

A – Z of Dentistry
We have put an A – Z of Dentistry together for you, read on and find out about our guide to dentists and dentistry to make sure you have a gleaming smile with healthy teeth and gums that you are proud of.
A is for Abscess. If you have ever had a dental abscess then you will know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. If you have pain in your gums, teeth or mouth then arrange an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. They will examine your mouth and will most likely take an x-ray. They will then see where and what the problem is and talk you through treatment. Most abscesses need a course of antibiotics and some dental treatment once the infection is clear to resolve the cause of the issue. Most Dentists offer emergency Dentist appointments if you are in a lot of pain or you could visit your nearest dental hospital if you can’t get an appointment.
B is for Braces. Braces used to be arranged through an orthodontist for teenagers and this is still common however there are lots of adults now that want to improve the look of their teeth so they opt for braces through their normal dentist. Braces have evolved over the years and you can now have white braces fitted which do not show as much as the original metal braces. At the end of your treatment, you will have beautifully straight teeth, which you won’t be able to stop smiling about.
C is for Cleaning and Checkup. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is so important. Our teeth should last us a lifetime if we take enough care of them, cleaning them twice a day and flossing. By visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up they can see if there are any problems starting and will advise you of any action you need to take or will recommend a course of treatment.
D is for Dental Bridges. Dental Bridges are a fixed appliance used to replace missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more dental crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two or more anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth, with one or more false teeth in between. The false tooth or teeth are known as pontics and can be made from different materials; gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. It is important to note that dental bridges can only be supported by natural teeth or implants.
E is for Experienced Dentist. You must register and visit an experienced and reputable dentist for regular check-ups as if you don’t look after your teeth they won’t last your lifetime and you will end up losing them or paying a lot of money to try and resolve the issues.
F is for Fillings. Fillings come in many colours now and the older type gold and silver fillings are not used anymore. Dental fillings are a type of restoration that restores a decayed or fractured tooth to a state of health and function. They are also a frequently recommended solution for increased sensitivity caused by recession or acid erosion. There are different materials to suit individual budgets and aesthetic goals.
Fillings are used to replace the parts of teeth which have been lost through dental decay, tooth surface loss or trauma. Tooth decay occurs when the enamel and dentine of a tooth become softened by acid attack, producing a cavity (hole). Decay may or may not cause discomfort, however, even when it doesn’t hurt, the tooth is still deteriorating. It is important to speak to your dentist as soon as you notice anything abnormal with a tooth to prevent any further complications.
G is for Gums. As well as looking after your teeth it is also vital to look after your gums. Gum disease is also referred as periodontal disease and is an issue that affects 60% of the UK adult population. Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause. Regular dental screening and check-ups can help identify the problems at an early stage and allow a thorough treatment plan to be put in place. The signs of gum disease include the swelling of the gums, soreness or infections of the areas surrounding the teeth. Bleeding during brushing can also occur, in these instances, it is prudent to see the dentist to overt long-term damage, teeth loss and avoidable dental costs. There are fundamentally two main types of gum disease, Gingivitis and Periodontal.
H is for Hygienist. It is really important to visit your hygienist regularly, or if your dentist recommends it. If you have concerns over the condition of your gums we recommend you make an appointment to see a dental hygienist to help assess your teeth and gums. However, dental treatment ultimately starts at home with improving and maintaining your oral hygiene. Working with your dentist you can ensure that you have healthy gums and great looking teeth. Hygienists can offer additional treatments such as advanced polishing using a Prophy Jet which can help to remove the staining on your teeth and this can often be performed at the time of your visit.
I is for Implants. There are instances when your natural teeth are lost or need to be removed, missing teeth can be replaced with restorative dental implant treatment. An experienced and expert dentist can replace missing teeth and restore your smile using premium-quality dental implants. Dental implants restore teeth that have been lost due to trauma or dental disease. They look and feel like natural teeth, and when you smile, no one will ever be able to tell that you have them.
J is for Just at the right time. If you visit your dentist regularly then many dental issues can be avoided or delayed so visiting them for an annual or 6-month check-up is vital and quite often ‘just at the right time’.
K is for Knowledgeable and Knowing your Teeth. Your dentist will help you understand your teeth and how you can care for them to ensure you prevent teeth and gum problems in the future. It isn’t always avoidable, however, if you don’t visit regularly then you could end up with an issue that you could have avoided. Knowing your teeth is important and helps you to understand if anything changes or if you need to see your dentist earlier than your check-up.
L is for Level of Oral Health. Oral Health is key to looking after your teeth. The basics of oral health are easy, brush at least twice a day for a minimum of 2 minutes with an electric toothbrush and toothpaste advised by your dentist, and floss a minimum of every other day. Your dentist will let you know if you need to add anything else to your daily routine.
M is for Mouth Guards. Sports mouth guards and night guards protect teeth and jaws from damage for adults and children. If you are involved in high impact sports such as Rugby, Football, Boxing, Kickboxing or Hockey it is essential that you wear protective mouth guards. Mouth guards can be purchased over the counter at many leading sports shops and chemists, however, these can be loose and fall out during impact. Customized mouth guards from a reputable dentist will ensure a good fit and avoid discomfort. Over the counter, mouthguards are made with inferior materials and often need to be replaced sooner so it is worth asking your dentist to fit one for you.
N is for Nervous Patients. If you are nervous about going to the dentist then an experienced and reputable dentist will be sensitive to this and work with you to make sure your visits aren’t stressful for you. Talk to the receptionist when you register with a dentist and ask what their processes are for nervous patients.
O is for Our Team. The team at Victoria Road Dental Clinic are all fully qualified for the treatment plans they deliver, if you would like to verify any details, please feel free to use their GDC numbers located on our website on the General Dental Council website (GDC). They are all experienced and knowledgeable and will do all they can to make sure your teeth and gums are kept healthy and your visit is calm.
P is for Porcelain Veneers. A porcelain veneer is a thin piece of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. Porcelain dental veneers are a fabulous treatment option when the tooth enamel has become worn, chipped, discoloured or to mask minor misaligned teeth. The treatment provides a natural appearance with minimal tooth adjustment and is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations or changes to the tooth size or colour.
Q is for Quality Dental Care. You and your family should expect quality dental care from your dentist. Some dentists accept NHS patients which means the cost is slightly lower than if you are registered as a private patient. NHS treatment is classed as clinically necessary to protect and maintain good oral health and the NHS provides any treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and free of pain, including dentures and crowns. Children under the age of 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education, if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months are entitled to NHS dental treatment. Always register with a dentist who’s dentists are fully qualified for the treatment plans that they deliver, if you would like to verify any details, all dentists should give you their GDC numbers which you can verify on the General Dental Council website (GDC) https://www.gdc-uk.org.
R is for Root Canal and Extractions. The thought of getting a root canal can make people nervous; the treatment is the epitome of pain and discomfort, the reality is that modern dental technologies allow dentists to remove your tooth’s infected pulp without causing you pain or even undue discomfort. Root canal treatment is actually a routine dental procedure at many dental practices in the UK. It can save your natural tooth through the process and thereby eliminate the need for expensive restorative treatments such as dental bridges or implants by doing so. There are instances where a tooth is in a bad condition, and you may opt to have the tooth removed. Good dentists are experienced in removing teeth painlessly and with minimal trauma.
S is for Smile and Sparkling Teeth. By visiting your dentist regularly you will have teeth that you are proud of and a natural smile without being conscious of your teeth. If you have any concerns over your teeth and it is preventing you from smiling then speak to your dentist about this and they will be able to talk you through possible treatment plans to help. Dental veneers are a hugely popular cosmetic dentistry treatment as a form of smile correction or rejuvenation. They improve the appearance of your front teeth and give you the straight white smile you’ve always sought.
T is for Teeth. Your teeth need to last you a lifetime so it is vital that you look after them from a child and throughout your life. Children should visit a dentist regularly from the age of 6 months. The dentist will monitor the progress of their teeth and gums as they get older and it also means they get used to going to the dentist from an early age, which normally means that dental phobias do not happen.
U is for Understanding your Dental Care. By visiting your dentist and hygienist regularly you will understand your teeth, gums and oral health. Listen to what they tell you and make changes to your dental routine if they recommend it. This will mean your teeth will most likely last you your lifetime.
V is for Veneers. You can get natural, beautiful looking teeth with Porcelain Veneers. A veneer is a facing on the front of your teeth; usually your top teeth. It is similar to a false fingernail. Veneers are made out of Porcelain, and most often used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Good dentists will explain all the clinical options before porcelain veneers are recommended so you can make an informed decision.
W is for Whitening. Teeth whitening can provide the complete smile makeover, leaving you to smile with confidence. We all know that our smiles are one of the first things that people notice about you when they meet you for the first time. Research illustrates that if you have white, healthy-looking teeth you will be perceived as more capable, successful, confident and happy, so there are good reasons to keep your smile as bright and pleasing as possible. Teeth whitening is a very safe and non-evasive alternative to clinical porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Teeth whitening can provide the complete smile makeover, leaving you to smile with confidence.
X is for X-ray. Your dentist will normally take an x-ray of your teeth when you first go to see them. This gives them a base to work from and allows them to see how each tooth fits together and the roots. If you have dental pain, an abscess, or you are thinking about cosmetic dental treatment then your dentist will normally take an x-ray. Mouth x-rays are really quick and there is no discomfort.
Y is for Your Teeth. Your teeth are a big part of your smile and one of the first things that people will see when they first meet you. Be proud of your teeth and look after them by visiting your dentist regularly.
Z is Zoom. A branded system for whitening teeth. At VRDC, we offer state-of-the-art whitening treatments that enable you to make a first-rate impression every time.
At Victoria Road Dental Clinic, we provide a full range of general dental treatments at our High Street Clinic in Ruislip Manor. Sometimes referred to as everyday dentistry, we offer a comprehensive range of treatments covering preventative and restorative dentistry. These include oral hygiene, restorative fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, teeth whitening, gum disease, dentures maintenance, teeth extractions and root canal surgery. Our philosophy is to provide flexible dental care that is both exceptional and affordable and work with our patients who have dental phobias.
Our fixed price examinations, aim to ensure that our dental examinations are affordable and thorough. This allows us to determine the true level of your oral health and consider any dental concerns you may have. Our team of experts will discuss any dental problems you may be experiencing and conduct a thorough check of the face and oral cavities. We may use a variety of different investigative procedures during the examination process, including digital x-rays, vitality testing and digital cameras. This helps us to form accurate diagnoses and communicate any findings with you in a simple and informative manner.
If you have enjoyed our A – Z of Dentistry and are looking for a Dentist in the Ruislip or surrounding areas then give us a call today on 01895 636121.