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The Truth About Teeth

Fantastic programme on BBC 1 last night called The Truth About Your Teeth. It took a look at how the latest scientific breakthroughs can change/help how we look after our teeth.

Teeth Whitening BristolThere were a couple of points that were particularly interesting. The journalists looked at over-the-counter teeth whitening products which have become incredibly popular in recent years. As dentists, we have been aware that these products – despite their promises – are not supported by clinical evidence or research. The programme researchers carried out tests and found that no products actually whitened your teeth.

This was a powerful message as DIY teeth whitening kits are big business in the UK and many consumers think this is the cheap and effective option but, as the programme proved, if you want pearly whites then you need to see a dentist. At our Bristol dental clinic we offer Enlighten, the only product on the market that guarantees a new shade of whiteness.

They also discussed the importance of dental hygiene. They reviewed a number of products on the market, but the outcome was that the best way to protect your teeth is to simply brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

Part two next week and we’ll definitely be tuning in.

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dental payment plan

Dental payment plan for affordable dental treatments. Even for the most diligent of savers, when you’re already worrying about mortgage payments, bills, taxes and other household expenses, sometimes budgeting for regular trips to the dentist can seem like a step too far.

But looking after your own and your family’s teeth should be a high priority, which is why Bristol dentist practice CK Dental has teamed up with DenPlan to help you keep up to date with your oral health, without any nasty financial surprises.

Pay monthly

With the DenPlan scheme, you pay just £19 per month and receive two check-ups and two visits to the hygienist per year. Six-monthly dental appointments are optimal to ensure any problems are detected early and to keep on top of your oral hygiene, dealing with plaque and tartar before they start to cause any real problems.

Worldwide coverage

The really great thing about DenPlan is that it doesn’t just help you keep up with your Bristol Dentist visits, but also covers you for dental insurance wherever you go in the world, so if you crack a tooth in a swimming pool in Greece, or lose a filling eating steak in Paris, you can rest assured that you’re covered for all eventualities.

Healthy teeth, healthy bank balance

No matter what your financial situation is, no one likes to find themselves with unexpected bills to pay, which is where the DenPlan scheme really comes into its own. Once you’ve paid your £19 per month, there are no nasty surprises – you can visit the dentist for routine check-ups or rush in with a dental emergency, safe in the knowledge that it’s all been paid for in advance.

For more information on DenPlan, or to find out more about the other services we offer here at CK Dental, please contact us.

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crowns and bridges in Bristol

Crowns and bridges treatments in Bristol are among the most popular dental restoration options we offer here in our Bristol dentist clinic. A crown is essentially a cap that is used to cover a tooth that may have lost a lot of its original structure. A bridge is used to replace missing teeth and is bonded to the surrounding teeth to hold it in place.

So why are crowns and bridges so popular? Here are a few of the reasons we think they represent such a good treatment option:

Improve and protect your natural teeth

Here at CK Dental, the crowns and bridges we offer are fully porcelain, so they look as natural as possible, whilst crowns provide a cap to protect the broken tooth beneath and bridges can help to straighten your teeth.

Rather than removing your natural teeth, we use crowns and bridges to restore the teeth you still have and replace those you have lost, leaving you with a whiter and more even smile.

Maintain the structure of your face

When teeth are missing, it can have a profound impact on the rest of the face. By replacing those teeth with bridges, we can help return your face to the way it was before, which can have huge anti-ageing benefits.

When missing teeth are replaced, it can also help to redistribute the force of your bite, so you aren’t wearing down some teeth more than others.

Speak and chew normally

Losing teeth can make it difficult for you to pronounce certain words or eat certain foods. Some treatment options, such as dentures, offer a cosmetic solution to the problem, but don’t really solve the other issues, as you often have to remove the dentures to eat.

With crowns and bridges, you can eat and speak just as if you had all your natural teeth.

For more information or to visit our Bristol dentist clinic, please contact us.

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To floss or not to floss

These days, most of us know to brush our teeth twice a day, but flossing is still something of a specialist subject. So why is it so important?

Why floss?

Brushing your teeth is great to get rid of build-up on the surface of the teeth, but it can be difficult to get in between the teeth, which is where dental floss comes in. By flossing your teeth every time you brush, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing gum disease.

How to floss

Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause offers his top tips for how to floss your teeth effectively

  1. Break off a piece of floss about 30 cm long and wind it around the middle finger of each hand.
  2. Use the thumb and forefinger of each hand to grip the floss firmly, leaving about 5cm of floss pulled tightly between your hands.
  3. Insert the taut floss between the teeth and move it gently up and down, all the way down to the gum. When you reach the gumline, curve the floss against the tooth until you feel some resistance.
  4. Hold the floss against the tooth and gently scrape across the surface, away from the gum. This should help you to clean under the gumline without damaging the gum itself.

Repeat this process for every tooth.

Flossing alternatives

If you find flossing very difficult or time consuming, you could try using an interdental brush. This is a very small, fine brush which can be inserted between the teeth to clean in the same way as dental floss.

If you find that your gums bleed when you first start flossing, don’t worry – this is often the case as the plaque build-up is cleaned away. If bleeding continues for more than a few days, however, do contact us at Bristol dentist clinic CK Dental, to make sure you are using the correct flossing technique.

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National Smile Month, 18th May to 18th June

National Smile Month is nearly here, which seemed like a good excuse for a timely reminder about the importance of looking after your teeth. Here at CK Dental, Bristol Dentist Cornelius Krause is passionate about oral health, and National Smile Month aims to help promote good oral hygiene across the country.

There are three main messages that National Smile Month is trying to get across, and they are the following:

Brush your teeth twice a day

You should brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night before going to bed and on at least one other occasion throughout the day. Ideally you would brush your teeth after every meal, or at least every meal containing sugar – although it is important to wait for half an hour before doing so, to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.

Cut down on sugary food and drinks

It goes without saying that sugary food and drinks are not good for you – they can encourage weight gain and they cause damage to your teeth.

If you can’t avoid them all together, then try to at least cut down. Limit yourself to one sugary treat per day, or only allow them during a certain time period, such as between 12 and 3 in the afternoon. Try replacing them with healthier alternatives, such as fruit, milk and water.

Visit your dentist regularly

No matter how often you brush your teeth, only a visit to the dentist can truly put your mind at rest with regard to your oral health. Dentists don’t just check up on how well you are taking care of your teeth, they can also detect early warning signs of mouth cancer and gum disease, so it is vital that you have regular appointments.

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CK Dental Open Event

Here at Bristol dentist practice CK Dental, we are all very excited about the forthcoming open day, on Saturday 25th April held at Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital The Chesterfield, from 10am to 4pm. This will be a great opportunity to meet the team and find out more about what we have to offer.

FREE dental check-up

As part of the event, we will be offering all visitors the chance to undergo a free dental health check-up with expert Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause. These appointments must be pre-booked, though, to ensure that there is time to treat everyone! This is the perfect chance to find out how healthy your teeth and gums are, and to talk to Mr Krause about any oral health problems you may have been experiencing.

The CK team will also be on hand to explain more about the following treatment options:

Invisalign

The original invisible brace, Invisalign straightens your teeth without the need for unsightly “train tracks”. We can tell you more about exactly what the treatment entails and let you know whether you would be a suitable candidate for Invisalign.

Denplan

Denplan is a payment scheme specifically designed to help spread the cost of private dental treatment, allowing you to stop dental problems before they start. Here at our Bristol dentist practice we are pleased to be able to offer Denplan to our patients, and at our open event we will be explaining just how the payment plan can benefit you.

Implants

Many people think that when they start to lose their teeth, dentures are the only option. Implants offer a great alternative, looking, feeling and behaving just like your normal teeth, and without the need to remove them overnight – once fitted, you can forget they’re even there! Come along to our open event on Saturday 25th April to find out whether implants could be right for you.

To find out more or to book your free dental check-up, call 0117 906 4870.

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healthy teeth

Healthy teeth is an achievable goal if you follow simple recommendations. It seems like barely a month goes by without yet another holiday designed to ruin our dental health, and Easter is one of the biggest offenders. Over the past few decades, Easter has turned into an excuse to eat as much chocolate as possible, and as soon as Christmas is over the shops are full of Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies and, these days, even chocolate hot cross buns!

Here at Bristol dentist practice CK Dental, we know that it’s hard to resist the odd sweet treat at Easter, so we’ve put together a few top tips to help you avoid ruining all the hard work you’ve put in to keeping your teeth healthy.

Keep the eggs for pudding!

As tempting as it is to scoff chocolate from the minute you wake up on Easter Sunday, Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause advises waiting until after breakfast. Luckily, immediately after is best, as your mouth will still be producing the saliva necessary to help wash the sugar off your teeth.

Wait before brushing

Although it may seem sensible to brush your teeth straight after eating chocolate, it’s actually better to wait for around half an hour, as all those sugars can soften the enamel on your teeth and if you brush too soon you risk eroding it away.

Think up choc-free alternatives

If EVERYONE gives each other chocolate for Easter, you end up either making yourself sick on the day, or having a cupboard full of chocolate for a month, which won’t do your teeth any good at all. So how about coming up with some alternative gift ideas – soft toy bunnies are great for kids, and they last a lot longer than a chocolate egg!

To get off to the best start this Easter, book a check-up at our Bristol dentist clinic, to find out how healthy your teeth are and get more great tips to maintain your oral health.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact us.

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Private dental treatment in Bristol

Private dental treatment in Bristol costs can vary widely from practice to practice and is totally dependent on the work that has been recommended, as the cost is based on the time spent in surgery, the complexity of work involved, the materials used and the level of sedation that is necessary.

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, no unnecessary dental work is ever recommended. We understand that it can often seem very expensive, so we discuss all your options thoroughly at your consultation and explain clearly the level of necessity and implications of delaying dental work.

We provide you with a full and complete estimation of the costs in a written treatment plan and this is agreed with you before you go ahead with treatment. To assist patients further we have just signed up to a interest free payment plan, provided by Carefree Credit.

Why should you take advantage of this dental payment plan?

Carefree Credit is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and act in accordance with their rules to ensure responsible lending and good practice.

The process is very simple; a quick online application which takes around three minutes and the decision is instant. Carefree Credit offer an interest free payment option that can be paid over 12 months. Alternatively, there is a low cost payment option that can be spread out over 24 or 36 months.

There is no waiting round or need to delay dental treatment – as soon as the application is approved, your Bristol dental practice is emailed so we know that we can start dental treatment immediately.

Why do we believe in this dental payment plan?

We are a leading Bristol dental surgery because of the quality of our highly trained staff and the gold standard equipment and materials we offer, all of which are very costly. Signing up to a payment plan such as Carefree Credit allows us focus on what we do best; providing the very highest level of service to you, the patient.

If you are interested in learning more about this dental payment plan, give us a call and one of the team can talk you through it and send you a link for the online application.

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dentist with free parking in Bristol

Dentist with free parking in Bristol at the Nuffield hospital in Clifton for your routine dental care

These days, people use the word ‘routine’ to mean dull, but the team here at CK Dental in Bristol knows that routine dentist appointments can save everyone a lot of time, money and most of all pain.

How often should I visit the dentist?

This varies from person to person – some of our Bristol patients need check-ups as frequently as every three months, others can get away with popping in once every year or two – but you can’t make that call yourself.

How frequently you need to see the dentist depends on your general oral health, and the only person who can assess that is your dentist. Brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding sugary foods are all good practice, but they can’t provide any guarantee of good teeth and gum health. Generally we advise that you visit our Bristol clinic for a check-up every six months, to ensure that nothing gets missed and that any problems get nipped in the bud before they escalate.

What will the dentist do at my check-up?

At a routine examination, your Bristol dentist will examine your teeth and gums, ask questions about your oral hygiene routine and eating habits, and offer advice on how to maintain good oral health.

A dental check-up can not only help you avoid the inconvenience of fillings, crowns and other expensive dental work, but can also detect serious gum disease and mouth cancer at an early stage, which can make it much easier to treat.

How is that different from a hygiene appointment?

Dental hygienists perform preventative work, so they will give your teeth a thorough clean – often known as a ‘scale and polish’, and give you advice on how to avoid plaque. This is really important as a top-up to whatever you are doing at home – it is very difficult to achieve such a thorough clean yourself.

If you’re not sure when you last had a routine dental examination, give our Bristol clinic a call now to make an appointment.

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Dental phobic

Dental phobic patients are welcome in our state of the art dental practice.

We offer numerous solutions to conquer fear and get you the smile you always wanted or just simply get you out of the trap.

Dental phobia is a very real and debilitating fear, often triggered by a traumatic experience. Unlike dental fear, which is usually expressed through anxiety, dental phobia can seriously affect quality of life.

Beat the fear

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, we wanted to be able to offer dental phobic patients a way to not only receive painless, stress-free dental treatment, but to actually overcome their fear.

Many dentists don’t understand dental phobia, or confuse it with dental fear, which means they don’t give dental phobic patients the special care and attention they need. Here at CK Dental, Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause has a lot of experience of dental phobic patients and the whole team is practised at putting nervous patients at ease.

One of the ways we do this is to provide a calm environment, to talk to you about your fears, and to explain thoroughly what the treatment involves, letting you know that we understand and empathise with your phobia. Another way is to offer sedation for dental treatments.

Sedation

Here at our Bristol clinic, dental phobic patients are offered conscious sedation to control the pain of any dentistry work. Also known as ‘twilight sedation’, conscious sedation means keeping you in a semi-conscious state, so you are relaxed and pain free throughout the procedure.

The medication is administered by our resident consultant anaesthetist, either orally or via an IV drip, and the anaesthetist will then be present throughout the procedure. Because recovery from conscious sedation is quick, most patients are able to return home soon after the procedure, although we do recommend that a friend or relative accompanies you.

Don’t look back

One real advantage of conscious sedation for dental phobic patients is that they often do not remember the procedure clearly, if at all, so they are less likely to be anxious in future. This, combined with our overall calm and open approach, can mean that dental phobia is a thing of the past.

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