New for Old Above: deep tooth abrasions from excessive cleaning force, an increasingly common feature in older mouths.
Below: after a simple one-visit restoration of both teeth. Not only natural appearance, but also a protective shield that will help preserve the teeth. Easy for the patient and instantly useable.

There is always much debate and discussion but few really hard facts. Amalgam is a combination of mercury and silver. The real problem seems to be “free” mercury itself, in liquid or vaporised forms. But in amalgam it is locked in if the amalgam is produced and handled correctly. Take a look at the Web for information. Fact is, in the UK we have had silver amalgam restorations (i.e. an alloy of silver and mercury) for far longer than most people realise, since the mid 1800s.

Yes. We prefer you to have non-metal restorations generally. The natural colour materials are good and there are always new developments in both materials and techniques.

If we can see no harm in it for you, then yes. A number of patients like to show a little gold in their smile.

MOUTH GUARDS
Sometimes called Gum Shields, these are for teeth protection during certain risky contact sports, such as rugby, football, hockey, squash, martial arts.

The ready made ones don’t fit accurately enough to give your teeth the best protection. We will make you a custom fitted appliance suited to the sport you advise us you will be playing.

We can make them in various colours and colour combinations!

They don’t last forever, especially in a growing young person. If in doubt, ask us to check your old one.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
When things go irreversibly wrong in the delicate “nerve” tissue in the middle of a tooth, then root canal treatment provides the means to both keep the tooth and often to relieve discomfort. The alternative would be loss of the tooth.

Patients are continually surprised at what can be saved. Apparently hopeless looking teeth can often be reclaimed as yours, provided good home mouth maintenance is already in place.

Treatment covers systematic internal cleaning and then filling.
Following root canal treatment, the tooth needs final restoration with maybe a crown or a simple filling.

Most cases are treated within this Practice. Just occasionally, there are cases better treated by a specialist practitioner (Endodontist) and such a case is referred, with the patient’s agreement, to a trusted colleague. They return to us for final restoration.

ORAL SURGERY
Removing teeth is a necessary treatment sometimes, but usually much easier than the patient anticipates. We are extremely careful and sympathetic.

Simple root removal and simple gum surgery are undertaken.

Some cases benefit from referral to a specialist colleague and this may be a Consultant Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon or possibly a specialist periodontist. Such matters are discussed and agreed beforehand.