Hygienist

A hygienist is a specific dental professional who is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) to provide services within a Scope of Practice as set out by the GDC. This involves treatment such as oral hygiene instruction, whereby the hygienist can explain and demonstrate techniques to enhance oral health, the cleaning and polishing of teeth, and the application of fissure sealants and fluoride varnish to reduce the risks of tooth decay.

Oracle Dental Group is also a training provider for undergraduate hygienists at the University of Essex so some treatment may also be provided by this group of hygienists. We are very pleased to be able to train both undergraduate hygienists and therapists as this enhances our ability to treat a wide range of patients and ensures that our region has a good supply of dental professionals as most undergraduates go on to work within the East of England region.

Dental hygiene

Dental hygiene is paramount to prevent and/or treat the common dental diseases of tooth decay and gum disease. Both diseases are caused by bacterial accumulation, termed biofilm, around teeth. Through the effective removal of biofilm, the inflammation will resolve and tooth decay can be reversed, although if a cavity is present in the tooth then it is likely to also require a filling.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is required when the living tissue within our teeth, termed the dental pulp, dies through a number of causes such as dental decay and trauma. The pulp chamber within our teeth is accessed by a dental professional who carefully cleans the root canal system using a dental disinfectant and then seals it with an obturating material which is usually Gutta-percha (a plastic-like substance from a Malaysian tree called a percha tree) and then places a filling or a crown on the tooth.

Some root canal treatments can be complex and technique sensitive such that a patient may require referral to someone with enhanced skills, often termed an endodontist.

Oracle Dental Group is commissioned to provide endodontic services through an NHS referral system whereby other dental professionals can determine if this service is required and use an online portal to make a referral.

For more information on root canal treatment, called endodontology, please visit the British Endodontic Society website.

In some instances, the use of a laser to disinfect the root canal system may be used. This involves the use of a Waterlase, made by Biolase. Please ask one of our dental professionals for more information on this treatment and/or visit the Biolase website.

Frenectomy

A frenectomy involves the removal of a muscle attachment between the lips and the gums. Everyone has frenae (a small fold of tissue) but in some instances, this can cause problems such as tugging on the gum that may lead to recession or regular trauma to the frenae, often by the teeth.

In such instances, the frenal attachment can be broken down, usually through the use of a laser called Waterlase, made by Biolase.

Please ask one of our dental professionals for more information on this treatment and/or visit the Biolase website.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is a term used to describe a process of cleaning the root surface below the gum line where deposits of plaque, termed biofilm, are situated that cause inflammation of the gum tissue in a disease called periodontitis.

Deep cleaning, in combination with a good level of plaque control, is aimed at helping the body’s healing response to allow reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth which may also involve regeneration of the bony support in some cases.

To assist with this healing process, deep cleaning can involve the use of hand instruments, ultrasonic scaling instruments, and the use of a Waterlase, produced by Biolase. The use of a laser can be beneficial in disinfecting the pockets around teeth and enhancing the healing response.

Please ask one of our dental professionals for more information on this treatment and/or visit the Biolase website.

Oracle Dental Group is commissioned to provide NHS referral services for the treatment of periodontal disease and the Waterlase may be used as part of this treatment on referral. Patients are referred into the system via an online portal for treatment to be provided if the triagers within the referral system consider such treatment appropriate, depending on a number of factors.

Gummy Smile

A gummy smile is generally caused by a growth of the gum tissue that can be an aesthetic challenge.

Oracle Dental Group uses a device called a Waterlase (which combines water, air, and laser energy), made by a company called Biolase, which involves the use of a laser to help treat this condition. Through the use of Waterlase, the dental professional.

Please ask one of our dental professionals for more information on this treatment and/or visit the Biolase website.

Fluoride

What is fluoride, its benefits and is it safe?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water that helps prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems affecting children and adults. Fluoride reverses early decay and remineralises your tooth enamel.

What does fluoride do?

Every day, your enamel (the protective outer layer of your tooth) gains and loses minerals. You lose minerals when acids formed from bacteria, plaque, and sugars in your mouth attack your enamel (this process is demineralisation). You gain minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate when you consume food and water that contain these minerals (this is called remineralisation).

Tooth decay is a result of too much demineralisation and not enough remineralisation.

Dental fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making your enamel more resistant to acid attacks. It also reverses early decay.

Benefits – Strong teeth

Fluoride benefits children and adults throughout their lives. For children younger than 8, fluoride helps strengthen the adult (permanent) teeth that are developing under the gums. For adults drinking water supports tooth enamel keeping teeth strong and healthy. The benefits of fluoride are: –

Fewer cavities
Less severe cavities
Less need for fillings and removing teeth.
Less pain and suffering because of tooth decay.

Fluoride cannot remove decay but while creating a stronger outer surface to your teeth. It can help stop the decay from penetrating into the deeper parts of the teeth.

The dental clinical team can provide professional fluoride treatments in the form of a highly concentrated gel/varnish. The treatment may be applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash.

These treatments have much more fluoride than what’s in your water or toothpaste. They only take a few minutes to apply. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after the treatment so the fluoride can fully absorb.

Is Fluoride safe?

Like any medication, too much fluoride can cause negative complications. You can get too much fluoride by accidentally overdosing or being prescribed a dose that is too high. Fluoride poisoning is very rare today.

Possible side effects of excessive fluoride intake include:

White specks on mature teeth,
Staining and pitting on teeth,
Problems with bone homeostasis

Even though they are temporary, your child’s baby teeth are important and are still susceptible to cavities. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries, is a term to describe the decay that develops when teeth have frequent and prolonged contact with too much sugar. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile.

What causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

There are many factors that can cause tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay usually occurs in the front teeth, but other teeth can be affected, and one common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Sugar is found in milk or formula, as well as other artificially sweetened juice and snacks. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier.

Tooth decay can appear as dark or brown spots on the teeth. As the decay worsens, children might experience pain and swelling around the teeth.

If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk of tooth decay.

The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decays

Handle pacifiers, spoons, and cups with care. Tooth decay-causing bacteria can easily move from mouth to mouth. So, for example, you should avoid putting g a pacifier in your mouth and then giving it to your child or tasting your baby’s food before offering them a bite from the same spoon.
Cleanse little mouths after each meal. Even before your infant’s first breakthrough, it is important to get into a healthy routine. Wipe the gums with a clean, damp washcloth or gauze pad after each feeding.
Begin brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they are in by using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) of fluoride toothpaste.
Avoid filling bottles with sugar water, soft drinks, or juices.
Make sure your baby finishes their bottles before bed and nap times. Don’t put your child to sleep with a bottle of juice or milk. The sugar liquid will remain on your infants, teeth for hours.
Create a healthy routine of brushing 2 times daily for 2 minutes each time. Consider setting up a bedtime routine of brushing your child’s teeth after their last meal, reading them a book, and then getting them to bed at a regular bedtime – brush, book, bed.
Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste usually around the age 6-7.
Encourage healthy eating habits and limit sweets in general.
Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.

Oral health habits are first started at home. As your child grows it’s time to consider other preventive measures. A dentist can detect potential problems with your child’s teeth, including caries. This is why regular appointments are a must. Remember starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.

Teething and dental care

Teething is when teeth first come through a baby’s gums. There is no set date when your baby’s first tooth will arrive it can happen at any time. Some babies are born with a tooth, whereas others must wait until after their first birthday. However, it is likely that they will have all their milk teeth by the time they are three years old. Knowing what to expect during teething and how to make it a little less painful can help.

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental discipline that usually involves the movement of teeth to improve aesthetics. Treatment can take a number of forms and may involve a referral to an orthodontic specialist. In some instances, simple orthodontic treatment can be undertaken by a member of the Oracle Dental Group team using a system called SureSmile®.

For further information on SureSmile® Clear Aligners, please visit the Dentsply Sirona website.

Implants

An implant is a dental device that is placed within bone that then grows around it. Implants have been used in dentistry and medicine for a number of years in such a fashion.

Once the implant has had bone grown around it, termed osseointegration, it can then be restored with the use of a crown or bridge, or denture, depending on the presenting dental condition.

Oracle Dental Group is able to provide dental implant treatment through a team approach whereby dental professionals work together to assess, plan and provide treatment that often involves several visits. The team usually comprises a dentist who places the implant alongside a dentist who restores the implant and a clinical dental technician who fabricates the restoration.

A payment service is available that allows patients to spread the cost of implant treatment over several months. Please do contact to ask for further details.

Veneers

A veneer is a dental appliance that is usually bonded to teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin and often requires preparation of the underlying tooth to some extent.

Veneers might be required due to spaces between teeth, cracks, poor shape, permanent staining or tooth wear.

For further advice on the best form of treatment, please consult a dental professional.

Composite bonding

Composite bonding is a technique whereby a composite resin material is bonded to teeth to improve the appearance due to discolouration, fracture, or malposition of teeth amongst other things. It is a minimally invasive approach as does not generally require any additional preparation of teeth.

For further information, please speak to a dental professional who can advise on the best course of action.

Receding gum line

Receding gums is caused by a number of factors, notably based on a history of gum disease. Gum recession can be aesthetically challenging, particularly when it affects teeth within the smile line.

There are a range of treatments to treat such recession which starts with needing to prevent further recession occurring as far as possible and replacing the missing gum tissue by the use of a gingival veneer or surgery or masking the recession through a filling or a crown.

A dental professional will be able to advise on the best form of treatment.

Teeth whitening

Oracle Dental Group provides tooth whitening services which usually involves the production of a thin tray that sits over the teeth into which a whitening gel is applied. The dental professional will advise how long the tray needs to be in place and generally requires applications over a few days to start to whiten teeth.

There are a number of systems available for tooth whitening which can be discussed with a dental professional who will be able to advise on the best system depending on the presenting dental condition and desired outcome amongst other things.

Trauma

Dental trauma is caused for a number of reasons and involves a range of outcomes from a simple concussion of the affected tooth/teeth to fracture and/or displacement. Whilst the former can be treated by allowing the body’s own healing response, the more complex outcomes require attention by a dental professional to manage the tooth/teeth.

Oracle Dental Group is an Advanced Centre for dental trauma through a dental trauma triage service by NHS England. If you have suffered dental trauma, then the service can be accessed by dialling 0333 240 1311.

Please note this is a service specifically for dental trauma rather than normal dental emergencies for which care can be accessed by calling NHS111.

Dental abscess

A dental abscess is an acute condition that can cause considerable pain, swelling, and a general malaise similar to a fever. They can often arise due to underlying diseases, notably dental decay or gum disease.

An abscess requires treatment usually by a dental professional so arranging an urgent appointment wherever possible is the recommended cause of action.

Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is required when the living tissue within our teeth, termed the dental pulp, dies through a number of causes such as dental decay and trauma. The pulp chamber within our teeth is accessed by a dental professional who carefully cleans the root canal system using a dental disinfectant and then seals it with an obturating material which is usually gutta percha and then places a filling or a crown on the tooth.

Some root canal treatments can be complex and technique sensitive such that a patient may require referral to someone with enhanced skills, often termed an endodontist.

Oracle Dental Group is commissioned to provide endodontic services through an NHS referral system whereby other dental professionals can determine if this service is required and use an online portal to make a referral.

For more information on root canal treatment, called endodontology, please visit the British Endodontic Society website.

Fillings are required to replace diseased or damaged tooth tissue which is often caused by dental decay or trauma.

Dental decay is a disease process caused by an accumulation of bacteria on teeth that then ferment sugars from our diets to produce acid that then breaks down our teeth to cause cavities. Once a cavity is formed it is an irreversible process and will either need good diet and plaque control to stop it progressing or a filling to replace the missing tooth tissue.

Fillings can be in the form of metal fillings made from amalgam or white fillings made from a variety of materials such a composite resin or glass ionomer cement.

Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance that is sued to replace missing teeth. Dentures are a simple method of replacing teeth but it is important to maintain good oral health when wearing them as they do form a plaque trap that can then go on to damage the supporting teeth.

Dentures can be made from acrylic resin or a flexible form of acrylic resin or metal. The decision as to which is most suitable for you should be discussed with a dental professional as there are a number of factors to be taken into account.

Crowns

A crown is a form of dental appliance that sits on or over teeth. The principal benefit of a crown is to protect heavily restored, broken down, or weakened teeth. They can also be used to improve the appearance of discoloured or mishappen teeth. They can be made from ceramic or metal or a combination of both.

The decision as to the suitability of a tooth for a crown and, if so, the choice of which type of crown is something to discuss with a dental professional as there are a number of factors to be taken into account when considering undergoing this treatment. It is important to maintain a good level of oral hygiene around a crown as not doing so can cause damage to the supporting tooth.

Bridges

A bridge is a dental treatment that replaces a missing tooth. There are numerous forms of bridge that are available but for simplicity, they may involve preparation of neighbouring tooth/teeth so that the bridge is cemented over these support/s, commonly termed a conventional bridge or it can be adhered to the neighbouring tooth/teeth with minimal or no preparation, termed a resin-bonded bridge.

The choice of which type of bridge is something to discuss with a dental professional as there are a number of factors to be taken into account when considering undergoing this treatment. It is important to maintain a good level of oral hygiene around a bridge as not doing so can cause damage to the supporting tooth/teeth.

Mouth cancer

Mouth cancer is a disease that can occur through several risk factors, notably smoking and the consumption of alcohol above the advised limits. The cancer usually presents as an ulcer or lump but can take other forms too. If you have noticed something that looks abnormal, then please highlight it to a dental professional who can assess, diagnose and make onward referral as appropriate.

For further information on mouth ulcers, please visit the NHS website.

Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are common lesions found in our mouths. They can be caused by a number of factors such as trauma, dietary imbalances and cancer.

Generally, mouth ulcers will heal of their own accord given a time of around 10-14 days. However, if a mouth ulcer is persistent then please seek advice from a dental professional or a GP.

For further information on mouth ulcers, please visit the NHS website.

Dental examination

Dental examinations are the basis for all dental treatment whereby the dental professional will undertake a comprehensive review of your oral health both inside and outside of the mouth. The examination will highlight where there are potential future risks of disease as well as any disease process which is currently present. This will enable both the treatment of disease and will centre on the use of preventative dentistry to reduce the risk of further disease occurring.

Gum disease

Gum disease is the 6^th most prevalent disease in the world. It occurs due to the build-up of plaque around our teeth and gums to form what is referred to as a biofilm. The reaction of our bodies own inflammatory response then initiates a reaction that starts with red and swollen gums which often bleed on brushing and then moves on to the gradual loss of support for teeth which can cause recession and mobility.

Treatment for gum disease centres on the need for patients to remove this plaque as effectively as possible using toothbrushes, interdental cleaning aids, floss and mouthwashes. Further periodontal therapy involves a dental professional removing any further plaque deposits from both above and below gum level and, in some cases, this may require local anaesthetic. Gum disease is exacerbated by several additional factors which include smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, an unhealthy diet, stress, as well as poor levels of plaque control.

To assist in identifying where plaque deposits are occurring, patients can use plaque-disclosing tablets which are widely available. The disclosing tablet is chewed for around 1 minute and the mouth is then rinsed before inspecting to identify where the highlighted deposits are situated around the teeth.

Periodontal disease starts as inflammation of the gums which is termed gingivitis and then can progress to the destruction of the bony support of teeth which is termed periodontitis.

For a wide range of information and advice, please follow this link to the British Society of Periodontology website.

ODG Colchester

Bromley Road Dental Surgery, Colchester

Services offered at Bromley Road Dental Surgery

General dentistry

Check-ups

Restorative

Pain relief

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry

Short-term treatments

Long-term treatments

Family friendly

Laser dentistry

Dental hygiene

Contact our Colchester practice

Opening times:

ODG Colchester

ODG Coggeshall

ODG Colchester

Bromley Road Dental Surgery, Colchester

Services offered at Bromley Road Dental Surgery

General dentistry

Check-ups

Restorative

Pain relief

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry

Short-term treatments

Long-term treatments

Family friendly

Laser dentistry

Dental hygiene

Contact our Colchester practice

Opening times:

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ODG Colchester

ODG Coggeshall