General dentistry is what most people come in for, and what keeps a small problem from turning into a large one.
A routine check-up takes about fifteen minutes. We look at every tooth, at the gums and at any older fillings, and then tell you what is healthy, what we should keep an eye on, and what needs treating now. If nothing needs doing, we say so, and you will not pay for treatment you do not need. We take the time to explain, so you leave knowing the condition of your teeth and in what order it makes sense to deal with things.
Early decay does not hurt and cannot be seen from the outside. That is exactly why it is found at a check-up rather than when a tooth starts aching, and the earlier we find it, the less tooth structure is lost. We place fillings in tooth-coloured composite, so they do not stand out. For back teeth where appearance is not a concern, amalgam is also available; which material makes sense depends on the size of the cavity, where it sits and what you prefer, and we discuss it before we start.
When decay reaches the nerve, the tooth does not have to be pulled. The canal is cleaned, disinfected and sealed, and the tooth stays yours. Depending on how many canals there are and what condition they are in, this is done in one visit or several. Root-treated teeth tend to become more brittle over time, so we often recommend a crown afterwards to keep the tooth from fracturing while chewing.
We remove a tooth when it can no longer be saved. The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you do not feel pain during it. Afterwards you get clear instructions for the first 24 hours, and that part matters most for a calm recovery. If a gap is left behind, we talk at the same appointment about how it can be restored later, because neighbouring teeth tilt into a gap over time and the opposing tooth drifts down.
Baby teeth are treated, not simply left to fall out, because they affect how the permanent teeth come through. With children we go slowly and explain each step, so that a first visit to the dentist does not become a fear that lasts a lifetime. Parents are welcome in the treatment room, and at a first appointment we often do nothing more than let the child look at everything and hold the instruments.
You call or message us and we agree a time. At your first visit we look at the whole mouth, not only the tooth that is bothering you. Then we propose a treatment plan with an order of priorities. What you go ahead with is your decision.
Usually around fifteen minutes. If we find something that should be treated right away, we tell you immediately how much extra time it needs. Whether we can do it on the same visit depends on that day's schedule.
The treatment is done under local anaesthetic when needed, so you normally feel nothing. For small, shallow cavities anaesthetic is often not necessary at all. Tell us beforehand if you are sensitive and we will numb generously.
Once a year suits most adults. If you smoke, build up tartar quickly or have gum problems, come more often. After the examination we will tell you what makes sense in your case.
Often yes, that is what root canal treatment is for. Whether it is worth doing depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and on the shape of the canals. That can only be judged after an examination and an X-ray.
Yes. A baby tooth holds the space for the permanent tooth and influences how it comes through. Decay in baby teeth can also cause pain and spread, so we treat it.
If you are in pain, get in touch, and we usually try to fit you in the same day. For a routine check-up a booked appointment is better, because then you do not have to wait.
It depends on the condition of your teeth and what needs to be done. Send us a message — a photo helps — and we'll tell you what we suggest and how long it takes.