It’s A Bit Scabby

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

It’s A Bit Scabby

Hello again, I hope you are well and had a great start to 2019.  It’s only just into the New Year and this dental anorak has already been on a course and given a talk about Dental Mavericks.  I had a lovely reception by a group of nice ladies who gave a  donation to our Charity.  It was a bit different as it was in a pub.  It felt like they turned the TV up louder and then somebody started playing pool. Anyway, I just had to talk a bit louder! It was a good gig with a great crowd. Thanks for the invite ladies and thanks ever so much for the donation!

So, What’s A Bit Scabby?

Fibrin, that’s what.  You know when you have a cut or a graze and get a scab and then have a bath or a shower and get it wet and it goes yellow?  Well that’s fibrin.  It is a protein that acts as a mesh scaffold or a matrix for healing.

A few months ago I was banging on about stem cells and how they are used in medicine and surgery to promote healing and how we are using them in our practice by taking blood and spinning in a special machine to utilise them.  The other thing we get is something called Platelet Rich Fibrin or PRF. This stuff acts a scaffold for healing but it also contains more concentrated ingredients such as growth factors and stem cells.

A Bit Of A Head Start

There are many different growth factors.  Some of the most important stimulate the ingrowth of blood vessels.  This is called Angiogenesis.  Angio = blood vessel as in angiogram.  Genesis = the origin or mode of formation of something, in our case new growth.  Angiogenesis is vitally important as blood vessels carry oxygen and that is what is needed for sustained life within the tissues.  Other growth factors stimulate fibroblasts.  Fibroblasts are cells that lay down collagen, which can then be transformed to bone or connective tissue.

Having these more concentrated ingredients for healing can give up to 2 weeks head  start on bone formation after a tooth extraction.  There are also more white blood cells to help prevent infection. All really clever stuff don’t you think. It works very well in dental implant therapy in particular but is not limited to that.

Back From An Adventure Of A Lifetime

I mentioned last time how my son, Edward was off to Peru and then returning to work with us in February.  He’s not back as I write but seems to be having a blast.  He has been making friends!

Having A Ball

Next week is the Dental Mavericks Ball when we aim to raise some money to continue our humanitarian work in Morocco and in Lebanon.  The theme is Peaky Blinders meets Great Gatsby so it should be fun with many a Flapper.

Until next time.  Take care and be good.  Here’s to making a difference.

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 26 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’
Humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk

Here’s To Bright New Year

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

Here’s To Bright New Year

Hello again, I hope you are well and had a fantastic Christmas.  

Branfield And Son

I am a proud Dad and I’m excited that my son, Edward, will be coming back to join the team at Castle Park Dental Care.  This time, though, it will be as a Dental Therapist, so he will be a clinician.  I know he will be great.  Before he joins us he’s off to Peru for some jungle trekking and climbing Machu Picchu.  I hope he gets back in one piece.  He will be coming with me to Morocco with Dental Maverick’s Charity to do some humanitarian work later in the year.  He has been before as nurse a few times.  That’s what cemented his decision to be a Dental Therapist.  Branfield and Son, eh.

What’s So Bright Then?

Well, I was reflecting on 2018 and what have been my clinical highlights and successes.  The thing that stands out the most as the brightest is…….wait for it….treating snoring with my laser.  Oh I can hear the groans.

Yes, this works like magic.  Using the laser without contact or any cutting or surgery, shrinking back the soft palate to open up the airway to improve breathing 24/7 and stop snoring.  The success rates and positive feedback of the results have been incredible.  No need to sleep in the spare room any more, no  more grief and sore ribs.  I love the life changing stuff and this is the real deal on that score.  Treating snoring with surgery is horrible, often very, very painful and may not work.  It has been removed from NHS services after a NICE review.  I have invested about £200,000 in lasers all together because I knew that it was the best way to treat all sorts of things and help the body heal itself on a cellular level.  I’m very proud of that.   So I’ll continue shine the light in 2019.  Ooh, more groans I feel.  

Getting Even Greener

We have a Green Achiever Certificate because we try where we can to be green and environmentally conscious within the practice.  It’s a tricky thing with all the consumables we have to use.  We have a water dispenser in the lounge area and we have been looking for a more green solution to plastic throw away cups.  We looked at paper but most of these have a plastic inner bit which means that are not recyclable or completely biodegradable.  

Anyway we’ve found some biodegradable “plastic” cups now.  I do hope that they do what say on the tin so to speak.  I have a collapsible coffee mug that I take round with me so tat I don’t need a cup from the coffee shop.  It fits in my pocket!  I even got my Life one for Christmas.  Last of the big spenders, eh.  Lucky woman I here you say.

Until next time.   Take care and be good.  Have a great 2019.  Here’s to making a difference.

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 26 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ Humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk

Stand Up To The Big C

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

Stand Up To The Big C

Hello again, I hope you are well.  Another busy month on the onward quest for better.  Been to Manchester, Cambridge University and Birmingham this month looking at updates on a myriad of subjects from osseo-densification to 3D imaging.  Knowledge is King and every little bit of extra can make a big difference at times.  That’s why it never stops.  Making a difference is the buzz.

Standing Up To The Big C Then

Now, by the Big C I don’t mean Christmas.  Even with some of the over commercialisation that is a bit Ba Humbug. No, by the Big C, I mean Cancer.  As I write we are in the middle of Mouth Cancer Action Month.  There has been a new, up to date survey done and it is a bit concerning to say the least.  In the last 10 years moth cancer has increased almost 50%!!!

So What Causes It Then?

Most cases of mouth cancer are linked to tobacco and alcohol. Cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking are the main forms of tobacco use in the UK. However, the traditional ethnic habits of chewing tobacco, betel quid, gutkha and paan are particularly dangerous.

Alcohol increases the risk of mouth cancer, and if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even greater. Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips.                                                               
HPV

Many recent reports have linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer and affects the skin that lines the moist areas of the body. HPV can be spread through oral sex, and research now suggests that it could soon rival smoking and drinking as one of the main causes of mouth cancer. Practicing safe sex and limiting the number of partners you have may help reduce your chances of contracting HPV.

What Should We Be Looking Out For?

Mouth cancer can appear in different forms and can affect all parts of the mouth, tongue and lips. Mouth cancer can appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally. A white or red patch in the mouth can also develop into a cancer, as can any unusual lumps or swellings. It is important to visit your dentist if these areas do not heal within three weeks.

How Can Mouth Cancer Be Detected Early?

Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good.  Remember, your dentist is able to see parts of your mouth that you cannot see easily yourself.  If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good.

How Can I Keep My Mouth Healthy?

It is important to visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, even if you wear dentures. This is especially important if you smoke and drink alcohol.

When brushing your teeth, look out for any changes in your mouth, and report any red or white patches, or ulcers, that have not cleared up within three weeks.  A good diet, rich in vitamins A, C and E and folic acid provides protection against the development of mouth cancer.  Plenty of fruit and vegetables help the body to protect itself, in general, from most cancers.  Cut down on your smoking and drinking, of course.

We Need To Look After Ourselves

Until next time. 

Take care and be good. 

Have a great Christmas!


Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 23 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’s charity work go here now www.castlepark

A Splash Of Humanisation

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

A Splash Of Humanisation

Hello again. I hope that you are well.  Yet another busy month, as per usual.  My book has now been published and we had a little book launch party type of thing to say thank you to people and celebrate with family, friends and colleagues.   

The book is ultimately aimed to help people and give a little hope.  It was quite therapeutic and emotional to do as I reflected on the last 25 years or so of learning and always looking for better.  Also reflecting on the success stories, many of them life changing and reflecting my team’s core values.  

We have all the fancy stuff with implants, teeth straightening, lasers, 3D scanning, CADCAM, computer controlled, pain free anaesthetic delivery and so much more but probably as important or more so is a BIG SPLASH of humanisation. 

Making A Difference In Morocco

Last week I was back in Northern Morocco  with my charity, Dental Mavericks.  5 days of really hard work but really fulfilling and worth it.  This year I went with Gillian my practice manager (her 5th trip) and Nadene our lead nurse (who was on her first trip and plans to return). We saw over 1200 children in total and took hundreds of abscessed teeth out to get rid of pain and infection.  Every child we saw was taught about the importance of a good diet and how to brush their teeth as well as receiving fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth.  Every child got a toothbrush and toothpaste.  In addition, we did something new for us.  We did SDF therapy, loads of it. 

Pictured above: children waiting and goody bags at the ready.  Also pictured right the Castle Park Team with knitting for needy, young children and families. 

SDF,  What Is SDF?

Well, SDF stands for Silver Diamine Fluoride.  It a liquid that is applied to tooth decay to stop it in it’s tracks. Apparently it has been used in Japan for about 80 years but I only came across it this year and I’m a bit of an anorak.   

It is a quick and easy technique to try and stop and is very good at preventing decay, probably even better than traditional fluoride varnish or gel.  The draw back is that it stains decay and even early decay black.   

We are collecting data and working with Kings College London and Harvard University on the use of SDF.  Now, if we do not remove the decay we cannot place conventional fillings to restore form and function.  What SDF does is allow us to see many people in an attempt to stop disease and prevent further disease, pain and infection. 

A Massive Thank You

A big thank you to everybody who has donated and supported Dental Mavericks over the last 8 years.  It’s been incredible.  Above is some knitting done by our patients and a local Knit and Natter group who are very prolific.  All this stuff goes directly to where there is need. 

Everybody who goes on the missions is self-funded, so it is 100% charity with no idle men with fat salaries.  Proper grass roots humanitarianism.  I’m really proud to be part of it.

We know all too well that what we do is but a mere drop in the ocean.  However, without that missing drop the ocean would not be the same…. Mother Teresa

Until next time.  Take care and be good. 

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550. He has been in dental practice for 25 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk

The Stem Cell Revolution

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”
By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

The Stem Cell Revolution

Hello again. I hope that you are well. Another busy month. I was at Sheffield University Dental School giving a talk to students at a careers evening.

I tried to inspire them to keep working on themselves and looking for better and stick to their core values. Doing the right things for the right reasons is important and should see you right for the most part.

One thing I did emphasise is “ If you don’t know WHY you are doing something, STOP because you probably shouldn’t be doing it”. The Dental Students Society have chosen Dental Mavericks as one of their charities to support this year which is fantastic.

Heal Thyself

More and more stem cells are being used to treat medical problems and promote healing. Stem cells are cells produced in the bone marrow with the potential to become different kinds of cells because they have not differentiated yet or in other haven’t made their minds up what they want to be when they grow up.

They can be used to repair damaged and lost tissue and promote healing. Dentistry is no different and we are taking advantage of this and using stem cells to help grow bone and gum, particularly in combination with dental implants. We use it in combination with other cells and fibrin.

Exciting Stuff

At Castle Park we’ve invested in a special machine that can centrifuge blood at specific speeds and duration to separate out the stuff we need to speed up healing and reduce inflammation.

This combined with laser therapy means that there is no better way of doing advanced treatment for dental implants and regenerative procedures e.g. developing bone and gum after gum disease or combined with implants. 

Lasers by themselves have been shown to stimulate stem cells within teeth to help the tooth repair itself after removing tooth decay. We use lasers routinely now. I love all this stuff.

Another Mission In Morocco

In just short of 3 weeks time I will be off to Northern Morocco with Gill and Nadene from work with Dental Mavericks to get poor children out of pain. 

We have a collaboration with Kings College Dental Institute, London and Harvard University. More on that next time along with other advantages of the PRF machine.

Until next time. Take care and be good.

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 25 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk

Heart Of Glass

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

Heart Of Glass

Hello again. I hope that you are well and have a great summer. We’ve had some really good weather this year. We did another French adventure towing a caravan down to Vendee.

It got to 40 degrees in the shade and start to melt at about 23 degrees. Lots of time in some water was needed! We have just been to Tribfest again at Sledmere House.

It’s a really good tribute band music festival and is loads of fun. Music, comedy and even fancy-dress themes.

There was a pirate themed day so I had a go at Captain Jack Sparrow. I once wore this to a party and somebody thought that I was Adam Ant!

Why Heart Of Glass?

To be honest this a really poor link but bear with me. At the festival there are some really diverse acts from Bruno Mars and Little Mix to Led Zeppelin and Elvis.

One act that I have seen every year since going is a Blondie tribute called Heart Of Glass. They are always brilliant and put on a good show.

Well, this may now sound a bit random but I’m going to go on a bit about Bio-Glass. Apologies. I got there in the end.

Bio-Glass To Strengthen Teeth

A while ago I was asked to do a TV advert for Sensodyne. I liked the repair and protect toothpaste by sensodyne because it had a bio-glass that sticks to surface like a protective layer to help stop tooth sensitivity.

There is another toothpaste called Biomin. BioMin™ is a technology developed by scientists at Queen Mary University London and Imperial College, London, for over the past decade.

Traditionally, to try and strengthen teeth and protect against decay with a toothpaste, fluoride is used in quite high concentrations. Most adult toothpastes have 1400 parts per million (ppm). One that has to be prescribed has 5000ppm. That’s a lot of fluoride.

The thing is that this is soluble fluoride so it washes away quite quickly. Also it has to be used correctly and not swallowed. Research has shown that you more benefit from low doses of fluoride with a sustained release than a high dose that washes away. That’s where the biomin F comes in with a low dose fluoride release over 12 hours. It also releases calcium and phosphate that are needed for tooth repair.

By using the F version the tooth repair after an acid attack is stronger when fluoride is present by making a tighter Fluorapatite crystal. There is a non-fluoride option that slowly releases calcium and phosphate called Biomin C.

More Economical

Prior to Biomin you could get an extra source of calcium and phosphate with a product called Tooth Mousse and then use it with a high concentration fluoride tooth paste as well. This is in more extreme cases like excessive acid erosion or dry mouth syndrome.

This all starts to get a bit pricey, (the tooth mousse is particularly expensive) so a single toothpaste that gives the benefit of both sounds really good. Oh, and it’s good for sensitivity as well.

I’m off to Morocco with dental Mavericks in early October. The charity has really moved on and this will be the largest group and we are working with the local health authority

Until next time. Take care and be good.

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 25 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk

Snoring vs Grinding

“The Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth”

By Chris “Dr Smile Maker” Branfield

Snoring vs Grinding

Hello again. I hope that you are well.  Phew, it’s been hot for a good while.  So glad have the air conditioning at work as mines a South-facing window.  It’s nice to stay cool and confortable.  Looks like it’s going we hot a while longer as I write.

Snoring vs Grinding?

So what the heck has snoring got to do with grinding and vice versa?  Well, first of all we see lots of people who clench and grind.  This causes symptoms like jaw ache, earache, teeth sensitivity, migraine-like and even neck and shoulder pain as well as breaking teeth and fillings etc.  About 40% of the adult population snore.

Snoring is caused by a collapse of the airway causing vibration of the tongue against the soft palate.  This means that the further back the tongue is the greater the chance of snoring.  The tongue is attached to the jaw, so if the jaw drops back so does the tongue. With me so far??  Good.  Well, the most common way we treat clenching and grinding is to make an appliance that helps relax the muscles that make the jaw clench.  

However this always leads to the jaw moving backwards  o a more retruded position we call it.  So you can see the predicament.  If we help with the clenching and grinding then we can sometimes make the snoring worse.           
              
What’s The Solution Then?

A good way of trying to tackle both problems in one go is with a Sleepwell appliance.  It is a mandibular (lower jaw) advancement device.  So by definition, almost, it moves the lower jaw forwards.  

This brings the tongue forwards and helps open up the airway to help with snoring.  It also prevents grinding and clenching as the back teeth are separated (which is key with clenching).  

 Sleepwell Appliance

moves lower jaw forwards

Believe It Or Not

Well believe it or not I have a book coming out soon.  I felt it time to do it and, through a lifetime of searching for better and learning, try to give some hope to people who struggle with dentistry and related issues. Heart on my sleeve.  Here’s a sneaky preview of the cover.

A Return By Popular Request

Oh, I’m really pleased to get another invitation to speak to dental students at Sheffield University at a careers event.  Several of the students asked for me back after I gave a talk on dental mavericks in April.  

It’s so nice to make a connection and possibly make a difference for the better if even in a small way.  Anyway, I’m giving up a bit of time in September to do it.

I here Hull City have a made a few new signings gearing up for the new season.  Are we going up?  Hope so.  Come on the Tigers!!

Until next time.   

Have a great summer. Take care and be good.

Chris Branfield is Principal Dentist at Castle Park Dental Care, Castle Villa, 28 Castle Road, Cottingham, telephone 01482 772550.  He has been in dental practice for 25 years and has a special interest in life changing, pain free dentistry with dental implants, rapid teeth straightening and cosmetic dentistry. And, not only that Chris is founder member and trustee of Dental Mavericks charity- ending the daily dental pain of Moroccan kids. For more patient success stories and Chris’ humanitarian work go here now www.castleparkdental.co.uk