Frequently Asked Questions
What are crowns?
What are veneers?
What is teeth whitening or bleaching?
What are white fillings?
What are amalgam fillings?
What are incisors?
What are canines?
What are premolars?
What are molars?
What is a dental hygienist?
What is a dental technician?
What is a dental therapist?
What are dental impressions?
How do I get a gum shield made?
What is plaque?
Why is plaque bad for my teeth?
Why is plaque bad for my gums?
If plaque is white how can I see it?
How often should I use disclosing tablets?
What is calculus?
What is the best way to stop the build up of calculus?
Why does the dentist often find calculus behind my lower incisors?
Which is better to clean my teeth, a normal toothbrush or a manual one?
Which is better a sonic toothbrush or an oscillating rotating head electric toothbrush?
What is the best toothpaste to use?
Should I rinse out after brushing my teeth?
When should I brush my teeth?
Why is it important to brush last thing at night?
What is fluorosis?
What causes bad breath (halitosis)?
How does smoking affect my teeth
How does smoking affect my gums?
Why have my gums started to bleed since I stopped smoking?
How does smoking affect my mouth?
What are fissure seals?
What does the dentist mean when they say I have pockets around my teeth?
Why does my Leeds dentist call out numbers to the nurse when they look at my teeth?
What is a periodontal specialist?
What is root canal treatment?
What is flossing ?
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
What are inter-dental brushes?
What is cosmetic dentistry?
What is an implant?
When do children loose their baby teeth?
Why would my Leeds dentist recommend I see an orthodontist?
At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
What causes orthodontic problems?
How are orthodontic problems corrected?
Are there less noticeable braces?
How long will orthodontic treatment take?
Why does my dentist take X-rays?
Are dental X rays safe?
What is sedation?
How does a dentists drill work?
How often should I visit the dentist?
What is dental phobia?
How long will filling last?
How long will a crown last?
What options are there to replace a missing tooth?
What are crowns?
Crowns sometimes called caps are like a thimble that fits over the remains of a tooth that may be damaged beyond simply placing a filling or to improve the look of a tooth or after a tooth has had root canal treatment. A crown can be either made of a gold coloured material or a tooth coloured material. Your cosmetic dentist at FHDC in Leeds can advise you as to which type of crown will be best for your tooth, don’t be afraid to ask to see examples.
Back to top
What are veneers?
Veneers are used to improve the appearance of front teeth. Your cosmetic dentists at FHDC in Leeds will advice you of the different options. Often this involves taking an impression which is sent to a dental technician who turns that impression into a model on which they make a veneer. The cosmetic dentist then sticks the veneer on the tooth with special adhesive materials.
Back to top
What is teeth whitening or bleaching?
You may be able to lighten your teeth by teeth whitening. Your cosmetic dentist at Far Headingley Dental Care will first need to check you are suitable. Some people may not benefit from whitening or may have too sensitive teeth. You can either have your teeth whitening by your dentist at our Leeds based surgery or your dentist may make you thin gum shield like trays which you can take home and fill with a special whitening gel and wear when convenient. The benefit of bleaching at home with the “trays” is that you can control how much you lighten your teeth and also it may be cheaper. It does however take much longer than in surgery whitening at Far Headingley Dental Care in Leeds. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to show you examples of people’s teeth that they have whitened in the past.
Back to top
What are white fillings?
White fillings may be referred to as tooth coloured or composite fillings by your dentist. Your cosmetic dentist in Leeds will advise you as to whether a white filling is appropriate for the tooth you need restoring. Usual white fillings are placed at the front of the mouth and silver amalgam fillings are placed on back teeth.
Back to top
What are amalgam fillings?
Amalgam fillings are silver in colour when first placed tarnishing with time. They are made from a mixture of Silver, Tin, Mercury and Copper.
Back to top
What are incisors?
These are the teeth at the front of you mouth. There are two central incisors right at the front on both the top and bottom jaws and next to them a lateral incisor on either side. They are called No1 or No 2 teeth in adults or As and Bs if baby teeth.
Back to top
What are canines?
These are found between the incisors and premolars. They are sometimes referred to as the eye-teeth in the upper jaw and have a fang like appearance. They are called no 3 teeth if adult or Cs if baby teeth
Back to top
What are premolars?
These are the teeth between the canines and the molars. There are usually two, sometimes called bicuspids. One of the premolars may be removed if you need to have orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth. They are called No 4 and 5 teeth.
Back to top
What are molars?
These are the teeth at the back of the mouth used for crushing and grinding food. The biting surfaces of these teeth are quite rough (fissured) and it is important to remember to brush them. When these teeth first erupt into the mouth as a child the dentist may decide to seal them over to reduce roughness (fissure seal) and make them easier to clean.
Back to top
What is a Dental Hygienist?
The dental hygienists at Far Headingley Dental Care in Leeds is an important member of the dental team. The hygienists role in patient care is becoming increasingly important. Patients are usually referred to the hygienist by their dentist. Hygienists help to treat and prevent gum disease by scaling and polishing teeth. They also advise patients how to care for their teeth through the use of various products such as toothbrushes, floss, interdental brushes, tongue scrapers and give advice on a healthy diet.
To learn more, contact:
British Dental Hygienists' Association
c/o 13 The Ridge, Yatton, Bristol BS19 4DQ
Tel. / Fax: (01934) 876389
www.bdha.org.uk
Back to top
What is a dental technician?
The dental technician produces crowns, veneers, dentures, whitening trays, gum shields and some orthodontic appliances from impressions and written instructions from a dentist.
Back to top
What is a dental therapist?
Dental therapists are skilled in the following areas
- Cleaning (scaling and polishing) teeth
- Application of fluoride and fissure sealants
- Taking dental x-rays
- Dental health education on a one to one basis or in a group situation
- Routine restorations in both deciduous and permanent teeth, on adults and children
- Extract baby teeth under local analgesia
- Placement of pre formed crowns on deciduous teeth.
- Emergency temporary replacement of crowns and fillings
- Take impressions for dentists
- Treat patients under conscious sedation provided the dentist remains in the surgery throughout the treatment.
To learn more, contact:
British Association of Dental Therapists
92 Mayfield Drive, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire RG4 5JT
Tel. / Fax: (01189) 482651
www.badt.org.uk
Back to top
What are dental impressions?
An impression is a mould of your teeth. Your Leeds dentists will put putty like material into a tray slightly bigger than your teeth. The tray with putty in it is then put into your mouth and pushed over your teeth. Some of the putty may get squeezed out into your mouth. If you do not cope with things in your mouth very well it is a good idea to try and breathe very slowly through your nose and try to relax letting your mind wander. Depending on the type of putty the dentist uses the tray may be in you mouth for a few second to a few minutes. When the putty sets solid the dentist will remove it from your mouth. The tray with set putty is then sent off to the dental technician who will make a perfect model of your teeth from the impression. This is ten used to create your perfect crowns or veneers at FHDC in Leeds.
Back to top
How do I get a gum shield made?
Your dentist at Far Headingley Dental Care in Leeds will take an impression of your top teeth. He will ask you what colour you want the gum shield, remember to get a colour that will be easily when it gets dropped in mud! The impression will then be sent to a dental technician who will make the gum shield. It is worth paying a little extra to get your name put on the gum shield in-case you loose it.
Back to top
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft sticky substance caused by bacteria and food. It forms on your teeth and causes a furry feeling. It can build up in between teeth and at the gum line and turns into calculus (or tartar) if left for long enough.
Back to top
Why is plaque bad for my teeth?
When you eat the bacteria in plaque eat too! The plaque bacteria then produce acids which can dissolve the minerals which make up the tooth and result in a hole or cavity. This process is called decay.
Back to top
Why is plaque bad for my gums?
The acids produced by plaque not only damage the teeth but also damage the structures that hold the teeth within the jaw.
Back to top
If plaque is white how can I see it?
Plaque isn’t easy to see so dentists and hygienists at Far Headingley Dental Care in Leeds recommend disclosing tablets. Disclosing tablets often called plaque check tablets are made of a vegetable dye called Erythrocine (E127).
Back to top
How often should I use disclosing tablets?
Disclosing tablets may be used about once a week. With children it is often good to surprise them with a disclosing tablet after they have cleaned their teeth to show places they have missed. Offering an incentive such as more pocket money every time the teeth are found to be clean is a good incentive to encourage thorough cleaning.
Back to top
What is calculus?
Calculus and tartar are the same thing (tartar is the term more commonly used by Americans). Calculus forms when plaque if left on the surface of a tooth for about 72 hours. It results from minerals found in saliva entering plaque and turning it hard (mineralisation). Once plaque has mineralised to calculus it won’t come off by brushing alone. You need to visit your dentist or hygienist who will scale it off with special dental equipment and technique.
Back to top
What is the best way to stop the build up of calculus?
Simple…clean the plaque off your teeth before it mineralises to calculus.
Back to top
Why does the dentist often find calculus behind my lower incisors?!
This is a difficult area to reach with a toothbrush so if often not cleaned as well as other areas of the mouth. More importantly this area tends to get bathed in more mineral rich saliva than other areas of the mouth so any plaque turns to calculus more rapidly. People often report that an electric toothbrush with an oscillating rotating head helps reduce the build up of calculus in this area because it is easy to manoeuvre this type of toothbrush.
Back to top
Which is better to clean my teeth a normal toothbrush or a manual one?
If your dentist or hygienist at Far Headingley Dental Care feels you are doing a good job at cleaning your teeth with a manual toothbrush there is no reason to change to an electric one. If however you are told your teeth could be cleaner it is well worth trying an electric toothbrush as you may well find it more effective at cleaning your teeth.
Back to top
Which is better a sonic toothbrush or an oscillating rotating head electric toothbrush?
Independent research would suggest the oscillating rotating type toothbrush is more effective at cleaning teeth.
Back to top
What is the best toothpaste to use?
Always use a toothpaste containing fluoride. Ask your dentist at FHDC in Leeds to recommend what toothpaste best suite your needs.
Back to top
Should I rinse out after brushing my teeth?
It is best not to rinse out or to only rinse with a small amount of water. Young children should be encouraged to spit out excess toothpaste otherwise they may develop fluorosis.
Back to top
When should I brush my teeth?
Teeth should be brushed last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
Back to top
Why is it important to brush last thing at night?
Less protective saliva flows at night and fluoride from toothpaste remains around the teeth longer giving added protection.
Back to top
What is fluorosis?
Fluorosis is the mottling of enamel that occurs if children swallow too much toothpaste when their teeth are developing. Children aged less than 7 should be supervised when brushing and only use a pea sized amount of toothpaste.
Back to top
What causes bad breath (Halitosis)?
Bad breath or Halitosis as it is sometimes called can be caused by a number of factors. The most common cause is the result of eating strongly smelling foods such as onions or garlic. It can result from smoking or by not cleaning the whole of the mouth properly. Ask your dentist or hygienist at FHDC in Leeds for further advice or a referral to a specialist.
Back to top
How does smoking affect my teeth?
Smoking stains the teeth which looks unsightly, smoker often try to remove this staining using smokers toothpastes some of which can be abrasive and cause permanent damage to the teeth by wearing them away. Smokers tend to get more calculus which can make the teeth rough and more prone to trapping plaque.
Back to top
How does smoking affect my gums?
There is a lot of high quality evidence showing smoking is linked to gum disease. Smokers are up to 6 times more likely to suffer from gum disease than non smokers.
If you are thinking of giving up smoking speak to your doctor or follow this link
www.quit.org.uk
or free phone
The Quitline 0800 002200
Help is also available in Asian languages via the Asian Quitline
The following languages are available:
Bengali 0800 002244
Gujarati 0800 002255
Hindi 0800 002266
Punjabi 0800 002277
Urdu 0800 002288
Back to top
Why have my gums started to bleed since I stopped smoking?
Smoking causes the blood vessels in your gums to shrink. When you stop they open up to there normal size bringing more blood to the gums to help repair the damage smoking has caused. The bleeding will reduce with time.
Back to top
How does smoking affect my mouth?
Every year approximately 4000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed and almost 2000 people die each year of oral cancer. The cause of oral cancer is well established- excess tobacco and alcohol use.
For more information follow this link
http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk/mouth/
Smoking also causes halitosis and reduces your ability to taste, especially salt.
Back to top
What are fissure seals?
This is usually a liquid plastic material which is flown over the rough fissured biting surfaces of molars and sometimes premolars. It sets solid when a bright blue light is shone on it sealing over the surface making it less rough and easier to clean. Fissure seals are usually appropriate for those children who have a high risk of decay.
Back to top
What does the dentist mean when they say I have pockets around my teeth?
The gums usually fit like a tight collar around your teeth. If the gums are damaged this tight collar can loosen and a pocket will form around the tooth.
Back to top
Why does my Leeds dentist call out numbers to the nurse when they look at my teeth?
Dentists can be calling out numbers for two main reasons. Firstly they may be carrying out something called a Basic Periodontal Exam (BPE exam) This is a screening technique to check the health of your gums around each tooth. The dentist will walk a probe around your gums and depending on what they find will assign a number from 0-4 .
- 0 means the gums are perfect keep up the good work!
- 1 means the gums bleed but no pockets, calculus or plaque retention factors are present and you only need to improve your removal of plaque in the areas your dentist shows you.
- 2 means the deepest pockets are <3mm and/or calculus is present below the gumline or plaque retention factors are present below the gum line. This would indicate you need the teeth scaling to remove calculus advise of how to stop the plaque and calculus reforming and removal of any plaque retention factors.
- 3 means the deepest pockets are 4or 5 mm, so worse than 2 and you require the same things as are needed for a score of 2 but obviously the situation is more serious than the lower score.
- 4 means you have a tooth or teeth with pockets >6mm. Your dentist may recommend you see a periodontal specialist.
Secondly the dentist in Leeds uses different numbers to indicate the different teeth in your mouth rather than saying each of their full names.
1=cental incisor
2=lateral incisor
3=canine
4=first premolar
5=second premolar
6=1st molar
7=2nd molar
8=3rd molar or wisdom tooth
Back to top
What is a periodontal specialist?
This is a dentist who specialises in the treatment of gum disease.
Back to top
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is the removal of dead or dying pulp from a tooth and replacing it with a filling material to stop bacteria living in the space. If the space is left an abscess may occur.
Back to top
What is flossing ?
Floss is a thread like material used to clean the point where two teeth touch. Dentists and dental hygienists at FHDC in Leeds will often recommend that you floss your teeth as part of your oral care routine.
Get the Leeds dentist or hygienist to show you how best to use floss. When flossing for the first time you may find it very difficult, be patient and persevere.
Back to top
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
You may also find your gum bleed a lot when you first start flossing; this is because the gums between the teeth can be very fragile due to the damage from plaque bacteria. As you regularly use the floss and remove the bacteria the gums thicken up and the bleeding reduces.
Back to top
What are inter-dental brushes?
These are special brushes to use to clean between your teeth. They look like miniature bottle brushes. They come in various sizes which are colour coded, you should ask your dentist or hygienist to recommend which colour brush you should use.
Back to top
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is any treatment that aims to improve the look of your teeth and smile. Veneers, bleaching, crowns white fillings and braces are all examples of cosmetic dentistry. Ask at FHDC for more information about cosmetic dentists in Leeds.
Back to top
What is an implant?
Dental implants are one way of replacing missing teeth. They are sometimes referred to as screw in teeth. Although there are many advantages to having implants, they are not suitable for everyone. You need to have healthy gums and be in good general health. You also need enough jawbone to take the screw and support the replacement teeth. Some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis or chronic sinus problems could interfere with healing and make implants more likely to fail.
Because they are a complicated form of treatment, implants can also be expensive.
Your dentist if trained to place implants will go through each stage of the treatment with you before it begins and also give you a timetable for completing treatment. You might be referred to a specialist.
The dentist or specialist will expose the bone in the jaw where the tooth is missing. Then he will drill a hole and insert a screw into the bone. This is usually done under a local anaesthetic, but sometimes sedation or, if you are in hospital, a general anaesthetic is used. The gum is then stitched over the screw and it's left to heal for several months, while the bone grows around the post, making it secure.
After this period, there will be a second operation in which replacement teeth are mounted onto the metal screw. This requires a small cut in the gum above the implant. The replacement teeth might be single or in a group, and possibly as a 'bridge', attached to neighbouring natural teeth. They may be fixed permanently or attached in a way that lets you remove them for cleaning.
After surgery, it's absolutely essential to maintain good mouth hygiene and visit your dentist regularly. Smoking reduces the chances of success of the implant.
Back to top
When do children loose their baby teeth?
Baby teeth are also known as deciduous teeth, primary or milk teeth.
Between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, the baby teeth begin to push through the gums. This process is called eruption or teething. By the time a child is 3 years old, he or she has a set of 20 deciduous teeth, 10 in the lower and 10 in the upper jaw. Each jaw has four incisors, two canines, and four molars. The purposes of the molars are to grind food, and the incisors and canine teeth are used to bite into and tear food.
By the time the average child is six, the first baby teeth become loose, usually the two lower central incisors. The looseness is a result of their roots dissolving. By the time the adult teeth start to push through the gums, the rootless baby teeth are loose and ready to come out ( placed under the child’s pillow for the tooth fairy!). The baby teeth help the permanent adult teeth to push through into their normal positions and most of the permanent teeth form close to the roots of the baby teeth. Permanent tooth development continues over the next 15 years, as the jaw steadily grows into its adult form. From ages 6 to 9, the incisors and first molars come through. Between ages 10 and 12, the first and second premolars, as well as the canines extend. From 12 to 13, the second molars come through. The wisdom teeth (third molars) usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 22.
Back to top
Why would my Leeds dentist recommend I see an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of teeth. An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, meaning "bad bite." Examples of causes of malocclusion are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents or sucking of the thumb, fingers or a dummy for a prolonged period of time.
Children and adults can both benefit from orthodontics. Your Leeds dentists will check how your child’s teeth are developing at each routine examination and decide if a referral to an orthodontist is required.
Treatment may take a little longer for adults. Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. The average treatment time is about 24 months and varies with individual patients. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment.
Back to top
At what age can people have orthodontic treatment?
The average age for orthodontic treatment is 12-14 years, however this may vary depending on various factors which the orthodontist will consider before starting treatment. Adults can have orthodontic treatment but this can take longer than the treatment of children.
Back to top
What causes orthodontic problems?
An orthodontic problem is called a malocclusion, meaning "bad bite." Some examples of causes of malocclusion are crowded teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth or jaws that are out of alignment. Most malocclusions are inherited, although some can be acquired. Acquired malocclusions can be caused by accidents, early or late loss of baby teeth, or sucking of the thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time.
Back to top
How are orthodontic problems corrected?
First, pre-treatment records are made. These records are important tools for the dentist to use in making an accurate diagnosis. They include medical/dental history, clinical examination; plaster study models of teeth, photos of your face and teeth and x-rays of your mouth and head. This information will be used to decide on the best treatment.
A custom treatment plan is outlined for each patient. The specific treatment appliance best suited to correct the patient's orthodontic problem is constructed. There are a variety of different orthodontic appliances that may be used.
When the orthodontic appliances are in place, this is considered the "active treatment" phase. Appliances are adjusted periodically so that the teeth are moved correctly and efficiently.
The time required for orthodontic treatment varies from person to person. An important factor in how long a patient wears braces is how well the patient cooperates during treatment — for example, by following instructions to wear rubber bands or head gear.
After active treatment is completed, the "retention" phase begins. A patient will need to wear a retainer so that the teeth stay in their new positions. For severe orthodontic problems, surgery may be recommended.
Back to top
Are there less noticeable braces?
Today's braces are generally less noticeable than those of the past. Brackets, the part of the braces that hold the wires, are bonded (glued reversibly) to the front of the teeth. These brackets can be metal, clear, or tooth-coloured. Wires that are used for braces today are also less noticeable. In some cases, brackets may be put on the back of the teeth (lingual appliances). Modern wires are also less noticeable than their predecessors. Today's wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, making the tooth-moving process faster and more comfortable for patients.
You orthodontist will usually be able to show you pictures or models of all the things they may use, don’t be afraid to ask.
Back to top
How long will orthodontic treatment take?
Although the average treatment time is about 24 months, this varies with individual patients. Usually, adult treatment takes a little longer than a child's treatment. Other things to keep in mind are the severity of the problem, the health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone and how closely the patient follows instructions. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, most people feel the benefits are well worth the time invested.
Back to top
Why does my dentist take X-rays?
X-rays are used to take pictures of the teeth, bones, and surrounding soft tissues. X-ray pictures can show tooth decay, hidden dental structures, and bone loss that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
The following types of dental X-rays are commonly used.
- Bitewing X-rays use the least amount of radiation and show the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. They are used to detect decay between the teeth and to show how well the upper and lower teeth line up. They also show bone loss that usually indicates the presence of severe gum disease or a dental infection.
- Periapical X-rays show the entire tooth, from the exposed crown to the end of the root and the bones that support the tooth. These X-rays are used to detect dental problems below the gum line or in the jaw, including the presence of impacted teeth.
- Occlusal X-rays show the roof or floor of the mouth and are used to detect the presence of extra teeth, teeth that have not yet broken through the gums, jaw fractures, a cleft in the roof of the mouth (cleft palate), cysts, or growths (such as a tumour). Occlusal X-rays may also be used to locate foreign objects.
- Panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, nasal area, and temporomandibular (jaw) joints. These X-rays reveal problems such as impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, solid growths (tumours), infections, and fractures.
A full-mouth series of periapical X-rays, which may consist of 14 to 21 X-rays, are most often done during the first visit to the dentist. Bitewings are used during checkups to help the dentist diagnose tooth decay. Panoramic X-rays may be used periodically to screen for dental conditions. Like other aspects of your dental care, dental X-rays are scheduled on an individual basis and may vary with your age, risk for disease, and signs of disease.
Back to top
Are dental X-rays safe?
There is always a slight risk of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. However, the risk of damage from the xrays is usually very low compared with the potential benefits of the test. In some cases, a previous X-ray
can be used instead of having a new X-ray done
If you are worried speak to your dentist and explain your fears.
Back to top
What is sedation?
Sedation in dentistry is an option for certain groups of people who are anxious or nervous of undergoing dental treatment. They include adults with dental anxieties or phobias, children who are apprehensive or frightened and patients with special needs. Some patients only require sedation for a specific surgical procedure.
A range of sedation techniques are available which include
- Intravenous (by injection into a vein)
- Inhalational (by breathing a mixture of gas and oxygen)
- Oral (by tablet swallowed prior to the treatment)
If you are very nervous sedation may be an option for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist if they feel you may benefit from treatment under sedation. If they themselves don’t do it they may well be able to refer you to a dentist who does.
Back to top
How does a dentists drill work?
Most dentists drill work using compressed air which is passed through fine tubes at very high pressures which turn miniature turbines connected to the drill itself. There are two types of drill a dentist will mainly use. A high speed drill which is very fast and used for cutting enamel and old fillings and a slow speed drill which is mainly used to remove decay. The high speed drill usually has water spraying out at the tip of it to prevent the drill getting very hot when cutting and damaging the tooth.
Back to top
How often should I visit the dentist?
How often you should see the dentists depends on a number of factors:
- How clean you keep your teeth
- Diet-is it high in sugar or acid
- Lifestyle-smoking alcohol intake
- General health-diabetes or drugs which cause dry mouth
- Family history of gum disease
- Exposure to fluoride
- History of decay
- Low saliva flow
Your dentist will take in to account all of the above factors when deciding how often you should be seen.
Back to top
What is dental phobia?
Dental phobia is a fear of going to the dentist. It can be a result of many things
- Previously painful or negative experiences during visits to a dentist, usually as a child. This can even include careless comments made by a dentist or hygienist during a past examination.
- A severe discomfort with feeling helpless and/or out of control in the dentists chair.
- A sense of embarrassment of your dental neglect
- Scary stories of negative dental experiences learned from family and friends.
- Negative, menacing portrayals of dentists in movies, TV, newspapers and magazines.
- A sense of depersonalization in the dental process, increased by today's necessity for the use of barrier precautions, such as masks, latex gloves and shields.
- A general fear of the unknown.
Back to top
How long will filling last?
It is impossible to say how long a filling will last as it depends on so many variables, such as-
- What filling material was used?
- How big was the filling?
- How much of the tooth was left?
- How difficult was the filling to place?
- What forces the filling will undergo in you mouth?
- How clean the mouth is kept
Back to top
How long will a crown last?
As with fillings it is impossible to say how long a crown will last because it depends on so many variables-
- What type of crown is it?
- How much of the tooth is remaining?
- What was it cemented on with?
- How clean the mouth is kept
- What forces the crown undergoes in the mouth
Back to top
What options are there to replace a missing tooth?
The are many option for replacing a missing tooth-
- Leave a gap. It may be that the tooth doesn’t need replacing
- A denture
- A bridge
- An implant
Your Leeds dentists can advise you which options are available to you and the pros and cons of each of them.
Back to top
