Suit 4, Peachcroft Shopping Centre

FAQs

Dental Frequently Asked Questions

Our clinical team have answered some frequently asked questions about all things dental, dental hygienist, dental therapist , nervous patients and emergency appointments.

Please ring (01235 532672) email (peachcroftdentalsurgery@gmail.com), or call in at the practice, and we will book an appointment convenient for you. We will send you a reminder by text or call you before your appointment. If you need to cancel or change an appointment please give us as much notice as possible, at least 48 hours. You can fill out our Confidential Medical History Form here.

Appointment Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or change an appointment please give us as much notice as possible, at least 48 hours.

For NHS patients, while surgeries can’t charge you for not turning up, Please be aware that if two appointments are cancelled without 48 hours’ notice or failed (without good reason), within a 12 month period no further appointments shall be offered at the practice.

For private patients, If you fail to attend without 48 hours’ notice the practice will retain the deposit as a fee.

Seeing a dental hygienist regularly is vital for maintaining not only good oral health but also for your overall health. Dental hygienists play a
crucial role beyond just cleaning your teeth; they are instrumental in preventing and treating oral health issues, including gum disease and tooth decay. Regular visits can help manage plaque and tartar, both major causes of gum disease and dental decay, which can lead to tooth
loss if not addressed.

Dental hygienists are also trained to conduct comprehensive oral health assessments, including reviewing your health history, performing head and neck examinations, and checking for signs of oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies. Their expertise allows them to identify issues early on, which can save you from more severe health complications later.

Moreover, your oral health is closely linked to your overall health. Issues discovered during routine dental cleanings, such as indications of
systemic diseases like diabetes, can also be a window into your body’s condition. This highlights the importance of not missing your dental hygiene appointments, as they can potentially save your life by detecting early signs of serious health issues.

The frequency of your visits to a dental hygienist can depend on various factors, including your current oral health status and specific needs.
However, it is generally recommended to visit a dental hygienist at least once every six months to ensure your mouth stays healthy and to prevent more significant issues from developing.

Ready to see a dental hygienist in Abingdon? Book your appointment today!

Seeing a dentist is essential for early detection and prevention of dental problems, helping to keep your mouth healthy. Regular check-ups can prevent issues like tooth decay and gum disease, and identify problems early, making them easier and less costly to treat. Dentists also provide advice on maintaining good oral hygiene and can help manage any existing conditions to prevent them from worsening.

In the UK, the frequency of dental check-ups is tailored to individual oral health needs, varying from 3 months to 2 years. Your dentist will advise when your next visit should be, based on your oral health status.
Regular check-ups help identify and prevent dental issues early on, maintaining overall mouth health. For more detailed guidance, visit the
NHS page on dental check-ups.

Ready to see a Dentist or Dental therapist in Abingdon? Book your appointment today!

Source: Dental check-ups – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

All dentists and dental therapists complete rigorous university training and are registered with the General Dental Council, who regulate and
uphold high standards of clinical and ethical care within the UK dental industry.

In the UK, dentists and dental therapists have distinct roles within dental care. Dentists are trained to provide all aspects of general dentistry,
including, but not limited to:

  • The removal of teeth
  • Restorations (fillings)
  • Root canal treatment
  • Crown and bridge work
  • Dentures and periodontal (gum)

However dental therapists have a more focused but equally skilled and valuable scope of practice; supporting dentists and their patients, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Examination, oral health instruction, impressions (mouth moulds), dental photography and X-rays
  • Adult restorations (fillings) – including routine, emergency and/or cosmetic (composite bonding)
  • Periodontal (gum) treatment and maintenance – including simple and complex denture and implant patients
  • The removal of primary (milk) teeth in children

Absolutely, we can help! It’s common to feel nervous about dental visits, and were prepared with many ways to make you more comfortable. Just share with us what makes you anxious, and together we’ll find the best approach to ease your nerves.

Whitening is a great way to enhance your smile, but it’s not suitable for everyone, especially if you have sensitive teeth. It’s also worth noting that whitening treatments don’t change the colour of fillings, crowns, or veneers. Your dentist will check if it’s a good option for you and discuss all available choices to ensure you get the best results for your smile.

Yes, we always do our best to fit in emergency appointments. Availability can vary, so it’s important to book as soon as you can. So please Book your appointment today!

If within a year your dental work like a filling, crown, or implant needs redoing, we’ll replace it free of charge, except in certain situations like:

  • Your initial treatment was performed as a temporary measure
  • An alternative, more suitable treatment was recommended
  • In the instance of dental implants, additional treatment was advised prior to an implant treatment taking place, such as bone grafting, and was not taken up by the patient.
  • You need a replacement as a result of trauma • – It’s not suitable to provide an exact replacement
  • You’ve had additional treatments performed on that tooth since your initial treatment

We always try to be fair and reasonable and to treat you the way we would like to be treated ourselves.

Nowadays, your dentist doesn’t necessarily have to refer you before you can see a hygienist, so please ask. But do remember to keep seeing your dentist for regular check-ups, as well.

Veneers are thin layers that go on the front of your teeth, while crowns cover the whole tooth. They can both match your tooth colour and improve your smile. Your dentist will suggest which is better for you, depending on your tooth’s condition and what you need.

Patient care is always our highest priority and we expect every part of your experience with Peachcroft Dental Surgery to reflect our high-standards of customer care.

If something’s not quite right, let us know! You can share thoughts via online feedback forms, or directly with your dentist for any clinical concerns. If needed, our Complaints Manager, Mrs. Manpreet Kaur, is here to help. We’re committed to acting swiftly on your
feedback, always respecting confidentiality. If, by any chance, your concerns aren’t resolved, our practice manager can guide you on the next steps.

If we have not met your expectations, please visit our patient complaints page for more information on how to register your complaint.

We may record or monitor our calls.

Make your dream smile a reality!

Call us or book your appointment today