The fissures of the teeth are grooves that are present in the biting surfaces of pre-molar and molar teeth. When children develop these teeth they are often fissure sealed. This is a protective plastic coating to help prevent early decay caused by carbonated drinks, sweet foods and inadequate brushing techniques. The process requires no anaesthetic and is usually done in 1 visit.

A crown is a circumferential support for a tooth which can no longer hold a filling. Most teeth which have had a root filling need a crown, as the tooth has lost its nutrients and blood supply by the root filling. The tooth turns into a brittle consistency which is hard, but can fracture if hit the wrong way.

The construction of a crown is very precise and generally requires at least two visits. During the first visit, the damaged tooth is prepared to accept the crown. It may be necessary to replace the damaged part of the tooth with a core first. An impression is taken and a temporary crown is sometimes put in place. At the second visit, the permanent crown is cemented onto the prepared tooth. If cosmetics are a concern, tooth coloured porcelain is baked onto the crown surface.

Many types of materials can be used to construct crowns, including porcelain, porcelain bonded to metal, gold and metal alloys. Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, usually due to fine hair line cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause "appearance" problems due to staining or chipping. In teeth with root canal fillings, crowns can prevent these teeth from breaking. Some of the indications for a crown are:

1. A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
2. Extensive damage by decay.
3. Discolorations and compromised aesthetics.
4. Fractures
5. Root canal treatment - After root canal treatment, teeth tend to become brittle and are more prone to fracture. They often need to be protected by a crown.
6. Bridges - When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth sometimes require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth.

The film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth is called "plaque". This is the cause of dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease). When the tissue which supports the teeth and attaches them to the jaw becomes inflamed, this is known as Periodontal Disease. Milder forms of this where the inflammation only involves the soft gum tissue is known as Gingivitis, however when the inflammation reaches the bone, it is termed Periodontitis.

As the development of periodontal disease is very slow, it normally goes unnoticed until it is quite advanced. We recommend that you be aware and look out for the following signs and see the dentist if you see signs of any symptoms listed below:

1. Red, or swollen gums
2. Bleeding gums
3. Bad taste
4. Bad breath
5. Gum shrinkage
6. Loose teeth
7. Teeth drifting apart

Nearly every adult suffers from some degree of periodontal disease, it is more common than you may think, every year many teeth are extracted because of periodontal disease. It is important to keep our teeth clean by brushing regularly to stop the build up of plaque. As the hard to reach areas of the mouth are the back teeth, it is commonly those that suffer the most from this problem.

Periodontal disease can be cured depending on the severity of the inflammation. In early cases (gingivitis) the dentist or the hygienist can clean away the calculus (tartar) and show you how to clean and take care of teeth properly. If the suggested routine is followed, you will soon have healthy, pink, firm gums again. If the inflammation has spread to the bone, it is advisable that treatment begins as soon as possible as in very advanced cases, extractions may be necessary.

Denture technology has, over the past few decades, become a fine art. Dentures today are "personalised" to suit you and look completely natural. During the process of making your new dentures, there will be a "try-in". The try-in is the stage where your teeth are positioned in wax so you and your dentist can preview and discuss the appearance. Changes in appearance can be adjusted at this stage, so you will be happy with the end result. The only noticeable difference may be that some pronounced facial lines will be softened, giving you a more youthful look. Don't be afraid to smile and be proud of your good-looking teeth.

Ideally, your dentures should be cleaned after every meal. If this is impractical, clean them as soon after eating as possible. Always clean your dentures over a basin of water or a damp towel to avoid breakage if you drop them. Hold them gently between thumb and fingers, never squeeze them in your palm. You should use a denture brush and a good denture cleaner or soap, which you can buy at any supermarket or chemist. Avoid gritty pastes or powders and use only lukewarm water, never hot.

"Personalised" dentures are no longer the preserve of the wealthy. You may be surprised at how reasonable our fees are. At your first meeting the Dentist will explain what can be done for you and exactly how much it will cost.

When a tooth or teeth are lost and not replaced, your teeth can drift from their correct position. This drifting can cause many undesirable consequences such as jaw pain and headaches from malocclusion (a bad bite alignment). Drifting of teeth can make certain areas more susceptible to decay. Problems with the supporting structures of your teeth (gum and bone) can arise from the shifting of teeth as they try to fill a vacant area.

In order to prevent the drifting of teeth, a fixed bridge may be recommended. This will return your masticatory (chewing) system to a full complement of teeth. The teeth can then support each other and function beautifully together.

The loss of a single tooth can have a major impact on your dental health and personal appearance. Your teeth support and rely on each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can shift out of their normal position. Teeth adjacent to the space or from the opposite jaw will often drift or tilt. These teeth are often more susceptible to decay and gum disease because they are more difficult to clean around. All of this shifting and drifting will lead to changes in the bite, which may put stress on the jaws, muscles and teeth. Ultimately, your ability to chew comfortably and your appearance may be affected.

If tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend that a bridge be placed. Broadly speaking a bridge can take one of two forms:

1. Conventional
2. Adhesive

Please feel free to ask one of our dentists for advice as to which type would be suitable for you.

A root canal treatment is necessary when decay or injury has infected the blood or nerve supply of the tooth, (also known as the pulp). If the pulp becomes infected this can lead to an abscess forming which can be very painful. If the RCT is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be extracted.

The aim is to remove all the affected tissue from within the pulp chamber. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection occurring. The RCT is a skilled and time consuming procedure which can take two or more visits to the dentist.

We offer the latest technique for tooth whitening at Dunstable Dental Practice. The procedure is completely pain-free, with no injections or drilling involved!

Custom-made soft plastic trays are made to fit your teeth. A tooth whitening kit is then given to you, which contains the bleaching agent. This agent is basically a special gel that is applied by you at home into the trays, which are then seated around your teeth.

This procedure is carried out daily for at least 6 hours (or overnight) and the whole process takes approximately 10-14 days to achieve a noticeably lighter shade of teeth, as you can see below.