Fillings are routinely used when tooth decay has caused a small cavity to appear in the tooth. Tooth-coloured composite fillings are generally the preferred solution among patients at Birdgate Dental. Composites look completely natural in the mouth and composite filling material is mouldable and bonds to your existing tooth, which means less drilling is required than for metal fillings. Your filling treatment at Birdgate Dental will be fast and pain-free – and should stop tooth decay penetrating any further.
Gentle root canal that saves your natural teeth
Modern root canal treatment, or endodontics, is now considered as routine as getting a filling – so it’s nothing to fear if your dentist at Birdgate Dental recommends it for you. If you’re experiencing toothache, swelling, and sensitivity to hot and cold, it may be that the inner soft tissue of your tooth – or dental pulp – has become infected. Infection is usually the result of a trauma (such as a broken tooth), or deep decay. A root canal treatment eliminates the pain instantly, clearing the infection and sealing the inside of your tooth to prevent re-infection. If you are getting a root canal at Birdgate Dental, it is likely you will need to have a dental crown fitted too, to strengthen and restore your tooth.
H2 Snoring solutions with Somnowell
It’s believed that around 30 percent of us snore – so if you factor in partners, a large segment of the population is regularly missing out on a good night’s sleep. If you or your partner is a serial snorer, the team at Birdgate Dental can help, with Somnowell. This high-quality, custom-made, patented snoring appliance is comfortable and easy to wear, and won’t impact on your ability to talk or drink water during the night. It works by gently holding the lower jaw and tongue in the ‘recovery position’ while you sleep – keeping you airway open, and preventing the soft tissues in the throat and behind the tongue from vibrating, the cause of the snoring sound. Somnowell offers a variety of solutions to suit different problems, from snoring to sleep apnoea and teeth grinding.
General dentistry FAQs
Will it hurt to get a filling?
No. Fillings are carried out under a local anaesthetic so you won’t feel a thing during treatment. If you are at all nervous about having an injection, do let us know so that we can gently help you through the procedure – we have a number of tried and tested techniques at our disposal and lots of experience helping nervous patients.
How long will my filling last?
Amalgam fillings generally last longest – up to 12 years, although with good oral hygiene they are known to last even longer. White fillings have an average lifespan of around seven years, though many patients think the cosmetic benefits of white fillings outweigh the issue of having to have them replaced.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Root canal symptoms often come in two waves. When the pulp becomes infected, early signs include toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and pain when eating and drinking. When the infected pulp dies, these symptoms may temporarily subside – but don’t be tempted to put off seeing your dentist! When the infection spreads into the root of the tooth (the canal), those early symptoms come back – this time accompanied by pain and swelling to the face and gums, and an abscess around the infected tooth, which will often appear dark in colour. In this scenario, contact Birdgate Dental immediately.
What does the root canal procedure involve?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, or sedation if required, and is usually a straightforward procedure, rather like getting a filling. Once the tooth is completely numb, the dentist will use a series of tiny instruments to open up the tooth and extract the infected pulp. The remaining space is cleaned and shaped, ready for filling with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. A temporary filling is usually placed on top – you may need to return for a permenent dental crown[link] at a later date.
What is the difference between snoring and sleep apnoea?
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a serious sleep disorder, characterised by abnormal pauses in breathing (apnoeas) or abnormally low breathing (hypopnoeas), during sleep. OSA symptoms always include loud snoring. Regular snoring, however, does not always indicate you have sleep apnoea. Your dentist will be able to identify how best to help you.
How does a night guard prevent snoring?
A bespoke dental night guard, like the Somnowell device, supports the lower jaw in a forward position, which keeps the airway open. This prevents the tongue falling back onto the soft palate, which in turn prevents snoring.
How is a night guard made?
You’ll need to sit for dental impressions, which will be sent to a dental lab to create your custom mouth guard. Once it’s ready, you’ll need to return to Birdgate Dental to collect your night guard, try it on and receive instructions on how to use it.
Send Birdgate Dental a message
Book an appointment
