Treatments

Dental Check Ups & Hygiene

In a dental check-up appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth, mouth and gums to ensure your mouth is healthy. It’s also a chance for them to find any problems you might have. Your dentist may also need to take X-rays of your mouth to check for any hidden problems such as decay and bone loss due to gum disease.

Hygiene is a professional teeth cleaning service, a process called scaling and polishing. During the appointment your dentist/hygienist will carry out an initial dental hygiene examination. They will then:

• Scale your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar build-up in those areas brushing cannot reach
• Perform a clean and polish to remove any superficial stains on your teeth
• Offer tailored advice on how to maintain good dental health and demonstrate techniques you can use at home

Your dentist/hygienist will also provide advice about diet and preventing tooth decay. They can spot signs of gum disease and will refer you to a periodontist if they see anything that needs further treatment.

NHS Treatments

Your dental health can be secured and maintained by NHS treatments. The information below is here to help with any queries you may have regarding NHS treatments and costs.  For any more questions, contact us.

What do you receive as an NHS patient?

Everyone is entitled to a comprehensive range of NHS treatment, advice and care you need to keep your teeth, mouth and gums as healthy as possible. Your dentist will explain which treatments are available on the NHS and which are private to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment and to understand related costs.

Treatments that you can receive on the NHS include:

• Bridges
• Crowns
• Fillings
• Root canal treatment
• Preventive advice and treatment for gum disease
• Orthodontic braces (according to strict criteria)
• Extractions (tooth removal)
• Dentures or false teeth

Cosmetic procedures will usually need to be paid for privately.

Childsmile programme

We can provide preventive care as part of the Childsmile programme for children up to 17 years of age. Maintaining good oral health depends on good diet, regular tooth brushing and intervention from the dental practice. The good habits and preventive care learned through the Childsmile programme need to be maintained in older children.

Preventive Care programme for adults

From 1 November 2023, you may notice that there are some changes to the way your NHS dental treatment is delivered. Based on NICE guidance, your dentist will determine how often you should have a NHS dental examination based on your treatment needs to ensure the best possible care. This may range from less than 6 months to every 2 years. If you are seen less often than 12 months then this is a sign of good oral health. It is important that you attend when recommended and don’t miss appointments.

Adults will continue to be offered a treatment plan which includes an extensive clinical examination. You’ll then receive any further treatments to manage and improve your oral health.

During your NHS dental examination you may be asked about any changes to your medical history, medication or any new allergies. You’ll also be asked about any changes you have noticed such as lumps, bumps or ulcers or if you are having any specific problems. You may also be asked if you smoke or drink alcohol, and if so, how much.

After they’ve established how your general health is, the dental team will do the following:

• Examine your mouth including your teeth, gums and tongue
• Advise you on how you can keep your mouth healthy
• Explain any treatments you may need – if you do need dental treatment they’ll advise you of your options, including what treatments can be carried out on the NHS
• Explain any treatment cost

During periods of time between dental examinations, if you have concerns about your oral health, particularly around any lumps, bumps or ulcers in the lining of your mouth, then you may wish to contact your dentist at the earliest opportunity and they will be able to see you sooner.

Your treatment plan

If you need treatment, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan. A treatment plan is a document that helps to explain the treatment you need and what it will involve. It will also detail an estimate of how much the treatment will cost you. You may be exempt from NHS patient charges.

You can ask for a treatment plan whenever any treatment has been recommended for you. If you want to take a copy away with you, your dentist can arrange this. Ask a member of our dental team if you need help understanding your treatment plan.

How to register with us as NHS Dentist Glasgow patient:

At our practice it is very simple to register as an NHS patient:

• You can give us a phone and we will take some personal details to add to the system and get an appointment arranged right away for a check-up.
• You can email us using the template on our website.
• If you live or work nearby, or are passing our practice then you can of course drop in and see our receptionist to arrange an appointment.

Treatment not available on the NHS:

Any dental treatment that is considered by the NHS to be cosmetic. These treatments include:

• White fillings on back teeth.
• White crowns on back teeth.
• All ceramic crowns and bridges.
• Teeth whitening.

If you have tooth decay, tooth pain, or damaged or discoloured teeth, there are a range of treatment options that can help you achieve a happier and healthy smile. Your dentist may advise fillings, crowns or veneers. 

A dental filling is used to fill a cavity (a hole that has formed in your teeth) or other damage such as a chipped tooth. Cavities get bigger over time, so the sooner they’re spotted and filled, the less likely you are to have problems later. That’s why regular check-ups are important. Without treatment, a cavity or chipped tooth can lead to toothache, bad breath, infection, and even the fracturing or loss of your tooth.

A crown is a cap which fits over a damaged tooth, improving its appearance and preserving it for the future. Crowns are custom-made from metal or porcelain. Porcelain crowns can match the shade of your existing teeth. 

Veneers are an effective way of repairing chipped, stained or misaligned teeth. The procedure involves attaching a thin layer of tooth-coloured porcelain to the front surface of the tooth. Veneers are a fast and long-lasting way to brighten and straighten your smile.

Your dentist may suggest root canal treatment if there is inflammation or infection inside one of your teeth. They will clean and fill inside the tooth to prevent further damage or infection. Root canal treatment can save your tooth from having to be taken out.

A dental bridge essentially bridges a gap in your mouth. It involves replacing a missing tooth with a false tooth which is bonded to the natural teeth on one/both sides of the gap. 

Dentures are removable plastic or metal frameworks that carry false teeth. They’re a trusted and effective method for replacing missing teeth. Dentures can be used to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full arch of teeth.