Preventative care is the idea that many issues can be detected early on and with appropriate action addressed before they can cause pain or require more complex intervention. Thankfully, preventative care is very effective and has led to less dental disease in the UK. It is because of this that regular check-ups are recommended.
Check-ups are formed of three parts*:
Our experience shows that when young adults leave home, they are initially at a higher risk of developing serious tooth decay. We offer 18 to 25 year olds a reduced check-up fee to help support their dental health.
As soon as your child’s first tooth is visible it is important to brush their teeth twice a day, usually when 6 months old. As they get older encourage them to brush after you to practice.
To ensure the teeth are coming through correctly it is important to regularly bring your child to check-ups. This also helps your child get used to the sights, smells and sounds of the dental practice, allowing them to be more confident as they grow older.
Preventative dentistry means we will offer guidance on brushing technique and a healthy diet. Your dentist may also suggest applying fluoride varnish to make the teeth more resistant to decay. Another simple and common treatment is a fissure sealants – a thin coating to make the adult molars easier to clean.
We treat children free of charge on the NHS.
Hygienists are vital members of the dental team. They focus on preventing and treating gum disease by promoting good oral hygiene.
In essence, any plaque (bacteria) on our teeth can trigger inflammation. This inflammation may show as bleeding gums, but in more severe cases can also lead to the bone and gums that hold the teeth in place receding. Alongside excellent cleaning at home, the extra support from a hygienist in cleaning your teeth will enable healthy gums.
Alongside their crucial role in maintaining gum health, a ‘scale and polish’ removes build-up and surface stains from your teeth leading to a cleaner and sometimes noticeable whiter smile.
Fillings generally fall into two types, metallic or white. Metallic fillings can be longer lasting whilst white materials are more aesthetic. Your dentist will explain the differences whenever this type of restoration is recommended.
In the middle of a healthy tooth there is living tissue that we call the pulp, it is made up of blood vessels and nerves. Occasionally teeth die or the pulp can become inflamed. This may be caused by trauma, decay, deep fillings, or sometimes there is no obvious reason.
Symptoms of pulpal problems include sensitivity to cold and/or hot drinks, a throbbing ache and pain on biting. On the other hand, there may be no symptoms at all.
If pulp problems are not managed early on then infection around the tooth may cause swellings and other serious issues.
Root canal treatment provides a solution of cleaning out the inside of the tooth, including any infection. then sealing it closed.
What is involved?
After root canal treatment the tooth contains no nerves. However, there are normal tissues surrounding the root: the gum, periodontal membrane and supporting bone. After a while, a root canal treated tooth should feel no different to any other.
How long does root canal last?
Very occasionally a root canal treatment will fail and further treatment may be required. However, any symptoms will usually pass with time. Generally, root treated teeth should last indefinitely but they can become brittle. This can cause part of the tooth to fracture and for that reason, dentists will sometimes recommend a crown.
Daily brushing and flossing are essential to avoid gum disease and decay. As always, regular check-ups are essential and will enable your dentist to detect any problems in their early stages.
A crown (sometimes known as a cap), is a cover that is fitted over a tooth using a dental adhesive. They can be recommended for a number of reasons. They can offer the very superior aesthetics required in an aesthetic makeover, or they can simply restore strength where the structure of a tooth has been compromised. Many materials are available, ranging from the oldest which is gold to cutting-edge ceramics. Modern ceramics achieve the excellent aesthetic results that our patients increasingly desire.
What is involved?
How long do crowns last for?
Opening Hours
Reception: 08:45 to 17:30
Clinic: 09:00 to 17:00
Parking
Parking on the high street is free for one hour. If you need longer, the North Street and Post Office car parks are both just a short walk away.