A brief guide to Dentistry
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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Abscess:
Abscesses are infections which occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition which can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Call 022 53344 as soon as possible if you discover a pimple-like swelling on your gum which usually is painful. In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus towards the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Amalgam:
A common filling material, also known as silver fillings, containing mercury (approximately 50%), silver, tin, copper and zinc. This material has a history of success of over 150 years and is excellent in back teeth as it withstands the chewing forces well. There is no bonding with this type of filling – the shape of the cavity prepared holds the material in place. There are some current controversies with the use of amalgam due to its mercury content, however the Irish Dental Association policy still advocates the use of amalgam, with research showing the use of dental amalgams produces no harmful effects.
Anesthesia:
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation. Numbing a tooth is an example of local anesthesia; general anesthesia produces partial or complete unconsciousness.
Anterior Teeth:
The six upper or six lower front teeth.
ANUG:
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, which can be aggravated by stress and/or smoking. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when you brush them.
Anxiety:
Being afraid of the dentist may mean different things to different people. It will probably help if you work out just what it is that worries you most. The good news is that at Lysaght Dental we understand our patients' fears, and with a combination of kindness and gentleness can do a great deal to make dental treatment an acceptable, normal part of life.
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Bone Resorption:
Decrease in bone supporting the roots of teeth, which is a common result of periodontal (gum disease).
Braces:
Devices used to gradually reposition teeth to a more favourable alignment. Orthodontics is the gradual repositioning of teeth to a more favourable alignment. We can identify developing problems to ensure that your child is referred to an orthodontist at the appropriate time for treatment.
We offer Six Month Smiles clear cosmetic braces for over 18s. Get straighter teeth in less time using clear discreet braces.
Bridges:
Bridges resemble natural teeth, and are designed to take the place of areas where there are gaps between teeth. A bridge is a stationary dental prosthesis (appliance) fixed to teeth next to a space to replace missing teeth.
Brushing:
Brush twice a day. Time this brushing for 2 minutes every time. When you finish brushing your teeth, spit the toothpaste out but don’t rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash, just leave the remaining toothpaste in your mouth. This will help to continue strengthening your teeth after you have finished brushing.
Bruxism:
Grinding or gnashing of the teeth, most commonly while the patient is asleep.
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Calculus:
Hard residue, commonly known as tartar, that forms on teeth due to inadequate plaque control. Calculus teeth often are stained yellow or brown.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that on occasion cancellations are unavoidable. We ask that every effort is made to give 24 hours notice for cancellation if you cannot attend your appointment, so that it may be offered to another patient. Cancellations may be made by phone or email 24hours per day. Any cancellation made more than 24 hours prior to an appointment will not be subject to a charge. All cancellations within 24hours of an appointment may be subject to a minimum charge of €30.
Cleaning:
A routine cleaning (Scale & Polish) is recommended every 6months to maintain a healthy mouth and remove any build-up of calculus and/or stains.
Composite:
A common filling material, also known as white or tooth coloured fillings, composed of plastic with small glass or ceramic particles that is usually cured with filtered light or chemical catalyst.
Cosmetic Dentistry:
If you’re interested in correcting minor flaws in your smile we can help. Your teeth may be stained from years of coffee or wine drinking that has dulled your smile. You may have a space due to a missing tooth which you would like replaced. Speak to Gilbert or Ursula to discuss the options available to you.
CPR:
In the unlikely event that it will be required, all our staff are trained in CPR.
Crowns:
A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap'.
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Decay:
Destruction of tooth structure caused by toxins produced by bacteria.
Deciduous Teeth:
Commonly called "baby teeth," the first set of teeth.
Dental Implant:
A dental implant is a titanium cylinder surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw to provide support for a dental restoration or appliance.
Dentures:
Dentures are removable (partial or complete) set of artificial teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay or an accident, we can help you feel confident and get you smiling again with properly fitting dentures.There are a number of appointments involved in making the dentures to ensure the best possible result and fit. We make sure that you are involved in the decisions about the colour of the teeth and you will get to try the denture in before it is fully made so that we can ensure that you are happy with the position and colour of your new teeth before they are completed. read more
Emergencies:
We aim to see emergency patients on the same day wherever possible. We reserve emergency appointments each day for patients who have had a dental accident or who require emergency treatment for severe pain, injury as a result of a dental trauma/accident or visible swelling. To avail of an emergency appointment please call 022 53344 as soon as possible. Read more...
Enamel:
Hard tissue covering the portion of tooth above the gum line.
Eruption:
The process of teeth protruding through the gums.
Evening Appointments:
We are delighted to provide appointments for outside of normal working hours. Late Evening appointments are available to more conveniently serve our patients on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays until 7.30pm. Click here to book an appoinment.
Extraction:
The removal of a tooth. We perform extractions, whether it's a broken tooth that can't be restored, an extraction for orthodontics, or a baby tooth that needs a helping hand finding its way to the tooth fairy. We know that having an extraction carried out can be daunting for many patients, rest assured that if you need this treatment we will make it comfortable and pain free. Most extractions are simple, whereas others may require more advanced treatment.
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Fissure sealants:
The natural bumps and grooves of molar and premolar teeth are called fissures. Food and plaque can get caught deep in the groove and can be very difficult to clean out. A safe and pain free way to protect these areas is to flow a thin layer of filling material into the grooves to block them up. This sealant forms a hard smooth shield that prevents bacteria and food from entering the fissures. No drilling or injections are involved so it is especially appropriate for prevention of decay in children.
Fluoride Treatment:
Fluoride is the strongest weapon we have to fight decay and strengthen teeth. The surfaces of teeth are softened by acid (from plaque bacteria of from foods we eat). Given time this is repaired by calcium in our saliva and by fluoride. Softened enamel becomes stronger if it is repaired with fluoride compared with calcium. Using fluoride varnishes or fluoride trays we can locate high strength fluoride safely on the tooth surface to target high risk areas and high risk patients. This is a standard part of our prevention protocol for children.
Flossing:
Floss once a day, straight after brushing. Use an up and down motion between the teeth, this will remove the plaque and introduce the fluoride from the toothpaste to the hard to reach bits in between your teeth.
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Gum Disease:
The inflammation of gum tissue. Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is a chronic inflammation of the gums and supporting structure of the teeth – the periodontal ligament and bone. There are two types of gum disease, these are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the most common type of periodontal disease. It is chronic inflammation of the gums which happens when brushing and flossing is inadequate and there is accumulation of plaque, food debris and calculus along the gum line. This leads to: red swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding when brushing and flossing. At this stage the inflammation is reversible with good oral hygiene and removal of hardened plaque by your dentist or hygienist. If left untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is when the inflammation has spread to include the ligaments and bone supporting the tooth. The gums and bone slowly wear down and are lost. This results in the teeth appearing longer as more of the root is exposed. You may notice: red swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding when brushing and flossing, gums that have receded away from the teeth, making them look longer, loose teeth and/or gum abscesses. At this stage we are unable to reverse the damage. This means that the gums and bone will not grow back to their original level, but we can attempt to halt to progression with a comprehensive course of deep cleaning and improved home hygiene practices. It is essential to attend your dentist regularly so that these diseases can be identified before they get to an advanced stage with irreversible bone loss. Read More..
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Hallitosis:
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can affect anyone of any age. Most people have short periods of bad breath at some point, and it is estimated that up to 50% of people have persistent bad breath.
The main causes of bad breath are:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Food & Drink
- Smoking
- Crash Dieting
- Medications
Prevention/Treatment of Bad Breath:
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Spit the toothpaste out but do not rinse.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Use mouthwash after meals to help get rid of the plaque bacteria. This will also help to freshen breath.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The amount of water you need will vary based on your physical build and daily activity level.
- Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production. Eating a mint is a temporary but less recommended method for breath freshening because it can leave a sugary residue behind.
- Chronic bad breath may be a symptom of a more serious condition, so you should consult a dental or medical professional.
- Avoid strong smelling foods can cause bad breath.
- Consider limiting behaviours that can intensify bad breath, such as drinking alcohol or smoking.
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Impacted teeth:
A partial or completely unexposed tooth that is wedged against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, precluding the eruption process. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt, usually at 16–23 years of age. Frequently there is not enough room for normal eruption and these teeth therefore become ‘impacted’. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause: infection of adjacent gum tissue, dental decay of adjacent teeth and (in rare cases) cysts. Wisdom teeth do not always require extraction. At Lysaght Dental we prefer to treat any problems conservatively rather that resorting to unnecessary extractions. Read more:
Implants:
Implants are a very successful and long term treatment that can be used to replace any number of teeth. Placing an implant involves a surgical procedure performed by a specialist oral surgeon or periodontist (gum specialist) during which a titanium screw (implant) is inserted into the bone of the jaw to act as a false root. The implant is accepted readily by the body tissue and becomes integrated firmly into bone. A further surgical procedure is then carried out once the implant has integrated to expose the surface of the implant. A standard crown is then either cemented or screwed onto the implant. Implants can also be used to retain lower removable dentures and they act as strong anchors in these cases.
Impression:
A mould taken of the teeth and soft tissues.
Joint & Jaw Pain:
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull. TMJ pain can occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.
Causes of TMJ pain:
- Injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash.
- Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the teeth.
- Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket.
- Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
- Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.
We can assess your temporomandibular joint and musculature and determine the best course of treatment which may range from anti-inflammatories and heat packs to physiotherapy, acupuncture or fabrication of a dental splint. Each treatment option has its benefits and will depend on the cause and duration of your discomfort. If you have been grinding or clenching this may not only cause pain but it can cause wear on the biting surfaces of your teeth, shortening of the teeth and cracks. This should be treated as soon as possible to prevent long term damage that is difficult to repair. Read more
Kids:
We recommend children are introduced to their first dental visit by the age of two. We can count their teeth and let them try out the chair for their first positive experience. It is important for kids to have a great attitude towards coming to the dentist so we can introduce them to preventative services from an early age and make going to the dentist a fun experience. A number of mums and dads can be anxious about coming to the dentist themselves and it is important these are not passed on to the next generation.
A healthy dental future begins with oral hygiene. Removing all the plaque regularly from your child's teeth will reduce the risk of dental decay and gum disease in the future. Kids need to be taught to brush effectively. This begins at home with parent supervised brushing, teaching kids how to clean every surface. Once children are older and like to brush independently, it is important to still check their progress. This can be done with the use of disclosing tablets which stain the plaque, making it easier to see.
Sugar is very damaging to teeth. Unfortunately it is a much larger part of the modern child's diet than children of previous generations. Decay is caused when bacteria metabolise the sugar and acid is produced. This causes loss of minerals in the tooth surface. If this is repeated often enough the mineral loss causes collapse of that area of the tooth and a cavity is formed. It is not only the amount of sugar that is important but also the frequency. Small, frequent intakes of sugar are very damaging as the bacteria are constantly fed and produce acid. This constant acid attack with little relief produces decay.
In children's teeth the enamel is more immature, the dentine softer and the pulp (nerve) larger which means that once started, decay progresses more quickly and affects the pulp more often, leading to toothache and/or abscesses. Good dietary habits and oral hygiene practice started early can hopefully prevent this and start your child on the path to dental health. Read more.
Lumps & Lesions:
Did you know that over 400 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) are detected in Ireland each year? If detected early, these cancers are easily treated. Regular dental visits are recommended even if you have no remaining natural teeth.
The key to the prevention of oral cancer is:
Do not use tobacco (or to give up tobacco use if already a user), and to adopt a sensible approach to the consumption of alcohol. It is estimated that at least three-quarters of oral cancers could be prevented by eliminating tobacco smoking and reducing alcohol consumption.
- Use a lip balm that contains sun block
- A healthy diet with at least five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables may also reduce the risk of oral cancer.
- Check your mouth regularly for changes, for example, when brushing your teeth
- Oral cancer if detected early has an extremely good prognosis (approx. 90% five-year survival rate).
We carry out a free Oral Cancer Screening during every examination. The examination is quick and painless. Please take this opportunity by taking 10 minutes to do something that could save your life.
Local Anesthesia:
Partial or complete elimination of pain sensation, in the immediate vicinity of its application or injection.
Maryland Bridge:
A bridge that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth and requires minimum tooth reduction.
Med 2:
Tax relief is available in respect of non-routine dental treatment. Routine dental treatment is not allowable i.e. the extraction, scaling and filling of teeth and the provision and repairing of artificial teeth or dentures. These are excluded from relief even if there is an underlying medical condition that gives rise to the dental treatment or if the treatment in a particular case is considered to be of a non-routine nature. A member of staff will be happy to provide you with the necessary Med 2 forms and the receipts required at the end of your treatment.
Medical Card:
Medical card holders who are over 16 are entitled to one free examination every 12 months. Treatment options are now limited to emergency treatment only, including simple extractions and 2 emergency fillings per year. A member of our team will be happy to discuss the range of treatment available. Please present your medical card on arrival for your appointment.
Mouth Guards:
It is crucial that all patients participating in contact (and some "non-contact" sports) wear a dentally fitted mouth guard. A mouth guard is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to reduce injury to the teeth, bone, lips and gums. A poorly fitted "boil and bite" mouthguard does not provide the level of protection you and your child’s teeth deserve. At Lysaght Dental we are firm believers in the value of mouth guards. We feel that prevention is always better than cure and prefer to avoid any damage to our patients’ teeth rather than fix problems that result from trauma from sports.
Nerve:
The tissue that conveys sensation, temperature and position information to the brain.
Nervous Patients:
We appreciate that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many. At Lysaght Dental we are used to alleviating these fears and ensuring that our patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout their appointments. We try ensure that our patients feel relaxed and comfortable from the moment that they arrive at the practice, throughout their appointment and with any follow up care required.
New Patients:
We welcome new patients here, we accept Private, PRSI and Medical Card patients.
Night Guard:
An acrylic appliance used to prevent wear and damage to the temporomandibular joint caused by the grinding or gnashing of teeth during sleep.
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Oral hygiene:
Effective daily oral hygiene is an essential part of your general health and well-being.
The best way to look after your teeth is to brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly. Brushing removes plaque and bacteria build up from the tooth surface. Using a soft toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum line, gently brush your teeth in circular motions. Hold the toothbrush vertically to clean behind your front teeth. Consider using an electric toothbrush for maximum plaque removal. Spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse.
Flossing daily removes plaque along the gum line and between teeth. Using your thumb and index finger guide floss between your teeth. Wrap the floss around each tooth to remove plaque. Don’t stop flossing if your gums bleed, regular flossing will improve the health of your gums and help them to stop bleeding.
Using a mouthwash can also help fight plaque and freshen your breath.
Change your toothbrush every 3 months or after being ill.
Brush your tongue to keep your breath fresh.
Orthodontics:
Evaluation of a child's occlusion is an important part of their regular examination. We can identify developing problems to ensure that the child is referred to an orthodontist at the appropriate time for treatment. Some minor problems with the teeth can be fixed in the practice if caught at the right stage while the child is growing. This can help to prevent lengthy orthodontic treatment in the future. Here at Lysaght Dental we offer Six Month Smiles clear cosmetic braces for over 18s. Get straighter teeth in less time than conventional braces using clear discreet braces. Payment can be spread over the six months with our interest free payment plan. For a free consultation please ask a member of staff.
Payment:
Fees are due at the time of treatment. We do not offer credit. We accept cash, Credit/Debit Card and Cheques. In cases where treatments will continue over a period of time treatment costs will be discussed and appointments can in made in accordance with your budget.A deposit is required for treatments which involve lab work to cover lab fees incurred and materials used.
Photos:
From time to time photographs may be taken in surgery for diagnosis and treatment planning, insurance verification, referrals, laboratory communication and/or comparison of pre and post treatment.
Plaque:
A soft, sticky substance that accumulates on teeth and is composed of bacteria and food debris due to inadequate dental hygiene.
Preventative Dentistry:
Our most important goal at Lysaght Dental is to help our patients keep their own teeth for life. The easiest way to reduce the risk of decay, pain and serious infections is with a good preventative dentistry plan. Preventative dentistry is a combined effort. Regular check-ups and proper dental hygiene both in the surgery and at home mean that you and your dentist work together to maintain the health of your teeth. Patients who attend regularly for check-ups have the lowest overall dental bills. This is because small areas of decay or gum disease are treated before they lead to root canals, abscesses or teeth requiring extraction. Advice and preventative treatments as well as modifying dietary habits and implementing good oral hygiene procedures can then prevent the recurrence of disease almost completely.
PRSI:
You may be entitled to free examination through your PRSI contributions. Please provide your PPS number in advance of your appointment to check your eligibility for the scheme.
Quality of care:
At Lysaght Dental we know how important it is for you to have a healthy and bright smile. We feel that every patient deserves a smile they can be proud of. Our mission is to provide the highest standards of care in a modern, relaxed and friendly environment. We focus on providing conservative dental treatments that create beautiful, healthy smiles. Most importantly we aim to make these smiles last by providing tailored prevention plans that fit in with our patients’ lifestyles. Our staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding treatments, procedures, or dental emergencies. We use state-of-the-art technology and offer a broad range of dental solutions allowing us to meet our patients’ personal objectives. We ensure strict compliance above and beyond all regulatory and ethical rules set forth by the Irish Dental Association, HSE and Dental Council. We appreciate that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for many. At Lysaght Dental we are used to alleviating these fears and ensuring that our patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout their appointments
Questions:
If you have any questions please feel free to ask a member of staff.
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Reline:
The acrylic restoration of a loose denture base to compensate for bone loss. The denture will need to be sent to a lab for a reline.
Root Canal Treatment:
This is required when the pulp (nerve) within the tooth has become diseased or infected. The treatment involves the removal of the dead tissue, shaping, filing and disinfecting the inside of the root canal system, filling the space and placing a protective filling or crown to return the tooth to a pain free and functional state. The pulp can become diseased or infected as a result of deep decay, trauma, leakage around an existing filling or a crack in the tooth allowing bacteria to access the pulp chamber. If you become aware of a tooth that has the following signs or symptoms : prolonged hot or cold sensitivity, pain waking you at night, sore to bite on, throbbing or dull pain requiring painkillers, discolouration and/or localised swelling; you may require root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being very painful. In actual fact there is normally as little pain involved with root canal treatment as there is when placing a simple filling. Generally you just feel a little discomfort as the anaesthetic is being administered and then the rest of the appointment is pain free. Read more
Rubber Dam:
A soft latex sheet used to isolate one or more teeth from contamination by oral fluids and to keep materials from falling to the back of the throat.
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Scaling and Polish:
The removal of plaque and calculus from tooth surfaces, commonly referred to as a “cleaning”.
Sensitivity:
Tooth sensitivity can make eating and drinking a painful experience. If sensitivity persists, we recommend using desensitising toothpaste and speaking to your dentist. Describe your symptoms, tell your dentist when the pain started etc. After your dentist determines the reason for your sensitivity, he or she will treat the underlying cause.
Smoking:
Smoking can have major effects on the health of your gums, teeth, mouth and throat. Some problems caused by smoking are obvious, such as the staining/yellowing of teeth and bad breath. However smoking also contributes to unseen and far more serious conditions such as gum disease, cavities, leukoplakia and cancer.
Sugar:
The single most common cause of dental caries is the frequency of sugar in the diet. Decay is caused by sugar. The more often you have sugar in your mouth (regardless of how much at a time) the more likely you will be to get decay. We realise that eliminating sugars completely from your family's diet is unrealistic, because most of your foods contain some form of sugar or starch. However, the following adjustments to your diet will benefit your teeth:
- Don’t take sugar in your tea or coffee
- Just drink water between meals.
- Limit sweet drinks such as diluting juice or fizzy drinks to meal times only.
- Try to limit snacks to sugar free foods such as toast, crackers, nuts and cheese.
- Remember – grapes can cause as much decay as chocolate (it doesn’t matter where the sugar comes from, it can still cause damage to your teeth)
Tartar:
A common term for dental calculus, a hard deposit that adheres to teeth and produces a rough surface that attracts plaque.
Toothbrush:
Manual Toothbrushes: There are many advantages to the manual toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes are low in cost and availability. Manual tooth brushes are very easy to travel with and can be easily kept at work or in your bag. Using a manual toothbrush is great for kids. Even young children can use manual brushes safely and effectively once they’ve learned how. It is important to use the right technique. Try not to 'scrub' your gums. Use circular motion with the toothbrush lightly touching your teeth. It is important to not put too much pressure on the gums.
Electric Toothbrushes: Today, electric toothbrushes are outfitted with a variety of features. Though they make nice additions, pressure sensors that tell you if you’re brushing too hard or timers that indicate when you’ve brushed long enough don’t directly affect how well the toothbrush actually cleans your teeth.
Whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. This would normally be approximately every 3 months.
Trauma:
Injury caused by external forces, chemical or temperature extremes, or poor tooth alignment.
Treatment Plans:
All patients are seen for an initial examination to determine their treatment needs. Fees for this appointment will be outlined at the time of booking the appointment. Fees for treatment are discussed as part of the examination visit. Once a course of treatment is determined a quotation is provided along with a treatment plan, a copy of which is available to you.
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Understanding
It is important that you understand the treatment options available to you, the cost involved and the risks involved (if any). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Unerupted Tooth:
A tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct position in the dental arch.
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Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface.
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Whitening:
Teeth Whitening has become one of our most popular treatments and at €250 it has never been more affordable to get the white smile you want and keep it white for life. With our White for Life Programme you will receive a top up tube of whitening gel (normally €30) at each exam or scale and polish appointment (max 2 per year).
Whitening the teeth is a simple, effective and safe way to brighten your smile. At Lysaght Dental we specialise in home whitening, this allows a lower concentration of whitening gel to be used which reduces any associated sensitivity and means the process is more controllable by the patient. The process involves taking impressions of the upper and lower teeth, making moulds of the teeth and providing custom fitted whitening trays. We then provide you with whitening gel and discuss the best way for you to apply the gel. We generally take before and after photographs and have a follow up appointment to ensure that you are happy with the result.
It is important to note that fillings, crowns and veneers will not be affected by the whitening process as it only works on natural enamel and dentine. If you have fillings on the front teeth, your dentist can discuss options that work alongside the whitening process. Often, prior to fixed restorative work such as crowns or veneers, you may wish to whiten your natural teeth to get the best overall cosmetic result.
Wisdom Teeth:
The third (last) molars that usually erupt between the age of 18-25.
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Xerostomia:
Dry mouth occurs due to lack of normal saliva flow and needs to be monitored so it does not cause more serious effects in the oral cavity. Dry mouth is most commonly reported among the elderly and is often related to systemic diseases they suffer from or the medications taken to manage those diseases.
X-rays:
At Lysaght Dental we offer you the very latest in digital radiography. This means that when radiographs are taken you can be assured that you are getting the minimal dose of radiation possible with current technology. We further protect you with the use of a rectangle collimator which reduces the dose by 40% compared to a standard x-ray. It is common for both tooth decay and periodontal disease to be impossible to detect during a clinical exam. Radiographic evaluation of the dental and periodontal tissues is a critical segment of the comprehensive oral examination.
Xylitol:
Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other sweets. Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. This “acid attack” causes tooth decay and cavities to begin to form. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
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Yearly visits:
Patients who attend regularly for check-ups have the lowest overall dental bills. This is because small areas of decay or gum disease are treated before they lead to root canals, abscesses or teeth requiring extraction. Advice and preventative treatments as well as modifying dietary habits and implementing good oral hygiene procedures can then prevent the recurrence of disease almost completely. A routine examination can help detect any potential problems before they become more serious and more expensive to fix. You and the dentist will decide whether a six monthly or twelve monthly recall is best for you.
Zzzzzz:
Is snoring affecting your sleep?
We provide appliances to be worn in the mouth at night. These open your airway by bringing your lower jaw or your tongue forward during sleep. This helps open the airway, allowing regular breathing without snoring. These appliances can help reduce or even eliminate snoring, allowing you to have the decent night's sleep you deserve.
