General Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.

A general rule of thumb is at least twice a year or every 6 months. However, this is not the case for everyone. During your routine examination, your dentist will tell you how often they would like to see you depending on your individual circumstances. It is always important to see a dentist if you have a damaged tooth or persistent pain.

A routine examination is at the centre of creating your personal dental plan. It allows your general dentist to clearly define what treatment is necessary for your continued oral health. Sometimes referred to as a “dental check-up”, a routine examination will provide a thorough inspection of the tissues of your head and neck, jaw joints, mouth, teeth, and gums. Identifying any underlying oral health problems such as disease, tooth decay, and cancer.

Restorative treatment is the term given to treatment which aims to restore broken or damaged teeth to a healthier and more functional state, bringing back your smile and preventing further oral health complications.
In the case of missing teeth and severe damage, you may be referred for specialist treatment. However, for smaller repairs and minor cosmetic concerns, your general dentist will be able to provide the treatment needed. Common restorative treatments include;

Fillings
Fillings are used to treat tooth cavities and caries, which are holes in the teeth. Cavitated teeth are prone to a buildup of bacteria and if not addressed early, further complications such as infection and tooth loss could arise. Many cavities will go unnoticed and show no symptoms until they become much larger. Your general dentist will be able to spot early signs of cavities and treat them before they become problematic.
In most cases, a cavity can be treated and restored the same day it is discovered by your general dentist. Receiving a filling is a routine and painless procedure which usually takes around half an hour.
Root canal treatment
When a tooth is badly infected at its centre, a procedure known as root canal treatment (Endodontic treatment) may be performed to remove infection and restore the tooth. This can be performed by your general dentist and is a painless procedure.
Although symptoms of an infected tooth will appear, X-rays are the only way to determine if the infection is at the centre of the tooth and have affected the soft tissue known as the pulp. When the pulp is infected it cannot heal on its own and delaying treatment could result in the tooth dying. Resulting in a complete loss.
Crowns
When you have a tooth which is extensively damaged or at high risk of fracture, a traditional filling might not be sufficient to support it long term. In these situations, your general dentist might suggest a dental crown is used to restore the affected tooth. Where a filling will fill a hole in the tooth, a crown is designed to cover the damaged tooth, protecting it from further decay and damage.
Crowns are also regularly used to treat chipped teeth and restore the tooth after root canal treatment. If a crown is recommended, your general dentist will prepare the tooth for the crown to be made by a dental laboratory.
Tooth extraction
When a tooth needs to be removed fully from the mouth, a general dentist can carry this out quickly in a painless session. Although an extremely common procedure, many dentists will only remove a tooth when absolutely necessary. This is because a missing tooth can lead to further problems later in life. Such as the teeth shifting out of place.
The tooth will then be replaced with a dental prosthesis such as an implant, bridge or crown. You may be referred to someone with special interest to have this completed, such as an implantologist.

Preventive treatment is there to help you look after your oral health and prevent diseases before they arise or become too problematic. Tooth loss is more often than not caused by decay and gum disease, which can be prevented with the right treatment. Services include routine examinations and hygiene therapy treatment as well as professional cleaning and polishing.
A professional clean will involve your general dentist removing any plaque and tartar that has built up. Which is commonly known as a “scale and polish”. Build up is usually the result of poor oral hygiene or an unhealthy diet and will need to be addressed. You will be shown better brushing techniques, advice on a more suitable toothbrush and how to floss correctly to remove plaque yourself. Which will enable you to maintain your oral health at a good level and hopefully reduce the need to visit the dentist at more regular intervals.
Preventive treatment is only successful when the patient works effectively alongside their general dentist.

Many general dentists can offer cosmetic treatments to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Cosmetic tooth restorations such as bonding, veneers and crowns can be performed by most dentists and can give you a smile you are confident sharing with the world. Any dentist registered with the General Dental Council can also provide teeth whitening and prescribe this to be carried out by another members of the dental team, such as dental therapists and dental hygienists

Periodontal treatment focuses on preserving healthy gums and supporting structures around your teeth. It includes professional cleanings, deep cleaning procedures, and personalized oral care guidance

Pediatric dentistry specializes in caring for children’s oral health, focusing on preventive measures, early diagnosis, and gentle treatments

For optimal oral health, regular visits to a pediatric dentist are recommended every six months. These routine check-ups help monitor your child’s dental development, address any concerns early, and provide essential preventive care.

Dental bridges are custom restorations designed to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. By bridging the gap, they restore your smile’s aesthetics, improve chewing function, and maintain proper tooth alignment

Dentistry tackles a wide spectrum of oral concerns, providing solutions for gum disease, tooth extraction, teeth sensitivity, and cavity prevention. Utilizing advanced techniques like Dental X-rays, dental professionals ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, promoting your overall oral well-being.