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Dental implants in Bristol

Dental implants in Bristol at CK Dental, we find that patients are often confused about why they should choose dental implants over other – often cheaper – options to replace missing teeth. Of course, whichever method you choose is up to the individual, but we’ve decided to outline some of the advantages that dental implants hold over other treatments.

Dental implants protect your healthy teeth

While bridges can cause damage to the surrounding, healthy teeth, as you need to grind away at them to fit the bridge into the gap, dental implants are fitted into the root where the missing tooth was, so there is no impact on your other teeth.

You don’t need to make any changes to your life

While dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods, implants behave just like your natural teeth. This also means you won’t experience any of the difficulty in pronouncing particular words that many patients suffer from in the first few weeks of wearing dentures, while they get used to the feel of the dentures in their mouth. And one major advantage is that dental implants stay in your mouth at night, so you don’t have to keep your teeth in a glass next to the bed!

Implants are predictable and built to last

Dental bridges only last for between five and seven years, whereas implants – when properly cared for – should last a lifetime. Dental implants have a long track record of reliable, long-term successful outcomes.

Second only to your natural teeth

While of course a natural, healthy smile is the ideal, dental implants really are the next best thing – they look and feel just like natural teeth, and there is no possibility of cavities. That said, you do still need to pay regular visits to the dentist.

Here at CK Dental, Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause works with a leading European maxillofacial surgeon to ensure that our dental implant treatment is the best it can be. For more information, click here.

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recommended dentist in bristol

Recommended dentist in Bristol can be found by asking friends and family or simply look at the reviews.

How to choose a dentist can be difficult. There are thousands of dentists across every town and city in the UK, so how do you pick which one is right for you? It can be difficult to choose which dentist to sign up with, particularly if you have just moved to an area, so the team here at CK Dental in Bristol has put together a few tips to help you out.

Ask for recommendations

If you have friends or family who you trust in the local area, ask if they can recommend a good dentist. You tend to see the same dentist every six months for a routine exam, so it’s important that you have a good rapport, and if your best friend likes them, chances are you will too.

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, we offer prospective patients the chance to come and visit before they join, so they know they are comfortable with the environment and the team.

Is it convenient?

It is worth thinking about the location – is it better for you if your dentist is close to your home, or to your work? Also, find out whether they offer lunchtime, evening or weekend appointments, if you work long hours.

Find out what services they offer

Dental practices will differ in the number and range of services they offer, so it is important to enquire about this, particularly if there is something specific, such as cosmetic dentistry, that you might be interested in.

Look at their website

Most dentists these days will have an extensive website, with background information on the team, a treatment list and prices, and even patient testimonials. All of this information will help you make the decision about whether this is the right dental practice for you.

For more information on the treatments we offer here at CK Dental in Bristol, please click here.

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Foods that damage your teeth

Food that  damage your teeth are various.

Good oral health can be maintained by brushing your teeth twice a day, and by paying regular trips to the dentist, such as Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause, who can check your teeth and gums for any signs of decay. However, you can also keep tooth decay at bay by avoiding certain foods, and we’ve made a list of some of the worst offenders.

Boiled sweets

Sweets that you suck are a dentist’s worst nightmare, as they effectively give the teeth a sugar bath. Not only that, but they can also trigger a broken tooth.

Ice

People are often surprised by this, as ice is made from water and doesn’t contain sugar, but sugar is not the only thing that can damage your teeth – crunching down on anything hard (like the boiled sweets listed above) can damage tooth enamel and increase your risk of an emergency trip to the dentist with a chipped or broken tooth.

Citrus fruits

Again, this one may come as a surprise, because we are led to believe that all fruit intake has major health benefits. Although you should not avoid citrus fruits entirely, do be aware that they have a very high acid content, which can be harmful to teeth, and can also irritate mouth sores and ulcers.

Dried fruit

Although dried fruits can be a very healthy snack, they are also sticky, which is not great for your teeth. Be sure to rinse with water after eating them, and to brush and floss carefully to remove any sticky residue.

Starchy foods

Bread, crisps and potatoes tend to leave a starchy build-up on the teeth which can lead to plaque. If you have a carb habit, remember to floss carefully after eating to try to minimise the damage to your teeth.

So long as you brush and floss thoroughly, twice a day, and pay regular visits to the dentist, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy all of these things occasionally, but if you do have concerns, or would like to book an appointment with a dental surgeon here at CK Dental in Bristol, please click here.

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Should we pay tax on sugary drinks?

A UK charity, The Children’s Food Campaign, has recently suggested that a 20p per litre duty on sugary drinks would help to eradicate tooth decay and save the NHS millions of pounds.

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, we don’t take political sides, but we do welcome any measure that helps to limit the extent of tooth decay.

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, one in four children starting school has tooth decay, with one in three 12-year-olds having visible signs of decay. Soft drinks are the largest single source of sugar for children aged four to ten.

How can I limit the damage already done to my children’s teeth? Firstly, take them to see a dentist, such as Bristol dentist Cornelius Krause, here at CK Dental. The dentist will assess their oral health and tell you whether there are already signs of tooth decay. He will also give you advice on brushing, as well as foods and drinks to avoid.

Make brushing fun

With the advent of smartphones, there is now an app for almost anything you can think of, and toothbrushing is no exception. Download a child-friendly app with a catchy tune and a timer to help them brush their teeth for the full two minutes every time.

Make it part of the routine

Routine makes children feel safe, and if you make toothbrushing a regular part of their morning and evening routine, you will soon find that they do it without even thinking about it.

Give water to drink

According to CK Dental’s dental surgeon, Cornelius Krause, water should really be the only drink you give your children. If that’s not possible, however, do try to give them water after they have eaten or drunk something sugary, as it will help to wash the acid-forming sugars off their teeth, thus limiting the damage.

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth and would like to book an appointment with Bristol dentist Mr Krause, please click here.

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Top tips for a seductive smile this Valentine’s

The season of love is just around the corner and we all want to look our best for that romantic evening out – or in! But it’s not just about red lipstick and high heels – poor oral health can be a real passion killer, so here are our top tips to keep your breath sweet and your pearly whites just that this Valentine’s Day.

Swap the claret for champagne

Red wine may be a romantic accompaniment to a Valentine’s meal, but it can cause permanent staining to the teeth if you drink it too often, not to mention the obvious staining to the teeth and tongue at the time of drinking – not really anyone’s most seductive look! Of course, all dentists would advise that you avoid alcohol entirely, as the sugars in it will stick to the teeth and cause tooth decay, but if abstention is unrealistic, then the team here at CK Dental in Bristol recommends that you stick to a small amount of sparkling white wine and follow it with a glass of water, to help wash away the sugars and avoid a hangover.

Say it with flowers

If you can, steer clear of sweet treats all together, and give your loved one a beautiful bouquet of flowers this Valentine’s Day. If you can’t manage that…

Stick with high quality chocolates

Like Christmas, Valentine’s Day is a time when chocolates and sweets are abundant, and it’s difficult to avoid temptation. If you must indulge, however, dental surgeon Cornelius Krause, of CK Dental in Bristol, recommends that you stick to high quality chocolate, with a cocoa content of 50% or above, as these will contain less sugar than cheaper versions.

Brush, brush, brush!

Above all – and as on any other day of the year – the most important thing, no matter what you eat or drink, is to brush your teeth thoroughly, twice a day. If you have eaten a few sugar-heavy items, then give your teeth an extra brush, about half an hour after eating.

For more information on the treatments offered here at CK Dental in Bristol, or to book an appointment with our dental surgeon, Cornelius Krause, click here.

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Being scared of the dentist should never be a problem again

Dentophobia, or odontophobia, is the fear of dentists and dental procedures, and it is not an uncommon phobia. Here at CK Dental, we want our patients to feel completely at ease when undergoing treatment at our Bristol dental clinic. For most people the use of local anaesthesia, to numb any pain caused by dental treatments, is enough to make them comfortable, but for those who are severely upset by the thought of undergoing dental work we offer conscious sedation.

What is ‘conscious sedation’?

Also known as ‘twilight sedation’, this is a state of deep relaxation in which the patient is responsive to speech and command, but will tolerate procedures which otherwise might have been too uncomfortable, either physically or due to fear.

At CK Dental in Bristol, we use a consultant anaesthetist, Dr Claudia Paoloni, to perform our conscious sedation, ensuring you are in the very best hands to further put you at ease. The medication can be administered either orally – as a pill – or through an IV drip, which Dr Paoloni will personally supervise.

Will this mean an overnight stay?

No. Conscious sedation has a very quick recovery time and most people are able to return home almost immediately after treatment, although we do recommend that you bring a close friend or family member to accompany you.

Some patients are worried that being awake during the procedure will cause them to be even more afraid in future, however one major benefit of conscious sedation is that although you are ‘conscious’ in the medical sense, you are not fully awake and most people do not remember the procedure clearly.

For more information on conscious sedation and the methods used at our Bristol dentistry clinic, please click here.

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Drop the juice to keep kids teeth healthy

The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has recently joined the groups calling for fruit juice to be removed from the list of recommended five-a-day portions. According to the official list, a 150ml glass of unsweetened fruit juice counts towards your five a day, but dentists – including Bristol dental surgeon Cornelius Krause of CK Dental – say that even unsweetened juices can be harmful to oral health.

At a time when many children as young as three are showing visible signs of tooth decay, the BDHF believes that keeping fruit juice on the five-a-day list sends out the wrong message to parents and children.

What’s wrong with drinking juice?

Many parents who we see here at our Bristol clinic say they give their children fruit juices to drink as an easy way to increase their fruit consumption, but the high concentration of sugars and acids in juices means that they can cause damage to the teeth, particularly when sipped repeatedly throughout the day.

What should children drink instead?

According to the British Dental Health Foundation, water and milk are the best drinks you can give to children. If they really insist on drinking fruit juice, try to keep it to mealtimes, when the mouth is producing more saliva to help wash the sugars away from the teeth.

How can we limit the damage caused by drinking fruit juice?

Any dentist will tell you how important it is to ensure that children brush their teeth for two minutes, twice a day. This is particularly important when the child drinks a lot of fruit juice, or eats a high sugar diet.

It is worth remembering, however, that brushing teeth too soon after consuming sugary food or drink can actually do more harm than good, as sugars soften the enamel on the teeth – try to leave a good half hour before tooth brushing.

For more detailed advice on how to care for your children’s teeth, book an appointment with dental surgeon and cosmetic dentist Mr Krause, here at our clinic in Bristol.

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Why dental implants?

Here at CK Dental in Bristol, we offer dental implants to those of our patients who have lost one or more teeth. Dental implants are a safe and effective option for those with missing teeth, giving a rejuvenated appearance, as well as offering many practical benefits?

What are the advantages of implants compared to dentures?

Dental implants provide a permanent solution to the problem of missing teeth, and avoid the issue of having to make changes to your diet, which can arise with false teeth. Dentures are often not compatible with tough or chewy foods, and this can cause embarrassment when eating around others.

Although having dental implants placed is a more invasive process than that involved with dentures, once the implants are in position and restored, they will look, feel and behave just like your natural teeth, and you don’t need to do anything differently in terms of their care.

Why choose CK Dental in Bristol for dental implants?

The only thing that might prevent you from being a candidate for dental implants is bone shrinkage that can happen if the tooth has been missing for a long time.

However, here at CK Dental in Bristol, we work with a leading maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Michael Stiller, MD.DDS.OMFS, who is able to augment the bone in the jaw, making dental implants possible and also helping to provide a more youthful appearance to the jawline.

How long will dental implants last?

Provided they are fitted correctly, dental implants should last for life. The titanium implants we use here at our Bristol dentistry clinic behave exactly like the natural tooth root; the bone of the jaw grows around them, ensuring they are entirely secure, before our dental surgeon, Cornelius Krause, fits the custom-made restoration of your choice – crowns, bridges or dentures.

For more information on dental implants, or to book an appointment at our Bristol clinic, click here.

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New Year’s Resolutions for your Teeth

January is a time of year when we all resolve to turn over a new leaf and look after ourselves a little better, so this year why not start with your teeth? Here are some ideas from the team at our Bristol clinic, to get you thinking…

Floss every day

Everyone resolves to floss straight after a visit to the dentist, when all that build-up has been scraped from between your teeth, but that resolve often falls by the wayside a few days in. Why not make this the year you actually stick to it?

Cut down on sugary food and drink

It’s unrealistic to expect yourself never to eat another chocolate again, but dentists recommend that you try to keep the sugar consumption to mealtimes.

Drink more water

This is a great all-rounder – not only will drinking more water keep you more alert, but drinking a glass of water after you’ve eaten can help rinse away anything that is potentially damaging to your teeth.

Brush for two minutes, twice a day

As adults, most of us do manage to brush our teeth twice a day, but do you really stick to the recommended two-minute minimum? There are a number of apps you can download on your phone to help with this one – ask your dental surgeon to recommend one, or you can buy an egg timer.

Get a whiter smile

If you’re embarrassed by the colour of your teeth – perhaps you’ve given up smoking as one of your other new year’s resolutions (if not, we highly recommend that you do!) and want to get rid of any tell-tale signs that you were ever in the habit – consider booking an appointment with a cosmetic dentist like Mr Krause here at CK Dental in Bristol, who can perform a tooth whitening procedure to leave your smile brighter than ever before.

Visit the dentist regularly

Even if you can’t manage all of the suggestions above, making regular trips to the dentist can help to keep tooth decay at bay.

Happy New Year from all the team here at Bristol Dentists CK Dental!

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The importance of dental hygiene – not just tooth decay

Did you know that the consequences of poor dental hygiene could go far beyond tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath, leading to more serious diseases.

At CK Dental in Bristol, specialist dentist Cornelius Krause offers patients a thorough oral examination at every visit, to help keep tooth and gum problems at bay, but this does need to be complemented by good oral hygiene at home, which means brushing thoroughly twice a day.

What problems can be caused by poor dental hygiene?

Alzheimer’s Disease

A study carried out by researchers from New York University (NYU) in 2010 suggested that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s. This was supported by research performed by the University of Central Lancashire in 2014.

Pancreatic Cancer

In 2007, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health reported a strong link between the gum disease periodontitis and pancreatic cancer. A follow-up study found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer compared to men who had never had gum disease.

Heart Disease

A 2008 study conducted jointly by research teams from the University of Bristol and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that bleeding gums can increase the risk of heart disease.

According to the research, the risk is increased because when the gums bleed, bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream, sticking to platelets and potentially causing clots, which can then lead to a heart attack.

How can I reduce the risk to me?

Firstly, you can book an appointment at CK Dental in Bristol, to see specialist dentist Mr Krause, who will examine your teeth and gums to check for any signs of existing gum disease. At home, Bristol dental surgeon Mr Krause recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice daily, flossing daily and rinsing with mouthwash to keep teeth and gums clean and healthy.

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