The courses available at Windsor Centre include:

An intensive 6-day (1 day per month) modular dental course in Contemporary Aesthetic, Restorative & Implant Dentistry aimed at professional dentists who aspire for excellence in restorative dentistry.

This course details the current concepts in inter-disciplinary aesthetic & restorative dentistry on both teeth and dental implants. Illustrated by dentistry of exceptional quality, participants have the opportunity to learn from a clinician of outstanding expertise and experience.

The 3-day Masterclass in Implant & Aesthetic Dentistry – Surgical & Prosthetic keys to success is a 3 day intensive surgical & prosthetic masterclass with hands-on soft tissue and grafting surgery on pig’s heads.

This 3 day dental course will detail the current surgical and prosthetic concepts in implant dentistry for achieving optimal and predictable aesthetic outcomes ranging across the full spectrum of implant dentistry. Illustrated by dentistry of exceptional quality, participants have the opportunity to learn from a world renowned clinician of outstanding expertise and experience.

Tidu Mankoo also takes his courses and lectures all over the world to different countries including:

• USA
• Turkey
• Germany
• Spain
• India
• Brazil
• China
• Australia
• Switzerland
• France
• Italy
• Ireland

To name only a few!

The insights that can be gained from these courses and lectures for dental practitioners are many. The list of different topics covered is incredibly diverse and detailed. A list of the topics covered between these courses includes:

• Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
• Aesthetics
• Occlusion
• Case Assessment, Treatment Planning & Case Presentation
• Bone augmentation, grafting and site development
• Soft tissue management, grafting, connective tissue grafts
• Current concepts in abutment design and materials
• Prosthetic management
• Current concepts in crown & bridgework design and materials
• Plastic periodontal surgery
• Root coverage, crown lengthening and ridge augmentation
• Single tooth restorations in healed sites
• Single tooth restorations in immediate extraction sites
• Multiple tooth restoration in healed sites
• Multiple tooth restoration in immediate replacement
• Immediate implants
• Immediate provisionalisation
• Immediate loading
• Occlusal management
• Management of complications

The exemplary standards of Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry can be seen through these courses and the quality of work highlighted in the areas of:

• Dental implant surgery
• Teeth veneers/porcelain veneers
• Dental bridge work
• Full mouth restoration

The list is practically endless. If you would like to know more about the courses available from Windsor Centre led by Tidu Mankoo please Contact Us or read more HERE.

If you have a fear of the dentist it may be comforting to know that you are not alone. It may also help to know that there are a range of fears that people have when it comes to a visit to the dentist. There are many dental treatments and procedures that are implemented for patients depending on their specific needs. Possible solutions and treatments can include (but are not limited to):

• Endodontic surgery
• Dental Implant surgery
• Porcelain veneers
• Orthodontic treatment
• Periodontal disease treatment
• Bridgework on teeth
• Cosmetic dentistry solutions
• Tooth replacement

These are only a handful of the general procedures and treatments that may be recommended or required by a dentist. But some people cannot even get to this stage where their dental problems can be resolved because of their phobias.

Here is a list of common problems and what can be done to help a patient to overcome those fears. Many dental fears actually stem from previous dental visits with dentist who may not have appreciated that a good chairside manner can help patients to relax and feel comfortable.

• I’m scared the treatment will be painful.

Many people respond to pain and discomfort differently and for many just being able to talk  about a procedure makes them more able to cope with things. A good dentist should always  be responsive to patient discomfort and as a patient you should never fear embarrassed by letting the dentist know that you are in excessive discomfort.

• I’m worried about the dental instruments and the drill.

It often helps if a patient knows what each instrument is for and how it will feel. People can be surprised by the feel of a dental tool being used after anaesthetic. The feeling of pressure or scraping can be as uncomfortable as dental pain itself. Unfortunately when it comes to the drill it does sometime need to be used and the sound can be terrifying. Relaxation techniques may help but I would recommend early dental preventive treatment to avoid the drill as much as possible.

• I have a phobia of dental injections and/or needles more generally.

When it comes to needles and anaesthetics nobody likes them. As a dentist we should always try to consider that for some patients the needle can be harder to deal with than the rest of the dental procedure. Many dentists find that if they try to administer the anaesthetic swiftly and confidently then the patient reacts better also a numbing gel can be used to offset the discomfort from the needle.

• I’m scared of what a dentist will say about my teeth and my oral hygiene, and the humiliation I will feel.

Rest assured that nobody is here to judge anyone and that as a dentist our only motivation is to repair any damage and help prevent any further damage.

• I’m scared that the dentist will treat me as a set of teeth, not as a person, and will be cold and uncaring.

Our advice on this problem would be to make sure you go and meet with any dentist that you are considering and see if they take the time to get to know you and if that they seem the right dentist for you. If you find that a dentist just views you as a set of teeth then you should look to change your dentist.

Overall, you should always try to find a dentist that will understand your fears and take the time to explain anything that you are unsure about. A good Dentist will always work at your pace and accommodate any problems you may have. As always we recommend visiting the dentist sooner rather than later as this can help prevent any major procedure’s.

For more information on Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry‘s treatments and for general advice please Contact Us.

Research published in the British Dental Journal found that more than one in eight youngsters were consuming 22 cans of cola every week, with a further one in ten drinking high levels of other carbonated drinks.

With a rise of 135% in the consumption of carbonated soft drinks between 1977 – 2001  we are finding that our modern eating habits are wreaking havoc upon out dental enamel.

The early signs of acid erosion include:

A change in tooth colour. This can be noticed either as a transparent cutting edge of a tooth or as a yellowish tint to the teeth.

The teeth will appear to be broad and round and the gaps between the teeth will become larger.

There can be pain when eating hot, cold or sweet foods. This is due to the enamel having been eroded away exposing the sensitive dentin.

Any fillings can seem to be lifting out of the tooth, due to the surrounding tooth  eroding away.

The most severe sign of acid erosion is cracking.

Dental erosion has been named as the most common chronic disease between children aged between 5 – 17 so it is imperative to teach our children the effects of acid erosion early in their lives

While a parent has control upon their child’s eating habits they must encourage good habits that may protect their teeth in future years.

One simple method to reduce acid erosion is to rinse the mouth with water after a meal, this can neutralise the pH in the mouth and reduce the effects of the acid.

Other preventative measures are of course to reduce the intake of acidic drinks. This can improve overall dental health with the reduction in sugars and acids and help prevent other health issues such as childhood obesity.

Drinking milk, eating other dairy products, drinking through a straw can also help to reduce acid erosion.

Any use of toddler cups with lids should never be used with carbonated or high-sugar drinks as they can lead to catastrophic results on young teeth.

Although acid erosion is often due to exterior influences such as food and drink it can often be a result of an underlying medical condition such as bulimia. Regular vommitting can cause the stomach acids to have the same erosive effect on the teeth.

Whilst regular brushing is vitally important brushing immediately after an acid attack can further erode teeth. The acid acts to soften the enamel of the teeth and brushing while this is the case can lead to the enamel being literally brushed away. It is advised that you should wait at least half an hour after eating or drinking to prevent this.

Most importantly we have to be aware that what we eat and drink can have a long lasting effect on our smile and making a few choices in our lifestyle can help protect your teeth for years to come.

The treatments available at Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry are substantial. The areas covered are:

• Dental Implants
• Restorative Dentistry
• Aesthetic Dentistry
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Orthodontics
• Endodontics

For more information please Contact Us.

The advances in the types of technology used in dentistry today are providing options for people to keep and maintain a healthy set of teeth well into later life. Dental care for the elderly tends to focus more on restoration rather than the prevention. Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry investigates…

The aging process does present its own set of problems when it comes to oral hygiene and dental care. As you get older you become more susceptible to oral disease. Common problems that come about are things like:

• Root decay – this is caused by receding gum lines exposing the roots of the teeth to bacteria and decay.

• Dry mouth – this occurs due to a reduction in the amount of saliva produced and can be a very common complaint amongst OAP’s. Sometimes it is a side-effect induced of medication being taken. Always check the side-effects of any medication prescribed with a doctor.

• Tooth loss/Gum disease – as we age we do tend to suffer with tooth loss (a combination of many of the above factors). Major contributors to this can range from poorly fitted dentures, unhealthy eating habits, those that suffer from diabetes or cancer, general poor oral hygiene and the use of tobacco products.

• Darkened teeth – it is only natural that after decades of drinking and eating that the teeth are affected in this way, especially if the consumption includes stain inducing liquids. The dentin is a tissue that is beneath the tooth enamel and this can also eventually cause darkened teeth.

So what are the ways in which these conditions can be treated effectively for the elderly?

Regular dental examinations for the elderly are a must. This is mostly down to the fact that the more consistent and frequent the visits to the dentist are, the more chance there is of catching any infections or diseases before they spread or worsen. During an examination by your dental practitioner you will find that a thorough check-up will be carried out.

We always come back to the point about making your regular trips to the dentist. The importance of this must be constantly reiterated. People in the UK are particularly bad for following up on arranged appointments and check-ups. Just because you get older does not mean dental care should be neglected.

Here is a checklist for the elderly regarding an oral hygiene routine:

• A normal brushing and flossing routine every morning and evening (the standard twice-a-day should suffice).
• Partial or full dentures should be cleaned thoroughly every morning. Avoid sleeping with the dentures in at night.
• Always check to make sure there are no food traces or partial bits of debris left on them. This can contribute to gum disease.
• If you have dental implants, porcelain teeth veneers or dental bridgework then regular trips to your dental practitioner will be order to check that everything is in order and that the dental work is holding up.

For more information on dental implant treatments, dental bridge work or porcelain veneers please contact us.

Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry has a wealth of experience in the areas of dental implant treatments and tooth replacements plus many more areas of the dentistry spectrum, and while we don’t specialise in children’s dentistry specifically, we felt it was important to address the issues of early tooth growth and create a guide for parents to help them get to grips with their child’s dental health.

From an early age establishing cleaning their teeth in the morning and before bed is very important and helps them to adjust to making this a daily activity. If they start too late, they will find it difficult to adjust to the routine later on, so start early!

Children’s teeth start to develop before birth. There are two sets of teeth: milk teeth (also known as baby teeth) and permanent teeth.

The first set – milk teeth

In the beginning, a child will have around 20 milk teeth grow through the gums within roughly six months. By the time a child reaches three years old they should have all of their milk teeth although some growth in children will vary. The milk teeth are essentially the training wheels of the mouth that help a child to eat and speak. Their main purpose beyond the obvious biological necessities is that this stage is important for the development of permanent teeth.

The second set – permanent teeth

Once a child reaches the age range of 5-7 their permanent teeth start to grow through and by the time a child reaches adolescence most of these teeth will have erupted. Generally, adults have up to 32 permanent teeth.

The last set – wisdom teeth

The last stage of tooth growth comes with the arrival of wisdom teeth, which erupt between the ages of 17 to 25.

It’s natural for milk teeth to fall out, but it is their permanent teeth that need protection and quality care. Regular trips to the dentist are a must so that a practitioner can check the progress. Tooth decay and dental erosion are two preventable causes of damage to children’s teeth that can be combated through a strict follow-up to the dentist every three to six months.

Children are still at risk of tooth decay and dental erosion regardless of age. Lots of children’s food and drink contains acids that can gradually ware away the surface of teeth. These acids usually come from drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes – even the sugar-free varieties. Due to the fact these drinks are so popular over half of all five-year-olds in the UK have some dental erosion.

Help to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay and dental erosion:

• Take your child for regular visits to the dentist
• Regulate their diet so they cut out all the acidy foods and drinks
• Encourage a rigid brushing routine with at least 1,000ppm fluoride toothpaste

Thanks for reading.

For more information about our own dental treatments here at Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry please contact us.

So, what exactly defines an infection in the mouth?

An infection, or more to the point, an infection affecting your teeth and gums, can be characterised by abacterial infection at the center of the tooth or between the gums and tooth that produces pus and discharge. This pus is mainly constituted of live bacteria and dead tissue.

This is an incredibly common condition that is encountered in the dentistry profession quite regularly. For the person suffering with the infection it can be very uncomfortable, if not extremely agonising.  Infections need to be treated, the sooner the better! Without treatment this infection becomes trapped with no place to drain out and that leads to an abscess forming. The pus soon accumulates and once pressure begins to be put on the tissue the abscess starts to hurt. A lot.

If infection spreads it can cause not just internal problems but very noticeable external ones such as swelling in the face and lower jaw. If the abscess continues to go untreated then it can rupture, lessening the pain, but remaining infectious and harmful to your oral health. Symptoms of infection might not make themselves apparent for some time, years even, which is why it is so important to get check-ups with your dentist.

What are the symptoms of tooth infection?

A major sign of any tooth problems is a toothache that is severe and just won’t go away. If there is a throbbing pain or sharp pain then that’s a strong indication of infection.

Other common symptoms may include:

• Raised temperature/fever
• Discomfort or pain when chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath
• Swelling neck glands
• Reddening gums
• Swollen jaw

If you experience a combination of any of the above symptoms it is imperative that you contact a dentist to arrange a check-up as it could be down to an infection that will kill the root of the tooth and only continue to spread and damage more tissue.

What are causes of tooth infection?

Infection between the teeth and gums can occur as a result of tooth decay or when a tooth is chipped or broken. Infection develops in the pulp of the tooth spreading to the root. Periodontal disease is another major cause of abscesses.

When a dental practitioner diagnoses tooth infection a pulp test is performed along with a thorough examination of your mouth plus x-rays if necessary.  This  can help to determine what kind of infection it is the patient is suffering from – periapical abscess or periodontal abscess

A periapical abscess is the type of infection that is from inside the tooth.

A periodontal abscess is an infection which occurs in the bones and surrounding tissues of the tooth.

Both of the infections, if left untreated, can lead to serious dental health issues from sepsis to tooth loss to infection of facial tissue. In severe cases this infection can spread to other areas of the body and result in various health problems. There are a variety of treatments available that can preserve the infected area and teeth. Antibiotics might be able to hep but is unlikely to cure the infected area.

A root canal procedure is often implemented in order to get to the ‘root’ of the problem, if you’ll pardon the pun.

See our sections on dental treatments from restorative dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implant treatments, orthodontics, periodontics and endodontics. For more information please contact us.

Dentistry aims to improve the overall oral health of people through treatments and procedures such as aesthetic dentistry, restorative dentistry and orthodontics. The trouble is; we can only find problems with your teeth if you book your appointments! So our goal in this week’s blog is to help you spot signs that your teeth really need to be looked at so you can book that potentially overdue consultation/appointment.

Let’s start off with the basics…

How do you spot signs that you may be suffering from decay?

Well, toothaches are the start of trouble. If you are suffering from pain or discomfort, this is the first and most telling sign that you need a check-up. Toothaches can be largely attributed to cavities.

So what are cavities?

Cavities are the incisors or molars in your mouth that lead to decay. This decay can take place on the crown of the teeth or in the gap between the teeth. The causes of this are simple; improper or insufficient dental care and hygiene. This is such a common problem that most people in their mid to late twenties and upwards suffers from cavities. It’s amazing that with the ranges of cosmetic and aesthetic treatments available that people do not take more conscious effort to maintain oral health. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle choices, especially what you eat and how often you clean your teeth.

There are an unpleasant variety of cavities that people can suffer from:

• Root cavities are down to receding gum lines leaving parts of your teeth exposed and vulnerable. These exposed roots have no more enamel left and begin to decay. This is a common cause for people of a mature disposition.
• Recurrent decay forms around existing fillings and crowns. These areas have a tendency to accumulate plaque build-up, which leads to the inevitable – nasty decay.
• Coronal cavities is the most common type of decay that occurs in both children and adults. These can be located between teeth or on chewing surfaces. If food gets trapped in these cavities it will accelerate the decaying process.

If these types of cavities are left untreated they can decimate your teeth and kill the delicate nerves at the center of each tooth. What is worse is that decay spreads! This is how infections and abscesses are formed. For anyone who has suffered from this kind of infection will know that the pain can be excruciating. If you let it get as far this, it can only be treated through root canal surgery or tooth extraction.

At the end of the day, if you suspect that you have a cavity or that you are suffering from tooth decay, only a dentist can tell you for sure. You cannot always see a cavity but eventually you will definitely feel it!

Of course, the best answer to this problem is prevention. Brush regularly, at least twice a day. Floss and mouthwash are important prevention techniques that can be used to your benefit. Eat a well balanced diet that cuts out to a certain degree starchy or sugary foods. Contact us for more information or to arrange a consultation if you would like to know more about cosmetic dentistry, treatments and general dentistry in London and in the UK.

Keep your resolutions and make it a positive, healthy start to 2012.

So let’s start with the basics…

If you’re one of those people that is constantly popping in those mints or chewing sticks of gum to shield morning breath, you might find this a handy little guide to help you combat the problems of halitosis.

What causes halitosis?

It’s simple in most cases; poor dental and oral hygiene are the instigating factors here. The most basic dental care can make a big difference. Without a routine of brushing, mouthwash gargling and flossing in the morning, before bed and between meals, bits of food get stuck in and around your gums, tongue and teeth. This food debris begins to decay and once it does your mouth will begin to emit foul odours.

The danger here is that an unclean mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to gum disease, another root cause of bad breath.  Other causes of this most unwanted of symptoms can vary but are easy to detect:

• Smoking and tobacco products are an archenemy of dentistry! They seem to be out to make the job of dental practitioner harder than it has to be. They dry out the mouth causing an increased likelihood of bad breath and lead to a greater risk of developing gum disease and oral cancers.

• Dry mouth can be a naturally occurring problem in some people. When a mouth lacks enough saliva, dead cells can build up, especially during sleep. Hence the expression “bad morning breath.” It’s worth checking if you suffer from dry mouth to make sure that it’s not a problem with the salivary glands.

• Medical problems and underlying health issues not directly related to the mouth can cause bad breath. Infections n the lungs, diabetes, bronchitis gastroesophageal reflux disease plus various other conditions.

• Food consumption is another key factor here. Certain foods are terrible for this sort of thing, especially anything processed. Try to avoid consuming the following in excessive amounts; garlic, onions, cheese, orange juice and fizzy drinks. Just use this as a mantra to live by – if it stinks going in, it’s going to stink coming out!

90% of bad odours come directly from the mouth itself.

How do you beat bad breath then?

We are obvious advocates of UK dentistry and recommending people to ALWAYS use their dentist for check-ups and advice. There are elements within treatments that help to combat problems like halitosis from periodontics to restorative dentistry procedures.

However, there are ways you can attempt to combat the symptoms yourself, or even pre-empt them.

• Avoid those stinky foods and beverages we mentioned above. Include minimising the use of alcohol and cigarettes if applicable. If you are going to snack, eat fruit and vegetables!
• Keep hydrated and keep your mouth salivating by drinking lots of water. A moist mouth is less likely to accumulate odour.
• Get your regular dental checkups and have your mouth cleaned. Sometimes a periodontal cleaning is required or even a more extensive dental treatment.

Windsor Centre for Advanced Dentistry is committed to giving people back their smiles and we hope that our blogs in 2011 helped in some way to advise and guide those looking for some advice.

We’ll see you in the New Year.

Dental implant surgery is an aspect of restorative dentistry and aesthetic dentistry which is considered a highly effective procedure in terms of optimising end results and giving back the person their smile.

What makes Windsor Centre such a special place for dental implant surgery is that Dr. Tidu Mankoo is known around the world as one of the leading experts in the field of implant dentistry. His expertise and unique personal touch adds a whole new dimension to the experience. This unparalleled level of knowledge and professionalism elevates the centre to new heights of expertise.

We work with all aspects of dental implant dentistry involving a variety of treatments and methods including:

• Single tooth implants
• Bridgework
• Full mouth rehabilitations
• Immediate implants

Dental implants at a closer glance…

Dental implants are essentially substitutions for a natural root. Sockets are carefully drilled into the precise location of the missing or damaged tooth. Dental implants are often screwed or tapped into position. The objective of this process is to make the implant as close to the surrounding bone as possible enhancing the overall stability of your teeth. Replacement teeth need to be supported and dental implants usually have internal screws that allow for other components to be fitted such as crowns, dentures or bridges.

This is a process designed to make your teeth last. Dental implant surgery can offer a permanent alternative for lost teeth, diseased or failing teeth, or dentures. Dental implants are a far superior and much more enhanced substitute for dentures

The process of dental implant treatments…

In previous blogs we have addressed the consultation to treatment process involved at our particular practice. We felt that it was worth going over the details in order to give a clear idea of how we view and treat our patients every step of the way.

Step 1. Initial consultation/diagnosis

Step 2. Implant placement operation (healing periods vary between 6 weeks to 6 months).

Step 3. Seven to ten days after the stitches are removed. Several visits within the first month may be necessary to adjust teeth and monitor the healing.

Step 4. Once healed and integrated, the implants should be ready to connect to the teeth.

Step 5. The first teeth fitted to your implants are usually replicas of the intended design. This process leaves time for the gums to mature around the implant before the final teeth are fitted.

Step 6. Three to nine months after the initial procedure, your final teeth are fitted.

Step 7. Regular check-ups and appointments will need to be scheduled to check up on the progress and overall health of your teeth.

Step 8. The ongoing cleaning and maintenance of your teeth should ensure that your smile stays wide and bright.

The goal of this process is to help people achieve healthy, confident and lasting smiles. For more information Contact Us.

For those that share an interest or work within the dentistry field, Dr. Tidu Mankoo will return to the lecture/seminar circuit in the New Year starting in Seattle, USA on 26th January to the 28^th January 2012 where he shall give a lecture to the Seattle Study Club on “Interdisciplinary management of implants in the aesthetic zone: the keys for predictability and success”

It’s not just your weight that you need to watch over the next month! We all know that Christmas week up to the New Year is filled with gatherings, parties, dinners and with these activities comes all sorts of unhealthy indulgences. It’s the excess consumption of bad food and drink that wreaks all sorts of havoc on your health come January. The body takes quite a battering during this period from the consumption of fatty, sweet and greasy foods as well as an increased alcohol intake followed by late nights where forgetful brushing and flossing becomes the norm.

Everybody is often so focused on their weight that they forget about their teeth. In fact, it’s not just the teeth that get mistreated and neglected, it’s also the breath. The thing is; no one really worries about their oral hygiene during this time even though the festive period is where you are around people more than ever!

You’ll be dancing, hugging, kissing under the mistletoe, mingling with friends and family and it will all be within breathing distance! Bad breath and stained teeth are not the best look during this socially busy time. Think about your office Christmas parties, Christmas & New Year’s Eve, all the parties where you may be looking for love or to make a move on that special someone yet you are sabotaged by your unbridled diet and its consequences on your mouth.

Did you know that according to surveys – bad teeth and bad breath are two of the biggest turn-offs when it comes to first kisses? Fresh breath is an absolute must.

So what can you do to prepare accordingly and still enjoy yourself?

Eating the Christmas roast on Christmas Day is a very balanced meal and provides the right mix of meat and vegetables, so it’s not really where the problems lie. The real issue of festive food and drink is what people eat and drink around the big meal over the course of Christmas week. There are always the inevitable lashings of sweets, chocolates, pastries, cakes and confectionaries that are consumed wholesale like there’s no tomorrow. And it is the portions and overeating that lead to weight gain and can affect your overall dental health. Wines, beers, spirits and assorted alcoholic beverages flow like rivers pretty much everywhere you go which leads to bad morning breath and drunken lapses in regular brushing routines before bed so the cause of bad breath and yellow-stained teeth has no way of being adequately prevented.

You must brush, preferably after big meals too, with an addition of mouthwash that contains fluoride and chewing gum in moderation is always a good option for freshening breath. Most of bad breath comes from the tongue and the back of the throat (sometimes even the tonsils) so you need to employ the use of things like tongue scrapers, breath fresheners and a trip to the dentist to combat the problem.

Bad digestion, poor diet, excess alcohol consumption, gum disease are major causes for bad breath, and at Christmas, with the way we eat and how many bad things we consume to excess, it’s no wonder it can be hard to grab a kiss under that mistletoe sometimes.

There are a number of treatments designed to fight off these symptoms and oral hygiene issues from aesthetic dentistry to periodontics.

For more information on these treatments Contact Us or browse our site for further details. We will be addressing the issues of bad breath in a blog coming soon with more ways on how to fight against it.