A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the space with an artificial tooth and is supported by neighbouring teeth, adhesive wings or dental implants. The exact fitting process depends on the type of bridge being used. A conventional bridge normally requires preparation of one or…
Porcelain onlays can restore damaged back teeth while preserving more healthy tooth structure than a full dental crown in suitable cases. Many porcelain onlays remain functional for 10 years or longer. Some last considerably longer, while others need earlier repair or replacement because of chipping, loss of bonding, decay, damage to the supporting tooth or…
Dental inlays are custom-made restorations used to repair moderate damage within the biting surface of a tooth. They may be recommended when a standard dental filling would not provide a predictable repair, but the tooth does not require an onlay or full dental crown. Inlays are most commonly used on back teeth, including molars and…
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful or harmful, but in most cases, a root canal is not bad for you. It is a dental procedure used to remove infected, inflamed or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The aim is to preserve the natural tooth, relieve symptoms, remove the source of infection…
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects the gums and the structures that support the teeth. Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed through effective daily plaque removal and professional care. However, once the condition has progressed to periodontitis and caused loss of gum attachment or supporting bone, it does not normally…
Molars are the large, broad teeth located at the back of the mouth. Their wide biting surfaces help crush and grind food before it is swallowed, making them important for comfortable chewing and normal oral function. An adult can have up to 12 permanent molars when all four wisdom teeth are present. Adults whose wisdom…
Premolars are permanent teeth positioned between the pointed canine teeth and the larger molar teeth at the back of the mouth. Adults normally have eight premolars: four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. Their raised chewing surfaces help crush and break down food before it reaches the molars for further grinding….
Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, but it still raises important questions for patients. Many people worry about bleeding after the tooth is removed, whether medical conditions like high blood pressure affect treatment, and what happens if something goes wrong. This guide explains these concerns in detail so you can better understand what to…
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure carried out when a tooth cannot be saved or when removing it is the best option for your oral health. Patients often want to know not only how the treatment works, but also how much it costs and why prices vary depending on the type of extraction needed….
A clear guide for parents in the UK One of the most common questions parents ask is: When should my child first see a dentist? The simple answer in the UK is: Children should see a dentist by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing — whichever comes first. Why…
And are paediatric dentists more expensive? When it comes to children’s dental care, many parents are unsure what is covered by the NHS, whether they need to pay privately, and whether a paediatric (children’s) dentist costs more than a general dentist. The answer depends on where you live in the UK, the type of treatment…
Many people are surprised to learn that dental care can be free during pregnancy in the UK. This support is designed to help protect both your oral health and your baby’s wellbeing at an important time. Are dental treatments free during pregnancy? Yes. If you are pregnant, you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment…
Many patients ask whether dental treatment in the UK is free. The short answer is: most dental care is not free, even under the NHS. Understanding how dental charges work can help you decide the best option for your oral health. Is dental treatment free on the NHS? NHS dental care is not completely free…
Many people wonder how often they really need to visit the dentist. The best check-up schedule depends on your oral health and your risk of dental problems. Regular visits help detect issues early and keep your teeth and gums healthy. The typical recommendation For most patients, a dental check-up every 6 months is a good…
Patients with dental anxiety often ask: can a dentist prescribe diazepam? In the UK, the answer is yes—but only in specific circumstances and under strict rules. What is diazepam? Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medicine that can reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and cause drowsiness. In dentistry, it is sometimes used to help very anxious patients feel…
Patients often ask: can a dentist give a sick note in the UK? The answer is yes—but only in certain situations, and there are limits on what a dentist can and cannot provide. What is a “sick note” in the UK? In the UK, a “sick note” usually means a Statement of Fitness for Work,…
Can a Dentist Put You to Sleep? Many people feel nervous about dental treatment and ask: can a dentist put you to sleep? The answer is yes—but it depends on what you mean by “sleep”, the type of treatment, and whether sedation is suitable for you. Dentists can use different levels of sedation to help…
Are Dentists Open on Saturdays? Many people ask this when trying to fit dental care around work, school, or a busy weekday schedule: are dentists open on Saturdays? The answer is yes—some dentists are, but opening hours and availability vary between practices. Are dentists usually open on Saturdays? Not all dental practices open on Saturdays,…