There are many practical and aesthetic reasons to replace a tooth or teeth. Sometimes people lose one or more permanent teeth, and it can be uncomfortable and upsetting.
Dental Implants have been used successfully for several decades, and it is a highly recommended treatment to replace missing teeth.
Implants are made of titanium, and act like roots of the teeth. After they have been fitted and have healed in place, dentures or crowns may be attached to them. When dentures are held in place by implants, they do not slip around. If crowns are fitted on implants they act like normal teeth.
Dental implants are so natural in the way they look and feel, you may forget you ever lost a tooth. Dental implants can be placed without compromising any other teeth. Maybe your dentures don’t feel secure, and you have difficulty chewing or eating? Implants can help.
Implants are helpful if you are missing one or more teeth and would like to smile, speak and eat again with more comfort and confidence. Under proper conditions, and diligent patient maintenance, implants can last a lifetime.
Initial evaluation and planning:
To plan the most suitable treatment certain information is helpful, for example photographs, x-rays, scans & models of your teeth & jaws, and a comprehensive CBCT scan will be helpful to give greater details of the shape of your jaws and the amount of bone available.
Implant placement & abutment:
Implants are gently and precisely placed into healthy bone. The implants are then allowed to heal in the jawbone for the next three-six months. The implants may be covered under the gum or may have healing abutments (a small metal cap) connected to them through the gum.
During this period the implants are not overloaded or stressed. This enables the bone to fuse to the implant, a process known as osseointegration.
Implant crown:
The construction of crown involves some or all the following:
Review appointments will be necessary and you should expect a minimum of 7 appointments including your initial consultation over a span of approximately 6 months.
Care for dental implants includes:
Q: Is having a dental implant painful?
A: The procedure is done under local anaesthesia so you should not feel any pain during surgery. Some soreness afterwards is normal and manageable with over-the-counter medications.
Q: Are dental implants available on the NHS?
A: Implants are only available through the NHS in extreme cases such as severe trauma or cancer.
Q: What is the cost of a dental implant?
A: The cost of dental implants does vary depending on your specific needs - the amount of implants you need, if you require bone or soft tissue grafting and what final restoration you require, however our implants start from £2410
Q: Are there any risks?
A: Like any procedure, having a dental implant does have some risks to be considered however by utilising CT scans, radiographs and surgical guides we minimise surgical risks as much as possible. We cannot however reduce the risk of failure caused by rejection of your body, by lack of adherence to oral health advice or by smoking.
Ridge (or socket) preservation is a procedure to reduce bone loss after a tooth extraction (removal).
After tooth extraction the jawbone tends to become narrow and shorter, and loses its original shape because the bone quickly resorbs, resulting in significant loss of bone volume in the first six months.
Bone loss can compromise the ability to place dental implants or prosthesis, and affect aesthetics and functional ability.
The procedure will be performed under local anaesthesia. Ridge preservation aims to prevent bone loss by bone grafting the socket immediately after extraction of the tooth. With this procedure the tooth is gently removed to preserve the bone, the socket is cleaned and disinfected, and a bone graft is placed into the tooth socket. This is then covered with a membrane and stitched closed. Roughly 30 days after ridge preservation the membrane dissolves away and the extraction socket is covered with new gum. The graft integrates with your natural bone over several months – typically between 3 and 6 months
There are several types of bone graft materials:
Your clinician will discuss the best options based on your specific needs.
If your clinician recommends using an allograft here’s what you should know:
The main benefit of ridge preservation is to maintain bone volume, however it carries other benefits such as:
Bone grafting is generally safe, but, like any procedure, carries some risks:
Your dental team will take steps to minimise these risks.
Immediately after the procedure you should expect to experience some bleeding, swelling and/or bruising and some discomfort. These are all normal and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
After the procedure it is crucial to follow these instructions for optimal healing:
Whilst there is good evidence that ridge preservation prevents bone loss to an extent, as the success depends on a patients own biological healing response, there is no definitive proof that it leads to higher implant success rates or long-term health. It is important to note that it may still be necessary to do more bone grafting at the time of implant placement.
Q: Is bone grafting painful?
A: The procedure is done under local anaesthesia so you should not feel any pain during surgery. Some soreness afterwards is normal and is manageable with over-the-counter medications.
Q: How long after the bone graft can I have my dental implant?
A: Often a bone graft is carried out at the time of implant placement, however if the bone graft is necessary prior to placement then healing typically takes 3-6 months depending on the extent of the bone graft
Q: Will my body reject the graft?
A: Rejection is rare as the graft material is processed and treated to minimise risks, however as each person’s biology and physiology is unique there can never be a 100% guarantee.
Q: Can I donate blood if I have a bone graft?
A: Grafting with human or animal bone, or even synthetic bone will almost certainly preclude you from donating blood in the future. An autograft (where the bone is taken from your own body) generally does not preclude you from donating blood. It is very important that you check with the NHS blood donation service if you are eligible before attempting to donate.
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your entire oral health which comprises of the teeth, gums and soft tissues inside the mouth. It also extends to the structures outside the mouth including the joints (around the ears).
In addition to this it also aims at identifying any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and problems associated with soft and hard tissues at the earliest possible, and keep invasive and complicated dental treatments to a minimum.
These practices are designed to ensure that your long term oral health is maintained to a very high standard. With good dental hygiene, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting tooth decay, gum disease both which are significant factors to oral and general health.
To maintain optimal oral health, the British Dental Association (BDA) recommends visits to the dentist at regular intervals determined by a dentist, it can range from 3 months up to 24 months depending on your specific needs. Your dentist may also recommend (depending on your needs) to visit the dental hygienist at a regular interval.
It is recommended to have bitewing x-rays taken approximately every 24 months to detect decay between the teeth (interproximal caries) that cannot be seen visually due to the structure of the teeth. Bitewing x-rays can also show secondary decay under an existing filling that wouldn't be visually visible, this can help us treat this tooth before the decay reaches the pulp of the tooth and causing an infection resulting in pain and more involved treatment.
Bitewing x-rays also show the supporting bone around the teeth which can be affected by gum disease and smoking, this helps your dentist evaluate your oral health as a whole and if you may benefit from seeing the hygienist and/or a referral to a specialist.
With up to 90% of the adult population experiencing some degree of gingivitis it is crucial to maintain optimal oral health. In fact, more teeth are now lost due to gum disease than decay! We recommend regular visits to the hygienist to help keep your gums and teeth healthy.
During the appointment your hygienist will carry out an initial dental hygiene examination to assess the health of your gums and any build up and/or pocketing.
They will then use an ultra-sonic scaler to carry out a scaling, and in most cases, root surface debridement (the removal of debris from the root surface). They will also perform a polish to remove any soft plaque and superficial staining on your teeth.
Your hygienist will also provide tailored oral hygiene advice, including advice about your diet. They are able to advise you of the symptoms of gum disease (periodontal disease) and will discuss with you if they think you would benefit from a referral to a specialist.
The frequency of visits will be determined by your clinical needs. Recommendations usually range from 3-12 months depending on your periodontal health & needs.
Research has shown that a clean and healthy mouth significantly reduces the risk of filling replacement, new cavities, gum recession, periodontal disease and food trapping.
It has also been proven that there is a link between Periodontal disease and Heart disease so keeping your gums healthy is important not just for your mouth, but for your overall health as well.
Your dentist can still carry out a simple scaling as part of your check-up for those who need it, however a hygienist is specially trained for cleaning and oral health education and will spend much longer with you.
Regular visits to the hygienist will result in better treatment and/or prevention of gum disease than regular visits to your dentist alone.
If your dentist has recommended a visit to the hygienist it is because they feel your oral health would benefit from a more in-depth cleaning than they can provide.
A dental filling is usually a restoration of a carious, broken or defective tooth or teeth. It helps to restore the tooth function, shape and colour.
Filling materials can be temporary fillings or permanent
Temporary filings are usually an interim measure when the there is not enough time to perform a permanent filling, however sometimes a temporary filling can be done if a tooth has a deep cavity close to the nerve, and it needs time to stabilise before a permanent filing can be placed on it.
The different permanent filling materials used to restore a tooth are silver alloy (amalgam), and resin (composite or white fillings). In rare cases gold can also be used however this is usually in the form of an inlay as opposed to a direct restoration like a filling. An inlay is a custom lab made restoration that is cemented into the tooth, usually used for particularly large or difficult to restore cavities.
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (nerve) from inside a tooth.
The goal is to alleviate pain by cleaning, disinfecting and filling the root canal system.
Root canal is usually performed when the tooth is infected and causing discomfort however, it can also be required in rare cases when a trauma causes the nerve inside the tooth to die. A root canal treatment will usually be carried out over one to two visits but can take longer and need more visits.
Q: Is having a root canal painful?
A: Your dentist will provide local anaesthesia before starting treatment so you should not feel any pain during your root canal treatment. On rare occasions a tooth can be hypersensitive due to the infection and the local anaesthetic doesn't work as well as it usually does, in these cases the dentist will place an antibacterial dressing to help settle the tooth and ask you return another day.
After your appointment you may feel some discomfort but this is usually well managed with over-the-counter medication.
Q: How successful is root canal treatment?
A: The success of a root canal treatment varies by case. Your dentist will discuss the success rate with you prior to beginning treatment, specifically, if they believe your success rate would be a lot higher if your treatment was completed by a root canal specialist (endodontist) they will recommend a referral.
Q: What are my other options?
A: Unfortunately the only other option if your tooth is infected is to have a dental extraction. Your dentist will be happy to discuss both options with you and address any concerns you may have.
There are many reasons your dentist may choose to extract one or more of your teeth.
Most tooth extractions are a result of damaged teeth, long term gum problems that lead to bone loss, or impacted wisdom teeth. Orthodontic extractions, necessary when there is overcrowding or mis-aligned teeth, also account for a large portion of tooth extractions.
It is very important to follow all aftercare advice given to you following a tooth extraction. Failure to follow the advice can lead to further pain and delayed healing.
Q: Is having a tooth extraction painful?
A: Your dentist will provide local anaesthesia before starting treatment so you should not feel any pain during your extraction.
After your appointment, and for a few days, you will feel some discomfort but this is usually well managed with over-the-counter medication.
Q: What will I feel during tooth extraction?
A: You will feel pulling and pushing sensations as well as some pressure. You will likely hear some sounds as the tooth is loosened and removed, however this is all completely normal.
Q: I'm really nervous, can I be referred?
A: Whilst general anaesthesia is no longer offered for tooth extractions due to anxiety, in most cases you can still be referred for intravenous sedation. However it is important to be aware that referrals for sedation can take up to a year from the date of referral and it can be difficult to manage your pain during this waiting period.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped prosthetic that is used to restore weak, broken or decayed teeth. It is also recommended for teeth which have had root canal treatment done and can sometimes be recommended for teeth that are discoloured to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the tooth.
A crown fits over your entire tooth, like a snug hat. To ensure a proper fit, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth structure before bonding your new crown in place.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. In making a dental bridge, similar to a crown, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of tooth structure from the teeth that border the gap which is being replaced (the supporting teeth for the bridge).
The main advantage of crowns and bridges is that they can help retrieve the loss of function attributed to missing teeth or broken and structurally compromised teeth.
Unlike dentures which are also used to replace missing teeth, bridges are permanently cemented to the teeth and function more like natural teeth.
Your dentist will make an initial assessment and a treatment plan for your needs. There are different materials the crown and bridge can be made from, including metal, zirconia and porcelain (which can be made to match the tooth colour).
If it is a bridge that you require your dentist will decide on the best design suited for your dental needs taking into consideration the supporting teeth.
Both the procedures are usually a two staged procedure.
Stage 1 will be when the teeth to be treated are prepared and impressions or a scan taken. Your dentist will then fit temporary crowns and bridges to protect the prepared teeth whilst the impressions or scan are sent to the lab where the dental technician will process the final crown or bridge.
It usually takes 2 weeks to get the final prosthesis from the lab.
Stage 2 of the treatment will involve removing the temporary crown and cementing the final prosthesis onto the prepared teeth. Your dentist at this stage will make sure that you bite is alright after fitting the crowns or bridges.
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile.
They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much.
A ‘full’ denture is one that replaces all the missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, a ‘partial’ denture fills in the spaces left by missing teeth.
Chrome dentures will still have some acrylic present to set the replacement teeth onto the chrome framework.
Dentures work by fitting snugly over the gums/bone. They are normally held in place by suction however, as each persons mouth is unique some people find they need to use fixative to keep their dentures (especially lower ones) in place.
If you still have some teeth remaining your dentist may discuss adding clasps to your denture to help retention.
While you cannot expect your new dentures to do everything that real teeth can do, with proper care of both your dentures and your mouth you will be able to eat, speak and smile with confidence and ease.
There are several stages involved in making a denture and between each stage your models will be returned to the laboratory to prepare for the next stage. Because of this it usually takes around 6-8 weeks to make a new denture.
Sometimes stages need to be repeated - especially the try in stage if there is anything you or your dentist is not happy with initially. It is also normal to have some sore spots on a new denture where it rubs against your gums, you should contact us for an adjustment appointment if you find this is the case for you.
Q: Can I eat normally?
A: Usually you can eat all of your favourite foods! Initially you may need a softer diet whilst you get used to your dentures and we would recommend you cut certain foods (like apples) into smaller pieces.
Q: How long will they last?
A: Usually you can expect a permanent denture to last between 5-10 years. Your dentures may need to be relined or re-made because of normal wear, or a change in the shape of your mouth. Loose dentures can cause discomfort, and health problems including sores and infections. A loose or badly fitting denture can also make eating and talking more difficult.
Immediate (also known as temporary) dentures made to wear directly after dental extractions for cosmetic purposes will need to be replaced within 3-6 months due to normal healing and recession following tooth extraction.
Q: How do I care for them?
A: Dentures should be taken out before going to bed. This allows your gums to rest and helps keep your mouth healthy. When you remove your dentures at night, it is best to store them in a small amount of water to stop them warping.
You should rinse your denture after every meal to remove debris and you should gently clean it with a soft toothbrush and mild denture cleaner each night.
Q: How much do they cost?
A: Acrylic dentures are available on the NHS and are a Band 3. Please see www.nhs.uk for current prices.
Starting prices for Cosmetic Acrylic, Flexible and Chrome dentures can be found on our fees page.
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean.
Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners, which straighten your smile discretely. With no wires or brackets, they’re a discreet alternative to conventional fixed braces. The aligners are made from a flexible plastic material and custom-made to fit your mouth. You’ll have a series of aligner sets that are changed every week, until you achieve your final result.
Invisalign treatment isn’t painful, but you may feel some discomfort initially or when you change aligners. This is only temporary; your mouth should quickly adjust so the aligners feel natural and comfortable.
You will need a initial consultation to determine your needs and possible results. You can then decide whether you want to proceed with treatment.
The cost of treatment varies for each case, depending on the complexity of your case and the type and number of Invisalign aligners you need.
Teeth whitening is a process by which your natural teeth are bleached to make them look lighter. Our teeth are normally white when they come through, although due to various reasons they can erupt slightly discoloured. As we grow older, as part of the normal aging process, as well as affected by our diet and lifestyles, our teeth will normally start to discolour. In addition to these reasons teeth can also discolour if they undergo trauma and the nerve dies in them.
The first step is a consultation to check your suitability for teeth whitening. If you have not had a recent check-up this is also recommended to check for any decay and check the health of your gums.
Impressions will then be taken and custom made bleaching trays will be manufactured at the laboratory. These take 2-3 weeks to make.
Once your trays have returned to the practice we will confirm they fit you appropriately. Your dentist will then demonstrate how to load your trays with the bleaching gel and answer any questions you may have. Its then time to go home and start your whitening!
You will be invited to a review appointment 2-4 weeks after receiving your trays to check your progress.
Q: Is teeth whitening painful?
A: Teeth whitening is not painful but the most common side effect is sensitivity. This can be quite extreme for some patients but it is temporary and will stop when you are no longer carrying out the whitening. Sensitivity can be managed with a toothpaste like Sensodyne and you can take a short break from whitening (a couple of days for example) if needed.
Q: Is teeth whitening safe?
A: Tooth whitening is completely safe when carried out by qualified dental professionals. You should not use products bought online or from anyone who is not a qualified and registered dental professional. Non-legitimate products or having whitening carried out by someone not appropriately trained can cause painful, permanent damage to the teeth, lips and gums. You should also be aware that some over the counter products can actually be harmful (like abrasive 'whitening' toothpastes).
Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: Your results, and how long they last, are very dependant on your lifestyle factors, if you eat/drink a lot of staining foods (i.e coffee, tea, red wine, berries) and/or if you smoke your results will not last as long. If possible please avoid these factors during the whitening process as they can affect your final result. If you don't smoke and don't consume staining foods regularly whitening can last for 1-2 years. However, as long as you take care of your bleaching trays you are able to purchase top-ups of the gel and do not need to repeat the whole process. Your dentist may wish to check your trays still fit properly if it has been more than 1 year since they were made, this can usually be done at your normal check-up.
Q: Will teeth whitening lighten the colour of veneers, crowns and fillings?
A: Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, therefore it will not lighten restorations. Your dentist will be aware of any visible restorations you may have at your consultation and will be able to discuss what options are available to you.
You can tell lot about a person from their smile.
So what is your smile saying about you?
A smile makeover is a way to invest in yourself by investing in your smile.
A smile makeover will utilise various aspects of dentistry according to individual patient needs such as;
A smile makeover is different for every patient, that's why our dentists can assess your needs and tailor make a plan to help you get the smile you want.
Please contact us to book a consultation.
