It is important to have good oral health for a happy, beautiful and confident smile. A good dental hygiene routine and regular visits to our dentist in Banbury are key to maintaining good oral health for life. We recommend that you visit our dentist in Banbury at least once every six months to make sure that your teeth are clean, your gums are healthy and that any underlying dental issues can be detected early on to prevent further complications in the future.

If you maintain an excellent dental hygiene routine and have good oral health, you may wish to speak to our dentist to find out how you can improve the aesthetics of your smile. Here at Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury will carry out a thorough examination of your mouth to make sure that cosmetic dentistry is suitable for you. Once we are confident that you have no underlying dental issues present, our dentist will put together a tailored treatment plan to create a wonderful and neatly aligned smile for you.

Many different factors can affect the appearance of your smile. Each smile is unique, and our dentist can help determine which treatments you may need to improve your smile. Here at Amsel and Wilkins, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, according to your dental needs and personal preferences. You can discuss what you would like to change about your smile, and our dentist will decide how to address these issues for you.

Orthodontics at Amsel and Wilkins

Misaligned teeth are highly common in the UK, but a significant percentage of the population is lucky enough to have undergone some form of orthodontic treatment when they were younger. If you have not undergone orthodontic treatment before but would like to address the misalignment issues of your teeth, then you will be pleased to know that this is now more convenient and easier than ever before. Traditionally, orthodontic treatment is carried out using metal dental braces that can be attached to the surface of the teeth and work by applying constant pressure to pull the teeth into a certain position. This form of treatment is a very effective method of correcting wonky teeth; however, it is highly visible when in the mouth, and treatment can take a long time.

Thanks to the advances in dental technology, orthodontic treatment can be carried out discreetly, comfortably and a lot quicker than ever before. There are many different options for straightening teeth, and together with our dental team, we can help you decide which is right for you. We will take into consideration the extent of misalignment that requires correcting to create the smile that you are looking for; your suitability for certain treatments may vary depending on whether your misalignment is mild or severe.

Come speak with our dental team at Amsel and Wilkins today and book an appointment with our dentist to find out how you can improve the aesthetics of your teeth and get a beautiful smile.

When you think of attending a dental check-up the chances are you visualise having your teeth looked at for signs of decay and your gums being prodded to check for soft spots.

And while these are both important diagnostic tests, there is more than can be done and identified during your biannual check-up.

For one thing, a common issue that can be treated by dental teams that is often overlooked is a problem with jaw misalignment.

At Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury aims to ensure that your entire mouth is healthy and, should you have a problem with your upper and lower jaw meshing together, our team will aim to resolve this issue.

But you may be wondering how a misaligned jaw is diagnosed. Well, it turns out if you have some of the following symptoms or all of them, you may want to pop in to see our dentist in Banbury to explore realignment options.

Clicking jaw

Do you ever open your mouth to yawn and have a popping sensation?

If you do, this could be an indicator that there is an issue with your jaw and that you need to see our dentist in Banbury.

Typically, a clicking jaw is often caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) which, in itself, is linked to misalignment of the upper and lower jaws. If we suspect that you have TMD, we may order a set of X-rays to have a better look at the joint and will then decide on the best way to relieve the popping and the alignment issue.

Discomfort around the jaw joint

An obvious indicator of problems with your jaw alignment is discomfort around the jaw joint.

This is usually more obvious in the morning, as during the night you may have spent a great deal of time grinding your teeth together as a way to compensate for the misalignment. This can also be worsened by certain medications, such as antidepressants, so if you have suddenly developed discomfort around your jaw joints and have begun taking such medications, you should talk to your GP.

To alleviate this discomfort, our team may decide to provide a mouthguard to wear at night. If the jaw misalignment is more complex, we may opt for surgery to relieve the discomfort and protect the joint.

Back and shoulder discomfort

Yes, that misaligned jaw can cause problems in other parts of your body too.

For instance, there are many muscles in the jaw that are connected to those in your back and shoulders. And if you spend a large amount of time grinding your teeth or compensating for misalignment in other ways, these muscles will become tense and sore.

Once again, we can aim to alleviate this with mouthguards depending on the severity of the alignment of the jaw.

Difficulty chewing food

OK, so if you are ever having issues eating food, you need to seek medical help! But if this creeps on gradually, and you find it hurts your jaw to bite into or chew food, this can be an indicator of TMD and you will need to see our team for diagnosis and treatment.

When you discover that either yourself or your partner is pregnant, one of the last health professionals you will think of seeing is a dental practitioner!

And while you may have a lot of appointments to arrange with your doctor, midwife and nurse, it is important not to neglect your dental health during pregnancy. Not only can dental issues during pregnancy lead to issues with your own body, but studies have discovered that they can have negative impacts on your developing baby.

At Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury has helped thousands of women cope with the changes that pregnancy can bring to their dental health. So, if you are looking for high-quality prenatal dental care, come to us!

But what are some of the most common conditions that pregnant women can experience with their oral health? Our dentist in Banbury answers below.

Pregnancy gingivitis

You have probably heard of gingivitis at one time or another; an inflammation of the gums caused by excessive plaque, which in turn can cause the gums to swell, bleed and be sore.

Well, during pregnancy, your body’s immune response is heightened, as it is working to protect your growing baby. And so, even a small amount of plaque left unchecked can cause pregnancy gingivitis to occur.

Luckily, it is easily resolved; our dentist in Banbury will be able to perform a scale and polish and will be able to offer you antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste. These will all help keep the gingivitis at bay and will allow you to eat food without having sore gums.

Tooth decay

As your body is going to be busy helping your new baby to grow, you will probably experience a drop in calcium.

Inevitably, this will lead to your teeth becoming more fragile, weaker and more susceptible to injury and decay. And so, it should come as no surprise that many women experience a higher incidence of tooth decay during pregnancy than at any other time.

We will, of course, be on hand to provide fillings, crowns and root canals to you, along with fluoride sealants which will act as a protective shield between your teeth and any bacteria, lowering the chance of decay.

Acid erosion

During the first trimester of pregnancy, you will probably be suffering from morning sickness.

Mix this in with food cravings, and there is going to be a higher occurrence of acid in your mouth, which can lead to acid erosion of your teeth.

Acid erosion can play a key part in developing tooth decay and of course, it can lead to a higher incidence of cracks and chips and thus weaken the enamel.

For this, we may offer you fluoride sealants that will protect your teeth against acid, alongside acid neutralising mouthwash.

Pregnancy granulomas

And finally, we come to pregnancy granulomas; harmless growths that can occur on your gums during pregnancy due to an increase in the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These will typically resolve after your baby is born but, should you have a particularly large one that is causing issues with either eating or breathing, we will gladly be able to remove it for you in our clinic.

Everyone at some point in their life has suffered from bad breath. Even if it is after eating something with garlic in it!

And while most people can chew on some gum and forget about it, there is a select group of the population of dental patients who suffer from recurring bad breath, known as halitosis. But rather than being a diagnosis to itself, halitosis or chronic bad breath is usually a sign that something is amiss in your mouth.

At Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury sees multiple patients each day who complain of having chronic bad breath. And as we know all there is to know about the mouth, we are always willing and able to offer our patients practical solutions, so they can feel confident when giving talks or going on dates. Great stuff!

So, what causes halitosis? Here are the top 5 culprits as identified by our dentist in Banbury.

Gum disease

One of the most serious and preventable causes of halitosis according to our dentist in Banbury is gum disease.

As the gums become inflamed due to the accumulation of bacteria, they begin to emit offensive odours, thus causing bad breath that will not abate. Should we spot this when you attend our surgery for a check-up, we will aim to treat your gum disease with a scale and polish and may suggest an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste.

Diet

OK, so we already mentioned how most people who are fans of garlic may suffer from bad breath more regularly than those who aren’t, but if left unchecked, it can lead to some very strong smelling breath!

Now we are not saying that you need to cut out all the strong-smelling foods from your diet, but we will advise you to eat more fruits, nuts and herbs. All of these are high in water, which can also help eliminate the dehydration aspect of halitosis too, while also providing you with a more varied diet. So, good news all around!

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Do you suffer from heartburn? Have you been diagnosed with acid reflux?

If the answer is yes, then you are at a higher risk of developing chronic halitosis. This is because, well, the acid that is in your mouth isn’t supposed to be there, and thus it emits an offensive odour.

If you have a diagnosis of GERD, we will aim to protect your teeth from excess acid by using a fluoride sealant. But if we suspect GERD and you haven’t been formally diagnosed, we may also advise you to talk to your general practitioner.

Lifestyle

How do diet and lifestyle differ?

Well, if you smoke tobacco or drink alcohol, you are also more likely to suffer from halitosis. And while we would never advise you to cut garlic out of your diet, our team is big on smoking cessation as it is linked to oral cancer.

So, if you suffer from halitosis and you smoke, we can help you by providing smoking cessation. If you drink excessively, we will usually advise you to seek medical help.

Infection

And finally, if you have halitosis that has sprung up suddenly, this may be due to an oral infection.

As such, we will perform x-rays and examinations to identify where it is and treat it!

Have you recently had a dental abscess and have been told you need a root canal to prevent another one? Are you not too sure if it is the right treatment plan for you?

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury has helped thousands of patients recover the aesthetics and functionality of their teeth using root canal, and will be more than happy to discuss the pros of this unnecessarily feared procedure with you.

So, what do you need to know about a root canal to ensure that it is the right treatment for you? Here, our dentist in Banbury answers common FAQs about root canals to help you decide. So, enjoy!

Does the treatment hurt?

In short, no.

Our dentist in Banbury will ensure that before having a root canal performed, your mouth is numbed. During the treatment, you may feel a slight pressure in your jaw, which is normal. If this becomes uncomfortable, let us know and we will apply a local anaesthetic.

When you get home after we have finished, your tooth is likely to feel a bit sore for a few days or may feel bruised. Again, this is normal.

However, if the area becomes unbearably uncomfortable, then call us for an emergency appointment.

Will I be able to use the tooth straight away?

You will be able to use the tooth to bite into, grip or grind food but it may be a bit sensitive for a few days post-treatment.

For this, we recommend using over the counter pain relief; a sensation akin to a bruise is not unheard of post endodontic work. But if you notice a sensation that is worsening or you are in extreme discomfort following a root canal, then please come back and see us as soon as you can.

Will the tooth change colour?

This is a common concern that many patients who have a root canal have and the answer is no.

Your tooth will not change colour after you have undertaken any endodontic procedure and, just to be sure that the work we have done blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, our team at Amsel and Wilkins will fit a tooth coloured crown or filling.

Isn’t a root canal just a delay for an extraction?

Actually, no.

If they are performed correctly, a root canal will last a long time and as such, it is seen as a form of restorative dentistry.

However, in around 1% or less of all root canal cases, when they fail, we will aim to remove the tooth altogether. If we need to do this, we will discuss with you the range of restorative options that are available for you, such as bridges, dentures or dental implants.

How long do root canals last?

With correct aftercare and good oral hygiene, a root canal should last the rest of your life.

Remember, you will need to attend biannual check-ups and brush your teeth twice a day to keep your oral hygiene in good condition and, of course, if you notice any issues with your root canal or any of your teeth, please contact our team for a same-day appointment.

Many patients know that they should take care of their teeth but not many are aware that it is equally important to protect gum health. Like teeth, gums too are at risk of developing periodontal diseases if not looked after properly.

Neglecting to brush and floss not only leads to cavities and tooth decay, but heightens the risk of gum disease. Plaque has a detrimental effect on gum health and when gums are in poor health, this raises the possibility of tooth loss and jawbone density loss as well as encouraging bad bacteria to enter deeper parts of the body and increasing the risk of infections, particularly in the lungs.

At Amsel & Wilkins our highly capable dentist in Banbury focuses on delivering quality care that looks after the health of the entire mouth including the gums. We can identify problematic signs and prescribe suitable treatment measures to thwart the problem escalating. Do you know why gums deserve that extra tender loving care? Here’s why you should make gum health a priority.

What are the top reasons to look after gums?

The very same oral hygiene obligations that keep teeth clean are needed to look after gums: daily brushing and flossing. It is also equally important for scheduled dental check-ups at a dentist in Banbury as gum health checks are an essential part of these appointments. Symptoms that point to a gum problem include bleeding, inflation, loose teeth and bad breath. Treating gum conditions tends to incur lengthy treatment plans which is a good reason to keep them healthy as long as possible.

Gums keep teeth secure

Positioned between teeth and jawbone, gums hold teeth in place. It is also the mechanism that makes it possible for teeth to be moved for better alignment. Our dentist in Banbury will ensure that gums remain in optimal condition and offer teeth the security that it needs to serve its function properly.

Gums offer a barrier of protection

Next to holding teeth in place, gums perform another important function – that of a protective barrier. The tooth root that is embedded in gum tissue is protected within this barrier. When gums, affected by poor dental hygiene, begin to recede, this exposes the tooth root to harmful threats such as bad bacteria.

Healthy gums contribute to an attractive smile

It is not just straight white teeth that compose a winning smile. Gums that are in poor health (redness, swelling, receding gums) can ruin a beautiful smile.

Gum health linked to overall health

Researchers have discovered that poor gum health can exacerbate certain other chronic diseases including inflammatory conditions, heart disease and diabetes.

Tackle gum disease today

Happily gum disease can be prevented with a strict at-home oral hygiene programme and professional dental care. Choose Amsel & Wilkins for a modern dental practice with a patient-centred approach to quality dental care. Find a full range of dental treatments and procedures including preventive dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. We cater to the dental needs of the whole family. Schedule an appointment today and cement a future of bright and happy smiles. 

There are many reasons patients should want to keep their natural adult teeth for as long as possible. These reasons include enjoying full mouth function, maintaining a strong and healthy mouth and retaining the confidence to smile. It also means not having to find the money to pay for missing teeth replacement devices later down the line.

All these reasons make for a strong argument to do all you can to protect your dental health. And the best time to start a positive pro-dental attitude is during childhood years.

Taking a child for dental check-ups at the dentist in Banbury works to a number of advantages. We take a look at the benefits of a child’s regular dental attendance from a young age at Amsel & Wilkins.

Why you should take your child to the dentist in Banbury?

Professional dental bodies agree that parents should have their child’s dental health checked at the dentist in Banbury from as early as their first birthday (or as soon as they sprout their first milk tooth). This initial visit and all follow-up appointments that follow are necessary for:

Learning oral hygiene skills

Our child-friendly dental team will be able to advise on the best dental products designed and formulated for children to meet their oral hygiene needs. Even children are required to floss and we can practically demonstrate how this is to be done.

Eat right

Cavities and tooth decay have long been a serious threat to children’s oral health. Milk teeth may not serve for as long as adult teeth but they can still be a source of pain and discomfort just like adult teeth can be when they are in a state of decay.

The sugary treats and fizzy drinks that most children consume frequently heightens the risk of cavities forming on teeth. We are happy to advise parents on what constitutes a tooth-friendly diet to reduce the risk of tooth decay and avoid all the nasty consequences that accompany the dental condition.

Benefit from preventive dentistry

For quite some time the dental industry has been involved in treating dental conditions instead of preventing them. The focus of modern dentistry has changed. Dental practitioners have learnt much about how to prevent dental conditions such as tooth decay from happening in the first place. Preventive dentistry, the treatments and procedures that work to protect dental health, has become a foremost part of what we do at our dental practice.

Dental check-ups, which form a critical part of preventive dentistry, are to identify problematic signs that point to a dental condition developing and putting in place suitable measures to stop the condition from developing further. An example of preventive dentistry for children that we carry out are fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel to fight the destructive capabilities of plaque.

Patients of all ages are welcome at Amsel & Wilkins dental practice. We offer quality dental care and tailored treatment plans across the dental spectrum, from preventive care to restorative procedures. See us as your one-stop shop for all you and your family’s dental care needs.

If you have been wishing to improve the look of your smile, there are many ways in which you can do this, and our dentist in Banbury can help. We deliver various different types of high-quality cosmetic treatments that can really assist in rejuvenating your smile.

Consultation

Before we can proceed with these treatments, we will first have a consultation with you, which is an important part of ensuring everything goes smoothly. Our dentist in Banbury will discuss the treatment with you at length, so that you know everything about it before continuing. This is useful because it will give you a good idea of the process, and what the end result could be if successful.

We will usually also examine your teeth and take scans in a consultation, so that we can make sure you are eligible for your chosen treatment. It also allows for us to see how complicated or not your case is, which means we can give you more personalised information about how the treatment should go.

Porcelain veneers

Our first cosmetic treatment option is to have porcelain veneers, which can really help to transform the look of your smile. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is placed on the front of your natural teeth matching them in shape and colour or tweaking them for preference. It can help with things such as mild misalignment, chips and discolouration.

Once you have had your consultation with us and decide to go ahead with getting veneers, we will send off your scans so that your customised veneers can be made. Most of the time, we will first give you a set of temporary veneers, which allows you to point out any adjustments you may want us to make before we permanently attach them. Once this is done, we will permanently bond the veneers to your natural teeth, usually using a dental cement and a very bright light to harden it. With the right care, your veneers can last for 20+ years!

Teeth whitening

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, we are proud to offer both in-practice teeth whitening and home whitening kits. When you come into our practice for teeth whitening, it can happen quicker, but more and more people are turning to home whitening kits as they want to do it themselves. The home whitening kits we provide are still extremely effective, and we will create a customised whitening tray for you to use, which you will put the dental bleaching agent into and wear it like a mouthguard for a certain amount of time. This can be such a great help if you are struggling with discolouration on your teeth, as sometimes, even with a good oral hygiene routine, your teeth can still stain.

White fillings

If you have experienced tooth decay or had a root canal treatment, you will most likely need a filling. This involves our dentist in Banbury using a very strong material to fill in any gaps in your tooth, which will harden and withstand any forces in the mouth such as biting. This is very useful as if you have a hole in your tooth, it can trap decay and cause your tooth to weaken.

Here at Amsel and Wilkins, our team of highly trained dental professionals in Banbury is dedicated to making sure you have the best smile possible. We do this by being certain that we provide treatments that are modern and effective, and contribute to improving your smile in the most efficient way possible. One of the more modern treatments our dentist in Banbury can offer is Invisalign, which is a great alternative to traditional braces when it comes to straightening your teeth.

What is it?

You may not know what Invisalign involves, however this is simply explained. Invisalign treatment is growing in popularity, due to the ease of the process and its great results. The main focus of the treatment is on the aligners that will actually straighten your teeth.

The aligners are made out of a clear, thin plastic material and are custom-made to your teeth. They fit around your teeth similarly to how a mouthguard does, but are a lot thinner and precisely moulded to them. Due to the thin, clear material of the aligners and the fact that they sit perfectly on your teeth, it means they are pretty much invisible to other people, and comfortable for you.

How long does it take?

The total treatment time for Invisalign can vary quite a lot, between 6 and 18 months. Everything depends on your needs, so if you have a milder case of misalignment, then it will take a shorter time to complete. Whereas if you have a more severe case, it can take longer to do, but the results are well worth the wait!

What’s the Invisalign process?

You may be wondering what actually happens when you come into our practice to get Invisalign, the whole process is very simple.

The consultation

Our dentist in Banbury will first have you in for a consultation meeting, which is vital in ensuring you get the most personalised experience. We will take scans, examine your teeth, and talk with you about the treatment. At Amsel and Wilkins, we are lucky enough to be using a highly technical piece of equipment called the iTero digital scanner. This device will take in-depth scans of your teeth in just over a minute, and is able to simulate what your teeth could look like at the end of the treatment which is very exciting!

When you have had your consultation and are ready to go ahead with the treatment, you will wait 2-3 weeks for your custom aligners to be made. Our dentist in Banbury will provide you with multiple aligners at a time, and they are all slightly different to straighten your teeth over the treatment period.

Something that our patients love about this process is that you change between your aligners by yourself at home. This is great if you have a busier schedule and can’t come in for dental appointments as often. We will have an appointment with you every 6-8 weeks to give you more aligners and check up on your progress. The aligners are removable, making it very easy for you to change between them, clean them, and remove them when you eat, which means you can eat whatever you want to!

At our dentist in Banbury we understand fully that many of our patients possess hectic work and social lives which can cause their oral health to slip down the priority ladder. If you are a patient who finds themselves postponing, re-scheduling, or even completely forgetting to attend your regular dental check-up, then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our Amsel and Wilkins team!

Why is visiting our dentist in Banbury so important?

Many patients may believe that brushing their teeth for a duration of two minutes twice daily is enough to stay on top of their oral hygiene. Unfortunately however, dental concerns can still arise for many individuals who believe they are doing enough to take care of their smiles within the comfort of their own home.

What are these dental concerns?

At our modern and welcoming practice situated within Banbury our team of friendly dental healthcare professionals recommend our patients use a fluoride toothpaste when brushing, in addition to using mouthwash to eliminate any leftover oral bacteria within the mouth. Despite performing these daily dental rituals, along with any other regimes our team suggest for your unique case, unfortunately plaque is still able to accumulate on the surface of the teeth.

What’s the worst that can happen?

When tartar builds up on the outer layer of the teeth this can be a sign that your brushing routine is not as it should be. The consumption of foods and drinks that are high in both sugars and acids can cause the decay of the enamel’s surface which eventually leads to unwanted sensitivity and discomfort. Oral bacteria build-up on the surface of the teeth can encourage the onset of dental diseases and infections, such as gum disease, to name just one common example, which if left untreated can lead to more serious concerns.

What should I expect from a visit to your surgery in Banbury?

Many of our patients, especially younger individuals, or those experiencing dental anxiety, may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a visit to our practice. Navigating our website will give detailed information about our staff and premises. We are only a phone call away if you do not have access to the internet. If you are a patient experiencing nerves before visiting our team, then it is important to know that you are not alone. Despite common misconception, dental anxiety is extremely common and something we encounter frequently at our clinic. Nerves within a dental environment are not just experienced by children or young adults, and can be present within patients of all ages.

How can our team help you feel more comfortable?

At our surgery within Banbury we pride ourselves on delivering a superior standard of care to every patient we treat. Furthermore, we have established a fantastic reputation within the local and surrounding areas for the excellent services we provide. Our team of dental specialists boast a wealth of experience treating nervous patients. We take extra care to ensure our patients feel comfortable before receiving their treatments, so just let us know if you suffer from nerves or have a phobia about the dentist, we can offer ways to alleviate this. Our staff are happy to give additional time to tend to any questions or queries a patient may have regarding their appointment.