Have you recently had a dental abscess and have been told you need a root canal to prevent another one? Are you not too sure if it is the right treatment plan for you?

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury has helped thousands of patients recover the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth using root canal, and will be more than happy to discuss the pros of this unnecessarily feared procedure with you.

So, what do you need to know about a root canal to ensure that it is the right treatment for you? Here, our dentist in Banbury answers common FAQs about root canals to help you decide. So, enjoy!

Does the treatment hurt?

In short, no.

Our dentist in Banbury will ensure that before having a root canal performed, your mouth is numbed. During the treatment, you may feel a slight pressure in your jaw, which is normal. If this becomes uncomfortable, let us know and we will apply a local anaesthetic.

When you get home after we have finished, your tooth is likely to feel a bit sore for a few days or may feel bruised. Again, this is normal.

However, if the area becomes unbearably uncomfortable, then call us for an emergency appointment.

Will I be able to use the tooth straight away?

You will be able to use the tooth to bite into, grip or grind food but it may be a bit sensitive for a few days post-treatment.

For this, we recommend using over the counter pain relief; a sensation akin to a bruise is not unheard of post endodontic work. But if you notice a sensation that is worsening or you are in extreme discomfort following a root canal, then please come back and see us as soon as you can.

Will the tooth change colour?

This is a common concern that many patients who have a root canal have and the answer is no.

Your tooth will not change colour after you have undertaken any endodontic procedure and, just to be sure that the work we have done blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, our team at Amsel and Wilkins will fit a tooth coloured crown or filling.

Isn’t a root canal just a delay for an extraction?

Actually, no.

If they are performed correctly, a root canal will last a long time and as such, it is seen as a form of restorative dentistry.

However, in around 1% or less of all root canal cases, when they fail, we will aim to remove the tooth altogether. If we need to do this, we will discuss with you the range of restorative options that are available for you, such as bridges, dentures or dental implants.

How long do root canals last?

With correct aftercare and good oral hygiene, a root canal should last the rest of your life.

Remember, you will need to attend biannual check-ups and brush your teeth twice a day to keep your oral hygiene in good condition and, of course, if you notice any issues with your root canal or any of your teeth, please contact our team for a same-day appointment.

Many patients know that they should take care of their teeth but not many are aware that it is equally important to protect gum health. Like teeth, gums too are at risk of developing periodontal diseases if not looked after properly.

Neglecting to brush and floss not only leads to cavities and tooth decay, but heightens the risk of gum disease. Plaque has a detrimental effect on gum health and when gums are in poor health, this raises the possibility of tooth loss and jawbone density loss as well as encouraging bad bacteria to enter deeper parts of the body and increasing the risk of infections, particularly in the lungs.

At Amsel & Wilkins our highly capable dentist in Banbury focuses on delivering quality care that looks after the health of the entire mouth including the gums. We can identify problematic signs and prescribe suitable treatment measures to thwart the problem escalating. Do you know why gums deserve that extra tender loving care? Here’s why you should make gum health a priority.

What are the top reasons to look after gums?

The very same oral hygiene obligations that keep teeth clean are needed to look after gums: daily brushing and flossing. It is also equally important for scheduled dental check-ups at a dentist in Banbury as gum health checks are an essential part of these appointments. Symptoms that point to a gum problem include bleeding, inflation, loose teeth and bad breath. Treating gum conditions tends to incur lengthy treatment plans which is a good reason to keep them healthy as long as possible.

Gums keep teeth secure

Positioned between teeth and jawbone, gums hold teeth in place. It is also the mechanism that makes it possible for teeth to be moved for better alignment. Our dentist in Banbury will ensure that gums remain in optimal condition and offer teeth the security that it needs to serve its function properly.

Gums offer a barrier of protection

Next to holding teeth in place, gums perform another important function – that of a protective barrier. The tooth root that is embedded in gum tissue is protected within this barrier. When gums, affected by poor dental hygiene, begin to recede, this exposes the tooth root to harmful threats such as bad bacteria.

Healthy gums contribute to an attractive smile

It is not just straight white teeth that compose a winning smile. Gums that are in poor health (redness, swelling, receding gums) can ruin a beautiful smile.

Gum health linked to overall health

Researchers have discovered that poor gum health can exacerbate certain other chronic diseases including inflammatory conditions, heart disease and diabetes.

Tackle gum disease today

Happily gum disease can be prevented with a strict at-home oral hygiene programme and professional dental care. Choose Amsel & Wilkins for a modern dental practice with a patient-centred approach to quality dental care. Find a full range of dental treatments and procedures including preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. We cater to the dental needs of the whole family. Schedule an appointment today and cement a future of bright and happy smiles. 

There are many reasons patients should want to keep their natural adult teeth for as long as possible. These reasons include enjoying full mouth function, maintaining a strong and healthy mouth and retaining the confidence to smile. It also means not having to find the money to pay for missing teeth replacement devices later down the line.

All these reasons make for a strong argument to do all you can to protect your dental health. And the best time to start a positive pro-dental attitude is during childhood years.

Taking a child for dental check-ups at the dentist in Banbury works to a number of advantages. We take a look at the benefits of a child’s regular dental attendance from a young age at Amsel & Wilkins.

Why you should take your child to the dentist in Banbury?

Professional dental bodies agree that parents should have their child’s dental health checked at the dentist in Banbury from as early as their first birthday (or as soon as they sprout their first milk tooth). This initial visit and all follow-up appointments that follow are necessary for:

Learning oral hygiene skills

Our child-friendly dental team will be able to advise on the best dental products designed and formulated for children to meet their oral hygiene needs. Even children are required to floss and we can practically demonstrate how this is to be done.

Eat right

Cavities and tooth decay have long been a serious threat to children’s oral health. Milk teeth may not serve for as long as adult teeth but they can still be a source of pain and discomfort just like adult teeth can be when they are in a state of decay.

The sugary treats and fizzy drinks that most children consume frequently heightens the risk of cavities forming on teeth. We are happy to advise parents on what constitutes a tooth-friendly diet to reduce the risk of tooth decay and avoid all the nasty consequences that accompany the dental condition.

Benefit from preventive dentistry

For quite some time the dental industry has been involved in treating dental conditions instead of preventing them. The focus of modern dentistry has changed. Dental practitioners have learnt much about how to prevent dental conditions such as tooth decay from happening in the first place. Preventive dentistry, the treatments and procedures that work to protect dental health, has become a foremost part of what we do at our dental practice.

Dental check-ups, which form a critical part of preventive dentistry, are to identify problematic signs that point to a dental condition developing and putting in place suitable measures to stop the condition from developing further. An example of preventive dentistry for children that we carry out are fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel to fight the destructive capabilities of plaque.

Patients of all ages are welcome at Amsel & Wilkins dental practice. We offer quality dental care and tailored treatment plans across the dental spectrum, from preventive care to restorative procedures. See us as your one-stop shop for all you and your family’s dental care needs.

If you have been wishing to improve the look of your smile, there are many ways in which you can do this, and our dentist in Banbury can help. We deliver various different types of high-quality cosmetic treatments that can really assist in rejuvenating your smile.

Consultation

Before we can proceed with these treatments, we will first have a consultation with you, which is an important part of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Our dentist in Banbury will discuss the treatment with you at length, so that you know everything about it before continuing. This is useful because it will give you a good idea of the process, and what the end result could be if successful.

We will usually also examine your teeth and take scans in a consultation, so that we can make sure you are eligible for your chosen treatment. It also allows for us to see how complicated or not your case is, which means we can give you more personalised information about how the treatment should go.

Porcelain veneers

Our first cosmetic treatment option is to have porcelain veneers, which can really help to transform the look of your smile. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is placed on the front of your natural teeth matching them in shape and colour or tweaking them for preference. It can help with things such as mild misalignment, chips and discolouration.

Once you have had your consultation with us and decide to go ahead with getting veneers, we will send off your scans so that your customised veneers can be made. Most of the time, we will first give you a set of temporary veneers, which allows you to point out any adjustments you may want us to make before we permanently attach them. Once this is done, we will permanently bond the veneers to your natural teeth, usually using a dental cement and a very bright light to harden it. With the right care, your veneers can last for 20+ years!

Teeth whitening

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, we are proud to offer both in-practice teeth whitening and home whitening kits. When you come into our practice for teeth whitening, it can happen quicker, but more and more people are turning to home whitening kits as they want to do it themselves. The home whitening kits we provide are still extremely effective, and we will create a customised whitening tray for you to use, which you will put the dental bleaching agent into and wear it like a mouthguard for a certain amount of time. This can be such a great help if you are struggling with discolouration on your teeth, as sometimes, even with a good oral hygiene routine, your teeth can still stain.

White fillings

If you have experienced tooth decay or had a root canal treatment, you will most likely need a filling. This involves our dentist in Banbury using a very strong material to fill in any gaps in your tooth, which will harden and withstand any forces in the mouth such as biting. This is very useful as if you have a hole in your tooth, it can trap decay and cause your tooth to weaken.

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, our team of highly trained dental professionals in Banbury is dedicated to making sure you have the best smile possible. We do this by being certain that we provide treatments that are modern and effective, and contribute to improving your smile in the most efficient way possible. One of the more modern treatments our dentist in Banbury can offer is Invisalign, which is a great alternative to traditional braces when it comes to straightening your teeth.

What is it?

You may not know what Invisalign involves, however this is simply explained. Invisalign treatment is growing in popularity, due to the ease of the process and its great results. The main focus of the treatment is on the aligners that will actually straighten your teeth.

The aligners are made out of a clear, thin plastic material and are custom-made to your teeth. They fit around your teeth similarly to how a mouthguard does, but are a lot thinner and precisely moulded to them. Due to the thin, clear material of the aligners and the fact that they sit perfectly on your teeth, it means they are pretty much invisible to other people, and comfortable for you.

How long does it take?

The total treatment time for Invisalign can vary quite a lot, between 6 and 18 months. Everything depends on your needs, so if you have a milder case of misalignment, then it will take a shorter time to complete. Whereas if you have a more severe case, it can take longer to do, but the results are well worth the wait!

What’s the Invisalign process?

You may be wondering what actually happens when you come into our practice to get Invisalign, the whole process is very simple.

The consultation

Our dentist in Banbury will first have you in for a consultation meeting, which is vital in ensuring you get the most personalised experience. We will take scans, examine your teeth, and talk with you about the treatment. At Amsel and Wilkins, we are lucky enough to be using a highly technical piece of equipment called the iTero digital scanner. This device will take in-depth scans of your teeth in just over a minute, and is able to simulate what your teeth could look like at the end of the treatment which is very exciting!

When you have had your consultation and are ready to go ahead with the treatment, you will wait 2-3 weeks for your custom aligners to be made. Our dentist in Banbury will provide you with multiple aligners at a time, and they are all slightly different to straighten your teeth over the treatment period.

Something that our patients love about this process is that you change between your aligners by yourself at home. This is great if you have a busier schedule and can’t come in for dental appointments as often. We will have an appointment with you every 6-8 weeks to give you more aligners and check up on your progress. The aligners are removable, making it very easy for you to change between them, clean them, and remove them when you eat, which means you can eat whatever you want to!

At our dentist in Banbury we understand fully that many of our patients possess hectic work and social lives which can cause their oral health to slip down the priority ladder. If you are a patient who finds themselves postponing, re-scheduling, or even completely forgetting to attend your regular dental check-up, then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our Amsel and Wilkins team!

Why is visiting our dentist in Banbury so important?

Many patients may believe that brushing their teeth for a duration of two minutes twice daily is enough to stay on top of their oral hygiene. Unfortunately however, dental concerns can still arise for many individuals who believe they are doing enough to take care of their smiles within the comfort of their own home.

What are these dental concerns?

At our modern and welcoming practice situated within Banbury our team of friendly dental healthcare professionals recommend our patients use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing, in addition to using mouthwash to eliminate any leftover oral bacteria within the mouth. Despite performing these daily dental rituals, along with any other regimes our team suggest for your unique case, unfortunately plaque is still able to accumulate on the surface of the teeth.

What’s the worst that can happen?

When tartar builds up on the outer layer of the teeth this can be a sign that your brushing routine is not as it should be. The consumption of foods and drinks that are high in both sugars and acids can cause the decay of the enamel’s surface which eventually leads to unwanted sensitivity and discomfort. Oral bacteria build-up on the surface of the teeth can encourage the onset of dental diseases and infections, such as gum disease, to name just one common example, which if left untreated can lead to more serious concerns.

What should I expect from a visit to your surgery in Banbury?

Many of our patients, especially younger individuals, or those experiencing dental anxiety, may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a visit to our practice. Navigating our website will give detailed information about our staff and premises. We are only a phone call away if you do not have access to the internet. If you are a patient experiencing nerves before visiting our team, then it is important to know that you are not alone. Despite common misconception, dental anxiety is extremely common and something we encounter frequently at our clinic. Nerves within a dental environment are not just experienced by children or young adults, and can be present within patients of all ages.

How can our team help you feel more comfortable?

At our surgery within Banbury we pride ourselves on delivering a superior standard of care to every patient we treat. Furthermore, we have established a fantastic reputation within the local and surrounding areas for the excellent services we provide. Our team of dental specialists boast a wealth of experience treating nervous patients. We take extra care to ensure our patients feel comfortable before receiving their treatments, so just let us know if you suffer from nerves or have a phobia about the dentist, we can offer ways to alleviate this. Our staff are happy to give additional time to tend to any questions or queries a patient may have regarding their appointment.

It is suggested by dental healthcare professionals that patients should pay a visit to their local dentist in Banbury twice a year. Despite this suggestion however, we understand that for many of our patients, life may sometimes get in the way. If you are an individual who is finding it hard to balance work and social life whilst trying to stay on top of their dental health, then our team is here to help. Our caring and professional cohort of dental specialists strive to educate our patients on the best ways to take care of their smile in the comfort of their own home, whilst we also administer routine dentistry within the walls of our modern clinic.

So what should I expect from a routine dental check-up at your dentist in Banbury

Visiting your local dental practice should be a priority for all patients. Despite this however, many patients may have hectic work and social lives which prevent them from making time for their oral health. When visiting the friendly team at our practice in Banbury, patients can expect to be greeted by a welcoming member of the surgery whilst waiting to be called in for their check-up appointment.

What happens next?

When meeting with one of our dental specialists, all patients may expect to receive an overall assessment of their mouth, teeth, and gums. Although this routine is something we always administer within a dental check-up, there may be other standard practices that many of our patients may not be expecting.

Did you know?

An investigation of your dental health may involve thoroughly assessing each individual tooth for signs of decay, plaque, or any other damage, but we will also be checking for any signs of oral cancer too. After closely examining your teeth and gums to ensure your oral health is in good order our professional team may also question patients on any changes to their diet within the last six months, in addition to changes in medications or supplements.

Why am I being asked these questions?

Many patients may not be aware of the direct link between their oral health and the food and drink they consume. This is not uncommon, however in reality the sugary or acidic substances we include within our diet can have a surprisingly major impact on our dental health. Any changes in medication can also have an impact on the health of teeth and gums, as can a patient’s general health.

How to take care of your oral hygiene, within the comfort of your own home

Many individuals may wrongly assume that paying a visit to their local clinic twice a year is enough to keep any dental concerns away. Unfortunately, this is not the case. To expand, despite our team performing a wide variety of routine procedures to ensure our patients’ smiles are as healthy as can be, our patients also need to stay on top of their dental health within their own home. Our team of dental healthcare professionals suggest that our patients use a flouride toothpaste whilst brushing for a duration of two minutes twice a day. Furthermore, patients are recommended to avoid consuming highly sugary and acidic foods and drinks too often, as this can cause unwanted damage to their tooth enamel.

Here at Amsel & Wilkins we know how self-conscious it can make people feel when they are undergoing teeth straightening treatment, which is why we offer Invisalign, a discreet and convenient way of straightening your smile. Having an uneven or gapped smile can leave people feeling extremely insecure when it comes to smiling, and we do not want any of our patients to feel like this. Invisalign is a simple treatment that uses a 3D scan of your teeth to produce additional images that show how your teeth need to move if you wish to straighten them up. This scan means that our patients no longer have to endure messy impressions to discover the exact positions of their teeth either. Invisalign treatment generally targets the front six to eight teeth, so if you have severe misalignment issues this treatment may not be suitable for you, but our dentist in Banbury will be able to recommend an alternative treatment to help. If you would like to find out more about Invisalign or other teeth-straightening treatments please do not hesitate to book a consultation appointment with one of our practitioners today to find out what we can do for you.

Clear aligners that are comfy to wear

Once your scans have been sent away they will be used to make several sets of custom made aligners for you. Your dentist in Banbury will make an appointment for you to pick these aligners up and try them on to make sure they fit comfortably. The aligners are made from clear plastic and fit snugly over your own teeth, so they are barely noticeable to other people. You will have multiple sets of aligners to wear in a specific order to ensure your teeth are moving correctly, but you will only be issued a few sets at a time and will be required to have check-up appointments to ensure your treatment is working correctly before getting your next few sets. The aligners themselves are entirely removable, so you can take them out when you want to eat or brush your teeth, but if you wish for your treatment to work efficiently you must be wearing them for at least twenty-two hours of the day.

Aftercare that will not let you down

Once you have completed your teeth straightening treatment with our dentist in Banbury they will arrange for an aftercare appointment to take place. At this appointment you will be provided with a plastic, custom made retainer and very clear instructions to follow. Normally you will be expected to wear your retainer constantly for a period of around seven days after your treatment has ended, and after this, you will be expected to wear it at night. How long you have to continue to wear it at night will depend on your individual circumstances, with some people only needing to wear it for a few months compared to others who will need to wear it at night for several years. Regardless of how long you need to wear it for it is important that you wear it properly, otherwise, your teeth are likely to return to their previous crooked positions and you may need to have straightening treatment again. 

At Amsel & Wilkins we understand the importance of not only having a smile that you love to show off but teeth that you can rely on when it comes to biting, chewing and speaking. Teeth can fall out for a variety of reasons, but dentures can fall out as well which is why we offer an alternate treatment that ensures your new teeth are not going to come loose, fall out or let you down when you need them the most. Our dentist in Banbury provides dental implant treatment, which is a way to replace your teeth securely in a way that leaves you with a completely natural-looking smile. If you have missing teeth and wish to replace them, or believe that it is time to upgrade from your dentures for peace of mind, then book an appointment to speak to one of our practitioners today. They will be able to explain the procedure to you in full and ensure that it is suitable for you as well as answering any questions that you may have.

A straightforward way to getting a natural-looking smile

Once you have made the decision to have dental implant treatment with our dentist in Banbury you will have multiple appointments arranged as your mouth will need time to heal in between. The first steps after your consultation appointment are to insert multiple titanium screws into your jawbone, so your new teeth will have something to support them. How many screws you need when replacing an entire set of teeth will depend on your individual circumstances. Some patients can replace a full set of teeth requiring only four implants, whilst others can need up to twelve. Once your gums have healed around the screws you will have your new teeth attached to them. These teeth are made to look and feel exactly like normal ones. It is likely that you will have a full set of dentures attached to your implants, but some patients can have multiple partial dentures attached if this is a more convenient option.

You do not have to have dentures to benefit from implants

A majority of people seem to assume that dental implants can only be used when all of their teeth are missing. This is not the case and whether you are missing just one tooth or multiple you can speak to our dentist in Banbury to discover what options are available to you when it comes to replacing your teeth with implants. Generally speaking if you are missing one tooth it is likely that you will only need one titanium screw inserted into your jawbone and one crown attached to this to complete your smile. In cases where you are missing multiple teeth it will depend on their positioning as to whether you will require multiple crowns or a bridge to restore your teeth. A bridge can be used when there are multiple teeth missing next to each other, or when there is a missing tooth either side of an original one. If you have multiple missing teeth then you will not necessarily need one screw for each missing tooth that you have to replace as the screws are capable of supporting more than one false tooth each.

Between the ages of 11 and 17 years old, your body goes through many changes.

And while the memory of adult teeth erupting can seem like a distant (and painful!) memory, for many people, their teenage years are overshadowed by the eruption of 4 more teeth in the mouth.

Known as wisdom teeth, these 4 molars appear at the back of the mouth, 2 on the top jaw and 2 on the bottom and, to be frank, they can cause a lot of issues. Why? Because they tend to erupt when your adult teeth are set nicely in your jaw. And as you can imagine, your adult teeth don’t take kindly to surrounding teeth popping up and crowding their space.

At Amsel & Wilkins, we have years of expertise dealing with problematic wisdom teeth and will conduct an assessment of these late bloomers to establish whether they need to be removed. If they do, our dentist in Banbury will remove them painlessly and easily, allowing your mouth to be free of pressure and crowding. Perfect!

So, what are some of the signs that those new wisdom teeth are going to be problematic? Read on to find out!

Discomfort

As you can imagine, when you have a new tooth coming through, it is going to be a bit uncomfortable.

However, if this discomfort persists when your wisdom teeth have fully erupted, then you need to see our dentist in Banbury for an assessment. The discomfort may be persistent or may occur when you are chewing food and can even take the form of sensitivity when consuming hot or cold liquids.

Swelling

Again, an erupting tooth does not occur without a fair amount of swelling, but our dentist in Banbury advises that all people with erupting wisdom teeth keep an eye on the swelling.

If it looks darker than the surrounding gum, is uncomfortable or is becoming too swollen for you to close your mouth properly, contact our team.

Bleeding

Excessive amounts of bleeding from an erupting wisdom tooth can point towards an issue. This indicates that the tooth may be impacted (not fully erupted) and is moving, causing the bleeding.

Should this occur, you need to contact our team who can assess if the tooth can be accommodated in your mouth or needs to be extracted by us.

Stiffness

A stiff jaw or issues with opening your mouth wide can also point to a problem with wisdom teeth.

As they erupt, the swelling or the tooth itself can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and cause problems with movement throughout your mouth and jaw. If you notice an issue with moving your mouth, jaw or tongue since you have had wisdom teeth erupting, please contact our team for an assessment.

Foul odour or taste

A sure-fire sign that there is an issue with your wisdom teeth is a foul taste or smell in your mouth.

This points towards an infection in or under the tooth, which requires urgent medical attention to resolve.