Question 1

Examination

Accepted Answer

At Caldecott Dental Practice, our main focus is to prevent our patients getting tooth decay and gum disease. A dentist will screen your oral health which includes the health of your teeth, gums and soft tissues. If required, x-ray will be taken to assess in detail any particular teeth. At the end of the session, your dentist will formulate a treatment plan as required.
 
The best way to keep your teeth and gums in tip-top condition is to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist and hygienist at least once a year if you’re an adult, twice a year for children up to the age of 18.
 
Regular dental exams or check-ups are essential to make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy. At each check-up we monitor your oral health so we can catch any problems early. We look for signs of tooth wear and erosion, we’ll check your gums and even talk to you about how to avoid too much sugar in your diet.
 
Importantly, we check for problems that you may not see or feel. Many dental problems don’t become visible or cause pain until they are in more advanced stages – including cavities, gum disease and oral cancer. 
 
In order to avoid lengthy procedures and maintain a healthy and disease-free mouth, we recommend professional cleanings and check-ups every 6 months. This allows us to detect early signs of disease and provide treatment when necessary. The key to maintaining a healthy mouth is to be followed regularly and practice good homecare.
 
Remember: early detection, advice and treatment will help you avoid a lot of future dental work and fees.

Question 2

Prevention

Accepted Answer

Fluoride Treatment 
Fluoride application is when a dentist 'paints' a fluoride to strengthen teeth. This is usually applied on children and sometimes adults with a high risk of decay.

The fluoride ion comes from the element fluorine. Fluoride, either applied topically to erupted teeth, or ingested orally (called systemic fluoride) during tooth development, helps to prevent tooth decay, strengthen tooth enamel, and reduce the harmful effects of plaque. Fluoride also makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible.

Dental Sealants  
Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of teeth. This is done by painting dental resin on the teeth to make sure food and bacteria do not get stuck in the grooves of your back teeth. When the grooves (called pits and fissures) are sealed, teeth are much less susceptible to cavities.

Question 3

Scale & Polish

Accepted Answer

Did you know that if you do not brush your teeth regularly, a thick layer of food and bacterial debris known as the dental plaque, can form over your teeth? Over time, the dental plaque becomes calcified and becomes the calculus or tartar and results in the development of various infections of the teeth, gums and the jaw bones. In some cases, plaque and calculus can also develop on teeth which are brushed regularly. So how can you prevent the development of dental plaque and calculus? The simple answer to this is by getting your teeth cleaned professionally through scaling.
 
What is Teeth Scaling?
Teeth scaling is a professional teeth cleaning procedure which involves the use of various hand automatic equipment to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth and beneath the gums. The most commonly used piece of equipment for this purpose is an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates at ultrasonic speeds and removes the adherent tartar and plaque.

How is Plaque and Calculus Harmful?
Persistence presence of plaque or calculus on your teeth can result in the following problems:
 • Infection of the gums
 • Infection of structures surrounding the teeth such as the periodontal ligament and the jawbone.
 • Infection of the adjacent teeth.

If the condition goes unchecked, the teeth gradually become mobile and start falling off.
 
What to Expect After Teeth Scaling?
Slight pain and discomfort a few days after teeth scaling is not uncommon. Dentists may prescribe painkillers to take care of the pain, but it is usually not required. In addition, the teeth become temporarily more sensitive to hot and cold foods.

At the end of the session, the dentist may polish your teeth to keep your teeth feeling fresh.

Question 4

Bridges

Accepted Answer

A bridge, otherwise known as a fixed partial denture, is a prosthesis used to replace missing teeth and is not removable by the patient. They are fixed prostheses that use adjacent sound teeth as abutments. A prosthesis that is removable by the patient is called a removable partial denture. Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed permanently.

A dental bridge is fabricated by reducing the teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth then taking an impression. These teeth will serve as the pillars of the bridge and are called abutments. The impressions are sent to the dental laboratory (just like for a crown). Materials that construct the bridges are almost similar to constructing the crowns. The missing tooth or teeth will be replaced by porcelain teeth and called a Pontic. Just as for a crown, the bridge will be cemented permanently into place and is not removable.
 
Are bridges expensive?
Although a bridge may seem costly, they can be a wise investment that will give many years of good service. It will also improve your appearance and bite. A bridge uses the considerable skill of the dentist and technician, and in this way, it’s similar to ordering a piece of hand-made jewellery.

How do I look after my bridge?
You need to clean your bridge every day, to prevent problems such as bad breath and gum disease. You also have to clean under the false tooth every day. Your dentist or hygienist will show you how to use a bridge needle or special floss, as a normal toothbrush cannot reach.

Question 5

Crowns

Accepted Answer

A crown is where a tooth has lost a significant amount of tooth tissue and require an indirect replacement of the tooth tissue. This means when simple fillings will not be able to stay in the large cavity. A crown can be made of different materials from gold to zirconia thus given its colour. The crown is then cemented permanently on the remaining tooth tissue.

Why I might need a crown:
 • If you have a large cavity and not enough tooth structure left.
 • If a large portion of your tooth is fractured.
 • If you have root canal treatment.
 • To restore a dental implant used to replace a single missing tooth.
 
With good oral hygiene and maintenance, crowns can provide an excellent long-term solution.
 
One crown material we recommend is zirconia crown. Zirconia is a very strong material which is compatible with the human body. It is used in many other medical applications such as artificial joints and is known for its strength and durability. Zirconia is a type of crystal which is long lasting and indestructible. Plus, there is no fear about the body rejecting zirconia or displaying an allergic reaction to it. It is safe to use and preferred by many people to porcelain fused to metal crowns.
 
Advantages of a Zirconia Crown 
Strength - zirconia crowns last longer than other types of crowns.
Aesthetics - these crowns have an attractive translucent colour which blends in well with the other teeth.
Retains more of the existing tooth - minimal preparation is required which means more of the original tooth is preserved. This is useful if the crown needs to be removed.

So, Zirconia is a great choice if you are looking for a strong, long lasting and visually appealing crown. They are ideal at covering signs of damage or staining as well as helping to maintain the function of the tooth.

Question 6

Dentures

Accepted Answer

A denture is an appliance that is worn over the gums to replace missing natural teeth. Dentures are normally removable and are usually made from lifelike resin teeth bonded to an acrylic or chrome base. Dentures improve chewing ability, speech and provide support for facial muscles filling out your face and improving confidence.

Your dentist may offer either of the following options:
 • Complete denture (a full set) replaces your upper or lower natural teeth
 • Partial dentures replace one or a few teeth and are held in place by metal clips
 
Wearing your Dentures
 • While dentures take some getting used to and will never feel exactly the same as natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

Cleaning your Dentures
 • As with natural teeth, keeping your mouth clean and brushing morning and evening is just as important to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Denture-cleaning tablets can also be used to remove stains or bacteria.

Denture Adhesive 
 • No matter how well dentures have been made to fit, they may not provide the same strong, biting surface as natural teeth. An adhesive can help prevent pieces of food getting stuck between the denture and gums, so a wider range of food can be enjoyed.

Question 7

Fillings

Accepted Answer

This is where your tooth/teeth present(s) with a cavity or a hole. The cavity has bacteria which will need to be excavated before restoring with a filling either a silver filling (amalgam) or a white filling (composite).

Tooth Coloured Fillings
In the past, cavities could only be treated with unsightly metal fillings that are alloys of silver and mercury. These fillings, especially when close to the front of the mouth, are highly noticeable and not aesthetic.

Modern dentistry has increasingly turned to tooth-colored or composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. Composite fillings utilize a soft white plastic substance that is hardened with a blue light. These fillings are ideal for initial cavities and those where the majority of the tooth remains intact.

Question 8

Invisalign

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest orthodontic advancements to date, Invisalign™ clear aligners are a series of removable aligners suited to adults. Their aesthetically discreet design has resonated with millions of patients who have had treatment since its introduction to the market in 2000.
​
What are the benefits of straightening your teeth with Invisalign™?
​
 • As Invisalign aligners are removable, you can stick to the same brushing and eating routine as you would normally, unlike in the case of fixed brace models.
 • Discreet design – your friends and family may not even notice you have the aligners in, as they have a transparent finish.
 • With ClinCheck (https://www.invisalign.com/the-invisalign-difference/clincheck-software)software, you can see what your smile will look like post-treatment, before you even start wearing the aligners.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/38e54d_13e6e32caec147ae967a863c55802030/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Question 9

Clear Fixed Braces

Accepted Answer

Q: What are Cosmetically-Focussed Fixed Braces?
A: These are cosmetic short-term clear braces that use Lucid Lok® brackets and tooth-coloured wires to align your teeth. Our dentist, Dr Elizabeth Tiong is trained to use both systems: Six Month Smiles and CFast.
​
Q: How can teeth be straightened in only 4-9 months with cosmetically-focussed fixed braces?
A: Both systems employ the latest technology and techniques in dentistry to move your teeth quickly and safely with clear adult braces. The key components of the treatment are the use of unique, clear braces and a primary focus of moving the teeth that show when you smile.

Q: 4-9 months sounds good, but will I still have a mouth full of metal braces for the whole time?
A: No! Six Month Smiles and CFast use clear fixed braces that are barely visible to gently straighten your teeth.

Question 10

Implants

Accepted Answer

Fed up of wasting your time and spending money on frequently getting your dentures repairs or replaced? There is a permanent solution for you! Get your missing teeth replaced with the dental implants and say goodbye to the discomfort and inconvenience of the dentures!
 
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants serve as the root component of an artificial tooth by getting surgically embedded within the jaw bone. Once they have been completely surrounded by the alveolar bone, a suitable prosthesis such as a crown, bridge or a denture is then provided over them to complete the artificial tooth structures.
 
How are Implants Placed?
The implant placement procedure is only initiated after thorough and careful planning and requires multiple steps. The first step involves making the patient pain-free by administering local anaesthesia. Afterwards, a soft tissue flap is raised to expose the underlying bone into which a hole is made and the implant is then screwed or tapped into position. Once the wound has completely healed, a prosthesis is built over it.
 
Why Implants are the Best Replacement Option for Your Missing Teeth?
Dental implants are the best restorative option for your teeth due to the following reasons:
 • Strength
 • Durability
 • Improved Aesthetics and smile
 • Improved speech
 • Minimal loss of jawbone (unlike dentures)
 • Long-term savings

Question 11

Root Canal Therapy

Accepted Answer

Root Canal Treatment is when the nerve of a tooth becomes irreversibly infected but there is still enough tooth tissue for a final restoration. This happens when the tooth has been traumatized or when dental decay has reached deep within the tooth.

The objective of a root canal is to remove the inflamed (or abscessed) pulpal tissue and to replace it with a biocompatible paste; Gutta Percha. The coronal part of the tooth is sealed with a restoration and the tooth usually will require a crown.
 
Although the tooth can be considered to be dead (no more feeling of hot and cold) it’s periodontal (gum) attachment remains healthy so you can still feel normal pressure on it when biting down.

A tooth which has had a root canal will however tend to darken and becomes dry and brittle and can fracture. This is why all teeth which have been subjected to a root canal require a crown.
​
Most of the time, our dentists are able to perform the root canal procedure in primary care dentistry. However, there are sometimes, the root canal procedure may require specialist intervention especially when require additional aided magnification such as microscope, complex curvature of the root morphology.

Question 12

Dental Extractions

Accepted Answer

Contemporary procedures and techniques in preventive dentistry have now resulted in significant reduction of cases where the extraction of a tooth becomes necessary. However, despite this, all teeth cannot be saved and may need to be extracted so as to prevent development of cavities or infection in the adjacent teeth.
 
When Tooth Extraction is required?
 • Frequent Infection of an Impacted Tooth – impacted, or partially impacted teeth are prone to infections and must be removed to prevent the infection of surrounding teeth.
 • Orthodontic Reasons – sometimes, teeth need to be removed during orthodontic treatment so as to create space and relieve crowding between the teeth.
 • Supernumerary Teeth – Extra teeth are neither helpful in eating nor do they have any role in speech. Therefore, they should be extracted as soon as possible.
 • Teeth with Hopeless Prognosis – teeth that cannot be saved despite multiple restorative attempts must be extracted.
 
Is Dental Extraction Painful?
No, dental extraction is not painful since the patient is administered with local anesthesia to make them relaxed and pain-free.

Question 13

Tooth Whitening

Accepted Answer

Do you avoid smiling in public just because you are afraid of showing your heavily stained teeth? You can get your beautiful smile and charming appearance back by getting your teeth stains removed with the help of tooth whitening.
 
What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure which involves the application of a mild bleaching agent (usually carbamide peroxide) to remove your teeth stains. The bleaching agent penetrates the enamel layer of the teeth and dissolves the coffee, tea and tobacco stains.
 
What are Different Types of Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is of two types:
 • Extrinsic Tooth Whitening – this type of tooth whitening is performed to remove external teeth stains, such as those caused due to coffee, tea, tobacco or other coloured foods.
 • Intrinsic Tooth Whitening – this type of tooth whitening is performed to remove stains which have developed inside the tooth. This involves gaining access inside the tooth and directly applying the bleaching agent into the tooth’s interior. Usually this is done after root canal treatment.

Which stains cannot be removed through Tooth Whitening?
Stains that were incorporates during the developmental stages of teeth, such as tetracycline or fluorosis stains are permanent, and cannot be removed through tooth whitening.
 
At Caldecott Dental, we offer patients the leading tooth whitening bleaching gel: Pola Day and Pola Night. It works very well with most of our patients.  We only offer a custom-made tooth whitening home tray kit as we believe it offers flexibility and also ease of use especially if you would like to bleach your teeth again after you had your first one. But we do recommend to bring your whitening tray with you if you would like a repeated prescription of the whitening gel.

Custom-made Tooth Whitening Tray Kit: This involves taking impressions of your teeth and having custom trays constructed. You will be shown how to apply the whitening gel onto your teeth using the custom-made trays. The trays must then be worn for 1-2 hours per day or overnight for a period of approximately 14 days.

Question 14

Mouthguards

Accepted Answer

Q: What is Sports Guard?
A: Sports Guard is a heat-cured acrylic based appliance that serves to protect your teeth during contact sports.

Q: How do I get them?
A: We recommend a custom-made sports guard so that it will snug nicely on the teeth. This is usually best when you visit the dentist to have an impression taken to construct the custom-made sports guard.

Q: Can I have any colours on the sports guard?
A: Yes. You can choose a single-coloured or multi-coloured sports guard. Just need to inform the dentist your favourites!

Night Guard
Q: What is night guard?
A: Night guard is an oral appliance that you wear to protect your teeth from teeth grinding and clenching.

Q: Why do I need it?
A: You most probably have a sign of tooth wear where there is enamel chipped off, your back teeth are worn off or you experience some jaw muscle pain/discomfort.

Q: How do I get them?
A: You will need to visit the dentist where an impression and occlusion record/registration are taken in order to construct the night guard.

Question 15

Anti-Snoring Devices

Accepted Answer

SOMNOWELL DEVICE
 
Snoring
Q: What is snoring?
A: Snoring is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the throat and behind the tongue. Studies indicate that at least 30% of adults snore. Snoring can be a major factor in sleep disturbance and the resulting stress, leading to lack of energy, poor concentration, mood swings, and irritability. In the long term, snoring can also lead to high blood pressure and heart problems.
 
Sleep Apnoea
Q: What is sleep apnoea?
A: With Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) an increase in weight or a reduction in muscle tone can trigger the change from a partially blocked airway (snoring) to a completely blocked airway. It is common for the sufferer to be completely unaware of the disorder, and remain undiagnosed for several years. OSA has been linked to an increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.
 
Q: How can Somnowell Device help with snoring and sleep apnoea?
A: The good news is that the overwhelming majority of people suffering from problematic snoring can be effectively treated using a Somnowell. The appliance is such an effective treatment for snoring because it tackles the problem at its root cause. The Somnowell is designed to gently hold the lower jaw and tongue in the 'recovery position' while you sleep, keeping the airway open

Somnowell for Sleep Apnoea
​The Somnowell sleeping aid is a very effective long-term treatment for obstructive sleep Apnoea. The Somnowell ensures an open airway is maintained throughout sleep, and is perfectly designed to meet the unique requirements of each user. A high level of precision goes into the design of the Somnowell, making it an extremely comfortable and effective treatment for sleep apnoea.
 
Q: How do I obtain a Somnowell Device?
A: First, you have to make an appointment with our Somnowell Practitioner for assessment. Sessions of bite registrations and impressions will be required. Call to book a consultation here.
 
Q: Is everyone able to have a Somnowell Device?
A: Full assessment is required to gauge its suitability but however there are a few contraindications which Somnowell may not be suitable for you.

The device is contra-indicated for patients who:
 • ​have central sleep apnoea
 • have severe respiratory disorders
 • have loose teeth or advanced periodontal disease
 • are under 18 years of age
 
Q: What are the side effects on wearing a Somnowell device?
A: Use of the device may cause:
 • tooth movement, change in dental occlusion or in jaw relations
 • gingival or dental soreness
 • pain or soreness to the temporomandibular joint
 • obstruction of oral breathing (unlikely with Somnowell Chrome)
 • excessive salivation

Question 16

Cosmetic Dentistry

Accepted Answer

If you are not happy with the way you smile or the colour of your teeth, we offer teeth whitening solutions and/or veneers which are tailored to your needs.

If you want to smile confidently by getting rid of your stained and crooked teeth, then cosmetic dentistry may be the answer to all your aesthetic concerns.

Cosmetic dentistry includes all those dental procedures that are aimed at providing you with a beautiful smile and attractive facial appearance. The following procedures are routinely performed by a cosmetic dentist:
 
 • Teeth Whitening - coffee and tea stains ruining your smile? Get rid of them with the help of professional teeth whitening!
 • Tooth Coloured Fillings - composite filling materials are highly aesthetic due to their ability to match the tooth colour. Now there is no need for getting your teeth filled with the sliver amalgam fillings.
 • Veneers - partial crown material ideally to correct heavily stained teeth which cannot be done by other means. These are usually done on the front teeth where the main concern is cosmetic.
 
We love to help people have the smile they have dreamed of. We believe that form follows function - your beautiful smile can last a lifetime because it functions harmoniously with your body. Our goal isn’t to cost you a fortune - our goal is to give you the beautiful smile you deserve.

Question 17

Emergency Care

Accepted Answer

Dental Emergency is a specific urgency when one suffers a tooth abscess, dental trauma, or loss of the anterior crown/filling. It is best if you call the practice rather than turning up as the team can advise you better on the timing to prevent you from waiting too long.

For out of practice hours NHS emergencies, please contact the out-of-hours service on 111 (tel:111)

CALDECOTT
DENTAL PRACTICE

Our Services

Caldecott Dental Practice

Menu

Legal & Compliance

Contact