Will Invisible Braces be Suitable for my Overlapping Teeth?

January 8th, 2015
Q.

Hi Dr Hughes. I’m 56 years old and have just over the last few years noticed that my teeth are starting to overlap. I think it is my incisors on both sides, although one side is worse than the other. I really need some advice please. I am wanting to know if you think having cosmetic surgery will be a better solution for me due to my age, or will the invisible braces be more suitable for me? Please get back to me soon, thanks for your help.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

I’ve Swallowed the Cover of my Dental Implant, Will it Cause Harm?

December 15th, 2014
Q.

Hi Mark. The cover for one of my dental implants came off while I was eating and I swallowed it. I am frightened it will cause damage to my stomach or intestines. What do you suggest? This is the second time it has come off, but the first time it just plopped onto my tongue while talking on phone. The dentist I use is awesome but as fate would have it, this is the weekend so the clinic is closed. I got the screws placed about one month ago on the back upper tooth on the right. I have two dental screws on the upper left back and so far have had no trouble with them. Thank you for your time.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

What Methods are Available to Save a Tooth, Other Than Root Canal Treatment?

December 12th, 2014
Q.

Hi Mark,

I have just been to see a new dentist today, who preaches non-amalgam fillings which is something I value as I am into alternative medicine.
He has advised me to have a root canal, which I am rather sceptical about. I have done a lot of reading from Weston A Price’s findings over the years and he strongly doesn’t advocate a root canal as in essence the tooth is left dead. He mentions that, even though the main canal is treated and sterilised, all the other tubes and canals are close to impossible to sterilise in the one sitting a dentist would perform in a standard ‘root canal’ treatment. Therefore, when the procedure is performed and the tooth is left dead, it can harbour all types of bacteria, presenting multiple diseases and problems to the body.
My question would be, do you advocate any other form of treatment (i.e. ozone injections) that could potentially save the tooth? Or would you agree with extraction? If so, as I value my teeth, I wouldn’t feel overly comfortable in having a missing tooth. What could be done then, if an extraction was to take place? Implant? Bridge? Would these be free of metal? Thanks in advance.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

I Have Wobbly Front Teeth, and am Afraid of the Dentist. What Should I Do?

December 12th, 2014
Q.

Hello Dr Hughes. My front teeth wobble just a little bit, but on the top of one of them the tooth is a little bit black. I brush my teeth every day I am worried that I will loose my front teeth. I am already extremely paranoid about them and don’t smile at all. I am currently pregnant, and only 23, so I certainly don’t want to loose my teeth. Please can you help?. Also, my front teeth stick out a little. I need help, I have lost quiet a few of my back teeth and I’m really scared of the dentist. Thank you. 


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

Would Veneers be the Best Treatment for my Darkened Tooth?

December 9th, 2014
Q.

Hi Dr Hughes. I had root canal treatment on one of my front teeth over 5 years ago, and it has now got very dark/black. I have been very self-conscious about this and think a veneer on this tooth may be the best option? I am aware that the tooth is dead and the last time I had the root canal treatment they gave me a gum shield with liquid in it to whiten the tooth, but now it has got very dark and has been for last 2/3 years. I am aware of the costs and would be willing to pay it, could you give me advice please? Thank you.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

How Can I Stop My Tooth From Chipping Even More?

December 9th, 2014
Q.

Hi Mark. My right front tooth has been chipping away for a few years now, it started very small, not noticeable at all. A few days ago I notice a slightly bigger chip in the middle of the tooth. I can feel my tooth is very thin and quite weak in that area. I am just wondering if there is anything I can do to improve the look of it, or prevent it from chipping even more. I was thinking maybe to get my two front teeth filed down to match? Is this an option? I asked my dentist about this years ago but he said its nothing to worry about, just try not to drink sugary fluids. Please let me know my options. I am looking for prevention and a long term fix. Thanks for reading.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

What Should I Do About My Gingivitis?

December 2nd, 2014
Q.

Hi Dr Hughes. I have severe gingivitis and it’s extremely painful. It flares up at least once a month, and I now have loose teeth but my dentist refuses to take my teeth out. I’ve had composite fillings along the gum line and the nerves were being affected. I keep my mouth and gums as clean as I can, gently brushing approximately five times a day and using Corsodyl mouthwash. My teeth are also crooked and stained, and the pain in my whole face is becoming unbearable, it is affecting my life in a big way. What can I do? Thank you. 


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

I Have a Lump in my Mouth and Nerve Pain in my Jaw. What Should I Do?

November 27th, 2014
Q.

I am very worried. I have had a nerve pain in my top jaw for around two years now and nothing can stop the pain. It doesn’t affect my teeth when I’m eating or drinking, but it hurts to touch, and on the right side under my nose it feels numb. A lump has been there now for around two months and it is getting bigger to the point that I am now stressed, can’t sleep well and I m not sure if it’s something sinister. Last week, my crown fell out and my dentist cemented it back in for me. I pointed out the lump and he said it’s nothing, but he had an emergency patient to deal with so I felt he wasn’t really looking. I can’t get back to see him until 12th December. However I don’t think that I can last that long and I’m not sure what to do next?
If you could advise please that would be great. Many thanks. 


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

What are my Options for Broken and Damaged Teeth?

November 24th, 2014
Q.

Hello Dr Hughes. I had a major problem in my younger days, as I had a fear of the dentist.  This led me to actually not take proper care of my gums, and as a result a few of my teeth have fallen out. Most of my teeth have been damaged/broken from high impact sports that I used to do such as MMA, American football etc.  My question is, what are my options? My teeth now need to be replaced at the front, and the back teeth that are damaged and loose from impact injury. Also, how much is likely to cost me if I were to be referred to a private dentist? I’m starting a company and will be looking to finance this as I need to look presentable.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes

I Don’t Want NHS Dentures. What’s the Best Option for Me?

November 24th, 2014
Q.

Hi Mark, I have lost many of my teeth due to a fear of dentists. Many of my teeth have broken and my bottom teeth are starting to fall out. When I run my tongue across my teeth I can feel holes. As for the teeth on my left side, some seem OK and I know dentists wont remove healthy teeth. I have heard horrid tales about how dentists remove broken teeth which makes my fear even worse. My cheeks are starting to sink in and I do get a lot of pain. I would like to have a lovely smile again and laugh but when I do, the thought of anyone seeing inside my mouth totally embarrasses me. My problem just seems to be getting worse. I don’t want NHS dentures, I would like some that blend in with my gums and look as natural as can be. I don’t want to drop them in a glass at night. Have you any ideas for me? Thanks.


Dr Mark Hughes Harley Street Dental Studio 52 Harley Street, London W1G 9PY Web: www.harleystreetdentalstudio.com Tel: 020 7636 5981 View My Profile Dr Hughes