Services

Dental examinations

It is important to have dental examinations every 3, 6, 9 or 12 months depending on your oral hygiene as recommended by NICE guidelines. These examinations are crucial in the early detection and treatment of all sorts of oral and dental problems. This gives us an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your teeth.

Studies show that mouth cancer is on the increase and that early detection dramatically improves the chances of recovery. This is why we carry out oral cancer screening at every examination.

At your examination appointment, your dentist will carry out a full oral examination which includes:

A review of your medical and dental history
The taking of x-rays
Screening for oral cancers
A periodontal health evaluation (check your gums)
An examination of your teeth and soft tissues
An assessment of your jaw muscle function

At the end of your examination, should the dentist have made any recommendations, you will have the opportunity to have a detailed discussion with the dentist and a treatment plan will be formulated and you will be provided with a detailed treatment plan with any costs associated.

Gum care

Gum disease is the most significant cause of tooth loss amongst adults. This is because a certain number of people (15-20%) have immune systems that overreact to the bad bacteria in their mouths. When this overreaction occurs, the immune system attacks and breaks down the bone and tissue that surround the tooth. This damage is not predictable and can occur sporadically. None of us knows if we are part of this 15-20% because we can’t usually feel or notice the onset of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. Both adults and children should be routinely checked for gum disease.

Keeping your gums in shape

Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) will struggle to improve your oral health without your daily care.

Are you living at high risk for gum disease?

Smoking

Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers.

Stress

When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.

Dental neglect

Avoiding the dentist is a lifestyle choice that puts you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.

Diabetics

This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can leave you more prone to gum disease.

Home bleaching

This process involves the dentist making a custom-fitted bleaching splint for you that will fit your teeth precisely. You will be supplied with cartridges of bleaching solution and the dentist will provide full instructions of how to load the splint with this solution. This technique usually involves wearing the splint for a few hours every day for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

What causes tooth discolouration?

The colour of our teeth varies from person to person. Teeth also yellow with age, exposure to tea, coffee, tobacco and soft drinks. Certain foods can also cause staining. Discolouration can also occur because of certain childhood illnesses, medications and trauma.

Calculus and tartar can also affect the appearance of the teeth.

Who can benefit from tooth whitening?

Our dentists can determine whether or not you are suitable for the process or if another cosmetic procedure would better for you. The tooth lightening system is ideal for people who have healthy unrestored teeth and would like to have a lighter, brighter smile. Crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers will not lighten with bleaching.

Is it safe?

There may be some sensitivity for a day or two following bleaching, but no other side-effects have been reported. We have the occasional patient who has experienced more enhanced sensitivity but again this has not lasted for more than a day or so.

Conservative dentistry

Root canal treatment

Root Canal Treatment or Endodontics involves work inside the root of the tooth. It is carried out because the nerve in a tooth has died and become infected, or because it has become inflamed and painful. This can happen due to trauma, decay or just general 'wear and tear'.

The aim of the treatment is to remove dead or inflamed tissue from the nerve canals and to fill this space so bacteria cannot colonise it, causing ongoing infection. The nerve chamber of the tooth is opened and the channels in the roots cleaned and shaped to allow disinfection and filling to the root tips. The difficulty of doing this varies considerably depending on the tooth involved, its past history and the age of the patient. An x-ray picture is taken before treatment starts to assess the number and shapes of the roots.

Treatment is usually carried out under local anaesthetic (as for a normal filling) and should not be uncomfortable. As small instruments and disinfectants are used, a protective sheet of rubber is placed over the tooth to create a secure operating area. This means no debris or water collects in the mouth. There are usually one or two appointments involved, depending on the particular situation.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns (or caps) completely cover a heavily filled or broken tooth. They are made from various materials such as gold or porcelain or a combination of materials used to prolong the life of your tooth.

Why might I need crowns?

To improve your smile
To protect a tooth that has fractured
To prevent a tooth from breaking after a root canal filling
To protect a large filling

What materials can crowns be made from?

There are a wide variety of dental materials to choose from. Some crowns are made from gold whilst others are made from a gold alloy with a porcelain outer shell. All-ceramic crowns are also available and are becoming more popular.

How do you prepare and fit a dental crown?

Fitting a crown takes two visits with your dentist. At the first visit your dentist will prepare the tooth and will fit a provisional crown to protect your tooth until your next appointment. The laboratory will make a crown specifically for you, which will be fitted at your second visit. Once you are happy with the crown and how it looks, it will be cemented firmly into place.

How long do crowns last?

This depends largely on how well you look after your teeth. Dental crowns require the same level of care and attention as your natural teeth, and we would expect a high-quality dental crown to last 10-15 years along with a good oral hygiene regime and a good diet.

All porcelain crowns and bridges

Metal free crowns allow the light to shine through restorations just like your natural teeth giving an excellent match and a natural appearance.

There is a natural temperature sensitivity with the crown reacting more like a natural tooth than one made with a metal core.

Made from natural raw materials, Zirconia is a high-tech ceramic that possesses exceptional durability and can be used at the front or the back of the mouth.

Your dentist may recommend replacing part of a tooth that has been lost through wear and tear or decay with a filling. Fillings are made from a number of materials, and your dentist will discuss your options with you before starting treatment.

If the damage is more extensive and a filling is not suitable, then you may need an inlay or onlay. This treatment is similar to a filling, but the worn area is replaced with a moulded piece made to exactly fit the affected tooth.

Tiny cavities discovered during a regular check-up may be filled with amalgam or composite to repair the tooth and avoid further decay or damage. Amalgam (which is a grey or silver coloured material) works particularly well in molar teeth. Composite is a very similar colour to natural teeth and is sometimes used when patients are concerned that amalgam fillings may be visible following treatment.

Fillings are placed and sculpted into your tooth to ensure you can bite properly after treatment. You must follow the care and advice recommended by your dentist, so the filling is retained and your tooth remains healthy.

Inlays and onlays

If the area of decay or damage is extensive, or if the area needing treatment is in a tooth at the back of the mouth, an inlay or onlay may be recommended. An inlay is placed inside a tooth, whereas an onlay fixes to the outside and rebuilds the tooth shape. They can be made of metal, composite or porcelain.

As with a filling, the damaged area is prepared, but then an impression is taken of the tooth using a mouldable material so a technician can build an inlay or onlay to exactly fit your tooth.

Whilst it is being built, a temporary filling is placed in the tooth. When it is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, fix your inlay or onlay onto your tooth and make small adjustments to ensure it is comfortable.

Removable partial and complete dentures

There are many reasons that patients lose their teeth, including gum disease, decay, injury, accident and as part of the natural aging process. Whatever the reason, losing one or more teeth can be a source of embarrassment that makes you not want to smile, and can also cause problems with eating, the health of any remaining teeth and even with speaking.

Fortunately, there are many solutions that can give you back your confidence and your dental health.

At Diamond Dental Care we provide removal complete dentures or partial dentures to help improve your dental function and appearance.

Taking care of your dentures

Like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque and food debris, particularly in areas where the denture is in contact with the remaining teeth and gum. In addition to the usual oral hygiene measures like tooth brushing, dentures should be cleaned regularly. Poor denture hygiene can result in stains on the denture and a bad odour.

If possible, dentures should be removed and cleaned after every meal. When cleaning, remember the following:

Use a soft hand brush or a special denture brush.
Avoid very hot water as it may distort the denture.
Use mild detergent to clean dentures. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that can roughen the polished surface of the denture. Do not use bleach as this may whiten the pink acrylic.
Hold the denture firmly while cleaning. Accidentally dropping the denture may result in chipped or broken dentures. Always wash your denture over a basin of water.
Soak the dentures in denture cleanser once a week to remove stains and always rinse them thoroughly before using the dentures again.
When you are not wearing the dentures, store them in water. Dentures may lose their shape if left to dry out.

Our highly experience and caring dentists can provide emergency dental care for any of the following dental emergencies:

Tooth ache
Abscess
Swelling
Root canal
Accidents and oral trauma
Sports injuries to mouth
Swelling of the mouth or gums
Damaged or broken denture
Loose crowns

Our emergency dental service is available to all ages, from children to older adults. Our aim is to put our patients at ease by providing skilled and caring dentistry to help treat your emergency in a quick and relaxed manner.

Guards

Bite guard (night guard)

Grinding your teeth (bruxism) or clenching your jaw, can happen while you sleep or even during the day. If you grind your teeth on a regular basis, this can be damaging to your smile and your overall oral health. Although the cause varies from stress to developing this as a habit, the symptoms may include headaches, sore jaw, loosened and painful teeth, or even fractured teeth. Prolonged grinding can reduce tooth enamel and cause sensitivity due to exposed dentine.

Our dentist can fit you with a custom-made night guard that acts as a cushion between your teeth, keeping them apart and preventing the friction caused by teeth grinding. Our dentist will custom fit your night guard using impressions of your teeth and moulding the guard to your mouth. Made of custom material, the guard will fit over your top teeth, and cushions your molars to absorb and prevent grinding. Your symptoms may improve by wearing a night guard and your smile will be protected.

Sports guard

When taking part in any sporting activity where there is a strong chance of contact with other participants or hard surfaces it is vital to protect your teeth from harm.

A mouthguard covers the upper teeth with the aim of cushioning a blow to the face. It can minimise the risk of damaged or broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks or jaw.

Wearing a mouthguard can help give you the confidence you need to perform to your full potential, safe in the knowledge that your teeth are well protected.

A custom-made mouthguard from your dentist can offer the best protection for your smile. The rubber-like cover fits exactly over the teeth and gums making it comfortable and helping it to stay in place.

If this is something you are interested in, or any of the other dental treatments at Diamond Dental Care, please give us a call on 01772 746196.

Denplan care services

Some of our patients pay for their treatment through a monthly dental payment plan arranged for them by Denplan, the UK’s leading dental payment plan specialist. It helps patients budget for their routine dental care and treatment by making regular monthly payments.

We currently offer Denplan Care:

This payment plan provides for the majority of dental treatment to maintain your dental health. A dental assessment is made so that the price you pay is dependent on the 'health' of your mouth.

It includes the following treatment, when clinically necessary and where carried out at the practice by your registered dentist:

Dental check-ups
Hygiene appointments
Dental x-rays
Filings
Preventive dental advice and therapy
Extractions
Periodontal (gum) treatment
Crowns, bridges, dentures, inlays (excluding laboratory fees)

Supplementary Insurance arranged by Denplan, which provides you with worldwide dental injury and dental emergency cover and access to Denplan's 24 hour Worldwide Dental Emergency Helpline.

Denplan Essentials is also available at Diamond Dental Care.

This payment plan provides for your routine preventive dental care and you pay for restorative treatment as you need it. It is easy to set up and no pre assessment is necessary. It includes:

Dental check-ups
Hygiene appointments
Dental x-rays
Preventive dental advice

Joining Denplan

Step 1: Arrange to see our dentist who will be happy to explain the choice of plans and will confirm what the monthly payment will be

Step 2: If you decide to go ahead, you need to sign an agreement. Denplan will then send you a written confirmation and start deducting agreed monthly amounts

Step 3: Arrange your appointments as normal with us and Denplan will pay us directly in line with the agreement

Diamond Dental Care

Services

Dental examinations

Gum care

Are you living at high risk for gum disease?

Teeth whitening

Conservative dentistry

Root canal treatment

Dental crowns

Veneers

Removable partial and complete dentures

Dental emergency service

Guards

Denplan care services

Services

Dental examinations

Gum care

Are you living at high risk for gum disease?

Teeth whitening

Conservative dentistry

Root canal treatment

Dental crowns

Veneers

Removable partial and complete dentures

Dental emergency service

Guards

Denplan care services

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