Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Friday, July 30th, 2010
It was an exciting day for us when the new Itero machine arrived at the practice. We all wanted to have a play and get our mitts on the new scanner!
Our reps from Straumann came to introduce us to our new gadget, and spent the day with us explaining how the Itero works and how to use it. It really is quite fantastic, and I don’t think any of us quite expecting how hi-tech and amazing this machine is. When it came to using the machine, we all had to be trained how we use it, how we capture images of the teeth, and how these images can then produce 3D models of the patients teeth and soft tissues. We were all guinea pigs for the day, because in order to train how to use it, we needed to practice on each other. I personally took this opportunity to get my own back on Sen………………only kidding. It took some getting used to, but I think we all got the hang of it in the end. Obviously as we are new to this, it took us longer to complete scans than usual. The rep promised us that eventually, this will become second nature, and our scans will be quick once we have mastered it. She even showed us a clip on YouTube of a dentist in America, who has had the iTero for some time, who completely a full scan of a patients quadrant in 1 minute 9 secs!! That’s it……………….. the heat is on. My mission now is to beat that record 
Tags: advanced cosmetic dentistry, crowns, dental examination, general dentist, intra-oral camera, Pangbourne, porcelain veneers, smile makeovers, soft tissues
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
I must say, it was a first when one of our patients told me that Rubber Dam was “the best thing to happen to dentistry”. There is a lot of fantastic gizmo’s and gadgets in the dental field, but Rubber Dam does not usually come up top trumps. The patient in particular, was having some composite fillings placed in a couple of lower molar teeth. In order to get the best filling possible, the bonding agentswe use need to have a completely dry field. Any moisture can inhibit the white composite filling from sticking to tooth enamel as best it can. This is why, sometimes, rubber dam is used to protect the tooth and filling from moisture.
Rubber Dam is a latex sheet (also made non latex for allergy sufferers) that is held in position over a tooth in particular. This isolates the tooth, ensuring that no moisture can make contact when treating the tooth. Rubber Dam has many uses and is not just used for moisture control:
It is used when Root Canal Treatment is performed to ensure that no bacteria enters the canals of the tooth. The whole procedure, during Root canal, is to ensure the tooth is completely clean, and no infection or bacteria is left in the tooth. Everybody’s saliva contains bacteria, so using Rubber Dam ensures that no saliva can make contact with the tooth.
During some procedures in dentistry we use small instruments, such as files and burs. We do not want our patients to inhale or swallow these, so Rubber Dam ensures this does not happen.
As you may know, we use lots of solutions and strange tasting agents during treatments. Rubber Dam ensures you do not swallow anything.
The tongue can be very hard to control, during dental treatment, and when using fast drills we do not want you tongue “investigating”. Isolating the tooth that the dentist is working on makes this much safer.
We do use a lot of water during dental procedures, in order to keep the tooth cool while using the drill. Some patients finds swallowing very difficult and stressful while being treating. The use of Rubber Dam stops water from collecting in the back of the throat, making it easier for the patient to swallow.
There are so many uses, and I don’t want to bore my bloggers, but as you can see the use of Rubber dam can be very beneficial to our patients. At first it can be a bit daunting, when the dentist comes at you with a whooping great Rubber sheet that covers your mouth, but trust me, you will be surprised how easy it is to adjust to. Its not always possible to use, but the dentist will try to use whenever possible. Of course, if you don’t like it, we won’t use it. Just let the dentist know
Tags: dental examination, endodontist, fillings, general dentist, nervous patient, Pangbourne
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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
We waved a short farewell to Sarah and Nick this week, as they have gone off on an adventure to Russia. Last year, Nick entered himself and Sarah into a prize draw to win a fishing trip to Russia. Its an amazing prize, and a fabulous opportunity. Guess who won…………. fluke Fitzy! Yes, the lady who does not do that much fishing , and who was the only lady to be entered,won the trip that all the men were gagging to win.
They flew out to Russia, where they will be staying in a lodge, but have to be flown out by helicopter every day to get to the river they will be fishing on. We hope both Nick and Sarah are safe and well, and having a great time catching salmon. We definitely look forward to seeing the pictures when you get back 
Tags: general dentist, Pangbourne
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
We are all very excited at Woodborough House, as we have a new bit of kit coming to the practice! We have many patients in the dental chair having treatment that requires us to take impressions using putty materials and alginate. We all know this is not much fun. Its especially difficult for patients that have a bad gag reflex or find it stressful having dental impressions taken.It is also an invasive procedure. Well don’t fear……………… Itero is here!!
The Itero is a scanning device that enables us to take accurate dental records and impressions. Itero features parallel confocal imaging which uses laser and optical scanning to digitally capture the surface and contours of the tooth and gingival structures. An accurate impression is the foundation of an accurate study model required for effective treatment planning. After scanning, the machine gives us 3D images to help with treatment planning, crown preperations, and orthodontic treatment. Its also a great way for patients to see their dental work on a screen.
Woodborough House is very excited to be able to use this pioneering equipment, and to be one of the first in the UK to have one. No more goop, gagging or discomfort! That is something to be proud of
Tags: crowns, dental implants, Dentures, general dentist, intra-oral camera, nervous patient, orthodontics, Pangbourne, smile makeovers, soft tissues
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Friday, May 28th, 2010
As I sat down for breakfast, drinking my mug of tea, I was happy to hear that the breakfast news programme was doing an article on oral hygiene. Yay! Its been proven that people with poor oral hygiene are more prone to heart problems, and disease. People are, and I quote, 70% more likely to develop heart disease if they do not brush there teeth twice a day. This is big news!
We are all aware of how important eating healthy is, and that exercise will keep us healthy, but not everybody knows how important good oral hygiene and care is. I hear people say all the time “I don’t need to see a hygienist. I know how to clean my teeth”. Even me, as a dental nurse, needs to visit the hygienist, and I am in the profession!
So, to sum things, visiting the dentist and the hygienist regularly is essential. Not only do we want to keep those teeth looking fab, but we want you to remain healthy. If you would like any advice on good oral hygiene, or would like to visit one of our dentists or hygienists then please contact our reception team or nurses. They will be more than willing to help.
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
As of May 16th all the way through to June 16th it’s National Smile Month! National Smile Month is run by the British Dental Health Foundation, and is dedicated to improving the publics oral health. The campaign this year is “Teeth4Life. The campaign is set up, to help highlight the importance of maintaining a good oral health, and also raise awareness of the systemic link between good oral health and good overall body health. In order to stay healthy, and to maintain healthy gums and teeth it is essential that you are attending your dental check ups and hygiene appointments. We do have a system at WH where we can send reminders by letter to your home address, so it will remind you when your next check-up or hygiene appointment is due. There is no escaping us!
With your dentists and hygienists help, teeth can stay healthy for longer. Remember… teeth are for life!
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, general dentist, Pangbourne
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Today the girls had a lunch and learn session with our Oral B rep’s. We usually have regular sessions with them, in order to keep up to date with the latest and greatest tools and toys supplied by them. Oral B wanted to promote their electric toothbrushes today. Electric toothbrushes are great for patients who want to improve their oral health. They help with removing plaque in hard to reach places, tackle areas interproximally, reduce staining, and give a through clean. they are great for patients with implants, and also fab for cleaning removable retainers (I use mine all the time for that). But an electric toothbrush is no substitute for flossing or seeing your hygienist! If you are interested in investing in an electric toothbrush, or you want to discuss which type would be beneficial to you, talk to our team. I know how daunting it is when you walk in to the chemist or supermarket and you are presented with rows upon rows of toothbrushes, with added extras, bells and whistles. All you want is one that will do the job! Talk to us and we can help
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, dental implants, general dentist, orthodontics, Pangbourne, study club
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Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
2 weeks ago I became a very proud aunt to my little nephew Olly. Yesterday I went to see him, and unfortunately the poor little devil is suffering with oral thrush. Luckily my sister had a geek like me around to fill her in on all the details about the the signs and symptoms. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that particularly affects young babies, older patients and the terminally ill in particular. The clinical features include thick, white patches (like curds) on the tongue, cheeks, lips and palate. It is treated using anti fungal drugs (either in a oral suspension or pastilles). It was fun trying to feed a 2 week year old medication that smelt like marzipan! The faces he pulled was hilarious, but it will clear up in no time with the drops he is taking. Lets hope he gets better very soon, and my sister gets a better nights sleep.
Tags: Children, dental examination, general dentist, soft tissues
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Friday, April 16th, 2010
As we are all currently being bombarded by talk about the current elections and the “big debate”, as dental professionals we quite often have debates of our own with our patients. The subject being………..fluoride. Unfortunately, like many areas in the country, Berkshire does not have fluoride in the water supply. This can cause many problems for our children, and ourselves. We need small doses in our water, toothpaste and mouthwashes to help combat tooth decay. It has been highlighted recently in the media, that children of this generation suffer severely from premature tooth loss. Obviously sugar, sweets and diet plays a major role in whether children develop tooth decay or not, but with small amounts of fluoride introduced, this could help prevent early decay. Please obtain advice from dental professionals about fluoride and which toothpastes/mouthwashes are best for your children, as too much fluoride can can cause fluorosis (brown mottling of the teeth) and may be harmful in excessive amounts. As a dental nurse, it is sad too see children having fillings at such a young age, and especially telling mum and dad that they need teeth removed. We want to do all we can for them, and ourselves, to help combat tooth decay and tooth loss.
Getting our children into the habit of brushing teeth, avoiding sugary foods and sweets, and visting the dentist is just one of the ways we can educate them. I may not be the next David Cameron and I may not be best candidate for running the country, but I can say that we need to change the way we think about our childrens dental health. We need to stop and think in regards to feeding our children those fizzy pops and bribing them with a packet of sweets.
If you would like any advice about diet, flouride and tooth decay please talk to our dental professionals. We can help
Tags: Children, dental examination, dental hygienist, fillings, general dentist, Pangbourne
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Thursday, March 18th, 2010
We have a poorly nurse in the building today. Our very own Steph is complaining (sorry I mean airing her views) about erosion on her teeth. Erosion is usually seen on the inside surfaces of our front teeth. There are several different factors that contribute towards tooth erosion, and I definately know what is causing Stephs……………………. Fizzy pop!! Erosion is almost always associated with high acidity. Watching what we eat and drink can help reduce tooth erosion dramatically. Often, frequent sipping of carbonated drinks or regular consumption of citrus fruits/drinks can cause tooth loss. Another factor is acid reflux. Regurgitation of stomach acids can cause the tooth to wear, sometimes without the patient being very aware of it. The features of tooth erosion can be a smooth, polished appearance to the tooth, or the shape of the tooth is lost or shallow depressions appear.
We are all guilty of “grazing” on our can of fizzy drink at our desks, and children and teenagers are especially prone to sipping on the fizzy stuff, so please be aware of what you, friends and family are doing simply from drinking. If you can’t break the habit or change routines, good old H2o is great for rinsing out after consuming acidic or fizzy food/drinks. The water helps neutralise the mouth. Sugar free gum is also great for this.
If you want to discuss Tooth erosion with your dentist, Hygienist or one of our nurses then just ask! We are here to help
Tags: dental examination, dental hygienist, general dentist
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