Bromley Dental Practice

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly?

Bromley Dentist For most of us, brushing our teeth is an automatic habit that we don’t really think about, but it is all too easy to make mistakes in your dental hygiene routine, and this could increase your chances of developing dental problems. So what are the most common mistakes people make?

Brushing too hard or for too long. This is very common mistake, as it is easy to think if you brush your teeth very hard then they’ll be that much cleaner at the end. Although they might be clean, you are also likely to wear away your gums and tooth enamel. Brushing too long could have the same effect. Ideally you should brush for around two to three minutes, two or three times a day as this should be sufficient to get your teeth thoroughly clean.
Brushing your teeth as soon as you finish eating. Lots of people think the sooner you brush your teeth after eating the better, but it is preferable to wait at least half an hour before doing so. Your mouth becomes more acidic immediately after eating, which softens your tooth enamel, and some of the minerals from the enamel are leached out into your saliva. Waiting for half an hour gives your mouth a chance to become less acidic, and some of the minerals in your saliva will be re-deposited back into your tooth enamel. If you brush too soon these minerals will be lost forever.
Not using the right toothbrush. Do you choose a hard bristled toothbrush thinking it is more effective? If so then switch to a soft brush, as it will clean your teeth just as well without damaging your tooth enamel or gums. It also pays to choose a brush with a small enough head to get right to the back of your mouth, and you can even buy a child-sized brush if necessary.
Using a toothbrush that is way beyond its sell-by date. Ideally you should replace your brush every two or three months, or as soon as you notice the bristles begin to look worn out or splayed. Some brushes have coloured bristles that gradually fade to tell you when to change. Toothbrushes are cheap to buy, so it doesn’t make any sense to economise on them.
Not flossing every night. Flossing can seem like a pretty thankless task, especially if it is late at night and you are tired, but it is essential. Every day a layer of plaque will build up on your teeth and gums, consisting of bacteria and food particles. This must be removed as otherwise it will infect and inflame your gums. If you are not sure of how to floss then please ask Dr Zaki Bashir or another member of our dental team for a quick demonstration. It can be far easier to do once you know how, and should only take a couple of minutes out of your whole day.

You’ll find your Bromley dentist is extremely keen on preventative dental care. We would far rather help your teeth last for as long as possible, than have to discuss options for their replacement. Even though many more people are choosing dental implants in Bromley to replace their missing teeth, your own natural teeth are better, and cheaper.

Zaki graduated from University of Bristol 1999 and has practiced in Kent since then. He is passionate about dentistry and providing the highest standard of care for patients, at the same time, he keeps himself at the cutting edge of modern dental techniques.

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Should You Replace Older Style Amalgam Fillings with White Fillings?

Why Have Amalgams Become Less Popular?

Lots of people still have older style amalgam fillings. These are fillings that look silver or grey in the mouth, and which were widely used to repair cavities in back teeth as the material is durable, relatively long-lasting and cheap. However just recently there has been a move away from placing amalgam fillings, and more and more people are opting for white fillings that blend in with the rest of their natural teeth and which look much nicer. There have also been some concerns about the mercury content of amalgam fillings, and although clinical studies have deemed them to be safe, some people feel more comfortable having these fillings removed and replaced with metal free restorations. So what should you do if you have amalgam fillings?

Amalgam Fillings Can Be Problematic

If you are a regular patient at Bromley Dental Practice, Dr Zaki Bashir will be checking the condition of these fillings at every appointment. Amalgam fillings generally last for around ten years before they need replacing. As they age they can begin to leak and crumble.

There are several problems that can develop due to having amalgam fillings. Firstly, your Bromley dentist will need to remove all the decay from the tooth as well as some of the healthy tooth structure before placement. Once in position the material will expand and contract every time you eat or drink something hot or cold. This constant flexing can eventually cause tiny fractures in the filled tooth, weakening the overall structure.

It might not be the best solution to remove an amalgam that is still in good condition, but when the time comes Dr Bashir will make sure it is safely taken out and properly disposed of. At this point it is well worth considering white fillings, and here is why.

White Fillings are a Tooth Friendly Solution

IF you do have a tooth that has a cavity or which has become chipped or cracked due to an accident, then tooth coloured composite resin can restore it in a way that will work in harmony with your tooth. The actual preparation of the tooth is slightly different, as your dentist in Bromley will only need to remove damaged or decayed areas of the tooth, leaving more of the healthy tooth intact. The actual composite resin bonds very strong with the natural tooth, and does not expand and contract.

In the past composite resin fillings were only used to repair front teeth as the material was not strong enough to withstand being chewed on. Nowadays modern composites are very strong and durable. One thing to bear in mind is that white composite resin does eventually become stained, so it will need replacing at regular intervals to keep your smile looking its very best. White composite fillings are not expensive so it should be easy to keep your smile healthy and looking its best.

Composite resin is used to repair small to medium sized cavities. If you have larger areas of decay then Dr Bashir will recommend you have a different type of filing made from porcelain or gold as this will help restore the tooth to full strength.

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Did you know you’re General Health and Dental Health is closely connected?

Many people are unaware of the relationship, but in fact the condition of your mouth can have a considerable effect on your overall health. It can pay to try to understand how and why both are closely connected as this can help you protect your oral and general health.

Dentist in Bromley Your mouth contains many different types of bacteria and most are harmless. Normal daily activities such as brushing and flossing help keep the numbers of bacteria under control, but a lack of proper oral hygiene increases the risk of infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. Taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can also increase these risks as many can reduce the amount of saliva produced. Saliva is immensely important for keeping your mouth clean as it helps wash away old skin cells, bacteria and old pieces of food, preventing bacterial overgrowth that could cause disease.

One of the main risks of poor oral hygiene is developing a condition called periodontitis or gum disease. This is an inflammatory disease and it’s suspected this inflammation could affect other general health conditions. In addition certain diseases that affect the immune system, in particular diabetes and HIV AIDS can lower the body’s resistance to infection, and this can make any oral health problems more difficult to control. The inflammation caused by periodontitis has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV AIDS and other conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome and osteoporosis.

There have been lots of studies carried out into this link and it is thought to be due to the way inflammation causing bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream through bleeding gums that are characteristic of advanced gum disease. From there these bacteria can travel around the entire body, potentially causing new sites of inflammation. This can be particularly problematic for diabetics as poorly controlled blood sugar levels lead to excessive glucose in saliva which in turn feeds the inflammation causing bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and bleeding gums. Once the bacteria get into the bloodstream then diabetics can have increased difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels. So what can you do to protect yourself?

The answer is quite a lot, even if you have existing medical problems. The main thing to do is to get your mouth as healthy as possible and to have a good preventative dental care regime. This is where Bromley Dental Practice can help. Most people will need to visit Dr Zaki Bashir twice a year for regular check-ups and professional cleanings, but some people with existing medical conditions such as diabetes may benefit from more regular visits. It’s important to make sure your dentist in Bromley is aware of any medications you might be taking and any changes to your overall health. This is because they can work with you, and with your GP if necessary to help keep your mouth healthy, and to hopefully protect your general health.

In between dental visits make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Change your toothbrush regularly, every two or three months or sooner if the bristles begin to look frayed. If you do notice any changes to your oral health in between appointments, contact your Bromley dentist for more advice.

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Don’t Put Up With Loose Dentures

Dentures are an affordable, fast but less than perfect way to replace missing teeth. Some people will find them easy and comfortable to wear, but quite a few will struggle, and this can get worse after having them for several years. So what is the solution? In fact you have a couple of choices, as you could enquire about having new dentures made at Bromley Dental Practice, or even having your old ones relined if they are still in reasonable condition. Alternatively you might want to find out about having dental implants in Bromley.

Replacing or Relining Old Dentures

Dentures tend to last between three and six years before they need replacing. Dentist in Bromley During this time the ridge that used to support your teeth will gradually change shape. It will become flatter and less able to offer any retention to your denture. At the same time your denture might begin to show signs of wear and tear, as they can become broken or cracked, and denture teeth may look worn. One way to extend the life of your denture is to have it relined, a process that renews the fitting surface of the denture (the surface nearest your gums) so it is less likely to move around and should feel more comfortable. However this does not address the real problem which is the flatter bony ridge that will continue to be reabsorbed by the body, gradually offering less and less retention.

Dental Implants: A More Permanent Solution for Loose Dentures

Quite a few people still assume dental implants are an expensive option for securing dentures, but this isn’t really the case. An entire arch can usually be secured with just a few well-placed dental implants, and the results can significantly enhance quality of life. You’ll have two different options when using dental implants to get rid of an ill-fitting conventional denture. You can choose to have an implant retained denture which can be taken out for daily cleaning, or if you prefer you can opt for a fixed bridge which will be permanently cemented or screwed in position and which can only be removed by Dr Zaki Bashir. While some people will prefer to have a removable appliance, others might find the idea of a fixed bridge more appealing. These are things you will have to discuss with your dentist in Bromley, as they will be able to explain the pros and cons of each treatment.

So where do you start when trying to decide on a new denture or dental implants? Your best bet is to make an appointment for a consultation with your dentist in Bromley. They can take you through each option, step-by-step. If you decide to go for dental implants, you will need a more thorough consultation to assess your dental health and your general health. Dental implants do require quite a bit of planning, and although it’s true the whole process will take longer to complete than a conventional denture, the results will be well worth it. Imagine having teeth that stay in position as firmly as natural teeth, and being able to enjoy all those foods you currently have to avoid. The solution could be just a phone call away, so why not find out more today?

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Quick and Easy Ways to Improve Your Smile

Most people will want to have the nicest smile they can, but not everyone wants to spend a lot of money achieving this. Although some people might need more extensive treatments such as dental implants in Bromley, others may only require minor modifications to their smile, and this is often quite easy and affordable to do. For example, Dr Zaki Bashir may be able to recommend treatments that only take a couple of visits to complete, and which won’t cost a fortune. The results can often be pretty amazing, and will do a lot to give your smile a quick and easy boost. These treatments can include renewing old fillings or using dental bonding and recontouring to slightly change the shape of your teeth and of course teeth whitening is always popular.

A Quick Consultation Can Tell You More

Dentist in Bromley Your first step should be to book a consultation with Dr Bashir for his professional opinion. A quick check-up will determine if you need any fillings renewed, and will make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for teeth whitening. Your Bromley dentist can provide you with a treatment plan, showing recommended procedures plus the costs.

Spreading the Costs of Treatment

Treatments offered at the Bromley Dental Practice are all very reasonably priced, and we do offer patients interest free financing for work costing more than £350. It is entirely down to you as to how much or how little you decide to have done. It might be that you just need to have your teeth professionally cleaned. This procedure thoroughly cleans all the old tartar from your teeth, a substance that can look slightly yellow, before the teeth are polished to give them a bit of a sparkle. It is amazing what a difference this can make, as some surface stains will be removed, and it is great for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

If you decide to opt for renewing old fillings, then this can usually be completed in one visit. The process uses composite resin that comes in many different shades so your filling can be closely matched to your natural teeth. This is perfect for renewing old white fillings that have become stained, or for replacing older style silver amalgam fillings. The same composite resin is used to bond teeth, a procedure that can repair any small chips or cracks, or which can build up the overall shape of a tooth that is too small or irregularly shaped. This is often combined with enamel recontouring, where a very small amount of tooth enamel is removed to recontour the tooth. This technique can sometimes be used to correct teeth that are very slightly overlapping or which are slightly out of line.

Bromley Dental Practice uses the Zoom whitening system, as it is one of the most effective and extensively tested systems on the market. You can comfortably whiten your teeth in just an hour, or alternatively use our custom made whitening trays to bleach your teeth at home. Some people will use both treatments to get the brightest and best results possible.

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Wave Goodbye to Wrinkles with Botox and Restylane Dermal Fillers

Aging is a perfectly natural process, but it’s not something that most of us particularly enjoy, especially the physical effects. Luckily nowadays you don’t have to put up with them. Bromley Dental Practice can help make over your smile and your looks as Dr Zaki Bashir can provide patients with aesthetic beauty treatments including Botox and dermal fillers.

Dentist Bromley Some people might be quite surprised to learn dentists provide these kinds of treatments, but when you think about it your Bromley dentist is perfectly placed to do so. After all they have undertaken years of medical training in order to qualify as a dentist and know exactly how all the facial muscles work. This means they can apply the exact amount of Botox or fillers needed to provide an incredibly natural looking appearance that will keep people guessing as to whether or not you’ve had any work done.

Botox contains the botulinum toxin which might sound alarming but in fact it’s extremely safe. It’s injected into the facial muscles to help weaken the signals from the nerves that tell the facial muscles to contract. This has the effect of smoothing out unwanted wrinkles and crow’s feet. The effect can last anywhere from 3 to 5 months. A common concern is worrying that your facial muscles will be completely paralyzed and you will not be able to move them or show any facial expressions or emotions. This is certainly not the case, as you’ll still be able to move your facial muscles normally, just a little less than before. Your dentist in Bromley will make sure to only use the minimum amount necessary to get an extremely good effect.

Dermal fillers work in a slightly different way and Bromley Dental Practice uses a very well-known and respected brand called Restylane. Dermal filler is actually a form of hyaluronic acid. This is a substance that is produced naturally by the body, but production gradually declines as we age. Its purpose is to help the skin remain hydrated, and to provide volume, creating a more youthful look. The effects of dermal fillers gradually reduce after a few months but tend to last a little longer than Botox.

If you’re interested in refreshing your looks then it’s best to book a consultation with your dentist in Bromley. This is your chance to ask all the questions you might have about treatment, and to find out how much it will cost. At the start of your evaluation you might think you’ll only need one treatment or the other, but quite a few people can benefit from using a combination of both. This won’t necessarily be any more expensive as your dentist will need to use less of each. Using a combination of both treatments can often prove to be highly effective, as some wrinkles may be more deep-seated and will benefit from dermal fillers, while more recent wrinkles may be just fine with a little bit of Botox. Finally, Botox and dermal fillers aren’t just for the girls, as plenty of men are beginning to take advantage of this treatment as after all, we all want to look our best.

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Did You Know Your Bromley Dentist Offers Mouth Cancer Screenings?

Not very many patients are aware of this fact, or even know very much about this disease. Mouth cancer can affect any part of the inside of the mouth, including the tongue, throat and lips. In 2010, 6,539 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in the UK. It’s estimated that over the next 10 years approximately 60,000 people will be diagnosed with this disease, and unless it’s detected early on around half will die. It’s not a very well-known condition; one of the main problems with mouth cancer is that it creates very few symptoms while in the early stages. Subsequently it is often diagnosed extremely late in the day when it’s much more difficult to treat. Your dentist Bromley is likely to be the only medical professional who regularly has the opportunity to examine the inside of your mouth, and who is fully qualified to screen you for mouth cancer.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

Your screening is carried out by Dr Zaki Bashir as part of your normal checkup. It’s completely painless and isn’t at all uncomfortable. During the examination Dr Bashir will be looking for any changes to the colour of the tissues inside your mouth, as well as any signs of lumps or thickened areas, or areas that feel rough to the touch. He will gently but thoroughly examine all the tissues inside your mouth, including underneath your tongue. It’s highly unlikely that he’ll find anything, but if he does then it’s a simple matter of taking a sample of a few skin cells so they can be analysed for signs of anything suspicious. Most times it’s likely any changes to the oral tissues will be due to something else completely, but it is better to know for sure.

Be Aware of Any Changes in Your Mouth

In between dental visits, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any signs that something might be wrong, and all this means is carrying out a quick self-check every month or so. This will help you become accustomed to the way healthy tissue should feel and look so that if anything does develop you’ll be far more aware that it isn’t quite right. Signs to look out for include any changes to the oral tissues, such as red or white spots, or any areas that feel particularly thick to touch or which are rough.

You should also be aware of any changes to the way your teeth bite together, or differences that affect the way dental appliances such as dentures or braces fit in your mouth. One of the first symptoms of mouth cancer is having an ulcer that doesn’t seem to heal up properly. Most ulcers should disappear by themselves within a couple of weeks. If yours seems to be hanging around for longer then it’s worth contacting Bromley Dental Practice for further advice.

People who are more at risk of developing oral cancer includes those who smoke or use alcohol to excess, or who have been exposed to the human papilloma virus. However it can affect anyone at any age so it’s important to be vigilant.

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What Is Tooth Decay and Can It Be Avoided?

Tooth decay is incredibly common, and most of us will have at least one filling. It happens when the tooth enamel is attacked by bacteria in the mouth. Every time you eat something then particles of food remain in your mouth and combine with plaque bacteria to create a sticky film that covers your teeth and gums. You might even be able to feel this sticky film at the end of a very long day, just before you brush your teeth. The bacteria in this plaque biofilm use leftover food as an energy source, creating acid as a by-product. The acid attacks the tooth enamel, weakening and softening it, increasing your risk of developing a cavity.

Dentist Bromley One of the first signs that this might be happening is if you notice your teeth feel more sensitive when you eat something particularly hot or cold. This is because the outer layer of tooth enamel is gradually eroded away, exposing the next layer of the tooth structure which is called the dentine. This is a much softer material and consists of lots of tiny tubules that lead directly to the pulp of the tooth which contains all the nerves and blood vessels. Its exposure makes it much easier for the sensations of hot and cold foods to penetrate right to the centre of your tooth, causing sensitivity or even pain. Quite often there will be very few symptoms, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so important to visit Bromley Dental Practice at regular intervals.

Your Bromley dentist can examine your teeth using high magnification and will be able to pick up on any soft spots or pits in your teeth that could indicate the beginning of a cavity. At this stage tooth decay is quite easy to treat, and it’s much less expenses for Dr Zaki Bashir to place a small filling than to leave the cavity to develop until it is much more deep-seated. When this happens there is the risk the cavity could reach right into the pulp area of your tooth, and it can be pretty painful. Treatment would involve a root canal to remove the infected pulp and to repair the tooth. This can sometimes be done through placing quite a large filling, but often it can mean the tooth has to be restored with a crown. It’s far more cost-effective to attend those regular check-ups!

If you do have small cavity, Dr Bashir will recommend filling it with white composite resin material. This is tooth coloured and works in harmony with the rest of your teeth, providing as very strong and stable restoration. You’ll be kept comfortable right throughout treatment with a local anaesthetic as it’s necessary for your dentist in Bromley to remove all the infected and decayed tooth structure. Next, the area to be filled will be thoroughly cleaned and dried, and the composite resin is placed in tiny increments and will be hardened at regular intervals using a special light. Finally, it will be trimmed and polished so it looks very natural. Once treatment is completed you’ll be able to use the tooth as normal.

If you have any larger cavities Dr Bashir might recommend an inlay or onlay. This is made from porcelain and is stronger and longer lasting and more suitable for repairing large areas of decay.

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Straightening Your Teeth Quickly and Comfortably

Many people only have slightly crooked teeth, or even just one or two front teeth out of position. In this case it can be overkill to go for full braces, and most people would not want to undergo orthodontic treatment for many months or even years. In the past one solution would have been to have the teeth ground down for veneers or crowns, but this is not something most dentists would like to do as it means removing healthy tooth material that can never be replaced. Nowadays, thanks to advanced orthodontic technology, it’s possible to straighten your front teeth within just a few weeks or months.

Dentist in Bromley Dr Zaki Bashir can fit patients with the Inman Aligner, an extremely discreet device designed to correct minor cases of misalignment, or orthodontic relapses. An orthodontic relapse is where somebody has previously had orthodontic treatment, but has failed to keep up with wearing their retainer, allowing the teeth to move slightly out of position.

How Does the Inman Aligner Work?

The Inman Aligner is removable and just about invisible. The only sign of it will be a clear coloured wire that runs across the front of your teeth. This is powered by a lingual coil spring that applies pressure to the teeth, forcing them into the correct positions through a squeezing motion. The wire across the front of your teeth will squeeze the teeth against the spring inside the appliance, slowly but comfortably moving your teeth into position. It’s extremely quick and easy to have this appliance fitted, and afterwards you’ll just need to visit the Bromley Dental Practice once a month for a check-up that takes just quarter of an hour. Often treatment can be completed in as little as 2 to 4 months.

What to Expect during Treatment

A lot of people are concerned that orthodontic treatment is uncomfortable or even painful. It is true that it does involve some minor discomfort as your teeth are being forced to move position. You might find you need to use over-the-counter painkillers for the first few days until you get used to the sensation. Wearing any sort of dental appliance can stimulate the flow of saliva, but you should soon adjust to this effect within a day or two. It’s possible the aligner might affect your speech, but as you get used to it you should find it returns to normal.

The Inman Aligner is ideal for treating the top or bottom front teeth but won’t correct any major issues with the way your teeth bite together. If you have more severe orthodontic problems it’s likely your dentist in Bromley will suggest an alternative type of treatment. More extensive problems with malocclusion can often be corrected with Clear Braces, a system that is designed to treat all the teeth in the mouth rather than just the front teeth. Once your teeth are in the correct positions then you need to be prepared to wear your retainer as directed by your Bromley dentist. This helps ensure all your hard work and effort doesn’t go to waste, and is an unobtrusive device designed to keep your teeth in the correct positions.

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Using Porcelain Veneers to Help Perfect Your Smile

Bromley Dentist A porcelain veneer is a very thin piece of porcelain, typically 0.5mm or less, and it fits over the front surfaces of your teeth. This treatment is used to correct the appearance of front teeth. Porcelain veneers are a great way to help improve your smile, without making any major changes to the structure of your teeth. Your Bromley dentist would only need to remove a very small amount of tooth material to create enough room for the veneers. Porcelain veneers can be used to:

Change the shape of teeth, including their length and size
Hide teeth that are discoloured or stained
Mend chips or cracks in teeth
Replace worn areas of teeth
Correct the appearance of slightly misaligned teeth
Close up or minimise gaps in between teeth

This treatment is extremely versatile as your dentist can replace just one or two veneers, or you can choose to have multiple veneers on both your upper and lower front teeth. If you choose to have multiple veneers then it’s possible to change the overall shade of your teeth to something lighter and whiter if desired.

What’s the Procedure for Having Dental Veneers?

You’ll need to visit Dr Zaki Bashir to find out if dental veneers are the right choice of treatment. Your dentist in Bromley will want to discuss the type of results you hoping to achieve, as well as the number of veneers required. The next step will be to prepare the teeth for the veneers. This is where Dr Bashir will remove a very small amount of tooth structure from the front surfaces of the teeth due be veneered. Next, an impression is taken of your teeth to be sent to the dental laboratory so the veneers can be fabricated. Once they are finished they will be returned to Bromley Dental Practice for fitting. Your dentist might need to make a few small adjustments to the fit perfect before they are permanently bonded in position. The veneers are quite strong once they have been bonded onto your teeth, and you can brush and floss them as normal. It’s best not to use them for biting into extremely hard foods, or for opening packets as you could chip them.

The condition of the veneers will be checked at each appointment, and regular professional dental care will help prolong their life. Eventually they will need to be replaced, and this treatment is generally not reversible.

Dental veneers are often used in combination with other treatments such as tooth whitening and orthodontic treatment. Using two or more treatments together doesn’t necessarily cost much more, but could be the best way of preserving as much of your tooth material as possible. For example if your teeth are slightly out of alignment then Dr Bashir might recommend you wear braces first of all to help straighten your teeth, before placing veneers. This can mean fewer veneers are required to help perfect the look of your teeth. The overall colour of your teeth can often be lightened considerably through tooth whitening prior to veneers. Dr Bashir will always recommend the most conservative method to brighten up your smile while still achieving top quality results.

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