Treatments

Implants

Once the teeth have been extracted and the dentist deems you have sufficient bone quality to proceed with the implantation, then the following timescale applies.

First Visit : - The dentist will insert the implants under local anaesthetic. This is done by drilling a hole in the jaw and inserting a metal post. This normally takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. You may experience some discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off, however, this can be controlled with painkillers. The dentist may also give you antibiotics, however, this really depends on individuals and you will be advised accordingly by the clinic. An antiseptic mouthwash will also be given. Stitches are required to help with the healing, however, these are dissolvable thereby eliminating the need for you to visit a dentist in your home country for stitch removal. You will be given instruction by the dentist on how to look after the affected area to minimise the risk of infection. The bone is then left to grow and heal around the metal post. It is important that all patients follow a strict hygiene routine once the implants are in place. Regular brushing and flossing

Second Visit: - Healing time varies between patients, however, you should allow 3 to 4 months for the upper jaw and 5 to 6 months for the lower jaw. This allows for the implants to stabilise in the bone. After this time the dentist can insert the healing abutments. As with the implants this is also performed under local anaesthetic. After leaving a period of approximately 3 weeks, the implants are ready to be built up.

Third Visit: - Your dentist will then be able to start to build up the implant and discuss the various options available, ie crowns or bridges.


Crowns

A crown is used to cover a damaged tooth in the form of a fixed prosthetic device. Crown can be made of porcelain or ceramic fused to metal and can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth. Should the patient have allergies gold or metal alloys can be used. The tooth is shaved down and the crown is cemented over the top of it thus providing the tooth with total protection.


Inlays / Onlays

Inlays are used to replace your amalgam fillings. These are usually made of porcelain, resin material or gold. These are especially used when the cavity is too large for an ordinary composite filling. Inlays are used inside the cavity whereas onlays are are used to cover the whole tooth.


Fillings

Smaller cavities are usually filled by plastic commonly know as composite fillings. The advantage of composite fillings is that they can help to restore the original strength of the tooth and are less sensitive to cold and hot.

Unlike amalgam fillings, composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing for the patients with their natural appearance.


Veneers

Veneers are thin covers cemented onto the outer surface of the teeth, especially the front teeth. The can be used to cover discoloured or spotted teeth. They can considerably improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers are made of thin layers of porcelain and the process can usually only take 2 appointments.


Teeth Whitening

Quick teeth whitening can be used to whiten teeth up to 10 shades. Results vary from client to client depending on several factors such as tooth density, tooth porosity and lifestyle habits. Most people are good candidates for whitening, however, please be aware that crown, dentures and veneers cannot be whitened.

There is no pain and discomfort during your treatment. Quickwhite is mixed with peroxide and applied to the teeth. The dentist will put on a dam for gum protection and avoidance of teeth sensitivity. The gel will be activated by a special light or sonic whitening unit.

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity after the treatment especially with hot and cold drinks however, this should wear off after a couple of days.

The treatment can last up to 3 years depending on eating habits and lifestyles, ie with the use of tobacco, coffee, tea and red wine.

The whole process including the teeth cleaning at the beginning and teeth polishing at the end, takes approximately just over an hour.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is the process where the dentist removes the pulp (nerve and blood supply) from an infected tooth and replaces it with dental filing material.

This carried out when the pulp of the tooth has become infected or damaged.  When an infection starts it can spread throughout the root canal system, eventually leading to an abscess.  If the root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection can spread into the surrounding tissue causing severe pain and swelling and the dentist may be left with no choice but to extract the tooth.  However, it is nowwidely accepted that it is always better to avoid this stage and to try and save the tooth by performing a root canal treatment. 

After receiving a local anaesthetic, an opening is made into the pulp chamber of the tooth by way of drilling.  Special dental files are then placed into the canal to determine the length of the toots.  The canals are then cleaned and shaped by using threadlike rotary instruments which help to remove the infected pulp tissue.  The root canals then filled with a biologically material.  After this the tooth can then be built up and restored usually with the placing of a crown (usually made from porcelain or porcelain fused to metal) over the tooth.  This is particularly important as root-filled teeth have a tendency to become brittle and are more prone to fracture.  The placement of a crown therefore, helps to protect the remaining part of the tooth. 

Bridges