Frequently Asked Questions
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General FAQs
- Why do I need to have an exam? Why can't I just have my teeth cleaned?
- Will the treatment hurt?
- How many visits does the treatment take?
- How much does treatment cost?
- Do I need to see my dentist during pregnancy?
- What is the best option to replace missing teeth?
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FAQs on Cosmetics
- How long does the treatment last?
- What’s the difference between a smile makeover and full mouth rejuvenation?
- Do I have to take special care or change eating habits after treatment?
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FAQs on Implants
- How long does implant treatment take?
- How soon can I have my new teeth and see my new smile?
- Who might need implants?
- May I continue to wear dentures whilst having implant work done?
- How do I care for my implants?
- How long does the implant last?
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FAQs for Nervous Patients
- Are there techniques that can help me overcome my fear of the dentist?
FAQs in General
Why do I need to have an exam? Why can't I just have my teeth cleaned?
A comprehensive examination is necessary in order to determine if there are potential tooth or gum problems that could cause you serious problems in the future. It is much better to treat problems early before they cause pain. Often, the delayed detection can result in more complicated and costly treatment. Prevention and early treatment is the best course of action.
We strive to make the whole experience as relaxed and stress free as possible. Modern techniques mean that even if you do require a local anaesthetic, this can be undertaken with minimum discomfort.
How many visits does the treatment take?
Fillings - Some patients prefer to do one or two fillings at any one time. Having said that, many of our patients have one arch or a quadrant done at the same time. The advantage of this is that the treatment can be done in fewer visits and will also avoid repeat injections.
Tooth Whitening - Teeth whitening can be done in the practice in one visit, but we recommend you to follow it up with the home kit by wearing the tooth whitening tray for ½ - 1 hour everyday for two weeks.
Implants - After the initial surgical programme, we recommend the implants are left for 4-6 months after being surgically placed in the bone. This allows complete integration, after which the posts and crowns can be fitted on.
Orthodontics - In the case of having braces, the treatment time can take 1-2 years which will require regular visits.
The professional dental fees depend on the treatment we carry out. We will always explain to you carefully your best treatment option and alternative options as well. Only when you are completely clear, and we have discussed all your finance options, will we schedule any appointments. You are given written estimates and dental reports to clarify things well so you do not have any hidden surprises. Our clients value the investment they make in improving their health and appearance.
To help our clients we offer interest free finance options over an extended period. We also have a dental plan scheme.
For further information please contact us and we will be happy to explain the finance schemes in details.
Do I need to see my dentist during pregnancy?
Yes. A woman's dental health, just like her general health, needs closer attention during this time. This is due to the major hormonal changes taking place. For example, many women notice that their gums appear to bleed more easily whilst pregnant. Your dentist will be able to address any concerns you may have.
It is important to note that smoking and drinking in pregnancy can lead to developmental complications. Underweight babies, for instance. Being underweight has a direct correlation with a babies dental health. It leads to their tooth enamel not growing properly, which in turn leads to the malformation of their adult teeth.
More information on Prevention >
What is the best option to replace missing teeth?
A cobalt chromium denture is the best type of denture if there are some teeth present and you are happy to wear a removable denture.
Implants are the ultimate solution for fixed teeth. They are strong, long lasting and look just like real teeth.
Bridges can also be an excellent option if a client does not want surgery related to implants and if the anchor teeth are healthy and strong.
FAQs on Cosmetics
How long does the treatment last?
It is unrealistic to expect any dental work to last for ever. However,in the case of veneers, if they are done to a high standard and looked after, we would expect them to last well in excess of 15 years. The expected lifespan of your porcelain veneers can be heavily influenced by the way you use them and take care of them. We guarantee our crowns and veneers for 5 years (terms and conditions apply).
Teeth whitening can last for 1-3 years. The colour of teeth will remain whiter for longer if you “top up” the whitening every month. The end result is also affected by factors such as smoking and drinking excess tea & coffee.
What’s the difference between a smile makeover and full mouth rejuvenation?
A smile makeover is done for aesthetic purposes only and typically involves only those teeth that are visible. Full mouth rejuvenation addresses all issues related to functionality and health, as well as appearance. The restoration process involves making sure that the mandible is in the right spot so that chewing can happen in a non-pathological way and that any compromised tooth structure is cleared or rebuilt. This reconstructive process also ensures that the muscles function in an unrestrained way and that teeth are protected from fracture, wear, and bacterial attack. Rejuvenations support people in keeping their teeth for a lifetime.
Do I have to take special care or change eating habits after treatment?
Porcelain veneers and crowns don't stain and are designed to take as much wear as your natural teeth. But you should never use your teeth as tools - such as cracking nuts or opening bottles. Clients should follow a normal oral hygiene routine to maximise longevity of their own teeth and any new restorations alike.
FAQs on Implants
How long does implant treatment take?
Your dentist will be able to give you a provisional timetable before treatment begins. Generally though, permanent teeth can be fitted approximately 3-6 months after the implants have been put in.
How soon can I have my new teeth and see my new smile?
After being put in, the implants need to be allowed the time to fully integrate with the jaw bone. This takes roughly 3 months for implants in the lower jaw and 6 months in the upper. Occasionally implants may be deemed stable enough for the artificial teeth to be attached after a much shorter length of time. This, however, is at the discretion of your dentist.
As we have mentioned before, teeth are very seldom lost these days, as every effort is made to save them. There are however, several reasons why teeth would need to be removed. In these cases implants may be the best course of action and may indeed be both advisable and beneficial to the patient. Removal may be necessary due to:
- Structural reasons; that is where there has previously been a lot of decay and little original tooth remains; as is often the case with root filled teeth with crowns or with broken teeth.
- Gum Disease; where the supporting bone around the tooth is lost due to infection.
- Unsuccessful root canal work; teeth that have had root canal treatment frequently suffer from persistent infection. Often the best treatment for this is their removal.
- Incorrect positioning; this is when a tooth is buried under the gum or has come through in the wrong place. The offending tooth and its root then need to be removed.
May I continue to wear dentures whilst having implant work done?
Denture wearers may continue to wear their dentures throughout treatment. In cases where a few teeth have been removed and other teeth are present, it is possible to build a fixed temporary bridge to enable the patient to eat normally.
How do I care for my implants?
Implants do provide the same function as normal teeth but do not suffer from decay. They are directly attached to the jaw bone and oral hygiene practices are nevertheless still essential. Infection can still occur around the teeth which could cause gum disease or bone loss. The gum may also recede from the tooth but bone loss and receding may both be treated. Regular professional monitoring is necessary to prevent any potential problems becoming serious and requiring major treatment.
How long does the implant last?
In dental implants it is the quality of home and professional care which determines how long the implants will last. With proper care and regular dental visits, your smile can maintain it's form and function for a very long time. Statistically, research shows that after 15 years, implants have a survival rate of 95%.
More information on Implants >
FAQs for Nervous Patients
Are there techniques that can help me overcome my fear of the dentist?
Yes, of course. For many people their fear of the dentist is so overwhelming that they are prevented from visiting a dentist at all. Their fears can be overcome by using relaxation techniques or sedation. We are able to offer you this type of help as well as having a friendly team of experts that they have extended experience in dealing with anxious patients.
