FAQ
I have a swollen mouth and face and I am in a lot of pain. I am taking painkillers but they aren't helping
Your best option is to call us straight away so that a dentist can exam you. It sounds like you may have an abscess and it may be necessary to prescribe antibiotics. A dental abscess can be very painful, and although painkillers may control the pain, they cannot treat or cure a dental abscess.
I've broken a tooth and I need an emergency appointment
The quickest way to make an appointment is to telephone us directly during our opening times. We will do are very best to see you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. If we have an empty slot or had a cancellation we will be happy to see you sooner.
When we are closed there are out of hour's arrangements available for our patients. See Emergency appointments. Details are also available on our answer phone when we are closed.
Are you taking on new NHS patients?
Like most dental practices we are seeing a record number of patients for routine and urgent dental care.
We are currently taking on new NHS patients however this could change.
For the latest up to date information on availability for new patients please visit www.nhs.uk
Can I register with you?
Unlike GP surgeries, there is no registration as such for dental practices.
I'm moving away to another area but I want to keep seeing my usual dentist, is this possible?
Yes, you can still see your usual dentist. Please keep your contact details at the practice up to date letting us know of any changes to your address and telephone numbers as soon as possible.
I work full time, can I still be treated under the NHS?
Yes, all UK residents are entitled to be treated under the NHS. If you work and are not in receipt of any benefits, you will be required to pay the NHS fees as set out by the government.
Am I entitled to free NHS dental treatment? Click here
Is my treatment covered by the NHS?
You can have all treatment on the NHS that your dentist feels is clinically necessary to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy.
Some treatments that are cosmetic, such as teeth whitening are not covered by the NHS.
If you're offered any private treatment during your NHS appointment your dentist will provide details of private treatment and charges – usually on the same form as your NHS treatment plan, so that you are fully informed of your treatment and the costs associated.
What is Root Canal Treatment and why do I need it?
To put it simply, root canal treatment is used to save teeth which would otherwise need to be removed. Treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
I had a denture fitted a few days ago but it is rubbing, is this normal?
Yes, new dentures often rub the gums a bit at first, meaning that they may need to be adjusted by the dentist. Please call us to arrange a suitable time for you to come in for your adjustment.
My teeth are really sensitive, what can you do to help?
Depending on the cause of the sensitivity, your dentist may decide to apply a special varnish onto the affected teeth or put bonding around the neck of the tooth, to cover exposed dentine. Please contact us to make an appointment to see the dentist.
I'm a nervous patient and haven't seen a dentist in years.
Now that you have made the first steps to contact us let us reassure you that we are used to treating nervous patients .Your first appointment will simply be a check up, a chance to get to know your dentist and discuss your treatment options. We don't mind if you would like to bring along a friend to ease this process. It's probably a good idea to arrange an appointment at the start of your day so that you have less time to worry about it. Should you need any further advice please contact us either by telephone or send us an email.
How long does it last?
Degree of lightness will vary from patient to patient. Some patients may need to repeat the procedure periodically to top up the effect.
What are the benefits?
- Teeth whitening improves the appearance of your teeth without removing any of the natural tooth surface.
- It is a better option than a crown or veneer if you want to lighten the colour of healthy teeth
When whitening might not work?
Whitening cannot change the colour of natural teeth it can only lighten the existing shade. Whitening only works on natural teeth. It will not affect the colour of existing porcelain crown, veneers, bridges or denture teeth. It will not change the colour or shade of existing tooth coloured fillings: these may need to be replaced to ensure good shade matching.
Is there anything else I should know?
Some patients may experience sensitivity from hot and cold drinks after treatment. If you are considering Teeth Whitening, please ask your dentist for further information about risks, benefits and suitability.
Will I be in pain?
It is likely that there will be some discomfort and swelling both on the inside and outside of your mouth after extraction/surgery. This is usually worse for the first three days but it can take up to two weeks before all the soreness disappears.
You may need to control the pain with tablets. If these have not been prescribed, you can use pain killers you would normally use if you had a headache. Follow the dosage recommended on the packet. If antibiotics have been prescribed, please ensure you finish the course.
What about bleeding?
When you have any teeth removed you are left with a hole (tooth socket) in your jawbone. At first a blood clot forms, before healing over completely.
If bleeding occurs when you go home, apply pressure on the tooth socket with a clean, damp rolled piece of cotton/linen handkerchief. Try this for the first 10 to 20 minutes. If bleeding does not stop, please telephone the surgery. If the surgery is closed call the emergency dentist telephone number Emergency Appointment Keep biting on the handkerchief until you have spoken to or seen the dentist.
Can I eat or drink after treatment?
Try not to eat or drink if possible until after the numbness has worn off. It is advisable to eat on the opposite side of your mouth to the extraction site. For the first 12 hours (after the numbness has worn off) avoid hot drinks (which can break down the clot). Take only warm liquids or soft foods.
Can I smoke or drink alcohol?
It is advisable not to smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Smoking can prevent healing and cause bleeding to start.
What do I need to do at home?
When you have had a tooth out you must look after the area to speed healing and to reduce the risk of infection. It is important to keep the extraction site as clean as possible for the first few weeks after surgery. It might be difficult to clean your teeth around the sites of the extraction because it is sore.
The day after your extraction you can start using a warm salt water bath to help reduce the risk of infection. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, hold a mouthful in your mouth for about 30 seconds so that the solution floods to the extraction site, then spit it out and continue in the same way until you have used the entire cup. You can do this after every meal or two to three times a day. Keep using the salt water until the extraction socket has healed. Do not use mouthwash as this may harm newly growing cells.
Will I have any problems?
It is uncommon to get an infection, particularly if good oral hygiene is maintained after surgery. If you are worried about infection, the signs would be a raised temperature, a nasty taste in the mouth, increased pain and severe swelling around the extraction site. If you experience any of these, it is important to contact us as soon as possible.
What are dental implants and how do they work?
Dental implants are fixed replacement teeth which look, feel and function like natural teeth meaning you can eat and drink whatever you are used to and improving your quality of life in subtle ways.
People who have felt embarrassed and worried because of their tooth problems are often amazed by what new permanent teeth can do for their self-esteem and confidence to smile.
Why choose dental implants? Dental implants are one of the most predictable ways to replace missing or un-savable teeth. They usually last far longer than bridges, crowns and dentures. Dental implants are the closest thing to your own teeth in how they look and feel. Though the initial cost is higher they usually need far less replacements. They do however require minor surgery to place the implants.
Why choose us for dental implants?
Dr Jas Sidhu is exceptionally well qualified and is our lead private Dental Surgeon here at Inspire Dental Southend providing treatments aiming to help give you the confidence you need to smile more! He has a passion for providing Dentistry to the highest level.
Dr Jas has been awarded both Membership and the highly acclaimed Diploma in Implant Dentistry by the Royal College of Surgeons
Am I suitable for dental implants?
Most people are suitable for dental implants. You need to have enough bone in the area that implant placement is planned. This will be assessed by Dr. Jas Sidhu at your consultation appointment. Older Age is NOT a contraindication. Patients will need to be at least 18 years old.
How long does a dental implant take?
Treatment times vary. Usually we will place the implant and provide a temporary tooth to replace the gap. Then the crown/ bridge/ denture will be placed 4 to 6 months later. For same day teeth, a full set of teeth is fixed in place on the implants and replaced with the final set 4 to 6 months later.
What is the process for having dental implants?
During your consultation you will given an individual treatment plan, an explanation of the process, likely timescale and costs. If it is determined that you are suitable, you will have the opportunity to consider the proposed treatment and make an appointment to return to have the implant placed.
On the second appointment, if you have enough bone, the implant is placed and then given time for your body to fuse with it (Osseointegrate).
You will return 4 to 6 months later where the implant is uncovered and the final crown /bridge/denture fixed to the implant.
If there is insufficient bone, artificial bone may need to be placed making the processes slightly longer.
What results can I expected from my new dental impant?
Implants offer a fixed replacement of teeth that do not damage or put pressure on your natural teeth. They are the closest replacement to your teeth in appearance and function. If looked after with good cleaning and annual reviews, they usually last much longer than crowns or bridges.
Are Dental Implants affordable?
During consultation you will be given the total cost of your treatment. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, the fee for consultation is deducted from the price of the overall cost of the implant treatment. the overall costs include review appointments for 1 year after treatment.
We offer 0% finance for 12 months with repayments to suit your needs. A member of our team will be happy to talk you through this. Learn more about finance
