Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK and can be hard to detect. Disease is often insidious, progressing with little or no symptoms. Regular examinations are vital for detection and treatment planning appropriate interventions. Once stabilised, it is essential you follow a tailormade maintenance programme to maintain oral health.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the UK. This is partly because the symptoms can be hard to spot and can be ignored until the condition reaches a point where it can’t be cured. However, the early stages of gum disease can be treated and arrested with appropriate treatment with our dentists, therapists and hygienists.
Bacteria is attracted to plaque and tartar, so when tartar accumulates around the gum line, the bacteria causes the gum tissue to become inflamed when these tissues become under attack. Affected gums can appear red, irritated and bleed when you brush your teeth. If your gums bleed, it is one of the first signs of gum disease. We would advise you to contact us for an appointment with your hygienist as you can now book a direct access hygiene appointment without seeing the dentist first. You can do this by contacting our reception team who will arrange an appointment at your convenience.
A low sugar diet and good dental hygiene play a crucial role in preventing tooth decay. Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Additionally, regular flossing helps clean between the teeth and along the gum line, reducing the risk of decay in hard-to-reach areas. By practicing proper dental hygiene, you can maintain strong, healthy teeth and avoid the pain and expense associated with tooth decay.
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for promoting gum health. Regular brushing, flossing and the use of interdental brushes help remove plaque and bacteria that can accumulate along the gum line, preventing gum disease. By keeping your gums clean and healthy, you reduce the risk of gum inflammation, bleeding, and gum recession. Healthy gums provide a strong foundation for your teeth, ensuring their stability and longevity.
Good dental hygiene not only contributes to oral health but also has a positive impact on your overall well-being. Oral health issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay, have been linked to various systemic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. By taking care of your teeth and gums through regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, you promote a healthier body and reduce the risk of developing associated health problems. Prioritizing dental hygiene is an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life.
Hygienists play a vital role in prevention and treatment of gum disease promoting good oral hygiene. During a hygiene appointment, they assess the health of your gums and teeth, checking for signs of swelling, inflammation, and bleeding. Measurements may be taken to evaluate gum attachment, and soft tissues checked for oral cancer signs.
A key responsibility of the hygienist is performing a thorough ‘scale and polish,’ and where appropriate, root surface debridement (a deep clean) removing plaque and tartar buildup. This process smooths the tooth surface, making it easier to maintain cleanliness and reduce plaque accumulation. The cleaning often concludes with a polish, leaving teeth shiny and smooth.
In addition, hygienists provide valuable hygiene advice, demonstrating effective toothbrushing, interdental brushes, and floss techniques. Regular visits to the hygienist help in maintaining a healthy mouth.
If you wish, you can now book in directly with one of our hygienists, without seeing a dentist first.
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I enjoy my role helping patients to maintain their teeth for life....
I spend a lot of time with patients, to educate and encourage them to maintain excellent periodontal health....
Charlotte qualified from the University of Portsmouth in 2023 with a BSc in Dental Hygiene. Before studying Dental Hygiene, Charlotte worked as a dental nurse and has over eight years experience in many different aspects of dentistry. Charlotte enjoys helping anxious patients, making them feel more comfortable throughout their appointment. In her spare time Charlotte […]...
I'm passionate and motivated in helping patients with their dental health. Encouraging them their use of daily toothbrushing and interdental cleaning....
I help in educating patients about their oral health and the aids that help them to achieve the best results....
The suresmile process was easier than I thought it would be, I didn't mind the retainers (I thought I would) and generally forgot they were there. I looked forward to changing them every couple of weeks as I liked the feel of the new ones (again I thought it would hurt), and they had the added bonus of reducing my snacking!....
I really enjoyed my regular visits to see rebecca, it felt like visiting a friend and I was always disappointed that we didn't have more time to chat!
The best part is the outcome, and the compliments I always get from people about my teeth. My teeth weren't too bad to begin, and they move so gradually you don't realise at the time, but you can see the difference in the photosand friends I haven't seen for a while always comment. Would definitely recommend!
I have been on this planet just shy of 50 years, and have met many dentists in my time. Today I met a new dentist, Mays. I found her quiet, yet down to earth professionalism refreshing, and I was touched by her constant concern for my welfare. The words “pleasant experience” and “dentist” rarely appear in the same sentence, however today they did. I have found every.... member of staff at Cox and Hitchcock to be professional, and courteous, and the site is spotless. I would recommend this dental surgery to anyone, as I feel safe and well cared for whenever I have visited.
Had Katie to do my cheek fillers and my botox. I am blown away how amazing I look, people keep telling me how good I look but they are not sure why. Katie has made me look natural, just a better version of how I look normally. The consultation was great she took great care to make sure she new exactly what I wanted, and explained in.... detail what would be happening. She is meticulous in what she dose and will give you the best outcome for you. I can't stop smiling because I love how I look. Thanks Katie
The cost of the laser procedure will depend on case complexity and management. Simple single tooth gum recontouring is from £85, while frenectomies are from £295. You will need a full assessment prior to any costing for any laser procedure.
Our waiting times for an NHS examination and treatment appointments, for new and historic patients, vary. Our reception team will happily update you on current waiting times.
The NHS contract funds a set amount of dental activity for the year and we are obliged to deliver this evenly over the twelve months.
The level of NHS funding provided is not high enough to enable us to meet the demand for NHS care that exists.
These factors lead to long waiting times to access NHS care.
Private care can be provided at all times with a minimal wait.
Your dentist will be happy to go through all available options including that of accessing some treatment options on a private basis alongside an NHS course of treatment.
With all procedures there is a possibility that it may not work. This applies to root canal treatment as well as any other treatment. There are a variety of reasons why it may not work. some of these reasons include but are not limited to:
Failure to adequately disinfect, leaving bacteria in the canal system, resulting in recurrence of infection.
Failure to instrument all the canal system. In some teeth the root canals can be incredibly small (often as small as one tenth of a millimetre across or even smaller). Dentists who carry out a lot of root canals usually utilise high powered magnification to help them find and treat such small canals.
Failure to fill and seal the root canals adequately, allowing bacteria from the mouth to reinvade the root canal system and set up infection again.
Inappropriate instrumentation technique that does not allow for adequate disinfection and sealing of the root canals.
Severe fracture of the tooth leaving remnants that cannot be fixed again.
If the dentist feels there is a significant risk of treatment failure, possible causes will be discussed, so you can make an
informed decision regarding treatment.
We only recommend a small field CBCT scan for the most complex of root canal treatments, and where traditional 2-D radiographs fail to give us the all the information we need.
There are four NHS charge bands. From April 2024 to March 2025, the costs are as follows:
This includes an examination, diagnosis, preventive care
and planning for further treatment.
This includes all necessary treatment covered by the £20.00
charge PLUS additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by
the £20.00 and £60.00 charges PLUS crowns, dentures and bridges.
Urgent treatment visit: £30.00
Patients not requiring a full course of treatment but instead
receiving urgent care will pay a standalone charge of £30.00.
If necessary, it will include X-rays and any treatment necessary
to prevent significant deterioration of the presenting condition or to address severe pain.
A Dental Implant is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It serves as a stable foundation for attaching prosthetic teeth, offering a durable and natural-looking solution.
Take a look at our other treatments that you might want to learn more about. You can also book a private appointment for this treatment below.
Root canal treatment relieves pain and saves natural teeth by removing infected tissue from the root canals. It is a highly skillful procedure involving the cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing of the canals to restore oral health and minimise further complications.
Gentle and age-appropriate dental care for little ones. From first check-up to teaching oral hygiene habits, we create a positive and comfortable dental experience for children.
Experience exceptional dental care with Cox & Hitchcock’s General Dentistry. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team offers comprehensive oral care, focusing on prevention, expert treatments, and a patient-centred approach.
Our comprehensive dental check-up goes beyond the surface, meticulously examining your teeth, gums, and restorations for signs of decay or disease. We also focus on the soft tissues and surrounding areas for a thorough examination.
Experience expert oral surgery treatments by our skilled surgeons use advanced techniques and the latest technology for amazing, painless results.
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