Our ethos at Acorn Dental Clinic is based on prevention, therefore we encourage our patients to attend for regular visits at least twice a year. This helps identifying tooth decay, gums disease and early signs of oral cancer. We believe that early diagnosis is the key to the cure!
Unfortunately we are no longer taking on any new NHS patients - this applies to adults and children.
Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where you have to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care. Below are the 3 bands of dental treatments carried out on the NHS.
For information about understanding NHS dental charges please click here.
You will need a filling when a cavity starts to form, destroying the structure of the tooth. When the hard enamel is destroyed, the cavity reaches the dentin which is more porous and sensitive. If left untreated, the decay can reach the pulp chamber which contains the nerve and the blood vessels of the tooth. This can be extremely painful and can lead to disruptions of the blood supply and nerve death causing dental infections. It is important to have decays treated before this happens and to prevent extensive destruction of the teeth and more complex treatments.
White fillings require less preparation of the tooth compared to amalgam (silver) fillings and are made of tooth-coloured mixture. Your dentist will carefully match the shade of your filling to the colour of your natural teeth. White fillings are very aesthetic restorations and an excellent way of treating tooth decay or replace old silver fillings. They are an affordable treatment, if you want to quickly enhance the appearance of your smile.
Periodontal (Gum) disease is very common and while early stages can easily remain undetected, the more advanced stages have a dramatic impact on people’s lives. Along with dental caries, periodontitis (Gum Disease) is considered by the World Health Organisation (WHO) one of the two most significant global burden of oral disease, however, if identified early Periodontitis (Gum Disease) can be easily managed.
Gum Disease (Periodontis) is an inflammatory condition that involves the supporting tissues of the teeth (bone and gums). Left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and affect the function of the teeth, therefore negatively impact on the patient’s quality of life.
More information can be found here: Periodontal health for a better life [pdf]..
The main risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, smoking (possibly including e-cigarettes), diabetes (especially if poorly controlled), stress, poor nutrition (lacking vitamins and minerals), obesity and genetics.
Some medical conditions may change the way your dentist or hygienist manage your disease, so it is important to tell us about any medical problems and medicines you are taking!
You may be unaware of periodontal (Gum Disease) as it is usually pain-free. It is important to attend for your regular dental visits at least every 6 months. If signs of Gum Disease are identified, you may need to see your dentist or hygienist more often (every 3 months).
Book urgently an appointment with your dentist, if you notice any of the following ‘red flags’:
In order to assess the extent of the disease, a detailed dental examination will be carried out. The depth of the periodontal pockets will be recorded and x-rays will be taken to assess the supporting bone.
An essential stage of the treatment is the elimination of the risk factors. It has been shown that smokers exhibit more severe forms of periodontal disease and less response to the periodontal treatment.
The treatment involves the removal of the soft plaque and tartar and aims to eliminate the bacteria and reduce the depth of the gum pockets.
Usually 3 months following the initial treatment, we will assess the effects and we will recommend a tailor-made maintenance programme (supportive periodontal therapy), which involves regular visits to the dental hygienist and periodical reassessments. In more severe cases, surgical procedures may be required.
If left untreated, gums disease can lead to tooth mobility and tooth loss due to the progression of the disease through further attachment and bone loss.
We will routinely numb your gums before this procedure. You may experience some discomfort following the procedure and you may require prescription free painkillers for at least 12-24 hours. Your teeth may feel more sensitive up to 12 weeks. Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, some patients may also experience gum recession.
For more information about Gums Health or to book a consultation contact us on 01756 709769.
The tooth is made of a number of specialised tissues: enamel (the outer layer), dentin (less hard than enamel) and the pulp space (containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue).
Trauma, tooth decay, extensive bridge or crown work and cracks can cause inflammation that cuts off the blood supply of the pulp, causing the death of the nerve. Left untreated, this can progress causing damage to the bone surrounding the tooth. This can lead to severe toothache and dental abscess. As the blood supply to the pulp space is cut off, antibiotics cannot reach the bacteria, therefore cannot resolve the inflammation. There are only two ways to treat this. One is extraction, which is the removal of the tooth and although some patients prefer this, it is best to keep your natural teeth. However, if the tooth is too badly damaged and cannot be saved, it has to be extracted. The second option to resolve an infected pulp is to carry out a procedure called Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment.
Root canal treatment (Endodontic Therapy) consists of the removal of the infected pulp and prevention of further bacterial recontamination by appropriate sealing of the tooth.
No. We use modern anaesthetic techniques which will make the procedure virtually painless. You may experience mild discomfort following the root canal treatment, but this can be usually managed with non-prescription painkillers.
Root canal treatment aims to remove the infected tissues by shaping and disinfecting the root canal. Usually, only one session of treatment is required, however occasionally more visits are required. In order to confirm the success of the root canal treatment, an x-ray is usually required.
For more information about Root Canal (Endodontic) Treatment or to book a consultation contact us on 01756 709769.
Dentures are a great option for replacing missing teeth. By leaving spaces following extractions, the remaining teeth tend to drift into the gaps. This can affect your bite and can lead to damage of the soft tissues, causing periodontitis and increases the risk of the tooth decay and further tooth loss.
‘False teeth’ prevent the remaining teeth from drifting and help you eat, speak and improve the overall facial appearance.
Initially, a new denture will feel strange. It can take a couple of weeks before you can comfortably wear your new denture.
At Acorn Dental Clinic we offer partial dentures (replacing a few missing teeth) and full dentures (when all natural teeth are missing). Dentures are commonly made of acrylic, but we also offer metal dentures or flexible dentures (Valplast).
Contact us today for a FREE denture consultation.
These are manufactured to create a natural smile and restore the functions of a healthy mouth. They are less expensive than chrome (metal) dentures or flexible (Valplast) dentures. They can be an attractive option immediately after extractions, if you have not fully decided on further treatment.
These are made of a chrome-cobalt alloy and can feel quite comfortable to wear, looking natural and discreet. They can be thin and small, but are stronger and more durable than the acrylic dentures. Metal dentures cover less of your remaining teeth and gums, promoting good oral hygiene and use less tissue damage. The minimal coverage of the soft tissues will also aid your speech and allow you to enjoy the taste of food more.
These are made of biocompatible thermoplastic nylon and feel lightweight and wonderfully comfortable. They are practically invisible and many patients consider the Valplast Flexible dentures an excellent and affordable option. They will allow you to eat, talk and smile with confidence as their aesthetic quality is outstanding.
For a FREE denture consultation contact us today on 01756 709769.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is the fancy name for a medical condition that affects your muscles and/or joints that control your jaw movements. It causes jaw pain or tenderness, tension headaches and neck and shoulder pain.
Other symptoms can be:
Cerezen is an innovative, custom-made in ear device that effectively treats the symptoms of TMD. The divice is non-invasive, comfortable and discreet and can be worn night and day, unlike the traditional TMD treatments.
The Cerezen treatment is a simple process. You will need a couple of sessions until you will have your life-changing Cerezen device fitted.
On the first appointment your clinician will assess you in order to determine if you suffer from TMD. If Cerezen is suitable for you, you will have an ear impression taken by an audiologist.
Approximately 2 weeks from impression you will need another appointment to have your custom-made Cerezen device fitted.
For more information on any of our general dental treatments or to book an appointment with us, please call the practice on 01756 709769 or send an enquiry using the form below.