DENTAL TREATMENT

Keep your smile beautiful and bright by visiting our dental practice for routine check-ups and general dental treatments

Dental Treatments In Derby

General Dental Treatment

At Melbourne Dental Practice, we have been providing dental treatments to people in Derby for over 40 years. Our dental practice provides all aspects of modern dental treatment. Prevention is also very important, as having healthy teeth and gums are essential, not only for a beautiful smile also to help you eat and talk with comfort. Some of our treatments are listed below and we also offer orthodontic treatments and cosmetic dentistry. Get in touch to find out more.

Dentistry You Can Trust

Fillings:

Fillings can be either the conventional silver fillings or if suitable they can be white fillings instead.

Crowns:

A crown is a type of covering that is placed on a tooth that has been severely damaged. They help to strengthen and protect the remaining tooth and can help maintain or improve the appearance of your smile and restore function.

We help establish which type of crown is most suitable for you and will insert it as painlessly as possible. The procedure usually takes place over two visits.

Bridges:

When tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend the placement of a bridge as one of the options to replace the missing tooth or teeth. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the way you bite. This in turn causes food traps, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. A bridge is teeth replacement by anchoring on one or more teeth on each side.

Stage One: Moulds (impressions) are taken of your mouth and sent to the Dental Laboratory. This may be done over two visits.

Stage Two: Wax blocks are inserted in your mouth to record the way your jaws meet. At this stage the colour and shape of the new teeth is discussed. If you have any views on this it is useful to let the dentist know at this stage.

Stage Three: A trial denture made of wax will be fitted. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you indicate any adjustments you wish be made at this visit. Once the dentures are finished additional alterations are very difficult to do. If you are uncertain about the appearance of the trial dentures at this stage it is possible to take them home with you to examine them, show relatives, friends etc. Only when you are completely satisfied with the trial denture, will treatment commence to the final stage.

Stage Four: You new denture will be fitted. It takes approximately 4-5 visits from start to finish while having new dentures made. Further adjustment appointments may be requested once the new dentures are fitted. This is entirely normal. If the new denture does rub it is very helpful to wear the denture for at least two hours before any adjustment so that the easing can be much more accurately done.

Dentures

Dentures, or false teeth, are never like your own teeth, no matter how experienced you are as a denture wearer. If you are new to wearing dentures you need to be patient and get used to them gradually. This is especially true if you have had a new denture made for yourself. To begin with, the denture may fit perfectly well, but with time the denture may begin to feel loose. This is because the gums can shrink very quickly. It may be necessary to reline the denture, or sometimes have it remade. It can take some weeks to complete your new dentures, with the work being transferred to a dental laboratory after each appointment.

What will dentures feel like?

New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation and soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. These problems should diminish with time. More follow-up appointments are generally needed after the new dentures are inserted.
Will I be able to eat with my dentures?

Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Be cautious with hot food/drink or hard sharp-edged bones or shells.
Will dentures change how I speak?

Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading aloud and repeating troublesome words will help. If your dentures "click" while you're talking, speak slowly. You may find that your dentures occasionally slip out slightly when you cough, laugh or smile. Reposition them by biting down and swallowing. Soon you will be able to cope very well with your new dentures.
How do I take care of my dentures?

Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped even only a few inches. Stand over a folded towel or basin of water when handling dentures for cleaning. Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing prevents permanent staining and helps keep your mouth healthy. A tooth/ denture brush with soft bristles can be used, as hard-bristles brushes can damage the dentures. Some denture wearers use hand soap and mild dishwashing liquid to clean their dentures. More advanced denture creams and tables are widely available. Avoid using other household product cleaners, which may be to abrasive or even toxic.
The first step is to thoroughly rinse away loose food particles. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleaner. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently and avoid damage. Dentures may lose their shape if you allow them to dry out. When not worn, place in warm water. Never use hot water which could cause dentures to warp. Keep out of reach of children. You still need to take care of your mouth, brushing your tongue, palate, cheeks and gums daily. This removes plaque and promotes circulation.
How long should I wear my dentures?

During the day, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while your sleep. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows the tissues to rest and promotes good oral health. Generally it is not desirable for the oral tissues to be constantly in contact with the denture material.

Root Canal Treatments

Root canal treatment is a means of saving a tooth that has been damaged by infection or deep decay. The purpose of treatment is to restore the tooth so that it can function properly inside your mouth. Why should a tooth need to be Root Treated?

The pulp chamber inside the tooth contains the vessels that supply nutrients and stimuli to and from the tooth. If a large cavity in the tooth reaches the pulp or if the tooth breaks, bacteria can reach the pulp and infect it. These are but some of the reasons for infected pulps and are not the only ones. The other common cause is due to the tooth cracking deep inside. The root canals then become infected and inevitably an abscess forms in the bones around the roots. Pain (sometimes severe) may occur at any time during this process and the infection can spread.

The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria from inside the tooth and disinfect the root canals. Access is made through the crown of the tooth and the contents of the pulp camber and root canals are removed with thin files. The root canals are disinfected by removing layers from its walls and placing medication inside the tooth. Radiographs are required to monitor the progress of the procedure. Once the tooth presents itself symptom free, is the tooth sealed with a root filling material and a filling is placed on top of the hole in your tooth.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure and every possible step is taken to ensure that you are comfortable while the work is carried out. Following treatment you will be informed if there is a possibility of discomfort. This is usually minor, and doesn't last long.
How long does the treatment take?

The procedure is usually done over two or more visits. A dressing may be placed on the first visit. The next appointment will be for the tooth to be filled. Sometimes if the tooth is not free from infection more medicated dressing is placed into the tooth. This can vary according to the complexity of the root canals. Appointments given are usually lengthy and patients are requested to keep their appointments or to inform the surgery if not able to attend.
Is success guaranteed?

Root canal treatment does enjoy a high level of success. However it should be remembered that it is impossible to guarantee the success of any medical procedure. Treatment may discolour and weaken the tooth. Your dentist may recommend a crown to protect the tooth. It may be necessary for you to avoid biting too hard until a crown is fitted.

If you would like to talk to our experienced dentists about any of the dental treatments we have available, please contact Melbourne Dental Practice today.

01332 862942