Month: May 2016

General dentistry explored: root canal treatment

General dentistry is essential to not just your oral health, but to your overall health too, as numerous studies have shown links between conditions such as gum disease and general health problems including heart disease and gum disease.

root-canal-treatmentAt Amsel and Wilkins dental practice in Banbury, our focus is on preventative dentistry – stopping problems before they start. However, if you do have a general dental issue that needs treating, we will provide you with prompt, professional and pain-free dentistry designed to treat you condition and improve your oral health to avoid the problem arising again.

Root canal treatment is one of those procedures that can make even the bravest patient a little nervous. However, it is nothing to be afraid of. It is one of the most common procedures in general dentistry, and is essential to saving an infected tooth.

Teeth can become infected through decay or through small chips and cracks caused by accidents and injuries. For that reason, even if you only have a tiny crack or chip in your tooth, you should visit your dentist as a matter of urgency to repair the crack and prevent infection.

If the pulp or nerve at the centre of your tooth does become infected, we will use root canal treatment to remove all traces of infection. Also known as endodontics, root canal treatment involves the use of special equipment to cleanse the root canals of your tooth of all infection. Your tooth will then be filled and a crown may be added to provide additional strength.

All of the dentists at our Banbury practice are fully qualified and experienced in providing root canal treatment. Dentist Nigel Braine-Hartnell has a special interest in endodontics and uses a special operating microscope to see better within your tooth during treatment. He can treat more complex cases here in the comfort of our modern dental practice.

General dentistry: dental care for pregnant women

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and you are likely to be busy getting everything ready for your new arrival. With so many things to think about, it can be easy to forget about your dental health. However, thanks to the hormonal changes pregnancy causes in the body, some women experience unexpected oral health problems. These are nothing to worry about, but you should make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for help in managing any conditions that may arise.

Amsel and Wilkins dental practice in Banbury welcomes women for general dental appointments at any stage of pregnancy. As with any health issue, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later, so if you experience any dental health issues please come in to see us.

pregnant-womenA lot of women notice problems with their gums during pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis (gum disease) is a recognised condition, which is caused by increased levels of the hormone progesterone in the body during pregnancy. Levels of this hormone can be ten times higher than normal when you are pregnant, and it affects the body’s response to toxins – including those caused by plaque build-up. This can start as soon as the second month of pregnancy, and symptoms include gums that are swollen, red, and which sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth. If you notice this, come in to our Banbury dental practice for a check-up. We can help you to manage the condition, as well as providing reassurance that it is nothing to worry about.

If you experience severe morning sickness, your teeth may be susceptible to acid erosion. The enamel is worn away from the surfaces of your teeth thanks to constant exposure to acid. Symptoms can include increased sensitivity.

Some women also experience pregnancy granuloma, which are red nodules that grow on the gums. They are not dangerous but can cause discomfort. If you notice this or anything else unusual during pregnancy, do please come in for a check-up.