• Comprehensive initial examination.
• Routine examination.
• Radiography.
• Hygienist Services.
• Scale and polish.
• Treatment of chronic gum disease.
• Fillings - including white fillings.
• Crown and bridge work – white and gold.
• Inlays and Onlays – white and gold.
• Veneers.
• Root canal treatment.
• Extractions.
• Professional Tooth Whitening.
• Splint therapy for jaw joint and muscle problems.
• Dentures – acrylic and cobalt chrome.
• Treatment of sensitive teeth.
• Provision of mouth guards.

• Implants.
• Sinus lift.
• Bone grafting.
• Complex surgical extractions. (e.g. Impacted wisdom teeth.)
• Apicectomies.
• Biopsies.
• Frenectomies.
• Intra venous sedation.

• you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth
• you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it
• it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place.

• For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food, don't smoke, don't drink any alcohol and try not to disturb any blood clot which might have formed.
• Don't rinse your mouth for 24 hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water - half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough.
• Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
• You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket - don't worry, this is perfectly normal.
• There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first few days. If you need to, take some ordinary painkillers that you would normally use (SPEAK to your dentist about this).
• If you feel pain a few days after the tooth has been removed, it might be where the blood clot has broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a 'dry socket' and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and the dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.

• Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm).
• Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky.
• Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist.

1. flattened, worn teeth
2. broken teeth, fillings and crowns
3. loose teeth
4. continual sensitivity of your teeth to temperature change
5. toothache with no apparent cause.

If you think you have any of these problems, ask your dentist.

Sedation

Is there anything that can help me with my fear of the dentist?
Yes. Some people are so frightened of the dentist that they will not go for dental treatment. They can overcome their fears with relaxation or sedation. Our dentists are sympathetic about these feelings, and you can ask our dentists about these ways to help.

What is sedation?
We offer an intravenous or IV sedation. This is given by injection, either in the back of your hand or in your arm. The dose will depend on the amount of treatment needed and the length of time it will take to complete.

How will IV sedation in the surgery affect me?
You become drowsy and unaware of any treatment, but you are still able to co-operate with the dentist. The effects of sedative medicine take some time to wear off and your dentist will tell you how long the drugs will take to clear from your body. You won’t be able to drink alcohol, drive or work machinery during this time.

What else can help?
You can be helped to feel relaxed by ‘relative analgesia’ sometimes known as inhalation sedation. This means breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (‘laughing gas’) which quickly leads to a pleasant, relaxed feeling. The dentist puts you at ease at the same time, by talking softly and suggesting what you feel. You remain conscious all the time, although you may be a little drowsy, and any treatment given causes you no discomfort. You breathe in the mixture through a nosepiece, which is very comfortable. You can’t overdose on the gas, as the mixture quickly leaves the body if you breathe in one or two breaths of ordinary air. There are no after-effects either, and you can drive a car after about 15 minutes. Many dentists use this safe and effective technique.

How does relaxation work?
When we are faced with a challenge or something we’re afraid of, such as a visit to the dentist, our bodies produce substances, which raise our anxiety. However, we can train our bodies to work against this anxiety, by learning to relax. It’s not possible to be anxious and relaxed at the same time, so learning relaxation helps control our anxiety.

Children Dentists

Our Dentists aim to prevent dental disease rather than treat it at a later date.

Fluoride applications and fissure sealants (tooth coloured sealants) are applied to biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.

Scale & Polish

Tooth Decay

Using higher magnification and powerful lighting, it is easier to detect decay at an early stage to prevent excessive tooth damage. When cavities are small, they are much easier and less expensive to treat.

Early tooth decay does not tend to show many physical signs. Sometimes the tooth looks healthy, but your dentist will be able to see from an x-ray whether you have any decay under the enamel, any possible infections in the roots, or any bone loss around the tooth.

Gum Disease Treatments

Screening for gum disease forms an integral part of your routine examination.

What is gum disease?
Gum disease describes swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.

What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.

What is the cause of gum disease?
All gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.

What happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.

Bad Breath Dental

Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Persistent bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria that coat your teeth and gums.

However, strong foods like garlic and onions can add to the problem. Smoking is also one of the main causes of bad breath, along with certain illnesses such as nasal and stomach conditions.

Bits of food that get caught between the teeth and on the tongue will rot and can sometimes cause an unpleasant smell. So correct and regular brushing is very important to keep your breath smelling fresh.

The bacteria on our teeth and gums (plaque) also cause gum disease and dental decay. If you see your dentist regularly this will not only help prevent bad breath but will also let the dentist look for and treat these problems.

Dental Implants

Dental implants offer a permanent solution for your missing teeth. A dental implant is essentially a substitute for a natural root and commonly it is screw or cylinder shaped. Each implant is placed into a socket carefully drilled at the precise location of the intended tooth. Often the implant can be placed at the same time as removal of the tooth all on the same day.

If an implant has a screw-thread on its outer surface it can be screwed into position and if it does not, it is usually tapped into place. The main aim during installation of any implant is to achieve immediate close contact with the surrounding bone. This creates an initial stability, which over time is steadily enhanced by further growth of bone into microscopic roughnesses on the implant surface.

In order to support replacement teeth, dental implants normally have some form of internal screw thread or post space that allows a variety of components to be fitted. Once fitted, these components provide the foundation for long-term support of crowns, bridges or dentures.

Dental Dentures

Replacing lost or missing teeth has substantial benefits for your health and appearance.

A complete or full denture replaces the natural teeth and provides support for cheeks and lips.

Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person appear older and reduce their ability to eat and speak.
A dental denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth to enable you to enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence. A complete or full denture is one that replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.

The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. This is especially important in the case of partial dentures.

Bridges

Besides having dental implants, there are two main ways to replace missing teeth. The first is with a removable false tooth or teeth – a partial denture. The second is with a fixed bridge.

A dental bridge is usually used where there are fewer teeth to replace, or when the missing teeth are only on one side of the mouth. Bridges are usually made of a precious metal base.

If the bridge will show, porcelain is then bonded to the base. Sometimes, there are other non-precious metals used in the base to reduce the cost.
You should replace missing teeth for a number of reasons. Your appearance is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain is put on the teeth at either side.

A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and alter the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can then lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes both decay and gum disease.

Adhesive Bridges

An Adhesive Bridge is less damaging to the neighbouring tooth than a standard bridge. Speak to your dentist to discuss your options.

Brush

Q Why is brushing important?
A Daily brushing and cleaning between your teeth is important because it removes plaque.  If the plaque isn’t removed, it continues to build up, feeding on the food debris left behind and causing tooth decay and gum disease.   

Q How can plaque cause decay?
A When you eat food containing sugars and starches, the bacteria in plaque produce acids, which attack tooth enamel.  The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with teeth.  After this happens many times, the tooth enamel can break down forming a hole or cavity.               

Q How can plaque cause gum disease?
A Plaque can harden into something called calculus another name for it is ‘tartar’.  As calculus forms near the gumline, the plaque underneath releases poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed.  The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and the gaps become infected.

If gum disease is not treated promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost.  Gum disease is the biggest cause of tooth loss in adults and can lead to dentures, bridges or implants.              

Q How can I prevent gum disease?
A It is important to remove plaque and food debris from around your teeth, as this will stop your gums from swelling and becoming infected.  If you leave plaque on your teeth it can develop into tartar, which can only be removed by the dentist or hygienist.  It is important to keep up your regular appointments so that your teeth can have a thorough cleaning if they need it.

Q How do I know if I have gum disease?
A Gum disease (gingivitis) will show itself as red, swollen gums that bleed when brushed or flossed.  Many people are alarmed when they notice this bleeding and will then brush more gently, if at all.  It is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly in order to fight the condition. 

Q Which type of toothbrush should I use?
A Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to recommend a toothbrush to you.  However, adults should choose a small to medium size brush with soft to medium multi-tufted, round-ended nylon bristles or ‘filaments’.  The head should be small enough to get into all parts of the mouth: especially the back of the mouth where cleaning can be difficult.  Children need to use smaller brushes but with the same type of filaments.

You can now get more specialised toothbrushes.  For instance, people with sensitive teeth can now use softer bristled brushes.  There are also smaller headed toothbrushes for those people with crooked or irregular teeth.  Some people find it difficult to hold a toothbrush, for example because they have Parkinson’s disease or a physical disability.  There are now toothbrushes, which have large handles and angled heads to make them easier to use.     

Q How often should I change my toothbrush?
A Worn-out toothbrushes cannot clean your teeth properly and may damage your gums.  It is important to change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if the filaments become worn.  When filaments become splayed, they do not clean properly.

 Q How should I brush?
A Brushing removes plaque and food particles from the inner, outer and biting surfaces of your teeth.

Here is one method of removing plaque:
* Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth and angle against the gumline.  Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of each individual tooth.
* Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gumline.
* Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
* Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
* To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
* Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath and will clean your mouth by removing bacteria.

Q How often should I brush my teeth?
A Be sure to brush thoroughly with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, more often if your dentist recommends it.  If you keep getting discomfort or bleeding after brushing go to see your dentist about it.

Floss a Bridge

Q Why do I need to clean between my teeth?
APlaque and food particles can get trapped between your teeth and under the gum line. These can cause gum disease and tooth decay and are in areas.

Inter-dental Brushing

Q What is an interdental brush?
A It is a small brush that can be held between your thumb and your fingers.  Interdental brushes are available in various sizes which enables you to choose which size is most suitable for you.  You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.

Q Why clean between teeth?
A Over the course of a day, food and debris get lodged in between your teeth, and in any gaps you may have.  If left, this debris can cause dental decay and gum disease.  Removing food debris and plaque with an interdental brush will help keep your breath fresh.  Cleaning in between your teeth makes sure that you are cleaning your mouth as thoroughly as possible.

Q Should I use an interdental brush instead of my normal toothbrush?
A No.  These small brushes should be used as part of your normal oral hygiene routine to be effective.

Q Why is my normal toothbrush not enough?
A You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush.  There are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access.

Q How can the interdental brush help?
A With its small filaments and tiny bottle type head, the brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush. They are available in two textures, original and Soft giving an effective option for even the most sensitive gums and teeth.

Q How do I use it?
A Select a suitable sized interdental brush. Never force the brush between the teeth. Between front teeth, use a finer brush, turning slightly to ease the brush comfortably between the teeth.  Remove the brush by gently pulling thereby removing plaque and debris.  Repeat the turning motion to re-insert and pull out several times until you are satisfied the space is clean.  For larger spaces nearer the back of the mouth, a larger headed brush might be needed.  To be as effective as possible, shape the head into a slight curve DO NOT bend at right angles.  You will then be able to easily locate and clean the space effectively.  Always rinse brush in clean water during and after use.

Q When should I use it?
A You need to clean between all your teeth at least once a day.

Proximal Brushing

Select a suitable sized brush head and lock it in place in the handle. You may need a variety of sizes for the spaces at the back of the mouth. Your dentist or hygienist will be able to guide you on which ones to select. Never force the brush between the teeth. Remove the brush gently removing plaque and debris. Always rinse the brush in clean water during and after use.

Q What is a Proximal brush?
A It is a device in two parts. One part is the handle that has been developed from a standard toothbrush so that it holds a small brush head securely.  The brush heads are available in various sizes enabling  you to choose which size is most suitable for you.  These colours are exactly the same as those used in the interdental brush range.

Q Will I need to use more than one size of brush head?
A You may need to use more than one size to enable you to effectively clean all spaces between your teeth.    

Q Will I need to use this brush as well as the interdental brushes?
A The proximal brush can be used in all areas of the mouth. However most people find that it is most useful for cleaning between the back teeth.

Q Why clean between teeth?
A Over the course of a day, food and debris get lodged in between your teeth, and in any gaps you may have.  If left, this debris can cause dental decay and gum disease. 
Removing food debris with a proximal brush will help keep your breath fresh.  Cleaning in between your teeth ensures that you are cleaning your mouth as thoroughly as possible.
   
Q Should I use a proximal brush instead of my normal toothbrush?
A No.  This brush should be used as part of your normal oral hygiene routine to be effective.

Q Why is my normal toothbrush not enough?
A You will know that there are certain places in your mouth that are difficult to reach with your normal brush.  There are also some gaps between your teeth that your toothbrush will not be able to access.

Q How can the proximal brush help?
A With its small filaments and tiny head the brush can be moved between the teeth to remove debris and plaque that will not have been removed by your usual toothbrush, especially at the back of the mouth.

Q How do I use it?
A Select a suitable sized brush head and lock it in place in the handle.  You may need a variety of sizes for the spaces at the back of the mouth.  Your dentist or hygienist will be able to guide you on which ones to select.  Never force the brush between the teeth.  Remove the brush gently removing plaque and debris.  Always rinse the brush in clean water during and after use.

Q When should I use it?
A You need to clean between all your teeth once a day.

Cleaning Tongue

Q Why tongue cleansing?
A Tongue cleansing is a quick and efficient way to help achieve and sustain a healthy, fresh mouth.

Recent scientific evidence supports the need to practise regular tongue cleansing to help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Q What are the facts about the tongue?
A The back of the tongue is the main focal point for the majority of micro-organisms in the mouth, which are a major source of bad breath, plaque-forming bacteria and those associated with gingivitis and tooth decay.  It is therefore important to reduce these micro-organisms in all areas of the mouth, especially the tongue.  A tongue cleanser is the ideal tool to use in conjunction with a toothbrush and floss/interdental brushes to help achieve optimum oral cleanliness.
9 out of 10 people suffer from bad breath at some time or another.

• 90% of bad breath comes from what is happening in the mouth.
• 80% of bad breath emanates from the back of the tongue.
• The use of a specialist tongue cleanser is much more effective in reducing odour-causing bacteria than brushing the tongue with a toothbrush.