General
What are the practice opening times?
We are open from 8.30am until 5pm every week day with late evening appointments available on a Monday.Should you have any queries regarding our opening hours, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Am I able to park nearby?
Yes, as well as street parking there are several general car
parks very close to the practice to include Castle, Chapel
and Market pay and display car parks. On street disk parking is also located
close by (discs are available from reception).
Dentistry
What toothpaste would you recommend?
As long as the toothpaste contains fluoride, it is personal preference
regarding the strength of the flavour. Be aware of whitening toothpaste which
can be abrasive, check with your dentist or hygienist before using. For
children up to 6 years, we recommend children’s toothpaste.
What is plaque?
Plaque is a soft, sticky, pale yellow film which forms on the surface of everybody’s teeth. It contains harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease and tooth decay and for this reason, it is important to remove it when brushing our teeth.
Why is sugar bad for teeth?
The bacteria in plaque feeds on the sugar we eat and produces what’s known as ‘plaque acid’. The more you eat or drink foods that contain sugar, the more the plaque acid attacks your teeth, which could lead to gum disease and/or tooth decay.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
In most cases, it is due to plaque being present along the gum-line which irritates the gums causing them to become inflamed (red & swollen), it doesn’t take much plaque to cause this, so it is very important to clean more thoroughly particularly to these areas, to remove the plaque. If your gums do bleed, it is advisable to seek advice from your dentist or hygienist.
How can I encourage my child to brush his/her teeth?
First try the following methods:
- Brushing together (with Mum, Dad or siblings)
- Making it a game
- Persevering (and sticking) to a strict routine
- Reward system
If the above isn’t working, we have a qualified oral health educator at the practice, who can help children (and parents too!), to understand the reasons for keeping a healthy mouth. If you feel your child could benefit, please do contact us.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?
Yes, ETB’s have an improved cleaning action and have been clinically
proven to remove more plaque than a manual brush if used correctly. Our
hygienist will demonstrate the correct technique at your first hygiene
appointment and can advise on the recommended models.
Why is flossing so important?
Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush, it is still difficult to
clean between the teeth where plaque can build up. Flossing or using an
inter-dental aid will help remove it.
Appointments
If I have toothache, how soon can I be seen?
We have emergency appointments available every day, call the practice early to secure a same day emergency appointment.
What do I do if I have an emergency, out of surgery hours?
Contact us straight away. Our answering machine message will inform you of a number you can contact, even over the weekend.
Do you see patients on the NHS?
We are a private practice and therefore we do not offer any NHS treatment. We offer pay as you go or Denplan payment schemes to help spread out the cost for regular check-ups.
Is there a charge if I miss an appointment?
We appreciate that people lead busy lives and occasionally need to cancel or reschedule appointments. We ask for 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment . If you miss or cancel an appointment with less notice than 24 hours, we may charge a failed appointment fee to cover our surgery costs, if we have not been able to use your appointment time.
Treatment
I’m terrified – how can you help?
We are more than happy to see nervous patients and always make time to discuss your anxieties. If any treatment is required, it will be tailored to your individual needs. If necessary a mild sedative can be given to relax you further.
Can I arrange an appointment to just have my teeth cleaned?
Yes our hygienists will see you without a dentist appointment, however we always recommend a full dental examination with a dentist if you have not had one recently.
What should I do if my crown falls out?
Don’t throw it away! Contact us to arrange an appointment, then bring it with you to the appointment.
Can my teeth be made to look whiter?
Yes. Tooth whitening is a quick and safe way to brighten up your smile. Speak to your dentist or click here for more information on our teeth whitening service.