FAQs

I am scared about having a filling, is there another option?

We have made each step of your visit as easy as it can be. From booking your appointment, attending the practice, discussing your concerns with our team and understanding how your dental needs and wants can be addressed.

We believe in accurate diagnosis, options and solutions, discussion and planning with you at every stage and easy payment systems.

Procedures are undertaken with gentle care, explanation and empathy. Often patients are positively surprised by the efficiency and no hassle experience their appointments are and this forms a new positive dental experience memory!

My teeth look discoloured, what can I do?

There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Often it is due to staining food and drink, like tea, coffee, red wine and curries. Overtime stains can build-up and our natural colour can darken.

The good news is that discoloured teeth can be successfully treated, to reveal your natural sparkle! This may involve, hygiene and airflow, which is a fantastic and very effective system of almost ‘jet washing’ the stains away.

We also offer teeth whitening systems, which are very gentle and help to freshen and lighten the shade of your teeth. Teeth whitening is very effective and is often the starting point, when your want to improve your smile.

We have 2 whitening systems:

1. Enlighten – an at home and in surgery process with a guaranteed shade B1 (very white) result in 2 weeks.

2. Zoom – at home tray whitening system, very effective.

Ask your dentist about the system which may be best for you.

If you have fillings, crowns or veneers that have deteriorated or stained over time, then they can also be replaced. The technical advances in dentistry now mean that our procedures and materials allow our team to create very beautiful, yet natural smiles.

If you are concerned about the colour of your smile, ask any member of our team to discuss the options available to you and get smiling again!

Are electric toothbrushes better then a manual toothbrush?

The research suggests that the electric toothbrushes do indeed give a better result and remove more plaque. However, with a good brushing technique, manual toothbrushes can also be very effective in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Ensure that you :

1. Use a soft or medium bristle brush.
2. Use a small head size toothbrush.
3. Use a circular action when brushing.
4. Brush all the surfaces of all the teeth
5. Brush the surface of the tongue.
6. Brush for at least 2 minutes.
7. Brush at least twice a day.
8. Speak with your dentist or our hygienist, Natalie, for more tailored tips for your mouth.

Why not check out the tips given by Natalie, our hygienist? You can find these video clips on the dental hygiene page of this website.

What causes bad breath?

While bad breath (or “halitosis”) can be linked to numerous systemic diseases, the majority of bad breath originates in the mouth. A dry mouth or a low salivary flow can also influence bad odor.

There are two main goals in the management of bad breath. First, controlling the bacteria that produce the sulfur compounds and second, to neutralize the sulfur compounds that are produced.

Ensure good oral hygiene and brush the tongue as well as your teeth.

Do you have emergency appointments?

Yes we have emergancy appointments. The number of emergancy appointments are limited throughout the day however, we will always aim to see you where possible.

The telephone number for out of hours Urgent Dental Problems in the Stockport area is 0161 337 2246. If you live outside of these areas, please call NHS 111 who will advise you on how to contact the out of hours service in your area of residence.

It’s been a long time since my last check up, What can I do?

You’re not alone! Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, it’s never too late to get back into the routine.

We can arrange for you to have a thorough check up 0161 456 8716. We’re here to help!

When do I pay for my treatment?

It is our practice policy to give patients full information about the cost of their dental work before any treatment is undertaken.

A written estimate and treatment plan will be provided for all dental treatment.

You may pay for your dental care by cheque, cash, or debit card.

We try to make payment as straightforward as possible. Our policy is that patients are asked to pay a proportion each visit. The balance must be taken on completion of treatment.

My gums are bleeding, What does this mean?

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or are at risk for gum disease.

Causes

The main cause of bleeding gum is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.

Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis.

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Any bleeding disorder
• Brushing too hard
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy

Home Care

Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist’s home care instructions.

You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day.

Cleaning between the teeth once a day can prevent plaque from building up.

I have a dry mouth, what can I do?

The basic problem in dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a lack of saliva. This can be caused by diseases of the salivary gland, medications that decrease salivary flow as a side effect or as a natural result of aging. This decrease in saliva can lead to a number of severe dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay and mouth infections.

The best way to combat this problem is to use sugar free sweets or chewing gum and to drink plenty of water. Do not use sugared sweets or drinks, as they can lead to rapid dental decay in patients with dry mouths. Several over the counter products are also available that can help with some dry mouth symptoms. If you’re concerned that you may have xerostomia, contact your dentist to determine its cause and see what might work best in your situation.