Treatments

Fillings | Veneers | Crowns | Bridges | Root Treatments Dentures | Implants | Whitening | Children

Fillings (restorations)
The restoration of a tooth may be required due to decay or a fracture. If not too large in size this can be completed directly within the mouth with either an amalgam (silver) or composite (tooth coloured) material.

Veneers
These can be utilised to alter the appearance and/or position of a tooth. A small piece of porcelain is constructed on a model of the tooth/teeth and returned from the laboratory to be cemented in place. The use of veneers is often limited to the upper and lower front teeth when cosmetic changes are required.

Crowns
Where the damage to a tooth is quite extensive it may require a restoration that is constructed outside of the mouth then cemented over the tooth to return form and function. These can be made from various materials included gold, porcelain and composite, depending upon the requirements of the tooth. As with veneers they can also be utilised to provide cosmetic alterations.

Bridges (or fixed dentures)
If a tooth is lost, the space can sometimes be restored with a bridge. Various designs exist and the suitability of each type will depend upon several factors including which tooth is being replaced and the condition of the adjacent teeth.

Root Treatment (endodontics)
A treatment used to remove bacteria and other debris from within the root of a tooth. Often associated with a tooth abscess, a root treatment can preserve a tooth and allow for the restoration of the functional part above the gum.

Dentures (or removable bridges)
Most often used where there are several teeth missing within the mouth and other methods of replacement are not suitable. Constructed on models of the mouth and teeth they can be made from acrylic (plastic) or metal. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages however, each one can help return some form and function to a mouth with missing teeth.

Implants
Missing teeth can be replaced with artificial roots made from titanium. Placed into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth they become integrated with the bone. Following a period of healing the implant can be used to fix crowns or dentures to, often providing a more natural looking outcome and feel than bridges or dentures alone.

Tooth Whitening
Until recently to change the colour of teeth required the preparation of a crown or veneer. Now, with a well-tested technique it is possible to whiten teeth without placing restorations. By applying a gel solution for various periods of time, most often overnight, teeth can be lightened; by removing the stains and discolouration from food/drink and natural aging. Tooth whitening will not change the colour of existing restorations (crowns/fillings/veneers) and these may need to be changed for cosmetic reasons following whitening.

Children’s Dentistry
Children are welcomed into the practice by Moyra Aspey (BDS). All our children's dental care is provided on a private basis to ensure a high level of care. We also accept children into our Denplan dental scheme so that they can receive all the benefits that our adults get from Denplan Essentials.

By promoting prevention from an early age we hope to give children all the advantages of a healthy mouth throughout their life.