Emergency Dental treatment at MSC.

As a culture, we have come a long way in terms of dental health. This is mostly due to cheaper dental care on the NHS, and help resources being more readily available on the internet. However, dental emergencies can still occur, which is why it’s important to know the process to go through if you do ever experience an emergency with your dental health. Knowing how to get started on the road to recovery will save you time, money and quite possible pain.

In this blog, we take a look at Midlands Smile Centres emergency dentistry, how it can help, and what you should do if you find yourself with a dental emergency.

Quick action is the most important factor to increase the chance of successful treatment. Quick treatment helps to reduce the chance of infection. In some cases, patients will find an infection occurs if they have failed to address a dental problem within an appropriate time scale. If you require emergency dental treatment, please contact your local Midlands Smile Centres practice, and our reception team will be able to help you start your recovery.

Every MSC practice offers emergency dentistry. However, for emergency cases outside of normal work hours, please contact our Kings Heath or Selly Oak practices, where they can address your emergency at all times of the day.

What Should be Considered as a Dental Emergency?

We at MSC take various dental emergency cases. This can quite often mean that we come across new or different problems on a weekly basis. Generally, we can categorise a problem under one of the following headings:

Toothache

One of the more common problems we encounter with emergency treatment is toothache. This can be very painful but varies between each case. If you feel continuous pain for 30 minutes after taking pain killers and completing a thorough clean of your teeth, this is a clear sign that there is something wrong and getting to your local dentist as soon as possible is essential.

Broken Tooth or Filling

While this problem most commonly occurs with contact sports, this could happen to anyone. A broken tooth or filling can expose your teeth to further damage and discomfort. Failure to address this issue could ultimately lead to the loss of a tooth.

Lump Near the Tooth Line

Normally quite an uncommon dental emergency, but possibly one of the most uncomfortable of problems to have. The lump is normally caused by an abscess which can be rather painful. Addressing this immediately is paramount. Leaving this alone will, without doubt, cause tooth loss of one or more of the surrounding teeth.

Broken Crowns
Again this is a very common occurrence and one which is often ignored. However, in some cases leaving a broken crown can lead to tooth decay at the root of the tooth, which is irreversible. In more serious cases, this can cause an abscess and eventually loss of the tooth. If you have a broken crown, make sure you talk to your dentists as soon as possible.

Dislodged or Knocked Out Tooth

Like a broken tooth, this is a common occurrence for those playing in contact sports such as rugby. In instances such as this it is important to get to the dentist as soon as possible. The quicker a patient can get to the dentist, the better the chance they have of saving your tooth. Another way to increase the likelihood of your tooth being re-inserted is by placing your tooth in milk. This is a genuine way to help maintain the condition of a knocked-out tooth. If you follow these steps, you’ll give the dentist a greater chance of being able to re-insert the tooth.

Lost Tooth

If you’ve managed to knock out and lose a tooth you should still be getting to your dentist quickly. The loss of a tooth can result in infection of your gums, leading to pain and even the loss of more teeth. Getting to the dentist to have the wound cleaned and to introduce a plan of action should mean you can have your smile back in no time at all.

Preventing the Emergency

While some of these emergencies are almost impossible to foresee, most can be prevented as long as you know how. With that in mind here are some simple ways to avoid these problems:

Pay Attention to What You’re Eating

Hard sweets, ice cubes and even corn on the cob can be hard work for your teeth. Avoid eating these on a regular basis as to not damage crowns or fillings.

Wear Protection

When playing contact sports, wear a gum shield. This great bit of protective gear does a fantastic job of keeping your teeth where they’re meant to be. This will reduce the chance of a tooth being knocked out or broken.

Listen to Your Teeth

Have the same approach to your dentist as you do the doctors. Your teeth can tell you a lot, and you know when something doesn’t feel correct. This is a great way to catch a problem, such as an abscess, before it develops and causes any damage.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

It’s quite common for somebody to come into the practice and have broken or lost teeth because they tried to open a bottle with them. Your teeth are not tools, and using them for anything other than eating can cause damage.

Good Dental Hygiene

The easiest way to keep your teeth in good condition is to have an effective cleaning regime. Cleaning your teeth twice a day, including flossing and mouthwash, will help to give you a long-lasting smile for as long as possible.

About Midlands Smile Centres

Midlands Smile Centres have 5 practices located across Birmingham. All of our practices offer emergency service to all new and existing patients. MSC also offers a wide range of services including cosmetics, facial aesthetics and dental implants which provide a patient with a smile they can be proud of. For more information about the treatments we offer or to book an appointment, head to our website today.

Do you have a dental emergency? Contact your local MSCtoday.

10 Ways MSC Can Help You Achieve a Fantastic Smile

If improving smile or recapturing the smile of your youth has been weighing on your mind. There are a range of treatments which may help you obtain a smile you will be happy to share with everyone. This blog provides an overview of some of some of the simple and and not so simple ways you can reclaim a beautiful youthful smile using cosmetic dental services.

1) Veneers

If you have teeth that are an irregular shape, misaligned, discoloured, or are decayed or damaged in some way, veneers are a fairly straightforward solution to this problem. Veneers are thin layers of material that can be placed over the top of imperfect teeth. They are tooth-coloured and usually made of porcelain, and having them means that large sections of your healthy teeth do not need to be removed.

2) White Fillings

As well as the more conventional grey amalgam fillings, MSC also offer white fillings. Not only are these white fillings capable of making the necessary practical improvement to your teeth, but they are a much more natural looking and aesthetically pleasing option than grey amalgam fillings.

3) Restorative Dentistry

In this category of MSC treatment, bridges, crowns and dentures are all available to help improve your dental health. Bridges are false teeth that are fixed to adjacent natural teeth around areas where teeth have been lost due to various causes, and they are ideal if you don’t like dentures. Crowns, sometimes known as a cap, fit over individual teeth to restore them, imbuing them with stability and providing the shape of a natural tooth. Dentures are made using acrylic (plastic) or a combination of metal and plastic. They replace missing teeth and may be held in place with retaining clips.

4) Airflow

By making use of a jet of water, air and sodium bicarbonate, airflow treatment is an effective way to rid your teeth of stubborn stains caused by smoking and drinking tea, coffee and red wine. Able to help reduce plaque build-up and decrease the sensitivity of teeth, airflow treatment is a more advanced form of a scale and polish. Another positive thing about our airflow treatment is that it doesn’t contain any chemicals, so your teeth will become cleaner and will look better without the risk of burns or irritations.

5) Gold Services

If you’re looking for something a little more glamorous to augment your smile, gold services at MSC may just be the thing for you. Here at MSC you can find gold implants, gold crowns/custom crown design, gold inlays and gold veneers. In addition to the obvious style that our gold services introduce to your smile, they can provide the necessary dental function, too.

6) Dental Implants

It is widely considered that dental implants are the most versatile and all-round superior option for missing teeth, so opting for this treatment is likely to be a sure way to enhance the appearance and all-round health of your teeth. Implants at MSC are available in three forms: dental implants, denture implants and gold implants.

MSC are an ideal dentist for performing this procedure. The reason for this is that MSC’s dentists have over twenty five years’ experience of performing successful implants procedures, and with this type of treatment, it is crucial that patients always choose a provider who has a long history of successful procedures, and not simply go to the cheapest provider. Also, we use a no scalpel technique that incorporates X-ray imaging to place the implant straight into the gum without an incision, thus reducing pain, bleeding, swelling and shortening healing time.

7) Orthodontics

An area of treatment offered by MSC that comes in different forms, orthodontics with Midlands Smile Centres are a sure way to correct your teeth for a more visually pleasing smile. Orthodontics treatment utilises braces, and at MSC, we can offer you traditional braces, Damon braces and Invisalign braces. Invisalign braces are transparent alligners. They are removable and are designed to manoeuver your teeth gradually into the desired position. We also provide Six Months Smiles, which are subtle due to the fact that they are tooth- coloured, and move your teeth slowly over a period of 4-9 months to ensure they are sufficiently straightened.

8) Hygienist Treatment

Hygienist treatment is a great idea for your teeth, as it allows the overall standard of your dental health to be assessed - helping you combat the chances of tooth decay, tooth wear and gum disease- and for your teeth to receive a through clean. It’s also an opportunity for you to receive some important advice on maintaining your dental health.

9) Inlays

If you have a large cavity with a healthy surrounding tooth, we can provide inlays and onlays. Onlays are able to replace the cusp of a tooth which maintains the shape of the tooth, while inlays, which are usually made with tooth-coloured porcelain, are inserted into the hole in the tooth.

10) Teeth Whitening

Designed to give your teeth a real cosmetic lift, special trays for home tooth whitening can be made by our highly experienced dentists. Once your suitability for home whitening kits has been assessed, you can begin the treatment. The trays that are made for you will need to be filled with whitening gel and worn for a few hours every day. And once you are satisfied with the result, just stop the treatment.

If you know one of these treatments is going to be a great investment. Allowing you to to have a summer with some photos you will treasure, get in touch with Midlands Smile Centres today. Some of our practices provide free consultations for implant and orthodontic services.


Published 07/04/17 last updated 05/06/19

Improving Your Smile With MSC

Orthodontics is an important type of treatment that is available at Midlands Smile Centres. Generally speaking, one of the main reasons that people would opt for this types of treatment would be to achieve straighter teeth.

If you feel that your smile is affected by crooked or misaligned teeth, MSC can help you! Our team of vastly experienced dentists can provide you with the treatment you need to help you achieve the smile that you are looking for.

MSC Orthodontics

Invisalign - Invisalign treatment at MSC make use of invisible aligners that will gradually manoeuvre teeth into the desired position. Inivisalign treatment is an efficient way to alter your smile for the better. However, with their clear look, Invisalign invisible braces are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to more conventional types of braces. In addition, Invisalign are comfortable to wear and, due to the fact that they can be removed, they are well-suited to eating and are easier to clean than traditional braces.

What's Involved? The clear aligners that are used by Invisalign invisible braces are tailor-made for your teeth, and the creation of these aligners is based on moulds taken of your teeth.

No wires or brackets are needed.

**We can also offer you our ClinCheck® 3D treatment plan which allows you to see beforehand what the results of the treatment will look like.

Six Months Smiles - Six Months Smiles at MSC are an impressive form of orthodontic treatment that can get results quickly. Six Months Smiles are a cosmetic braces system that are tooth-coloured and move your teeth at a gradual pace. The fact that they are tooth-coloured means that they will blend-in with your teeth and will be less conspicuous to the eye. Comfortable to wear, Six Months Smiles are sure to take as little as 6 months to make your teeth straighter.

Damon Braces - This form of orthodontic treatment harnesses innovative technology to create a better smile for you. It uses gentle, biologically-sensible forces to shift teeth quickly into the required position. Little to no discomfort is generally reported by patients when using Damon braces, and the whole process can often be completed without palatal expanders or painful extractions.

What's Involved? Damon Braces use high-tech brackets that have built-in clamps which hold the connecting wire. As is the case with ordinary braces, the brackets are glued to the front of your teeth.

The shape memory wire that we use will return to a predetermined shape, ensuring that the teeth move into the desired position.

After a series of appointments, the process will be complete, taking, on average, six months less to be finished than conventional braces.

Lingual Braces - Similar to traditional braces, Lingual Braces are capable of moving your teeth by utilising light yet consistent pressure. By sitting behind the teeth instead of in front of teeth, Lingual Braces are not noticeable to the eye, so are preferable to those who are self-conscious about having braces.

What's Involved? The initial step in this 18-36 month process is for one of our MSC dentists to verify that Lingual Braces are right for you. If so, the next stage will be for an impression of your teeth to be taken which facilitates the creation of the wires and brackets that are made specifically for your teeth.

Once these bespoke brackets are ready, they will be cemented to the back of your teeth by the dentist. The wire will also be attached so that the right amount of pressure can be exerted.

Your dentist will see you occasionally to ensure that there are no problems and to make any adjustments that are needed. After the process is finished, it is important to brush braces twice a day for two minutes with a soft bristled brush, as well as to floss between your teeth at least once a day and to use a fluoride mouthwash.

Specialist Orthodontics - An effective way to giving a bold and charming enhancement to your smile, under the heading of Specialist Orthodontics you will find treatment options that include invisible implements, fixed implements and removable implements for adults and children.

It may be that the problem with your smile is that fact that you have missing teeth. To combat this problem we, at Midlands Smile Centres can also offer you dental implants.

MSC Implants

Single Dental Implants - Versatile and comfortable, Single Dental Implants are an option for those with missing teeth that is definitely worth considering. Single Dental Implants are made-up of a titanium supporting rod that is inserted into the jawbone and a natural-looking false tooth that remains visible on top.

Denture Implants - An improvement on regular dentures, Denture Implants provide a level of function that is more similar to that of natural teeth than the function provided by regular dentures. This form of treatment makes use of implants that are fixed into the jawbone. They are secure and prevent the jawbone from receding as much as expected.

Implant Supported Bridges - Using implants for support instead of healthy teeth in the manner that traditional dental bridges would, Implant-Supported Bridges will not have a damaging effect on your surrounding teeth. Plus, Implant-Supported Bridges are longer-lasting than traditional bridges.

Gold Implants - Gold Implants at Midlands Smile Centres work in a way that is not too dissimilar to ordinary implants but are also capable of adding a bold, visual touch to your smile.

So contact MSC today to find-out what we can do for you!!

Invisalign and Implants Working Together

It is easy to get used to the way your teeth look, even if you don’t feel satisfied by their appearance, however, cosmetic dentistry is a great alternative to other surgical procedures, and often less invasive. Would you like to straighten your teeth but have gaps or dental implants? Is it time to address those niggles with your teeth you have been putting off dealing with? You may have thought that gaps from missing teeth were too large to be addressed by orthodontic treatment. This is where dental implants can help you achieve the smile you desire. You may also have thought having dental implants means that you can’t have orthodontic treatment. The good news is Invisalign can move the teeth surrounding your implants to improve your smile.

Midlands Smile Centres can help you smile again. Discover how MSC's Invisalign treatments can make problems with your smile a thing of the past.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign braces are an invisible alternative to the traditional braces that you are probably more familiar with. By harnessing innovative forms of technology, MSC's Invisalign invisible braces make use of transparent aligners that are made to specifically fit your teeth. They are comfortable to wear and, most importantly, they are effective: MSC's Invisalign braces will shift your teeth at a gradual pace, manoeuvring them into the desired position.

What's Good About Invisalign?

One huge advantage to opting for MSC Invisalign braces instead of other more traditional types of orthodontic treatment is that they are clear. By being transparent, Invisalign braces are very discreet looking, and a definite improvement in cosmetic terms on the less-than-attractive braces of the past.

Crucially, they are also an effective choice for straightening your teeth and ensuring that teeth are moved into the position that they need to be in.

Another advantage is that Invisalign braces are comfortable to wear, too.

Also, due to these invisible braces being removable, they are relatively easy when it comes to eating, and when it's time to clean them.

How Does It Work?

To begin with, an MSC orthodontist will take a mould of your teeth. Doing this allows us to create the most comfortable fitting for your teeth. From here, the bespoke see-through aligners will be made for you.

As an added part of the process, Midlands Smile Centres can offer you the ClinCheck® 3D treatment plan, which makes it possible for our patients to see beforehand what difference the treatment will make once it is finished.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of MSC Invisalign treatment starts from £45.83* per month. To learn more about Invisalign treatment at MSC, why not get in touch with our orthodontic therapist today?

Implants

Something else regarding your teeth that may require your attention is missing teeth. This is where implants come in. We at MSC can provide you with these types of Dental Implants: Single Dental Implants, Implanted Dentures, Gold Implants, and Implanted Bridges.

Single Dental Implants: These are made up of two parts- a real-looking false tooth and a supporting titanium rod. The supporting titanium rod is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the missing tooth while the false tooth remains visible on top of the gum.

Natural in their appearance, Single Dental Implants are also comfortable and widely believed to be one of the most versatile forms of treatment out there in response to missing teeth.

Implanted Dentures: An effective alternative to regular dentures, Implanted Dentures are attached to the jawbone. Achieved through the creation of a mould of your mouth, and through the use of titanium screws or cylinders which are inserted into the jawbone, they additionally offer greater stability than regular dentures. Implanted Dentures also feel look and function in a similar manner to that of natural teeth.

Gold Implants: Consisting of an implant and a gold tooth which is made with a gold alloy that blends zinc, platinum, palladium, copper and silver, MSC gold implants are attached to the jawbone. They provide the same level of function as standard implants and are a bold and emphatic stylistic choice for your teeth.

The combination of materials in the alloy give the crown the strength that is needed, and this means they are suitable for use on the back teeth (molars) which is where the majority of food you eat is chewed.

Implanted Bridges: Similar to traditional bridges, Implanted Bridges are false teeth that take the place of missing teeth in the gum of the patient, but in contrast to traditional bridges, the false teeth are supported by implants and not by surrounding healthy teeth.
Due to these implant supported bridges making use of implants, there is no damage caused to the surrounding teeth-unlike ordinary bridges. Also in comparison to ordinary bridges, implant-supported bridges are more durable.

Something To Think About

So maybe now is the time for you to look into getting the treatment that you perhaps know you have been needing for a while. Whether it's straighter teeth or replacing missing teeth, MSC are here to help. We boast a number of very skilled, highly experienced dentists who are able to make sure that your dental implants or Invisalign treatment gives you the results you are seeking.

Contact MSC today to find out more about what we can do for you !

* May not be accurate. Check our website for the latest prices and offers. 

Are Dental Implants Right For You?

There are many people that have concerns about their image. Looking the part and fitting in have become a very important part of society. For some people, this can be the way they dress, the way they have their hair cut and their physical image. However, a growth in dental aesthetic has risen in recent years, with more people than ever looking to whiten and straighten their teeth in order to finally have the smile that they have always desired. One method that has become increasingly popular is dental implants, due to its ability to restore a smile back to its former glory. But what are dental implants, and how do they help? Both of these questions and more will be answered in this brief look into dental implants, and how they could change the way you think about your smile.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are used to fill gaps in from lost or damaged teeth. This involves a titanium screw that is inserted into the gum and then fixed in place, and a cap placed over the top. This cap is coloured and shaped to look like your teeth. This helps to not only improve the look of the smile, but to help a person eat properly and without discomfort. This has made dental implants one of the most popular dental procedures that are available today.

What is the Procedure?

The first step is an assessment. This is done to analyse your teeth and gums to see if they are suitable for a dental implant. If the assessment is successful you can begin the treatment. During your appointment, a titanium metal screw will be inserted into the gum and then be secured in place. Once this step has been completed a cap can be placed onto the titanium rod. This cap, or crown as it is more commonly referred to, is normally tooth coloured. Other types of crowns are available upon request, including gold.  

What are the Alternatives?

There are a number of alternatives to dental implants, such as bridges, dentures and crowns. Bridges are false teeth that are secured onto the natural teeth adjacent to a gap left by a missing tooth. Dentures are false teeth that are clipped onto the teeth adjacent to the gap. Bridges are preferred over dentures when there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are on one side of your mouth. A crown is an artificial cap that is fitted over the remaining part of a tooth, or onto a titanium rod used with dental implants.

What is the Impact?

Dental implants can have a dramatic affect on a person’s self-confidence. Not to mention the ease of eating that comes with a dental implant. Most patients report that eating is both easier and more comfortable after having their dental implant. Dental implants can give a smile a very natural look, which is something highly desired in this day and age. This can result in a bright, confident smile.

What about the negative impacts? You’ll be glad to hear that there aren’t many downsides to a dental implant. For a short time after having your dental implant fitted, you may find that area in your mouth sore and tender. This is normal, and should pass over time. Make sure you do your best to not agitate the area around the dental implant, both with your tongue and when you eat. This could cause your recovery to take longer. Something else to consider when having a dental implant is that you’ll have to take care of it, just like your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. If you don’t you could find you experience problems with your dental implant in the future.

Where to find Dental Implants in Birmingham?

There are a number of providers in the Birmingham area, Midlands Smile Centres have one of the most experienced and successful dental implant teams. Some of our dentists have over 25 years’ experience with the dental implant procedure. Our team can provide the very top level of care before, during and after your procedure. MSC has placed well over 5,000 dental implant procedures, you can take a look at what one of our happy customers thought about our service in this video about dental implants

Another reason to choose MSC is that we can make dental implants affordable using our payment plan. We understand that the implant treatment is not within everyone’s budget, which is why we offer a payment plan. This helps you to stretch the cost over several months, making the treatment a little more affordable.

Head to our website, you’ll be able to find our more about dental implants and our payment plans, and you can book your first free consultation for dental implants.

Scuba Diving And Dental Health

Looking after your teeth is an important activity, particularly when engaging in high-risk activities.

Did you know that diving is such an activity and that divers can find themselves facing very specific problems, when it comes to their dental health? Many divers complain of similar dental problems, including jaw pain, loss of fillings and broken teeth. It's estimated that 4 in every 10 scuba-divers will experience some type of dental problem during their exploration of the sea floor.

There are a few factors singular to diving, which could directly cause problems with the teeth. These include the repeated clenching of the jaw on the mouthpiece used to control oxygen flow, and the high level of pressure that is experienced at greater depths of the ocean. It is advisable for divers to visit the dentist before every dive to ensure that they do not experience problems while diving.

Research conducted by Vinisha Ranna found that, after surveying 100 recreational divers, 41 of these people reported problems with their dental health, and almost half of those experienced a problem known as barodon-talgia.

Previously known as aerodontalgia, barodon-talgia is caused by pressure changes which cause damage to the tooth. As the pressure rises, air pockets in the teeth can also begin to pressurize. This can end in a shattered tooth. The deeper you go, the higher the risk becomes. At a mild level this can be rather painful, and then cease once pressure is equalized back at sea level. At an extreme level, it can lead to the loss of a tooth. A similar study showed that recreational divers could experience this difficulty with their teeth anywhere from only 33 feet down to as much as 80 feet. A very similar problem is often experienced by high-altitude climbers.

Ranna also found that 24 percent of those drivers who complained of dental problems, told of pain from holding the air regulator in their mouth. The constant pressure and friction to the teeth and gums from the breathing apparatus and the below surface pressure can cause pain and damage. This can be worse in new divers, as they tend to bite down hard on their breathing apparatus because of the cold temperatures and nerves. 

Finally, Ranna found that 5 percent said they had become aware of a loose or lost filling or crown during or caused by their diving activities.

Because of the vast number of injuries caused by this recreational activity, dentistry is seeing more and more clients who require a range of dental treatments ranging from dental crowns to fillings and dental implants. 

This is alarming when scuba diving is becoming an ever-growing recreational activity. The Professional Association of Diving has certified more than 24 million people around the world. For these people, it is suggested that a dental checkup before diving in, is key to ensuring the wellbeing of your teeth. 

Keeping on top of your dental health is important, as teeth won’t look after themselves. Midlands Smile Centres can offer support and advice, as well as dental checkups for anyone who may require them. Save yourself from the pain and the cost of damaged dental teeth and head to your local MSC now to wash your dental problems away.