Other Dental Treatments
Periodontal diseases range from gum inflammation to serious diseases that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
What are periodontal diseases?
Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation (gingivitis) to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth (periodontitis). In the worst cases scenario teeth are lost. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on your daily dental hygiene.
Gingivitis
The longer bacteria are in contact with gums and teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria (in the form of plaque and tartar) cause an inflammation of the gums called “gingivitis.” With gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue around the teeth.
Periodontics
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.
Treatments
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keeps up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviours, such as stop smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
Deep cleaning and surgical procedures
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes bacteria through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planning. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planning gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove plaque and tartar. In many cases more invasive surgery procedures might be used in conjunction with antibiotics and antimicrobial treatments.
When treatment occurs too late dental extractions might be the last solution to avoid further bone loss.
Regent Dental is the only practice on the Isle of Man with an in-house anaesthetist. We can offer our patients the option of Conscious sedation.
Conscious sedation on the Isle of Man
Regent Dental Care is the only practice on the Isle of Man with an in-house anaesthetist. We can therefore offer our patients the option of Conscious sedation
What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation provides a safe and effective option for patients undergoing minor surgeries. The number and type of procedures that can be performed using conscious sedation have increased significantly as a result of new technology and state of the art drugs and equipment. Conscious sedation allows patients to recover quickly and resume normal daily activities in a short period of time. Because patients can slip into a deep sleep, proper monitoring of conscious sedation is necessary. Healthcare providers monitor patient heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level and alertness throughout and after the procedure. The provider who monitors the patient receiving conscious sedation should have no other responsibilities during the procedure and should remain with the patient at all times during the procedure.
What are the side effects of conscious sedation?
A brief period of amnesia after the procedure may follow the administration of conscious sedation. Occasional side effects may include headache, hangover, nausea and vomiting or unpleasant memories of the surgical experience.
What should patients expect immediately following the surgical or diagnostic procedure?
A qualified provider monitors the patient immediately following the procedure. Written postoperative care instructions will be given to the patient to take home. Patients should not drive a vehicle, operate dangerous equipment or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving conscious sedation. A follow-up phone call usually is made by the healthcare provider to check on the patient’s condition and answer any remaining questions.
Mouthguards and Nightguards are tailormade to you. They provide a protective cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums.
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is tailormade to you. It provides a protective cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums to cushion and protect your teeth, gums and jaw from damage. Our Isle of Man orthodontists are expertly trained to craft the most comfortable mouthguard for your needs.
Why would I need a mouthguard?
It is advisable to wear a professionally made mouthguard if you play sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey and football. Impact to the face, either from a ball or another player, can cause shock waves to travel through your jaw leading to bone damage, or a direct hit can shatter or chip a tooth. In fact dental injuries are a common occurrence in these kinds of sports. A mouthguard will not help prevent chipping or breaking teeth as a result of impact, it will act as a shock absorber to help protect against a painful broken or dislocated jaw.
Mouthguards can also be custom made to wear at night if you are susceptible to clenching or grinding your teeth (bruxism). A mouthguard will not cure your bruxism, but if you come to your dentist for guidance and advice on teeth grinding, they may offer a mouthguard as a method to provide relief from the pressure and the sound while you explore the causes. The application of a mouthguard will even out the pressure across your jaw as well as provide a barrier between your bottom and top teeth. The soft material means that it reduces wear on your teeth and also helps to diminish the grinding sound.
Maintaining your mouthguard
- Scrub your mouthguard after every use with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Keep it in its protective case when you are not wearing it.
- Mouthguards are plastic, so keep it out of very hot water and the sun – these will cause it to melt and deform.
- Make sure you regularly replace your mouthguard, not only for good hygiene but also to update it as your teeth naturally change and move.
A strong, durable mouthguard could last you years but, of course, the lifetime of your mouthguard depends on how well you care for it, and whether it takes any blows from your sporting activities. On average a mouthguard will last around six months to a year. If your teeth are still moving or coming through, then it is important to get your mouthguard replaced more regularly to ensure that it fits correctly.
What is a nightguard?
A nightguard is similar to a mouthguard but tailor made to suit you while you sleep. To find out more about our custom nightguards, please get in touch with our team.
