FAQ
What causes tooth erosion?
THe following have been identified as causitive factors of tooth erosion:
- Citrus fruits eaten more than twice a day,
- Daily consumption of soft/fizzy drinks,
- Regular consumption of sports drinks,
- Gastric issues leading to vomiting or acid reflux,
- Reduced salivary flow due to certain medications.
When should I take my child for his first check-up?
At Bedford Dental Surgery we reccommend that your child should have an examination at the age of 4 years. However, it is a good idea to bring your child with you for your own dental check-up appointments so that he/she can observe the proceedure and ‘take in’ the environment i.e the light/chair/smells and so on.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal Treatment is where the nerve in a tooth has died and has to be removed. The nerve is located in a canal which passes through the root of the tooth. When the nerve dies off, bacteria multiply in the canal causing pain and the formation of an abscess if left untreated.
The dentist uses samll precidion instruments to clean out the dead nerve material from the canals. This space is then filled with a rubber-based material called gutta percha.
Some dentists like to wait a week or two before they finish a root canal, to make sure that there is no discomfort or further infection. If this is the case, the dentist will thoroughly clean the tooth and usually put some soothing medicine inside and seal it closed with a temporary filling material.
After the canal is filled a regular filling is placed over the root canal material. Somtimes a crown may be required.
How safe are amalgam/mercury fillings?
Dental amalgam has been used to fill holes in teeth for over 150 years. All available world-wide research indicates that amalgam is not harmful. This view is shared by the International Dental federation, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and many dental associations including the American, British and Canadian.
My Child has fallen on the pavement and knocked out a front tooth-what should I do?
If the tooth is knocked out it is important that it is replaced as soon as possible. Pick the tooth up by the crown being careful not to touch the root.
Rinse the tooth under cold water to dislodge any dirt before gently placing it into the socket making sure it is the right way round!
If unsure what to do it important to store the tooth in milk or if anavailable water to keep it moist. Get to your dentist as soon as possible. With all dental injuries, time is of critical importance and will make the difference of the tooth surviving or not.