At this
appointment we will make certain recordings of the condition
of your teeth and gums usually with the help of some x-rays.
We will also ask you to fill in a comprehensive medical history
to ensure your safety.
We shall
discuss with you any treatment required, give you all of the
options available and provide a full treatment plan together
with details of all costs.
X-rays
If we
are to help you it is absolutely essential to know exactly
what is going on beneath the gum line and inside the teeth,
where we cannot see. As a health precaution we advocate that
the x-rays taken are kept to the minimal amount clinically
possible and prescribed on an individual basis.
We carefully
follow the current national guidelines for dental radiography
and use modern, low radiation dose dental x-ray machines.
The health and safety of our patients is paramount.
Gums
Your gums
are designed to keep the blood in and the bacteria out. If
your gums bleed then the bacteria can get into your body and
disease will surely develop. The latest research shows that
plaque (which builds up on the surface of your teeth) and
bacteria are the cause of gum disease, when your immune level
is low.
We will
teach you how to keep your own gums bacteria free. There is
no place for bleeding gums. This is a warning signal –
do not overlook it.
Cancer
Screen
At your
regular visits we will carefully examine your mouth and associated
structures for any signs of early cancer. The mouth can also
show signs of many other important general illnesses long
before symptoms start. This can give us a good early warning
system so that any necessary medical treatment can be commenced
whilst the prognosis for most human illnesses is at its best.
Headaches
You may
not realise that the way that your teeth meet is linked to
the balance of the rest of your body and vice versa. Your
posture can affect your jaws and their correct working. The
jaws work by the action of muscles and any dysfunction may
result in pains around the head and teeth. These may affect
your head (as headaches), your neck (stiff neck), your back
(back pain). You may also get a ringing noise in your ears.
All these can have an origin in the imbalance of your teeth.
Missing
Teeth
When any
teeth are missing this places more strain on the remaining
teeth and the supporting structures of these teeth –
teeth tend to drift and tilt when they are lacking the mutual
support of the neighbouring teeth. Imagine a car with 4 wheels
– if one is missing or flat then the whole system is
thrown out of balance.
Children
To properly
develop into a healthy adult it is essential for children
to have a healthy mouth. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease
it is necessary to have regular dental visits. Where it affects
the dentition we can advise the young patients on dietary
problems.
Appearance
Remember
that your smile tells the world a lot about yourself !
Our
Practice Philosophy
Our philosophy
has always been to give our patients the highest standard
of care and attention to their dental needs together with
a friendly welcome and congenial atmosphere.
Mouth
cleanliness is the greatest single factor in prevention
of dental disease. We will teach you how to control any active
disease, and this will be coupled with a thorough diagnosis
and a planned corrective programme to avoid future disease.
We are all individuals and we know that habits of long standing
take a long time to change in some people (e.g. smoking).
However if we can stimulate your attitude to change, then
it is worthwhile.
