Our dental clinic is open and you can read our COVID-safe procedures here.

We have unfortunately had to temporarily stop our beauty treatments in line with Government regulations. All existing appointments will be rescheduled.

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Frequently asked questions – Answers to common dental concerns

If you have concerns about aspects of your oral health or dental care the team at York House have compiled a list of common dental FAQs along with their answers to act as a guide. Check out the details below…

Frequently asked questions about general dentistry

How can I best protect my teeth?

  • Limit between-meal snacking and cut down on sweets
  • Brush at least twice a day (or after meals where possible) and floss daily
  • Avoid a hard toothbrush. Instead, use a soft or medium manual or electric brush and change the brush or head every 8-12 weeks
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwashes to help remineralise and protect the tooth structure
  • Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and consider professional cleaning twice a year.
  • Don’t ignore tooth or gum problems. The quicker problems are checked out, the better and less costly they will be. Remember, a visit to the dentist isn’t expensive, but treating dental problems are!

How do I know if I have tooth decay?

Tooth decay also known as cavities or caries occur when teeth are exposed to sugary and/or starchy foods or drinks over a while. Bacteria found in plaque – a sticky film that constantly settles on the teeth – interacts with the sugars to produce acid. These acids will attack tooth enamel causing teeth to weaken and decay to form.

The symptoms of a cavity will depend upon how large it is and where it is in the mouth. While some people won’t develop any symptoms, others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Intermittent pain or toothache
  • Heightened tooth sensitivity particularly when eating or drinking something hot or cold
  • Pain when you bite or chew
  • Discolouration of the tooth– although this can be a sign of tooth decay, it may also be a sign of tooth staining.

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your dentist for assistance.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

As already stated above, tooth sensitivity can be brought about by tooth cavities but it can also be a sign of teeth grinding. Otherwise known as Bruxism, this is a common problem that often affects people during sleep. As a result, the first a ‘bruxer’ knows of their problem is when they begin to experience tooth sensitivity or they visit their local dentist for a check-up.

Why Is Flossing So Important?

Flossing cleans the small nooks and crannies between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Food particles or debris can become caught up in these small spaces causing a build-up of plaque. When plaque is not removed it becomes hard. And by definition – difficult to remove. Over time, bacteria contained within plaque can attack the teeth and gums causing tooth decay and gum disease. Daily flossing removes many of the particles so that plaque can’t build up. The result is a far healthier mouth.

My teeth are stained, can I make them whiter?

In a word, yes. However, products like whitening toothpaste tend to only remove light surface staining. For best results, consider professional teeth whitening supervised or carried out by your dentist. Chair-side teeth whitening, for example, can deliver quick results in just one visit - although the degree of whiteness achieved will vary from person to person. Alternatively, for an instant smile transformation, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. This cosmetic dental treatment is designed to cover problem teeth using thin shells of hard-wearing and lifelike dental porcelain.

I have a missing tooth or teeth – Should I replace it or them?

Although you may want to ignore a missing tooth – particularly if it isn’t in your smile line – a missing tooth can trigger a multitude of issues that will eventually result in further tooth loss. So if you are looking to protect your teeth, then you should be looking to replace a missing tooth or teeth with a dental restoration.

How can I replace teeth?

You have several options open to you. Your dentist should explain your options and go through the pros and cons of each in detail. Dental implants, for example,  can be used to replace one or more teeth, or to stabilise a partial or complete denture. Traditional dentures can be used to replace several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth while a dental bridge (insert link here) is often used when two or more adjacent teeth are missing.

Frequently asked questions about our dental treatments

Will my dental treatment be painful?

In a word, no. Where possible, we practise pain-free dentistry and do everything we can to ensure that you remain comfortable during your treatment. To do this we use the latest gentle dental techniques accompanied by local anaesthetic, or where needed, dental sedation. Either way, we will always ensure you are comfortable before we proceed and will keep checking in with you to ensure you remain so throughout your procedure.

I’m a nervous patient – How can you help me?

Here at York House our team regularly treats nervous or anxious patients and we would be happy to treat you. In addition to practising gentle dentistry, we can help with relaxation techniques and provide dental (conscious) sedation to get you the treatment you need. Visit our nervous patients’ page for further information.

Do you check for oral cancer?

Yes. As part of your dental check-up, we examine the tissues and areas in and around the mouth for any anomalies. If you do notice an ulcer or sore spot that lasts for 3 weeks or more, then contact your local dentist who will take a closer look.

Is it safe to visit the dentist during the Covid 19 pandemic?

Absolutely! We’ve gone above and beyond to ensure that our dental practice is as safe as it can be during these testing times. We’ve invested in the latest equipment to prevent infection, including the latest autoclaves for the sterilisation of dental tools and instruments, and we continually maintain a clean facility. We have also invested in a quality HEPA air filtration system designed to filter out disease or virus borne particles. We also encourage the use of hand sanitisers and gels and limit traffic inside our practice to ensure complete patient safety. If you are concerned about Covid 19 and what precautions we have in place, then feel free to call us.

How long will my first dental appointment last?

It varies but patients should plan on being with us for about an hour. This is so that we can discuss any problems or concerns you have, take any x-rays or scans where necessary, give you a thorough dental check-up and if applicable, discuss your treatment plan moving forwards. You can also visit our Patient Journey page where you will find some great information about what to expect as a new patient.

Frequently asked questions about children's dentistry

My baby is teething – What should I do?

  • Make use of teething gels to help numb the gum area
  • Consider teething rings – particularly those that can be cooled in the freezer
  • Children’s liquid paracetamol or Ibuprofen can help, but always ensure that you follow the instructions and keep to the correct dosage

My child’s first tooth has appeared but it looks crooked – Should I be concerned?

In a word, no. The tooth may straighten naturally as the other teeth come through, but even if it doesn’t, it can be corrected using orthodontic braces treatment at a later date. In the meantime, your dentist should monitor the situation during your child’s routine dental check-ups.

My child’s permanent tooth has erupted (come through) but the baby tooth is still present. Is this a problem?

This may correct itself without intervention as the baby tooth will become loose and fall out naturally. On other occasions, it may help to extract the baby tooth to allow sufficient room for the permanent tooth to grow. If you are concerned in any way, give your dentist a call. They will advise you of the best course of action.

Book your appointment today!

Hopefully, we have answered many of your frequently asked questions here, but if we haven’t and you have more dental FAQs, contact us on 01494 783 874 and we would be happy to answer them. 

Alternatively, if you are ready to book an appointment -  either call the above number or book online.

Have a question or want to chat to us first?

01494 783874
247 - 249 Berkhampsted Road
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 3AS
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