Blog | Bromley Dental Practice

Are Dental Implants Easy to Care For?

Dental implants are easy to look after, but you do need to make sure you care for them properly. This means they must be thoroughly brushed and flossed to make sure plaque and tartar cannot build up around them, and it is important to visit Bromley Dental Practice for regular check-ups with Dr Zaki Bashir, and to book professional cleanings.

Getting Regular Check-ups for Your Dental Implants
Dr Bashir will examine the implants to make sure they are still fitting well, and are free from disease. Regular dental x-rays will show if the bone levels around the implant are being maintained, and this is essential as good strong bone surrounding the implants will help ensure they remain firmly anchored in the jaw.

Professional Dental Cleanings
Professional cleanings help remove any hardened tartar that might have built up around the implant and which could otherwise mean the gums will become inflamed. Tartar is hardened plaque bacteria, and it can build up if you don’t brush and floss properly. Our dentist in Bromley Dental Practice can give you advice on how to brush properly, and how to floss so you remove all the plaque from around your dental implant.

Even though a dental implant is completely inert it is surrounded with living tissue and this can still become infected at any stage, even years after the implant is being inserted. A lack of oral hygiene can mean a condition called peri-implantitis will develop. This is a condition similar to gum disease and it causes the gums to become infected, swollen and inflamed. If not promptly treated this condition could affect the bone levels around the implant, and could mean the implant eventually becomes loose and will fail.

Looking after Implant Supported Dentures
If your implants are being used to support a denture then it’s important to make sure you brush and floss around the implants in your mouth, and that you thoroughly clean the implant attachments in your denture. Make sure you bring the denture with you to each appointment so Dr Bashir can check the denture and implant attachments are still in good condition. It’s possible some of the implant attachment components will need replacing periodically, and most people need to replace their denture completely every 3 to 6 years.

It’s not difficult to look after dental implants in Bromley correctly, and to ensure they remain problem free. Many people have had dental implants in position for decades and they are still performing well. If you care for your dental implants properly then they could last your lifetime, and dental implant surgery has an extremely high success rate that is typically around 95%. In addition to good dental care, it’s important to make sure you maintain good general health, and habits such as smoking could affect the longevity of your implant.

Bromley Dental Practice

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

What Are Crowns and Bridges, and How Could They Help Your Smile?

Dental crowns and bridges are restorative dentistry techniques that are designed to repair damaged teeth, or to replace them entirely.

Dental Crowns
Dentist Bromley Dr Zaki Bashir might recommend you have a dental crown if you have a tooth that is damaged due to decay, or to trauma. It might also be necessary to crown a tooth if you have had root canal treatment, or if the tooth has an extremely large filling that has weakened the overall structure leaving it at risk of fracturing. Dental crowns are extremely good at protecting the remaining part of the tooth from any further damage as they completely cap or cover the tooth right down to the gum line.

Dental Bridges
If you have one or more missing teeth then one choice is to have a dental bridge. This consists of dental crowns on the teeth adjacent to the space, and these are attached to the replacement tooth which is called a pontic. The overall effect of a dental bridge can be extremely nice, and this is a good choice of tooth replacement if the teeth adjacent to the gap would benefit from being crowned. If these teeth are perfectly healthy and strong and are regularly shaped then a better option might be to consider dental implants, as a dental implant doesn’t need to be supported in this way so the adjacent teeth can remain intact.

Crowns and bridges can be made from a variety of different materials, as they can be made entirely from a gold alloy that is highly polished, or they can be made from porcelain fused to metal which is where the metal substructure is covered up with tooth coloured porcelain. If you are interested in gaining the very best aesthetic appearance then it’s worth asking Dr Bashir about all ceramic crowns.

All-Ceramic Crowns and Bridges
These are top quality crowns that don’t contain any metal, and in fact one option for dental crowns is to have a CEREC crown that can be made on site at the Bromley Dental Practice, and this costs a similar amount to a conventional crown that will be made in a dental laboratory. If you need a dental bridge in Bromley then this will have a very strong substructure made out of a very special type of porcelain called zirconia. This is capable of supporting very large bridges that can span an entire upper or lower arch of teeth and provides top-quality results.

If you had a crown or bridge made some years ago then you might be surprised at just how far dental technology has advanced, as today’s modern restorations can look beautifully natural, enhancing your smile and blending in with the rest of your natural teeth. It’s very easy to look after crowns and bridges; dental crowns can be brushed and flossed as normal, and your dentist in Bromley will show you how to clean around the pontics of a bridge to keep this area clean and hygienic.

Bromley Dental Practice

CEREC Can Restore Your Teeth in One Easy Visit

If you have ever had a conventional dental crown then you will know it requires at least two visits to your dentist, and involves the hassle of having a temporary crown in position for two weeks or more. There is a solution, as Bromley Dental Practice can make and fit CEREC crowns and porcelain fillings in just one quick visit. Dr Zaki Bashir has been providing patients with these crowns for many years, and they have several clear advantages over conventional crowns. CEREC crowns do not require any messy impressions, and the fit can be exceptional thanks to the use of CAD/CAM technology. There is no need to worry about temporary crowns becoming loose or falling out, or being swallowed.

What Could CEREC Do For You?
If you know you need a new crown, then opting for CEREC in Bromley could help save you time without the need to compromise on results. There is no difference in price, and our CEREC machine produces high quality restorations that work in harmony with your natural teeth. Once they are bonded in position then they are extremely strong, and can look quite beautiful.

CEREC is also ideal for repairing decay in back teeth and for replacing old amalgam fillings, especially if the area to be filled is pretty large. When the back teeth are substantially decayed then it is often not an option to repair the teeth with conventional composite resin, and this because it would not be strong enough to hold the tooth together. Instead, opting for a porcelain CEREC filling (called an inlay) can restore strength to the tooth, and is virtually invisible.

If you have a chipped front tooth then CEREC could be ideal for repairing the damage as it can be used to fabricate beautiful porcelain veneers. It is the ideal solution if you have a special event coming up, and have just lost a crown or damaged a tooth. There is no need to worry about having to go away on holiday or attending that family wedding with a temporary crown, and no need to avoid sticky foods that may dislodge a temporary filling.

What is the Procedure for Having a CEREC Restoration?
It is very straightforward, as your tooth will be prepared using a local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. From then on it is a little different. Instead of taking an impression your tooth will be scanned using an infrared camera. The information is sent to a computer, and our dentist in Bromley will design your crown, veneer or inlay straightaway. Next, the design is sent to the CEREC milling machine so your restoration can be milled from a solid block of porcelain. We keep a large stock of porcelain blocks on site in many different shades and translucencies. Once the restoration has been milled, it is hand finished before being fitted and bonded into position. You’ll leave our surgery with your new crown, veneer or inlay completely finished.

Bromley Dental Practice

Broken or Chipped a Tooth? Learn Why You Should Not Ignore it

Have you broken or chipped a tooth recently? If so you might have been tempted to ignore it, but it’s important to get it treated as soon as you can, and to make an appointment with Dr Zaki Bashir to have it mended. This is because a chip in your tooth will have broken through the outer layer of tooth enamel.

Dentist Bromley Tooth enamel is the hard substance that normally protects the tooth. When it is damaged then bacteria in your mouth will be able to attack the much softer layer of dentine that is just underneath the tooth enamel. Eventually the bacteria will cause a cavity, and you may find you bite down one day only to feel the tooth crumble away. There is also a risk that the cavity might eventually reach the inner part of your tooth. The pulp lies right at the centre of the tooth and contains all the nerves and blood supply to the tooth. If the bacteria reaches the pulp then things can get pretty painful, and you will need to visit our dentist in Bromley Dental Practice for root canal treatment.

Mending Chipped or Cracked Teeth with Dental Bonding

It’s much easier to get that crack or chip mended. The process for mending chipped or cracked teeth can be pretty straightforward as it can often be done through bonding the tooth. This is where composite resin material is applied to the tooth to help repair any small areas of damage. The material is tooth coloured and bonds to the natural tooth extremely strongly, helping to restore the tooth to its full strength so you will be able to bite and chew normally without any fear of the tooth beginning to crumble away. Dental bonding can be completed in just one visit to the Bromley Dental Practice, and the results should last for several years before they need replacing.

Mending Teeth with Veneers and Crowns

If the damage is a bit more substantial then Dr Bashir might recommend a different treatment. It could be that the tooth would benefit more from being veneered, or it could need to be completely protected with a dental crown. Porcelain veneers in Bromley are good for treating chips in front teeth, and can help improve the overall appearance of the tooth. They will last longer than dental bonding, but do cost a little more.

Dental crowns cover up the whole of the tooth, right down to the gum line. They are good for mending larger chips or cracks, or for dealing with fractures in teeth. Dental crowns can completely replace the missing tooth structure so the tooth can be used normally. A dental crown can last ten years or more, provided they are looked after correctly.

Mending chips and cracks in teeth is much more cost effective than leaving the damage to progress and treatment can be far quicker.

Bromley Dental Practice

Cosmetic Braces Can Help Slightly Crooked Teeth

Are your teeth only slightly crooked? If so you might have wondered about straightening them but can’t face the thought of lengthy orthodontic treatment? It is something that can put many adults off, even though modern orthodontics is very discreet. Luckily Bromley Dental Practice can offer an alternative, as Dr Zaki Bashir can fit you with cosmetic braces that use the very latest orthodontic technology to straighten teeth quickly and effectively.

Dentist Bromley This particular orthodontic system is called the Inman Aligner in Bromley and is ideal for teeth that are only slightly out of alignment, or for adults who have had orthodontic treatment in the past but have not always worn their retainer. This can lead to the teeth shifting back towards their original positions, something that is called orthodontic relapse. It would be a very good system for anyone whose front teeth are slightly protrusive or which are overcrowded. It’s called a cosmetic braces system because it works on the teeth that are visible when smiling.

What is the Inman Aligner?

The Inman Aligner is a fully removable orthodontic appliance that uses low forces to move the teeth very quickly. It consists of two very thin aligner bows that are powered by nickel titanium coil springs which oppose each other. One wire is located over the front of the teeth while the other is located on the inside, and will squeeze the teeth into the correct position as the bow on the inner side of the teeth pushes outwards, while the bow on the outer side of the teeth pushes inwards. Most people will complete treatment within as little as six weeks, or it might take up to 18 weeks. If you are interested it’s best to ask your dentist in Bromley to give you a realistic idea as to how long treatment will take.

The actual process of getting an Inman Aligner is a very straightforward and quite quick. Your Bromley dentist will take impressions of your teeth that are sent to a laboratory so the brace can be fabricated. Once your Inman Aligner is completed you can return to Bromley Dental Practice for the brace to be fitted. From then on it’s simply a matter of making sure you wear your orthodontic brace for at least 16 to 20 hours each day. You’ll need to see your dentist every two or three weeks to check the treatment is working as predicted.

Once treatment is complete it’s important to be prepared to wear a retainer to prevent orthodontic relapse. It is up to you as to whether you choose to have a retainer permanently bonded onto the back of your teeth, or if you prefer to have a removable retainer.

An Inman Aligner can also be a good choice for anyone considering having veneers, as straightening the teeth first will enable treatment to be more conservative as less tooth structure will need to be removed to get good results.

Bromley Dental Practice

Bad Breath: Reasons Why it Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Bad breath is called halitosis, and most of us will suffer from this occasionally but it can be a problem if bad breath becomes persistent. This is because it can often be a sign of poor dental health, or it may indicate other health problems.

How Does Poor Oral Health Lead to Halitosis?

Your mouth contains lots of different kinds of bacteria, and whenever you eat something or have a sugary drink then particles will remain on your teeth and gums. These are a great source of food for these bacteria, and as their numbers multiply they will create noxious odours. Small pieces of food can also become trapped in between the teeth and will gradually rot, causing unpleasant smells.

Normally these bacteria and food particles will be removed through regular brushing and flossing before they can create extensive problems. It becomes an issue if you’re less than vigilant about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, as this really is the only way to thoroughly clean your teeth. Flossing is especially important as those contact areas in between your teeth account for around a third of all tooth surfaces and they’re prone towards developing tooth decay. In addition food and plaque bacteria trapped in these areas can quickly lead to the gums becoming infected and inflamed and to the development of gum disease.

Halitosis can also be caused through improperly cleaning or failing to clean dental appliances such as dentures and braces. Food and bacteria can easily become trapped in these appliances and they’ll soon become unhygienic to use.

Do You Think You Have Bad Breath? Contact Us for a Proper Diagnosis

If you think your breath might be less than sweet and then it’s probably time to book a check-up with Dr Zaki Bashir, or with another Bromley dentist. Any problems such as gum disease and tooth decay can be treated, and your teeth can be professionally cleaned by one of our hygienists. We can also help with any other problems such as dry mouth or xerostomia.

Dry mouth is where insufficient saliva is produced to help keep the mouth clean and fresh, and it can lead to halitosis. This condition can be caused by a number of different things including certain prescription drugs, or it can be a side effect of certain health conditions. It can be managed through the use of artificial saliva, or if it’s related to prescription drugs then it might be worth visiting your GP to see if anything different can be prescribed. It is always important to continue taking any prescription drugs unless otherwise advised by your doctor.

If your dentist in Bromley can’t find any dental related reasons for your bad breath then they might recommend you visit your GP. This is because it can sometimes be caused by undiagnosed health conditions. These include diabetes, acid reflux, pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections or liver and kidney problems.

Bromley Dental Practice

Can Anyone Have Dental Implants in Bromley?

Dental implants are a really good way of replacing missing teeth and are often considered to be the gold standard. This is because they can often provide the most natural looking restorations that can be treated in exactly the same way as your own teeth. In spite of this some people are put off by the thought of having a small surgical procedure to insert the implant post. It’s worth trying to get past these feelings especially as the surgery really isn’t that bad, particularly when only one implant is required.

Dental Implants Are Ideal for Anyone in Good Oral and General Health

Dental implants are suitable for just about anyone who is in good oral health and who doesn’t have any particular medical conditions. Dr Zaki Bashir or another dentist in Bromley will take your medical history into account during your initial consultation for dental implants.

Factors that may influence whether or not you’re suitable for implants include having conditions that impact your immune system, in particular diabetes. If you do have diabetes then it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have dental implants, but it is important that the diabetes is very well controlled as this condition does impede healing and does increase the risk of implant failure.

Another factor is whether or not you smoke, and if you do then you’ll need to give up prior to implant surgery and preferably for good, but at least while the implant is healing. Smoking definitely increases the risk that the implant will fail at some point, and it’s a habit that makes it far more difficult for the dental implant to integrate properly into the jawbone once it’s been placed.

Some people are worried that increasing age may make it difficult to have dental implant placement, but many older people will be able to successfully have dental implant surgery; being in good health is far more important than age. One issue that could arise is if the teeth were extracted quite some time ago as this can lead to significant bone resorption. Dental implants do need to be surrounded by several millimetres of healthy bone in order to be held firmly in place in the jaw. Your dentist in Bromley will assess the amount of healthy bone through taking x-rays and quite possibly a CT scan. Even if you don’t have sufficient bone this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have dental implants. It’s possible to build up the bone with different types of bone grafts. Some grafts can be placed as soon as the tooth is extracted, or at the same time as dental implants.

Nervous at the Thought of Implant Surgery? Talk to Us so We Can Help You

If dental anxiety and fear is putting you off having this treatment then talk to our friendly dental team at Bromley Dental Practice. We know a lot of patients are nervous and we will do everything possible to help you overcome this.

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Learn Why Root Canal Therapy is Such a Great Treatment

Some people are fearful about having root canal therapy as for some reason this particular treatment has wholly undeserved reputation for being unpleasant. Those who have actually had it are often pleasantly surprised to find it’s similar to having a filling and really isn’t anything to be concerned about. In fact it’s a great way of preserving teeth that are badly infected, and before this technique was developed dentist in Bromley would’ve had no other option but to pull the tooth. Tooth extraction is something that Bromley Dental Practice works hard to try to avoid; it’s always best to preserve natural teeth for as long as possible as they are perfectly designed for the job in hand.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Root canal treatment is necessary if the central part of the tooth called the pulp has become infected. The pulp is a collection of nerves and blood vessels, and any type of injury to it can be very painful. This can happen if bacteria in the mouth have eaten away at the tooth causing a large cavity that extends far into the tooth. When the pulp has become infected with bacteria it will die and cannot be saved. The only option is to remove the diseased tissue and to thoroughly clean out the pulp chamber, as well as all the root canals that are connected to the pulp and which extend right down into the tooth roots. The pulp can also become damaged if the tooth has been injured or knocked. Sometimes the pulp will begin to die straightaway while other times the process can take years to occur.

Treatment to remove a damaged pulp is skilled, as it’s important that all the root canals are thoroughly cleaned out. It’s carried out under local anaesthetic and the time required for the appointment can depend on the number of root canals in the tooth. Once the pulp is removed the tooth is non-vital, but can still function perfectly normally once it’s fully restored.

Will My Tooth Look Normal Afterwards?
Restoration of a retreated tooth normally means the tooth will need to be crowned. This helps protect the tooth and provides additional support and structure, something that might be especially important if the tooth was very badly decayed. Afterwards the tooth can be treated in exactly the same way as natural teeth, and it should last for a very long time. Regular professional dental care is important so make sure you keep up with your check-ups with Dr Zaki Bashir, as well as having regular hygiene appointments to keep the restored tooth clean and free from tartar build-ups.

Avoiding Root Canal Treatment
Once the tooth is infected there’s no avoiding this treatment, but preventative dental care can lessen the need for root canal treatment in the first place through ensuring any signs of dental decay are treated quickly before the pulp becomes infected.

Bromley Dental Practice

Do Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss?

If you’ve recently noticed your gums begin to bleed when you brush or floss then you might have dismissed this as simply something that happens every so often. It’s not something that should be occurring when your gums are healthy and free from disease, and noticing they bleed slightly is the first sign of trouble. Other early warning signs include noticing your gums look slightly swollen or red, or feeling that you’re developing bad breath. These are all signs of gum disease, and the early stages of this condition are called gingivitis. If you manage to catch it at this stage then it’s relatively easy for Dr Zaki Bashir to treat, and it can be cleared up completely.

Dentist Bromley It’s far more serious if you allow it to progress without seeking treatment, as it can easily turn into periodontal disease or advanced gum disease. This not only affects the gums but also all the other tissues and structures supporting your teeth including the ligaments and even the bone around the teeth. In fact gum disease is the main reason for tooth loss in the world, and even worse it can affect your general health. This is because bleeding gums allow bacteria from the mouth to get into your bloodstream, and scientists have connected the presence of these bacteria to numerous other serious health conditions.

Getting Treatment for Gum Disease

Your first step should be to make an appointment with your dentist in Bromley, and to book a dental hygiene in Bromley. Having your teeth professionally cleaned helps to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease, giving your gums a chance to heal. Your Bromley dentist will also assess the state of your gums, and will check to see how far the gums have receded. You’ll be given lots of advice on how to care for your gums and how to make the most of your brushing and flossing regime. If you find it difficult to floss then talk to the dental team at Bromley Dental Practice as there are lots of techniques we can show you to help make it easier. There are also different tools you can try instead of conventional dental floss, and these can often be easier for people who have limited mobility in their hands.

If you stick to thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth at home, even if it initially makes them bleed, then you should soon notice a real difference in the state of your gums. They should begin to look healthier and will fit more tightly around your teeth, and they’ll bleed less frequently when you brush or floss. Eventually the bleeding should cease completely as your gums become stronger and firmer to the touch.

You need to get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months or so, although your dentist in Bromley might recommend more frequent cleanings if you have any medical conditions that affect your dental health such as diabetes or any other conditions that impact your immune system. With proper dental care there is no need to have unhealthy gums that bleed.

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Is it Worth Replacing a Single Tooth with a Dental Implant?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes, and in fact single dental implants in Bromley are perfect for replacing single teeth. It’s true that the procedure might take a little longer to complete, and the initial cost might be a bit more compared to alternatives such as having a dental bridge, but the results make it well worth your while. A recent study looked at the long-term costs of dental implants, and found that replacing a single tooth with an implant was cost effective in the longer run. Cost is always an important aspect, but the effects on dental health are also worth considering. Using an implant to replace a single tooth will not have any negative effects on the rest of your teeth. This method of tooth replacement only provides positive benefits.

Comparing a Dental Implant to a Dental Bridge

If you choose to have a dental bridge to replace a single tooth then Dr Zaki Bashir will need to modify the teeth adjacent to the gap. These modifications involve grinding down the teeth so they are suitable to be crowned. Quite a bit of healthy tooth material will have to be removed in order to create sufficient room for the crowns, as otherwise you could end up with a bridge that looks too bulky and artificial. Once removed this tooth material can never be replaced, and even if you decide to have a dental implant fitted at a later date, these adjacent teeth will always need crowns. The crowns are used to support the pontic which is the replacement tooth.

The pontic is designed to fit up against the gum tissue in the space created by the missing tooth. This helps to prevent food from becoming trapped around the pontic, and provides just enough stimulation to the gum tissue to keep it healthy. In spite of this over time you might begin to notice a space appearing underneath the pontic, and this is due to the fact that the bone underneath the gum tissue is gradually becoming flatter. You might find it more difficult to keep this area clean and free from food, and it may look less natural than it did when it was first fitted.

When you have a dental implant it helps to preserve the jawbone through providing the same sort of stimulation as a natural tooth root. Your implant dentist in Bromley will also shape the gum tissue so it looks as if your implant crown is emerging naturally from the gum in exactly the same way as your normal teeth. The aesthetic results can be really beautiful. You’ll be able to treat this tooth exactly like a natural tooth, and this means it must be flossed and brushed to keep it free from plaque. A properly cared for dental implant should last for years and the success rate for placing dental implants is extremely high. Even though you might have to wait a little longer for the implant site to heal, and for your permanent crown to be placed, the final results make it all worthwhile, particularly if you’re concerned about the cosmetic appearance of your teeth.