Dental Treatments in Hampstead
Gum Disease
Gum disease (or gingivitis) describes the inflammation or infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth (i.e. the gum). It is extremely common and in most cases is completely painless which is why so many people are unaware they have it. Most adults either currently have, or have recently had, some degree of gum disease. If left untreated, gum problems can lead to periodontal disease, which can lead to the tooth becoming loose and ultimately falling out. This is why it is important to tackle gum disease as early as possible.
There are several symptoms of gum disease. Teeth will usually bleed on brushing or rinsing and there may be an unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth.
Gum disease is caused by plaque not being removed efficiently when teeth are brushed or flossed; fortunately with proper care and guidance it's completely reversible. Our expert team of dentists and hygienists in Hampstead can remove all the plaque and bacteria from your teeth (which may include some that has built up under the gums) and show you how you can remove plaque yourself to prevent gum disease from recurring.
Hygienist
However sophisticated our treatments are and however talented our team of specialists, much of the long-term success is dependent on the care you take to look after your teeth between visits. Our aim is for those patients coming for regular check-ups not to require any treatment at all. We have a hygienist working at the practice who is essential to this ethos.
Our Hampstead hygienist is trained to treat and prevent gum disease and dental decay. She will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove calculus (or 'tartar') and give you advice on caring for your teeth and gums. She will also be able to advise you on how to control problems of bad breath and can work with your children to ensure that they have healthier teeth in order to avoid the need for any kind of restorative treatment in future.
Our hygienist can also help prevent tooth decay by applying a 'fissure sealant' into the grooves or 'fissures' in your back teeth. This is a painless procedure that involves the hygienist etching the tooth, then applying the sealant and curing it (which essentially means making it go hard with a bright light).
Mouth Cancer Screening
Cancer can affect all parts of the body including the mouth. Oral cancer kills around 2,000 people each year, which is why RP Dental Practice screens every one of its patients. Oral cancer can have different symptoms. It can affect all parts of the mouth, irrespective of whether you have your own teeth or not. It sometimes appears as a white or red patch, although more often it manifests itself as a painless ulcer that won't heal. If you ever experience any of these symptoms in between visits please contact us immediately as oral cancer is treatable if detected sufficiently early.
Oral cancer screening involves a quick pain-free examination of all parts of the mouth.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation web site has free information on mouth cancers, patient experiences as well as an online support group.
GO TO THE MOUTH CANCER FOUNDATIONEndodontics - Root Canal Treatment
Endodontics is another word for 'root canal treatment'. This treatment is necessary when the blood or nerve supply to the tooth (i.e. the root) becomes infected through decay or injury.
Endodontic treatment removes the infection and then the root is cleaned and filled to prevent re-infection. The treatment does not hurt as a local anaesthetic is used in the same way as for an ordinary filling. After treatment the tooth will look the same, as the modern techniques we use in this practice prevent discolouration.
In the unlikely event that there is a change in the tooth's colour we have several treatments that can be used to restore its natural appearance.
Online leaflets
If you want general information on a condition or treatment, go to the British Dental Health Foundation's web site where they have over 40 online leaflets.
VISIT THE BRITISH DENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION WEBSITEOnline Resource
Want to find out about dental treatment? Want to know how to look after your teeth better? Visit the new BDA Smile web site.
VISIT THE BDMA SMILE WEBSITE3D Education
Learn about dental anatomy, conditions, treatments and good oral health with the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational web site.
VISIT THE BDA’S 3D EDUCATIONAL WEBSITE