Harley Street Dental Clinic

As a proud W1 dentist, You may think it’s strange that we have an aversion to extracting teeth. This is not born of squeamishness or lack of confidence in our ability to safely and professionally remove teeth. We simply feel that every tooth is worth saving and we will always try our best to repair a tooth over extracting, so you can enjoy using your teeth for many decades to come.

Unfortunately, whatever the case may be from unresponsive gum disease to a severe cavity that has structurally weakened and compromised the tooth beyond the capacity of capping or crowding to save it, an extraction is usually our last option.

Every tooth of every patient is unique, so the rough guide we provide below is just a textbook example of the average patient. For advice more relevant to you, or if you have a pressing dental issue, please contact our surgery immediately and we will be happy to provide you with more tailored advice.

Extracting teeth

Once determined by our W1 dentist that the extraction is necessary and the patient’s consent is given, a set of dental X-rays is taken so that the procedure can continue without any unexpected complications and the state the roots can be assessed, as this may alter the extraction technique used. Local sedation is applied, usually by injection around the gum, and a prick test is performed to ensure the area is fully numbed and then the extraction takes place.

The extraction itself can take anything from a few minutes to 25 – 30 minutes depending on the condition of the tooth and if it has to be removed in pieces or as a single unit. Oftentimes, patients report an unpleasant pressure on the face that radiates down the jaw during extraction. This is perfectly normal and is important to remain calm.

If you have a dental aversion, partial sedation and the use of a calming sedative can be applied before an extraction. Please speak to our dentist about your feelings around dentistry so that this can be accommodated if required and so we can ensure that you are comfortable.

Post extraction care

Some very basic care can help with a successful recovery. The first 24-hours are the most important and ensuring that a sturdy blood clot forms in the now vacant socket is the highest priority.  Within this first 24-hours, you should avoid using mouthwash and brush cautiously around the extraction site. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used to manage any discomfort and you may be asked to take a course of preventative antibiotics to reduce the chances of infection.

The most common complication post-extraction is dry socket. Although rare it is wise to take steps to avoid it, as it can be extremely uncomfortable. The chances of dry socket increase if you are a heavy smoker or drink spirits during the first 24-hours after an extraction. If you have had a dry socket in the past, have a family history of dry socket, this also increases your chances of developing it yourself. Mention this to our dentist and the option to pack and stitch the extraction will be considered as this is the best method of avoiding dry socket formation with our W1 dentist.

Even if you haven’t met with a dentist Harley Street for many years, we urge you to face your fears and get in touch with one of our compassionate, non-judgemental and understanding team members so that you can care for your health and wellbeing appropriately once more.

Oral health care is an important aspect of your general health and unless you look at your wellbeing holistically, you may find that the underlying cause of some issues may never be addressed.

We are constantly finding unexplained links between our oral health and other health factors, such as the link between gum disease and heart disease as well as one between missing teeth and mental health.

I simply can’t afford oral health care

It is a common misconception that dental care is expensive and as a result, people avoid visiting their dentist Harley Street as often as they should because they feel they cannot afford to look after their teeth, especially when there are no obvious signs to be concerned about.

As a matter of fact, with regular dental consultations, you can avoid potentially expensive dental bills that come from the complex restorative treatments that might become necessary as a result of poor oral health. Underlying issues are usually unidentifiable to an individual, not presenting with pain, discolouration or any other sign that things are not as they should be until it is too late.

By cleaning teeth professionally and ensuring that plaque and tartar do not take hold, not only can you enjoy healthier looking and whiter teeth, but you can embrace the confidence that comes with knowing your teeth are strong and healthy as well.

For those people who have not visited their dentist Harley Street for many years and fear a large bill, know that we address each situation uniquely, offering our patients finance plans that put both their oral health and their budgets first. We are understanding individuals who simply wish to ensure that you can enjoy your teeth for as long as possible, as once they are gone, there can be a lot of complications involved with your daily life.

What can I expect from a consultation

If you are new to our practice, then your initial consultation will be slightly more in-depth than subsequent ones. We take the time to get to know you, firstly with a questionnaire that you will usually fill out whilst waiting for your appointment with your oral health care professional to begin.

By asking details about your medical and dental history, your lifestyle choices, diet and other needs, we can determine some risk factors that might be significant.

In the consultation room, we will have a chat first before looking at your mouth, both inside and out to determine the health of your teeth and gums. We also provide you with a mouth cancer screening, investigate the condition of your bite and we may even need to take x-rays.

At the end of this initial appointment, we will talk you through the results and discuss what may need to be done to improve your smile.

Unfortunately in life a lot of people are dissatisfied with their smiles. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we strive to give our patients a smile that they love and feel comfortable in. There are all sorts of reasons as to why someone could be unhappy with their smile, but our dentist W1 can give you the smile makeover that you have been searching for.

What sorts of things do people want to change about their smile?

People arrange appointments with us at Harley Street Dental Clinic to speak to our dentist W1 about all sorts of insecurities and issues. Sometimes people are concerned about the positioning of their teeth, whether it is that they are too close together and crooked, or too far apart with gaps between them. Luckily there are a range of treatments to rectify this, and your dental practitioner will explain these to you fully before you make your final decision, so you can make sure that you are getting the right treatment for yourself.

In some cases people will be concerned with other things when it comes to their teeth, such as discolouration or chips and cracks. Having to take care of one set of adult teeth for your entire life can be difficult, and accidents can spontaneously occur that are completely out of your control. Sporting injuries result in teeth being chipped or cracked frequently, but there are a variety of treatments such as composite bonding and veneers that can be used to disguise chips. Discolouration can be caused due to a lack of oral hygiene, but it is also caused by more everyday things such as drinking tea and eating certain foods. Lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol and smoking will also increase someone’s chances of getting stained teeth. Brightening your smile by a few shades can easily be done through teeth whitening treatment, but in some cases where veneers are fitted they will make your teeth appear whiter too.

Arranging to have a smile makeover is easy

We believe that everyone should love showing off their smile, and if you are not happy with yours then it is time to make an appointment with our dentist W1. Booking a consultation appointment is simple and can be done either online or over the phone. When you attend your initial appointment you will be able to discuss any insecurities that you have with your practitioner and tell them what it is that you want to achieve through your smile makeover. Every person is unique and so are their teeth, so your treatment plan will be specifically designed to suit your personal circumstances. Your practitioner will be able to explain all of the options that are available to you before making any final decisions about your treatment, as well as answering any questions that you have. After you have your refreshed smile you will be able to attend a series of follow-up appointments where you are taught how to care for your new smile properly, as well as being able to receive hygiene sessions.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we want to help our patients feel good about their smile wherever we can. We know that a trip to your dental clinic is about more than just a routine appointment and we will take the time to understand how you feel about your teeth, advising on which treatments will be able to help you the most. More than this though, our dentist Harley Street will be there for you to rely on them when you find yourself in the middle of an emergency, day or night. If you find that you are having any issues with your teeth, whether it is an emergency or not, it is important to make an appointment to speak to one of our dental professionals as soon as possible, to prevent any additional damage from taking place.

Providing support through day and night

Our dentist Harley Street is not just there for you when it is time for your routine appointment, but when you are having an emergency too. Tooth related emergencies can happen when you least expect it, from tripping over and knocking your tooth out to being involved in a sporting accident or suffering from intense wisdom tooth pain. If you have lost a tooth or you are in severe pain then it is important to make an appointment as soon as possible to prevent any further damage from occurring. The earlier you phone in the day then the earlier we will be able to arrange for you to come in for an emergency appointment. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we understand that emergencies are not planned and will sometimes unfortunately take place during out of hours for our practice. However, in these circumstances you are still able to call our practice during your emergency and your call will be answered by a dental professional who will be able to advise you on what to do until morning. In the morning one of our team will call you to make an appointment for you as soon as possible.  

Consider long-term solutions for your smile

If you chip or crack your teeth it can leave you feeling incredibly insecure, but there is no need to worry, as a simple chat with our dentist Harley Street will allow you to find out what treatments could help you resolve your issue. Treatments such as veneers and composite bonding are both capable of disguising chips and small gaps between teeth, but they work in slightly different ways. Veneers offer a more long-term solution to cover up imperfections, as they are capable of lasting for up to ten years if they are taken care of properly. However, getting veneers will also require careful tooth preparation, as the veneers themselves are attached to the surfaces of your teeth. This differs from composite bonding, where no tooth preparation is required. With composite bonding a resin is applied to your chipped or cracked tooth and then moulded into the right shape before being hardened underneath a special lamp, but it will not last as long as veneers can.

When it comes to the world of dental care, preventive treatments usually revolve around stopping those common dental nuisances that cause pain and swelling – cavities.

And while there are a few lucky folks who have never had a cavity, if you have a filling, a crown or have needed a root canal during your life, the chances are that you have had one at some point, even if it wasn’t uncomfortable.

As technologies have advanced, dental practitioners are now more equipped to prevent initial signs of decay from developing into cavities, meaning that as long as you attend six monthly check-ups, there may be no need for you to have a filling again.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic, we are on the frontline of preventive treatments for both cavities and gum disease, meaning that when you visit our dentist W1, you are receiving the best treatment that money can buy to keep your mouth healthy. What more could you want from a dental team?

But back to cavities; what are they and why do they cause so much trouble? Our dentist W1 answers these questions and more below.

Why are cavities brown?

In short, cavities are brown because they are exposed areas of dentine which are darkened due to bacteria.

As bacteria accumulate on the surface of your teeth (plaque), they begin to dissolve the enamel of your teeth and form holes (cavities). Underneath the enamel is the dentine, which is usually yellow in colour, but with the bacteria now latching onto it, it changes colour and becomes more obvious.

Why does tooth decay smell bad?

Tooth decay creates a sulphurous or bad smell due to the enamel and dentine being broken down. As the bacteria consume these substances, they release a gas into your mouth that creates the unpleasant odour that occurs with cavities and rotten teeth.

What happens if a rotten tooth is left untreated?

If our dentist W1 does not see you for your biannual check-ups, then that tiny cavity is likely to grow, either externally or internally; usually both!

Externally, the brown spot will become bigger as the enamel is destroyed and sadly, no amount of brushing can slow the process, so you will need to see our team as soon as you spot a cavity. Internally, the bacteria will burrow into the dentine until they reach the pulp. Once there, the bacteria can cause infections and abscesses.

How will your team treat a rotten tooth?

This depends on the extent of the decay; if it is minor, we may be able to prevent it  spreading with a clean and the application of a sealant.

If it is more extreme, a filling or crown will be used. If there is an infection, a root canal may be warranted and in the worst-case scenario, we will extract the rotten tooth.

How do you prevent rotten teeth?

By brushing and flossing twice a day, attending dental check-ups with us every six months and by refraining from overconsumption of sugary sweets and drinks.

When it comes to attending dental check-ups, it is easy to see why these appointments are so easy to put off or overlook for many.

Unless you have a persistent dental issue like gum disease, few people really understand the point of seeing our team biannually; if your teeth are OK and there’s no obvious issue, then what’s the point?

Well, our team at Harley Street Dental is trained to spot less than obvious issues and when they ask you about your oral health, if you give them certain answers such as issues with recurring lumps, this will warrant further investigation.

Our dedicated team at Harley Street takes your oral health seriously and through visiting our dentist Harley Street every 6 months, you enable us to check for signs of more serious and less obvious issues, such as oral cancer. We pride ourselves on our oral cancer prevention and should you need any further tests, such as biopsies, we can refer you on immediately.

But what are some of the signs of oral cancer that should be checked out by our dentist Harley Street? Read on to find out, as quick treatment can make a huge difference.

Lumps and bumps

If you notice a gradually growing lump on your gums, on your inner cheek or on your jaw, you need to see our dentist Harley Street.

While usually harmless, odd bumps and lumps are one of the first signs of a cancerous growth that need to be checked out by a professional, even if it isn’t hurting or a darker colour than the rest of your mouth.

Sporadic bleeding

It happens to the best of us; we will be eating something and through an overly enthusiastic bite, we may catch our inner cheek or tongue.

But if you notice a metallic taste in your mouth regularly or identify blood in your mouth when chewing gum or biting an apple, you need to have your mouth examined. Much like an odd freckle that changes shape and bleeds, an unseen mole in your mouth may bleed at odd times too and need to be explored for cancerous cells.

White specks

Have you ever had a mouth ulcer?

To look at, they resemble white or yellow dots and while ulcers are usually benign, if you notice an ulcer or white specks on your inner lip, cheeks or gums that keep coming back, you need to see our team.

Numbness

Oral numbness is a very rare symptom and to be honest, few patients ignore it.

The easiest way to spot numbness in the mouth is to sip some warm soup; if you can feel that it is warm on your lips, your tongue, your gums or your inner cheeks, then it is unlikely to be numb.

If you cannot detect any sensation, contact us.

Hoarseness

Do you have a consistently hoarse throat? Tumours of the throat or larynx usually grow near the vocal chords, causing the persistent hoarseness or sore throat. If you have these symptoms, call our team.

When you were a child, chances were that your parents had to drag you to attend a dental check-up. However, there are many reasons why attending check-ups are important and few of them are to do with your parents’ rationing of sweets afterwards!

As an adult, attending check-ups is rarely as dramatic as it was when you were a child but few people genuinely understand why it is important to see our dental team at least twice a year. In recent times, understandably, attending a dental surgery has not been at the top of a person’s health priorities but that does not reduce the significance of attending a check-up.

At Harley Street Dental, our dentist in Harley Street is still able to offer check-ups to you and your family to ensure that your oral health stays in good shape. We can provide you and your family with tips on maintaining high levels of oral hygiene, while also discussing other areas of dental care such as orthodontics and cosmetics.

So, why should you come and see our dentist in Harley Street as soon as possible?

Preventative

With dental care, prevention is better than cure and of course, seeing our team as regularly as possible ensures that any dental issues are caught early, allowing for all-around easier treatment.

Concerning children, regular check-ups with our dentist in Harley Street allows them to become more familiarised with the entire process, preventing them from forming phobias in adulthood.

Better health

The link between a plaque-free mouth and overall good health has long been established, meaning that getting in the dental chair can do far more than prevent a filling.

Everything from cardiovascular disease to cancer has been linked to poor oral health, so attending regular check-ups can save your life. Also, as oral cancer screening is part of each check-up we provide at Harley Street, we can also offer early interventions with cancer treatments if needed.

Whiter smile

Of course, while checking for cavities and unusual growths is part of any dental check-up, our team will also aim to clean any stained fillings that you may have, along with giving your teeth a thorough clean.

This, in turn, gives you a whiter, healthier smile which will boost your confidence and wellbeing. What’s not to like about that?

Saves money

A check-up is rarely expensive, even if you need to have a filling replaced or growth explored.

However, delaying check-ups can allow decay to set in which may lead to cavities, extractions and even infections, all of which are more complicated and expensive to treat. So if you are looking for a way to save on your finances, (and prevent discomfort) attend check-ups as often as you can.

Discussion

If you want to have our teeth straightened or are curious about veneers, why not use the check-up as an opportunity to discuss these options with our dental team?

You can also enquire about other procedures, such as whitening and even facial aesthetics. Brilliant!

Having a dental emergency is no fun, regardless of your age. And so, when one strikes, it is pivotal to know what to do to resolve any discomfort and get everything back under control.

In the first instance, you will need to contact a dental surgery for a same-day appointment.

At Harley Street Dental, we are proud of our emergency clinic and if you are suffering from a dental emergency, our emergency dentist in Harley Street can offer you advice 24 hours a day. We set aside appointments for our emergency patients each day and will endeavour to resolve

your issue within 24 hours, allowing you to get on with your day.

But what are some of the signs that you need to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street?

Persistent discomfort

Often portrayed in the media, persistent pain in your mouth is a key indicator that you need to see our emergency dentist in Harley Street.

Remember, dental discomfort could point towards anything from an abscess to a loose filling, all of which need to be addressed promptly to prevent serious complications.

Swelling

If you spot swelling on your gums, under your jaw or if one of your cheeks appears larger than the other, you need to see our team.

Even if the swelling does not feel uncomfortable, it still requires urgent attention as it could suddenly begin to hurt and could even signify something as serious as oral cancer. And of course, as swelling rarely shrinks, it could even begin to press on your airway which can be life-threatening. Come and see our team as soon as you notice any abnormal swellings!

Loose fillings and crowns

It is an irritation to many people who have fillings and crowns that they can come loose.

Not only can this be uncomfortable, but if left untreated it can cause infection to set in and can allow for further decay of the tooth. Yikes!

If you can move a filling or a crown with your tooth, call our team for a check-up. We will be able to apply a composite to secure the filling, but concerning crowns, we may need to prepare the tooth again to support the newly fitted crown.

If you have lost a filling or crown, we need to see you urgently as the exposed pulp is more prone to infection.

Bleeding

When you have had an accident or a dental extraction, there is probably going to be some bleeding in the oral area.

However, if with the application of gauze the bleeding fails to subside after 20 minutes, you need to see our team at Harley Street to prevent blood loss. Depending on the underlying cause, we will be able to apply surgical glues or stitches to prevent any further bleeding.

Chipped and cracked teeth

Chips and cracks are common but can allow bacteria access underneath the enamel.

Therefore, if you notice that one of your teeth is cracked or chipped, we can repair it with composite materials.

A subject that is rarely covered, because it makes people cringe, is the area of dental abscesses.

If you have ever been unfortunate enough to experience an abscess under one or many of your teeth, then it is unlikely that you will have forgotten what it felt like. Dental abscesses are the reason for the majority of emergency dental appointments and so, it is important to know a few facts about this particular dental issue so you can make informed decisions.

Firstly, they are usually caused by an infected pulp which will require a dental expert to treat effectively. While you may want to avoid the dental surgery altogether for fear of judgement or additional discomfort, when it comes to abscesses it is important not to do so.

And at Harley Street Dental Clinic, our team will be comforting and reassuring and will not pass judgment at such a stressful time. Our dentist Harley Street will endeavour to treat the discomfort from the abscess first and attend to any secondary issues once it has calmed and you are in no discomfort. We pride ourselves on our emergency dental team, so if you have an infection spring up overnight, contact us immediately!

But what are some of those lesser-known facts about dental infections and abscesses? Our dentist Harley Street provides them below.

Abscesses do not get better on their own

If you are extremely fearful about attending a dental appointment, you may have convinced yourself that the abscess will simply go away on its own.

And while the majority of dental abscesses do burst and seemingly resolve, this is only temporary; the pulp of the tooth is still infected and still needs the attention of our dentist Harley Street.

You may need a root canal

If you have recently recovered from an abscess, then our team is likely to schedule a root canal to ensure that the infection does not reoccur.

The infected debris of the tooth is removed from the pulp, which is then filled to prevent any bacteria from infiltrating it.

They show up on an X-ray!

You may be confused when you attend our surgery with an abscess as to why our team is taking an X-ray.

In short, an X-ray will show us how large the abscess is underneath your gum line and will help us to plan the most appropriate treatment. Once the abscess has calmed following medication, our team may take a second X-ray before beginning the root canal procedure.

You may need antibiotics

Abscess are infections and so, it is highly probable that you will need antibiotics to help in the recovery.

Standard abscesses may need a 2-week course, but more serious infections may need up to a month of antibiotics before they heal completely.

They can cause permanent damage

If left untreated, abscesses can cause deformation to the surrounding bone and may cause your teeth to protrude at odd angles, due to pressure underneath the gum.

So if you have an abscess, contact our team right away for fast relief to your discomfort.

When it comes to dental care, most people have more than a couple of questions to ask their dental practitioner!

As the fear of dentistry reduces due to the improvement in pain-free procedures and the allure of cosmetic options, there has been an overall increase in the numbers of people attending dental surgeries for general dental procedures. And while there is still some way to go until everyone becomes comfortable in the dental chair, dental teams are being asked more questions about general dental care than ever before.

At Harley Street Dental, we aim to be as informative as possible to all of our patients, explaining procedures and techniques in jargon-free language. Our dentist in Harley Street and their team will always aim to provide all of our patients with top rate dental care, while also being compassionate and understanding to those who are anxious about dentistry. Perfect!

So, what are some of the most commonly asked questions that our dentist in Harley Street receives? Read on to find out!

How can I practice good oral hygiene at home?

The key to good oral hygiene is routine; make sure you brush, floss and rinse twice a day and be sure to routinely attend check-ups with our dentist in Harley Street.

Avoid overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks, try to avoid smoking cigarettes (we can help with smoking cessation if requested) and, as tempting as it is on a hot summer’s day, do not chew on ice cubes!

How can I stop dental pain?

Any intense dental pain should be followed up with a visit to our team in Harley Street.

In the interim, aim to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen, and gently rinse the area with saltwater.

How do I get my kids interested in brushing their teeth?

Children very rarely enjoy brushing their teeth and so, it is important to make it as fun as possible.

Brush your teeth with them, create a song, use star charts to reward when they have brushed, and invest in an interactive toothbrush. Make it a game if you have multiple children- if they brush their teeth twice a day for a week, they will receive a treat. And if we give them the thumbs up at their check-up, they will get a bigger treat.

Does tooth whitener from the pharmacy actually work?

In cases of minor staining, purchasing a whitening toothpaste from a chemist can work.

But as more people have deeper set stains, it is unlikely that you will achieve the level of whiteness you want. If you want whiter teeth, contact our team and we will be able to offer you dental whitening which can lighten your teeth up to 18 shades! Brilliant!

Can I get straighter teeth as an adult?

Of course!

The brace or aligner which we choose will depend on the severity of the issue being treated, but if it is minor or moderate, we will try to use a more visually discreet brace like Invisalign.