Losing teeth can be a traumatic experience, but that shouldn’t mean you have to live without them. Prostheses for tooth replacement have been around for a while, but the ones we’ve become accustomed to, such as dentures, are not ideal for every patient. In the last 30 years, dental implants have taken tooth replacement to new heights, and it’s a product our dental practice, Amsel & Wilkins, can recommend. So what is it about tooth implants that makes them so popular? Read on to find out.

Why makes tooth implants so desirable?

To answer this question, we first have to explain what implants are. Implants replace knocked out or decaying teeth using three different components. The first part is the metal piece, made from titanium, which is drilled into your jawbone. The titanium is an incredibly durable material that can withstand the test of time, and can also fuse with your bone in a process called osseointegration.

Once healing concludes, the titanium will act as the new root to your tooth. The abutment is dubbed the connector piece that links the metal post to the crown, which we will discuss later. The crown is the part of the prosthesis that is visible. This is custom fabricated in a laboratory and is created to look and function like a natural tooth. Together, these three parts form a secure implant.

What benefits can I look forward to with an implant?

Our dentist in Banbury will go into more detail about the perks of opting for tooth implants. However, these are some of the principal benefits you can look forward to.

An improved appearance

Having gaps between your teeth impacts the way you look, to the point where you might feel self-conscious. A tooth implant fills in those empty spaces and improves upon your pearly whites, giving you a reason to smile again.

Improved Speech

Have your dentures been letting you down lately by sliding around your mouth and interrupting your speech? Dentures may become less reliable after they’ve been worn for a long period of time. An implant remains firmly in place over the years, and can only be professionally removed by your dentist in Banbury.

Maintain your diet

If the fragility of your device leads you to cut out your favourite food, it’s time you made a change to a more superior prosthesis. You can eat what you like within reason, and not have to worry about cracking or breaking your fake tooth.

Tooth implants are pretty low maintenance

Owning dentures comes with the need to keep them ultra-clean, using specialised solvents. You don’t need to implement new steps into your cleaning regime. That said, you must prioritise your oral health and hygiene, as the dentist in Banbury will tell you.

Despite your new tooth not being natural and impervious to decay, your surrounding gums are still vulnerable to a plethora of illness. Failing to take proper care of your new tooth might result in you losing it as your implant may feel loose if your gums aren’t healthy.

Despite common misconception, a dental check-up, which is recommended by our dentists biannually, not only consists of a dental assessment. Many other standard dental procedures such as oral X-rays can be administered at this time and an oral examination, as well as including detection of cavities or gum disease, is always administered with the addition of general health and lifestyle advice.

How can lifestyle factors affect your health?

Many patients may be unaware that certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and the frequent consumption of red wine, can affect the health of their teeth. Aside from bad habits, the consumption of fizzy drinks and highly sugary foods can cause tooth decay. Patients who are suffering from tooth decay may also wish to avoid drinking red wine and coffee, all of which can cause intrinsic and extrinsic staining, also referred to as yellowing of the teeth.

Why do some patients avoid their local dentist in Banbury?

Despite the importance of a regular dental appointment, many patients may overlook them. Patients who are over eighteen years of age and not in full-time education may have to pay certain NHS banded costs for dental appointments, which can cause them to be reluctant to attend. Our dental team sympathises with all of our patients’ financial situations, which is why we strive to promote flexible payment plans for all of our patients. Aside from financial concerns, many patients may feel anxious in a dental environment.

What causes patient anxiety?

Many of our patients may feel nervous when visiting our clinic, whether this be for general, restorative, or even cosmetic dental treatments, which can be caused by negative childhood experiences. Our highly skilled and empathetic dental healthcare professionals at Amsel & Wilkins have a great deal of experience working with nervous patients, meaning we can ensure even our most anxious patients achieve their hoped-for smile.

Why choose us?

Our dentist in Banbury offers our patients a wide range of high quality dental treatments, all of which are delivered within a modern and clean dental environment. Our clinic promotes a patient centred approach, meaning you are always our top priority.

How do I start my treatment journey?

If you are considering receiving general dentistry at our clinic, such as routine appointments, you may be wondering how to begin your initial enquiry. Located on our website we offer many contact options, one of which is our online appointment form.

How it works

Our modern online booking system allows our patients to select their reason for their desired appointment, as well as their patient status, and their preferred appointment time. Our appointment booking system has proven extremely popular within recent years, however many of our patients may prefer a more traditional contact approach.

Back to basics

Many of our patients may prefer a more direct approach, which is why we also display our telephone number on our website. If you are a patient with any queries or concerns or may simply wish to book an appointment over the phone, feel free to give us a call.

Patients may find it tough finding the perfect dental clinic for them, and their family, however we believe we are an excellent fit. Our dental clinic within Oxfordshire works with our patients to distinguish the best possible form of treatment for them, discussing any concerns they have, and ensuring they feel comfortable with any procedures they undergo.

Why choose us?

Our practice is lucky enough to boast a modern dental clinic, as well as offering a welcoming and calm dental environment. Every member of our dental team, from our dentists to our dental nurses, strives to deliver the highest standard of dental treatment available, which is why we use modern and high quality dental materials.

The dentistry we offer at our dentist in Banbury

Our practice provides a wide range of bespoke dental treatments, such as dental implants, root canal work, and general orthodontic dentistry. Aside from our dental clinic offering a high quality of private dental care for all of the family, we also offer cosmetic dental treatments and even facial aesthetics!

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focusses on treatments that improve the aesthetic appearance of not only the teeth, but also the mouth as a whole. Many patients may believe that cosmetic treatments only alter the physical appearance of the teeth, however they can also improve the functional aspect of the mouth, such as Invisalign which helps realign the position of the teeth within the mouth.

The cosmetic dentistry we provide at our dentist in Banbury

Arguably the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry are teeth whitening, and porcelain veneers, both of which we offer at our clinic in Banbury.

Is tooth whitening right for me?

Tooth whitening is a popular form of cosmetic dental care that improves the appearance of an individual’s smile. Within recent years, there has been an upsurge in demand for at-home whitening kits, which is why we also offer our patients this option at our clinic. Patients who may be eligible for tooth whitening may be suffering from yellowing of the teeth, intrinsic and extrinsic staining, which can be caused by the consumption of highly pigmented food and drink.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are essentially wafer thin caps which are adhered to the surface of the teeth. Before the veneers are adhered, a thin layer is removed to ensure a perfect fit. The porcelain veneers are then glued to the teeth using a special dental adhesive, like a dental glue.

Are porcelain veneers right for me?

Patients who are suffering from severe yellowing of the teeth may feel as if tooth whitening is not sufficient, therefore they may turn to porcelain veneers. Many of our patients believe that porcelain veneers are only suitable for patients who are suffering from staining on the teeth, however this is not the case!  Aside from stained teeth, patients who are suffering from decayed or fragmented teeth can also find that porcelain veneers work for them.

Did you know?

Porcelain veneers can also be used to address gaps in the teeth, which orthodontics cannot fix. Veneers are extremely thin and are custom made for each of our individual patients, meaning they can be used to amend very small gaps of the teeth.

At our dentist in Banbury, we are pleased to offer our patients a wide selection of dental professionals in our clinic. Our dental establishment not only provides our patients with highly qualified dentists, but also a team of hygienists and nurses, all of whom hold an advanced level of training, to deliver our patients with the highest standard of dentistry. One example of our excellent team is John Adams. John completed further postgraduate dental training and qualified from the University of Dundee, he can administer dental implants, as well as help patients with jaw concerns.

A dental provider you can trust

Choosing a dental clinic can be tough, patients may base their decision on a wide array of factors, such as proximity, convenience and costing. We have over forty years of dental experience, as well as offering the latest advancements in dental technologies, we display a wide array of patient reviews on our website, which we believe is evidence of the high standard of dentistry we provide.

The multiple forms of dentistry we offer at our dentist in Banbury

As well as offering general routine dentistry with our dentist in Banbury (including root canal, and emergency dental care), we also offer our patients cosmetic services, preventive dentistry and facial aesthetics. We believe that it is important to attend to all of our patients’ needs, delivering a wide scale of services, from family dentistry for children, to Botox and facial aesthetics for adults.

What is cosmetic dentistry, and why may I consider receiving cosmetic dentistry at your dentist in Banbury?

Cosmetic dentistry is essentially a form of dentistry that aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s teeth, and mouth. Cosmetic dentistry has grown greatly in popularity within recent years, and can dramatically increase a patient’s self-esteem. Patients who may be considering receiving cosmetic dentistry may be suffering from intrinsic and extrinsic staining of the teeth (caused by the consumption of highly pigmented food and drink), as well as other concerns which cannot be fixed by orthodontics, such as gaps between the teeth which can be amended through the use of veneers.

Some examples of the cosmetic treatments we offer

Just a few examples of cosmetic dentistry we provide are Invisalign (a form of subtle orthodontics), veneers, white fillings, and porcelain crowns. All of our cosmetic dentistry aspires to be discreet within the mouth, meaning dental improvements can be made, without being noticed.

Taking the first step to your dream smile

We understand that embarking on any form of dentistry can be both an emotional and financial investment, which is why we strive to make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible for our patients. Many of our patients may feel more comfortable enquiring directly via a telephone call (our number is located on our website), however some may prefer to book an initial consultation directly on our website. Whether you are too busy to give us a call, or you may simply prefer filling in your queries and concerns online, we are always prepared to welcome new patients to our clinic.

At our dentist in Banbury we advise our patients to come and visit our clinic every six months. Attending a local dental check-up is extremely important, and can help prevent the development of more severe dental diseases such as gum disease. At our dental practice in Banbury we prioritise our patients’ dental health, which is why we offer them general routine dentistry, as well as more complex forms of dentistry (such as cosmetic, and restorative dentistry).

Why might some patients miss their scheduled oral check-up?

Many patients may not be aware of the importance of routine dental appointments, and may also feel as if they are too busy. Patients with hectic work and social lives may refrain from visiting their local dental clinic, however we aim to accommodate our busy patients with flexible opening hours, we are even open on Saturdays! Aside from diary plans, patients may also suffer from dental anxiety, which can lead to their reluctance towards having a dental check-up. A dental phobia can be triggered by negative childhood experiences, which can unfortunately be carried into adulthood.

What to expect from a dental check-up at your dentist in Banbury

Many patients (especially those who are anxious when visiting the dentist) may feel more comfortable knowing what to expect from a dental appointment, which is why we always aim to inform and educate our patients. During a dental check-up one of our dental health care professionals will first ask our patients whether they have any trouble areas, for example any teeth with heightened sensitivity to cold or hot food, or drink. Once any problem areas are detected, a general oral assessment can be administered, including any X-rays or oral cancer screenings.

What next?

Once our dentist in Banbury has given your mouth a general examination, they may decide that you would benefit from a scale and polish. A scale and polish is a rigorous cleaning treatment which can be completed within a few short minutes. A scale and polish aims to eliminate the build-up of tartar and plaque on the surface of the teeth, which can cause oral diseases if left untreated.

Why choose us to deliver your routine dentistry

Our dentist in Banbury boasts a wide array of dental professionals including dentists, hygienists, and a welcoming reception team, all of whom hold a passion for the delivery of the customer service they provide to our patients. Our dental clinic has been established for over forty years, and we welcome patients of all ages and dental complexities. We embody compassion in everything we do, as well as working within a clean, and modern dental environment. Our clinic aims to embrace the many modern advances within dental technology, allowing our patients to receive the highest quality of treatment available on the market.

An alternative perspective

Our clinic understands that patient reviews are extremely important, this is why we choose to display a wide array of testimonials on our clinic website. We publish digital case studies, as well as written patient reviews, which we believe exemplify the high standard of dentistry we provide and deliver every day.

One of the most dreaded of all dental procedures is a tooth extraction. We know that no patient wants to hear that they need, for whatever reason, a tooth pulled. Our dentist in Banbury will first focus on saving the tooth or teeth in question before recommending an extraction. Of course the most reliable way for patients to avoid tooth extractions is to have their dental health regularly checked by a dentist in Banbury. Spotting symptoms such as the formation of cavities or decaying teeth early will allow a dental professional to put in place timely preventive measures, such as fillings and root canal treatments, that will save a tooth.

There are certain situations when a dentist in Banbury may find that a tooth extraction would be the best dental procedure to help a patient obtain full dental health. This course of treatment may be suggested when nothing else can be done to save it, or if there are orthodontic concerns such as an overcrowded mouth.

Types of tooth extraction procedures

Tooth extractions are divided into two categories: simple extractions and surgical procedures. Simple extractions are the chosen method for extracting teeth that are visible and within easy reach of the dentist’s instruments. A local anaesthetic is usually provided. For those teeth where access is more of a challenge, a surgical extraction may be necessary. This procedure requires general anaesthesia.

Three common reasons why permanent teeth may need extracting

• Severe tooth decay

The most common reason for an extraction procedure is when the severity of tooth damage or decay is too advanced and beyond repair. Tooth decay is a progressive condition and the longer a patient avoids the dentist, the worse the situation becomes, until there is no other option but to extract the tooth. A decayed tooth, if not removed, may compromise gum health as well as neighbouring teeth.

• Facial trauma that results in injury to the teeth

Another top reason for a tooth extraction is injury or breakage as a result of facial trauma. Trauma can be caused due to a vehicle accident, sports injury or even sometimes as a result of aggressive chewing.

If this breakage results in the loss of much of the visible surface area of the tooth, an extraction may be the only option as there is not much left of the tooth on which to attach an artificial restoration method.

• Removal of a troublesome wisdom tooth

Wisdom teeth can, for some patients, present a number of challenges that risk dental health; it can lead to overcrowding issues and the lack of space can cause severe discomfort. Another related concern are the challenges in keeping an overcrowded mouth clean and healthy.

If a patient is considering a tooth extraction, it is critical that they discuss all their options with our dentist to replace the missing tooth or teeth. It is not in the interest of a patient’s dental health to have a tooth missing, as this leads to all sorts of other undesirable outcomes.

Amsel & Wilkins Dental Clinic has highly skilled dentists experienced in performing tooth extractions to the highest standards in the industry. Your comfort is a top priority. Get in touch with our office today to schedule a dental appointment.

Patients can often tell they need to see their doctor when they have a physical injury or feel unwell. Such issues are glaringly obvious that all is not well with their bodies and medical attention is needed. Patients often ask why they need to visit a dental practitioner even if they do not exhibit any symptoms or telltale signs that there is a problem.

When it comes to dental health, however, being able to tell that there is a problem may be slightly more challenging. This is because numerous dental issues do not produce pain or discomfort and need the experienced and knowing eye of a dentist in Banbury to detect a problem.

It is quite common for patients to only seek dental care when they experience debilitating discomfort. By this time, what could have been easily treated by a dentist in Banbury has escalated to a more worrying concern – often requiring more complicated dental treatment. It is only with hindsight that patients realise that neglecting visiting the dentist in Banbury for routine professional dental care results in spending more money for corrective dental procedures and more time to have these procedures carried out. It is for these reasons that we urge our patients to make those check-up appointments at the clinic, to avoid the inconvenience and expense of treating progressive dental issues.

Six top signs a visit to the dentist is necessary

Dental check-ups are essential and definitely worth the effort in preventing minor dental issues from progressing further, as a dentist can implement timely measures that stop their advancement.

• Inflammation

Any type of swelling, tenderness or inflammation in the mouth is an indication that an appointment with a dental professional should be moved up the priority list. There are a number of reasons for these symptoms and a dentist is best able to find the underlying cause and suggest suitable treatment.

• Bleeding

A common sign that a patient has a problem with their gum health is bleeding when they brush over them or try to floss them. Gum disease is a serious risk to dental and general health and the sooner a patient receives dental care, the easier it is to treat the condition.

• Previous dental work having been received

Some procedures, such as dental implants, require regular check-ups to ascertain all is well with the treatment carried out and to make certain there are no risk factors that may place the end result in danger of failure.

• A patient has existing chronic medical conditions

Patients with existing medical problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues have more need to see the dentist. Poor dental health can aggravate these conditions.

• Pregnancy

Pregnant women are more likely to experience dental issues such as pregnancy gingivitis and tooth enamel erosion. Such dental concerns mean seeking dental care, and regular dental cleanings during this time are critical.

• Dry mouth

Few patients realise that dry mouth is a worrying concern and seek dental help. The mouth needs an adequate amount of saliva to be present to keep the mouth clean and acid and bacteria free. It is important to consult a dentist for advice if a patient experiences dry mouth.

At Amsel & Wilkins our dentists care as much about fixing teeth and gum issues as they do about preventing dental problems. A key step in ensuring dental health is to have quality dental check-ups. Schedule a check-up with one of our dentists today.

Do you wake up in the night to your partner poking you in the ribs, telling you to stop snoring? Have you been exiled to the spare room or sofa? If so, it is time to get help!

Even if you don’t have a partner to share your bed with, snoring can cause havoc in your day to day life. Many people who snore feel tired throughout the day, are more prone to sore throats and may even find their mental health begins to suffer as a result.

It may seem odd to approach a dental surgery to resolve snoring problems, but there are many things we can do.

At Amsel & Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury can offer you a range of options to help you stop snoring. We know how important those forty winks are and we want to help you, and anyone you may share your bed with, to get a restful night’s sleep.

What causes snoring?

First and foremost, it is important for our dentist in Banbury to examine your mouth and throat to establish the underlying issue that may be causing you to snore.

Many of our patients who snore suffer from a condition known as obstructive sleep apnoea. This causes you to stop breathing for up to ten seconds or more during sleep and is often the result of the lower jaw sliding backward and obstructing the airway.

Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, age and even undiagnosed conditions like diabetes can cause sleep apnoea, but some people are just unlucky!

How we can help

Rest assured that our dentist in Banbury can help you.

Depending on the cause of your snoring and/or sleep apnoea, we can offer you different devices, tests and advice to help you manage this condition.

Sleep study

If your doctor has not already recommended this, our team will refer you for a sleep study.

This will be to assess your snoring for any patterns and to examine the severity of it on your sleep.

Sleep studies involve having electrodes placed on your head while you sleep; not the most flattering look, but this will help the neurologists to determine how much your sleep is affected.

Devices

Moderate to heavy snorer?

At Amsel & Wilkins, we can offer you a device known as a mandibular appliance; these hold your lower jaw in a forward position while you sleep, preventing it from sliding backwards and causing the obstruction.

These devices are custom fitted, so they will be comfortable enough to wear at night.

Lifestyle advice

As previously mentioned, lifestyle can often play a factor in snoring, so if you are a regular consumer of alcohol, you smoke or you take barbiturate based sleeping tablets, we can advise you on how to manage your lifestyle, while controlling your snoring.

If you regularly consume sleeping tablets, you will also need to consult your doctor about suitable alternatives

Tired of snoring disrupting your life? Call us today at Amsel & Wilkins!

When you find out that you, your partner or a family member is pregnant, it is a time of great joy and anticipation. With so many things to plan like baby showers, nursery decorations and gender reveal parties, as an expectant mother, it is easy to overlook some of the ways to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Many women often feel overwhelmed with the sheer number of medical appointments they need to attend and therefore overlook that much needed dental appointment.

At Amsel & Wilkins, our dentist in Banbury is experienced in looking after pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and can help identify and treat common dental issues that arise during those all important nine months and beyond.

But how can pregnancy impact on your oral health and why is it important to visit our dentist in Banbury? Read on to find out!

Gum disease

You are probably well aware of how your or your loved one’s hormones will impact the body throughout pregnancy.

However, it is common for these same hormones to cause the gums to become more sensitive to the already present bacteria in the mouth, making you more susceptible to gum inflammation and bleeding when brushing; this is known as gestational gingivitis.

Our dentist in Banbury can check for and treat gestational gingivitis, by removing any plaque forming on your teeth and by prescribing you a special mouthwash to use everyday.

Tooth decay

The last thing you need during your pregnancy is a toothache!

Throughout the course of pregnancy, many women experience morning sickness, odd food cravings and develop a sweet tooth; this all leads to acid build-up in your mouth. Women who also suffer from extreme fatigue during pregnancy are less likely to brush and floss, creating a perfect storm of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause dental decay.

Our dental team can help.

We can recommend to you the strongest toothpastes to alleviate plaque accumulation, can prescribe an acid neutralising mouthwash and provide you with a soft bristled toothbrush, so you don’t irritate your gum line when brushing.

Growths

Lasty, you or your partner may be one of the few women who develop growths in their mouths during pregnancy.

Don’t panic! This is quite normal and these growths are known as ‘pregnancy tumours’, although the name is hardly reassuring. These growths often occur during the second trimester of pregnancy and are usually caused by extra plaque building up on your teeth near the gum line. The growth may bleed, become crusty or even turn purple in colour, setting alarm bells ringing.

If you think you have a pregnancy tumour that is causing pain, or difficulty eating or speaking, then come to Amsel & Wilkins. We know that these benign growths will usually disappear after your baby is born, but if they are causing you difficulty in your day to day life, our team may choose to remove them. We will discuss with you how to prevent them from regrowing, and provide you with specialised mouthwashes and toothpastes.

Do you wish you had a dentist in your local area that could fulfill every dental need you have, all under one roof? Amsel & Wilkins, dentists in Banbury, are well established, with over 40 years of experience, just waiting on hand to assist you.

The dentist is so expensive

Does this sound like something you often say to yourself? Something you have been conditioned to believe after seeing all the expensive adverts on television, promising Hollywood smiles, but at sky high prices? You can forget that myth and change your whole perception of what a good smile costs. You no longer need to let your financial situation stand in the way of your oral health care. We accept most credit cards, cheques and even cash, meaning visiting the dentist is a lot easier than it has ever been before. We usually take payments at the end of the procedure on the day, but after a friendly conversation with a member of our reception team, we will be happy to set up standing orders for those who are waiting for their payday or need a more convenient time to pay for their treatment. Whatever your budget, your local dentist in Banbury is ready to help.

What we offer you

From general dentistry such as everyday check-ups or emergency dental care, to cosmetic care, such as facial aesthetics and wrinkle reduction, we offer a wide range of services suited to fit the whole family. We also offer teeth whitening, for those who don’t have problems with their teeth or insecurities, but just simply wish their smile was whiter. We really want to get to know our patients and we spend time establishing a strong working relationship with you to make sure you feel as comfortable and happy as possible whilst with us. We strive to understand you, and your problems, and therefore this allows us to do our best to make you fully happy with your smile.

With convenient parking in the street housing the practice so you can just walk straight in, there is no reason now to not visit your friendly neighbourhood dentist in Banbury. Don’t have any cash on you? Just give your registration plate details and it is possible to pay for your parking ticket on your phone!

What’s the procedure?

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our welcoming, professional and empathetic co-ordinator who will take you into a private room so we can discuss with you what your worries may be, what you want to get from us in terms of treatments, and what the desired outcome of the process will be. There will never be any surprises to your bank account or any moment in time where you are feeling confused or at a loss as to what is going on – we make an effort to ensure that, at every stage of the process, you are fully informed and up-to-date with any procedure. This includes explaining every treatment and the pros and cons of this, as well as a final estimate of the total cost at the end of it.

With every process under one roof and a welcoming, gentle team on hand ready to assist you, it has never been easier than today to register with your professional, successful dentist in Banbury – so why wait? The smile you know that you deserve is just around the corner, and is only a click away.