Shaping Your Smile with Implants

This Blog has been updated and can now be found here

Root Canal Treatment at MSC

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment (also known as endodontics) is a procedure that is used to remove infection from the root canal of your tooth.

Why it’s Important

The blood or nerve supply of a tooth - known as the pulp- can become infected due to decay or injury, and if this happens, the infection could spread through the root canal system of the tooth, potentially leading to an abscess. Therefore, root canal treatment (RCT) is important because it helps to stop the spread of infection. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the spread of infection will occur and it is possible that the tooth will need to be taken out.

Given that the pulp cannot heal once it is destroyed and that it is not advisable to leave an infected tooth in the mouth, there is the alternative option of having the tooth removed. While this may seem like a preferable option to some people, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.

What Happens During Treatment?

A time-consuming treatment that requires a lot of skill, root canal treatment means you will need to make a minimum of two visits to your dentist. Firstly, the infected pulp is removed; also, if there are any abscesses, these will be drained at this stage. After this, the root canal is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. A temporary filling is put in before the tooth is then left to settle.

At a later visit, the tooth will be checked. Once all of the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

Following Treatment

There are treatments available to you if the root canal treatment leads to tooth discolouration, which is rare. It may be a good idea to restore the tooth with a crown to strengthen it. Take care of any teeth that have undergone this treatment in the same way as you would with your normal teeth; clean them at least once a day- ideally with a fluoride toothpaste, reduce the number of sugary snacks you eat and keep them to mealtimes if possible, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

If the root canal treatment is not advised by your dentist, or if the treatment is unsuccessful and repeated RCT attempts also fail, apicoectomy becomes necessary. This form of treatment attempts to get rid of the root tip and all of the infected tissue. A small incision will be made into your gum before the infected tissue and remaining few millimetres of the root tip are taken away. Finally, a filling is placed to seal the root end. Depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the roots, the treatment can last between 30-90 minutes.

How Midlands Smile Centres Can Help

Root Canal Treatment is a very important type of treatment for patients. Given the problems that a damaged or decayed root canal can cause, you will be happy to learn that root canal treatment is available here at Midlands Smile Centres and is performed by our highly skilled, experienced dentists. If you're experiencing pains, swelling or abscesses, it's important that you book a dental appointment as soon as possible, to reduce the amount of permanent damage that could be caused.

Emergency Dental Treatment at MSC

Emergency dental treatment is available at Midlands Smile Centres practices across Birmingham. You do not need to be a Midlands Smile Centres patient to receive our emergency dental treatment. It is always advisable in dental emergencies to see a dentist quickly. Doing so will mean a better chance of resolving the problems with your teeth.

Due to the fact that we at MSC have practices situated around Birmingham, we are often closer to patients who require help than the Dental Hospital or other dentists providing emergency dental treatment. We are usually able to give you the attention you require faster than a Dental Hospital.*

Warning signs that dental problems are occurring can be subtle. At times, warning signs can easily go unnoticed due to low levels of pain being more difficult to detect during the day. Midlands Smiles Centres can be contacted if pain killers are failing to provide the necessary relief from pain.

Visit our website for Emergency Dental Treatment from MSC. 

If possible, we will arrange for treatment to take place at your nearest Midlands Smile Centre practice. If this is not possible, please note that Selly Oak MSC and Kings Heath MSC are usually staffed by our emergency dentists.

Contact us immediately if you have any of these problems:

• Toothache that has lasted for more than 30 minutes after taking pain relief, cleaning and flossing between your teeth.
• A lump on your gum line next to the root of your teeth. This could be an abscess and could result in tooth loss if it is left untreated.
• A broken tooth or broken filling. Failure to receive treatment for this could result in further tooth or filling damage and eventual tooth loss.
• A broken crown. Without treatment this could result in untreatable decay to the root of the tooth, abscesses and eventual tooth loss.

• A tooth which has been knocked out. Place the dislodged tooth in a sealed container filled with milk and take it with you to the dentist. The reason for this is that dislodged teeth can sometimes be re-inserted. Do not wash or clean the tooth as this reduces the possibility of it being reinserted.
• A lost tooth. The wound left in your gum can be attended to by a dentist. Infection in the wound can cause abscesses and other complications. This is particularly important if you plan to have a dental implant.
• A loose or partially dislodged adult tooth. Avoid touching the tooth, except if you are preventing the tooth from falling out. Try to support the tooth instead of applying pressure to the tooth to keep it in place. Your dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth into its original location.

 

You do not need to be registered or have previously been a patient of Midlands Smile Centres to access our emergency dental treatment service. If you need Emergency Dental Treatment from Midlands Smile Centres, you can find everything you need on our website. 

*assumes Midlands Smile Centre practices are closer to patients than Birmingham Dental Hospital and patients call during practice opening hours.

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.

Full Guide to MSC Emergency Treatment

Midlands Smile Centres will provide an around the clock services for any emergency treatment. We provide a multitude of services which are available to both new and existing patients of Midlands Smile Centres. If you are in need of any emergency treatment, the number you will need can be found on our emergency treatment page.

Alongside this it is always satisfying to know that the emergency treatment can be completed quickly, usually faster than you are able to get to the Dental Hospital.* This is because MSC has a number of practices throughout Birmingham, this means that help is never far away. Finding a dentist near you is quick and simple meaning each emergency can be processed efficiently. We pride ourselves on our quick and efficient service.

To ensure that every client can be treated to the best ability of each dentist, it is key that a person in question receives their treatment quickly. The quicker a patient receives dental treatment, the more likely the treatment will be a success. For a client that may be in pain this is an important factor. 

Dentistry is something that some people may not consider an important aspect of their health, however it is something which should not be over looked. You may ask why emergency dental treatment is necessary, well there are a number of problems that can occur without notice. Some of these can become rather painful and cause a large amount of discomfort. This is why emergency dental treatment is essential, being able to relieve pain and stop the problem form getting worse is something which we find to be of importance to every patient that experiences our emergency treatment. The MSC community recommend that existing and new patients take time to learn about their dental health so that if an issue arises, it can be dealt with swiftly before it causes further problems or damage.

Something that MSC take particular concern over is an occurrence when a tooth has be knocked-out of the mouth. If this should ever happen to either yourself or somebody you know, Midlands Smile Centre is here to help. We suggest that in the eventuality of a tooth being knocked out, to follow simple steps that can be taken to help ensure the tooth can be re-inserted. These steps are to place the tooth into a container of milk and to avoid washing/drying it. Then take the tooth with you to the dentist where hopefully the tooth can be placed back into the gum line.

Other problems that Midlands Smile Centres come across include loose teeth. Again this is something that can be fixed, in most cases our highly trained dentists are able to return the tooth back to its original position and fix it in place, avoiding the need for more treatment. If you are to come across a suspect tooth that seems loose it is vital that you try and refrain from messing with the tooth, reducing contact and avoid placing any pressure. In fact we suggest that it is better practice to apply support to the tooth in order to limit the risk of further damage or the tooth falling out of place 

It is worth noting that a lost tooth is also something which should be treated of high significance, and help should be enlisted to sort the issue. If a tooth falls out, the gap it leaves can become infected, much like an open wound can be if it is not treated. This can result in further problems such as an abscess, therefore the best form of action is to get it seen to as soon as is possible. In the unfortunate circumstance where you do lose a tooth, we have a number of treatments that can help remedy this, such as dental implants.

You may have concerns that may seem minor, however you should be aware that sometimes things may not seem important but can cause a lot of future problems. Tooth ache is something that a lot of people pass off and consider to be insignificant. We recommend that if tooth ache is persistent and is still discomforting after taking pain killers, then it is vital that you get in touch with us on our emergency line so that the experienced team here at MSC can get the right treatment for you. 

A second relevant issue would be a lump on your gum line next to the roots of your teeth. This is something which should be addressed immediately as it could be an abscess. If this is not treated quickly and properly it could result in further treatment or tooth loss.

Other problems which you may cross can include a broken tooth or filling. If such a situation was to occur then you should contact the MSC emergency treatment line. This is again something to be concerned about as it could lead to further damage such as tooth loss and/or additional filling damage if the problem area is to go untreated.

Finally, it is always advised that you take time to understand that dental care is a very important aspect of your health and should be taken seriously. We would also suggest that you familiarise yourself with your nearest Midlands Smile Centre dentistry and how best to get in contact with them in case an emergency was to occur. If you feel that you are in need of any form of emergency treatment then please contact our emergency treatment number.

*assumes Midland Smile Centre practices are closer to patients than Birmingham Dental Hospital and patients call during practice opening hours.

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.

New Year, Healthier Teeth: Orthodontics at Midland Smile Centres

With the new year now upon us, now may be the time to investigate any dental improvements you’ve been considering.  At Midland Smiles Centres, you will be happy to learn that there are several forms of treatment that we can offer you. Each has its own particular way of working, and each has the potential to benefit your teeth massively.

All orthodontic treatment involves the use of braces which are a way of correcting teeth that are crowded or crooked. Braces are able to straighten teeth by moving them into a position that is more comfortable. At MSC, there are four types of braces that we may use: traditional braces, Damon braces, Invisalign braces and Six Months Smiles.

The first step taken before treatment starts is for your teeth to receive a full examination. This allows your teeth to be assessed. Sometimes X-rays or moulds taken of your teeth may be required. There are also occasions when teeth will need to be removed in order to create space inside your mouth.  All information regarding the appropriate form of treatment, when it can start and how long it will take will be provided by the orthodontist.

First of all, traditional braces are a basic form of treatment that shift your teeth into the required positions with gentle pressure. When issues with your teeth are more complex, there is the possibility that a fixed brace is chosen for you by the orthodontist. Fixed braces comprise bands and brackets which will be attached to your teeth temporarily and can only be removed by the orthodontist.

Damon braces are an inventive, new method in helping you achieve the smile you are looking for. They use self-ligating brackets and shape memory wires. They manoeuvre your teeth into the right positions with light pressure. The brackets are fixed to the front of the teeth with glue in the same way as conventional braces. For a more discrete look, clear brackets are available.

Damon braces can be selected when a patient has more complicated dental issues, and, compared to traditional braces, they are widely believed to be more comfortable and will require half the amount of appointments that traditional braces require. Plus, the treatment for Damon braces will, on average, be finished six months earlier than treatment using traditional braces.

Invisalign braces are transparent. The orthodontic specialists at our MSC branches in Birmingham and Alcester can give you advice about them. Created specifically for your teeth, these clear aligners have the ability to move your teeth gradually into the desired position. As an added advantage, Invisalign braces can be removed which means that cleaning your teeth and eating will be easier.

Six Months Smiles are also available at our MSC practices. Six Months Smiles are cosmetic braces that can straighten your teeth in only 6 months, with the average time being between 4 and 9 months. Due to the fact that Six Months Smiles are tooth-coloured, they have a discrete appearance. They will move teeth at a gradual rate, and they are comfortable when worn.

All of these forms of orthodontic treatment are designed to improve your tooth alignment and are sure to make a noticeable difference to your smile. As the new year approaches, it may be a good idea to think about any changes you would like to make to your teeth and how Midland Smiles Centres can help. Get in touch with MSC to find out more.

Cosmetic Dentistry at Midland Smiles Centres

While the health of your teeth is absolutely essential, the way your teeth look is also something that can be very important. The aesthetic value of teeth can sometimes make a person more confident, and here at Midland Smile Centres, we are able to help teeth look their best. With various forms of treatment available, you might want to consider cosmetic dentistry with MSC now, and look forward to a new year with a perfect smile.

One treatment on offer at Midland Smile Centres is white fillings. Whilst being able to provide you with the function that ordinary filling do, white fillings have the added advantage of being much more pleasant to look at. An alternative to grey or silver fillings, white fillings have a natural appearance and avoid making a person look older or feel self-conscious when smiling or laughing.

If you would like to remove the stains from your teeth, then Airflow may be the treatment for you. A specially designed treatment, Airflow polishing utilises a jet of air, water and sodium bicarbonate to clean and polish your teeth. It can reach between your teeth and can remove the build-up of plaque. Offering a better clean than a normal scale and polish and more comfortable for the patient receiving it, Airflow can be effective in making your teeth less sensitive, too.

To make a clear difference to the appearance of your smile, opting for teeth whitening is an obvious choice. At MSC, we can provide you with special teeth whitening trays made specifically to fit your teeth. These trays should be to be filled with whitening gel. They will then need to be worn for a few hours every day. Given the extent of discolouration of the patient’s teeth, the treatment may need to be increased. Our highly experienced dentists will decide whether home whitening is suitable for you. This form of teeth whitening will only affect natural teeth, and can be stopped as soon as you are satisfied with the results.

For teeth that are discoloured or have an irregular shape, veneers can be used. Veneers are also suitable for teeth that have suffered decay or damage, and they are applied when crowns are not needed. Usually made from porcelain, veneers are placed over teeth, and in contrast to crowns, they do not require you to have large parts of your healthy tooth removed. The impact of having veneers fitted is a definite improvement to the appearance of your smile, and in most cases, only one or two veneers can help you achieve this aesthetic enhancement.

The treatment available at Midland Smile Centres can be accompanied by sedation. This is perfect for those who are anxious about having dental treatment or entering a clinic. Our intravenous sedation (via a vein in the arm) will make you drowsy and unaware of treatment, but still enables you to cooperate with the dentist.

If cosmetic improvements to your teeth are something that you are interested in, then it might be worth getting in touch with Midland Smiles Centres to find out more about the treatments we offer. Our highly skilled and experienced dentists are sure to help you achieve the smile that you desire.

Emergency Dental Treatment

Midland Smile Centres are always available to provide help with any dental issues you have that need immediate attention. We can be reached at any time on our emergency treatment number, which can be found here: emergency treatment. Additionally, you do not need to be a patient of Midlands Smile Centres to have access to emergency treatment.

Another brilliant thing to be aware of in regards to MSC emergency dental treatment is that getting to us is quicker than making your way to the Dental Hospital in emergency situations. This is largely due to the fact that we have a number of practices, and they are situated around Birmingham, which means that finding a dentist near you shouldn’t be a problem. We at Midland Smiles Centres are confident that we can provide you with the dental assistance you need more quickly than the Dental Hospital.*

Apart from this being reassuring and positive news, especially for those suffering from problems that require immediate dental assistance, it is also great for the chances of successful treatment. The quicker a problem can be attended to, the more quickly it can be resolved.

It is worth taking a moment to think about emergency dental treatment and why it may be necessary, as there are a number of ways in which your teeth can suffer and thus necessitate emergency treatment. Some of these ways or the knock-on effect they can have may not be obvious, so it is certainly a good idea to learn about the dental issues that may arise, and how we can help you in these urgent situations.

One major reason for seeking immediate dental assistance is when you have had one of your teeth knocked-out. In these cases, Midland Smile Centres dental staff will be ready to give you the help you need. However, there are a couple of steps you can take that will be helpful in ensuring that the tooth is successfully re-inserted. After your tooth has been knocked-out, it is advisable to put the tooth into a container of milk and remember to take it with you to the dentist. Also, refrain from cleaning or washing the tooth.

Sometimes you may have a tooth that is loose. With the assistance of one of experienced dentists, this tooth may be also be re-inserted successfully, so getting in touch promptly via our emergency line is a wise decision. You may not realise though that unless you are stopping the tooth from falling out, touching a partially dislodged tooth is not recommended. It is a much better idea to support the tooth rather than using pressure to hold it in place.

Be aware as well, that lost teeth are another reason to seek help. This is due to the fact that the wound that is left after the tooth has been lost can become infected, possibly resulting in abscesses and further complications. Seeking assistance for this problem is especially important if you have plans to have a dental implant.

Some problems may seem less urgent, and you may believe that they do not require the attention of a dentist due to their seemingly minor nature. Tooth ache is a dental issue that may seem small but will actually require the immediate attention of an MSC dentist via our emergency number. If you experience a tooth ache which lasts for more than 30 minutes after taking painkillers and cleaning and flossing between your teeth, you should contact us.

Another issue with your teeth that could perhaps be overlooked or ignored but MSC should be alerted to immediately, is the formation of a lump on your gum line beside the root of your teeth. It may be that this lump is an abscess, and without treatment, it could result in tooth loss.

Other problems that you need to contact Midland Smile Centres about on our emergency treatment number include: a broken tooth or filling - this can lead to additional tooth or filling damage as well as tooth loss if it goes untreated; a broken crown - this can result in untreatable decay in the root of the tooth, abscesses and eventual tooth loss if you do not receive treatment.

Make sure that you are always aware of the symptoms related to emergency dental problems and ensure you respond quickly in emergency situations. Failure to do so may lead to further complications. If you have any dental issues that require immediate attention, call our emergency treatment number.

*assumes Midland Smile Centre practices are closer to patients than Birmingham Dental Hospital and patients call during practice opening hours.

How Your Dentist in Birmingham Can Meet Your Needs

Without question, maintaining the standard of your teeth is important. We at Midland Smile Centres understand this well, and as a result, we take every step to ensure that your dental needs as an individual are catered for.

First of all, we are based in several locations around Birmingham so that it is never difficult for you to get to us. We have seven MSC practices dotted around the city: Alcester, Handsworth Wood, Sheldon, Northfield, West Heath, Kings Heath and Selly Oak. So whatever it is that you need us for, we shouldn’t be too hard to reach.  

There are a number of reasons why you might need to get in touch with us or come to visit one of our practices. There are times when emergency treatment is required. In these instances, a same day emergency service is available, and this can be accessed by registered as well as unregistered patients. Aside from emergencies, there are a range of treatments that we can provide in order to improve your dental standards. These treatments vary from orthodontics- encompassing an array of brace types- to dentalimplants, cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, white fillings and porcelain veneers, as well as other treatment types. It may be worth knowing that Midland Smile Centres also offer facial aesthetic treatments.

These types of treatment can be necessary for different reasons. Orthodontic treatment can be used to rectify the problem of teeth being crooked or crowded inside a person’s mouth. Bridges and dentures on the other hand are suitable for those that have missing teeth. Another type of treatment we offer is root canal fillings, which are needed when the root of your tooth has become extremely damaged or has been afflicted by decay.

Patients who are considering having treatment but are nervous about having the procedure will be pleased to know that Midland Smiles Centres will do their best to calm and reassure anxious patients. Also, if requested, sedation can be provided at various MSC sites.

When it comes to ensuring you receive the treatment you want, you may wish to first ask some questions. For any queries about the treatment you are interested in or to learn more about what is involved, free consultations may be available, and the helpful staff at MSC can be easily reached by phone. Alternatively, you can send a message via their website.  

Another factor that is part of planning for treatment, is cost. With MSC there are no hidden costs, and with the Smile Plan, treatment is made more affordable. And, for treatment costing £500 or more, we are able to offer you finance options as well.

Take the time to read through what we offer at Midland Smile Centres and you will see that we are perfectly able to meet your dental needs. Our dentists in Birmingham are highly skilled and experienced and our staff are always ready to help you. Put the standard of your teeth first and choose Midland Smile Centres today.

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. 

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. 

Invisalign vs Six Month Smiles

It’s important to choose the right orthodontic treatment for you, as different treatments have different benefits. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing what teeth straightening treatment to have. In this blog, we’ll cover two of our most popular orthodontic treatments: Invisalign and Six Month Smiles, what they consist of and also their own individual benefits.

What are they?

Invisalign is a modern alternative to traditional braces. They are often called ‘invisible braces’, this is due to the fact that the aligners are made of a clear material. Treatment involves several stages, using a series of slightly different aligners, with each aligner moving your teeth to give you your desired smile. Before treatment begins, a plan is made using the Invisalign 3D modelling system, allowing you to view each stage and how it will affect your teeth.

Six Month Smiles is a Cosmetic Braces System, involving a treatment length of on average between 4 to 9 months. This quick treatment length combined with the braces being tooth-coloured and hence discrete, makes it a popular treatment option for those who dislike how traditional braces look, and how long treatment can take.

Advantages of Invisalign

It goes without saying that the main advantage of Invisalign is having nearly invisible braces, whilst still being as effective as traditional braces. This means you can have orthodontic treatment without worrying about how your braces look. These clear aligners are also custom made for your teeth using moulds, allowing them to be both discrete and comfortable.

That’s not all, they are also removable! This makes eating and cleaning significantly easier than with other types of orthodontic treatment. Simply take off your braces before you eat, and put them back on after you’ve brushed your teeth. The same goes for when you clean your braces, just take them off and give both them and your teeth a thorough clean before putting them back on.

Advantages of Six Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is the right treatment for those who’re looking to have straight teeth as quickly as possible. As stated before, the average time for this treatment is between 4 to 9 months, easily making it the fastest tooth straightening treatment available.

The braces are also tooth coloured, allowing them to blend in naturally with your teeth. Six Month Smiles uses a similar mould technology to Invisalign, so your braces are specifically made for your teeth. This means they are more discrete and comfortable.  

What's right for you

Now you know the advantages of both treatments, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision of what treatment is right for you. Put off by how long tradition braces take to correct your teeth? Six Month Smiles is likely to be the right treatment for you. Worried about how normal braces will look? With Invisalign no one will be able to tell if you’re wearing braces.

If you’re interested in having tooth straightening treatment, your dentist can talk you through your different options and what would be right for you. Contact your local Midlands Smile Centres and arrange a free consultation with your dentist for orthodontic braces, or use our online orthodontic form to find out more.