Why should I replace missing teeth?


Why is a bridge used?


What are bridges made of?


What will a bridge cost?

Costs will vary according to the size and type of bridge that you need. Although a bridge may seem expensive, it should last many years.



How do I look after my bridge?


Are there other methods for fixing false teeth?



What is a crown?


Why would I need a crown?



How is a crown prepared?

The dentist will prepare the tooth to the ideal shape for the crown. This will involve removing most of the outer surface, and leaving a strong inner core. Once the tooth is shaped, the dentist will take an impression (mould) of the prepared tooth, one of the opposite jaw and possibly another to mark the way you bite together.

The impressions will then be given to the dental technician, along with an appropriate shade and other information needed for the crown to be made.

What is a post crown?





How is the crown fitted?


How long does the treatment take?

You will need to have at least two visits – the first for the preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown and the second to fit the permanent crown. There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks in between appointments.

Will the crown be noticeable?


What will it cost?

Costs will vary according to the type of crown and material used. It is advisable to get a written estimate and treatment plan before beginning any dental treatment.

How do I care for my crown?


How long will the crown last?



What are dentures?


What is the difference between complete and partial dentures?

Complete dentures (full set) are required if all the upper or lower teeth need to be removed and replaced. Partial dentures replace just one or a few missing teeth.

Why should I replace missing teeth?

Improving your appearance and confidence is one reason. Another is that the gap left by a missing tooth can mean greater strain on the teeth at either side. Your bite may also be affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap, allowing food to get trapped, potentially leading to decay and gum disease. Your speech can also be affected.

How are complete dentures fitted?

The denture will usually be fitted as soon as your teeth are removed, which means you won’t be without teeth. However, they will probably need relining or remaking after a few months, if the gums and bone alter in shape. Dentures can be made and fitted either via a dentist or directly by a clinical dental technician who will take measurements and impressions of your mouth.

How are partial dentures fitted?

A partial denture is a plastic or metal plate with a number of false teeth attached to it. It usually clips securely onto some of your natural teeth via metal clasps and can easily be removed. As with full dentures, you can either go to a dentist or clinical dental technician. An alternative is a fixed bridge where crowns are put on the teeth either side of the gap and joined together by a false tooth that’s put in the gap. Your dentist will advise the best type for you.

What will it all cost?

Costs will vary according to the type of denture required and materials used. It is advisable to get a written estimate and treatment plan before beginning any dental treatment.

Root Canal Treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontic) is used to treat infection in the soft tissue (pulp) at the centre of the tooth, caused by decay, injury or leaky fillings.

How do I know this may have happened?

You may experience pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food or drink, pain when biting or chewing or a loose tooth. Sometimes you may notice your tooth darken in colour.

Why do I need root canal treatment?

If the pulp is infected with bacteria, it will begin to die allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread which may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. Left untreated, further symptoms eventually occur such as increased pain when biting or chewing, swelling of the gum, pus oozing from the affected tooth, facial swelling or the darkening of the tooth. Antibiotics, used to treat bacterial infections, are not effective in treating root canal infections.

Why is it important not to delay treatment?

Leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may make it worse. There may also be less chance of the root canal treatment working if the infection within your tooth becomes established. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.

What does it involve?

After taking x-rays, the dentist will remove all infection from the root canal system. The root is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in allowing the tooth to settle and to ensure the infection has cleared. Finally, the tooth is permanently filled. In some cases, it may be necessary to restore the tooth with a crown for extra support and strength.

Will it be painful?

No, a local anaesthetic is used so the procedure shouldn’t be painful and no different to having a filling. Any tenderness will naturally disappear over time.

How long does the treatment take?

Root canal treatment is a time-consuming and skilled procedure and most courses of treatment will require two or more visits to your dentist. There is typically 1-2 weeks between appointments.

What will the tooth look like?

Many people think that a root-filled tooth will darken after treatment but with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discolouration, there are several, very effective treatments available to restore the natural appearance.

What is a crown?


What will it all cost?

Costs will vary according to the extent of the root canal treatment and, if required, the type of crown and material used. You will be given a treatment plan outlining treatment costs before beginning any dental treatment.

How long will the treatment last?

In the vast majority of cases, a tooth can survive for up to 10 years after root canal treatment and, properly cared for, crowns should last for many years.

White Fillings

Why should I consider white fillings?


Are white fillings expensive?

Because many white fillings are classed as a ‘cosmetic’ treatment, you can only have them done privately. Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used, and the time it takes to carry out the treatment. Your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the cost before you agree to treatment.

Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?

White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than silver amalgam fillings. But there are now new materials that are almost as good as silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful. With both composite and silver fillings there are pros and cons, composite fillings are considered overall the better option in most circumstances. How long a white filling lasts can depend a lot on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. Your dentist can tell you how long your fillings should last.

Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing, however they can be changed for cosmetic reasons too.

Are there any alternatives to fillings?

There are alternatives such as crowns and inlays although they can cost a lot more or may not be necessary. Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns or fillings.

What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?

It can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient. Composite fillings are tooth coloured and are made from powdered glass, quartz, silica or other ceramic particles added to a resin base. Your dentist will choose a shade to match your own teeth, although over time the filling can get stained. After the tooth is prepared, the filling is bonded onto the area with an adhesive and a light shone onto it to set it. With this type of filling, your dentist may have to remove less of the tooth, which is obviously better.