General dentistry is focused on promoting good oral hygiene and dental health. It’s all about ensuring that you do not have any problems such as cavities or gum disease.
Initial Consultation/ Dental Check-up
A full examination and then a chat is often all that is required.
This gives you the opportunity to explain what you need or expect from us. We only provide treatment at a first visit if absolutely necessary, for example, if you have an immediate dental problem such as pain, a broken tooth or bleeding gums. We shall discuss the pros and cons of any appropriate treatment options with you. If you prefer to do nothing for the time being, you will benefit from having the correct information, which is often enough to put your mind at rest about your dental condition. If you decide you wish to proceed, we will always provide you with a written estimate, with full details of cost and payment methods. We always recommend the treatment we would provide for our own family. There is absolutely no obligation to have any treatment at your first visit with us. It is your body, and therefore your choice.
Scaling & Polishing
This procedure cleans your teeth very thoroughly. Scaling removes the hard tartar which forms on your teeth like scale inside a kettle. You can’t remove it just by brushing your teeth. Scaling also removes trapped food and plaque containing millions of germs, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Stains from coffee, tea, cigarettes or red wine are also cleaned away when your dentist polishes your teeth.
Fillings
A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage. They are several types of fillings available – tooth coloured (Composite or Glass Ionomer) or silver (Amalgam) fillings.
Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics)
This treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of the infection. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.
Dentures
A removable denture replaces missing teeth. ‘Partial’ dentures replace a few missing teeth and ‘full’ dentures are needed if all the natural teeth are missing. Dentures are made of plastic and sometimes metal as well to make them strong and less bulky.
Extractions
A tooth, which is very decayed or damaged or loose because of gum disease, may have to be extracted.
Mouthguard
A mouthguard is a specially made, rubber-like cover which fits exactly over your teeth and gums, cushioning them and protecting them from damage. It is important to wear a professionally made mouthguard whenever you play sport that involves physical contact or moving objects.