General Dentistry
Initial Consultation – (First examination)
‘The first step towards your dental health.’ We will listen to the concerns/problems you may have and try to understand your cleaning and lifestyle habits so we can help you improve them. Afterwards, we will conduct a comprehensive examination – we will check your teeth and gums while also screening for oral cancer and any other dental problems.
Initial x-rays will be included in this appointment and possibly photos. This will help us to diagnose and detect any possible problems and create an adequate treatment plan for you. An estimate of potential costs will always be given at the end of the appointment, depending on the treatment required.
Dental Emergencies
Toothache can appear due to different reasons such as a broken tooth, decay or trauma. This can sometimes lead to infection.
Toothache is very often described as the worst pain someone can have. We will do everything to help you as quickly as possible as we try to reserve specific slots for emergency appointment’s in our clinic!
Crowns
A crown, known very often as a “cap” is made in a laboratory and it is designed to “cover” your tooth, like a cap, when tooth structure has been lost.
They can be made of different materials, from an aesthetic porcelain that matches your teeth to gold and other different metals.
(Crowns) – Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between having a crown or a normal filling?
As tooth structure has been lost, occasionally there may not be enough tooth to support a filling. Sometimes, a filling won’t be strong enough to support the remainder of your tooth long-term. In these cases, a crown is recommended to “protect” your tooth and prevent further breakdown.
Why do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Teeth that have had root canal treatment are weaker in structure and can break over time, especially your back teeth, that you use to chew. In order to protect them, a crown is normally recommended after this treatment is completed.
Can crowns improve the appearance of my front teeth?
Yes. However, we normally would offer more conservative options first such as tooth whitening, veneers or teeth straightening.
Root Canal Treatments
Our teeth have a nerve, that allows us to have sensation, such as pain or temperature. When a tooth is damaged by decay or trauma, the nerve gets injured and, therefore, very painful, and sometimes even swollen.
When this happens, it is necessary to remove the infected nerve from the tooth. That is known as a root canal treatment procedure.
The procedure can take 2-3 appointments and it is advisable to have a crown placed afterwards.
(Root Canal) – Frequently Asked Questions
How many appointments will I need?
It depends on the complexity of the procedure and the tooth that needs treatment. It can vary from one to three appointments, usually.
Will I feel pain?
Teeth with an injured nerve are very sensitive and painful. We will make sure to give you adequate and sufficient numbing before the start of the procedure.
What’s the alternative to a root canal treatment?
Unfortunately, when a nerve is infected, the only alternative treatment available is an extraction. If a tooth is too damaged, a root canal may not be an option.
Extractions
When a tooth is damaged to an extent when it can’t be repaired an extraction may be indicated.
(Extractions) – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my missing tooth replaced?
Yes. Different options are available depending on the case. A bridge, denture or implant can be considered.
Will I feel pain?
You will be able to feel some movement and pressure. However, we will make sure you are numb up so you won’t feel any pain.
Children’s Dentistry
We see all our children on the NHS only. As soon as the first tooth comes through a check-up is indicated to monitor how things are developing. It is also important to establish a relationship and create a positive environment.
It is recommended to have examinations done every 6 months.
Fillings
Fillings are needed when we detect decay on your teeth or when one of your old fillings comes out or the tooth breaks. There are different options in terms of materials we can use.
When possible, we prefer composite resin fillings (or white fillings). They are bonded to your teeth, preserving tooth structure, and maintaining a natural appearance, being nearly imperceptible. To detect decay in a tooth, sometimes x-rays are necessary.
Are silver fillings stronger than white fillings?
Amalgam fillings or “silver fillings” are strong and were very commonly used. However, things have developed, and white fillings can be very strong and long lasting as well. They are the Gold Standard nowadays.
Will a filling help me if I have toothache?
It depends. If there’s decay but not too deep to be close to the nerve, a filling may suffice and sort your toothache. However, if nerve damage has occurred, a filling may not be enough and other options, such as root canal, will be discussed with you.