General Dentistry

At our Cheadle Hulme dental practice our highly experienced team led by Dr Shi Karim provides first class general dental care to patients in the Cheadle, Manchester, and Stockport areas. General dentistry is a term that covers a plethora of treatments and procedures that deal with everything from endodontics (maintaining teeth through endodontic therapy eg, root canals) through to gum care, fillings, and oral check-up's, including oral cancer screening. Here are a selection of the services and treatments that our dentist in Cheadle Hulme offers.

Fillings

Fillings are commonly used in dentistry to replace missing tooth structure caused by cavities, tooth fractures, or abrasions. They are almost always made up of composite resin and are generally known as 'white fillings'. That said, fillings can also be made from a number of other materials including silver amalgam and zinc oxide eugenol. A well placed filling can last for many years and is usually carried out in one appointment.

Preventative Resin Restorations (PRR's)

In contrast to fillings, Preventative Resin Restorations (PRR's) help to protect healthy teeth (usually molars) that are prone to decay. Just like bones, teeth have structure lines which are in effect a series of grooves and valleys. In some cases these are deep. As such food particles and bacteria can easily become lodged and because a tooth brush can't often reach these recesses, the onset of decay can occur. In these instances to prevent decay from forming, our dentist in Cheadle Hulme places a tooth coloured resin restoration on the surface.

It's a simple and pain-free process that involves cleaning the surface of the tooth with a pumice tool. The material is then spread along the ridges or valleys of the tooth effectively sealing it. As the grooves are made smooth, it makes it difficult for any plaque to be harboured.

Gum care

Healthy teeth are fully reliant on healthy gums so when gums become diseased it can have a negative effect on the bone surrounding the tooth. For this reason regular visits to our Cheadle Hulme dentist are important in order to prevent gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

While light bleeding when brushing is often indicative of gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease) if left untreated it can cause further damage, affecting the supporting bone (periodontitis.) In worst case scenarios it can cause the teeth to loosen and fall out (advanced periodontitis). For this reason visiting the dentist for bi-annual check-ups means that symptoms can be spotted early and dealt with. In addition, regular hygiene cleans ensure that any problematic build up of tartar which can't be removed by normal brushing alone is eradicated.

Oral cancer checks

As a Church Road dentist we're committed to providing the highest standards of oral health. Oral cancer screening is a routine examination performed by our dental team to look for any signs of cancer or indeed any precancerous conditions within the mouth. Research shows that 84% of oral cancer cases can be spotted early through screening. It's quick and easy (taking less than five minutes) and can be done by a dentist or dental hygienist during your next regular appointment. People most at risk are those who smoke, drink heavily, have a history of sun exposure (lip cancer), and/or have any previous diagnosis for oral cancer.

What you should expect?

Our dental team will be:

• Physically examining the inside and outside of your cheeks and gums
• Examining the floor of your mouth including underneath the tongue
• Checking the roof of your mouth for any abnormal signs
• Touching and inspecting the lymph nodes around the neck
• Having you say 'aahh' to check the back of the throat and mouth
• Asking you about your lifestyle habits including smoking/drinking

If you have any questions about oral cancer or would like an immediate screening then please ask.   

Endodontics

Have you been told that you might need endodontic therapy treatment? You're not alone. Thousands of teeth are treated and saved each year using root canal therapy. When the tooth itself becomes damaged, the inner pulp of the tooth can become infected or inflamed. This is known as pulpitis. If left untreated the infection can cause damage to the bone that surrounds the tooth, causing both pain and swelling. If this is the case a dentist can perform endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) to stop the pain and save the tooth.    

Treatment involves removing the damaged pulp from the area of the tooth, which is then cleaned, disinfected, and finally sealed with a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. This prevents any further bacteria from entering the tooth. Contrary to popular belief, modern endodontic treatment is no different from having an everyday filling and can be completed in one or two appointments, depending upon the tooth condition and/or the patient's personal circumstances.

Saving the natural tooth has many advantages. Firstly it facilitates efficient chewing. It also creates a natural appearance and it protects the remaining teeth from excessive wear and strain. With our highly trained team and state-of-the-art equipment, you can be assured of a comfortable experience both during and after your treatment.

If you have a niggling tooth problem or simply feel that it's about time you had a dental check-up then contact our dentist in Cheadle Hulme at Church Road Dental and Cosmetics. To make an appointment call us on 0161 486 0743 and take the necessary steps towards maintaining your healthy happy smile.