GENERAL DENTISTRY
Dental Essentials
Dental Essentials are for your general dentistry needs. We believe great care need not necessarily mean higher costs. Our treatments that are generally similarly priced to mixed private NHS dental practices.
You are welcome to register with us and you will understand why we are the choice practice for our patients.
Comprehensive Dental Examination
The complete examination is designed to find any problems that you may have in and around your mouth. We have designed a detailed checklist to make sure that we cover everything.
Teeth
Some of the many things we check about your teeth are: wear, abrasion, microscopic cracks and broken fillings. We look at your old amalgam fillings to see if their surface is swollen and needs refinishing back to the margin of the tooth.
We note areas of early decay that may need preventative treatment, and we record the position of any tartar and stains that should be removed from your teeth.
Gums
We also examine your gums for signs of gum disease. To do this, we measure down the side of the back teeth to check that the tooth is properly joined to the gum. Separation of the tooth and gum and bleeding of the gums are early signs of advancing gum disease.
Any areas of your mouth where plaque is collecting are charted so we can help you to improve your cleaning methods.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a malignant growth which can occur in any part of your mouth, including the tongue, lips and throat. This type of cancer has a shocking higher proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50%, despite treatment, with about 1,700 deaths per year in the UK. This is due to late detection which is why our dental checkups every six months allow for early detection and prevention of the disease.
X-rays
We will only recommend X-rays when we feel they are really necessary. We utilise only digital imaging technologies that reduce the amount of radiation significantly. We take two basic kinds of x-rays:
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Close-up x-rays to check for decay between your teeth and to get a detailed view of the individual teeth and their surrounding bone.
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Full Mouth X-rays that show the whole of your upper and lower jaws on one X-ray (not so detailed as the close-up X-rays).
Dental Essentials
Quality accessible dental care for everyone
Dental Essentials is our way to differentiate general dentistry from the dentistry we provide.
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We believe in providing you with the best value in dental care. Our treatments are competitively priced but at a much more relaxed pace and environment to ensure you are provided with the best care possible.
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We actually take time to provide you with the essential service you deserve. After all, we prefer to a quality environment to do good work as well.
Periodontal Examination for Gum Disease
Your dentist will examine you for periodontal disease during the Artiste Studios Comprehensive Dental Examination. A periodontal probe will be used to determine if there is any breakdown in the gum tissue and attachment, or if pockets have developed between your gums and teeth.
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If your dentist determines there is an issue, a Periodontal Examination may be advised to check for the following:
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Gingivitis
The first stage of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is the mild inflammation of the gingival caused by plaque build up. Your gingival will be red, swollen, and tender. You may also notice bleeding while you brush and floss. This stage of periodontitis is reversible.
Mild Periodontitis
Inflammation will spread to the supporting alveolar bone. Minor bone loss and the formation of periodontal pockets, or food traps, may occur.
Moderate Periodontitis
In this stage, there will be increased gingival recession, moderate to deep pockets, moderate to severe bone loss, and mobility of teeth due to the bone loss.
Severe Periodontitis
This is the most serious stage of periodontitis. Deep pockets, increased mobility of teeth, movement of teeth out of position, and visible fistulas (boils) will be present in this stage. Pus may develop; bone loss continues, and your teeth may loosen or fall out.
Good oral care habits established hopefully from childhood are the foundation to lifelong healthy teeth and gums. Our dentists are highly trained in this area and will provide you with the necessary services and advice in order to achieve your optimal oral health.
Root Canal Treatment
Getting to the “Root of the Problem”, the truth behind Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy refers to the process that treats the inner area of the tooth which is occupied by its pulp tissue. Most people refer to this pulp tissue as the nerve. While a tooth's pulp tissue does contain nerve fibres it is also composed of arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue which are important in tooth development and are affected during disease.
You could say that the purpose of root canal treatment is to create an end result where the tissues that surround a tooth's root will maintain a healthy status despite the fact that the tooth's nerve has been damaged. An Artiste Studios’ dentist will determine if the treatment can be an appropriate solution for your situation but also that the overall condition of the tooth in question warrants the time and expense involved.
The root canal procedure usually requires one to two visits, depending on the number of teeth and complexity of the case. Follow up visits are sometimes necessary. Nonsurgical endodontic procedure or “root canal” is necessary when the soft inner tissue, or “pulp,” of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This may happen as a result of deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or an injury to the tooth. Root canal (endodontic) treatment removes the damaged pulp. Then the tooth’s canals are cleaned and filled to help preserve the tooth.
Here are some symptoms that suggest that root canal therapy might be required:
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A tooth is currently causing you pain or else has a history of being painful.
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You have noticed the presence of gum tenderness and/or swelling in an area adjacent to a tooth.
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Problem teeth identified through x rays
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Emergency tooth ache/pain
Advantages of this procedure:
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Pain is always associated with root canals, but the truth is that there should be little or no pain during the procedure.
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We do not carry out this procedure for aesthetic reasons; it is for the good of your dental health.
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Any infection will only get worse with time, if left untreated.
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The root canal procedure has a success rate of over 92 percent.
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The greatest advantage is that the tooth will not need to be extracted.
Often, the only alternative to surgery is extraction of the tooth. The extracted tooth must then be replaced with an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Because these alternatives require surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, endodontic surgery is usually the most biologic and cost-effective option for maintaining your oral health. No matter how effective our modern artificial tooth replacements are, nothing is as good as your natural tooth. You’ve already made an investment in saving your tooth. The pay-off for choosing endodontic surgery could be a healthy, functioning natural tooth for the rest of your life
Teeth which have undergone root canal therapy will need to be restored to full function. Restoration is important as teeth with endodontic treatment are susceptible to fracture, and any fracture could lead to a permanent loss of the tooth. Restorations usually involve a composite filling or a full crown, depending on the strength of the remaining tooth. Anterior teeth usually maintain most of their structure and can be restored with a composite filling. However, if a large part of the tooth is missing, then a crown is required.
If the tooth does not have enough of its original structure to support the crown then a post will be cemented. This will extend into one or more of the canals. The post will not extend the length of the canals so they will remain sealed. The tooth will now be sealed, and restored to full function.
A non-vital tooth is more brittle than a vital one and is more liable to fracture so, in these cases, it is recommended that your root canal tooth be crowned (capped) following treatment.
Posterior teeth are not often restored with composite fillings because they are more exposed. They are usually restored with onlays or inlays and full crowns, covering and supporting the entire tooth, as well as maintaining your functioning bite.
Crown or Dental Bridge
An Exceptional Crown or Bridge is Affordable at Artiste Studios
When teeth are heavily decayed they may be too weak to survive with just a filling. By placing a crown, a tooth may be given renewed structure and strength. Even when a single tooth is lost a denture may not be required as a bridge can be made which spans the gap with a tooth attached to those next to the space. Sometimes when a single small tooth is lost at the front of the mouth a simple bridge can be made which has 'wings' that are glued to the back of the adjacent teeth. This results in less tooth being trimmed away.
Crowns
Crowns restore and protect teeth that have been damaged or broken, by providing a protective cover over a tooth. Porcelain crowns are more commonly employed for their aesthetic qualities. Crowns at Artiste Studios are available in a variety of materials including gold.
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Gold is usually used on the back teeth, as it has several advantages over porcelain teeth. Gold is strong in thin section and less tooth needs to be drilled away before taking the impression and fitting the crown.
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Our specialised lab technician is extremely experienced working with precious metals
Porcelain is the preference for front teeth but is often used for the back teeth as well. This material can be made to appear very natural though several factors affect this and are outlined below;
Some porcelain crowns have metal inside which gives strength and support to the porcelain. This acts as a barrier for light and gives the crown a dull colour. On posterior teeth this won't be noticed but in the front of the mouth it can occasionally be a problem as the tooth looks duller than the natural teeth.
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Some indications for a crown are:
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A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
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Extensive damage by decay.
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Discolorations and compromised aesthetics.
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Fractures
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Root canal - After root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture. These teeth need to be protected by a crown.
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Bridges
A bridge is a dental restoration allowing the permanent replacement of one or more missing teeth. Advances in cosmetic dentistry mean that bridges can be made in a variety of materials and forms to achieve good functional and aesthetic results.
An Artiste Studios’ bridge can be used to replace lost teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant. Basically a false tooth is held in place by being attached to your tooth next door. The disadvantage is that the teeth next to the space have to be prepared in a similar way to a crown in order to accept the bridge. If these teeth already have crowns or big restorations then this is not a problem, the major concern however is when these teeth have small or no restorations (fillings).
Experienced professionals in tooth replacement, let us aid you with the right choice for your case. Come in to Artiste Studios today to learn more about all the different options we have available to you.
High Quality White Fillings & Amalgam Removal
Out with the Old, in with the New, Safer Filling
Any aesthetic and medical concerns that people may have when it comes to having metal based mercury fillings is our major interest. We readily replace any old fillings with composite ones which are matched with the colour of the tooth and protect the remaining tooth to have a perfect blend of aesthetics and strength.
Thanks to the development of new, stronger aesthetically pleasing tooth-coloured materials, silver amalgam fillings are no longer the best choice for long term dental health, functionality and appearance.
At Artiste Studios we can safely remove existing amalgam fillings and replace them with new ceramic or composite materials.
What are the disadvantages of Dental Amalgam?
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They are non-adhesive, may lose their protective seal and start to cause the tooth to decay under the filling
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They can expand with age and crack teeth
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They can cause gray staining within teeth and also of gums around the tooth (“Amalgam Tattoos”)
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Their use is largely unregulated and environmentally polluting
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They contain mercury
Health scares about amalgam centre on the effects of toxicity or allergy which may be associated with constant mercury exposure, particularly as a potential cause of chronic illnesses, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, oral lesions, and mental disorders.
Scientists agree that mercury amalgam fillings expose the bearers to a daily dose of mercury, but the level and effects of the chronic exposure are disputed. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that exposure can be greatly increased by personal habits such as bruxism or gum-chewing. Currently although dental amalgam is approved for use in most countries, as of 2008, the use of dental amalgam has been banned or restricted in Norway, Sweden and Finland.
TMD/TMJ
Temporomandibular joint disorders like Bruxism (clenching or grinding) can be treated here
Oral health is an important overall health issue. The problems which arise are not only limited to oral and dental health but our occlusion system is the cause of facial and oral pain. Those suffering from this type of pain cannot perform work efficiently and the quality of their life is deterred. The dental occlusion problem is multi-factorial in cause and treatment for this group of patients must be an integrated approach with professionals knowledgeable about dental occlusion
Dental Occlusion or Malocclusion is an extremely common dental condition Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is an acute or chronic inflammation of TMJ, an abbreviation for Temporomandibular Joint, or the jaw joint. You have two TMJs, one on each side just in front of your ear. The TMJ is the joint formed by the temporal bone of the skull (Temporo) with the lower jaw or mandible (hence, mandibular).
The TMJ is used to open and close your mouth, allowing movement up and down, side to side, and forward to back, and is therefore necessary for biting, chewing and swallowing, speaking, and making facial expressions.
TMJ disorders are a common problem faced. These TMJ problems can result from injury, aging, and poor dental behaviour like frequent gum chewing, teeth grinding, and teeth clenching. Although the presence of one of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of a TMJ disorder, common symptoms of TMJ disorders include:
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Change in occlusion (bite)
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Dizziness
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Headache pain
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Hearing problems (ringing or noises in the ears)
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Ear pain and at times, pressure
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Limited jaw movement
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Pain in the face, jaw, neck, or shoulders
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TMJ catching or locking
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TMJ clicking or popping
To check for TMJ disorder, Occlusion Dentist will feel your jaw muscles and ask you if there is any pain or tenderness. Additionally, your doctor will examine your jaw movement and listen for any clicking or popping sounds.
Three main groups of TMJ disorders:
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Muscle disorders describe TMJ problems located in the muscles that control the TMJ and the muscles located in a person’s face and neck. These disorders are often called mysofacial disorders and are the most common of the TMJ disorders. Individuals with TMJ muscle disorders will experience pain in the muscle areas listed above.
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Joint derangement disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by either: a dislocated jaw, a displaced disk, or an injured bone.
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Degenerative joint disorders are a group of TMJ problems that is caused by diseases like arthritis that destroy the cartilage that cover the TMJ and absorbs the shocks caused by such actions as chewing. Degenerative joint disorders stem from the wear and tear of the TMJ joints.
There are several ways the TMJ disorders may be treated. our professional will recommend what type of treatment is needed for your particular problem, maybe even recommending physiotherapy treatment that emphasizes muscle stretching and relaxing exercises. In turn, you will have to change your daily behaviour to combat your TMJ disorder.
It is advisable that you avoid chewing gum, eating soft foods, and opening your mouth wide to ensure that you do not worsen your TMJ condition. In some cases, you may be required to wear a mouth guard at night that is designed to help you reduce grinding and clenching. This custom made device fits over the top or bottom teeth and will not create any serious disturbance to your daily routine. In extreme cases of TMJ disorder, TMJ treatment may involve some form of surgery.
Whatever the reason for your TMJ disorder, an Artiste Studios’ professional will assess, diagnose and help treat your condition in order to restore your quality of life.
Mouth Guards for Bruxism
Clenching or grinding Your Teeth? Mouth Guards for Bruxism are Specially Fabricated for You
If you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding problems, night mouth guards are the easiest solution for it. Bruxism is the medical term given to teeth grinding. It is that annoying habit of people to make clenching sounds with their teeth as they sleep, during the night or even at times during the day.
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This type of night mouth guard recommended to you by an Artiste Studios professional is especially created to fit onto your teeth, hence being custom-fit night mouth guards
The use of night mouth guards is very important for our bruxism patients. Essentially these simple devices can protect the surface of your teeth, ensuring you of a perfectly good smile all the time. Severe bruxism can damage your natural teeth and even dentures along with causing strain on your jaw joints and muscles. Chipped or ground down teeth don't contribute to a beautiful smile at all. Without a confident smile, it is a little harder for you to face the world and its challenges. This is how important your teeth and your smile can be and why seeking treatment at Artiste Studios for this problem is essential.
There are several factors why people tend to grind their teeth:
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Physical strain on the body may result in teeth grinding. For example, dehydration or nutrient deficiencies have been shown to be associated with teeth grinding.
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The involvement of psychological factors in teeth grinding include stress and anxiety.
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Teeth grinding which occurs when one is asleep may sometimes be caused by a sleeping disorder
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Improper alignment of teeth or fillings, crowns or bridges sitting too high, or jaw not properly aligned, may all lead to teeth grinding
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Once our Artiste Studios professional has evaluated you and the cause of your teeth grinding, they be able to instruct you on how best to solution the problem. After having eliminated all the external factors influencing your condition, a customized mouth guard can then be of best use to you.
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Using night mouth guards for bruxism is imperative not only because you have to maintain your dazzling smile but you need these guards because it can keep headaches and jaw pains from developing. Night mouth guards do more than just keep your teeth from getting broken or scratched. It will also ensure you of a long and restful sleep, night after night.
See your Artiste Studios team today and get back your good night’s sleep. Ask about mouthguards for life™ only at Artiste Studios.
Sports Guard
Run, jump, tackle, and not worry, with a custom-made Sports Guard to Protect Your Teeth
For our active, sporty patients a sports guard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage. A well-designed sports guard not only protects the teeth but also protects TMJ from injury by supporting and cushioning the jaw joints in times of blunt forces to the lower jaw. In harsh blows this can even reduce the risk of jaw fracture.
It is important to wear a professionally made mouth guard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects. This includes: cricket, hockey and football – which can cause broken and damaged teeth; and American football, boxing and rugby – which are more readily the cause of broken or dislocated jaws. A mouth guard will help protect against these events.
Sports Guard during orthodontic treatment
If you are worried about wearing braces and continuing your highly active lifestyle, you need not be. Artiste Studios knows that our Orthodontic patients are concerned about damaging their newly fitted braces or even their own teeth while playing contact sports or engaging in rigorous physical activity, which is why if you take part in any of these contact sports please ask us about our range of custom made sports guards. We easily personalize these guards and have them readily available soon after you fit your braces.
Anti-Snoring Treatment
No More Sleepless Nights, Anti-Snoring Solutions Available at Artiste Studios
Sometimes when we sleep, the muscles which hold our airway open, relax and partially collapse, slightly obstructing the flow of air causes a vibrating sound known as snoring. In serious cases, the airway can actually close completely, resulting in sleep apnoea which is the momentary shortage of air.
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Snoring alone is not necessarily detrimental to your health. It may however, be the sign of a more serious condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). While not everyone who snores suffers from sleep apnoea, if you have been heard to gasp for breath or have sudden spells of drowsiness during the day, then you should obtain a referral to a qualified specialist.
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Artiste Studios can help manage snoring and sleep apnoea. Together with your GP and sleep physician, we can make an appliance to hold your jaw forward, preventing it from collapsing whilst you are asleep. To make the appliance, we will take records of your teeth and have the laboratory custom-make the appliance to fit your mouth
As part of our extensive range of services, we can also prepare and fit anti-snoring devices to help patients who suffer from sleep apnoea and other related sleeping disorders. Patients who snore also suffer abnormal sleep patterns; which in turn interrupts the amount of actual sleep gained in any one night. Naturally this leads to lack of concentration and the inability to deal with relatively simple tasks. Our specially designed systems eradicate the snoring problems that occur in certain patients. Please ask for information on our anti-snoring systems; especially if you would like to regain precious hours sleep and put the drive back into your life.
Fresh Breath Clinic
Beat Halitosis or bad breath and Get Up Close and Personal Again with Our Fresh Breath Clinic
It is estimated that millions of people suffer from Chronic Bad Breath (Halitosis). Halitosis is an embarrassing problem that can affect you both personally and socially. There are many different causes; persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums. However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions.
Poorly fit fillings or fractured restorations allow bits of food to get caught between the teeth and on the tongue which rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So proper and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh along with an Artiste Studios Essentials cleansing and examination in order to spot and treat any underlying problems. Correcting these food traps and keeping your gums and teeth fresh and clean will help to prevent bad breath.
A consultation at Artiste Studios can be the first step to getting great, fresh breath and a healthy mouth.
