancreas.

Diet

It is important to have a diet rich in vit-amins and minerals, this will not only help to reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer, it will also help to keep your body fit and healthy. Mouth cancer risk is lowest in people with diets high in fruit, vegetables, Vitamin C supplements, calcium supplements, coffee, and green tea. Increasing evidence also suggests that Omega 3, found in foods such as eggs and fish, can help lower your risk.

UV Radiation

Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer. This can occur either from natural sunlight or sunbeds. Skin cancer can develop on the lips – as this area is often exposed to UV radiation. Protect yourself by wearing a lip balm with a high SPF.

Signs and Symptoms

There are three main symptoms that should not be ignored:

1. Ulcers which do not heal in three weeks
2. Red or white patches in the mouth
3. Unusual lumps of swellings in the mouth, head, or neck area

It is important if you notice any of these that you get them checked out by your dentist as soon as possible. Call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book an appointment today. If in doubt get it checked out!

Do you or your children participate in sports? Then read on.

It is estimated that over 3 million teeth are knocked out every year in kids’ sports! Mouth guards significantly minimize the risk of sports injuries to the mouth and jaw and while it is obvious that a mouth guard is beneficial during collision and contact sports, you may not be aware of the benefits of wearing a mouth guard for other sports to. Basically, for any sport where there is a risk of face contact with other people or surfaces, a mouth guard can reduce the risk of suffering a dental injury.

So, although mouth guards may not be the coolest thing to wear, the team at College Dental Surgeries have got three big benefits that may quickly change your mind.

Protect your teeth

Without a mouth guard, your teeth are more likely to be chipped, broken teeth or even get knocked out (tooth loss). A mouthguard can therefore save you money in the long run, by reducing the risk of needing root canals, dental crowns, bridges, dental implants and splinting or TMJ treatments.

Protect your face and mouth

A mouth guard helps prevent bruising and cuts to the lip, tongue, or face. This is particularly useful for individuals with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Protect against other serious injuries

This includes root, bone damage and jaw fractures. Mouth guards can help avoid a situation where the lower jaw jams into the upper jaw. Also, mouth guards may reduce the severity of concussions by acting as a buffer to a blow.

For more information about protecting your teeth during sports or athletic activities, talk to your College Dental Surgeries dentist at your next appointment . They will be able to help you select the most effective protection for your specific needs. Call today on 01622 752340 to book your appointment.

As a parent, your child’s dental health should be a top priority. However, it can be challenging to teach children proper dental hygiene, especially small children.

Poor oral health causes kids to miss 51 million hours of class time each year and can have a negative impact on their future success. Though it’s largely preventable, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease among children aged 6-19, and this is why it is so important to get oral hygiene routines established from the moment their first tooth appears.

In this month’s blog the team at College Dental Surgeries have put together some ideas for making brushing fun.

Find Fun Dental Health Education Resources.

Try reading age-appropriate books and watching videos about dental hygiene with your child. There is nothing better than their favourite cartoon character brushing their teeth for your child to want to get involved.

Make Brushing and Flossing a Family Affair.

Setting an example for your kids is one of your most powerful tools to make brushing teeth fun. To model good dental hygiene, brush, and floss at least twice daily with your children, including once before bedtime. For younger children, you might even have them practice brushing your teeth!

Create a Two-minute “Contest” For Brushing.

Adults and children alike should brush teeth for two minutes twice daily, including before bedtime. To make brushing teeth fun, make a game of it and set the timer for two minutes; the “winner” must brush for the entire two minutes without stopping. This type of game will create a sense of friendly competition and motivate your kids to brush properly – a win-win!

Get Your Child a Special Toothbrush

As adults, we often overlook the benefits of integrating playful elements into daily routines. Reintroduce the fun of childhood by allowing your child to select a personalized toothbrush. By transforming the toothbrushing process into an enjoyable activity with engaging tools, you can create a positive and effective way to encourage regular dental hygiene.

Reward Consistent Tooth Brushing.

To encourage twice-daily brushing and flossing, reward good behaviour. Start with simple rewards like gold stars, given when they brush for two minutes twice a day and floss once daily. Once this routine is established, use a weekly calendar to track their consistency, offering a bigger reward for a week of perfect brushing.

Recruit the Tooth Fairy.

Not everyone realizes that the tooth fairy pays more for teeth that are clean and cavity free. Make sure your child knows this fact; it will go a long way in motivating your child to engage in daily brushing and flossing!

Make Going to the Dentist a Special Occasion.

Make it clear to your kids that going to the dentist is the crowning achievement of your child’s hard work for learning proper dental habits and avoid framing it as a negative outcome for neglecting their brushing and flossing habits. Parents can also pass a fear of the dentist to their children. Let us know when you make your appointment if you or your child is especially anxious so we can let our team know in advance. All the team at College Dental Surgeries are highly skilled at treating nervous patients and will be able to ensure that your children build positive associations with visiting the dentist.

Creating a fun and engaging routine at home will ensure your child develops a lifelong habit of caring for their teeth. If you need more information or would like to discuss how you can best care for your children’s dental health call College Dental Surgerieson 01622 752340 and book a consultation.

How to ensure a healthy smile at every age

A healthy smile improves your appearance and helps raise your confidence and self-esteem. Great teeth also have some other benefits, including being able to chew food properly, avoiding toothaches and spending less time at the dentist.

Good oral health can also have wider health benefits reducing the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and many other significant diseases.

Here at College Dental Surgeries the team have a range of simple tips to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age.

Start kids early

Approximately 50% of children aged 12 to 15 have dental cavities. Therefore, dentists advise that dental care should commence when a child’s first tooth emerges, typically at around six months of age. Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. Most children can start brushing their teeth with parental supervision around the age of two.

See your dentist every six months

Most experts advise that patients undergo a dental examination biannually. However, your dentist will provide recommendations on the appropriate frequency of visits based on your individual oral health needs. During a routine dental examination, the dentist will remove plaque, inspect for signs of decay, and screen for issues such as oral cancer and gum disease.

Brush after meals and floss daily

This may seem obvious, but many people still do not follow these rules. Brushing twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and using interdental cleaning aids daily removes food particles and excess plaque that can cause cavities or bad breath. Make sure to replace your brush every three months or as soon as the bristles become worn and book an appointment with the hygienist for advice on proper brushing techniques.

Use sealants

Your dentist can paint a clear coat of protectant over your child’s teeth. Sealants can be a powerful tool for children with deep grooves in their teeth or those who may be cavity prone, reducing the risk of decay.

Rinse or chew gum after meals

Brushing and flossing your teeth can help prevent decay and gum problems. Using an antibacterial mouth rinse can also be beneficial. Chewing sugar-free gum after meals may protect teeth and gums by increasing saliva flow, which helps to wash bacteria away and neutralize acid.

Protect your teeth during sports

Physical activity can keep our bodies healthy and reduce stress, but it can also damage teeth if you do not wear a mouth guard. And don’t forget recreational activities like skateboarding, bike riding, and rollerblading. Ask your dentist about a custom-fitted mouth guard to-day.

Avoid tobacco products

We all know that tobacco use can cause cancer. Tobacco stains your teeth and increases your risk of oral health problems.

Watch your diet

A balanced diet is crucial for healthy teeth and gums at any age. Include grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in your diet. Limit sugary foods to meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Here at College Dental Surgeries, we love getting patients’ smiles healthy and keeping them there. Dental examinations and regular cleanings are a great way to keep your family’s oral health in check.

Want to ensure a healthy smile at every age? Call College Dental Surgeries on 01622 752340 and book a consultation today.