Frequently Asked Questions

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How often should I see the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

 

Most children and adults should see their dentist and hygienist for a regular cleaning and check-up every 12 months. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-up. People at a greater risk of oral diseases should have dental checkups more often.

 

 

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

 

We protect our patients in many ways, starting with state-of-the-art sterilisation equipment and the use of facemasks and gloves. We always check our patients' health history.

 

 

Is it important to replace missing teeth?

 

A confident smile and a healthy mouth are important assets but it is important to replace missing teeth for health reasons as well. Once teeth have gone it results in bone loss. This not only shortens your face and ages it, but can cause other teeth to become loose which are then at risk of falling out. Your features droop and generally appear distorted.

 

Missing teeth also provide fertile breeding ground for tooth decay. If you have one missing tooth the surrounding teeth become increasingly susceptible to decay, which can result in them being lost as well.

 

 

Is my treatment going to hurt?

 

We can provide anaesthetics for any treatment that is likely to hurt you. The injection can be uncomfortable but will only take a few seconds. For children, we use a topical anaesthetic on the skin in the mouth which dulls the pin prick feeling of the needle.

 

 

How safe are dental x-rays?

 

Exposure to all sources of radiation including the sun, minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental x-rays can damage the body's tissues and cells and lead to the development of cancer. Fortunately, the dose of radiation you are exposed to during the taking of x-rays is extremely small.

 

Advances in dentistry over the years have lead to the low radiation levels emitted by dental x-rays. Some of the improvements are new digital x-ray machines that limit the radiation beam to the small area being x-rayed, modern higher speed x-ray films require shorter exposure time compared with older film speeds to get the same results, and the use of film holders that keep the film in place in the mouth (which prevents the film from slipping and the need for repeat x-rays and additional radiation exposure).

 

 

Which is the best toothpaste to use?

 

Any toothpaste containing fluoride that you like the flavour of is fine. Fluoride is important because it helps to strengthen tooth enamel, inhibiting tooth decay.

 

 

Do I need to use a mouthwash?

 

It′s up to you whether you choose to use a mouth rinse or not. However it is important to remember that it should not be used instead of a toothbrush, as it won′t clean your teeth for you. Apart from giving you a pleasant taste for a few minutes, most mouthwashes offer no benefits and in fact many are highly acidic, which could gradually erode your tooth enamel.

 

 

Is an electric toothbrush more effective than a manual one?

 

It′s possible to clean your teeth just as well with a manual toothbrush as an electric one. If you choose to use an electric toothbrush, you should still spend four to five minutes each time. It doesn't clean any quicker – it's just doing the movement for you. Those who have limited strength or movement in their hands or arms may find it easier to use an electric toothbrush.

 

 

What makes you different from any other dental practice I can visit?

 

We have staff that will make you feel special from the moment you have first spoken to us over the phone right through to the end of your course of treatment. You are welcome to discuss any issues that may arise at any time during the treatment. Your satisfaction is of paramount concern to us.

 

 

Do you accept referrals?

 

Our practice has always grown by word of mouth recommendation so we are delighted when you pass on your positive opinions about us to friends and relatives. We also accept referrals from other dentists.

 

 

What is your complaint procedure?

 

We take any complaints very seriously and will always listen and try and resolve any concerns directly with you. Please feel free to contact the practice manager on 01959 575834.

 

 

 

 

CALL FOR ADVICE If you would like to ask us any questions about our service or any oral health issue we would love to hear from you. Sunningvale Dental Practice are delighted to provide you a free and impartial advice. Call our Dental Helpline at 01959 575834 and talk to our trained staff