Treatments

In this section we outline briefly some of the treatments that may be needed or which may be offered. The list is not exhaustive.

Initial Visit (Examination)

Your first visit will consist of a checkup. In order to formulate a proper treatment plan we would examine your mouth, including the gums and soft tissues and put together a plan of action for future visits. If appropriate, we'll do XRays, either immediately or on a separate aappointment to aid diagnosis.

Teeth cleaning (Scaling)

Nearly all patients with one or more standing teeth benefit from a good cleanup. This may vary from a single scale and polish to an extended course of gum (periodontal) treatments with the Hygienist - depending upon the state of your mouth and how it is since you've had a cleanup.

Fillings

Traditionally, fillings at the back of the mouth have been done in silver amalgam. Amalgam has been used in dentistry for well over a hundred years, it is strong, versatile, convenient and long-lasting material which has stood the test of time. Contrary to some hysterical opinions, amalgam is NOT poisonous or dangerous but it has been shown to have some minor side-effects in a very small number of people. Commonsense points out that if amalgam was dangerous, it would have taken a lot less than a hundred years for this to become obvious so amalgam still remains the material of choice for many fillings. Excellent alternatives do exist in the form of white, plastic fillings but these are not indicated in every situation - your dentist will advise you but either way, you may well be asked to pay privately for a white filling at the back of the mouth if a metal amalgam is not ruled out clinically.

Crowns

If a tooth is badly broken down or if it has been root-filled, you may be advised that the tooth should be crowned. A crown, commonly known as a "cap" is a metal or porcelain thimble that completely envelopes a tooth, restoring it to its original shape and looking just like the original. Crowns are strong and with care should be long-lasting. White crowns at the back of the mouth may not be available on the NHS, depending on circumstances.

Bridges

A bridge is a series of linked crowns which replace a missing tooth. The tooth on either side is prepared for a crown and a single bridge (of, say, three units) is made in the laboratory and this is cemented permanently in place to replace the missing tooth. Bridges are permanent, you don't take them out at night.

Cosmetic Care - the Wow! factor

The term "cosmetic" covers a whole host of other treatments which includes white fillings, veneers, tooth whitening, precision-attached dentures, gold and ceramic inlays and a whole lot more. Ask your dentist if you want to improve your smile.

Dentures

The end of the line is sadly achieved by some - loss or some or all of the teeth. In such cases, the dentist will make a partial or complete denture to replace the missing teeth. This may be made in plastic (acrylic) or it may have a metal framework onto which is attached plastic gums and teeth. Generally, metal dentures are much more comfortable to wear, are more hygienic and have better patient tolerance. For hygiene reasons, all dentures should be removed at night.

Surgery (wisdom teeth etc)

Wisdom teeth come through at around 18-25 years. Except that some don't. A wisdom tooth may develop at an angle, it may not come through at all and if it does try to, it may cause pain and swelling although it should be noted that not everybody has problems with their wisdom teeth. If you do have have repeated problems, talk about it with your dentist, you may bwish to have the offending tooth or teeth removed - we can frequently do that ourselves at the practice rather than rfere you to hospital.

Orthodontics (braces)

You or your children may develop crooked or crowded teeth. there's not much you can do about this other than choose your parents carefully but if this does happen, we'll talk you through then options which may vary from simple extractions of teeth to allow other teeth to come through to referral to an orthodontist for specialist treatment