 |
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.
| 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. |
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| An example of periodontal
disease where gum disease was left untreated |
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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 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.
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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). |
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.
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The Mouth Cancer Foundation web site
has free information on mouth cancers, patient experiences
as well as an online support group. Click here |
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| Endodontics
- 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. |
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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.
Online 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.
3D Education: Learn
about dental anatomy, conditions, treatments and
good oral health with the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational
web site. |
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RP Dental
Practice
156a Haverstock Hill
Hampstead
North West London
NW3 2AT
Click Here for Map
tel: 020 7722
4405
fax: 020 7483 3603
Hampstead Surgery Hours
Mon to Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm
Sat by arrangement only |
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