Ask the Dentist
- Thinking about having Dental Treatment ?
- Not sure what questions to ask?
- Just want to find out about some treatment options?
You often think of the best questions to ask when you are not sitting in the dentists chair.
This site may be of help.
Our Team of dentists will respond to all relevant enquiries by email. Below are a few popular questions we get asked. It may help to read these before submitting your question as it could save you some time.
We strongly advise all users with dental problems to consult a dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Personal"
Question
I broke a tooth last month which felt fine until this morning. The gum next to the tooth is swollen. Is there anything that I can take to remove the swelling?
Answer
This could be several things, one of them is a dental abscess which can quickly develop into significant pain and swelling . You should make an urgent appointment with a dentist for specific tests. Once the cause of swelling has been identified you can discuss the treatment options.
Question
How much will treatment cost?
Answer
Our fees are average for the city centre location. They are not expensive; the costs reflect value of the time taken, and the skill of the dentist. Actual costs for individual items can be found on the pricelist. Our many satisfied customers are a testament to the value of the fairness of our price for good quality dentistry.
We discuss fees openly and clients are given a treatment plan with a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs.
Question
Will the treatment hurt?
Answer
We endeavour to make the whole experience as stress free as possible. Modern techniques minimise discomfort especially if you have a dislike of injections.
Question
Can I ask advice without having any treatment done?
Answer
Absolutely, definitely yes. We want to find the right option for you. Sometimes that means not doing any treatment at all. Our consultations are a great way to find out about your dental health and the possible treatment options. You will not be pressured into anything.
Question
Can I come in for advice or emergency treatment and remain with my existing dentist?
Answer
Yes you are welcome as an “occasional” patient.
Question
What kind of people have cosmetic dental treatments?
Answer
People like you. Cosmetic dentistry is no longer the preserve of models and film stars. With revolutionary new techniques and painless treatments, cosmetic dentistry is now readily accessible to anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth.
Question
How many appointments do I need?
Answer
This depends on the treatment you have chosen. As a guide however, major smile improvements, including veneers and crowns can often be completed in as little as two weeks with only two or three appointments.
Question
How can I be confident that I am choosing the right dentist?
Answer
All the dentists at the St John's Dental Practice are fully qualified with years of experience. We spend many hours on postgraduate education, please browse our CV’s for further information. Only when you are fully confident with your dentist and the dental solutions offered will you choose to go ahead with treatment.
Question
How long will my new smile last?
Answer
The longevity of your new smile is directly related to how well you look after it. An aftercare programme will be recommended to promote the health of your teeth and gums. The materials used will also affect the lifespan of the restoration. Your dentist will be happy to give you information related to your personal treatment.
Question
How long does treatment for dental implants take?
Answer
For routine cases, from the time of implant placement to the time of placing the first teeth, treatment times can vary between 6 weeks and 6 months. The availability of better bone can be used to decrease treatment time, whilst more time and care must be taken with poorer bone, which can therefore extend treatment times beyond six months.
Question
How do I look after dental implants?
Answer
For most implant-supported teeth you will be able to clean around each supporting implant by brushing and flossing in just the same way that you would around natural teeth and tooth-supported bridges. In some areas special floss, interdental toothbrushes and other cleaning aids may be needed to maintain good oral hygiene. Cleaning is not at all difficult, provided that you do not have impaired use of your hands. It is reasonable to expect some of the daily hygiene procedures to be a little more complex than around your original teeth - equally expect to spend more time than you may have done in the past if you wish to maintain optimum implant health. For the first few months the implants are in function your dentist may ask that you are seen more frequently, however once they are satisfied your treatment is performing as planned, ongoing care will be similar to any patient with natural teeth.
Question
How long do dental implants last?
Answer
During the period after the new teeth are fitted, the success of each treatment stage will be the main factor determining how the implants are performing. Once the implants and surrounding soft tissues are seen to be healthy and the new teeth comfortable and correctly adjusted, it is the quality of your home care and willingness to present for regular maintenance reviews that will have most influence on how long they will last. When poorly cared for, implants will develop a covering of hard and soft deposits (calculus and plaque) which is very similar to that found on neglected natural teeth. Untreated, these deposits can lead to gum infection, bleeding, soreness and general discomfort, just as can occur around natural teeth. It could probably be said that implants much like teeth will last for as long as you can keep them clean. Well maintained implants placed into adequate bone can be expected to last for many years and probably for your lifetime. However, just as you would expect conventional crowns, bridges and fillings to need occasional repairs or replacements during their lifetime, your implant-supported teeth may also have similar maintenance requirements over theirs.
Question
Can dental implants preserve bone?
Answer
This is one of the most important features of dental implants. Once in place and supporting teeth, everyday functional forces stimulate the surrounding bone which responds by becoming stronger and more dense. Like all things there are limits to how much work an implant can do. Your treatment provider will be able to discuss this in more detail as it relates to your case.
Question
Do you need to have a healthy mouth to have dental implants?
Answer
When you first enquire about dental implants it is often in response to an awareness of ongoing dental problems or the recent loss of teeth. Each of these problems will need to be diagnosed and treated in a logical manner, often placing implants in order to establish healthier conditions. Although it is tempting to focus on the more glamorous aspects of teeth supported by implants, basic dental health, which includes the treatment of gum disease, repair of decay and the elimination of abscesses will be just as important for the long-term success of your treatment. If you are aware of bad breath, loose teeth, or have noticed excessive bleeding, particularly when your teeth are cleaned professionally, you may have gum problems. Periodontal (gum) disease is a major cause of bone loss and with reduced bone, dental implant treatment can be more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Corporate"
We recognise the difference between choosing a dental practice for yourself and choosing a dental practice to provide dental care for your company.
The St John's Occupational Dental Service is of interest to city centre companies within a short walk from our practice on the corner of Bennett’s Hill & New Street.
We have had 16 years experience of Occupational Dentistry. We have provided dental services for Cadbury Trebor Bassett, IMI plc, UCE, ITnet, Keane, TIMET & others.
We have attempted to answer the most obvious questions below. If you have any other enquiries, use the 'Ask the Dentist' form at the top of the page for a quick response. We want you to feel confident in your decision to offer our services to your employees.
Question
Why have a company dentist?
Answer
Promoting an emergency dental service is a basic free service that is easily arranged with one e-mail. Employees are grateful for a prompt service in their hour of need and the Company benefits from the minimal disruption to its workforce. A fuller service providing routine and preventive care further minimises the disruption of dental emergencies. Employees can fund their care by individual arrangements or as part of a flexible options benefits package. We believe company dental services should be convenient, easy to use and add value to a business.
Question
How much will it cost?
Answer
The company pays absolutely nothing. All we ask is that you promote our services to your employees. The fees paid by the employee represent average local pricing. Promotional discounts are available to medium- large employers. Whether you just want emergency cover, a flexible option scheme as a benefit or an integrated service as part of your employees package, talk to us, and we can arrange the most appropriate option for you. We suggest a free trial period of emergency cover at no charge to you or your employees to gauge the service popularity.
Question
What does the company have to do?
Answer
Talk to us, explore and choose the best option/s for your company. We will arrange everything else for you. All that’s left for you to do is to communicate the details to your employees and company directors. A simple e-mail on the intranet is sufficient.
Question
If employees already have a dentist, can they use a “company dentist”?
Answer
Yes, in essence you can have both! There is no reason why your employee can’t keep their own dentist and use our services in case of an emergency. Employees are grateful for prompt service in their hour of need and the disruption to your business is minimal.
Question
Do employees value a dental benefit?
Answer
Our experience is that a company dental service is highly rated by its employees. It is also one of the easiest and cheapest to set up and maintain.
Question
Can you provide a service for other offices in the UK?
Answer
We believe that the close proximity of our practice to our potential clients is a major strength. The travelling time saved by not commuting to the suburbs for dental care during office hours adds up to more convenient and efficient service. Only a truly local service can provide this. We arrange worldwide dental emergency service for our regular patients and have national contacts for regional services outside Birmingham.
Question
Why choose the St John's Dental Practice?
Answer
We have a highly experienced team of four dentists & a dental hygienist all with more than 10 years experience. We have the capacity to provide flexibility balanced with a personal approach. We understand and have experience of the needs of companies. We offer appointment times outside office hours and go the extra distance to help busy people look after their teeth.
Flash Player is required for this form.
"Cadbury's"
"St John's Dental Practice"