absolute merry christmas

Absolute Dental would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2011 has been a very exciting year, with the introduction of Inman Aligner, a quick and effective way to re-align teeth and Sleepwell, the solution to snoring problems. Also with the continued success of the Absolute Dental Nurse training course run by Diane resulting in a great pass rate for the students sitting their National Diploma in Dental Nursing exams.

We close on Friday December 23rd, but will be open again on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December, so if you need us, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to see you.

From the Team at Absolute

Absolute at Christmas

As Christmas fast approaches, we at Absolute Dental are well aware that a broken tooth or a lost filling can become an unpleasant distraction over the festive period. That is why you will find our doors open between Christmas and New Year, for both planned appointments, and those unexpected emergencies. We close on Friday December 23rd, but will be open again on Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29th and Friday 30th December, so if you need us, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to see you.

You might like to add to your Christmas shopping list a few essentials that are always handy in a dental emergency situation - but remember these are only temporary measures, and you should always seek dental advice as soon as possible:

A lost filling or crown is rarely an emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air. If you still have the crown, you may be able to slip it back over the tooth. Before you do that, clean the inside of the crown. Then coat the inside of the crown with tooth "cement," which you can buy in the dental section of your pharmacy. Alternatively, sugar-free chewing gum works as a good temprary cement too.

If you've lost a filling or crown, you can put dental cement directly on the tooth surface. This will help to protect and seal the area until you're able to see your dentist.

Keep all areas as clean as possible until you are able to see your dentist.

A small supply of painkillers is always advisable, in case you are unable to get out to a shop to pick any up.

As always, we do have our usual out of hours emergency advice line, the number for this will be on our usual answer phone message on 01548 852165 whilst the practice is closed. Here, we can give advice for severe pain, swelling or prolonged bleeding.Our website also has some essential advice for all parents in case of a trauma injury to a childs tooth over Christmas.We hope you won't need any of our advice or services over Christmas, and that we are all able to enjoy a happy and healthy Christmas with our loved ones.

Written by Diane

absolute sparkling smiles

Looking for a sparkling smile?Absolute Dental are offering £100 off tray whitening system for the month of December. Tray whitening is a great way to give your teeth a sparkle, it's a safe and easy way to whiten your teeth. The trays are worn with the whitening gel for 30mins twice a day. For more information please call in or ring and speak to a member of the team.

Absolute Dental's Guide; Diabetes and Dental Health… there is a link

Dental care and hygiene is vitally important as part of good health
For diabetics, problems with the teeth and gums can be more common and more serious than for the average person.
For this reason, if you have diabetes, dental care is even more important and being aware of how best to look after your teeth is an essential part of learning to live with both type I and type II diabetes.
Diabetes and gum diseases
Gum disease is a very common infection and occurs when bacteria within the mouth begins to form into a sticky plaque which sits on the surface of the tooth.
Over time, if this is not removed by regular brushing using the correct technique, a gum inflammation called gingivitis can develop.
Gingivitis
Symptoms of gingivitis can include:
Red and swollen gums
Bleeding will often occur whilst brushing.
Gum disease will stem from untreated gingivitis, and in turn the teeth will begin to decay.
One unfortunate side effect of diabetes and high blood glucose levels is the fact that any infection in or on the body will spread more easily.
Keeping blood glucose levels under control reduces the risk of infection spreading. Unfortunately, when your body begins to fight an infection, blood glucose levels will usually rise in response. Should the infection in your mouth become worse, your food intake could be affected, further affecting your diabetes.
Ways to ensure good dental hygiene as a diabetic
Making sure that you visit a dentist every six months ensures that any infection will be treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit to the dentist will pick up on these.

Dental hygiene, diabetes, and heart problems
Diabetes can cause excess cholesterol to build up in the bloodstream.
If your gums also have an infection that isn’t treated quickly then bacteria from the infected gums can flow into the bloodstream.
In turn, this may intensify the speed at which arteries are clogged by cholesterol. As a diabetic, make sure that you look after both your teeth and your gums, and visit your dentist regularly.
Diabetes, the toothbrush, and brushing techniques
A good quality toothbrush can make all the difference to a brushing routine. Toothbrushes should have soft nylon bristles with rounded ends. They should be used gently and feel comfortable in the hand. At Absolute Dental, our team of dentists and hygienists will have advice about the best type of toothbrush to use and will work with you to maintain a home care programme suitable for your individual needs.
Visiting us at Absolute
Stressing out about visiting the dentist is a bad idea, because it could make your blood sugar levels rise. We will look after you
Always tell us if you do have diabetes or indeed suspect you have diabetes, it allows us to look after you.
For any further advice do call us on 01548 852165
Written By Emma

absolute dental a window on general health

Your mouth - A window on your general health
Did you know that your dental health can offer clues about your overall health? Or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Here at Absolute Dental, our dentists, hygienists and therapists are trying to help you understand this intimate connection.
What's the connection between dental health and overall health?
Like it or not, our mouths are full of bacteria — but relax, most of them are harmless. Normally the body's immune system and good oral health care, such as twice daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, harmful bacteria can sometimes grow out of control and cause oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Also, some dental procedures, medications, or treatments that reduce saliva flow, can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your mouth.
Your dental health may affect/be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions, including:
Endocarditis. Gum disease and certain dental procedures may allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. If you have a weak immune system or a damaged heart valve, this can cause infection in other parts of the body — such as an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).
Cardiovascular disease. Some research suggests that heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke may be linked to oral bacteria, possibly due to chronic inflammation from a severe form of gum disease.
Pregnancy and birth. Gum disease has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Diabetes. Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection — putting the gums at risk. In addition, people who have inadequate blood sugar control may develop more frequent and severe infections of the gums and the bone that holds teeth in place, leading to tooth loss.
Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis — which causes bones to become weak and brittle — may be associated with periodontal bone loss and tooth loss.
Alzheimer's disease. Tooth loss before age 35 may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.
Other conditions. Other conditions that may be linked to oral health include Sjogren's syndrome — an immune system disorder — and eating disorders.
Absolute Dental will regularly ask you to complete a medical update to check if there are any changes to your general well-being since your last visit and you should let us know if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition or are taking regular medication.
Good oral health can be promoted by:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
Floss daily.
Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
Schedule regular dental checkups.
Also, watch for signs and symptoms of oral disease and contact your dentist as soon as a problem arises. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall health.
Written By Diane

Absolute dental health

Smoking-your gums up in smoke?
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as mouth cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

How does smoking increase your risk for periodontal disease? As a smoker, you are more likely than nonsmokers to have the following problems:

Calculus – plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed during a professional cleaning with a hygienist.

Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
Loss of the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If left untreated, periodontal disease will progress.The pockets between your teeth and gums can grow deeper, allowing in more bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. As a result, the gums may shrink away from the teeth making them look longer. Without treatment, your teeth may become loose, painful and even fall out.

Research shows that smokers loose more teeth than nonsmokers do. In fact, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3 % of daily smokers over age 65 are toothless.

In addition, research shows that current smokers don't heal as well as former smokers or nonsmokers.

But these effects are reversible if the smokers manage to give up.

At Absolute Dental the health of the lining of the mouth is screened for abnormalities at every dental health assessment we also reinforce the importance of self awareness by our patients.
For more information on giving up smoking please go to http://www.smokefree.nhs.uk/ or visit your GP.

Written by Kelly

how Absolute can help with clenching and grinding

October 24-30th is Bruxism Awareness Week
Are any of these symptoms familiar: migraines, tinnitus, poor sleep quality, neck ache and pain in the jaw joints? For most people, any of these symptoms would prompt a visit to their GP – however, very few people realise that there is one common cause for these symptoms – one that can only your dentist – rather than your doctor – can solve.
This is because bruxism (tooth clenching and grinding) affects over half of the adult population, an possible up to as many as 85% of patients for every dental practice – but because the bruxism mostly happens at night, most people are unaware they are doing it – any many dentists don’t associate these symptoms with other signs, such as tooth wear, due to a lack of awareness of the condition.
Here at Absolute Dental, your jaw joint is checked at every Oral Health Assessment to assess for signs of abnormal function; we monitor the wear on your teeth, look for abnormal tooth fractures and we take the time to ask about your general health. If we think that you might be putting your dental health at risk due to nocturnal clenching and grinding we can suggest a simple splint treatment which will not only protect your teeth but help to train the muscles of the jaw to relax, thus trying to break the clenching/grinding cycle.
If you have any concerns that you might one of the millions of people affected by bruxism, please call us for details on how we can help, or mention it to Rhod and Ruth next time you visit the practice.

Fabulous Open Evening

Last Wednesday evening we opened our doors to our patients and their guests for an open evening, with Champagne reception to profile our facial aesthetic treatments and our Sleepwell anti-snoring device.

Both Rhod and Ruth gave excellent presentations on their respective areas of specialist interest and answered many questions from those who attended. The evening was both informal and informative and we would like to thank all of those who attended for making the evening so enjoyable.

Absolute Tooth Wear!

On Monday some of the Absolute Team attended a CPD (continued professional development) evening kindly sponsored by Practice Plan and the speaker was our very own Bill Beare, Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, he did an excellent presentation about tooth wear, giving excellent advice about managing different patient cases and how to overcome the hurdles faced when asking about the sensitive cases such as eating disorders and excessive alcohol intake.

Acid Erosion is something that we can see everyday at the Dental Practice and can be caused by many things. It can be found in patients with a healthy diet that include fruit juices and high fruit content, it is important to be able to spot the early signs and learn to ask the right questions to establish the cause. We are very keen to put prevention at the top of the list and help patients with home care any dietary modifications.

I found Bill a very interesting and knowledgeable speaker and I look forward to hearing from Bill again, especially seeing some of the interesting slides of before and after treatment pictures in particular! Thanks Bill.

Written by Rachael

Absolute fond farewells

The Absolute team said sad farewells to Amber and Annie on Friday last week. They will be missed by us all. We would like to wish them luck and happiness in all they do.
We also took the opportunity of celebrating Rachel's birthday and welcoming our newest member of the team Melanie.
For the team it was an excuse (not that we should need one!) to enjoy a night out in Kingsbridge kicking the night off with drinks on the Quay on what was very a beautiful 'summers' evening followed by an indian meal.

Snoring?... an absolute problem solved

Do you, or a partner suffer from snoring either as the snorer or the one who is losing sleep?

If so you may already know that it can have a profound impact on your health and quality of life! How does this come about?
Lack of sleep caused by snoring causes daytime sleepiness. Reduced energy leads to poor motivation to exercise and hence weight gain. Sleeping in different bedrooms reduces sex life and increases stress levels. Driving when tired is extremely dangerous.
It may be news to you that in addition, SNORING and a further more extreme condition called OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA (OSA) can contribute to serious health conditions such as Hypertension, increased risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease and poor relationship with a partner!
The great news is that Absolute Dental are now able to offer a solution... The SLEEPWELL is a gold standard treatment available from a trained dentist. Following a comprehensive diagnosis, impressions are taken of the teeth. This allows a tailor made two piece appliance or splint, with a soft lining to be custom made for you giving optimum comfort and fit! When worn at night time this splint will prevent you from snoring. Those who may have tried various "over the counter" treatments with little success will be happy to know that SLEEPWELL is the most clinically proven splint available.
So what might this mean for you? Better quality and quantity of sleep leading to reduced health problems, and risk of more serious disease and a feeling of more energy every day.

If you would like to know more, why not come along to our informal open evening October 19th @ 6.30pm and have all your questions answered. This invitation is open to all, all we ask is for you to give us a quick call or email to reserve your place.

01548 852165 info@absolute-dental.co.uk

How do others view our smiles?

A recent study has suggested that aesthetic dental treatment for children with injury to front teeth may yield important psychological benefits children aged 11- 12 were invited to look at colour photographs of four different children's faces and to make a social judgement. The pictures showed these children with visible incisor trauma or digitally modified restored aesthetics.

They viewed photos of children with damaged teeth more negatively than those with normal appearance. This concurs with research from adult populations ... Negative social judgements may be made on the basis of poor dental appearance aesthetic dental treatment for children with incisor injury may yield important psychological benefits.

Ruth Page

How the menopause can rock the foundations

A recent study indicates menopause is linked to tooth loss.
One in 4 post-menopausal women are likely to suffer tooth loss over a five year period. The risk increases to nearly 90% if other risk factors are present, particularly those with diabetes and who smoke.
Studies indicate the tooth loss is due to bone loss and oestrogen deficiency.
It is clearly a period of life when special attention needs to be given to maintaining a good standard of oral health. A simple routine of brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth with interdental brushes or dental floss, good dietary habits, reducing the consumption frequency of sugary foods /drinks and regular dental examinations and hygienist appointments can all help prevent tooth and gum problems.

Denise

absolute healthier snacks

Be aware of what is in your lunchbox!

Warning to parents.

A little meal-time forethought can go a long way towards maintaining a child's oral health and educational performance.

We want to remind parents to take care when packing a child's school lunch. It's no secret that poor nutritional habits in children are a serious problem in this country for their teeth and general health. Sugary treats like biscuits, cake, sweets and fruit snacks the sugar is consumed by the bacteria in the sticky plaque that constantly forms on teeth to generate acid, which can wear away enamel and cause tooth decay. Gooey or chewy sweets are particularly damaging because they spend a prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth. Sweets may provide a temporary jolt for children, but that sugar rush soon turns into a crash and children are left feeling lethargic. That is not the kind of mental state childrens need to be in to be attentive for afternoon classes. Limiting sugar intake will not only be good for children's teeth, but for their overall health. We need to send our children to school with healthy snacks like fresh fruit and veg, baked crisps or bread sticks.

At the end of a year, simple substitutions at snack time like replacing sugary drinks with water, or an apple and carrots instead of a chocolate bar, will add up to a lot of saved calories, a much healthier diet and healthier teeth. Almost all tooth decay can be prevented with a healthy diet, good toothbrushing habits, and regular visits to the dentist for preventive care.

For more advice please contact any of our team on 01548 852165 or emailinfo@absolute-dental.co.uk

Back to school for Absolute Dental

It’s almost back to school time. At Absolute Dental all the team take their ongoing education seriously by way of CPD (Continuing Professional Development). We look forward to planning some dental courses to excite, stimulate and gain some more knowledge to benefit our patients.
Already in the diary… an update on Endodontic treatment, presented by one of our local talented specialists Peter Davis who has all the latest information on new techniques for root canal treatment.
Aesthetic Composites in dentistry…to pick up some new techniques to create even more beautiful smiles.
And, very exciting, new and coming soon to Absolute Dental, How to treat crooked teeth using the Inman Aligner, a simple orthodontic treatment for adults to help give a great smile.
…more on all these things later.
Ruth Page

Oral Health Month at Absolute Dental

September is Colgate Oral Health Month. In partnership with the British Dental Association is a leading UK campaign for promotion of improved oral health. Reinforcing the message 'The importance of a good oral care routine for a healthy mouth'


Although Absolute Dental reinforces this message on a daily basis to all our patients at oral health assessment, hygienist and oral health educator appointments we find it helps to be supported by the advertising campaign run by Colgate throughout the month.

Following these simple guidelines will help maintain a healthy mouth and help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, last thing at night and before breakfast in the morning.



• Spitting out excess toothpaste after brushing and NOT rinsing, this will prevent washing away the beneficial fluoride in the toothpaste.



• Avoiding brushing immediately after consuming acidic foods/drinks will help prevent enamel erosion.


• Avoid sugary snacks between meals - choose a tooth friendly alternativeVisit your dentist regularly, not only will this help with the early detection of gum disease and tooth decay but you will also be routinely screened for oral cancers.

Oral Health Month questionnaires will be available with a chance of winning one of 40 portable DVD players.

Denise

Hollywood smiles at Absolute Dental Kingsbridge

As a treatment co-ordinator at Absolute Dental, it was my pleasure to work recently on this quite quite a high profile one; the patient involved was a new patient to us who works as a high profile psychic, has her own website and psychic reading site and also appears regularly on daytime television in this country. The patient was hoping to move her career forward by conquering the American market also, but was aware of the “Hollywood Smile” look and felt that her teeth would be a barrier from achieving her goal (picture 1)

Her main concerns were the shade of her teeth, the gaps between her lower anterior teeth, a central incisor that appeared longer than the other and the upper left lateral incisor that was slightly in standing, and therefore looked darker due to shadows cast on it. The patient is 44 years of age, a smoker with Type 2 diabetes. From our first consultation with this patient it was clear that we were going to have to be realistic and honest about what we could hope to achieve for her, and managing her expectations has always been a challenge. The patient was keen to achieve all of her changes as soon as possible, but there was a more urgent problem that we needed to address before any of the cosmetic changes could begin. The patient had chronic adult periodontitis, which would involve numerous visits to our hygiene team for periodontal treatment, plus enormous changes in the patients homecare routine before we could begin to think of achieving the cosmetic changes requested. It was clear that many of her concerns over the appearance of her teeth were due to the effects of the periodontal disease in the past. The patient’s medical history and smoking habits were against us, but our hygiene team worked hard to treat the periodontal disease and educate the patient in how crucial her input was to driving the improvements forward; all the time using the cosmetic changes requested as the motivation for improvement.

Eventually, after several months of periodontal treatment, we felt that the health of the gums had stabilised sufficiently for us to begin the cosmetic treatment. This began with a course of tooth whitening; both an in-surgery treatment, followed by a home whitening kit. Over a course of 3 weeks the patients shade improved from C3 to B1, and once again, we had to manage the patients expectations that this was the best shade achievable in her circumstances. And so we began the process of addressing the shape of the teeth with which she was unhappy.
Firstly we adjusted the upper left central incisor – a tooth that had over erupted due to the bone support lost by the effects of the periodontal disease – then using composite material, we built the left lateral incisor out slightly so that it was no longer in shadow (picture 2).

The patient is extremely apprehensive of all dental treatment, and it was a testament to Rhodri John, that this was all achieved without local anaesthetic, just calm reassurance and confidence built up between the patient and the dental team. The patient understood exactly what treatment was to be carried out, and understood that by adding composite rather than aggressively changing the shape of the natural tooth, if the appearance did not please her, the procedure was 100% reversible.
At a longer appointment the following day, the patient returned for treatment to improve the appearance of her lower incisors. Once again, without adjusting any natural tooth, composite was added to the lower canines, lateral and central incisors; mesially, distally and buccally to improve the appearance and shape of the teeth, closing the diastemas between each one that the patient felt were so noticeable on camera. The finished result was again breathtaking (picture 3).

The patient was amazed at how natural the restorations looked, and despite initial reservations over how they might affect her speech, she was utterly delighted. Only time and the bright lights of the television studio will tell if the restorations have achieved the flawless smile she was hoping for, but the changes achieved have been dramatic, and can be altered still further if the patient requests this.

This is one of those cases that a dental nurse loves to be involved with, a patient who presents with specific “wants”; “wants” that need to be managed carefully and balanced against what the patient actually “needs” and then working with all aspects of the dental team to achieve a goal that we are all proud of.

Written by Diane Cox

What does the CQC (Care Quality Commission) mean to patients at Absolute Dental

We are delighted that we are registered and have been certified as being compliant.

Being compliant with the CQC guidelines gives assurance to our patients.

Whilst providing the highest standard of care to our patients is vital, so too is demonstrating compliance with the regulated outcomes. Registration gives an authoritative, accessible and independent source of information. CQC will give the public access to information detailing where their provider meets or doesn’t meet the essential standards, allowing patients to make informed choices when making decisions on dental services offered.

We always welcome comments and feedback on any aspect of the care we provide. We carry out regular audits and patient satisfaction surveys to ensure we listen and make necessary improvements/changes as part of our commitment for improvement.

The Benefits of being a Treatment Co-ordinator at Absolute Dental, Kingsbridge

It was my pleasure recently to act as treatment co-ordinator and nurse for a new patient to the practice. He and his family had moved to Devon from London in an attempt to alleviate his sons asthma. The patient is male, 44 years of age, a saxophone player who suffers from asthma. This patient originally presented at Absolute Dental due to a broken tooth in the upper left quadrant. On examination it was clear that although the UL8 required immediate restoration, there was no carries present, and also that the patient had a severely worn dentition.

During his consultation with Rhodri John we found out that he was aware of bruxing in the past, approximately 15 years ago which was associated with the stress of a high powered city job. Since ‘retiring’ to a more stress free lifestyle the tell tale symptoms and signs have ceased. As this was investigated more we found out that the patient’s diet was also quite acidic (including fruit juice, cordial and white wine). The patient also suffered with indigestion and possible acid reflux (probably stress induced) although the patient had never sought a medical diagnosis or treatment for this. At this appointment the options for restoring the worn dentition were only briefly discussed and only the UL8 was repaired, as this was the patients primary need.

When the patient returned to us for a scheduled New Patient Consultation we were able to take a more detailed history from the patient and discuss his “wants” in more detail. Our previous discussion with the patient had caused him to consider the possibilities for his worn upper dentition. His grinding was discussed in more detail and the patient revealed that although he had experienced pain in his TMJ on waking previously, he had not been aware of it for some time, nor had he been told that he was grinding at night for some time. Our options had been full mouth rehabilitation involving extensive crown work, which would mean removal of more
of the natural tooth surface, which had already been compromised by the patients
grinding/erosion; composite build ups on the upper 3-3 to give the patient anterior occlusion only, allowing the posterior teeth to over-erupt into occlusion (Dahl principle) or to leave the patient and carry out no treatment.

Because we had seen and treated this patient previously, we had already begun to build a rapport with the patient and his confidence and trust in us was growing. This meant that although the patient had decided to dismiss the idea of having the teeth crowned, he had decided that he wanted to improve their appearance and wanted to discuss the composite build ups further. The patient was amazed that until moving to Devon and visiting Absolute, the only options for improving the function and appearance of these anterior teeth had been invasive and non-reversible treatment. The patient said that he was willing to try the composite build
ups, and understood that if he couldn’t cope with the anterior only bite, the whole procedure could be reversed.

Our radiographs at this initial consultation showed some areas of bone loss, most noticeably in the lower left molar region where there was some furcation involvement. It was believed that this bone loss was consistent with past periodontal disease, but likely exacerbated by the patients previous bruxism; the patient may need to see our periodontal specialist for bone regeneration therapy in the future. The radiographs were shown to the patient and discussed in some depth so that the patient could see that his grinding habits were not only affecting the appearance of his teeth, but also the supporting structures.

Once again, the patient was grateful for our explanation as he had never understood this before. Picture 1 shows the patients dentition at his initial appointment.

This patient was now ready to make a positive decision on the treatment and chose to have the composite veneers placed, after a course of home whitening and routine periodontal therapy. Impressions were taken for the whitening trays and study models were cast and articulated. Our dental laboratory made diagnostic wax ups which were used to help in the treatment planning and help the patient to visualise the final result.

Once the patient had achieved the shade he was happy with through the whitening we saw him to begin the composite veneers. This took place during a 2 and a half hour appointment where, without local anaesthetic, the patients upper incisors and canines were transformed from their worn flattened appearance into teeth that looked so natural healthy that the patient was quite literally lost for words. Layers of composite were built up gradually replacing dentine and enamel, adding translucency at the incisal edge for a more natural appearance, starting with the
upper right canine and incisors first (picture 2).

At this stage the effect is already staggering, and as the dental nurse assisting in this procedure, I am already aware at how much of an impact the final result will have on the patient. More shades of composite are combined, like an artist mixing their palate for a painting, as the left side is completed; and then it’s time for the reveal.....

Now, I know how good they look and how clever the dentist is to have worked freehand to transform these worn teeth into the natural looking composite veneers that the patient now has, but there is always a moment when you wonder if the patient appreciates the complexity as
much as the dental team. As I hand the patient the mirror he simply beams widely and says “Wow – they look amazing!” And do you know what – he was right (picture 3).

This patient is by no means out of the woods yet, only time will tell if he can tolerate his occlusion in this transition period, or if he is indeed still grinding his teeth, in which case these composite veneers might need adjusting, but what is clear at this stage is that this patient wanted a solution to his worn dentition that was non invasive and gave him his confidence back – and we’ve helped him to achieve that.

In the post treatment video testimonial that I took from this patient he described the treatment as comfortable and relaxing (so much so that he nearly nodded off at one point), and that he was grateful to have been offered this treatment for the first time and had the treatment explained and delivered to him in such a competent and professional manner.

I love cases like this; I feel proud to work with such a talented dentist like Rhod and to help a patient in such a dramatic way and I look forward to monitoring his progress closely over the coming months.

Diane

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus - The Link and how this is managed at Absolute Dental

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus- The link
We have known for some time that medical conditions affecting other areas of the body often reflect in the oral cavity.
One of the conditions which we have been focusing on, as it is on the increase, is Diabetes Mellitus.
Diabetes is on the increase globally and the World Health Organisation figures indicate that as many as 180 million people world-wide have Diabetes. This equates to 5% of the worlds population. Numbers are on the increase and by 2030 they estimate that this will increase by 103%!
When we look at the factors leading to the increase, they include obesity and inactivity, an increase in the ageing population and a reduction in the mortality rate of diabetics as we are living longer and medical science moves forward in treatment regimes.
Why are we concerned and what are we doing about this at Absolute Dental?
A large body of evidence exists that suggests diabetes can be linked to an increased prevalence, extent and severity of periodontal disease and that uncontrolled glycaemic levels can increase an individual’s susceptibility to the disease and the inflammation associated with oral diseases can trigger a number of systemic changes in the body that can result in insulin resistance.
There are lots of reasons why diabetics are more prone to developing periodontal disease. However, the good news is that conversely, periodontal therapy, and its associated reduction in oral inflammation have been linked to an improvement in metabolic control as well as limiting the progression of other complications associated with diabetes.
How we help you at Absolute. There are many key points to managing our diabetic patients which depend both on the information patients give us and what we find in the mouth.
Information from our patients
- Medical history. This is paramount for us as some changes to your health might have an impact on your dental health and also affect some aspects of the treatment we provide for you. We often ask for you to complete a written medical history to help us keep up to date with you. For diabetic patients, the details of the classification of diabetes and how it is controlled are particularly important.
- How long had the patient had diabetes? It appears that the earlier onset, the more susceptible the patient is to diabetes.
- Is the diabetes well controlled? Patients with poor metabolic control are more susceptible to periodontal disease.
- Oral Hygiene. Good oral hygiene is imperative for diabetic patients and we need to find out how the patient cleans, both tooth brushing and inter-dental cleaning.
- Appointment times. It helps us if patients tell us when good times of day for them are to attend and does not interfere with their eating and insulin routines.
How do we look after our patients in the surgery and what are we particularly looking for.
- Patient positioning. Diabetes can cause orthostatic neuropathy and so we raise the chair slowly to an upright position.
- Intra-oral examination. Thoroughly examining the mouth is imperative as there are many oral side effects including xerostomia, where there is a reduction in saliva production. This can contribute to an increase in caries and plaque accumulation. Glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue, taste disturbance and burning mouth syndrome.
- Assessing the periodontal health. We complete this every time we by carrying out a Basic Periodontal Examination. This helps us to identify by a general screening, areas of bleeding, calculus formation and pocketing. We can then compare these to past charts and identify if there have been increases in any of these criteria, despite patients good efforts with their oral hygiene.
- A further full mouth pocket chart is also completed by the hygiene team providing in depth pocket depths, bleeding and recession.
- Monitoring patients during treatment is important as sweating, confusion, nausea and mood changes may indicate diabetic complications e.g. hypoglycaemia.
- Maintenance and monitoring. At each appointment we consistently assess and check medical history and oral health as if we can identify subtle changes early, these may be key in identifying early signs of diabetes. Helping not only your dental health but general health as well!

written by Maureen Milne

Study Group Success

Last night we had our 3rd Study Group meeting of the year at The Watermark in Ivybridge. These groups are an excellent opportunity for other practices in the area, who use our referral service for their patients, to come and learn about a variety of current topics to ensure we all stay abreast of the changes within this evolving industry of dentistry.

Last nights speaker was Fiona Stuart-Wilson, director of UMD Professional Ltd, which provides award winning management training and qualification for dentists and practice managers. The topic of the evening was "The Care Quality Commission (CQC) - A View From Whose Chair". The aim of the evening was to look at the public and professional expectations of CQC registration and the role of the whole dental team in meeting the CQC outcomes. The CQC is ultimately a government quango set up with the aim of ensuring patient safety and protecting the public (for EVERY health care provider). It was founded after a study found that, despite how well we feel we might be doing as a dental practice, there is a growing mistrust in the general public in all areas of health care. This has not been helped recently with such high profile cases as Winterbourne View Care Home in Bristol or Dr Harold Shipman.

For years, as dental professionals, we've been regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC), but the CQC looks at the workplace or practice as a whole, rather than just regulating individuals. It will ensure that the policies and systems we have in place in the practice are working for our patients - not just for ourselves.

All dental practices in the England will be visited by a group of inspectors, and all staff questioned to ensure they know every single system in place, how it has been checked and verified, and how often it is audited to ensure patient safety.

Many practices have been overwhelmed by the thought of preparing for this inspection, but Emma had already worked closely with Fiona to ensure we are prepared for whatever the CQC may ask of us.

Last night Fiona gave a really concise overview of the CQC, she was encouraging and motivating and for the practices represented last night, will have been a valuable source of much needed information to help them in these times when such vital information has been hard to come by.

As a practice we all love to meet with other local practices in these semi-social settings, and to ensure our knowledge is as up to date as it can be, to ensure our patients are receiving the very best care we can offer.

Wise-Up to Roll-Ups
You may have noticed in the press recently, the new advertising campaign
from the NHS called Wise-up to roll-ups.
It is a new awareness campaign to highlight the health risks associated with
rolling tobacco.
How many times have we all heard a friend or a loved one say “I smoke roll-ups,
which are better for you than normal cigarettes”?
The truth is the risks are just the same, if not more so if a filter isn’t used.
Just because a roll-up cigarette may contain less tobacco than an ordinary cigarette
it is manufactured in exactly the same way and contains exactly the same
toxic chemicals.
One of the reasons the team here at Absolute Dental are supporting this campaign
is because, studies have suggested that people who smoke roll-up cigarettes have an increased risk of cancer in the mouth, Oesophagus, Pharynx and Larynx, compared
to smokers of manufactured cigarettes.
The health of our patients is our number one priority and we want to ensure that
all our patients are kept well informed and receive the best possible care.
Of course there is no such thing as a safe cigarette, both manufactured and rolling tobacco exposes the smoker to 4,000 toxic chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic
and poisonous.
Here is a list of only a few:-
Cadmium – highly poisonous metal used in batteries.
Formaldehyde – used to preserve dead bodies.
Ammonia – found in strong cleaning fluids.
Benzene – used as a solvent in fuel.
Cyanide – Industrial pollutant.
Arsenic – deadly poison found in insecticides.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a little extra help to give
up smoking, the good news is there is plenty available.
You can log on to www.wiseupandquit.co.uk to request your free Wise-up pouch
which contains a helpful progress tracker, an introduction to nicotine replacement
therapy, smoking fact cards and a tangle. (which is a device designed to keep your
mind and hands occupied during those difficult moments).
For further information and advice you can contact the NHS stop smoking helpline
on 0800 028 0553 or call your local NHS stop smoking service:-
Plymouth – 01752 314040 Torbay Care Trust – 01803 299160.

Written by Kelly

Aftercare
At Absolute Dental we pride ourselves in giving great customer care for our patients from their very first contact with us.
And part of our promise to provide the best dentistry also extends to offering advice and after care each time we carry out a procedure.
If necessary post operative advice will be given when you have completed your treatment and you will leave with a written reminder of what to do following certain procedures such as dental extraction etc.
Our friendly dental team are always there to give help and advice as part of your aftercare, and we encourage our patients to call should they have any concerns whatsoever.
Our dentists will often call a patient at home in the evening, if they have experienced a difficult procedure ... just to say hello and make sure they are OK!
So you can leave us with a smile, knowing you have all the support and aftercare you require.
Written By Ruth Page

Are you being served?

Overheard in a local public house this week (a gloriously sunny half term week here in our corner of the world), the manager of the establishment whispered to the barman (in a stage whisper loud enough for those of us stood at the bar to hear) "Check with me before you seat anyone else for food - sometimes it's just easier to send them somewhere else rather than explain there is a wait for food"...........

I was more than a little shocked - why would they want to turn away their customers, in one of the busiest weeks of the year? And then it dawned on me, as I watched several people run around like headless chickens - they were completely unprepared, the Bank Holiday and subsequent half term week had obviously taken these people in the "hospitality" industry by surprise!!!! So, as I watched they turned away their potential customers...... Where did they go? Would they ever return? No one will ever know, and I think I was the only one who cared!

It started me thinking - do we look after our patients well enough - are we we prepared enough for our patients, and I had to think - yes, we are! We always allow time in our appointment books each day to see emergencies, allowing more time after bank holidays or clinicians holidays. We know that any dental emergency from severe pain to a lost crown can be disturbing, and we want our patients to know, that we have a provision to take care of you that same day. We know our patients well and know the patients who might need slightly longer appointment times, and allow for this.

We know which patients need to update important paperwork and we are prepared for this when they arrive; we make it our responsibility to know who is due into the practice and their treatment needs, before they even arrive through the door. Patients who arrive without appointments but need to be seen are accommodated to the best of our abilities - they are not told there is no room at the inn! If we're busy we see it as a real positive - people want to visit us at Absolute, we won't turn you away, we just hope that you understand we will slot you in just as soon as we can.

At Absolute Dental we like all of our patients to feel important, we want you to feel looked after so that we can enjoy seeing you for many years to come.

Written by Diane

A Day at the Races

The team and their partners had an exciting day at Newton Abbot races on Ladies Day. It was a beautiful day the sun shone for us although Lady Luck didn't for most of us!

It was a great excuse for us all to get together out of work, and spend some quality time (which we don't often get chance to do on a busy day in the practice), sharing hints and tips on the horses and just having a good old catch up. I must admit my theory of picking the horses by their amusing names or interesting shirts didn't pay off!!

The next time we get together as a team might be a little more challenging depending what Emma has up her sleeve for us!!
Watch this space.

Written by Denise

Royal bride - Kate Middleton paid a visit to the dentist to make sure her teeth looked great on the big day, reported the Daily Mail.

The princess is said to have seen orthodontist Dr Didier Fillion on London's Wimpole Street for a makeover in time for her engagement announcement. And the newspaper reported that her teeth looked whiter and straighter than ever. The gap between her front teeth which remained after dental work she had done as a child had also disappeared. Dr Fillion specialises in fitting braces behind the teeth and using 3D technology in a process which cuts the time a patient would normally have to wear one by three to six months.

Orthodontics is not the only way to correct misaligned teeth or small space in between teeth, these can sometimes be corrected with veneers, both in composite resin or porcelain. Rhodri John has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics from simple crowns, veneers to complex smile makeovers, our patient testimonials speak volumes and are well worth a read.

Customer Care at Absolute – Going the extra mile
One thing we pride ourselves in here at Absolute Dental is our exceptional customer care. It’s our aim to ensure that every patient is treated as an individual and has the best experience possible.
We are very conscious of the well being of every person that walks through the door and we will do whatever we can to help, even if it doesn’t involve dentistry!
An example of such an occasion was just the other day when an elderly gentleman arrived for his appointment, but his wife was not where he had arranged to meet her and he was very worried about her. After getting a description of what she was wearing two of our team went out into Kingsbridge to try and locate her. Fortunately she was located fit and well in one of the local shops and had just lost track of time! The gentleman was very grateful and was much more relaxed once his mind was at rest.
We provide multiple facilities in order to achieve this, including freshly brewed coffee and films to entertain the children.If you have yet to experience our outstanding customer care please feel free to call in and see if we can help improve things for you.


Written by Kelly

Smiles top attractiveness poll

A ‘smile’ has topped a poll of the most important physical features when it comes to attraction between men and women. A smile was rated highly by 56 per cent of respondents, closely followed by faces (53 per cent) and eyes (51 per cent). Dress sense, body shape, hair and height were also measured, with the latter bringing up the rear on 25 per cent. Interestingly, it was a non-physical attribute – personality – which was the clear winner of the survey. Ninety per cent of respondents rated this human attribute most important when it comes to attraction.The results have been published as part of the British Dental Health Foundation’s annual campaign – National Smile Month – now in its 35th year.

This year the theme is ‘The Smile Factor’, which aims to remind people that their mouth, teeth and smile is fundamental to all aspects of their life – whether career, personality, relationships, attraction or all-round good health. Despite the importance of smiles and teeth to everyday life, many people appear to have a poor image of the nation’s ‘Smile Factor’. The survey reveals that only 23 per cent believed that the nation had ‘good teeth’, and approaching half the population were not happy with their smile or teeth - stained or yellow teeth being the most common concern (37 per cent).

Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter, said: “As a nation we probably spend more time and money looking after our hair and the clothes we wear, rather than caring for our teeth. The survey is a great reminder that we should be giving greater attention to our teeth – not just because it improves oral health – but because it gives us the confidence to smile, which makes a major difference to our relationships, careers and overall image.“During National Smile Month, we hope everyone will consider what they can do to improve their Smile Factor. Hundreds of dental practices across the UK will be supporting the campaign and it’s an excellent time to seek their help and advice.“It’s really important to get the basics right at home as well. We recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks, and visiting your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. Adopting this good oral health regime can make a huge difference to a confident smile and many aspects of everyday life”, advised Dr Carter.

Forget the X Factor get the Smile Factor

National Smile Month May 15th and June 15th is a key factor in the British Dental Health Foundation’s success in taking simple, practical oral health advice to millions of people nationwide.
Clinical research has found that, on average, people only brush for about 45 seconds and this is barely enough to skim across all of the teeth.
A good education, thorough brushing routine and a healthy eating lifestyle will not only help fight problems like tooth decay, bad breath and stained teeth it will also reduce the chances of developing gum disease – which has been linked to heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and low birth weight babies.
This is the message we at Absolute Dental promote on a daily basis, educating children from a very early age and carrying this through also to our adult patients.
We all take the simple things in life for granted, we are all expected to know how to brush our teeth, but to get the best from our brushing needs a little directional guidance. Ineffective brushing to remove the plaque and debris on a daily basis can not only lead to gum disease but also decay. We encourage our patients to bring their toothbrushes to hygienist and oral health education appointments to ensure that the best techniques are being applied.

Hello, my name is Rachael Bristow I am from Paignton where I live with my dog Gypsy and Husband to be Simon. My horse Princess lives at a farm in Torquay and is a very important part of my free time!
I am a qualified Dental Hygienist but also a Dental Therapist, this is a role that people are sometimes unaware exists!

I will be looking after Nicky's patients whilst she is taking time out on maternity leave with her new baby, Emma.
It involves me carrying out dental treatments under the instruction of a dentist, I can carry out a range of fillings large and small using dental anaesthetic on adults and children, also giving advice and handy tips on healthy gums and preventing decay, I can take x-rays and dental impression and carry out children’s extractions among other treatments. I have a good sense of humour coupled with a caring and compassionate nature, and look forward to seeing you soon!

Written by Rachael Bristow

Complaints…should we welcome them?
Emma John, business manager and director of Absolute Dental, multi award winning practice, and Absolute Dental Training, a very successful dental training consultancy. Emma's passion is providing outstanding levels of customer care and has trained numerous dental teams through out the UK. We pride ourselves at Absolute Dental on our outstanding customer care and we do encourage our patients to give us feedback to help maintain these standards.

Emma regularly writes articles for the publication Dentinal Tubules and has had the following very interesting article published:
With the compliance required by CQC the ever important complaints system is going to have to be more robust and transparent than ever
This in itself could present a problem as we live in a society where people (including our patients) are more stressed than ever. They want more for their money and if they don’t get it, well the complaints are just waiting to happen.
The complaint of course is a two way thing. As a consumer I feel I should be able to present my grumble, it may not be important to them but to me it has a huge amount of relevance.
Am I as receptive when I am on the receiving end?
It takes a huge amount of training to be truly empathetic and understanding to a complaint or feedback and it is only too easy to be encouraged to lose your temper and be reactive.
Is your team really prepared to deal with a complaint? They are probably aware of the complaints procedure beautifully written and safely stored away in the practice manual. But would they really know how to handle and diffuse the situation?
The skill of listening to the complaint and then acting on it could be valuable to your business. It just might be something you can act on and improve. A real opportunity to impress and excel in areas where other retail and hospitality businesses fail time and time again.
Patients (our customers) do discuss their experiences with friends and colleagues and they can and will always try and focus on the bad. We need to give them a different story to tell.
It is our job to listen and allow them to tell us exactly what is wrong.
Make sure that we stay calm, with positive open body language, thus encouraging the conversation
Continue to listen
Ask what you can do to help?
Continue to listen
Take notes, as the patients concern is important to you
Continue to listen, assure them you will look fully into the situation, and keep them informed. Thank them for taking the time to speak to you; they may just have notified you of an important hole in your management system.
Article written by Emma John

Acupuncture in dentistry

Acupuncture is a technique, originating in China more than 3,000 years ago, in which disease is treated by inserting needles at various points on the body - acupuncture points. A common use of acupuncture is in pain management. There have also been suggestions that acupuncture may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Anxiety related to dental treatment is rife and acupuncture can offer an alternative to commonly used sedative drugs Temperomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is commonly seen in dental practice. There is no standard treatment, but tranquillisers, physiotherapy, occlusal splint and counselling are treatments commonly tried. Here too acupuncture can be of clinical benefit. Dentists have also found that the gagging response can be effectively controlled by using ear acupuncture. Some patients are so sensitive to dental equipment that they will gag uncontrollably as soon as an instrument touches their mouth which may make it impossible for dentists to carry out any kind of treatment at all. Following ear acupuncture patients have been able to receive a range of treatments including fillings and tooth extractions and are able to leave the practice and travel home unaccompanied. At Absolute Dental we can work with colleagues trained in Acupuncture to provide the best solution to help our patients.

Written by Ruth Page

At the beginning of 2011, the main focus on research has been on very diverse areas including , managing patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and trying to find helpful, practical solutions for patients who need help due to reduced manual dexterity.
Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia
Immunodificiency is a state whereby the immune system becomes less efficient, making an individual more susceptible to infection. As a result, some medical conditions or the treatment for them can have quite a deterimental effect on the health of the mouth. One of the conditions which can present symptoms in the mouth is myeloid leukaemia. This condition is cancer of the blood cells in the bone marrow which produces stem cells. These are known to be important for the production of white blood cells which help the body fight infection.
How would we recognise the signs and what symptoms may patients complain of?
The signs in the mouth which could indicate this condition are enlargement of the gingivae, bleeding from the gingivae and also lips and pallor to the lips and gums. Angular cheilitis at the corners of the mouth and glossitis which is inflammation of the tongue may also occur. There may also be an increased risk and rapid deterioration of periodontal disease.
Symptoms patients may have experienced include leukaemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnornal bruising and bleeding. They may also complain of a sore and burning mouth.
The hygienist has a crucial role in the oral management of CML, as this condition can go unnoticed for a period of time and could have been contributing to the progression of periodontal disease, but not the cause. The main aim is to stabilise the patients periodontal condition, as the patient will be immunocompromised and their ability to fight infection is reduced. Plaque control is essential for patients who are susceptible to periodontal disease. Some medications used to fight CML can cause xerostomia, where the mouth becomes very dry and sore. Fortunately, there are some very effective mouthwashes available to help make the mouth more comfortable.
Where treatment is concerned, it can be more comfortble to try and achieve the treatment in as few visits as possible, using good instrument techniques to prevent excessive bleeding.
How can we help patients with reduced dexterity?
We know how difficult it can be to clean really well if we have had an injury to our hand or wrist or to suffer from medical conditions such as arthritis or if the patient has had a stroke. For the patient, this can be very debilitating and can lead to a great deal of stress and worry, feeling run down and in turn can impact on the oral cavity sometimes manifesting as oral ulceration.
Some of the solutions we find to helping patients adapt their toothbrushing techniques include:
* Using an electric toothbrush. This can help as these type of brushes remove more plaque than manual brushes and tend to have bulkier handles which are easiser to grip. They also have different types of head to allow for better cleaning in between teeth.
* Wrapping elastic bands round the handle of the brush. This helps provide better grip on the handle. Post office elastic bands work really well for this!
* Blu tac. This is extremely versative and can mould round the handles of brushes.
* Tennis ball. This works really well by puncturing the tennis ball with two holes and sliding the brush through.
* Using floss holders on a long handle to allow for better access
* Impression putty. We have a great putty which is normally used when taking impressions and works particularly well as we can shape it round the brush for you!

Some of the dental companies also produce toothbrush holders and I find the some of the best holders can be found on the Molar web site.
If you find that you are struggling with cleaning, let us know and we will help find the solutions for you!

Written by Maureen Milne