There are two basic parts to a tooth, the crown and the roots. The crown is mainly above your gum, while the roots are below the gum and attach your tooth to your jawbone. Pulp, which exists inside the crown and the root, is made of soft tissue and keeps your tooth nourished.
Dental pulp – is in the centre of the tooth. Part of the dental pulp is inside the crown, and part of it is inside the root, in the root canal. The dental pulp consists of a network of nerves and blood vessels senses temperature and pressure applied to the tooth.
When the dental pulp (or root canal) is diseased or injured
If the pulp cannot repair itself (when it is injured or diseased) it dies. Pulp death can occur as a result of a deep cavity or a cracked tooth. Bacteria get in, either through a crack, a cavity or a loose filling, and eventually destroy the pulp. When bacteria penetrate through the root openings the bone will become infected. An infection in the bone may cause a swelling and the tooth may become loose.
The patient with a pulp injury will find his tooth is very sensitive to high and low temperatures, he may feel pain when chewing, and there may be a continuous throbbing pain.
Endodontic therapy (root canal therapy) saves the tooth and prevents further infection and pain
Without treatment the infection may spread and the tooth will eventually loosen and may require extraction. Some patients may prefer to have the tooth pulled out, especially if it hurts a lot. Endodontic treatment will enable you to save the tooth and eliminate the pain, avoiding the problem of losing a tooth.
The dentist will take out the diseased pulp. The root canal (the area where the pulp was) will be The pulp has a network of nerves and blood vessels anaesthetic. Sometimes, the treatment may require more than one visit, but a temporary restoration would be placed in the meantime. This means that you are not left with a hole in the tooth.
A tooth that has the root canal treatment is more fragile than a normal tooth. Quite often, a crown is recommended to help protect the tooth from fracturing.
What is ‘smile rejuvenation’?
Smile rejuvenation is an approach that addresses the deficiencies in functioning of your teeth and the health of your gums to restore and repair missing or broken teeth. The final touch may then include teeth whitening and/or veneers for a glitzy smile.
Smile rejuvenation is when an experienced practitioner evaluates the overall state of your oral health and tailors a plan for enhancing it. A smile makeover typically starts with a consultation or evaluation and then first addresses matters of pressing health concern. Ultimately, they will work their way up until they put the finishing touches on your smile with beautiful smile enhancement treatments.
Smile Rejuvenation may include a smile makeover or a full mouth rehabilitation and involves.
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Dental restorations
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Necessary dental surgeries
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Dental implants
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Veneers
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Crowns
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Composite Bonding
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Teeth whitening
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Facial aesthetic procedures (Dermal Fillers)
Not all of these options are needed for every patient to enjoy a complete smile rejuvenation.
THE TREATMENT PROCESS
What are the Stages of Treatment?
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Initial consultation
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Follow-up consultation with study models if impressions of the teeth were taken at the initial visit. The treatment plan is discussed including the alternatives
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A template of the new teeth shape is made in wax
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The provisional teeth are then placed in the mouth to assess form and function ‘i.e. you will be testing your new teeth and smile’
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The whole process can take a few months and at each stage options are monitored and reassessed according to your needs.
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Final placement of the restorations
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Review
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Maintenance
Initial consultation
Your initial consultation at Goldhurst Smile is going to be the most important part of your experience. The visit will allow you to get acquainted with our Dentist. At the consultation, he/she will get to know you and how you feel about your smile. Consideration is also placed on the smile that you want to project and how non-teeth related aspects such as facial shape, hair colour, and complexion will affect the final result.
As Part of your consultation we will gather your opinions and goals for your new smile. That way we can design your teeth to resemble the aesthetic appearance you desire, as well as restoring their health.
He/She will discuss with you the three most important elements in enhancing your smile:
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The color of your teeth
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The shape of your teeth
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The alignment of your teeth
Your initial consultation includes:
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health history review
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consultation
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initial diagnosis
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x-rays
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diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower jaws
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a series of photos
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education on oral healthcare
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TMJ examination for teeth grinding and clenching
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oral cancer screening
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review of available, appropriate, treatments to meet your needs
He/She will send you on to our practice hygienist for a further full mouth periodontal examination and cleaning or initial periodontal treatment if needed.
Follow-up Consultation with Study Models
At the next appointment he/she will show you the mounted models of your teeth and further discuss the options and the treatment plan. Prior to the appointment he/she will undertake a detailed analysis of your bite and come to plan based on the health of the teeth and the tempero-mandibular joint (TMJ). If the position of the teeth is not ideal such that aggressive tooth enamel removal would be required for an optimal result, orthodontics will be considered to move the teeth into a position which will best preserve the health of the teeth.
A treatment plan is made
Once you have decided on the form and shape of the new teeth, the models of your teeth will be sent to the technician to be designed in wax. He will also be able to explain to you in full detail the nature of any procedure you decide on.
A mock-up of the new smile
The next appointment will include placing the newly designed teeth in your mouth so you can appreciate the new smile. This does not require the use of dental anaesthetic as no drilling will be undertaken. At this stage changes can be made to the shape of your new teeth depending upon your preference. This stage is completely reversible and is only for you to get acquainted with the planned form and shape of the teeth. If you decide that you are happy with the appearance of the teeth impressions can be made on the same appointment. If alterations are deemed necessary, the next appointment will be to try the new smile.
Impressions
Once you have decided on the shape of the teeth impressions are then made so that the technician can manufacture your new teeth based on the impression of your teeth. This involves removing all the old restorations and preparing the teeth to receive the new veneers or crowns and is done under local anaesthetic. The impressions are then sent to the technician to create the porcelain restorations. The prepared teeth will then be protected with provisional veneers/crowns which will mimic the shape and form and appearance of the final veneers/crowns. On occasion we may need to adjust the opposing teeth at this stage if deemed necessary for a better functioning bite. You will be informed of this in advance. You will be able to test drive your new smile while you await the placement of the final veneers/crowns.
We can stop at any stage to reassess and if deemed appropriate the testing of the new restorations, especially in a full mouth rehabilitation can take several months.
Placement of the definitive restorations
The appointment will involve placement of the final veneers/crowns. During your veneer and crown placement appointment, the temporary veneers/crowns are removed, and your porcelain crowns/veneers are bonded to your prepared teeth. The newly placed veneers will be adjusted to ensure optimal function and esthetics.
Review
You will return in a few weeks to review your new smile and make any adjustments if required. Your teeth will also be fitted with a biteguard if you are prone to grinding your teeth to protect the newly fabricated restorations.
A follow up appointment will then be made for a review when adjustment may be made if necessary. The biteguard (Michigan splint) may also be fitted at this stage to protect the new crowns/veneers if you habitually grind your teeth.
Maintenance
Maintaining your beautiful new smile is simple. You care for your teeth as usual: brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting the dental office every 6 months for professional cleaning. Your veneers/crowns can keep you smiling with confidence for many years.
Our Dentist has years of experience and has a special interest in recreating new smiles with dental crowns, bonding, veneers, and other restorative techniques.
Veneer procedures.
Private, personalised care at Goldhurst Smile.
Above all, your experience at Goldhurst Smile is one where we value your privacy and confidence. That’s why we take more time to provide one-on-one communication with our patients from start to finish.
At Goldhurst Smile, we believe that having a personal relationship is essential to helping you feel comfortable with and confident in the services we recommend. You should be able to share any questions you have on your dental needs and the recommended treatment plan directly with our dentists.
Are your teeth stained, chipped, or not aligned on top of each other? Veneers are a good treatment option to consider because they look like natural teeth and don’t require a major procedure.
A veneer is a very thin, tooth-coloured piece of porcelain (like a false finger nail) that is bonded on top of your own tooth. Based on your needs, we can adjust the shape of your veneers to make your teeth overall look longer and or closer together. You can have just one veneer or a whole set, known as a smile makeover.
For a single stained tooth we can also match the precise shade of porcelain to give it a lighter appearance and fit in with the surrounding teeth. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when braces are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.
SMILE
REJUVENATION
Endodontics
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned with treatment and prevention of pulpal disease. A common form of endodontic treatment is known as Root Canal Therapy, which is aimed at removing infection, eliminating pain and restoring a tooth to function.
See all treatments
