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What is a hygienist?

Dental hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team who focus on preventative dental health and treating gum disease, currently the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.

What does a hygienist do?

The hygienist will scale your teeth to remove any plaque and calculus, will advise you on the best oral hygiene routine to use in between visits to maintain your oral health and they will advise you on lifestyle factors that can affect the health of your teeth and gums.

They will be able to give you focused advice to help care for dental implants, teeth straightening appliances and may also suggest that you give up smoking. Smoking will have a detrimental effect on your teeth increasing the risk of gum disease and staining.

How often should I see the hygienist?

How often you should visit the hygienist will depend on the health of your teeth and gums. To begin with the hygienist may advise that you attend every three months but over time as your oral hygiene improves you should need to visit the hygienist less often.

What are the benefits of visiting the hygienist?

• • Demonstrations on effective tooth brushing techniques to remove plaque without causing tooth wear and receding gums.
  • Discussions on the latest oral hygiene products.
  • Advice on the best aid to clean in-between teeth.
  • Detailed explanation of gum disease.
  • Removal of plaque and hard calculus deposits.
  • Discussion on the secondary factors that cause gum disease, for example smoking and diabetes.
  • Discussion on how gum disease could affect or complicate other health problems, for example heart disease.
  • Prevention of tooth decay and erosion
  • Diet advice on how to reduce sugary and acidic food and drink.
  • Advice on fluoride and apply fluoride varnishes to help remineralise early signs of tooth caries.
  • Polishing the teeth to remove food and drink stain.
  • Helping to change red and inflamed gums to a healthy pink.
  • Stopping gums from bleeding when brushing.
  • Preventing teeth from becoming mobile and drifting.
  • Preventing unpleasant tastes and bad breath caused by the damaging bacteria in the mouth.

Can I see the hygienist without seeing the dentist?

You are now able to see the hygienist without first seeing the dentist. It must however be noted that a visit to the hygienist is no an alternative to seeing the dentist. You will still need to see the dentist for your routine appointments and the hygienist will refer you to the dentist if they notice any problems or you require treatment which is outside of the training.

What should I do to look after my teeth in between hygienist visits?

In between visits you should follow the oral care routine advised by the hygienist including:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste
• Using interdental brushes to clean between your teeth where brushing misses.
• Cutting down on how often you have sugary food and drink.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of attending for a hygienist appointment, contact the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01296 712264.

Dental implants are safe, reliable and established cosmetic treatment that helps you replace missing teeth. A dental implant is a replacement for the root of your tooth or teeth. Dental implants are secured into the jaw bone and will not be visible once they have been placed. The implant is then used as a base to support a crown, bridge or denture depending on the number of teeth to be replaced. Along with replacing lost teeth, dental implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures — gum tissues, cheeks, and lips. Dental implants help you eat, chew, smile, talk and look completely natural. Dental implants are made of titanium which is lightweight, strong and biocompatible, which means that it is not rejected by the body. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device but as with all implants there is no 100% guarantee of success.

Prior to treatment

Prior to any treatment the dentist will need to complete a full assessment of the level and health of bone present in your jaw. To do this they will need to take x-rays of your jaw. If you do not have sufficient bone or the bone is not healthy enough it may be necessary to perform a bone graft prior to any treatment being completed.

Treatment

Dental implants are placed under a local anaesthetic so should be no different to having a filling. You may experience some discomfort in the week following surgery as the bone begins to fuse to the implant. This will then be left for 3-5 months to form a secure foundation.

Once the implant has fully healed an abutment is fitted over the top, which will support the crown, bridge or denture. Depending on the number of teeth to be replaced it may be necessary to have more than one implant to support a bridge or denture.

Prior to starting any treatment, the dentist will provide you with a full written treatment plan explaining exacting what treatment will be carried out and the estimated cost.

Aftercare

Dental implants should last for at least 10 years provided that they are properly cared for. Cleaning around the teeth attached to the implants should be no more difficult than cleaning your natural teeth.

If you suffered from gum disease prior to implant placement there is a chance that gum disease will develop around the implant. Provided you keep the area clean with regular toothbrushing and interdental cleaning and attend the dentist and hygienist for regular routine appointments there should not be a problem.

If you are a smoker the dentist will advise that dental implants are not the best treatment for you as smoking can dramatically reduce the chance of dental implants being successful.

If you have any questions or would like more information on whether dental implants are right for you contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01296 712264and arrange a consultation.

If you’re considering treatment to straighten your teeth, it’s likely you’re trying to decide between traditional metal braces and Invisalign. You know that Invisalign looks better, but does Invisalign work as well as metal braces? In this month’s blog, the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have put together their thoughts on the most significant benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces.

You Can Eat and Drink Whatever You Want

With traditional metal braces, there’s an extensive list of verboten foods. Hard foods can cause brackets to break off of your teeth when you bite into them, while chewy foods easily get stuck on, in, and around your brackets and wires, creating the perfect breeding ground for sugar-loving bacteria. With Invisalign, you’ll never have to worry about committing a list of forbidden foods to memory. Simply take your aligner trays out before meals and snacks, eat whatever you want, brush (or at the very least, rinse with water), and put your aligners back in place.

Invisalign Is Virtually Invisible

Before Invisalign, so many adults liked the idea of having straighter teeth, but were put off by the prospect of traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a game-changer for anyone in need of teeth straightening treatment. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing your aligners––they’re made with thin, clear plastic that’s almost invisible. Now you can get the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted without drawing attention to the fact that you’re straightening your teeth.

Oral Hygiene Is Easier

Metal braces make good oral hygiene extraordinarily difficult. It’s not impossible, of course, but flossing and brushing around your brackets and wires takes a lot of time and patience. With Invisalign, oral hygiene is as simple as removing your plastic aligners and brushing and flossing as usual.

You’ll Never Have Orthodontic Emergencies

One of the many inconveniences of traditional braces is the inevitable teeth straightening emergency. Invisalign aligners are strong––you don’t have to worry about breaking them. That means no emergency visits to the dentist.

Invisalign Is Comfortable

Invisalign aligners are made with smooth plastic that fits snugly against the teeth, in contrast to obtrusive metal brackets. There are no wires poking your cheeks and soft tissue, and no painful wire tightening every four weeks––instead, you’ll switch your aligners yourself at home every two weeks.

You Can Remove Your Aligners

Because Invisalign aligners are practically invisible, there’s really no need to ever remove them. Sometimes, though, our patients have special events that they’d prefer to attend without wearing their aligners––a wedding, giving an important speech at a conference, or even a first date. With Invisalign, removing your aligners for a few hours is not a problem.

Invisalign Is Just as Effective as Traditional Metal Braces

Invisalign isn’t just made with plastic––it’s made from advanced SmartTrack® material, for more predictable, controlled tooth movements. Invisalign is just as effective as metal braces for almost all orthodontic cases..

You’ll Spend Less Time at the Dentist

You spend a lot of time at the dentist with traditional metal braces. Every four weeks, you’ll go in for a scheduled visit where your braces will be adjusted and tightened. Because there are no wires with Invisalign to tighten, you only need to follow up with us every six weeks, and these visits are much quicker than they are with traditional braces. We’ll just take a look to make sure your treatment is on the right track and send you on your way.

Find Out More About Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre Invisalign Services

If you’d like to learn more about whether Invisalign is right for you or you’d like to schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our dentists, contact us on 01296 712264.

Many adults who suffer with headaches may never realize, however, that their dental health may cause or worsen their headache symptoms.

If you find yourself struggling with unexplained headaches, you may need to evaluate your teeth or jaw for any underlying conditions that might factor into your pain. Discover three such issues that can play a role in acute or chronic headaches.

Tooth Damage

Any tooth damage that exposes sensitive nerve tissue can cause pain. However, this pain may not limit itself to the affected tooth. Pain in the tooth’s nerve pulp can travel along the trigeminal nerve to other parts of the head, resulting in what feels like a classic tension headache or light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting.

A cracked, broken, or severely worn tooth should receive prompt professional care, not only to guard against infection and improve function but also to prevent or relieve pain. Permanent crowns can cover and protect damaged enamel, safeguarding the nerve tissue against unwelcome stimuli and preventing additional damage.

Infections and Abscesses

In addition to triggering nerve pain, a fractured or decayed tooth can also develop a painful bacterial infection. The bacteria destroy the sensitive pulp chamber of the tooth, causing symptoms such as pain, fever, and swelling. It can also invade the jaw, resulting in an abscess.

Diseased nerve tissue can transfer pain to the face or head just as easily as acute damage to the tooth enamel. An abscess in the upper jaw can also produce an acute sinus infection, causing debilitating sinus or migraine headaches.

Fortunately, you can avoid the worst of these complications by treating that nagging toothache as quickly as possible. Root canal treatment can often save even a seriously infected tooth, while antibiotics can clear up any infection in surrounding tissues. As the infection recedes, so will your headaches.

Bruxism

The unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth can produce chronic headaches. This problem, known as bruxism, typically occurs during sleep. Emotional stress and alignment problems between the top and bottom teeth can fatigue the jaw muscles, wear down the enamel, or even lead to tooth fractures.

The tooth damage from bruxism can transfer nerve pain from the teeth into the face and head. Meanwhile, strain on the jaw muscles can cause pain that spreads from these muscles to your head, resulting in a TMJ-related tension headache.

Your dentist can help you ward off bruxism-related headaches. You may need to have a custom night guard fitted to reduce overnight jaw tension and enamel wear.

If you suspect that your headache problem might actually stem from a dental problem, start your search for solutions at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01296 712264to schedule an evaluation and learn more about dental treatment for headaches.

5 Oral health tips to keep your whites pearly.

It seems that if you have missing teeth,your dentist will be singing the praises of what dental implants have to offer.

But with that said, dental implants do have some down-sides to consider. Fortunately, many of those supposed disadvantages have very beneficial advantages that outweigh them.

In this month’s blog we look at the pros and cons of dental implants

Pro: A Dental Implant Can Last a Lifetime

Studies have shown that well-cared for dental implants can last decades, suggesting they’ll be a lifelong part of your smile. The failure rate of dental implants is extremely low. With a 98% success rate, dental implants are the most proven and effective treatment offered in modern dentistry.

Con: The Restoration on Top Can Wear Out

Your implant is only the part of the tooth that supports a fixed restoration on top of it. If you get a crown or a bridge, the porcelain can still wear out and need to be replaced every decade.

Pro: Dental Implants Mimic Natural Teeth

Dental implants’ design is based on the natural size and shape of the tooth they’re replacing. This feature allows them to support your bone and facial tissues for a healthy and youthful appearance.

Con: You’ll Need Enough Bone to Support Them

As with natural teeth, you’ll need enough bone to hold dental implantsin place. Going quite some time with a missing tooth allows for the bone to shrink. Fortunately, a bone graft can help with this dilemma.

Pro: They’re the Most Cost-Effective Missing Tooth Treatment

Compared to other types of restorations that need to be routinely replaced every several years, the price of dental implants is relatively less.

Con: Initial Investments Cost More Than Other Options

Your upfront treatment expenses will be slightly more if you get dental implants, compared to choosing something like dentures. However, it’s the long-term numbers that prove this investment is worth it!

Pro: You Can Replace as Many Teeth as You Need To

With dental implantsit is possible to use one, two, or as few as four to support anything from a single crown to a full arch denture. You do not necessarily need an individual implant for each tooth that is missing. They are extremely durable and support more weight than a natural tooth.

Con: The Process Can Seem Time Consuming

Planning your dental implant surgery requires several phases of treatment. From the consultation and exam to the surgical placement, followed by the healing phase and restorative visits, you may wind up requiring multiple appointments over the course of around six months.

If you are considering getting dental implants, schedule a consultation at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre today on 01296 712264 and see what our highly trained team of dentists can suggest to restore your smile to its former glory.

A broken tooth stops you from smiling and shatters your confidence. Some of the common causes of the tooth breaking are eating hard food like hard boiled sweets or an ice cube, falling accidents, tooth injury or cavities.

However, the good news is that modern dentistry has the solutions to most dental problems.

Some of the dental treatment options for broken tooth are:

1. Dental Crown
Dental crowns can be useful in covering the entire affected portion of tooth and restore the tooth’s shape and appearance. Typically, crowns are made of metal, porcelain, and ceramic. Dentists consider it one of the safest options to fix or restore decayed or broken teeth.

2. Veneers
Veneers are the most popular cosmetic, restorative solution for improving your smile. Porcelain veneers are hand crafted, fine pieces of porcelain that fit over your tooth in the same way a false nail fits over your fingernail. They can be used to correct a variety of different flaws including chipped, damaged, crooked, gapped, or discoloured teeth

3. Dental implants
If your tooth is broken beyond repair and needs to be extracted. Dental implants provide a safe, reliable, and established cosmetic treatment to replace missing teeth. It is a safe titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone to replace the missing root. Once the screw has settled in the jawbone the tooth-coloured crown is then placed on it.

4. Bonding
Many dentists consider dental bonding one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures, providing a strong, durable and long-lasting finish for the damaged tooth.

5. Root canal
Both broken and cracked teeth can lead to infections in the tooth roots. Your dentist may suggest root canal treatment to treat the broken teeth in such a situation.  They remove the infection first and then place a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth.

6. Filling
With improvements in filling materials in recent years, white fillings can now be used to repair most teeth successfully and your dentist will be able to advise you on the life expectancy of any restoration. White fillings blend with your natural teeth ensuring that they will not be visible when you laugh or smile.

Do not hesitate to call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 if you damage a tooth. Our highly experienced dentists can then help you find the most suitable option to repair your tooth.

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat and can affect anyone, whether they have their own teeth or not. In the last year 8.700 people have been diagnosed with disease in the UK.

Sadly, more than 2,000 people die from the die every year with many of these deaths being preventable. If the cancer is caught early there is a 90% chance of survival, this however drops to as little as 50% when the cancer is found at a late stage.

Risk Factors
Currently, 91% 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.

1. Tobacco
The majority of 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 overtime can turn them cancerous. Research has shown that by quitting you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer by a third. So why not use this Mouth Cancer Action Month as the time to stop!

2. Alcohol
Drinking over your recommended alcohol units on a regular basis is another major risk factor linked with the development of mouth cancer. The occasional glass of wine is not an issue, but a bottle in a night could be. Moderation really is the key!

Smoking and drinking together trebles the risk of developing mouth cancer.

3. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV.

4. Chewing and smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned.Chewing and smokeless tobacco is extremely harmful and can significantly increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

5. Diet
Poor diet has been linked to 30% of all mouth cancer cases. It is important to have a diet rich in vitamins 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 fibre and Omega 3.

6. Family history, genetics, and the immune system
Although we do not know why, there is a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer if you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease.

Mouth cancer can also be more likely for those who carry certain inherited genes. Links have been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone marrow, skin, or fingernails.

Signs and Symptoms</strong
There are three main symptoms that should not be ignored:

• Ulcers which do not heal in three weeks
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• 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 Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book an appointment today. If in doubt get it checked out!

Dentists are a very friendly bunch, so it is surprising to learn that around half of the UK population has a dental phobia according to statistics from the Oral Health Foundation.

Even more surprising is that dental phobia beats fear of heights, snakes, and the zombie apocalypse to take number-one spot on the nation’s list of fears.

Around 12% of cases of dental phobia are acute enough to prevent dentist visits altogether, and that’s a real problem when it comes to maintaining good oral health and avoiding unnecessary aches and pains.

The team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre have come up with a few simple steps to help banish dental anxiety for good.

Find the Right Dentist

If your dentist strokes a long-haired white cat and laughs maniacally during treatment, it’s time to find a dentist who’s willing to use their powers for good. Ask around with family and friends to get a recommendation from someone you trust.

Know Your Enemy

Try to find out what exactly scares you. It could be that you are afraid of the drill, or the needle used to administer anaesthetic. Would it put your mind at rest to learn neither of these will be used during your upcoming dental examination? Knowing the source of fears can also help you to start a conversation about how your dentist can help make treatment more pleasant.

Easy Does it

If it’s been a while since you last had treatment, start off slowly with a dental examination or hygiene visit. This approach will help you build a rapport with your dentist.

Ditch Needless Needles

Fear of needles? In many cases, injected anaesthetics can be substituted for a topical gel. Once again, talking to your dentist to let them know your concerns is critical here.

You Were Saying?

When it comes to taking your mind off treatment, distraction is your friend. Some people like to solve puzzles, while others listen to music on headphones. Do not worry – your dentist will not think it is rude. Stress balls, fidget spinners, magazines and other distractions are all fair game.

I Want to be Sedated

Yes, it is perfectly fine to ask. Many dentists, especially those who specialise in dealing with phobic or anxious patients, now offer gentle sedation for the simplest procedures.

Open Wide, Say OM!

Meditation, mindfulness, and calming breathing exercises can work wonders in the battle against everyday anxiety, and the same is true for dental angst. A quick five-minute exercise is often all it takes to dispel dental dread.

Talk to a Professional

If dental phobia continues even after following the steps in our guide, it could be time to talk to an anxiety specialist. Counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy could arm you with the coping mechanism needed to get past your fear once and for all, as well as getting to the root cause of anxiety.

Reward Yourself

If you have followed the advice so far, you should be well on your way to repairing dental relations. There is still something you can do after treatment to make the experience more palatable. Treating yourself to a reward can help rebuild positive associations and help make each visit feel like less of a chore. And besides, do you really need an excuse to finally take that long, lazy lunch hour.

Looking for dentists highly trained in treating anxious patients, call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 and book an appointment today.  

Over the years, cosmetic dentistry procedures have transformed countless lives by improving smiles, as well as dental health. From teeth whitening to dental veneers and dental implants, there are many procedures and techniques available today to help you restore your confidence in your teeth and smile.

Read on to take a closer look at some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve your smile and overall dental health.

Teeth Whitening

If you are searching for an easy way to improve your smile, teeth whitening may be just the procedure for you. This is, without question, one of the fastest and most convenient ways for you to improve your smile appearance. In addition, teeth whitening is also much more affordable than other cosmetic dental procedures, making this an extremely appealing option for those who want to brighten their smile.

Dental Veneers

Some people are lucky to be born with perfect smiles. However, there is a good chance that many of those flawless grins you encounter have been cosmetically enhanced. Thin, porcelain shells, known as dental veneers, are used to cover up existing teeth and imperfections. This technique is regarded as one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures among patients. Since no two smiles are the same, dental veneers can also be customized to look and feel like your natural teeth, while providing just the right fit.

Dental Crowns

Although dental crowns are mainly considered as a way to preserve a natural tooth by making it stronger while sealing it, this procedure also has an aesthetic component. Porcelain crowns are not only affordable and durable, but they also offer the most natural appearance and blend seamlessly with your own teeth. In fact, their appearance is so natural that no one besides you and your dentist will know that you’re sporting dental crowns.

Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years and one of the ways to improve your smile is through dental implants. Thanks to the visibly impressive benefits, dental implants have been increasing in popularity and make a suitable choice for anyone who has one or more missing teeth. They provide the right combination of functionality and aesthetics, to ensure you have nothing but confidence in the long-term health and appearance of your smile.

Teeth Straightening Treatments

There is more to a beautiful smile than just white teeth. A beautiful, healthy, confident smile also has to do with teeth alignment. Teeth straightening procedures can be used to improve the appearance of crowded, gapped, crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. No matter what your age, it is possible to have straight teeth and a smile you can be confident in.

There are a wide range of teeth straightening procedures and your experienced dentist at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre will be able to advise you on the best one to meet your needs.

Facial Aesthetics

Facial aesthetics can be used to give you a more youthful and confident appearance easily and painlessly. At your consultation we will discuss your concerns in order that we can provide the right solution to meet your needs. With the careful use of wrinkle relaxation injections and/or injectable fillers it is possible to enhance your natural beauty and rejuvenate your skin.

At Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre, we provide a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions. From simple teeth whitening procedures to more involved restorations, our experienced team of dentists can help you improve your smile.

If you wish to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry procedures, please feel free to contact Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029 to book an appointment.