FAQs

Periodontics

What is the difference between a dentist and a periodontist?
A periodontist is a dentist who has undertaken additional training in the treatment of patients with severe gum disease. The dentist is recognised by the General Dental Council as having Specialist training.

Why do you need to see a periodontist?
Periodontal disease can result in tooth loss and needs effective treatment to maintain teeth. We now believe that gum disease can negatively impact on a person’s general health, so it is important to maintain healthy teeth and gums

How often should you see a periodontist?
Patients suffering from gum disease will usually be referred to a Periodontist for treatment. Following treatment, patients are often reviewed on a yearly basis by their periodontist, as gum disease can recur.

Endodontics

How many visits are required for a root canal?
An initial consultation visit is necessary, to make the diagnosis and determine if the tooth would benefit from root canal treatment. Treatment is then carried out over 1 or 2 visits, depending on the level of infection and the complexity of the procedure.

Should Antibiotics be taken after having a root canal?
Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed following root canal treatment, but there are a small number of patients who may benefit from them and the decision to prescribe is made on an individual basis.

What hurts more extraction or root canal?
Both treatments can only be carried out with effective pain control – neither procedure should hurt and both treatments often result in an improvement in pain levels.

Dental Implants

Is it better to get dentures or implants?
Implants are more like a natural tooth and are the preferred option by many patients. They are ‘fixed’ in the mouth and do not need to be removed for cleaning or overnight.

Can everyone have dental implants?
We look at all possible options for replacing teeth and will advise patients on an individual basis if they are suitable for implant treatment. It is important that the rest of the dentition is healthy, and all decay and gum disease has been treated.

Can I have all my teeth replaced with implants?
We would encourage patients to keep their own teeth, if at all possible. Dental implants can then be considered for any missing teeth or those with a poor long-term outlook.

Orthodontics

How quickly will teeth move with braces?
The time needed to move teeth will depend on the complexity of the treatment, but usually takes 1-2 years.

Are braces painful?
The mouth and teeth may feel sore during treatment, but braces are very well tolerated by patients, even children.

Can you feel teeth shifting with braces?
The teeth are moved slowly, and patients may be aware of a slight increase in the mobility of the teeth, but this is not associated with any discomfort and the teeth tighten up once they are in the correct position and tooth movement stops.

Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery

How long does it take for mouth to heal after oral surgery?
This will depend on the severity of the surgery, but the mouth generally heals quickly, and patients can get back to their normal daily routine the next day. Painkillers may be required for several days.

How do you take care of your mouth after oral surgery?
This depends on the nature of the surgery and whether stiches are needed; all patients are given verbal and written advice post-extraction/surgery.

Can I take medication before oral surgery?
Advice will be given on an individual basis depending on the nature of the medication; a minority of patients will need to adjust their medication, but advice is given regarding this by their clinician.

Hygiene Services

Will hygiene visits help to keep my gums healthy?
Hygiene visits are important in maintaining gum health and the hygienist can also advise patients if there is evidence of gum disease, and whether further treatment is required to treat this.

How long do hygienist appointments take?
Hygiene appointments are a minimum of 30 minutes, but some patients with lots of staining or who have serious gum disease may require longer and more frequent visits.

Can you eat after seeing hygienist?
Yes, but if a local anaesthetic was used you should wait until the numbness has worn off before eating.

CBCT

What does a CBCT scan show?
A CBCT scan is a three-dimensional image which shows the teeth and bone and important anatomical structures. They are important is diagnosis and in treatment planning.

Is CBCT scan necessary?
CBCTs are not required routinely – your clinician will identify if you would benefit from this x-ray and explain the reason for this.

Should I worry about the radiation from a CBCT?
We have a CBCT machine which is low dose compered too many machines – please see our website for further details.

Tongue-Tie

How long after tongue tie release does feeding improve?
Usually immediately. Babies are encouraged to feed immediately after the procedure.

How long does a tongue tie take to heal?
The mouth generally heals quickly, and babies will feed and settle immediately after the procedure, with little evidence of discomfort.

Can tongue tie get worse with age?
It does not get worse, but it does not improve over time either.

IV Sedation

Does sedation put you to sleep?
Sedation is not a general anaesthetic, which is why it is so safe. Patients remain awake but are relaxed. Many will fall asleep or be in a dream like state.

Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
The sedation involves placing a fine canula in the back of the hand, which feels like a ‘sharp scratch’. Local anaesthesia is always given in addition to the sedation, so the dental procedure is pain free.

What should I do before dental sedation?
Detailed instructions are given, both verbally and in writing, to all patients having sedation and will be individual to the patient.