We offer the full range of dental treatments at our practice.

All our dentists have a special interest in various fileds and we aim to provide you with a s many options for your treatment as possible.

If any aspects of your care are more complex, we will refer you to a local specialist for that part of your treatment, to ensure you get the best of care.

More information about some of our services and treatments we provide can be found below.

Dental Health Examinations

dental exam

A detailed examination of your whole mouth, teeth and fillings including a gum health examination.

Internal and external soft tissues are also examined.

Evaluation and recording of past medical and dental history.

We will carry out a detailed intra-oral examination to check the health of your teeth, gums, your existing restorations and your soft tissue areas. We will also carry out an extra oral examination of your lips, cheeks and soft tissues surrounding your mouth. Where necessary the jaw joints, facial muscles and lymph nodes will also be examined. Where required, we will take small digital radiographs (low dose X-Rays), to diagnose unseen decay and gum problems.

White Fillings

white fillings

Composite resin paste is placed into the cavity or tooth defect in layers and then cured to harden with an intense blue light.

Cosmetic onlays or inlays are usually made from porcelain and require preparation of the tooth.

The filling material used to repair a cavity in a tooth depends on a number of factors, including the size of the cavity and the strength required.

Broken front teeth and smaller cavities in back teeth can be repaired with white “composite” fillings at the chair-side. These are layered and we can mix several shades and densities to ensure a good colour match to the tooth.

If a tooth is severely broken down it may be necessary to use a stronger material and metal “amalgam” fillings can be used. Some people are not keen on amalgam fillings and prefer to have tooth coloured restorations. In these cases it may be appropriate to restore the tooth with inlays or onlays.

Inlays and onlays are hand-made to order in a laboratory and are then glued to the tooth in the surgery. They can be made from porcelain or composite material. They can also be made from gold. Inlays fit into a hole in a tooth where as onlays cover the biting surface of the tooth, so helping to protect what remains of the natural tooth.

These restorations are strong and can last longer than regular fillings. They are also colour-matched to your teeth, so look very natural. They are more time consuming to make than regular fillings. Two appointments are needed – the first to prepare the tooth and the second, about two weeks later, to glue the restoration into place. As such, they are also more expensive.

Teeth Whitening

teeth whitening

Tooth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth through a take home bleaching process to make them appear “whiter”.

Tooth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth through a bleaching process to make them appear “whiter”.Tooth whitening is a process by which the discolouration of the enamel and dentine are lightened. The technique has been shown to be both safe, effective and non destructive of tooth enamel.

We find the Home Tooth Whitening Technique provides excellent results with good longevity and minimal sensitivity.Your dentist will make custom made trays from mouth impressions to fit over your teeth. You wear these custom made trays filled with a dental whitening gel either for one to two hours a day or when you are asleep at night.

The process usually takes 2-3 weeks depending on the severity of discolouration and the colour you want to achieve.

Zoom! Advanced Power ™ teeth whitening

This is the latest, most effective in-clinic teeth whitening procedure. With Zoom! Advanced Power TM teeth whitening, patients see results immediately.

Zoom! Advanced Power ™ teeth whitening is the latest, most effective in-clinic teeth whitening procedure. With Zoom! Advanced Power ™ teeth whitening, patients see results immediately.

This tooth whitening procedure begins with a short preparation to cover your lips and gums, leaving only your teeth exposed. Your dentist will then apply Zoom Advanced Power ™ whitening gel to your teeth. This is applied to the enamel of the tooth and is then heated with a special Zoom Advanced Power ™ lamp. The active ingredient in the Zoom Advanced Power ™ whitening gel is hydrogen peroxide which works to quickly provide the desired tooth whitening results.

The lamp activates the gel, helping to penetrate the enamel and bleaching away any discolouration without changing the structure of the teeth. When the Zoom Advanced Power ™ lamp is turned on, the whitening process, which takes about an hour, then begins. Your teeth are safely whitened without causing any harm to them, resulting in an instantly whiter smile up to ten shades lighter.

Veneers

veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic procedure by which a thin porcelain covering is cemented on to your prepared teeth to make them look whiter and straighter.
Dental veneers have long been used to create the ultimate smile make-over. By using thin porcelain coverings, it’s possible to transform crooked, stained, damaged or badly worn teeth into a brand new, straight, white smile.

One of the most versatile restorations available for enhancing your smile -veneers can be used to lighten discoloured teeth, straighten the appearance of the teeth and to close spaces between front teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain coverings that are bonded to the front of your teeth.

Two appointments are needed to make a veneer. The first lasts about an hour and involves preparing the tooth by removing a thin layer from the front. The amount of preparation required depends on how badly damaged the tooth is. An impression of the tooth is then taken, and sent to a local laboratory where a technician then makes the veneer by hand. The finished veneer is glued into place at a second appointment, about two weeks later.

Once cemented, veneers are very strong but should still be treated with care. They may crack or fall off if the tooth is knocked. Veneers make the tooth look better and can protect the tooth from further damage. They are most appropriate for teeth which are slightly damaged.To improve the appearance of teeth which are not broken, tooth whitening may be more appropriate. For heavily filled or badly damaged teeth, a crown may be a better option.

Crowns

dental crowns

Dental crowns are restorations that protect damaged, cracked or broken down teeth by covering the whole surface area of the tooth rather like a tooth shaped thimble. A crown is provided to strengthen your existing, damaged tooth so as to preserve its functionality. Dental crowns are also commonly known as caps (because a crown sits over your existing tooth, covering the entire outer surface). The crown of a tooth is the part that is normally visible above the gum. When this is broken or heavily filled it can be reinforced by covering it with an artificial crown.Crowns may be made from gold or porcelain or, in cases where both strength and appearance are required, a combination of the two. They are also used on back teeth after root treatments to re-enforce the tooth.

The tooth is numbed and then prepared by trimming the tooth on top and around the edge. This is so that when the new crown is fitted it does not appear bulky.An impression of the tooth is then taken and sent to a local laboratory where a technician then makes the crown by hand. The finished crown is glued into place at a second appointment, about two weeks later.Crowns are strong and porcelain ones are colour-matched to the other teeth, so look very natural. They can be used to improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth and, when looked after, crowns can last for many years.

About 25% of crowned teeth need to be root filled. This is more easily done before a crown is fitted. Crowns are time consuming to make and so are more expensive than regular fillings.

Bridges

dental bridge

Dental bridges are fixed false teeth usually made from porcelain or porcelain bonded to metal, which are anchored onto neighbouring teeth in order to replace one or more missing teeth.

A bridge is a means of replacing a missing tooth with a fixed alternative, unlike a denture which is taken in and out on a daily basis.

The simplest type of bridge is a so-called Resin Retained Bridge. These consist of a porcelain tooth bonded on to a metal wing. This wing is glued onto the neighbouring tooth, so the artificial tooth fills the gap.By comparison, a conventional bridge consists of a crown fitted over one or both prepared neighbouring teeth from which an artificial tooth is suspended.

This provides a good aesthetic and functional result but is best limited to cases when the neighbouring tooth is in need of treatment.A bridge is usually more expensive than a denture but cheaper than a dental implant.

Dental Implants

dental implant

A dental implant is a sophisticated titanium replacement for the root portion of your natural tooth. The implant is anchored into a pre-drilled socket in your jaw-bone to support a crown, bridge or to retain a denture firmly in place.

Dental implants are sophisticated titanium screws that integrate with the jaw bone. They are very versatile and can replace single missing teeth, an entire jaw of teeth or provide anchorage for loose dentures.

The space where the teeth are missing is assessed for the health of the gum tissue and the amount of bone present. An adequate amount of height and width of bone is an essential requirement for long term implant survival. Placement of a titanium implant is a gentle surgical procedure whereby a small, precise hole is prepared within the bone and an the implant is inserted into the jaw bone. The implant may also be fitted into a modification of the socket directly after the extraction, or can be placed in a specially prepared site. The implant is then left for a period of time (2-6 months) to “osseointegrate”, the term used to describe bone fusing onto the surface of the titanium implant. An impression of the implant is taken and our technician fabricates an abutment and porcelain crown which are either cemented or screwed into the implant.

Restored implants look very similar to natural teeth. They can last a long time without deteriorating provided meticulous oral hygiene is maintained. One of their main benefits is that they do not require the neighbouring teeth to be cut. They are however unsuitable for some patients with poor general health and advanced systemic disease. Above average alcohol consumption, high sugar intake and smoking can also limit their long term success.

Mini Implants

dental implantThe mini implant system consists of a four to six miniature titanium implants that act like the roots of your teeth and retaining fixtures that are incorporated into the base of your denture.

The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and is minimally invasive with immediate loading and stabilization of the denture at a fraction of the cost of standard implants. Mini implants are used to prevent dentures from shifting and tilting. The mini implant system consists of four to six miniature titanium implants that act like the roots of your teeth and retaining fixtures that are incorporated into the base of your denture.

The head of the implant is shaped like a ball, and the retaining fixture acts like a socket that contains a rubber O-ring. The O-ring snaps over the ball when the denture is seated and holds the denture at a predetermined level of force. The implant fixtures allow for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.
Placement of the implants is accomplished quickly and easily in a process performed in the dental office, with local anesthesia.

Using a precise, controlled, minimally invasive surgical technique the mini implants are placed into the jawbone. The heads of the implants protrude from the gum tissue and provide a strong, solid foundation for securing your dentures. It is a one step procedure that involves minimally invasive surgery, no sutures nor the typical months of healing. Often the denture can be used immediately after the surgery and the cost for four to six mini implants ranges from £1600.00 to £2400.00 per dental arch depending on the number and size of the implants.

Root Canal Treatment

root canal

A tooth preservation procedure which involves detailed cleaning of the root canal system of the tooth when the pulp (nerve) dies. Specialist endodontic referral may be recommended for complex cases.

Teeth are held in place by roots, inside which the nerve and blood supply to the tooth are found. This is called the pulp. If the pulp or nerve within the tooth dies, the tooth often becomes acutely painful and is at risk of being lost due to infection. Root treatment, or endodontics, attempts to prevent or eliminate this infection by removing the infected pulp or nerve, cleaning the nerve canals and sealing these canals to prevent ingress of bacteria.

An radiograph of X -ray is taken to check the number and shape of the root canals. Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and access is made to the infected nerve through the top of the tooth.

This should be done under a protective plastic sheet (rubber dam) to provide a sterile environment during the treatment. The inside of the tooth (the root canal system) is cleaned and shaped. Finally the root canal is filled with a specific plastic/rubber material. The top of the tooth can now be restored with a filling or a crown.Like all medical treatments, Root Canal treatments are not always successful. The success rate is typically 90% however should residual infection remain after treatment, re-treatment may be carried out, usually by a specialist endodontist.

Periodontal (Gum) Diseases

gum disease floss

Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the gums and the supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Periodontal disease has also been linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lung problems. The word ‘Periodontal’ literally means ‘around the tooth’. Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the gums and supporting bone that hold your teeth in your mouth. Periodontal disease can affect one or many teeth.The main cause of periodontal diseases is bacterial plaque , a sticky , colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If the plaque is not removed, it can turn into a hard substance called calculus or tartar in less than two days.

Tartar is so hard it can only be removed by an oral health professional , such as a dentist or dental hygienist. The bacteria in plaque affect the gums, and release poisons or toxins that cause redness and inflammation. The inflammation and toxins themselves cause destruction of the tissues that support the teeth, including the bone. When this happens, the gums separate microscopically from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with even more plaque causing even more infection.

Periodontal disease has also been linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and lung problems. A dental hygienist is a highly trained professional who concentrates on dealing with gum (periodontal) problems. Treatment is by a combination of meticulous cleaning at home and by regular sessions with the hygienist for professional cleaning, both above and beneath the gums. In more severe cases, antibiotic or laser therapy (https://www.periowave.com/) may be used.The amount and frequency of treatment required will depend on the severity of your condition.

Mild cases may simply require 3 monthly interim appointments between your routine check ups with the dentist. More advanced disease is best treated with a course of appointments and regular follow-ups. Very severe cases may require referral to a specialist “periodontist”.

Hygiene Treatments

dental hygiene

A dental hygienist is a highly trained professional who concentrates on dealing with gum (periodontal) problems. Regular periodontal examinations with scaling and polishing are dental procedures that monitor and maintain the health of your gums.

Treatment is by a combination of meticulous cleaning at home and by regular sessions with the hygienist for professional cleaning, both above and beneath the gums. In more severe cases, antibiotic or laser therapy (https://www.periowave.com/) may be used.

The amount and frequency of treatment required will depend on the severity of your condition. Mild cases may simply require 3 monthly interim appointments between your routine check ups with the dentist. More advanced disease is best treated with a course of appointments and regular follow-ups. Very severe cases may require referral to a specialist “periodontist”.

Laser Gum Surgery

laser gum

Soft tissue lasers are revolutionising gum surgery, they have a number of advantages over conventional surgical techniques.

The need for sutures is reduced and healing time and bleeding are dramatically reduced. A further benefit is that many treatments can be carried out in one visit – enabling your dentist to do the restorative work on the same day as the surgery.

Lasers have many uses in modern dentistry including soft tissue crown lengthening and troughing prior to crowning a tooth, operculotomies to reduce the incidence of infection from impacted wisdom teeth, re-contouring the gum to improve appearance and removing fraenae to help close gaps beneath teeth. There is very little pain or discomfort following treatment and the surgical sites heal very quickly.

Periowave Periodontal Treatment

periowave

A blue dye is flowed into the gum pockets where by it attaches to the bacterial plaque cell walls. Activation of the blue dye with a Laser causes destruction of the bacterial cell walls and disinfection of the periodontal pocket. More info: on (https://www.periowave.com/)

Invisible Braces

invisible_brace

HDL Aligners are an innovative technique for straightening teeth without the need for obtrusive “train-track” braces.

A sequence of clear gum-shields or “positioners” is used to gradually move teeth, so correcting crowding, spacing and other orthodontic problems. The positioners should be worn as much as possible but are removable, so can be taken out when eating and for the occasional social event.

This makes them better accepted by busy people who want to straighten their teeth without being self conscious about their metal braces. Being removable also facilitates tooth cleaning, so reducing the risk of decay developing during the process.

We are able to provide a full assessment of a patients’ smile to ensure suitability for the technique. Models and photos are then sent to the laboratory for further analysis before a treatment plan is formulated.The speed and cost of treatment depends on the severity of the problem.

Conventional Orthodontic treatment

brace

Removable orthodontic appliances and clear or ceramic (aesthetic) brackets and tooth coloured wires are also available for mild to moderate cases. Specialist orthodontic referral is recommended for moderate to severe cases.

For minor to moderate front tooth irregularities, removable orthodontic appliances may be appropriate. Depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem, clear or ceramic brackets combined with white orthodontic wires are also available.

For moderately severe orthodontic cases we would advise referral to a specialist orthodontist.

BOTOX® and Dermal fillers

cometic treatment

BOTOX® is used to smooth out or ameliorate frown lines on the forhead and crows feet around the eyes. Dermal fillers plump out lines and wrinkles and enhance lips.

Botulinum Toxin Type A (Botox) is typically used in the upper half of the face smooth out or ameliorate forehead frown lines and reduce ‘crows feet’ wrinkles around the eyes. Dermal fillers are typically used in the lower half of the face to plump out lines and wrinkles and enhance lips.

Dentists have a vast knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck and are used to working delicately around the face and mouth with injections. Assessing facial dimensions is a factor in many routine dental procedures so dentists find it easy to achieve natural looks when carrying out facial aesthetic techniques.

Dentures

dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for your teeth, designed to look and function like your own natural teeth and surrounding gum tissues.
Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (periodontal disease, decay or trauma). Dentures are a synthetic laboratory constructed appliance used to replace missing teeth . Alternative treatments used to replace missing teeth include dental implants and fixed bridges.

Types of dentures

Full Dentures are generally fabricated from acrylic resins. Partial dentures (where some teeth are still present) can be fabricated from either acrylic resin , metal or nylon (Valplast) based material. With advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide variety of designs and materials available for partial dentures, and your dentist will give you some options, including the very latest flexible Valplast cosmetic dentures. Dentures can also be stabilized by attaching them to dental implants with press stud fixtures.

The procedure

On your first appointment, your dentist will assess your needs and thoroughly examine your mouth for suitability for dentures. An impression (mould) of your gums will be taken and used as a model to fabricate your dentures to fit the contours of your mouth exactly. A dental technician will make your dentures to your dentist’s exact specifications. The procedure usually requires 4 stages with 10-14 days apart for the technician to produce the appliance. Stage1 Impressions are taken of your upper and lower teeth/jaws. Stage2 Another impression is taken using a custom tray that gives a more accurate fit. A wax bite is registered ( fitted exactly to you). The dentist moulds the wax to the height and shape of your jaws. Stage 3 The teeth are set in wax for a trial in your mouth to see if you like the look, fit and feel of them. Stage 4 The new teeth are fitted and ready for you to wear.

A follow up appointment is usually arranged a week later to make any small adjustments that may be required.

*images are for illustrative purposes only