Oral cancer deaths declining among well-educated

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Deaths from mouth and throat cancer have dropped since the early 1990s, according to a new study -- but only among people with at least a high school education. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Source: www.medworm.com

Dental Implants and Numbness

What are the risks of temporary numbness afterwards?

Numbness happens when a nerve is not allowed to work, this can be permanent if the nerve is cut or temporary if there is swelling around the nerve. Once the swelling decreases the numbness decreases.

Chances of numbness depend on where the implant is placed. In the Upper jaw there is very little chance as there are no nerves in the "normal places" where we put the implants.

Higher risk is in the lower jaw so it's really important to take good quality digital x-rays to be able to measure accurately distances from the nerve.

Also to avoid damage to the nerve if there is not much room is to use a piezo surgery unit to do the drilling of the bone. A piezo unit does not cut nerves so with this machine it is relatively safe

Implants in a day – can this be possible?

Many practices advertise this as an eye catching advert. Is this possible with all the

advances in implants? It might be.

Dr Malo of Malo Clinic in Portugal is considered one of the several pioneers of

the “all on 4” technique.

In this way of working all teeth, if present, are removed and 4 implants are placed

and immediately teeth are placed on the four implants (sometimes 5 implants) and the

success rate is higher then expected.

So why don’t we all just rip our teeth out and have these highly successful implants?

No more pain, no more caries, no more periodontal disease! If only life was that

simple! (More of this on another Blog)

As with all implants the success rate of immediate implants is related to the quality

and quantity of bone.

At Smile Dental Implants the percentage of patients we see that could have immediate

implants is very small. All the research shows that failure of immediate implants

is greater than when a period of healing, 8- 12 weeks happens.

I am not if it was me that I would want to swap waiting for eight weeks with a lower success rate.

I can understand that many patients will be wanting to get rid of uncomfortable,

wobbly dentures ASAP but at the expense of something that’s going to take longer

to produce (only 8 Weeks) but will last generally for longer than any other form of

dental treatment? I don’t know!

Who decides? – It has to be the patient after informed

consent of course!

Glossary: - Immediate implants refer to implants placed and loaded for function straight away.

What does your smile say about you?

What does your smile say about you? Comment and let the world know. Try our SmileSign widget to find out even more about your smile type and what it reveals about your personality!

Source: www.colgate.com

Single Tooth Dental Implants

JE is a lovely 75 yr old lady! The dilema she faced was to have either:

1. A denture - removable and often uncomfortable for one tooth - she didn't like this option
2. A bridge - this means removing healthy tooth structure either side of the gap to support the false tooth in the middle. This doesn't come out like a denture but can affect the gum and surrounding teeth - she didn't like this option either.
3. An implant - this doesn't affect the teeth either side and will prevent further bone/gum loss in that area - she loved this option!

JE's own dentist wanted a specialist do treat his patient, so he referred her to us by to replace her missing lower tooth - she will then go back to her original dentist after this treatment.

We had a problem with lack of ridge width in this area and had to replace the missing bone with a simple bone graft - and here are the results.

You don't need to leave your existing dentist to have dental implants, you can simply have them with us then return to your regular dentist for all your other dental needs.

Missing Tooth Replacement

PB self referred himself for an implant for his missing upper left tooth which was causing him concerns in both appearance and an ability to eat.

He had previously a crown in this space which failed and had to be removed leaving him with a gap, as a result he was left with an uncomfortable denture.

The new dental implant retained crown is now in place, and we are waiting for the gum to heal around the new tooth. This should take another 6 months.

We have a quote from his experience here at Smile Dental Implants.

“I found your facilities to be of an excellent standard and your knowledge and understanding of my needs to be very good indeed. Not to mention a very affordable price that brings dentistry back within the realms of the average man.”

Certain mouth bacteria signal pancreatic cancer, study finds

Particular types of mouth bacteria, some of which are found in gum disease, are associated with the development of pancreatic cancer, indicates a small study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Source: www.medworm.com

Mouth Bacteria Granulicatella Adjacens May Be Linked To Pancreatic Cancer

A small study published online in the journal GUT suggests that certain types of mouth bacteria, some of which are found in gum disease, for example Granulicatella adjacens, are linked to the development of pancreatic cancer...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Financial Pressure On UK Dentists, BDA Reports

The NHS Information Centre published new figures that reveal a steady fall in dentists' average taxable income over the last few years. Reports from the Dental Earnings and Expenses in England and Wales show that the average taxable income for self-employed primary care dentists in England was reduced from £89,600 in 2008/09 to £84,900 in 2009/2010, a pay cut of 5.2%...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Debate On Financing Children's Dental Care Requested By BDA, UK

Following media attention regarding a change in the way the provision of NHS orthodontic care for children in Scotland is determined, a reasonable debate concerning the financing of children's dental care in the country is being requested by the British Dental Association (BDA)...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Scientific Panel Issues Evidence-Based Clinical Recommendations

A multi-disciplinary expert panel, convened by the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs, issued a report this month containing clinical recommendations that sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges and hard candy including xylitol or polyol combinations, and a prescription varnish with chlorhexidine and thymol could be beneficial in preventing cavities when u...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Tooth Loss Three Times More Likely In Patients With Severe Mental Illness

Published in the September issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, investigators from the University of Queensland have discovered compared to the general population, that individuals with severe mental illnesses are over three times more likely to lose their teeth due to poor oral health...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help Treat Patients With Dental Phobia

According to a study published in the latest issue of the British Dental Journal (BDJ), a single session of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could help individuals who suffer from severe dental phobia to overcome their anxieties...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Pain-Free Repair Of Teeth With New Peptide Fluid

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a pain-free way of tackling dental decay that reverses the damage of acid attack and re-builds teeth as new. The pioneering treatment promises to transform the approach to filling teeth forever. Tooth decay begins when acid produced by bacteria in plaque dissolves the mineral in the teeth, causing microscopic holes or 'pores' to form...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Diabetes Impacts your Oral Health-- This Video Shows You How

For people with diabetes, regular dental care should be a routine part of general health care. This brief video explains the impact of diabetes on oral health.

Source: www.colgate.com

ADA Statement Calls For Repairing The Tattered Dental Safety Net

The American Dental Association today released the second in a series of papers that examine the challenges and solutions to bringing good oral health to millions of Americans, including the growing population whose only possible source of dental care is the so-called oral health safety net...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Early Childhood Cavities

Sometimes called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Early Childhood Cavities is a serious disease that can destroy your child's teeth ? but it can be prevented. learn more with this article: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Popular-Topics/Oral-Care-for-Children/article/Early-Childhood-Cavities.cvsp

Source: www.colgate.com

Bone Fluoride Levels Not Associated With Osteosarcoma

The International and American Associations for Dental Research have released in its Journal of Dental Research a study that investigated bone fluoride levels in individuals with osteosarcoma, which is a rare, primary malignant bone tumor that is more prevalent in males...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Mice Point To A Therapy For Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

VIB researchers have developed a mouse model for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathy, a hereditary disease of the peripheral nervous system. They also found a potential therapy for this incurable disease. The treatment not only halted the damage to the nerves and the atrophy of the muscles, it even succeeded in reversing the symptoms...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Enhanced Dental Care Under Grant To Cedars-Sinai's COACH For Kids

Dental problems are the most commonly cited unmet need among children. Cedars-Sinai's COACH for Kids and Their Families®, a mobile medical program, has been selected as one of 20 school-based programs nationwide to receive a grant from the National Assembly on School-based Health Care (NASBHC) to increase oral health services to students in underserved communities...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

The Use Of Twitter For Public Health Surveillance Of Dental Pain

The microblogging service Twitter is a new means for the public to communicate health concerns and could afford health care professionals new ways to communicate with patients. With the growing ubiquity of user-generated online content via social networking Web sites such as Twitter, it is clear we are experiencing a revolution in communication and information sharing...

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Looking after your implants and teeth

Implants need to be placed in as sterile an environment as possible. The mouth is a very “nice” place for bacteria to live, there is lots of shelter, it’s warm, wet and there is a constant supply of food!

Research has shown that over 300 types of species of bacteria live in the normal mouth! In the diseased mouth this can easily reach 340+.

Before placing implants it is important to not only reduce the number of bacteria but also the type. Some bacteria are completely harmless or even helpful but some even in small numbers can be very harmful. Those bacteria found in moderate /advanced periodontal disease are particularly dangerous- these bacteria often move on their own (motile), don’t need oxygen (anaerobic) so can live in deep places and some of these produce all sorts of poisons (toxins).

So not only for the immediate and long term success of the implants we need to ensure these bugs have been removed. But it’s not only for successful implants!

These bacteria also need to be removed for the long term success of the remaining teeth. Gum disease and its relationship with how long we keep our teeth is well documented in the general dental press.

Research has shown that when we start with a healthy mouth the success of the implants is greatly improved. The improved general health from removing all the infection around the gums/teeth is just an added bonus.

To help with keeping your mouth clean we strongly recommend seeing a dental hygienist to keep your mouth clean. Gum disease is not always easy to spot yourself and a hygienist will be able to see the early warning signs.

One of the biggest areas that many people miss is 'bio film' this is a layer that is often covering your teeth, it is the layer that facilitates the growth of plaque, which can lead to tooth decay, so it is very important to keep the levels of bio-film down - this is what a dental hygienist will do.

Dental Implants, some questions answered

What is a dental implant?

The dental implant serves as the replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. It is machined from surgical-grade titanium alloy (Ti 6Al-4V) to exacting specifications. A dentist places the implant

into either the upper or lower jawbone. After a period of time, the implant integrates with the bone and becomes a secure anchor for a replacement crown, a fixed bridge, a removable partial, or a complete denture

This patient came to us with NO teeth, you may or may not be the same and we can help either way with missing teeth.

Are you a candidate for a dental implant?

If you are missing one or more teeth due to trauma, tooth decay or gum disease, then you

may be a candidate for a dental implant. Your dentist will be able to discuss your individual clinical situation. Dental implants will allow you to smile, speak, and eat with confidence and comfort.

For surgery you will need to be of good health and the remainder of you teeth will need to be healthy and free from tooth decay or gum disease. Other conditions will need to be treated before surgery.

Also, there needs to be enough bone on the jaw for implant surgery, so we will need to check for bone density using a CT scan. There are bone grafting techniques available for borderline patients.

Why you should have a dental implant?

Losing one or more of your teeth starts a chain of events that can have physical and cosmetic consequences. The most obvious result is a gap in your smile. Less obvious is the loss of chewing function and the inability to eat a complete diet that can result from tooth loss. While these are certainly serious issues, a potentially bigger problem lies hidden beneath the surface: bone loss.

Your jawbone needs the chewing action of the teeth to stimulate it and keep it strong. Otherwise it will begin to disappear (atrophy) in the same manner that the unused muscles beneath a cast supporting a broken bone get smaller. Without the support of your teeth and facial bones, your face will begin to look prematurely aged.

The good news is that tooth replacement with dental implants offers a solution to help prevent bone loss.

If you have one or more teeth missing, then you should consider dental implants - please give us a call on 020 8644 1446 or visit our dental implants website today

What does an assessment for dental implants involve?

Implants have become in recent times the best way to predictably replace missing teeth. The biggest problem as an implant dentist is the amount of bone present within which to place the implant. We need height and width of bone and more is always better.

The problem for all missing front teeth and in more then half back teeth is that the bone is not enough.

When a tooth is removed/ extracted, the bone which surrounded the tooth/root is no longer needed and with time it effectively dissolves away. The resorbtion of bone is quicker initially and slows down after 3 months but still continues through life. This makes placing an implant more difficult the longer the tooth has been extracted.

If you have a gap where a tooth has been removed have a look or feel with your finger and you will see a dip and a thinning of the ridge of bone.

Assessing the amount of bone is the main thing we do at the examination appointment. Other important things to assess are what the soft tissues (gums) are like. Some gum tissue is hard and resistant to being moved around (we like this type!). Some gum tissue is very thin and shrinks easily (we don’t like this type as it’s harder to handle). We need to know/asses any vital structures like nerves/sinus or major blood vessels, the position of the final teeth, what the lip support is like ect.

As you can see the examination appointment is really very important with lots of different things to look at.

This makes giving an accurate estimate over the internet very difficult. Not only that sometimes, when the patient comes in he/she is not suitable for implants or there are alternatives which may be cheaper and better. So when asking for an estimate please gives as much information as possible to enable us to give you a more accurate estimate.

If you'd like a voucher for a refund of your initial assessment fee, please complete the form on our main website http://www.smiledentalimplants.co.uk/