WELCOME

Thank you for contacting our practice. Whoever you are you are important to us.  We hope your dental experience is rewarding from many different perspectives. We hope that this basic information booklet will help you understand how we look at and approach dentistry. Today modern private dentistry can help people in many ways from treating disease to enhancing smiles. Giving people more confidence both socially and in the work-place. Many of our patients come from word of mouth referrals or some from our marketing.

WHO WE ARE

A team of internationally, experienced, plastic and dental surgeons with other health care professionals dedicated to giving you our patients, quality, service and experience at affordable prices.  As you would expect the facilities at our practice, are state of the art, modern and meet with all required health standards.

WHY CHOOSE US

We have the experience.  Although we look young, due to many years of working in our appropriate industries our experiences have given us we believe wise heads.  We know our limitations and do not give false promises.  We give honest appraisals and realistic expectations.

We treat you all with respect and unlike some of our larger competitors we still have that human/family touch.

OUR GOALS

We are dedicated to improving people’s lives by addressing how they look and feel about their smile and appearance.  Committed to providing our patients with quality, service and experience at affordable prices.

OUR PRICES

 We are not the cheapest nor are we the most expensive, we believe we give value for money and that where somebody is investing in their health, quality and results are what count.  As we know, quality in all walks of life has a price.

WHO ARE YOU

You are unique
You are an individual
You have your own personal dental needs

ABOUT THIS INFORMATION PACK
                 
You can see that in this information pack there are no before or after pictures of the work that we do or of the procedures described.  Until we see you we do not know which course of treatment is applicable.  At your consultation if you wish to see relevant examples of our work to your case we will gladly show you.  For the only treatment which is applicable is yours. 

This pack is designed to give you information so that you can start to understand more about dentistry which is relevant to everybody.  It will make it easier at your consultation saving time.

However, like most things, if they are not used or read they are not worth having.  At your consultation we will ask you if you have read through the information pack.

WHERE DO WE START?

Upon receiving this brochure and information pack you will find some confidential forms to fill in.  This will help us prepare to get the most out of the time available for your initial free consultation.

A stamped addressed envelope is enclosed for the return of your forms.  Your appointment will be confirmed by telephone, text or email.

Your initial consultation is free

So that you can get to know us and we can get to know you.  A brief look around your mouth to assess your dental status and discuss some of your concerns.

PRINCIPLES OF TREATMENT

When approaching any form of medical or dental treatment your surgeon will require full diagnostic tests in particular x-rays and a full examination.  Treatments should be based on:

1. Pain relief and removal of disease.
2. Stabilisation.
3. Re-construction based on function, form and cosmetic requirements.

FULL DIAGNOSTIC CONSULTATIONS

If you decide that you wish to continue with further treatment then an appointment will be made for further examinations and diagnostic assessment.  This would include assessment of the TMJ or Tempero Mandibular Joint, the muscles of mastication and related tissues.

Also including a full periodontal assessment of the gums and supporting bone structure to the teeth.

As well as a full examination of the teeth under magnification with digital low dosage x-rays, inter-oral cameras and producing accurate moulds or models of your teeth.

TREATMENT PLANNING AND ESTIMATE OF COSTS

Once your consultant has all the necessary information from his or her diagnostic tests a comprehensive treatment plan can then be formulated and discussed.  At this appointment you will not only learn the treatment that you require but will also be made aware of any alternatives available to you.

At our practice we place tremendous important that you are fully aware of your dental treatments and financial obligations before we start.  You are at any time able to discuss openly any worries you may have with regards to your treatments at our practice.

A written treatment plan will be provided and a consent form for you to give permission for the treatment to start.

Quality dental care may be extensive and require many appointments.  Prices can be discussed with our patient managers with respect to possible financing and payment plans.

YOUR APPOINTMENTS

Upon confirmation the practice manager, treatment co-ordinator will discuss a series of appointments to continue with your treatment.  Time as we all know is an asset which cannot be recovered once it has been lost.  We would therefore like you to refer to our cancellation policy for the practice.  Your appointments will be confirmed by telephone 24 hours before.  Re-scheduling will mean a delay in the whole treatment procedure.  This may be up to a number of months.

OUR AIMS

At our practice for private and cosmetic dentistry it is our aim to provide you with optimum dental health.

OPTIMUM DENTAL HEALTH 

Good dental health is more than just the absence of tooth decay or gum disease in your mouth.  It is an integral part of the optimum health of the whole body.  People with healthy bodies usually have healthy teeth and gums.  One the other hand people who have disease in the teeth and around their oral cavity usually have some form of disease elsewhere in their body.  It is a well know fact that heart surgeons before contemplating surging always like to have a disease free mouth.  The mouth is also a good barometer to the health status of an individual.  In non traditional medicine such as the Indian Aruveda as part of the general examination inspection of the mouth and tongue are essential to making a diagnosis.  Interestingly in the animal world vets and horse traders always assess the health of an animal by looking inside their mouths.

We usually have as adults 32 natural teeth including 4 wisdom teeth.  Ideally these should be disease free.  Gums should be pink, firm and fit tightly around each tooth.  They should not bleed unless traumatised.  Breath should be free from offensive odours and supporting bone should be adequate and healthy.  The jaws should be large enough to fit in evenly, giving a nice smile line.  The upper jaw should be slightly larger than the lower and the back teeth should meet tightly and grind together efficiently.  Where possible restorations i.e. fillings, crowns or bridges, should be cosmetically pleasing and using bio-compatible materials.

Do you have optimum dental health?

Would you like optimum dental health? 

YOUR GOALS

What are your dental goals?  Naturally the aim of modern dentistry is not just to eliminate pain or to fill a hole but is to achieve optimum dental health.  Maybe the results of high quality dental treatment can be compared to the joy of owning a Rolls Royce or a Mercedes for those who appreciate such things.

It is unfortunate that few people ever know the pleasure and feel the benefits of a clean, solid, fully functioning, good looking teeth and smile.

However for those people who are prepared to make an investment of time and finances this is with today’s modern dentistry achievable.  Rome was not built in a day and patience is required when undertaking any form of dental treatment where quality, safety and predictable results are to be achieved.

WHY DO WE NEED DENTAL CARE?

As with any systems in the body, when they are placed under stress, things cease to function as they should.  Most people relate stress to the problems and anxieties of life in general and unfortunately, our mouths are not immune from this modern day plight.  Forces placed upon our teeth, jaws and gums will, inevitably, cause problems, and if these problems are not dealt with, then the complex oral systems will eventually breakdown.  This will not only result in a great deal of discomfort for you, but can also cause considerable damage to your health.

So far, we have talked about dental disease or dental problems.  However, the mouth, as with any other organ of the body, is extremely complex, and whilst we generalise about dental related illness, we are in fact, referring to a multitude of disorders.

DIFFERENT SORTS OF DENTAL STRESS

BACTERIAL/NUTRITIONAL

Mouths provide an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.  In a normal situation this is not a problem.  However, some bacteria produce acid and when as a result of incorrect cleaning, poor dental treatment, poor eating habits (too much sugar) the bacteria multiply, the acidic level in our mouths increases to such a level that it can lead to tooth decay and gum or periodontal disease.  The most effective way to tackle this is mainly through better education about dental care and diet.  Our team of therapists and hygienists will be able to advise you on such matters and will help you reduce this form of stress on your teeth.

EROSION

This is now becoming much more common due to the increased consumption of carbonated or fizzy drinks which are mildly acidic causing the de-mineralisation of the outer part of the teeth known as the enamel, producing weakness and sensitivity.  Dietary changes, the use of topical applications of re-mineralisation products and other dental procedures maybe required to treat the problem.

MECHANICAL

Various problems can arise when excessive mechanical forces are applied to the oral tissues.

This can be cause by incorrect tooth brushing, use of abrasives, i.e., smoker’s toothpaste or other habits such as pipe smoking etc.  Other underlying causes of mechanical stress can be due to mal-positioned teeth, inherited orthodontic problems, poor dental treatment or bruxism (the clenching and grinding of teeth due to stress or an incorrect bite.  As a result the following symptoms maybe experienced.
SYMPTOMS OF MECHANICAL STRESS

Muscular spasm and tenderness may give migraine type pain symptoms.

Destruction of tooth substance resulting in teeth becoming misshapen/smaller and older looking due to cracks in the enamel.

The loosening of teeth due to bone loss.

TMJ (Temperomandibular Dysfunction) causing pain and or clicking noises in the jaw joints.

For many years it was thought that TMJ did not cause any significant damage.  However it is now recognised that many medical symptoms including back pain can be associated with this complaint.  At our practice we are fortunate to have a team of dental professionals who with special training in the USA are fully aware of the problems which can result from a TMJ condition and the resulting therapies required for treatment.

ELECTRICAL

Many dental restorations contain metals.  When metals are placed into the mouth the saliva acts as a conductor and electrical currents can be generated and measured.  This process is similar to corrosion and in effect produces metal ions in a solution.  These ions can then be absorbed by the body potentially increasing its toxin burden.  Some researchers say that the levels of electrical activities are high enough to have an effect on the electrical transmissions in the brain.

METALLIC

Some metals, known as Trace Elements, are necessary for life.  However, as we are becoming increasingly aware that other metals which have no biological necessity at all; on the contrary, may actually place a toxicological or immunological burden upon our systems needs not be present in our bodies.

DEAD TEETH

It is a well known fact that teeth when they have had their nerves removed (root canal therapy) should be at regular intervals x-rayed to make sure no further associated problems are occurring.  Some thoughts (although they may be controversial) imply that these teeth may still cause a problem for other systems in the body.

TRAUMA

Teeth are sometimes under acute stress.  An accident, sport injury, or road traffic accident resulting in the necessary dental treatment being required.

EXPLANATION OF SOME DENTAL TERMS & PROCEDURES

ORAL HYGIENE

Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of dentistry.  No matter how high the quality of dental treatment, without correct bacterial and nutritional control, caries/decay or periodontal disease will develop.  With regular daily care, check ups with the dentist/therapists/hygienist and altering some dietary habits confidence in a high level of your oral hygiene can be and must be achieved to maintain the health of your teeth and oral tissues.

PERIODONTAL OR GUM DISEASE

Periodontal disease is the silent enemy, usually occurring without any pain.  Symptoms are:

Bleeding Gums, Bad Breath or Taste, Mobile/Loose Teeth.

 In fact more teeth are lost through gum disease, than through dental decay.  Many factors can enhance this disease: poorly fitting crowns, poor jaw joint position, incorrect brushing techniques to name but a few.

Most tissue destruction occurs under the gum level, in pockets which cannot easily be cleaned.  The level of damage can be assessed using x-rays and measuring the pocket depths.  Many treatments are available for this disease, ranging from localised cleaning to periodontal surgery.  These are dependent on the cause of the problem and the extent to which the damage has spread.  To establish these factors, a full Periodontal Assessment is required.

At our practice we are able to offer a variety of different treatments using the most up-to-date, hi-technology equipment on the market.

TMJ – TEMPEROMANDIBULAR JOINT/JAW JOINT

The TMJ serves as a hinge for the lower jaw.  This hinge can be disturbed due to a variety of factors including arthritis, a blow to the head (trauma).  The primary cause of displacement is usually a malocclusion or a bad bite.  This can happen when the teeth are developing, as well as due to missing teeth, poorly space or oversized teeth.  Even early childhood habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and lip biting can place pressure or stress on the developing jaw and joint structures.

Another cause of stress on the TMJ is Bruxism, the grinding together of teeth usually at night.  However perhaps the most common cause of TMJ dysfunction is the restorative work i.e. fillings, crowns and bridges carried out by the dentists. When such fixtures re not positioned correctly the delicate balance between the muscles and ligaments which control jaw movement and position are disrupted. This loss of balance may cause the muscles to go into spasm or involuntary contraction which can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of TMJ

1. Difficulty in opening, closing or making chewing movements.
2. Posture problems with associated neck, shoulder or back pain.
3. Jaw joint pain or noises, clicking, cracking or popping sounds associated with movement.
4. Loosening and sensitivity in teeth and wearing down teeth.
5. Ringing in the ears or dizziness.
6. Migraine like pains for no apparent reason.

Before considering any dental treatment a full TMJ examination should be undertaken.  If any problems are discovered then corrective measures must be carried out prior to any other dental treatment.  This is essential because any subsequent dental treatment will in the long term fail if carried out whilst TMJ problems still exist.

Treatments of TMJ include:-

1. The use of a BRA or Bite Raising Appliance to allow for muscle relaxation and correct positioning of the jaws and jaw joints.  It also can be used as a night guard to protect against bruxism and grinding of the teeth.
2. Selective grinding (removal of small amounts of tooth substances or from existing crowns, bridges or fillings) to allow correct alignment and seating of the jaw joint system.
3. Possible combined orthodontic and dental restorative work to stabilise joint harmony.
4. In extreme cases of TMJ dysfunction joints surgery may be required.

One of the complications of TMJ dysfunction is that there may be no specific bleeding, swelling or even pain but nevertheless a destructive disease process is occurring which unless resolved may cause many combined problems and eventually may become untreatable.  Together with correct oral hygiene, a relaxed properly functioning occlusion and jaw joint is the foundation to a stable long lasting pain free dental result.

ORTHODONTICS/ORTHOPEDICS

Most Orthodontic/Orthopaedic treatment is carried out in children and young adults whilst they are still growing.

Orthodontics: is the correct location and positioning of the teeth.

Orthopaedics: is the correct location, development of the jaws, jaw joints, facial bone structure and skeletal bones.

ORTHODONTICS CONT.

In an average human being there are usually 20 baby or deciduous teeth and 32 adult or permanent teeth.  However this is not always the case, some people may be missing teeth and others have extra teeth.  Also skeletal patterns may lead to orthodontic problems.  Interception of developing Orthodontic/Orthopaedic problems should be at an early age during growth.  In adults some movements may require surgical procedures.

ADULT ORTHODONTICS

With the development of see through porcelain braces adult Orthodontic treatment has become more popular even people in their 60’s and 70’s achieve the smile they are looking for with Orthodontics.  To enhance a smile where teeth are mal-positioned or rotated an Orthodontic solution should always be considered before a more invasive, i.e. crowns or veneer approach is undertaken.

Advancements in treatments are taking place even as you are reading this information pack.  Methods using a series of sophisticated splints are not available and can be discussed with your surgeon.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Today everybody is talking about Cosmetics.  Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic Dentistry etc.  Any procedure which is used to enhance a feature from a “looks perspective” can be classed cosmetic.  There are many procedures which can enhance smiles and individual teeth.  Most people thing of cosmetic dentistry as smile improvement.  Every patient has a different idea and value with respect to cosmetic dentistry.  From changing a discoloured filling to repositioning the jaws and veneering or crowning teeth every person’s dental cosmetic requirements are different.  Most people dream of having straight white even teeth.  This is possible depending on how far a patient wants to go.  Modern dental techniques give the dental surgeon more scope to achieve their patient’s cosmetic dental demands.  Occasionally the patient’s expectations may not be achievable or realistic and a compromise may have to be made.

It is the opinion of the dental team working at the practice that every dental procedure should have an acceptable cosmetic result.

SMILE MAKE OVER’S

Today media driven make over TV programmes will in nearly all cases involve a so called smile make-over.  In nearly every case this involves the invasive procedures of veneering or crowns.  A true smile make over should take into consideration the position of the jaws and all the teeth.  It is important what when considering a face lift that the face is built round the correct position of the teeth.

To achieve this so called dental lifting depends upon each individual patient.  A multi-disciplinary approach may be required to achieve the desired result using one or all of the treatments listed.  This can be compared to an artist who is painting a picture he uses a number of different colours and textures to create the desired result.

DIFFERENT COSMETIC DENTAL PROCEDURES

1. Tooth whitening.
2. White fillings.
3. Re-positioning of teeth.
4. Cosmetic veneers, crowns or bridges.
5. Replacement of missing teeth with dental implants.

When considering a cosmetic dental/smile makeover case your dental surgeon should make various considerations:

1. Patient’s age.
2. Colour of skin and hair.
3. Facial lines from nose to angle of the mouth.
4. Size of the mouth and position of jaws.
5. Length and size of lips.
6. Position, colour and size of teeth.
7. Amount of gum shown when smiling fully.
8. Is the patient contemplating any form of non-invasive surgery at a later date?  It is the opinion of nearly all plastic surgeons that dental lifting should be carried out before face lifting.

Usually you will be asked to fill in a smile questionnaire before your visit.  Remember everyone is individual and your cosmetic dental requirements are specific only to you.

TOOTH WHITENING/BLEACHING

Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to enhance a patient’s facial feature is to make their smile younger looking by tooth whitening otherwise know as bleaching.  As we get older our teeth age.  At the turn of the last century the average person did not live more than 50 years.  We now all have the ability to live longer; therefore our teeth must work harder. They also must cope with other discolouring/stresses on a regular basis such as tea, coffee, red wine, food colourings etc.

Tooth colour varies from race to race and individual to individual.  It is the opinion of the practice that not all people suit excessively white teeth which do not look natural in their complete facial picture or makeover.  There are many ways to lighten teeth.

1. Over the counter home use kits.
2. Attending non-professional, i.e. non-dental practitioners for so called laser power whitening.

Both of the above are unable to use the higher concentration of bleach required to achieve a predictable result.  It is the opinion of our practice that tooth whitening should only be carried out by Dental professionals who regularly attend seminars on the subject.

TOOTH WHITENING AT OUR PRACTICE

1. Examination.  A short 15 minute examination and discussion to see if you are a suitable candidate for tooth whitening.
2. A thorough cleaning of the teeth immediately before any tooth whitening procedure takes place.  Inter-Oral and extra oral photographic documentation.
3. Provision of individual bleaching trays for in-home use and pre-power bleach procedure.
4. A power bleach procedure medically approved in trained hands.
5. A post power bleach consultation and check up.
6. Further controlled treatments where necessary and when required.

OTHER BLEACHING CONSIDERATIONS

Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers will not change colour.  Dead or non vital teeth are more difficult to bleach than alive or vital teeth.  Some sensitivity may occur but will usually diminish after time.

DENTISTRY & COSMETIC SURGERY

Today it is recognised that the smile is vitally important when enhancing somebody’s looks.  Beauty if a weapon, but the smile is the sword could not be expressed in any better way.  It is pointless turning back time with a face lift twenty years if the teeth do not fit the picture.  We now have the opportunity within our practice to bring plastic and dental surgeons together to achieve the best results.

RESTORING TEETH

Unfortunately a large portion of the population at some time in their lives requires Dental Treatment.  As soon as a tooth becomes unsightly, painful or carious then some form of treatment is required.  With the help of x-rays caries/decay hidden beneath old fillings or between the teeth can be discovered before the damage becomes too advanced and the tooth has to be extracted.  For many years now when a hole or carious lesion was discovered a filling would be immediately placed.  Today however these lesions depending upon their size are left, to allow them to re-mineralise.  With regular check ups and good oral hygiene no further treatment may be required.

DENTAL ANAESTHETICS/PAIN RELIEF/SEDATION

Dental treatment is not pleasant.  It is our aim at our practice to make your trip to the dentist as comfortable as possible.  Modern local anaesthetics applied slowly and with care will prevent all pain during nearly all procedures.  Pain killers or analgesics can be given to control after treatment to pain.  Oral sedation can be administered for those particular nervous patients.

FILLINGS

When a tooth has a more serious defect or hole then generally a filling is required.  Over the last few years there has been a significant development regarding the dental materials using in fillings.  For restoring back teeth where the hole is still small then the new generation of white filling materials provides an excellent restoration.

One of the problems with larger white fillings is the difficulty in placement, creating an adequate seal and subsequent shrinkage which may cause sensitivity.  In these cases an in-lay would be the treatment of choice.  Modern dentistry of today can offer a more bio-compatible and aesthetic filling than the traditional mercury silver amalgam which may have some toxicological problems.  For fillings in the front teeth when the cavities is still small then white composite fillings provide an excellent restoration.

INLAYS

Inlays are another type of restoration and have to be used when the hole in the tooth is too large to fill by traditional filling techniques.  The dentist with the help of a laboratory produces an accurate fitting inlay made from metal or where a cosmetic alternative is required a plastic or porcelain inlay, which is then cemented/glued into the cavity.  This technique is more time consuming and requires excellent laboratory services which means more expense.  However the advantages in the longevity of the restoration overcome these disadvantages.

CROWNS

A crown is necessary where fillings or inlays cannot be used. They can be made from a variety of different materials and in many different forms.  When a crown is required a dentist should always consider the following:

1. Aesthetics – as natural as possible.
2. Saving as much natural tooth substance as possible.
3. Using where possible body compatible materials.

Advances in dental materials and technology allow the dentist and technician to provide fantastic life like reliable crowns using a variety of non metal alternatives such as zirconium.

VENEERS

This is a very popular method for restoring teeth when there is not a lot of damage.  The dentist and technician work together to provide a veneer which is rather like placing a false finger nail over a tooth.  A new technique called illuminers allows for less tooth tissue removal and a contact like lens veneer is placed on the tooth.

EXTRACTIONS

Unfortunately is some treatment plans, extractions of teeth are required.  This should be a procedure carried out with care and skill to ensure proper wound healing and saving as much of the surrounding bone as possible.  Depending upon the complexity of the extraction will result in the appropriate fee.  Occasionally the extraction site may become infected known as a dry socket and appropriate treatment for this condition will be required.

Before any tooth is extracted discussion with your dental surgeon explaining to you your options for replacement should be carried out.  Before any permanent denture or bridge can be fitted a minimum of 6 months healing time is required.

Missing teeth can be replaced by the following techniques:

Dentures.

1. Bridges.
2. Implants.

DENTURES

In the case of when either some or all of the person’s teeth are missing then replacements are required.  Dentures can be made from plastic or with a metal framework.  They can also be temporary in the case where teeth have been immediately removed and then more permanent after six months when the wounds have healed.  Many people in the United Kingdom have not teeth at all and have difficulty in wearing dentures.  With the use of dental implants their lives can be enhanced by making their dentures more stable and easier to wear.

Dentures can be of a very simple design only using plastic or of a more complicated design using metal frameworks and special crown and bridge attachments depending upon each individual case.  It is recommended that the fittings service of dentures because of the gum underneath changing shape and shrinking be relined similar to a pair of shoes having a new sole every 18 months.  Complete or total dentures known as full full’s should be regularly checked over and replaced when the teeth are worn and do not function correctly.

BRIDGES

When a patient has a gap between two teeth or multiple gaps between a number of teeth, the teeth maybe crowned and between the crowns a bridge unit placed looking like a natural tooth to fill the gap.  Previously due to strength problems bridges always had a metal framework which causes problems with aesthetics and sometimes bio-compatibility.  New computerised techniques now allow the surgeon and technician to go metal free

DENTAL IMPLANTS

This area of dentistry has been advancing rapidly over the last decade.  A number of patients who have missing teeth can have these replaced by placing a dental implant in their bone similar to a raw plug in a plaster wall that when after placement has integrated with the patients natural bond can be used to attach crowns, bridges or dentures.  This alternative also allows replacements of missing teeth without destroying the tissue of neighbouring teeth.

At our practice we have our own experienced implant team who are available to provide any specialised treatments that you require.

BIOCOMPATIBILITY

Any substance implanted into a living person i.e. anything which is placed permanently or semi-permanently should be as compatible with that person’s body as is possible to do.  Modern dental material technology has advanced dramatically and now gives in nearly every case a much more compatible alternative than the metal used previously.

NUTRITION AND DENTAL HEALTH

Most dental problems stem from nutritional imbalance.  For this reason many dentists advocate good nutrition, but generally only focus on the reduction of sugar and acidic drinks.  Others believe that a variety of factors are responsible for dental disease such as quality of overall diet, integrity of the immune system, genetics, general health status, life style, environmental pollution, toxic and psychological stress.

Our bodies including our mouths and oral tissues are at a cellular level constantly turning over and being replaced.  This constant change requires sound nutrition from a variety of food substances to allow optimum change.  The ultimate quality of our bodies of which our mouths are an integral part is dependent on the nutrition we have on a daily basis.  You are what you eat.

A healthy mind has a healthy body – A healthy body has a healthy mouth – A healthy mouth has a healthy smile.

Further information on dietary control and supplementation to enhance systemic and oral health can be supplied.

QUALITY OF DENTAL TREATMENT

There are no shortcuts to achieving quality.  It is always important to keep this in mind.  The mouth is an extremely complex living biological structure made up of hard and soft tissue.  It is not possible to cut any corners in achieving quality dental treatment.  It takes time and as a patient one of your obligations is to invest time in your dental procedures.  Advances cosmetic and dental restorative procedures require a team approach.  All the team members at our practice have many years of experience in their specialised fields and are dedicated to further education and development of their own particular skills.  Important team members are also the dental technician.  The technical support at our practice has international experience and is also committed to excellence and quality.  When you are searching for a dental team it is important that you feel at home in their surroundings.  State of the art equipment and modern clean surgeries are essential.  All work should be carried out with magnification.  This allows for greater detail and quality to be achieved.

HOW CAN YOU TEST THE QUALITY OF YOUR DENTAL TREATMENT?

Firstly whenever you as a patient have had nay work fitted how does the work feel?  Does it feel comfortable?  Does it belong there?  Does it feel a part of your mouth?  Is the bite right?  Do the teeth fit together properly?  Are there any sharp bits?  Etc.

Secondly ask your dentist to show you the finished work using a magnified inter-oral camera.

Thirdly ask for models to be made of your completed case (at our practice this is done automatically for our records).  Look at the crown margins/edges and see if your top and bottom teeth fit snugly together.

Finally if you feel it is appropriate or necessary post operative x-rays will indicate the accuracy of the fitting particularly in areas under the gum line.

Any one of these suggestions will help you ascertain the quality and standard of work you have received.  As a patient it is important that you are completely happy.

YOUR SAFETY

Our surgeries and facilities are registered with the Care Quality Commission (previously the Healthcare Commission).  We comply with all the standards of safety and guidelines which are applicable to a dental surgery.  We believe that our standards of cross infection control are up to those found in hospital theatres.  All the air we use is filtered through special anti-bacterial filters and our water is de-ionised.  All of our employees have regular health care checks and the appropriate vaccinations.  The facility is kept up-to-date at all times to the appropriate schedules and the equipment is maintained to the manufacturer’s standards.  Regular team training is carried out and we know and feel that you are in safe hands at our practice.

YOUR GUARANTEE

We now all have a much longer life span than our fore fathers.  It is important that we look after our teeth so that we can meet the stresses and demands placed upon them for a longer period of time.  No dental surgeon can give a lift-time guarantee with teeth when they are living tissues.  The mouth and its associated tissues i.e. gums, joints and muscles is a highly refined living system extremely complex and sensitive.  When dental work is carried out by experienced personnel with no cutting corners then problems are obviously reduced t a minimum.  Whenever a tooth has had any work done to it, from the smallest filling to a crown, the nerve inside the tooth may react adversely causing sensitivity and in some cases pain, this may then require further treatment to remove this condition, usually removal of the nerve.

At our practice we give a five year guarantee on all of our work.  However to achieve this guarantee regular attendance to be discussed with your Dental Surgeon and hygiene appointments need to be made and adhered to.

To make this easier for you we are able to offer our own unique membership plan.

 DURING YOUR TREATMENT

After each treatment session we are not in a rush to get the next patient in the chair.  We explain what we have done, give both written and oral post-operative instructions and all pain relief and infection control medications are included in the price.  The following day one of our patient managers will contact you.  Any problems are dealt with immediately.  It is part of our policy that we pride ourselves in our customer care.

YOUR COMMITMENT

Your teeth and oral tissues are a part of you.  When contemplating any form of restorative or dental treatment you will be requested to invest some time, be responsible in making decisions about your teeth and committed to achieving your goals as well as making a financial investment in your health.

It is advised as part of your commitment you take the required amount of time to read through this information which will hopefully help you to understand some dentistry and dental terms and be beneficial at your consultation.

At any stage you are welcome to discuss any aspects of your treatment with staff from our practice.

­­­­­NOTES

 Remember:  Beauty is a weapon; the smile is its sword
Thank you for the time you have invested in reading this information.

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"Just a little note to say thank you for all your advice, support and care, I feel like a new person and it's down to you. Thank you again." - Becky