Advances in Local Anaesthetic Delivery
A new system of numbing your tooth for dental treatment is now available. The Wand is a computer controlled local anaesthetic delivery ststem. It allows more comfortable injections because the anaesthetic is delivered at a lower rate. Compared with the dental syringe, it looks more like a pen and it looks less threatening for patients. It can also be used to allow the dentist to numb one tooth at a time without numbing the lip, cheek or tongue. This reduces the risk of children biting the cheek or lip after their visit. This technology is now availble at our practice. If you want further information go to www.painfreedentistry.uk.com
Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH)
This is a condition affecting the enamel of the permanent front teeth and permanent six year molar teeth. Normal enamel is white and very hard, hypomineralized enamel is creamy, yellow or brown in colour and is chalky in texture. As a result these teeth look different in appearance, they also undergo wear and are at higher risk of developing decay.
The cause is not undestood but it results from some outside interference during the enamel formation i.e. from birth to four years of age. Respiratory problems, high temperatures and exposure to antibiotics have been put forward as possible causes.
These hypomineralized teeth are often sensitive to cold or brushing.
Management starts with desensitising tooth pastes, application of remineralizing mooses soon after eruption, followed by fissure sealing when fully erupted. If surface breakdown occurs restoration with a filling or crown is indicated. In severe cases, where all the molars are involved extensively, it may be necessary to remove the molars. The best result from a space point of view occurs if the molars are removed at nine to ten years of age. This allows the next molars to slot into the position of the extracted molars. The front teeth may require cosmetic fillings but treatment is often delayed until the teeth are fully erupted. Long term porcelain veneers or crowns may be needed for the front teeth.
Preventing Dental Injuries
Traumatic Dental Injuries
Outside falls and fights contact sports pose the greatest risk of sustaining injuries to the teeth. While playing rugby, hockey, Gaelic football, basketball and soccer, injuries can occur from collisions with elbows, heads, sticks and ball. By wearing a gum shield or mouth guard 90% of dental injuries can be prevented.
Which type of gum shield should I use?
There are two types of gum shield - Boil and Bite and Customised.
The boil and bite gum shield are suitable for children aged 6 to12 years of age. Their dentition is changing as the primary teeth are replaced by permanent teeth. These gum shields are fitted by heating them in boiling water and biting while they are soft. They can be remoulded as the teeth change. Most sports shops stock this type of gum shield. Shock Doctor market a line of gum shields called Gel Max, the youth size is suitable from 6-12 years of age.
When all the primary teeth have been lost at 12-13 years of age a Customised gum shield can be made. These offer the best protection and will fit exactly to your teeth. A print is taken of the teeth; a laminated PVC gum shield is fabricated in a Dental Laboratory.
NB Gum shields should be worn for training as well as games. After use, the gum shield should be rinsed before being stored in a plastic box to keep it clean. If it is left in the bottom of the kit bag it will get soiled with clay/dirt and is less likely to be worn next time out. If the gum shield becomes heavily soiled it can be cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
After Hours Emergency
28th January 2010.
After Hours Emergency
We are in the practice each day during the week. For Patients of the practice who have an emergency that requires immediate attention or advice, for example a knocked out permanent tooth, you can contact the office at 01.4968119 where a message will direct you to my mobile number outside office hours.
Billy
