Dental treatments in Southampton
Dental implants in Southampton
Implantology treatment is not performed in every dental clinic in Southampton. It is therefore reasonable to call a clinic the patient is interested in to make sure whether dental implants are available. Implants are designed for the patients who do not have problems with general health, there are two specific demands, however. A patient should have healthy gums and jawbone thick enough for the implant to be fixed. They are definitely the best way to restore a beautiful smile for those who, for various reasons, lost their natural teeth. Their colour and shape match the features of the natural teeth, they are therefore indistinguishable from the real teeth. This is also the most long-lasting solution that can serve its function for even a lifetime. Although usually expensive, dental implants are worthy of their price, as they do not affect the surrounding teeth and slow the process of bone shrinking that takes place if a tooth is missing. Local anesthesia is enough when performing the procedure. Apart from a small swelling that can be felt afterwards and a minor pain that can be dealt with by the use of regular painkillers, there are usually no side effects.
Dentures
Dentures are available as private treatment, and they are provided by NHS as well. Dentures can be divided into complete and partial. The first type is a substitution for all the teeth in upper or lower jaw. The second one replaces a missing tooth or several teeth, and it is attached to the natural, remaining teeth. Partial denture also helps the remaining teeth stay in a good condition, as it prevents for example gum disease. Dentures are a way for restoring teeth usually for the patients who cannot, for different reasons, afford some other solution, such as dental implants. There is a list of disadvantages that have to be faced when deciding to wear dentures. Although they give mouth a natural appearance, they do not feel natural, especially for some initial period of time. A patient also has to learn to speak when wearing dentures, as it may affect speaking. There is also a matter of losing taste (in the case of upper complete dentures) that the patients have to get used to.
Dental crowns and bridges in Southampton
The difference between crowns and bridges is that a crown replaces only one tooth, while a bridge connects several crowns in order to cover more teeth. It usually takes two or three visits to fix a crown or a bridge in the mouth, as some preparation is needed before the procedure. A crown is placed over the remaining part of a tooth, restoring its natural shape and giving it a natural look. There is a wide range of colours to choose from before the treatment, so the artificial tooth does not differ from the natural one. As far as the endurance is concerned, dental crowns and bridges can last for a very long time, but it is closely connected to the health of the teeth underneath and a care taken of the mouth cavity. There are different materials from which a crown or a bridge can be made. The most popular are porcelain crowns and bridges. Another common material is gold mixed with some other metals. Bridges are usually made of porcelain attached to precious metal.
Veneers
In Southampton, as well as in other UK cities, veneers are considered as cosmetic dentistry, so the procedure can be performed privately only. Veneers resemble thin shells that are fixed to the whole surface of a tooth. This method is often used as an alternative to teeth whitening. Veneers are prepared for each patient individually as they have to have a right shape and size to fit over the tooth. Usually very little preparation is needed before the treatment. Apart from making the teeth look healthier, straighter and whiter, they can also protect the damaged surface of a tooth. Closing small gaps between the teeth can be done thanks to veneers as well.
Teeth whitening
This type of treatment is classified as cosmetic procedure, so in order to have the teeth whitened, a patient should contact a private dentist. This service is offered by the great majority of private dentists in Southampton. The results are not always spectacular, as it depends on the individual natural predispositions of the patients. At the first visit the dentist should give the patient information concerning the expected results. However, even a small difference in the shade of the teeth is satisfying for the most of people and increases their self-confidence. Eye teeth tend to be a few shades darker than the rest of the teeth, and often the patients decide to have only eye teeth whitened. In the case of in-office whitening during which the bleach is used, the gums should be protected against the effect of bleaching. The stronger bleach means whiter teeth after the procedure, but also the increased danger of damaging the gums.
