Wessington Way

Common Problems and Solutions

• Tooth Ache

  
  Tooth ache can take on many forms from little niggles to severe pain from dental abscesses. Many factors can contribute to tooth ache so it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and commence treatment. Tooth ache does not necessarily mean that a tooth needs to be removed! We will always try and save your tooth if it can be done. 

• Sensitivity

  Many people suffer from tooth sensitivity from time-to-time. If you have sensitivity, you should make an appointment with the dentist to check for any underlying problems. The most common cause is root sensitivity and the problem can usually be maintained by using de-sensitising toothpaste daily.

• Bleeding Gums

  
  Many people suffer from bleeding gums from time-to-time. If your gums bleed when you clean your teeth, you should make an appointment with the dentist to check for any underlying problems. Gum problems can range from slight irritation and inflammation to gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist and hygienist will help to rectify any problems or maintain your gum health.

• Bad Breath

  Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem, but it can be rectified. Strong odours from food and drinks can be kept to a minimum by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine of tooth brushing, cleaning in-between teeth and tongue cleaning. Bad breath can also be caused by gum problems which can be maintained by regular visits to the dentist and hygienist.

• Discoloured Teeth

  Teeth darken naturally with age and can also discolour due to trauma to teeth. If you dislike the colour of your teeth, there are a range a cosmetic options available to improve appearance from tooth whitening to crowns and veneers. Make an appointment with the dentist to discuss how to improve your smile. Teeth can also pick up stain due to smoking and diet. The hygienist can remove this stain for you which will instantly make your teeth look brighter.

• Crooked Teeth

  
  
  Many factors can cause teeth to become crooked or out of position. If you do not like the positioning of your teeth, make an appointment with the dentist to discuss options on how to improve your smile. Small changes such as contouring teeth or placing tooth-coloured fillings can create a straighter-looking smile and crowns, veneers and bridges will improve the appearance of crooked teeth. The only way to change the position of teeth is by having orthodontic treatment and wearing braces. The dentist can refer you to a local orthodontic practice to discuss treatment. The orthodontist will also discuss the different types of braces available including invisible braces and tooth-coloured brackets which can be more aesthetically pleasing.

• Dark Fillings

  
  In the past, teeth were usually filled using a silver material called amalgam. This is still used for fillings on the NHS. Whilst this material is very durable, it is not aesthetically pleasing and can create dark shadows in natural teeth. At Wessington Way we use a strong and long-lasting plastic material which is available in many shades to match your natural tooth colour. As well as the benefit of an improved appearance, tooth-coloured fillings require the loss of less tooth tissue to place and do not contain any mercury like amalgam fillings. If you wish to change your dark fillings to tooth-coloured ones, make an appointment with the dentist.

• Gaps between front teeth

  
  A gap between two front teeth is known a diastema. Whilst many people find this attractive, the gap can be closed if you do not like it. This is done using a tooth coloured filling material which matches your natural shade. If you wish to discuss cosmetic options, make an appointment with the dentist.

• Acid Erosion

  
  Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body but it can still be eroded away by acids present in food and drink. The loss of tooth enamel can result in teeth becoming more sensitive and will contribute towards the darkening of teeth. If you think you may be affected by acid erosion, make an appointment with the dentis.

• Jaw ache

  
  Many people clench and grind their teeth, often without realising it. These actions put a lot of strain on jaw joints resulting in jaw ache and sometimes headaches. Those who grind their teeth over a long period of time will also start to wear their teeth away. Traditional treatment for this involved making a soft splint to wear to clench and grind against to prevent wear on their teeth. At Wessington Way we offer a new type of splint known as an NTI splint. This works by changing the clenching and grinding behaviour rather and thus stops the habit over time. If you are suffering from jaw pain, make an appointment with the dentist.