While many people have had a sore tooth at some point during their lives, in most cases it can be resolved by a filling or a crown.

But if you have a tooth that is eroded by decay or you are preparing for orthodontics, you may need to have a tooth extracted or pulled.

And this can be intimidating, even for adults! But as is the way with most areas of dental care, the more you know about each procedure, the less anxious you will feel.

And at Amsel & Wilkins, while we will try and save every tooth if possible, should your tooth need pulling, our dentist in Banbury can make the experience comfortable for you. Using our state-of-the-art technology and tools, we aim to make all dental experiences as pleasant as possible and will endeavour to look after you and your family with the treatments we offer.

So, with that in mind, what are the different types of dental extraction that our dentist in Banbury can perform? Yes, that’s right, there is more than one type! Read on to find out!

Simple extraction

As the name suggests, this type of extraction is, well, simple and involves the removal of teeth whose crowns are visible in the mouth. This type of extraction is usually performed if you are having braces fitted, are having a wisdom tooth extraction or to prevent overcrowding.

In this instance, our dentist in Banbury will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area and will grasp the tooth to remove it.

During this, it is likely you will feel a sensation of pressure, which is totally normal. Once complete, our team will advise you on pain relief and will advise you on what to look out for in relation to infection.

Surgical extraction

OK, so a surgical extraction is a bit more complicated.

Once again, the clue is in the name and with surgical extractions, there are more tools involved and the procedure can take a little longer.

A surgical extraction is performed when you have a tooth that has broken below the gum line through decay or injury, or alternatively, it is impacted under the gum which is common with wisdom teeth. Should you need this extraction type, you will be numbed with an anaesthetic and our team will need to make precise incisions into your gums to remove the tooth.

To check that the procedure has been successful, we may also need to conduct X-rays to ensure that we have got all of the tooth fragments. And, as is the way with most surgical interventions, we may need to use stitches to close the opened area and to promote healing.

Signs of infection

With both types of extraction, it is important to be able to spot the signs of infection.

These typically involve a foul taste or smell, prolonged discomfort, swelling, feeling nauseated, being physically sick or feeling hot or cold intermittently.

If you notice any of these signs following an extraction, contact our team.

The best way to safeguard against potential threats to your oral health and protect your quality of life is to keep to the scheduled check-up appointments as instructed by our dentist in Banbury. At Amsel & Wilkins, we offer a range of top-quality dental care treatments to protect or restore dental health and function.

Delaying a visit to our dentist in Banbury, or skipping out of regular dental check-ups altogether, means missing out on the opportunity to have red flags that point to a dental issue identified and treated. When no action is taken to treat worrying symptoms, a patient can be sure to expect more severe discomfort and pain, and the progression of the oral health problem.

We are always dismayed when patients only pay us a visit when in extreme pain. While our dental practitioners are well experienced in relieving dental pain and providing quality urgent dental care, all such pain and anxiety can be completely avoided if symptoms are treated when they arise and not left to escalate. Outside of pain and discomfort, there are other occasions when it is a good idea to have your teeth and gums looked at by a qualified dentist in Banbury. 

Times when you need to see a dental practitioner

You have bad breath

It is not always the case that bad breath is caused by some food you ate or beverage you consumed. Another quite common cause of bad breath is an underlying oral health problem. The only reliable way to tell for sure what the cause is of your bad breath, is to have a dental practitioner conduct an oral health assessment. Not only can our dental professional get to the root cause of your problem, we can also prescribe suitable dental treatment plans to regain oral health and your confidence to engage with others once again.

You dental appliances have become loose or damaged

Patients are not always conscious of the critical importance of having their loose dentures or damaged braces repaired. If the structural integrity of your dental appliance is compromised then this has a direct adverse impact on the outcome of your treatment plan.

Your teeth bleed or have suddenly become extremely sensitive

It is not par for the course for bleeding to occur around your teeth or for them to be sensitive when consuming hot or cold treats and these symptoms should not be ignored. Like all other dental problems, timely action needs to be taken to stop the progression of the minor problem from becoming a more major one.

Whether it is toothaches or mouth sores, poor oral health issues can quite quickly reduce the quality of life you experience.

Optimal dental health starts with a determined effort at observing all your dental-related obligations such as daily brushing and flossing and seeing our dental practitioner at Amsel & Wilkins. Please get in touch with our administration support team to arrange for a dental assessment as soon as possible, especially if it has been a while since your last dental check-up.

When wanting to find a reputable dentist in Banbury for quality dental care, it is important to first ask a critically important question – what expectations do I have in regards to the quality of care I receive and how I am treated as a patient when visiting the dental clinic? In asking this question, patients are able to identify the qualities they wish the dental professional from whom they receive their dental care to have. It is only when knowing what the qualities are that they are looking for that patients can align with the right dentist in Banbury.

Good oral health is indispensable if patients are to experience a high degree of quality of life that is founded on physical, mental and social wellbeing. Good dental health helps patients to take care of their physical bodies, by ensuring they consume the nutrients they need and helps them look their best by providing them with a pleasing smile, which is needed to make a strong positive impression.

At our Amsel & Wilkins Dental Practice, it is our focused mission to ensure that each patient who visits us, receives the best possible dental care from a friendly, highly capable, professional dental practitioner. Read on to find out what characteristics our dentists possess that set us apart as a dental practice.

Must-have qualities expected from a top dental practitioner

In addition to the must-have qualities such as qualifications and real-world experience every practising dental practitioner should have, there is an extra set of merits that distinguishes a really good dentist in Banbury from the run-of-the-mill type. This unique set of qualities includes a number of attributes.

A genuine interest in patient care

Our services in dental care are coupled with a genuine interest in the health and wellbeing of our patients. We take the time to listen to our patients’ needs and wants in order to best understand how it is that we can help them achieve their goals. The easy-going nature of our dentists helps us get to know our patients as individuals. We present to our patients all suitable treatment options, as well as all necessary information, so that our patients can make the best decisions in regard to their overall wellbeing.

Commitment to ongoing professional development

Dentistry is far from being a stagnant field, rather it is coloured by continuous exciting technological developments and modernised systems. A dental practitioner, who is passionate about modern dentistry, will make learning about revolutionary methods a top priority in their practice of providing the very best of dental care.

Honest in our communication with you

We combine honesty and compassion when communicating with patients. We are aware that we need to be sensitive to the problems experienced by our patients and that a compassionate approach is often the best way to ensure that patients are comfortable in seeking the help that they need.

For superior-quality, comprehensive dental care, trust in our competent dentists at Amsel & Wilkins Dental Practice. We are a well-established, modern, family dental surgery where our patient-focused philosophy is a guiding hand in all that we do.

Unsure if your toothache is anything to worry about?

If you are like many dental patients, chances are that you think a dental emergency equates to being in excruciating discomfort. While this is true for the more serious side of these issues, such as abscesses and cracked teeth, many emergency dental problems may not cause discomfort at all!

Of course, if you notice anything akin to dental pain, you should contact our team immediately, but what are some of the other signs that you need a same-day check-up?

When you come to Amsel and Wilkins for emergency dental care, our dentist in Banbury will ensure that you are taken care of and that you leave our surgery feeling much more comfortable. We will offer you some TLC and provide the necessary follow-up appointments (if needed) so you can get back on your feet. Brilliant!

Still not sure if you need to see our dentist in Banbury for an emergency appointment? If you have any of the following issues, contact us promptly!

Loose/lost filling or crown

When you have a filling or a crown, they can come loose or become lost for several reasons, such as decay worsening or inadequate fitting.

Our dentist in Banbury recommends contacting us for an emergency appointment if you notice you have a lost or loose filling or crown, so we can restore your tooth and prevent infection from setting in.

Cracked or chipped teeth

Like a lost filling, many people will have cracks and chips occur in their mouths from time to time. Unless it is a deep crack that causes discomfort, you are unlikely to see it as an issue.

But a crack or chip in your enamel can spread and allow bacteria to get underneath your tooth, which can lead to abscesses forming. As we can restore a crack or chip with a simple composite filling, it is not worth the risk of leaving that crack open!

Swelling

Facial swelling is synonymous with more serious dental issues, such as impacted teeth or infections, so if you spot swelling near your throat, cheeks, or in your oral area, contact our team.

If you have noticed that the swelling has gradually grown on your cheek, or gumline our team will also perform an entire screening process to check for oral cancer. Better to be safe than sorry!

Detached brace

If you wear a fitted brace and one of the brackets detaches from the tooth, you need to be seen promptly by our team.

We can reattach it temporarily, but you will also need to have an urgent appointment with your orthodontist, so they can check that the realignment process has not been impacted by the detached brace.

Bleeding

When you have had a tooth removed or suffered from an injury, any bleed from your mouth should stop with the application of pressure.

If after 20 minutes of applied pressure there is still a bleed that is not slowing, you need to see our team.

Whether you have had a bad experience with your current dental practitioner, or are simply new to the area of Banbury, it can be tricky to know what to look for in a new surgery.

Of course, if you are one of those lucky people whose teeth are perfect and only require a biannual check-up, then you may think it probably won’t matter which dental team you join. However, if you have a young family, if you are a nervous patient or if you are an adult who wants to have some cosmetic dental work done, then choosing the perfect team to meet all your needs is important!

And this is where our team at Amsel and Wilkins comes in!

At Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury can offer you a wide range of services. We can help you with everything from sensitive teeth to dental implants and also provide great preventive procedures for both children and adults alike!

But what are some of the other reasons to choose our dentist in Banbury to oversee your family’s care? Read on to find out!

Nervous patients

First things first, if you are a nervous patient then our standard welcoming procedure will be exceedingly helpful to you.

You will be invited to a non-clinical appointment with our patient coordinator; this will help you to discuss any fears that you have, along with what you wish to achieve while working with our dentist in Banbury. You will be informed of what we offer, what you can expect from us and you will be given a tour of the surgery, so you will be familiar with the setting.

Extensive examination

Once you have joined our team, we will conduct an extensive check on your mouth, teeth, and gums, this will also involve an oral cancer screening as our team is very thorough.

Depending on your current dental presentation, we may also take X-rays, and we will then discuss our findings with you, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment. Communication is key to all success in life, and we believe in making everything about your treatment crystal clear, so you can feel confident about what’s ahead.

Opening hours

We know that your world does not work 9-5 and so, we are happy to be able to offer you a 6-day week, with Saturday appointments to help young children to get their check-ups regularly.

If you need an emergency appointment, we can offer it to you within 24 hours of you contacting the surgery, to help get you back on track and free from any discomfort.

Facial aesthetics

Many dental surgeries are now able to offer non-surgical facial aesthetics, and we are happy to have joined these ranks.

If you wish to have some wrinkles and fine lines removed, or simply want your lips to look fuller and plumper, our team at Amsel and Wilkins can offer you dermal fillers to refresh your appearance. We can also offer targeted wrinkle treatments too, so all areas are covered! Brilliant!

There are many reasons why you should make the effort to visit your dentist in Banbury at least twice a year. Not only is it beneficial for your oral health, but you can also benefit emotionally, as there is no element of uncertainty hanging around you. You can confidently know that your smile is healthy and that the steps you are taking year-round will pick up on any slight changes immediately, meaning that together we can take preventive action.

We use high magnification and intensive lighting to thoroughly inspect your teeth and accurately identify any changes that may have occurred since your last visit. If we are able to consistently check your teeth every 6 months, then such changes can be swiftly reacted to and dealt with before they become potentially major concerns.

By using the best possible materials and restoring your teeth on their former glory quickly, you can confidently know that should you need some kind of restorative treatment it will be long lasting and durable. It should not be an everlasting battle to remain healthy and enjoy strong teeth. We believe that a little goes a long way and by doing necessary restorative treatments correctly, we can maintain the integrity of your smile so that you can enjoy it for longer.

What are some of the restorative treatments we offer?

Do you have missing teeth? Many people find that a missing tooth changes their entire lives and not for the better. It is only when we have lost a tooth that we truly understand the importance of having a complete set and how they work together to make eating and chewing a thoughtless and enjoyable experience.

When a tooth is lost, either through injury or due to poor oral health, your dentist in Banbury will urge you to replace it in the best possible way. However, some people do not do this and adjust their lives to this new reality.

This can result in an increase in infection and pain in the gums, as hard or sharp foods can cut or damage the exposed gums. Over time, your remaining teeth can shift and twist to compensate for the missing tooth which can be uncomfortable, creating further complications and leave you at further risk of more tooth loss.

By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, your dentist in Banbury is able to restore your smile again to full functionality confidently due to the guaranteed longevity of this style of treatment. Should you be viable for this treatment, and most without underlying health conditions are, then a 98% success rate is currently proven and the treatment lasts for several decades without interference.

This means that you can move forward with your life after missing teeth, rather than needing to adapt your life to a new normal as a result. If you’re interested in enjoying foods again and smiling with confidence, then we are here to make it happen however we can. Make an appointment to talk to us about any of your oral health care concerns as soon as you can.

It’s critical that you invest a small portion of your time every year in committing to visit your dentist in Banbury. This can reduce overall dental costs and maintain a stronger, healthier smile year in and year out.

It is proven that those who do regularly visit their dentist in Banbury and follow recommendations set out by them, in addition to keeping their teeth and gums clean and fresh with biannual hygienic appointments will discover that these expenses will be less than costs that can amount when you avoid the dental chair until an emergency forces you to show up.

Therefore, not only can you cut costs in your dental care in the long run, but you can confidently shine, knowing that your oral health is competently monitored and cared for. This means you can enjoy your smile for longer and should something begin to deteriorate, we can act swiftly, minimising the impact that this can have on your emotional and physical welfare.

What are some of the treatments that we have available?

We care for your oral health in many ways. We focus on a preventive approach for everyone from children to seniors. During each stage in our lives, we need a slightly different kind of care and we look at your unique circumstances and react accordingly, ensuring that your specific needs are met.

Should there be any concerns that need to be immediately addressed, such as a cavity that needs filling, tooth removal, a root canal or a crown, then we swiftly take action and provide these restorative treatments when you are ready and in need.

In addition to preventive and restorative treatments, we offer a range of cosmetic solutions that ensure you feel like you are presenting with your best possible smile. These include teeth whitening or veneers, but also can be more complex treatments such as straightening.

What is important is that we take the time to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and find out what it is that you need in order to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile. After an examination, we will discuss the results and work out a purely bespoke plan that meets your needs and wishes so that you can confidently embark on a journey towards the smile of your dreams.

With a combination of different treatments, your dentist in Banbury is able to create a healthier and happier smile for you which ensures that you can get the most out of your teeth. So whether you have crooked or cramped teeth, missing teeth or you are simply looking for a check-up to ensure you are able to maintain great oral health, we are here to meet your needs.

Come on in when it is suitable for you for an initial consultation and see how our service and attention to detail sets us apart from the rest. Our high-end equipment and innovative techniques mean that you get the best results for your oral and general health.

Dentists work in a tiny and sensitive space of the body, the mouth. For this reason, you’ll need to locate a dentist in Banbury you can trust not to hurt you while feeling comfortable and looked after in their care.

In this article, we’ll discuss the essential dental traits any oral health practitioner should have that extends beyond knowledge and skill, attributes that our clinic, Amsel and Wilkins, possess.

Excellent listeners

Although dental practitioners are better known for educating patients, fixing teeth and imparting knowledge, a crucial part of their role is lending an ear to their patients. This means getting to know people on a more personal level to ease their nerves and trepidation, helping them to feel more comfortable in a reclining chair.

Developing good rapport from the initial consultation is crucial because it means the start of a professional rapport built on trust and respect. 

If you feel that this is lacking or insufficient during your first appointment, you might want to find a more suitable dentist in Banbury.

A dentist who looks great on paper might not have the interpersonal skills that make the dental appointment easier for you.

Communicates well

Communicating well includes simplifying complicated medical jargon and guiding patients through the treatments.

The procedure might seem less daunting if you have a full understanding of what’s coming next at the dentist in Banbury.

Someone you can trust

A large portion of each dental appointment involves your dentist working with sharp metal objects inside your mouth, a small space with over one million nerve endings. Knowing this, you have to trust that your dentist won’t hurt you by accident as he or she pokes and prods.

Our dental practitioners are incredibly detail-oriented and highly skilled, performing intricate procedures delicately and accurately.

Caring and compassionate

Knowing that the mouth is a sensitive area and discomfort may be experienced, a dentist must show compassion for patients, especially those with heightened anxiety.

We go to great lengths to make your visit with us as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Passion drives us

Working as a dentist means being undeterred by the fact that we do get up close and personal with stranger’s mouths, and not being averse to bad breath.

We’re fascinated by how the mouth operates, its connection to the rest of the body, and are eager to learn new methods to treat oral health issues better than before!

We’re motivated by the desire to fight a wide array of dental diseases and help you to attain a bright, beautiful and infection-free smile.

We don’t stop learning

Learning is lifelong in our profession! We keep up-to-date with the latest advancements! In addition to our up-to-date methods, we use high-quality materials and modern equipment and tools.

Dentistry as art

Although dentistry is primarily based on improving oral health, cosmetic procedures to enhance facial features have become extremely popular.

To leave our patients with dream smiles, we’ve mastered techniques that are unique to aesthetic dentistry.

The repercussions of oral health diseases have been recorded for thousands of years where evidence has shown that ancient civilisations cared for their teeth in some shape or form, using what was available at the time.

Methods for cleaning teeth and repairing or fixing issues, like decaying teeth, are described as crude, painful, and often brutal and bloody.

Fortunately, modern dentistry has undergone significant transformations over the last couple of centuries whereby caring for your teeth, preventing oral health diseases and repairing dental issues, are pleasant, non-life-threatening experiences.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between dentistry now and past practices, and the reasons why our clinic, Amsel and Wilkins is a top-notch dental clinic in the UK.

Toothpaste then and now

Toothpaste has existed as long as the conception of dental hygiene, dating back to 5000 BC. Early Egyptian, Chinese and Greek civilisations concocted abrasive pastes from crushed oyster shells, bones, herbs, and other materials derived from nature.

Although reasonably effective in cleaning teeth, many key ingredients harmed the enamel of teeth, resulting in worsening dental problems.

In the 1900s, fluoride, a mineral found in water sources, began to be added to toothpaste. This essential ingredient is still used today to combat cavities while strengthening the enamel at the dentist in Banbury.

Experiences of the dentist then and now

Dentistry is the oldest medical profession but wasn’t as specialised in the past as it is now.

People considered healers often performed dental procedures, where priests, and later barber-surgeons administered dental care. These surgeons were often a jack of all trades, so you could visit one to extract a rotten tooth, and then have your hair cut.

Although dental anxiety or phobia is commonplace in today’s world, visiting the barber-surgeon was a blood-curling event that petrified people. With local anaesthesia only being invented in the late 1800s, simple procedures like pulling teeth were agonising since there was no way to numb or block the pain.

Although natural remedies, like honey, may have been used to heal mouth wounds, few could stop feelings of tenderness entirely.

Today, local and general anaesthesia is used to treat small and large dental problems seamlessly at the dentist in Banbury. 

At the same time, modern-day dentists attend dental school, undergoing intensive training programmes to provide their future patients with the best care possible. Those who want to specialise are expected to study further to develop their skills.

Procedures then and now

Extractions were commonly performed in the 1800s using a turnkey, a primitive tool that left patients with an extremely tender mouth. Professional teeth cleaning was also prevalent at the time, a task performed using scrapers, a medical instrument that continues to be used today, although with refinements.

Methods of teeth restorations have been around for millennia, carved out of a variety of materials, like ivory, copper, wood, gold and silver, depending on the time.

Teeth realignment also isn’t a new phenomenon. In the past, solutions for crowding included pulling out teeth, while today braces are utilised to create perfect smiles at the dentist in Banbury.

How our clinic measures up

We offer outstanding dental services that align with the latest development in dentistry. The comfort and well being of our patients are our guiding principles, providing a spectrum of professional services in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Our patients receive customised treatment programmes designed to attend to their dental issues quickly and with as minimal pain as possible.

Let us help

At Amsel & Wilkins, we are a dentist in Banbury who has always been committed and dedicated to our patient’s and doing all that we can to make sure they get the highest possible standards of excellence within their treatment. Whilst the ongoing Covid:19 pandemic may have shaken the fundamentals of life as we know it, this – thankfully – is something which as remained unwavering.

We understand that, for many, the recent lockdown months have caused dental health to suffer, as we urge anyone who feels they may need it to contact our dentist in Banbury today and let us help. In doing so, patients can rest assured that they will get the care and attention that they deserve and that their smiles and oral health will reap the rewards.

What can a dentist in Banbury do?

For over 40 years, our dedicated team of dental practitioners, experts and hygienists have been committed to giving our patient the best standard of care available. A large part of this – which helps make us the highly revered practice that we are today – involves listening and connecting with our patients on a human basis.

By connecting with them properly, and allowing them an opportunity to voice their dental concerns, our practitioners can make uniquely tailored treatment plans which address these specific needs within a short a timescale.

Therefore, the first stage in any treatment through us here at Amsel & Wilkins stars with an initial, informal consultation. We have found that this is the most effective way of beginning any course of treatment as we can make sure that the patient knows the various options that are available to them and that they are making a well-informed decision.

Comsetic dentistry treatments

Cosmetic dentistry – which is a branch of dentistry which is focused around the overall look and aesthetics of a patients smile – is by far one of the most popular areas of treatment we provide here at Amsel & Wilkins.

One such cosmetic dentistry treatment which we provide that can have a truly positive impact on the self-confidence and appearance of a patient’s smile is cosmetic orthodontics. Many people are often embarrassed about the spacing or positioning of their teeth – but they don’t get the care they need because they are not aware of their cosmetic options.

Another appeal of this sort of treatment is that having straighter teeth vastly reduces the risk of getting gum disease and other tooth problems. Treatment such as Invisalign, which we regularly provide to our patient’s, lets them correct any badly aligned or misshapen teeth – without the need for anything to be fused or fixed to their teeth as traditional braces would be.

Rather, the whole system operates through a custom-fitted dental retainer which can be revolved at the patient’s leisure. Each Invisalign retainer is made from transparent, flexible plastic and therefore slips almost entirely out of sight when being worn.

This gives patients the ability to correct their orthodontic problems, without the treatment affecting how they look, and as such has inspired a wave of interest and engagement from many patients. If you feel that cosmetic orthodontics could be the solution then simply contact us here at Amsel & Wilkins and let us get you booked in for a consultation.