Shaping Your Smile with Implants

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MSC Implants in 2017

Why Implants?

Answering this question is easy, because implants are an excellent choice for replacing missing teeth. Not only are they comfortable, but they are natural in their appearance, too. Plus, having implants can improve your eating experience and enhance your smile. So, considering these benefits and the positive impact they will have on your confidence, it is not hard to see why implants are the way forward for those with missing teeth.

The Procedure

Implants consist of a dental crown that has a natural appearance and a titanium supporting rod. The titanium supporting rod is placed into your jawbone. This replaces the root of your tooth and the dental crown replaces the tooth. When this procedure is performed by Midland Smile Centres, our no scalpel technique is employed. This part of the procedure makes use of X-ray imaging to locate precisely where the implant is to be placed before it is inserted into the gum. 

Due to this technique employed by our specialist dentists, you can expect less swelling and bleeding. It makes the procedure less painful as well. The use of the no-scalpel technique also means that healing time is reduced, and in just three months with two visits, the procedure will be finished*.

Want to know how dental implants are made? Watch this short video that explains the process. 

An important thing to be aware of in regards to having dental implants, is that it is not advisable to simply opt for the cheapest provider, as experience in performing this procedure is crucial. Fortunately, all of our skilled implantologists at MSC have many years experience in carrying out this procedure, as they have been performing for over 25 years and have successfully treated over 5,000 patients.

Aftercare

Your dentist will provide details about your aftercare and it is important that you follow them. It may be necessary to take painkillers, and when you are brushing your teeth, make sure you clean the teeth attached to your implants as much as your normal teeth. Areas that are more difficult to get to may mean that additional advice is needed. Sometimes further visits to the hygienist can be necessary, too.

To Sum Up

Midland Smiles Centres have highly experienced, skilled dentists that you can be confident will perform a successful implant procedure. Once complete, you can start looking forward to better eating and an improved smile, which is sure to make a positive impact on your daily life. Get in touch with MSC about our dental implants in Birmingham today.

Other Dental Treatments at MSC

If you want to take the standard of your smile even further or feel that implants may not be the right option for you, it may be helpful to learn about the other types of treatment that are available at Midland Smiles Centres. Dentures, bridges, crowns, denture implants, gold implants and a range of cosmetic treatment types are all on offer at MSC. Contact Midland Smile Centres to find out more about what we can offer you!

*Actual healing times and treatment lengths may vary. Ask your dentist for a more accurate estimate.

Restorative Dentistry and Dental Implants in 2017

Start the new year by thinking about what changes you can make to boost the health of your teeth. Here at Midland Smiles Centres, we offer you a range of treatment types for restorative dentistry as well as dental implants in Birmingham. Take the time to think about how you would like to improve your teeth and see how we can help you start your 2017 with the perfect smile.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a way of replacing missing teeth. Compared to other treatment options, dental implants are generally believed to be the best and most versatile form of treatment for replacement teeth. At Midland Smiles Centres, you can expect our treatment to include the no scalpel-highlight dental implant technique. In this procedure, X-ray imaging is used by the dentist to locate precisely where the titanium tooth implant is to be placed. Then, the implant is inserted into the gum directly and is done without an incision created by a scalpel.

This approach will mean reduced pain, bleeding and swelling for the patient. It also means that healing time will be reduced, and in as little as three months, with only two visits, the entire procedure can be complete. The benefits of having dental implants are a renewed pleasure of eating and an improved smile. To undergo this treatment it is advisable to first seek a dentist with experience of performing successful dental implant procedures. You will be happy to learn that at MSC, some of our dentists have over 25 years of performing successful dental implant procedures.

Bridges

Also at MSC, we can provide you with restorative dentistry in the form of bridges, crowns and dentures. Dental bridges are artificial teeth or a tooth that are permanently fixed to the natural teeth neighbouring the gap in the teeth. Or they can be fixed to the natural tooth on the one side of the gap. Bridges are suitable for use in instances where only a few teeth have been lost, and they can also be a preferable alternative to dentures.

Crowns

Dental crowns are an artificial restoration that can be very beneficial to the recipient. They are placed over the remaining section of a prepared tooth and give the tooth strength as well as the shape that a natural tooth has. Also referred to as a cap, crowns are available from MSC in a number of types, one of example of these being a natural-looking white crown placed onto back molars to bring a youthful and natural appearance to the patient’s mouth.

Dentures

The other option for restorative dentistry available at Midland Smile Centres is dental dentures. Dentures are made using either acrylic (plastic) or a metal and plastic mixture. Retaining clips can also be used in both of these types of dentures. These retaining clips keep the dentures in the right position inside of the patient’s mouth. The advantage of having dentures is that by replacing the lost or missing teeth you may have, you can take pleasure in having a better diet and enjoy an improved smile.

There are various ways in which the appearance and overall health of your teeth can be changed through the types of treatment we at MSC can offer you. Our dental implants and restorative dentistry treatment have unique benefits for our patients, so it is a good idea to take the time now to consider which treatment is best for you. Get in touch with MSC and start your journey towards the smile you want in 2017.

Comprehensive Guide to Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants

Dental implants are used to fill gaps made by missing teeth. They are one of the most widely used methods and patients who have the treatment say that it has a real boost on their self-confidence.

How Do Implants Help

Dental implants can help an individual to feel happier and more confident with their smile, and can also restore the joy of eating. For some people it can seem like quite a daunting experience, but we ensure that our teams provide a calm and caring environment where you as a customer can feel relaxed. An experienced member of the team will discuss the options available and settle any worries you may have about dental implants.

More About Dental Implants

Dental implants provide a client with the opportunity to feel confident again. Dental implants are an alternative for a missing tooth, they are also the most practical and comfortable option for a missing tooth. They are well hidden which means that they are unlikely to be spotted, and as robust as a normal tooth.

Alongside dental implants we also provide implant supported bridges and implant supported dentures. These treatments are normally used when you are missing multiple teeth.

We also provide finance options that will enable you to pay for any form of dental surgery. These finance options can be used on all treatments that cost £500 or more, and we have repayment terms of between 12 and 60 months available. Here at Midlands Smile Centers, our aim is to ensure that the treatment is right for you and that your payment method suits you.

If you feel that a dental implant would be right for you, the next step would be for you to book an appointment. When you go to your appointment with one of our specialist dental implant practitioners, you will discuss the treatment and the best options for you. Your experienced dentist will talk you through every step of the treatment and answer any questions or queries that you may have.

Midlands Smile Centres is proud of the fact that we have a strong and well experienced team of dental surgeons to carry out each operation to a high standard. Some of our experienced dental implant specialists have been practising for over 29 years, so you know you will be in capable hands. These specialists can be found in our Selly oak and Kings Heath practices in Birmingham.

Caring For Your Implant

It is important that you take good care of dental implants just like you would with your actual teeth. Poor care of your dental implant will lead to the same problems that occur with poor care of your teeth. It is important to look after your dental implants as soon as you have them. Following this plan will instruct you on the best way to look after and maintain your dental implants.

Once your treatment has been complete it is important to not aggravate the implant or its surrounding area. The implant is at the most amount of risk immediately after being placed. After the treatment is over you may find bruising and swelling around the new implant, this should not cause any worry as it is a common when a person has this type of operation. It is also important at this stage to try and avoid this area of the mouth, by keeping it away from food, drink and if possible your tongue. After a short period of time the swelling and bruising should reduce. This recovery period can be helped by applying ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area.

Many people experience swelling and pain after their new implant has been put in place. There are many different ways in which this pain and discomfort can be managed to make this time more bearable. Pain killers can be used to help relieve some of the pain, however it is important that you do not take any pain killers until the local anaesthetic has worn off. It is important that you pay attention to your new implant, if the pain and swelling is still persistent after a few days, then it is recommended that you revisit your local Midlands Smile Centres practice.

The more you look after your implant, and the cleaner you keep the affected area the more likely your implant is to succeed. During your first few days after treatment the new implant and the area surrounding it should be avoided, however it is essential to maintain brushing the teeth in the rest of your mouth. After a few days you should begin to also brush the new implant, but you should try to avoid being too rough as this could damage the implant. A few days later you can begin to attempt eating with your new implant.

Other methods of care that are seen as beneficial to somebody recovering from their treatment include using a teaspoon of salt in hot water, this should be used like a mouthwash and is used to help keep the treatment area clean. Be careful to not using boiling hot water as this will not help the recovery period. This can be repeated multiple times a day, every day until the healing process has been complete. It is also recommended that you don’t smoke during the recovery period as this can have a dramatic effect of how long the treatment area takes to recover.

Another aspect which is important to the recovery after treatment is your diet. You should ensure that your body has the correct levels on nutrition and supplements in order to decrease the recovery time. On your first few days of recovery it is recommended that you drink plenty of water, as much as 6 eight ounce glasses for the first day. It is also advised that you do not drink using a straw. This is because the sucking motion may cause bleeding in the treatment area.

Whilst you are still under the effects of the local anaesthetic, you should try and avoid drinking any hot drinks, as you could accidentally burn yourself. It is advised that you eat soft food to avoid putting unwanted strain on your new implant. After the first day of recovery you should begin eating normally as this will help the implant and the surrounding area strengthen and heal.

We hope that the information provided was helpful to you. You can find out more information about Dental implants in Birmingham by contacting your local Midlands Smile Centres and booking a free consultation.

Improve your quality of life with a Dental Implant

Dental implants are a recommended solution for those who have lost teeth. They are also available in different forms, so it is a very good idea to take some time to consider which option is best for you. Continue reading to learn what the various types of dental implants can offer you as well as the process that is involved, giving you the chance to make an informed decision regarding this dental treatment.

If you are in the position of having lost teeth, it may be comforting to hear that implants are versatile, and that they are generally reported to leave the patient with the kind of smile that they can are happy with. Dental implants are made-up of a natural-looking false tooth and a titanium supporting rod which is inserted into the jawbone, replacing the root. At Midland Smile Centres you can expect a treatment that makes use of X-Ray imaging, allowing our dentist to locate precisely where to put the implant. The entire procedure at MSC is conducted without the use of a scalpel, and can be finished after only two visits and within as little as three months.

Implant treatment by Dr Suresh Chohan (Selly Oak)

As a result of the MSC’s no scalpel technique, the treatment for dental implants will leave you with reduced pain, bleeding and swelling, in addition to a shorter time for healing to occur. Following the completion of your treatment, you will most likely discover a renewed enjoyment of eating.               

Another option for your consideration, is denture implants. Denture implants are a more contemporary option. They are available as fixed or removable dentures, and are able to function in a manner more like your natural teeth than regular dentures are able to. This effect is achieved via the fitting of dental implants into the jawbone.     

The advantage of having denture implants is that they provide you with a way to avoid problems that ordinary dentures can present, such as the fact that they can move which makes it difficult to eat certain types of food. Plus, they can help lessen the reduction in the jawbone, which is a natural consequence of tooth loss.

You may also wish to contemplate having implant supported bridges. Implant supported bridges utilise implants for support, as opposed to traditional dental bridges which utilise a minimum of two healthy teeth for support. Amongst the various benefits to you is the fact that implant supported bridges have the capability of enduring for much longer than traditional bridges.

When it comes to having dental implants, it is always advisable to choose an experienced dentist with a history of successful dental implants procedures and not be tempted by low cost treatments. Midland Smile Centres boasts a collection of seasoned dentists, some of whom have over 25 years’ experience of performing successful dental implant procedures.      

Of the several choices of dental implants available to you, all are sure to bring you an improvement to various aspects of your life, which could mean better eating, or enjoying a more pleasant smile on a day-to-day basis. Once you have considered what each treatment involves, and which type of implant is best suited to you, you may be ready to make a decision that benefits your life. Contact us today and book your free consultation for dental implants. 

Oral and Kidney Health Linked?

Your oral health is very important for your body, it’s possible that your general health and well being could be severely affected by a lack of oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth clean and healthy means you not only avoid oral problems such as cavities, gum disease or losing teeth, but you could also avoid a number of other serious health problems.

The Link

Recent discoveries have strengthened the link between dental health and general health and well being. Now studies are showing the link between periodontal (gum) disease and kidney problems. These studies have shown that people who have gum disease are not only more likely to suffer from kidney disease, they also have a higher mortality rate than those who suffer from kidney disease alone. People who suffer from kidney disease are also more likely to experience a number of oral health problems.

Studies

One such study looked at gum health and kidney function indicators in a group of around 4000 adults aged over 40. Taking into account factors such as people who smoke and also their age, it was shown that those who had lost teeth had a much higher chance of suffering from chronic kidney disease than those who still had their natural teeth.

Those who suffer from kidney disease could also suffer from oral health problems. These problems include tooth loss, inflammation in both the mouth and salivary glands, gum disease, larger amounts of plaque, chewing problems, bone loss in the jaw, bad breath and a dry mouth.  

Another study examined data from around 14,000 patients, and showed that in 10 years the mortality rates of those who suffered from gum disease and chronic kidney disease was 41%, compared to 31% of those who suffered from chronic kidney disease alone. This is quite significant, if it is ascertained that this is a causal association then by controlling and treating gum disease it might be possible to improve the health of those with kidney disease.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common problem, three out of every four adults in the UK over the age of 35 suffer from it, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. A common symptom of gum disease is bleeding and/or sore gums during your daily tooth brushing. Other symptoms which are normally indicators of the early stages being untreated include bad breath, unusual or unpleasant tastes, loose teeth or gum abscesses.

You can help avoid gum disease simply by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for about two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and regular flossing. Regularly visiting your dentist means you can get the heads up on any signs of gum disease, and if there are any, you can start taking measures to ensure it doesn’t become a severe problem. Your dentist is the best tool you have for fighting off gum disease.

If you’ve already suffered from gum disease, you can restore your smile using one of our restorative treatments, such as Dental Implants or Denture Implants. These treatments not only fill the gap in your smile, they also can help reduce bone loss in your jaw due to missing teeth. Implant treatments aren’t only for people with gum disease, anyone who has lost teeth can have this treatment for a brilliant smile.

Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres is a dentist in Birmingham that offers Implant treatments and more. Call your local practice and talk to one of our friendly receptionists to book a check-up. We can check your dental health and if needed, we can discuss the plan for your treatment. 

Running and your Oral Health

Running is a popular way to stay in shape, especially when you can join running clubs or groups so you can add a more social side to your exercise. Of course, there’s also marathons and sponsored runs that you can take part in to add a more competitive element to it.

However, have you considered your dental health when planning your training? It’s not a surprise if you think that these subjects are unrelated, read on to find out why they’re not.

The Risks

While your body may be in excellent shape, this could come at the cost of your oral health. Studies have shown that there are two specific areas where oral health problems are likely to occur for athletes: having a dry mouth and the effects of sport-related nutrition.

Dry Mouth

If you’re keen on your sports and exercise, think about how your mouth feels during such activities. It’s likely that you’ll be breathing through your mouth, and because of this your mouth will dry up. In addition to this, you’re unlikely to be able to recover from a dry mouth as quickly as you would normally, due to a higher susceptibility to dehydration.

A dry mouth is a bigger problem than you might think. The risk of having gum disease increases, as well as tooth decay. Saliva is a great way of protecting your mouth, as it limits bacteria growth and helps clean any food debris and plaque in your mouth. Other problems relating to tasting and digesting foods also arise.

Nutrition

Properly planning your nutrition and hydration for your sports and exercise it a good way to make sure you get the energy you need without putting your oral health at risk. As most people who are into their fitness know, carbohydrates are your main source of energy. However, over-consumption of ‘bad’ carbohydrates can be detrimental to your oral health.

Sports drinks are quite popular however they too can be bad for your teeth. Although they can be helpful when recovering from long and strenuous activities, they are also acidic. This is a problem for the enamel on your teeth, as it can dissolve when exposed to too much acid. These drinks are also very sugary, which can cause tooth decay and other problems.

DON’T stop running

We’re not trying to scare you into not running. It’s likely that if you stop exercising you’ll run into other health problems, but there are ways you can enjoy your running and maintain a healthy smile. 

As long as you drink plenty of water before, during and after your exercise you can help mitigate a lot of the problems that can occur. It’s also important that you drink water before you get dehydrated instead of after. Of course, regular brushing and visits to your dentist can also help reduce a number of the problems that might occur.  

Long Term Problems

Sometimes these things don’t seem like an issue until you’re faced with cavities and gum disease yourself. If left untreated, these problems can develop into serious complications, including loss of teeth. Midlands Smile Centres does offer a number oftreatments to help rejuvenate your smile, including dental implants, bridges, crowns and dentures (including denture implants).

If you have any problems or questions regarding your oral health, you should arrange a check-up to see your local Midlands Smile Centres dentist so they can talk you through your queries. 

4 Helpful Tips to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be very painful at times. It can take you completely off-guard when you’re enjoying your morning coffee, or indulging in some ice cream after dinner. Some of your favourite food and drinks can turn into unpleasant reminders that you have sensitive teeth. Unfortunately, the more sensitive your teeth get, the more things you’ll find that can cause pain.

Hope isn’t lost on you enjoying another ice cream though, as sensitive teeth are actually a fairly common problem. Not only is it common, but there are a number of things you can do to help reduce the sensitivity of your teeth. Find below four great tips for reducing sensitivity.

1. Make sure you’re not brushing too hard

Your routine care of your teeth is very important. If you’re suffering from sensitive teeth though, it is possible that you might be overzealous in your daily care. Brushing that is too firm or for too long can cause your gums to recede. This means that sensitive areas of your teeth are exposed.

Make sure you brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use gentle circular motions. Also try and brush for 2 minutes. This is a good time to follow, as it makes sure you are brushing for long enough to help your oral hygiene, but not for so long that you cause problems.

2. Reduce the amount of acidic food and drink in your diet

Acidic foods and drinks are major causes in sensitive teeth. The acid in them can erode your tooth enamel, which leaves your teeth more sensitive. You should try and reduce the amount of things like soft drinks, sports or energy drinks, fruit juices and sour sweets in your diet.

3. Use a different type of toothpaste

There are many different types of toothpaste that you can buy, including whitening toothpaste. If you do use this type of toothpaste and suffer from sensitive teeth, it’s worth looking at any documentation that came with it. Some types of whitening toothpaste are known to be more abrasive than regular toothpaste, which could cause extra sensitivity.

4. Visit your local dentist

Sensitive teeth can be a sign of other problems, such as a cavity or that you are grinding your teeth at night, also sensitive teeth due to receding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Because of this, if you continue to suffer from sensitive teeth you should visit your dentist, so we can ascertain whether or not it is a serious problem.

Combating problems such as cavities or gum disease as early as possible is important, so you don’t suffer from any other problems. You don’t want to miss the early warning signs of sensitive teeth, and end up having to spend a lot more on treatments such as dental implants.

If you’re worried about your sensitive teeth, or have any other problems or concerns then you should contact your local Midlands Smile Centres and book a check-up. 

Travelling abroad for Dental Implants?

Is travelling abroad to receive Dental Implants wise?

Dental tourism is undoubtedly on the increase and swiftly becoming big business as many people are opting to have their dental treatments carried abroad. The main factor contributing to this increase is price, which make treatment abroad very alluring. Whilst treatments outside the UK may be charged at a small fraction of the price that an experienced UK Dental Implant specialist would charge, seeking treatment abroad could be considered an unwise decision. Allow us to explain why:

Whilst not everybody who arrives home after undergoing dental treatments in countries such as Bulgaria, Mexico, Poland, Hungary or Thailand may develop issues or problems, many people do so, but why?

Lack of experience

Placing implants itself is very different from any other form of tooth replacement. It requires a skilled surgical procedure. That’s just for starters. Other contributing factors are a person’s medical history - including previous Oral health - and their lifestyle – which is scrutinised allowing a personal treatment plan to be carried out. This requires training and experience. Whilst there is no evidence confirming that foreign dentists aren’t qualified to carry out treatments in their own countries, Dentists from the UK who specialise in Dental Implants have to complete years of intense training to achieve the high standards expected of them. This means that they are in a better position to anticipate any issues or problems before they materialize.

Lack of modern facilities

Clinics abroad, more so in developing countries, tend to have very basic facilities and use old fashioned equipment. This contributes to why they manage to keep their costs so low. Here in Birmingham and throughout the UK, both NHS and private clinics have spent time and money to ensure that they have the most up-to date technology and facilities, giving the Implant every opportunity of success. 

Additional charges

The language barrier alone is an issue when negotiating good treatment. The other problem faced is that, should something go wrong with the treatment, there often isn’t an alternative. This results in additional charges back in the UK, correcting the treatment, on top of what you have already paid.

Evidently travelling abroad to receive dental treatment shouldn’t just be about saving you money. You should also weigh up and examine all of the risks involved - before jumping on that plane.

If you are considering a Dental Implant, Midland Smile Centres have been carrying out the procedure for over 28 years. The first step is to make an appointment with us to evaluate whether a dental implant is the best treatment for you. We will check the health of your gums, your jaw integrity and your oral health generally, to ensure that your jaw and gums are healthy and strong enough to take implants successfully. We pride ourselves on being one of the most experienced Dental Implant practices in Birmingham.