Dentistree


When to call the dentist

It is normal to feel some pain after the anaesthesic wears off. For 24 hours after having a tooth out, you should also expect some swelling and residual bleeding. However, if pain is severe or bleeding continues for more than four hours after the extraction, you should call your dentist. You should also call your dentist if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Redness, swelling or excessive discharge from the affected area
  • Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain

The initial healing period usually takes about one to two weeks. New bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap. Longer term, however, having a tooth (or teeth) missing can cause the remaining teeth to move, affecting your bite and making it difficult to chew. For that reason, your dentist may advise replacing the missing tooth or teeth with an implant, fixed bridge or denture.

Teeth whitening at the dentist’s surgery

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure which some people consider to give them a brighter smile, especially if they have stained or darker coloured teeth.

Most of the colour of our teeth comes from DNA. Whitening cannot bring about a complete colour change, but it can lighten the existing shade.

Teeth whitening may be suitable for people who have healthy unrestored teeth (no fillings) and gums. Individuals with yellow tones to their teeth respond best, but this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.
Here’s a guide to help find out if teeth whitening is right for you.

What about home whitening kits

The British Dental Association urges caution about using home tooth whitening kits and recommends taking professional advice from a dentist first.

Home kits can only use up to 0.1% hydrogen peroxide under EU rules. Dentists offer higher strength products as well as newer approaches, such as lasers.

It is illegal for anyone other than dentists or their staff to carry out teeth whitening. This includes beauticians and hairdressers.

Professional tooth whitening

Professional tooth whitening may take around three to four weeks across two or three appointments at the dentist’s.

At the first appointment, your dentist will first check whether you are a candidate for teeth whitening. It may not be recommended for people with gum disease or dental work such as crowns.

First, a rubber shield or a protective gel is put on the gums to keep the bleaching agent off them.

Whitening product is usually applied to the teeth using a specially made tray similar to a gum shield.

The active ingredient used by dentists is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Although the dentist starts and supervises the treatment, whitening product will need to be applied at home in between appointments.

What about laser teeth whitening?

Laser whitening or power whitening uses a laser to activate chemicals in the whitening product for a faster treatment making teeth up to six shades lighter.

A rubber dam is used to protect the gums before bleaching product is painted onto the teeth and then activated using the laser.

This procedure usually takes about an hour.

How much does professional tooth whitening cost?

Whitening teeth is a cosmetic procedure so is not available on the NHS unless there is a medical reason for it. Private charges vary between dental practices and the type of treatment, but can run into hundreds of pounds. Laser whitening is more expensive than normal bleaching.

The British Dental Health Foundation recommends getting a written quote or estimate of the costs before starting treatment.

How long do the whitening effects last?

The effects of professional tooth whitening are can last up to three years, but this will be different for each person, their standard of dental hygiene and whether they will continue to smoke.

Teeth whitening at the dentist’s surgery
(continued)

What about ‘dead’ or root filled teeth?

A dead tooth can become discoloured after being root filled. It is possible for a dentist to reopen a root canal and apply whitening product inside the tooth.

Who should not undergo teeth whitening?

Whitening is not recommended or will be less successful in the following circumstances:

  • Age and pregnancy issues. Bleaching is not recommended in children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged until this age. Teeth whitening under this condition could irritate the pulp or cause it to become sensitive. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • Sensitive teeth and allergies. Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
  • Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth whitening procedure. Cavities need to be treated before undergoing any whitening procedure. This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots because roots do not have an enamel layer.
  • Fillings, crowns and other restorations. Tooth-coloured fillings and resin composite materials used in dental restorations (crowns, veneers, bonding, bridges) do not whiten. Therefore, using a whitening agent on teeth that contain restorations will results in uneven whitening-in this case, making the teeth without restorations appear lighter than those with restorations. Any whitening procedure should be done prior to the placement of restorations. Individuals with numerous restorations that would result in uneven whitening may be better off considering bonding, veneers or crowns rather than a tooth whitening system. Ask your dentist what strategy is best for you.
  • Unrealistic expectations. Individuals who expect their teeth to be a new “blinding white” may be disappointed with their results. Smokers need to be aware that their results will be limited unless they refrain from continued smoking, particularly during the bleaching process. A healthy guide as to a reasonable degree of whiteness to achieve with a whitening process that would give a natural appearance to a person’s teeth is a slightly whiter colour than the whites of your eyes.
  • Darkly stained teeth. Yellowish teeth respond well to bleaching, brownish-coloured teeth respond less well and greyish-hue or purple-stained teeth may not respond to bleaching at all. Blue-grey staining caused by tetracycline is more difficult to lighten and may require up to six months of home treatments or several in-clinic appointments to successfully lighten. Teeth that have dark stains may be better candidates for another lightening option, such as veneers, bonding, or crowns. Your dentist can discuss the options best suited for you.

Risks associated with teeth whitening

The two side effects that occur most often are a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, particularly the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of the bleaching treatment. Tissue irritation most commonly results from an ill-fitting mouthpiece tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agent. Both of these conditions usually are temporary and disappear within one to three days of stopping or completing treatment.

What is it?

A scale and polish cleans your teeth very thoroughly.

Scaling removes the hard tartar which forms on your teeth like scale inside a kettle. You can’t remove it just by brushing your teeth. Scaling also removes trapped food and plaque containing millions of germs, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Stains from coffee, tea, cigarettes or red wine are also cleaned away when your dentist polishes your teeth.

A dental hygienist is specially trained and will scale your teeth. If you clean your teeth very thoroughly anyway, your scale and polish will take less time.

What happens?

There are two ways to scale teeth.

  • Hand scalers – These come in different sizes and shapes, to reach different parts of your teeth. This is why you will see the hygienist changing instruments quite often.
  • Electric scalers – These use very fast vibration with water. The water is sucked out of your mouth. A hand scaler is used to check whether the teeth are completely clean.

For polishing, your hygienist will use a rotating brush or rubber polisher with toothpaste.

Scaling cleans above and below the gums. If you have gum disease, scaling needs to be deeper, around the roots of the teeth.

This is called ‘root planing’. Your hygienist may give you a local anaesthetic to make it more comfortable.

Your dental hygienist will tell you about the best way to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly at home.

What are the benefits?

  • Regular scaling and polishing by a hygienist helps keep your teeth and gums healthy by making it easier for you to keep your teeth clean at home. You should see and feel the difference.
  • If your gums bleed when you brush, you may have early gum disease. Regular scaling helps to stop the disease getting worse.
  • Gum disease can cause bad breath, which you can prevent by regular scaling and cleaning your teeth thoroughly at home.

Dental Health and Root Canals

In this article

  • What is a Root Canal?
  • Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
  • What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
  • What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
  • What Happens During a Root Canal?
  • How Painful Is a Root Canal?
  • What Should One Expect After the Root Canal?
  • How Successful Are Root Canals?
  • Complications of a Root Canal
  • Cost of a Root Canal
  • Alternatives to a Root Canal
  • Root Canal Prevention

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal.The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  •  Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
  •  Bone loss around the tip of the root
  • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

Dental Health and Root Canals

In this article

  • What is a Root Canal?
  • Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
  • What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
  • What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
  • What Happens During a Root Canal?
  • How Painful Is a Root Canal?
  • What Should One Expect After the Root Canal?
  • How Successful Are Root Canals?
  • Complications of a Root Canal
  • Cost of a Root Canal
  • Alternatives to a Root Canal
  • Root Canal Prevention

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  • Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
  • Bone loss around the tip of the root
  • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

Dental Health and Root Canals

In this article

  • What is a Root Canal?
  • Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
  • What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
  • What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
  • What Happens During a Root Canal?
  • How Painful Is a Root Canal?
  • What Should One Expect After the Root Canal?
  • How Successful Are Root Canals?
  • Complications of a Root Canal
  • Cost of a Root Canal
  • Alternatives to a Root Canal
  • Root Canal Prevention

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  • Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
  • Bone loss around the tip of the root
  • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.
    What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
    A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.

In this article

  • What is a Root Canal?
  • Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?
  • What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
  • What Are the Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?
  • What Happens During a Root Canal?
  • How Painful Is a Root Canal?
  • What Should One Expect After the Root Canal?
  • How Successful Are Root Canals?
  • Complications of a Root Canal
  • Cost of a Root Canal
  • Alternatives to a Root Canal
  • Root Canal Prevention

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.

“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve lies within the root canal.

A tooth’s nerve is not vitally important to a tooth’s health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory — to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.

Why Does Tooth Pulp Need to Be Removed?

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:

  • Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
  • Bone loss around the tip of the root
  • Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.

What Damages a Tooth’s Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?

A tooth’s nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.