General Dentistry

Procedures for restoring damaged teeth

Fillings and crowns

There are a number of ways a dentist can restore damaged teeth, including fillings, crowns and root canal procedures. These techniques aim to restore your teeth’s functionality as well as retaining a pleasing appearance.

Crowns, also sometimes known as ‘caps’, are used to fit over weak, badly damaged or heavily filled teeth in order to provide strength and to improve appearance. They can be matched very closely to the colour and shape of your natural teeth.

Root canal treatment (endodontics)

Where teeth have become badly broken or the root canals are infected, endodontic treatment is available. X-rays are taken to check for abscesses which will first be treated, if present. The root canals are then accessed and cleaned to remove any infection and the tooth filled using a special material before a crown is added to restore strength and aesthetic appearance.

Our practice is equipped with the latest equipment including digital x-rays and electronic measuring devices to help ensure a successful procedure. Without root canal treatment, a tooth infected in this manner may otherwise have to be extracted.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Implants, dentures and bridges

Where a tooth has been lost, it can be replaced in a variety of ways to restore both appearance and functionality. These methods include dentures, tooth supported bridges or dental implants. There are pros and cons to each of these procedures which we will discuss with you. To arrange a consultation or to find out more about these various treatments, please visit our dental implants page.

Uneven teeth

Braces, aligners, veneers and crowns

There are a number of ways in which crooked teeth can be straightened. These may include the use of cosmetic procedures such as crowns and veneers, or through orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners.

Straight teeth are healthier teeth as it is easier to keep them clean and free of decay and plaque (which may lead to gum disease). They will, of course, also look much more attractive than crooked teeth.

Early corrective orthodontic treatment may help with the development of the lower jaw and can correct habits such as thumb sucking, whilst creating room to guide teeth towards their correct positions.

For more information please see our orthodontic page or cosmetic dentistry page.

Teeth extraction

Wisdom teeth, orthodontic removal and damaged teeth

Although we always aim to preserve a natural tooth where possible, sometimes an extraction may be needed. Where it is, we endeavour to make this procedure as gentle as possible for you.

Whilst most patients have this procedure with the help of a strong local anaesthetic, IV sedation is available for nervous patients which enables them to undergo the procedure in a very relaxed, calm state. You can discover more about this on the sedation page of our website.

If a wisdom tooth is swollen, you may be given antibiotics in order to reduce both the swelling and pain. This helps us to assess the tooth more accurately and determine whether the wisdom tooth needs to be extracted. Read more about wisdom teeth removal.

Where a tooth has been extracted and bone has been lost, we offer bone grafts to rebuild the local bone structure. This is particularly important if you are considering having a dental implant placed, as sufficient bone is required for a successful procedure.

If the extraction area is visible, you may wish to consider this option whatever the type of restoration you opt for to replace the missing tooth or teeth.

Prevention of gum disease

Gum disease is responsible for more tooth loss than any other reason in the UK. Early symptoms of this include bleeding or sore gums, sometimes accompanied by recession. In its advanced stage, known as periodontitis, underlying bone structure can become damaged and unable to hold the teeth in position securely.

Good home care and regular dental hygienist visits are essential in the fight against gum disease. Our dedicated team of hygienists will help those suffering from gum disease with gentle, sympathetic and effective treatments.