David Madruga Gonzalez - Dental Blog David Madruga Gonzalez

Help, My Tooth Hurts When I Chew

One of the most common complaints encountered in our practice involves patients reporting a painful tooth that lacks a diagnosable cause. It’s a sharp pain that makes you flinch when you bite down or chew on its side of your mouth—what is it that’s hurting your teeth?

Believe it or not, you probably have a cracked tooth. The mandible second molar is the most commonly cracked tooth due to its principal action during mastication, or chewing. When a tooth cracks, the pulp inside is exposed and may become irritated, leading to sharp pain.

What Cracks My Tooth?

The short answer? Popcorn and ice. The long answer? Hard to chew and extremely hot or cold food items. The hard kernels in the bottom of a bucket of popcorn fractures the teeth more often than the habitual chewing of ice. Tea drinkers in warmer climates are particularly vulnerable to this fault.

People who grind or clench their teeth when anxious or during sleep are also particularly prone to cracked teeth. The constant forces put on their teeth may cause certain molar cusps to exert so much pressure on the opposing tooth that it cracks.

What Could be the Other Causes?

However, it could not just be a crack that’s causing the pain when you bite down or chew on food. Tooth cavity, pulp inflammation and dental abscess could also be the reason behind your difficulty with eating and extreme aching.

You could test if you have a cracked teeth and try to bite upon wet cotton cloths or chew on a piece of burlew wheel. Should you feel the need to ask for professional diagnosis, schedule an appointment with us and we can help you figure out why your tooth hurts.

David Madruga is the premier aesthetic dentist in Marylebone dedicated in providing patients a wonderful dental experience during each visit. Our dental practice focuses on solving your dental problems, no matter how big or small. Contact us today for a better oral health.

Ensuring Success in Dental Implants Through Information

The success rate of dental of implants depends on various factors. In most cases, they have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care, implants can provide lifelong satisfaction.

implant dentist in marylebone Each year, specialists throughout the UK perform about 10,000 implant procedures on the lower gum, particularly in patients over 65.

Dental implants bring a range of advantages, but perhaps, the most striking one is improved stability. Despite a fairly positive reputation, dental implants are far from being common.

Under the right circumstances, implants can effectively replace missing teeth and offer satisfying results. Likewise, if not taken care of properly, they can lead to certain problems.

The danger of peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a bacterial infection affecting the tissues around the implant and is one of the leading complications. This infection can result in inflammation in milder cases and jaw bone loss in severe ones.

Fortunately, the inflammation is treatable if addressed immediately. If the infection advances, the bone will deteriorate and weaken the support for the implant. In severe cases, the bone is lost permanently.

The importance of consultation

Most, if not all, failed cases have stemmed from lack of knowledge.

Most of the patients who reported complications did not have sufficient knowledge on how the implant works, while some dentists do not put enough stress on the most critical areas. A combined lapse of the patient and dentist can bring about unidentified risks.

Right from the start, our own specialist gives patients all the information they need regarding implants: suitability, risks, proper care. Although often undermined, informative consultations are essential to the success of the implants.

Crucial points to remember

Bacterial infection can be a direct result of poor dental hygiene. To prevent complication, you must clean and maintain your implants as you would your natural teeth and gums.

If you notice deterioration of the implant or any inflammation in the gums, act immediately and consult your implant dentist in Marylebone so they can address the problem as soon as possible.

Implant dentistry has built a positive reputation for producing numerous successful cases. On your part, avoid being one of the few failed cases and do some research to understand the risks. Even better, talk to your dentist.

For more information about the dental implants we offer, contact David Madruga today.

The Repercussions of a Bad Bite

People who have an overbite or underbite usually become a laughingstock. In reality, bad bite is not a laughing matter. It does not only affect a person’s self-esteem, but also their total wellbeing.

bad bite In the dental parlance, malocclusion is the term for the improper alignment of teeth and jaws. While some people can shrug this off, this dental problem brings with it some serious effects on the body if left untreated.

Tooth Pain

As the teeth are not properly aligned, the distribution of pressure and stress brought about by the mouth’s mechanical action will be uneven. And this usually leads to tooth pain. If not corrected immediately, the working forces may wear the teeth and make them loose and sensitive.

Muscular Pain

Malocclusion somehow distorts the facial muscles. Crooked teeth cannot efficiently support the muscles that are used for chewing and swallowing. In turn, these muscles have to double their work to carry out the said functions. This leads to stress and causes pains in the joints and jaws. It may even cause migraines.

Airway Problems

The incorrect dental alignment causes the teeth to consume more space than they should. With this setup, the tongue may have to retreat as it cannot rest where it should. The tongue runs the risk of resting back in the mouth, which in turn affects the flow of air.

Posture Problems

When you have a bad bite, chances are your jaw joints are not properly aligned with the other joints in the body. If you have a malocclusion, you may find it difficult to close your jaws properly. The rest of the body compensates for this setup. You are unconsciously leaning forward to realign the joints and the bones. This is what causes neck and shoulder pains.

Normally, bad bites are a result of habits, such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing. They can also be attributed to physical traumas.

Fortunately, our qualified dentist in Marylebone can help you correct this problem. We have a wide range of services that addresses malocclusion. Just visit our other pages and get in touch with our patient service department to learn more about what we do.

The Implant Process

Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth. If you have lost one or more teeth through accident, injury or decay, you may be considering dental implants. If so, the first step on your implant journey is to book a consultation with Dr David Madruga Gonzalez, a highly experienced and fully qualified implant dentist.

dental implants process At our practice we offer two options for initial consultation: you can come here to the clinic, or can start with an e-consultation. Please visit our Your Consultation page for full details.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a bionic tooth root, made from titanium. The implant is placed in the jawbone, where it acts much like a natural tooth root, providing strong and sturdy support for replacement teeth – either crowns, secured dentures or bridges.

My dentist says I’m not suitable for implants – can you help me?

If your teeth have been missing for some time – perhaps you’ve been struggling with unsecured dentures – you may have suffered some bone loss. This is a common consequence of losing teeth. For many patients it is still possible to have dental implants, you may just need a bone graft to rebuild lost bone first. Dr Madruga will assess the state of your bone and if necessary will recommend a bone graft.

What happens next?

If we find you need bone augmentation, this will be the next step on your journey. Sometimes implants can be placed at the same time, other times a healing period is required – this will vary from case to case. When you are ready for implants we will:

Treat any underlying conditions such as gum disease to increase the chances of implant success.
Place your implants in a minor surgical procedure. This is carried out under local anaesthetic or sedation, depending on your needs.

The next step will depend on the type of implants you have. Same Day Teeth involves a fixed provisional bridge being attached at the same appointment, while regular implants involve a healing period of a few months, after which crowns, bridges or dentures are attached.

Dr Madruga will find the best solution for your needs. If you are interested in dental implant treatment, why not book a consultation today to take the first step towards your new smile?

Don’t Take Healthy Teeth for Granted

Healthy and strong teeth do more than just aide in the digestive process of chewing and breaking down food. They are an important part of your appearance, too. Other than simply making you more attractive by conventional standards, a beautiful and healthy smile also allows you to eat and speak with confidence.

implants in marylebone This is why you should not take them for granted. Gum disease, cavities and other repercussions of neglecting oral health can lead to tooth loss, which can compromise your speech and eating habits. When a tooth is lost, the bone that surrounds it can also deteriorate, affecting your bite and appearance.

Advancements in Dentistry

The sad truth, however, is that many are affected by the loss of one or more teeth. Fortunately, the latest advancements in dentistry can help fix your smile and allow you to enjoy and eat foods you have not tasted in years. Dental implants offer foundation of support for artificial teeth, so you can feel confident and comfortable as you eat or flash a smile.

Replace Missing Teeth

If you are missing one or more teeth, implants are perhaps the most ideal option for replacing them. This is because implants have a natural look and feel, and are the most attractive and comfortable replacement for missing teeth. They can replace teeth lost to decay, gum disease or trauma, and even teeth that have been missing since birth.

Improved Quality of Life

The best thing about dental implants is that they distribute chewing forces all throughout the jawbone. This helps minimise the wearing away of the bone when teeth are missing. In fact, patients who have received implants in Marylebone note that they feel a major improvement in the quality of their lives simply because they can chew and smile confidently.

No More Dentures or Bridges

Implants can also address problems associated with dentures and bridges. They will not compromise adjacent teeth to support a bridge, and will restore a more stable and secure bite compared to removable dentures. The success of implants depends on your general health, dental and personal care, as well as commitment to check-ups and follow ups.

Don’t take healthy teeth for granted. Schedule an appointment with David Madruga to learn more about the most advanced implants available for your situation. Browse through our website today and find out more about the natural, most attractive solution for confident living.

Dental Implants: Are You a Good Candidate?

Dental implantology is one of the most remarkable advancements in dentistry in the last couple of years. In fact, it has become the gold standard for tooth replacement—and for very good reasons. This procedure, which involves the surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, provides a wealth of benefits like improved comfort, confidence and improved overall oral health.

In addition, because dental implants replace the root of the tooth in addition to the tooth itself, they are considered the most long-lasting solution for missing teeth.

The question is, what makes a person an ideal candidate for the procedure?

Almost Anyone is a Good Candidate

To put it simply, any person who has lost one or more teeth or even a part of the jawbone is a good candidate for dental implants. This includes patients who have congenitally missing teeth (those who have missing teeth since birth).

Nearly anyone, young or old, is a good candidate as well, as long as their jaw has finished developing and that they are in good health.

Thorough Examination of Patient’s Current Oral Condition

Perhaps the best way to determine if an individual is an ideal candidate for implants is through a mouth X-ray and possibly a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This will help dentists identify the areas of bone loss, as bone density is the most important criteria for getting a dental implant. Dentists must identify whether the patient has sufficient bone structure in the jaw to accommodate the implant.

During the patient’s initial consultation, the dentists will say whether a bone graft is necessary before undergoing the dental implant procedure.

Apart from the tests, implant dentists also need to do a thorough medical evaluation, as overall health and history also play a big role on how well the implant will fuse to the bone.

Patients with Lower Success Rates

Not all patients, however, have high success rates for a dental implant. Uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, cancer, alcoholism and poorly controlled gum disease are risk factors that can negatively affect the results.

Patients, fortunately, can still have a high success rate if they have only one of these diseases.

When you work with David Madruga, he will thoroughly assess your situation and work with you to know whether dental implants are a good option for your teeth. If not, there is no need to worry—because he also provides bridges to fill in the gaps.

Call today for an initial consultation, and watch your teeth—and life—change for the better.

What Happens When Gaps Stay in The Teeth?

Many dentists advise their patients right after tooth extraction to have something to fill the gap, and for good reason. Gaps in the teeth may cause serious consequences to overall wellbeing in the long run. If left untreated, it may affect a person’s health and appearance.

Long-term impacts of Teeth Gaps

When people have an incomplete set of teeth, they will have a hard time brushing or flossing between the gaps. This increases the likelihood of bacterial growth and infection among the remaining teeth. Poor oral health maintenance due to the gaps may cause dental caries, gum disease and other oral problems as a result.

By getting oral diseases again, patients put themselves at risk of experiencing sensitive, loose teeth, which will eventually lead to tooth loss. The cycle continues if patients cannot conduct proper oral hygiene due to the gaps.

The more teeth patients lose, the more likely they will develop premature aging as well. Facial bones and muscles need stimulation from the teeth to stay in shape. When a tooth is lost, the alveolar bone deteriorates along with the external width, height, and volume of the bone. This causes the gum tissues as well as the surrounding bones and muscles to deteriorate, resulting in facial collapse.

Prevention and Treatment

Teeth gaps may cause dire consequences if left untreated, which is why dentists highlight the importance of filling them as soon as possible. They highly recommend that patients undergo dental treatments quickly to avoid oral problems and other effects of teeth gaps.

Veneers and bonding help close small gaps and improve the teeth’s overall appearance at the same time. Dental implants, crowns and bridges replace missing teeth, which will help delay bone loss and premature aging.

Filling the Gaps Through Cosmetic Dentistry

Gap-toothed grins are not something people can ignore, not when it means a permanent blight on their appearance, confidence, lifestyle and opportunities in life. It is important for patients to fill the gaps right before these become a real problem.

David Madruga is the person to call when it comes to teeth gaps. He offers a range of dental treatments that will help improve the teeth’s health, appearance and function. He is committed to changing lives by transforming smiles.

Click here for more information on David Madruga.

Dentists Hate Coffee (For Their Patients, At Least)

A cup of coffee in the morning provides people with an energy boost. But, more than that, recent studies suggest that caffeine may have a number of health benefits such as decreasing the risks of liver disease and cancer, protecting against Parkinson’s disease and helping prevent diabetes.

The Leading Cause of Teeth Stain

teeth stain and anxiety In spite of these health benefits, dental practitioners cannot seem to look at this beverage in a positive manner. Nobody can blame dentists for disliking coffee, as it is one of the evident causes of teeth stains. A majority of patients who go to the dentists for whitening mentions that they drink at least a cup daily.

Caffeinated drinks can leave stains behind the teeth, causing them to turn yellow or unsightly brown. But, aside from staining, dentists also cite coffee as an instigator of enamel damage and teeth clenching. Studies relate that large consumptions of coffee degrade the enamel, which helps keep the teeth strong and healthy. Likewise, it induces the inability to sleep well – a main cause of teeth gritting.

Teeth discolouration is more common among heavy coffee drinkers. As it is difficult to persuade patients to stop drinking coffee altogether, dentists recommend avoiding or lessening the amount of creamer and sugar because these only speed up the growth of the bacteria that cause stains.

Instigator of Anxiety Attacks

Another reason every dentist has no love for coffee is the fact that it causes anxiety attacks. Not for them, of course, but for their patients. Some dental treatments take more time, as the practitioners have to wait for patients to settle down. There are also cases wherein people back out from an appointment because they cannot overcome their fear of the dentist, the equipment and the ambiance of the office.

Dental phobias are common for people who have had a traumatic experience in the past. This is very much understandable on the part of the practitioners. But, some patients get anxiety attacks not because of recollecting distressing occurrences, but because they consume too much coffee.

Dental anxiety is one of the principal factors that make treatments more difficult to carry out for many practitioners. To address this problem, David Madruga offers treatment under conscious sedation for nervous patients. This solution substantially lessens the possibility of stimulating fear during procedures, preventing the development of dental phobia. Contact us today for an outline of the available options.

Dental Bonding Aftercare: What to Do and What Not to Do

Dental bonding is an ideal solution for broken, chipped and stained teeth because it costs less, does not usually need to use anaesthesia and only needs a single visit that lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Many patients in London have visited my practice for this treatment alone, so I guess it is time to talk about what you should and should not do after having your teeth bonded.

Does Your Teeth Need Special Aftercare?

dental bonding Bonded teeth do not need special aftercare. The tooth-coloured composite bonds well with the teeth, although they are more fragile than natural teeth. All you have to do is maintain good oral hygiene—brush your teeth three times per day, floss at least once a day, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash and visit the dentist for check-ups every three to six months. Drinking plenty of water after meals helps remove food particles and minimise the acidity levels in your mouth, as well.

How Can You Take Care of Your Bonded Teeth?

The bonding material used on your teeth can last up to 10 years, but this depends on how you promote a healthy oral hygiene. Do not bite your nails, use your teeth to open packaging or chew on anything hard, like ice, candy, beef jerky and crunchy food and snacks. These can put your teeth under stress, making them prone to fracture.

Cut down on food and beverages that can stain your teeth and wear down the bonding material. These include coffee, tea, red wine, fruit juices, soft drinks, berries (blackberry, blueberry and cherries), soy sauce and curry. Stop (or at least cut down on) smoking because this can cause yellow and brown stains on the composite, affecting the appearance of your front teeth.

The dental practice of David Madruga aims to help patients achieve a beautiful-looking smile. Contact us today to book an appointment.

Love For Vino or Whiter Teeth?

There is nothing better than a glass of wine to cap off the day. You open the cabinet and see two options: red or white wine. Rather than settle for the red, you choose white because facing the morning with stained teeth is not an option.

whiter teeth But if you think you are doing your teeth a favour by drinking white, think again. A study from the New York University (NYU) reveals that your whiter option might simply be the lesser of two evils.

Why Not White? Study Reveals Reason

Researchers from NYU compared the staining effect of white and red wine by submerging cow teeth in both for an hour. This mimics the effect of sipping a couple glasses of wine over dinner or before the night ends. After an hour, they soaked the teeth in black tea.

With the help of a spectrophotometer (device used to measure colour intensity), researchers discovered that red wine left the deepest stains. However, a more interesting result revealed that white was no better. Teeth soaked in white wine displayed significant discolouration compared to tea stains.

Acidic Erosion: The Culprit behind the Stain

The study revealed that the acid found in wines, red or white, creates grooves in your teeth, which allows staining chemicals to penetrate the tooth. White wine is extremely acidic—it slowly erodes your tooth enamel, which worsens staining. Whenever you drink white wine, you leave your pearly whites vulnerable to stains caused by food, coffee and tea.

Love Your Wine, Love Your Teeth

Sometimes, it is hard to resist the temptation of wine. If you love your vino and wish to protect your teeth, there are ways to slow down the erosion and discolouration. For example, refrain from rolling wine over your tongue to prevent spreading the acids on teeth. Rinse your mouth with a glass of water to neutralise the mouth.

Also, hold off brushing your teeth. Your toothpaste’s abrasive speeds up the damaging process brought about by the wine’s acidic content. Wait at least 30 minutes or an hour before you brush your teeth after drinking wine.

For a whiter smile despite your love of wine, professional teeth whitening also helps. Dr David Madruga’s cosmetic dental procedures can restore your pearly whites for a winning smile. Book an appointment with us now and keep enjoying your favoured glass of wine.