Crescent Dental Blog

Category Archives: Dental Health

Bad Breath, Dental Health

Banish Bad Breath

Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, can bean embarrassing problem. If you are concerned about bad breath, first make sure that you are taking care of your mouth and gums by practicing good dental habits. The mouth is the source of over 90% of all malodours. If bad breath persists, your dentist at Crescent Dental will identify the cause and develop a treatment plan to help you eliminate it. There are many causes of bad breath. The good news is that it can often be prevented with a few simple steps.

What causes bad breath?

Neglecting your brushing and flossing: If you don’t properly clean your teeth, gums, and tongue, particles of food and bacteria left in the mouth, especially at night-time, can cause an unpleasant odour.

The foods you eat: Certain foods, like garlic and onions, can cause bad breath because they contain pungent oils that are carried to your lungs and out of your mouth.

Dry mouth: Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove odour causing particles and bacteria. It contains enzymes that break down food particles and other enzymes that kill bacteria. A condition called xerostomia (dry mouth) occurs when the flow of saliva is decreased and can cause bad breath. Decreased saliva flow also occurs naturally at night-time, so it is important to clean your mouth last thing at night.

Tobacco: Smoking not only causes bad breath, but can also stain your teeth, irritate your gums, and reduce your ability to taste foods.

Gum disease: Persistent bad breath is a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease.

Medical disorder: In a small percentage of cases, bad breath could be a sign of a medical disorder, such as infection of the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance or a liver or kidney problem.

Good dental habits can banish bad breath

In most cases, embarrassing bad breath can be prevented by good oral hygiene.

  • Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day to remove food debris and plaque
  • Use floss daily to remove any food particles trapped between teeth. Any food particles left in the mouth can cause bad breath
  • Your tongue can harbour odour-causing bacteria. Be sure to brush your tongue with a toothbrush, or clean it with a tongue scraper
  • Use toothpastes containing zinc chloride/ triclosan/ baking soda for cleaning your tongue if you have malodour. This will give temporary relief for up to four hours
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups. Professional cleanings will help to get rid of plaque and bacteria build-up that may contribute to bad breath. Your dentist may also be able to determine the source of persistent bad breath and formulate a plan for treatment. This may include a chlorhexidine spray for the pharynx (throat area behind the mouth), which is an additional source of malodour in a significant number of cases

Do I need to use a mouthwash or rinse?

Some antiseptic mouth rinses have exhibited therapeutic benefits in reducing plaque and gingivitis (gum disease). However, many mouthwashes or rinses are cosmetic and while these can be used to freshen breath, they do not generally have a long lasting effect on bad breath. If you choose to use mouth rinse, look for an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwash containing zinc chloride or chlorhexidine. Mouth rinses should not be swallowed – follow the instructions on the bottle. If you find that you are constantly using a mouth rinse to mask odour, see your dentist.

Other solutions

Besides keeping your teeth, gums, and tongue clean and healthy, these are some other remedies that may help cure the problem of bad breath.

  • Quit smoking! Kicking the habit will go a long way to improving bad breath and your overall health
  • If you wear dentures or removable appliances, be sure to remove them at night and clean them thoroughly before replacing them in your mouth (more info here)
  • If you are experiencing problems with dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe artificial saliva. Other possible remedies for dry mouth include sucking a sugar-free sweet or a piece of sugar free gum to increase saliva flow, and increasing your fluid intake.

Call Crescent Dental on 061 484 844 to schedule your appointment. We offer a full Scale & Polish for just €50, and you may be entitled to a fee check-up; see www.crescentdental.ie

Bridges, Dental Health, Dental Implants, Dentures

What are the Options to Fill Gaps in your Teeth

Sometimes it is not possible to save a tooth with treatment because of clinical or financial reasons. In these circumstances the tooth is extracted or removed and the question arises as to what to do about the missing tooth.

There are six options for replacing missing teeth.

1. Leave it alone

2. A removable partial denture and flexi partial denture

3. A conventional fixed dental bridge (fixed denture)

4. An adhesive resin retained maryland bridge

5. A dental implant

6. An orthodontic treatment combined with any of the above.

Leave it alone

It is not always necessary to replace a missing tooth. The decision to replace it is based on a number of factors, including appearance, loss of function, health of surrounding teeth and bone and opposing teeth, whether there are other missing teeth and financial considerations. You would be surprised how often the best course of action is to leave it alone.

Removable partial denture and flexi-partial denture

The least costly and most common option for replacing a missing tooth is to have a removable partial denture, usually made from a combination of a metal called chrome cobalt and acrylic. Flexi partial dentures, made from flexible nylon resin, are gaining in popularity with dentists and patients because of greater comfort and aesthetics than chrome cobalt partial dentures. Both chrome cobalt and flexi partial dentures are fairly easy for the patient, requiring very little preparation and several teeth can be replaced if required. Appearance is good but patients can take a while to adjust to having a metal or plastic object in their mouth.

Conventional fixed dental bridge

The third option for replacing a missing tooth is a conventional fixed dental bridge (sometimes referred to as a fixed denture). The procedure is more expensive and takes a number of visits to complete.  A disadvantage is that the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth require extensive removal of tooth tissue with a dental drill to enable a mold to be taken. The mold is taken to a dental laboratory and a dental bridge is constructed of porcelain and gold. To replace one tooth the bridge will consist of three units, two crowns to fit over the existing teeth and a third to fit into the missing space all joined together by a precious metal framework. More than one missing tooth can be replaced. The result is usually very good with the appearance and fit very life-like. You can expect a lifespan of at least five to ten years. There is a moderate risk of root treatment being required on the crowned teeth.

Adhesive resin retained maryland bridge

An adhesive resin retained dental bridge, sometimes referred to as a maryland bridge, is less expensive and less treatment invasive than a conventional fixed dental bridge. There is less removal of tooth tissue so there is less damage to surrounding teeth. It is useful when replacing a single tooth. It is more successful when placed in the upper jaw (over 80% success after 10 years) and less successful in the lower jaw because of a tendency for slight natural tooth movements. This type of bridge consists of a porcelain crown (pontic) fused to a metal framework, which is specially treated so that it can be glued with an adhesive resin to the back of the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A de-bonding (loosening) of the bridge, if it happens, can be quickly corrected by cleaning the metal framework and reapplying an adhesive resin.

Dental implant

Another option for replacing a missing tooth which is gaining momentum with dentists and the public, is a dental implant. A dental implant is made from a precious metal, called titanium, in the shape of a root. This is screwed into the bone, where it integrates into it like a root. Implants have a number of uses. They can be used to support a crown, a bridge or a denture. They can also be used in orthodontic treatment. They are ideal for use in a situation where a tooth replacement is necessary but a bridge cannot be used. They feel very natural and surrounding teeth do not need any preparation. The disadvantages are high cost, the required surgery and the fact that many dental visits are required over a number of months.

Combined orthodontic treatment (braces)

Orthodontic treatment on its own or combined with other treatments can be used to help close the gap caused by the loss of one or several teeth.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth why not call Crescent Dental on 061 484 844 and our dentists will give you a thorough appraisal of your options including cost, longevity, appearance and all other relevant considerations. You may be eligible for a free check-up. See www.crescentdental.ie.

Dental Health, Dental Implants

Dental Implants Explained

Implants Introduction

Whether you have lost all your teeth, a few of them, or even just one tooth, dental implants should be considered as an option for your oral rehabilitation program.

To help you decide if the exciting benefits of implants are suitable for you, contact Crescent Dental Limerick today. A consultation will clarify what type of treatment you require.

Eating and correct chewing is essential for a healthy body. It is also one of the greatest human pleasures. Thousands of people, both young and old, no longer have their own teeth. Some manage quite well with dentures, for others they are unsatisfactory.

If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about gaps, missing teeth, dentures that are loose or unexpectedly drop down or you are unable to chew properly, yet you feel you deserve the best today’s modern restorative dentistry can provide, dental implants may be the solution.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant can be thought of as an artificial tooth root that is submerged into the jawbone. When dental work such as a crown, fixed bridge or a full set of dentures is added, one or more missing teeth can be replaced. A dental implant is fabricated from a very strong, biocompatible material placed in a simple procedure that, generally, is as convenient as a tooth extraction. After an initial healing period, during which the implant is buried in bone and left undisturbed under gum tissue, it is uncovered and connected to a small metal post that secures and supports the artificial tooth. The implant material is extremely biocompatible. The bone grows around the implant and bonds to it in a process called osseointegration which results in a very strong and well seated implant.

How long does it take?

It depends on the type of bone, and where the implant is placed into your jaw. It can range from a few months to over 9 months. Generally, implants in the front lower jaw need around 4 months; the back upper jaw needs around 9 months and elsewhere in the mouth around 6 months. These times may need to be lengthened if bone needs to be grown or grafting has taken place.

Is everyone suitable?

Some people may not be suitable for this procedure. Your dentist will need to check to see how much bone you have and whether there is enough space for an implant. The adjacent teeth roots will also need to be away from the implant. If you don’t have enough bone, it is possible to grow bone or even graft bone from elsewhere in the mouth.

What are the advantages of dental implant treatment?

Implants look and feel just like your own teeth, and they work just like your own teeth too in terms of bite strength and function. The big difference is the fact that the implant tooth will never decay like your other teeth will. One of the other big advantages is the fact that the adjacent teeth are not damaged or cut in any way to accommodate an implant. Implants also help to prevent any further bone loss once they have been placed.

What happens if an implant fails?

This means the implant has not attached or integrated to the bone. It usually fails at the second stage surgery. The failed implant is unscrewed, the bone left to heal for a while and a new implant placed. Other options such dentures or bridges are also available.

What is the success rate?

The success rate depends on where in the jaw the implants are placed. The lower jaw has a very good chance of success (98%). The further back in the mouth you go, the lesser the prognosis, but this is generally over 90%. If you smoke, the chances of success drop by at least 10%.

Why is implant treatment expensive?

Because it is a complex process requiring expensive precision components and instruments.

Why dental implants?

A dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth your dentist can give you. They feel much more natural and secure than traditional removable dentures, especially if these are loose fitting because of extensive bone loss. If several adjacent teeth are missing, a fixed bridge may be attached to dental implants as an alternative to a removable partial denture plate. Dental implants allow for the replacement of a missing tooth without modifying adjacent teeth. Your dentist will be happy to discuss alternatives for restoring your dental function with you.

Are implants complicated?

The simple answer is no, if sufficient bone is available to accept the implant. The procedures can all be done in the dental surgery, using only local anaesthesia. In the first stage of surgery, the implant root component is inserted into the bone site. This surgery generally takes about sixty minutes to complete and is carried out by a specialist periodontist under local anaesthetic.. After six to ten days, the stitches are removed and the buried implant is allowed to heal for about three to six months. During this time, bone grows into the implant surface to secure it.

The second stage of surgery is very simple and lasts only about thirty minutes. During this stage, the buried, secure implant is uncovered using a small incision in the gum tissue. A post is attached to the implant until the final prosthesis is complete, which can take as little as two weeks. There is minimal discomfort associated with either of these surgical steps, certainly no more than having a tooth extracted, and usually less. Dentist prescribed medication can alleviate any uneasiness. Improved aesthetics, function and quality of life follows in a few weeks with your new prosthesis fitted.

How long will an implant last?

This is difficult to predict. Research has demonstrated that more than 90% of implants will last for 15 years or more. However each patient is different, and longevity may be affected by overall health, nutrition, oral hygiene and tobacco usage. Individual anatomy, the design and construction of the prosthesis and oral habit s may also have an influence.

What is the cost of an implant?

In general, costs are closely comparable to those of other prostheses involving fixed bridgework. The uniqueness of each patient’s restorative needs means this should be discussed with your dentist. You can view a list of our standard fees here.

Are there any limitations?

Discuss this with your dentist, as there are a few medical reasons preventing the use of implants. Sufficient bone to accept the implant is the major limiting factor. This can be assessed radiographically (x-rays), and bone can even be augmented where it is deficient.

If you have missing teeth & you are considering your options why not call Crescent Dental on 061 484 844 to schedule an implant consultation; see www.crescentdental.ie