Have a question about treatments, recovery, or safety? Our FAQs bring together clear, trustworthy answers to the concerns we hear most often, helping you feel informed, confident, and supported at every stage of your journey.
On your first appointment, we will take time to get to know you and your dental history, carry out a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and overall oral health, and discuss any concerns you have. This may include X-rays if needed and a personalised plan for maintaining or improving your smile. The aim is to help you feel comfortable and informed about your care from the very beginning.
For most people, visiting every six months for a routine check-up and hygiene review helps prevent common dental issues and keeps your oral health on track. Your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on your individual needs.
Yes, we understand that dental care should be accessible, so we provide flexible payment options and finance plans to help spread the cost of treatment. Our team will talk you through all the available choices after your consultation so you can decide what works best for you.
Many patients feel anxious about dental visits, and that is completely normal. Just let our team know when you book, and we can tailor your experience to help you feel more at ease, explain each step clearly, and discuss options to make your visit more comfortable.
Cancellations or appointment changes require notice within the timeframe set out at booking. This helps us allocate appointments fairly. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee.
During your consultation, our team will review your dental and medical history, ask about any concerns you have, and carry out a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This may include X-rays or scans if needed, so we can fully assess your oral health and recommend the most appropriate care for you.
You can book an appointment by calling our practice directly or using our online booking system. If you are a new patient, we will take a few details to register you and help schedule a time that works best with your schedule.
Absolutely, we encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Whether it is about your oral health, treatment options, costs, or home care advice, our team are here to explain everything clearly and help you feel informed and comfortable throughout your visit.
It’s important to share your full medical history, including medications and past procedures. Certain conditions or medications may affect healing, sensitivity, or eligibility for specific treatments. Our medically led team will assess your suitability and adapt or postpone treatment if needed to ensure your safety.
A typical initial consultation usually lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your needs. This gives us enough time to understand your concerns, complete any assessments required, and discuss personalised recommendations with you.
Your dentist will assess your oral health during your consultation and recommend treatments based on your individual needs and goals. This includes reviewing your dental history, current condition, any medical considerations, and discussing your preferences so that the recommended plan is safe, effective and tailored to you.
Yes, modern dental care is safe when provided by qualified professionals using sterilised equipment and up-to-date techniques. Our team follow strict safety and hygiene standards, and we explain any risks or alternatives before starting treatment so you can make an informed decision.
Sedation and anaesthesia options, including conscious sedation and local anaesthetic, may be available depending on the treatment and your comfort needs. Your dentist will review your medical history and discuss suitability with you before recommending the best option. Some forms of sedation are very safe but may not be suitable for everyone, so we tailor this to you.
Yes, in most cases, you should continue taking your regular medications as prescribed. It is important to tell us about all medications and supplements you are taking before treatment, as some may affect bleeding, sedation options or healing. Your dentist will review your medical history and give clear instructions about any adjustments needed to ensure your safety and comfort during care.
Occasionally, unexpected findings may mean the treatment plan needs adjusting. If this happens, your dentist will explain the new recommendation and why it’s necessary before moving forward. We will always discuss any changes with you and answer your questions to ensure you are happy with the care you receive.
A dental emergency is any urgent problem that needs prompt attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection or treat trauma. This can include intense toothache that does not ease with pain relief, a knocked-out tooth, a broken or fractured tooth, a lost filling or crown, severe swelling or signs of infection. These situations should be addressed as soon as possible to protect your oral health.
If you are in significant pain or notice trauma to your teeth or mouth, contact us straight away. We will advise you and, where possible, arrange an emergency appointment. If you cannot reach us and the problem is serious, for example, uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.
Yes, many practices offer an emergency contact number or out-of-hours support for urgent issues. If you cannot speak to us directly, calling NHS 111 can help you access urgent dental advice and care options outside normal clinic hours.
For true emergencies, such as severe pain, a knocked-out tooth or significant swelling, you should seek care as soon as possible. For example, a knocked-out tooth has a better chance of being saved if treated within a short time. If the situation is life-threatening or involves serious facial trauma, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
Yes, persistent, intense pain that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter pain relief may signal infection, decay or another issue that requires immediate assessment and treatment. Contact us promptly so we can help diagnose and manage the cause effectively.
It is common to experience some discomfort, tenderness or mild swelling in the treated area for a few days after many dental procedures. You may also notice slight sensitivity or bleeding initially. These symptoms usually improve quickly with gentle care, pain relief if needed, and good oral hygiene. If you have any concerns, your dentist will explain what to expect before your treatment.
Following your dentist’s instructions closely is important. Generally this includes keeping the area clean, brushing gently, rinsing with warm salt water after the first day, sticking to softer foods, and avoiding smoking and alcohol during the initial healing period. This helps promote healing and prevents complications.
Your dentist may recommend eating soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first day or two, especially if the area feels sore or swollen. Avoid very hot drinks or hard foods until you feel comfortable chewing on that side of your mouth, as this can irritate the site and delay healing.
Mild pain and swelling are normal and usually settle after a few days. You can manage these symptoms with recommended pain relief and a cold compress if advised. If swelling increases, pain worsens or you develop a fever, contact us so we can assess your recovery.
Contact us if you experience significant or prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, persistent swelling beyond a few days, or signs of infection such as fever or discharge. These could indicate the area is not healing as expected and may require further attention.
The cost of dental treatment varies depending on the type of care you need. At your consultation, we will provide a personalised treatment plan along with a clear breakdown of all associated fees so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. Transparency about costs helps you make the best decision for your care and budget.
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans that can allow you to spread the cost of treatment over manageable monthly payments. These plans can often include 0% interest options over a set period, making more extensive treatments easier to budget for without compromising on your care.
In many cases, finance options are available for a wide range of private dental treatments — including restorative and cosmetic care like implants, crowns or orthodontic work. The exact terms depend on the plan you choose, and our team will explain all your options during your consultation.
Yes, some patients choose to join a dental plan or payment scheme, which lets you pay a regular monthly fee that covers routine care and may offer discounts on additional treatments. These plans make it easier to budget for regular check-ups, hygiene visits and preventative care.
Many practices ask for a deposit when booking certain appointments, especially longer or specialist treatments. This deposit secures your time in the schedule and is usually deducted from the final treatment cost. If you cancel or reschedule with sufficient notice (typically 24–48 hours), the deposit is normally refunded or transferred to the new booking. However, deposits may be forfeited if short notice is given or if you do not attend the appointment, as this time cannot be reallocated to other patients.
Most dental treatments are performed using a local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated, meaning you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. If you have particular concerns about discomfort, talk to your dentist - they can discuss options to help you feel more comfortable throughout your visit.
Dental anxiety is common, and many practices offer ways to help you feel more relaxed, from open communication and pacing the appointment to sedation options such as inhalation sedation (gas and air) or oral sedation to help you feel calm throughout your treatment.
Sedation helps reduce anxiety and makes dental visits more comfortable for nervous patients. It does not put you fully to sleep like a general anaesthetic, but it can help you feel deeply relaxed while still being able to respond to your dentist. When provided by trained professionals, sedation is considered very safe and closely monitored throughout your treatment.
Yes, sedation is often recommended for patients who have a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or extensive dental needs that might otherwise be uncomfortable. Discussing your concerns with your dentist allows them to tailor the approach to your needs and help you remain relaxed.
There are several ways to ease nerves before visiting the dentist, such as sharing your concerns with the team beforehand, listening to calming music during your visit, or arranging sedation if appropriate. Many patients find that knowing what to expect and having a supportive team helps them feel more at ease.
Good daily oral hygiene is the foundation of a healthy smile — brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day helps remove plaque that can lead to decay and gum disease if left to build up. These simple habits are key to preventing common dental problems before they develop.
Yes, brushing alone cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth. Using floss or an interdental brush daily removes trapped food and plaque in these areas, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Limiting sugary foods and drinks, avoiding tobacco, practising a balanced diet and staying hydrated all support stronger teeth and healthier gums. Reducing sugar in particular helps prevent plaque-forming bacteria from producing acids that erode enamel.
Even with great home care, professional check-ups and hygiene appointments help catch early signs of issues like decay or gum disease before they become serious. Regular visits also give your dentist a chance to tailor oral health advice to your individual needs.
In addition to brushing and flossing, using a fluoride mouthwash, avoiding snacking frequently on sugary foods and considering lifestyle choices like quitting smoking can all strengthen your oral health and aid long-term dental wellbeing.
