Questions and Answers

Why is a check-up important?

A check-up allows the dentist to see if you have dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. It is best to prevent problems early or treat them early. Leaving them could mean that treatment is more difficult in the future.

Can I get a emergency appointments at the clinic?

The clinic provides a 7 day, 24 hour Advice line for dental emergencies both for registered and non-registered patients. Emergency dental treatment can usually be offered within 48 hours.

What is a dental emergency?

Significant facial swelling - this is a condition which can be life threatening. A small lump on the side of the gum is not classed as a significant facial swelling. A true and significant facial swelling will limit the patient from swallowing or limit opening of the mouth.
Trauma - this could be due to an accident leaving a tooth fractured or even completely lost.
Uncontrollable bleeding- this can happen after an extraction. NHS Direct will advise patients what to do in situations like this, but if all attempts fail to stop bleeding, the emergency dentist will see the patient.
Uncontrollable toothache which has not been controlled by over the counter pain killers. Patients must have taken maximum pain killers before they request an emergency appointment.

What should I do if I am already registered with another Dentist?

You don't have to do anything as we do not need your old records. The dentist will examine your teeth and establish a full diagnosis. (see next question)

What will happen during my first appointment?

At your first appointment you will be asked to complete a medical history form and a short Questionnaire so we can fully understand your needs and concerns.
A through oral examination will be taken. The dentist will fully chart the health of your teeth and gums and take the necessary x-rays, this will establish a full diagnosis.
The dentist will take as much time as you need to listen to any concerns which you may have, answer questions and explain dental procedures in a simple and easy to understand language to allow you to make an educated decision.
A treatment plan can be provided which will detail the various treatment options available, with associated timescales and charges for you to decide your preferred treatment.

What facilities do you have for nervous patients?

You may be understandably nervous particularly if you have not been to a dentist for a while. We want your dental experience to be pleasant and relaxing so we offer nervous patients the facility to watch television and listen to music during treatments.
The vast majority of our new patients come through recommendation from existing nervous patients

What will happen if I miss my appointment or am not able to attend?

Patients who fail to keep appointments delay other patients from receiving their treatment. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice.

If I need more than one filling do I have to pay £44.60 for each filling?

No, the charges are per course of treatment, so if your dentist tells you that you need 1 or more fillings or one or more teeth removing during your diagnosis then all these treatments will be covered under the £44.60. If however at a later date, when the previous course of treatments is completed, your dentist informs you that you need another filling, this is classed as a separate course of treatments and you will be charged accordingly.

What are the NHS charges?

Please refer to the NHS page.

I think I'm exempt from NHS charges but I'm not sure, what are the criteria for exemption from charges?

Please refer to the NHS page.

Do you accept credit card payments as well as cash and cheques?

Yes, we accept the following methods of card payment

Is there an alternative place I can get information from?

Yes, please check the sites below. Online Leaflets
Want general information on a condition or treatment?
Visit the British Dental Health Foundation where they have over 40 online leaflets.

Online Resource
Want to find out about dental treatment? Want to know how to look after your teeth better?
Visit the new BDA Smile web site.

3D Education
Want to learn about dental anatomy, conditions, treatments and good oral health?
Visit the BDA's cutting edge 3D Educational web site.

www.nhs.uk
www.dh.gov.uk/dental