At our dental clinic in Edinburgh we treat many patients who may be feeling nervous regarding their first dental appointment at our practice. If you are a patient who is feeling concerned about a visit to our dentist you may benefit from a pretreatment discussion with our dental team.

Easing the strain of your dental treatment

In addition to our pre-treatment dental discussions we also offer intravenous sedation. This particular form of sedation is extremely popular in the field of dentistry and allows our patients to stay conscious during their chosen dental procedure, whilst remaining completely relaxed, and therefore aware of their surroundings. If intravenous sedation sounds like something you may be interested in, then feel free to contact a member of our dental team, we display many of our contact details on our website.

A few standard procedures that may be administered during your check-up

Many patients (even those who aren’t feeling anxious) may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a check-up, recommended by our dental team to be every six months. One common example which could be considered as ‘standard’ is an oral examination, which may include checking the gums for dental abrasions.

Staying on top of your dental health

At our dentist In Edinburgh we not only administer a general oral examination of the teeth and the gums in addition to X-rays, but we may also ask our patients about their dental hygiene routine, as well as any changes in their diet or medication.

Are you doing enough for your smile?

Patients who are brushing their teeth twice daily (for a minimum of two minutes) may believe that they are doing enough to maintain a high standard of oral health, however this is not necessarily the case.

A visit to a dental hygienist

During your dental check-up our experienced dental team will assess the teeth for any signs of dental decay, including checking each individual tooth for cavities, which need immediate treatment. In addition to these procedures however, we may also notice a build-up of plaque or tartar on the surface of the teeth, which is extremely common, and not something to be ashamed of, however if we do recognise this we may suggest you visit our professional dental hygienist.

What to expect from a visit to our hygienist

Once our dentist In Edinburgh has decided that a visit to our hygienist will benefit you, you can expect to have a thorough cleaning of the teeth and the gums, commonly referred to as a scale and polish.

What is a scale and polish?

A scale and polish is a rigorous dental cleaning treatment which uses a special dental paste to remove any tartar or plaque on the surface of the teeth, which can contribute to tooth decay, as well as oral diseases and infections. A scale and polish is extremely common in the field of dentistry, however a dental hygienist can also give you advice on how to correctly clean your teeth at home, such as the use of interdental brushes and floss.

Using Invisalign is one of the most convenient and popular methods of straightening teeth on the planet today, because of the revolutionary way in which we are able to approach your treatment.

Rather than pulling teeth into alignment as traditional braces do, Invisalign works in a more gentle way where teeth are gradually pushed into their correct alignment over time, by the use of dental trays.

These clear, plastic aligners are removable so that you can enjoy eating and brushing your teeth as you normally would. This means that you do not have to conform to any strict rules regarding what you can eat whilst undergoing your treatment .You can also enjoy minimal discomfort as there are no wires to cut your cheeks or brackets to rub up against your lips.

You simply place your aligner trays over your teeth for a minimum of 20 hours each day. It is important to carry out the treatment for this length of time so that you can see the results that have been discussed during the consultation with your dentist in Edinburgh. You change the trays every 2 weeks or so, depending on your personal situation, to a new tray that is slightly closer to your final, beautifully straight teeth.

What can I expect during a consultation?

A dentist in Edinburgh will discuss with you the entire treatment plan, the expected costs and the length of treatment time after they have performed the iTero scan. This innovative software is at the heart of any Invisalign treatment and is how your dentist in Edinburgh is able to confidently offer you the results you are looking for.

The scan digitally pinpoints the misalignment of your teeth and gauges what needs to be done to quickly and efficiently bring teeth into a correct alignment. The trays are simply made from this software so that they are a perfect fit and there is little room for error.

There are several different treatments under the umbrella of Invisalign that mean you can streamline your treatment to suit yourself. If you only have a mild misalignment, a ‘lite’ system may be just what you are looking for. Because so many teenagers are offered teeth straightening treatment, a teenager model has also been developed, with sensors that ensure that you are wearing them for the right amount of time and other features.

Another benefit that comes with joining the millions of people who have already straightened their teeth with Invisalign, is that there is a renowned community support base online. You can ask questions, discuss or talk to professionals or others going through the same situation as you to gain knowledge, inspiration and to feel excited about your future smile. A healthy smile is important for your entire well-being. When you straighten your teeth, you are guaranteeing that your smile is as healthy as it can be. We are looking forward to ensuring you get the best treatment possible, so by speaking with us today we can start you on your journey towards a healthier and happier version of yourself.

If you have lost one or several of your teeth, or in fact have been wearing dentures for some length of time, then you may be interested to hear about dental implants as a course of treatment that can radically improve your quality of life.

We know that it can be devastating to lose a tooth and if you have lost several of your teeth and require dentures, these can be a real problem if they don’t fit correctly.

By speaking with your dentist in Edinburgh about dental implants, you may be able to discover a way to improve your speech, allow you the ability to eat with ease again and improve your confidence in your fully restored smile.

This treatment has an extremely high success rate of around 98%, so if you are viable for this treatment, you are near guaranteed a chance at having a permanent tooth back in your mouth. Dental implants will last for several decades as well, so you can effectively treat them as  replacement teeth that you no longer have to concern yourself about.

How do I know if I am viable for the treatment?

A dentist in Edinburgh will have a look at the condition of your mouth and teeth to determine whether you are healthy enough to carry on with treatment. There is no upper age limit to getting dental implants, it is just whether you have any underlying health conditions that need to be considered or whether you have enough bone mass in your jaw to support the titanium rod that is placed there.

You will know quickly after a scan whether you are suitable to continue on and if not, your dentist in Edinburgh will offer other treatments that will be more comfortable, convenient and suitable for your situation in life.

How do they work?

We first need to perform a minor surgical procedure that involves the placement of a titanium rod directly into your jawbone. We use titanium as it fuses with the jaw over time making it a long lasting and durable procedure that you can confidently and comfortably use.

A natural and realistic crown or bridge is then attached to this rod, either immediately or after the site has healed for a few weeks. You can begin using it as soon as you are told and it will look and feel just like your original tooth once did.

We are pleased to be able to offer our patients this form of treatment, as it encompasses so many different situations. People who have lost a tooth because of an injury are able to replace their tooth without worry. Those who have lost several teeth because of decay or disease are able to enjoy a new lease of life.

And those people who have had dentures for some time and find them to be slipping and uncomfortable, as well as embarrassing in social settings should they fall out, can secure their dentures permanently, allowing them to be taken out only when needful. This can be a real boost to patients, as they can be confident knowing their dentures won’t come out at inopportune moments.

We advise our patients to see us twice a year for check-ups. The reason for this is so we can diagnose dental issues in their infancy stages, when they are minor and reversible.

However, we know that some individuals sometimes miss their appointments due to their hectic lifestyles, or put off seeing the dentist in Edinburgh because they know that something is wrong.

When did you last have your teeth and gums checked for problems? In the article, we will identify the signs of an unhealthy mouth and the reasons why you should seek out urgent dental care.

Reason One: You have pain

Pain or swelling in your mouth, face, and neck, is not normal and could point to many different issues.

Ignoring the problem will aggravate the condition. Allow a dentist in Edinburgh to single out the source and treat your pain accordingly.

Reason Two: Your gums are in trouble/

Looking into a mirror, do your gums appear puffy and red? Does standard brushing and flossing cause your gums to bleed?

You may have a gum disease, such as Gingivitis or Periodontitis. Gingivitis can be easily treated with a root planing and scaling if the condition is caught early enough.

However, if gingivitis becomes advanced, patients run the risk of developing Periodontitis which is much more severe and can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss.

Reason Three: you’ve had other dental work done?

Have you recently undergone surgery for dental implants? Even if you think your tooth implants are healing well, you will still need to see your dentist in Edinburgh for regular check-ups. While rare, your jaw could reject your new tooth.

Reason Four: you can’t chew properly

Chewing problems can be caused by a plethora of underlying issues, namely tooth loss, gum disease, cavities, and dentures that do not fit properly.

Until you can see your dental practitioner, stick to a soft food diet so as not to exacerbate your pain and discomfort.

Reason Five: you have intolerable jaw pain

Jaw pain results from injury to your joints. There are several potential causes of jaw pain, including:

• Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder is the most common cause of jaw pain, affecting millions of people globally. The disease occurs when you suffer an injury at the joint, overstimulate your jaw by clenching or grinding your teeth, or contract arthritis in the protective disk that protects your jaw joints.
• Serious tooth infections that develop into abscesses. The pain you will endure may spread to your jaw.

Issues as severe as these must be seen by a dentist. However, before you see a dental practitioner, there are things you can do at home to ease some of the pain, like applying a cold compress to your face for ten minutes. Heat will also relax tense joints, so you can soak a cloth in warm water and hold it to the affected area.

If the practices mentioned above do little to relieve your discomfort, over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, may help to ease some of your pain symptoms.

Gingivitis is an unpleasant, and unfortunately, commonly experienced gum disease.  Most people suffer from a mild form of it at least once in their lives.

There is no shame in having Gingivitis, but it must be treated straight away to prevent it from getting worse.

Visit our practice, Meadowbank Dental Practice if you suspect that your gums are in trouble.  Not only can we help you to remove the plaque bacteria, but we will also show you home cleaning rituals and dental hygiene best practices that will prevent the problem recurring.

What is Gingivitis and why have I got it?

Gingivitis is a mild gum disease caused by plaque build-up.  If you do not remove all the bacteria from your mouth, the germs left behind aggravate and inflame your gums.

Symptoms that are indicative of gum disease include gums that are red and swollen, bleed when you eat, or when you clean them.  You may also notice that despite using mouthwash, you have bad breath.

How do I treat gingivitis?

A professional cleaning called a scaling and root planing at your dentist in Edinburgh may be necessary for removing bacteria and scraping plaque from your teeth and gums.  Local anaesthesia may be used during treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

Professional treatments will clear up your Gingivitis.  However, it would be best if you practised good oral hygiene to prevent it from coming back.

What can I do to prevent Gingivitis in the future?

The gum disease can be avoided by taking better care of your teeth.  This includes brushing more frequently, flossing daily, rinsing with mouthwash, and seeing your dentist in Edinburgh regularly.

If you have trouble brushing your teeth using a standard toothbrush, an electric toothbrush works wonders in removing plaque.

How you brush your teeth is as important as how often you brush your teeth.  Many people brush too hard, which damages your gums, or they fail to clean all surfaces of their teeth.  Brush gently in small circles, or up and down, ensuring that you eliminate harmful bacteria.

Never skip your dental appointments as a part of your check-up with the dentist in Edinburgh is dedicated to a professional clean, removing plaque in those hard-to-reach spaces.

Can my diet affect my teeth and gums?

Having a healthy mouth does not stop at thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums.  What you eat also matters.

Sugary and acidic foods can be harmful to your teeth, which is why it is a good idea to limit your intake of these food groups.  If you do occasionally drink sugary drinks, be sure to consume it in one sitting rather than over a few hours, as a more extended exposure to sugar can negatively affect your teeth and gums.

Smoking and drinking are not just bad for your physical health.  Smoking, in particular, restricts the flow of oxygen to your gums.  If you do smoke, try curbing your intake to improve upon your oral health. Food items that are classified as good for your oral health include things like lean protein (chicken or fish), vegetables, fruit, and legumes.

Everyone wants an attractive smile and a full set of teeth, so how can these be obtained if you do not have healthy or straight teeth?

Many of our clients come to our practice, Meadowbank Dental Practice, asking for our help to fix their smile with braces, dental implants, and other life-changing corrective measures.

So what makes teeth-straightening aids and enhancement devices, such as tooth implants, popular? And how are they so highly efficient? Read this article to find out more.

All About Braces

Do your crooked teeth make you feel self-conscious about your smile? Braces will help to fix alignment issues permanently.

There are several types of braces available to match your dental requirements, but our dentist in Edinburgh likes to recommend Invisalign.

The advantages of Invisalign

Invisalign is not just popular because it is an efficient teeth-straightening appliance, but it is also subtle in its design.  In other words, people love invisible braces because they can wear the device without others around them knowing about it.

Another critical feature worth mentioning is the comfort of the aligners, which are custom-fabricated to fit over your teeth and gums like a glove.  People using alternative straightening aids may complain that the device hurts at times, especially when metal rubs against skin.  Therefore, the user experience of Invisalign far outweighs that of standard braces.

Invisalign straightens your teeth differently to standard devices, where your teeth are moved incrementally, rather than all at once – this helps to ease some pressure from your teeth.

By using more conventional straightening methods, your oral health could deteriorate if you do not clean your teeth thoroughly, and brushing can prove challenging when there is metal affixed to your teeth.

You can remove Invisalign aligners, which makes brushing your teeth and keeping them clean easier.

All about dental implants

Ask your dentist in Edinburgh about implants if you have lost one or multiple teeth, are suffering from extensive tooth decay, or have thought about switching over from dentures.

Implants comprise a small, titanium screw, an artificial crown, and an abutment that links the pieces together. The device, which is durable and made to last, can improve the way you live by making tasks such as eating, chewing and biting, easier.  Additionally, any speech impediments you may have, caused by absent teeth or a faulty denture, are greatly reduced by opting for dental implants.

While certainly more expensive than other kinds of tooth replacement methods, implants offer you a great deal more.  Firstly, if they are looked after well, they will last you the rest of your life.  Secondly, your implant is fastened securely in your jaw, which means that your new tooth will look and function like a real one.

To be considered a suitable candidate for the implant procedure, you must be in reasonably good health.  Your gums must be disease-free, and you need enough jawbone to insert the aforementioned titanium screw into.

There are treatments you can undergo before implant surgery which our dentist in Edinburgh will recommend, such as root planing and scaling if your gum is in poor condition, or bone grafts if you lack jawbone.

If you have ever thought about having your teeth straightened, the chances are you have spent time mulling over finance options and have postponed this procedure until you feel more financially stable.

It can be difficult finding funds for what you may consider to be a cosmetic procedure, however, misaligned teeth will only get worse over time and it can have a negative impact on your overall health.

By being transparent and honest about the cost of straightening your teeth, we are confident that we can get you excited about the possibilities that are waiting for you. By proving to you that we are more focused on your results rather than creating business, a mutual understanding and respect can be established, which is important for this procedure to go smoothly.

Results speak for themselves and we are not interested in bringing in additional hidden costs. Trust that your dentist in Edinburgh is on your side and here with you throughout the entire experience.

If you are uncertain as to whether a particular device is better for you over another, discuss it with a dentist in Edinburgh who will be able to explain the differences between each model, and the potential advantages and disadvantages that are specific to your personal case. A price breakdown will let you compare models and enable you to come to an informed decision about the most suitable choice for your personal situation, both physically and financially.

Only when both your dentist in Edinburgh and yourself are in agreement with one another are you able to work out a treatment plan that is going to deliver the results that you are both looking for. It is our utmost priority to be cooperative and understanding, and non-judgemental of any of the questions and concerns that you may have. Only when you are comfortable with talking to us about these will we be able to fully understand what it is you are looking for.

What are some options?

Invisalign is a removable aligner that has many different styles to suit different situations. The Invisalign team has developed teen and lite models to make the system more adaptable to many of our patients. Depending on the length of the treatment and the severity of your case, the costs do vary.

What you can be sure of with us

We will go through everything that is needed so that you are aware of every cost of this Invisalign procedure. We will make you aware of additional extras, such as the cost of your retainer, whitening gel and potential refinement, so you will feel assured that there won’t be any unexpected extras to pay out for. Come in and speak with us about your options today so that we can offer you all the information that you need in order to get your teeth looking and feeling great.

A lot of people end up losing one, or some, of their teeth over the course of their lives and this can be a traumatic event. A dentist in Edinburgh understands that you might feel a little upset, and no longer quite your whole self, for some time after. Depending on your personal situation, you may lose a lot of confidence in your smile. You may struggle to eat certain foods, especially if they are hard or sharp, which can damage your now exposed and sensitive gums.

All of this can have a terrible impact on your physical and psychological health. To make you aware of these negative associations that missing teeth can have on your body, we educate our patients so that you are inspired to take action and care for yourself in a positive way.

The sooner you seek advice on replacing your missing teeth, and move on to the subsequent procedures, the less your body will be negatively impacted by it. You can quickly get back to your old self, eating food and laughing again with confidence.

What are the negative impacts of missing teeth?

Education is power.  Let us get down to the serious impacts that are proven to be associated with missing teeth so that you are able to keep informed, and make the right decision for your oral health.

We know that once a tooth is lost, the teeth around it can begin to shift and twist in an attempt to compensate. As teeth become misaligned, this can lead to further complications as it can weaken the hold that your roots have on your gum and they may become loose.

Your gum tissue that is exposed at the site of the lost tooth is sensitive and can be easily injured from the food that you eat. Cuts can get infected and this can be painful. You may begin to avoid hard or sharp foods as a result which can have an overall negative impact on your health.

What can I do?

You can consider having a dental implant to replace your missing tooth. A dentist in Edinburgh performs a minor surgical procedure to insert a titanium rod in place of your original tooth root. The benefit of this procedure, as opposed to alternatives, is that this will continue to stimulate your jaw bone and encourage it to remain strong.

Alternative options do not do this and unfortunately, people begin to have issues with jaw bone degradation over time. This is a natural response from your body and can cause the face to droop and sag and if you have dentures, you may begin to feel them slipping, which can be uncomfortable.

If you have dentures and have found that they no longer stay in place as they once did, your dentist in Edinburgh will be able to go through some procedures that may be available for you so that you can enjoy your smile more. With a positive mentality, and dedication to improving your oral health, you can have a smile with dental implants that can last you for decades.

Busy working professionals do not always have the time or patience to have lengthy cosmetic dental procedures, even if it means they can have the smile that they would like to have. We are a society that lives in the now and if we cannot see a short-term advantage to a situation, we are sometimes forced to put it on the backburner until we have more time for them.

Should it be a major treatment, like veneers or teeth straightening procedures, then sometimes we are able to make these positive changes to our smile.

However, less significant dental care can be overlooked. By providing some DIY at home treatments for our patients, we hope to save you from the need to spend time at our practice when you don’t need to.

Your dentist in Edinburgh is always here to provide solutions that can aid you in enjoying your smile more. Because when you love your smile, you are more likely to take good care of it. A healthy smile can provide you with a lifetime of use and you might be surprised at how much more confident you feel when your smile is looking its best.

Your dentist in Edinburgh can help you to make small changes to your oral hygiene routine that can keep it cleaner and healthier.

What on earth are we talking about?

Teeth whitening of course! Teeth whitening is extremely popular and this is for a very good reason. Millions of people worldwide see significant results and many whiten their teeth before a special event, or just because they want to feel better about their smile.

It is important to determine whether or not your teeth are suitable for a teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist in Edinburgh will closely inspect your teeth to determine the level of staining that you have and what kind of staining it is. Stains can come from a number of sources and, unfortunately, there are some kinds that we simply cannot fix. Medines can stain your teeth and so can a few dental treatments. In these instances, it will be difficult to restore the colour of your teeth back to their original colour.

However, if you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or red wine, if you smoke, or enjoy frequent curries, then we might be able to lighten your teeth by several shades.

You will also be made aware at your consultation that some teeth are a darker hue than others. If you are unhappy with the shade of your natural teeth, we can discuss alternative methods such as veneers, to whiten your smile.

If you choose to take a whitening kit home with you, we will provide you with all of the necessary tools and information so that you can whiten your teeth at your own leisure. Usually you can wear the provided tray and cleaning gel overnight, using a less potent chemical than the one we use in the practice.

A smile says more than words ever can. By putting your best smile forward, you are sharing with your friends, family and acquaintances your best self which not only aids in your self- esteem, but can invite others subconsciously into your life, allowing more doors to be opened for yourself as well.

A dentist in Edinburgh understands this, and as such has developed an intensive system filled to the brim with a vast selection of services which you can explore at leisure to create the smile of your dreams. From preventive dentistry for children and adults, restorative treatments using only the best materials and equipment, to cosmetic dentistry that goes beyond the teeth, we have a range of treatments that are bound to have you smiling.

By speaking to a dentist in Edinburgh about your personal situation as well as your smile goals, we can both work together in creating a treatment plan which you are happy with. By first ensuring that your teeth and gums are strong, clean and healthy, you can then move onwards to improving your smile with a range of cosmetic treatments which quite often doubly serve as preventive or restorative treatments to maintain the health of your smile.

What are some of these cosmetic treatments?

Some treatments, such as dental implants are important for your overall health and well-being. As your teeth are designed to work together, when you lose one or several teeth, the remaining teeth will suffer. A dentist in Edinburgh will provide you with the options that are available to you in order to restore your mouth to full functionality.

Still understood as a cosmetic treatment plan, dental implants will also prevent further complications arising in your mouth, as well as restoring your smile back to its original state. It is often the way that the fields of dentistry overlap as professionals work to improve your overall well-being by ensuring you are happy with your smile.

Taking it a step further

In this modern age, we understand that how you feel about your smile goes beyond the health of your teeth and gums. Many of us have explored anti wrinkle treatments and lip augmentation to improve our appearances, so it was a natural progression for highly skilled dental health care professionals to use their knowledge of the anatomy and structure of the face as well as the materials that are commonly used to provide you with professional assistance in this matter.

Who better to accurately apply dermal fillers that a professional with many years of training and experience in this area of your body? We are confident in our abilities to provide you with a natural, youthful look that completes your healthy, strong smile.

A modern day dental practice is a one stop shop for your physical and psychological smile needs. We warmly invite you to speak with us about your concerns and desires that you have regarding your smile, so that we can offer you a range of affordable and effective treatment plans that will suit you.