Whether young or old, we all need to see a dentist on a regular basis. For most patients, this will be approximately every six months, but for some patients with specific conditions, such as diabetes where the risk of gum disease increases, we may recommend that you see one of our Central London dentists more often.
Although there are many advanced treatments now available to correct specific issues, such as dental implants for replacing missing teeth, it is obviously preferable to avoid these problems in the first place. This is where the basics of good oral health care are so important.
Your dental check up
When you attend Primrose Hill Dental Practice for your regular oral health check, not only do we check your teeth, but also your gums and oral cavity in general. Whilst most patients possibly see their dentist as being primarily focused on the teeth, we also check for other problems such as gum disease and potential oral cancer symptoms too. We are also ideally placed to offer specific advice regarding how to look after your teeth and also answer any questions that you might have.
Dental hygienists
In addition to seeing your dentist every six months or so, we stress that it is also very important that patients arrange to see the hygienist on a regular basis. This is a great opportunity to discuss your oral health maintenance in more detail, and to monitor and control any gum disease that may be present.
When you visit the hygienist, you will receive treatment known as a ‘scale and polish’ which is used to remove hardened bacteria (tartar) from the teeth and gum line. This can accumulate over time and is almost impossible to remove simply by brushing and flossing alone. This is not an uncomfortable procedure and no local anaesthetic is necessary. An additional bonus for patients is that this straightforward treatment also removes some surface staining from the teeth, making them appear a little whiter; albeit not of course to the extent of a professional teeth whitening treatment.
Comprehensive treatments
Our Central London dentists are pleased to provide a wide range of preventative, cosmetic and restorative treatments when you need them. One of the most common treatment that you may need to have from time to time, is a dental filling. Whilst good home care should help to minimise the likelihood of this, many people will need at least a small filling at some point in their life.
Traditionally, a filling would be carried out using a material called ‘amalgam’. Whilst this is a strong material, it is made from a mixture of metals and is a very dark colour, unfortunately making them highly visible when we smile or yawn. Increasingly, patients are opting to have cosmetic dental fillings which are made from a composite material which matches the shade of the natural tooth, rendering it almost invisible.
Essential dental care is important for all members of the family, both young and old. So If you live in the NW1 area of London, why not see what we can offer you? To arrange an initial, no obligation, consultation, please call the Primrose Hill Dental Practice on 020 7722 0860. Our friendly team is on hand to take your call!