Skipping out on your scheduled dental check-ups is one way to put not only your oral health at risk, but the overall quality of life you live. We may not be aware of it as often as we should do, but the mouth plays an indispensable role in our daily lives, fulfilling a myriad of functions. Which is why we need to take great care of it, as this important organ and all of its constituent parts are to serve us for the rest of our lives.
At Plowman & Partners dental clinic we have very experienced and highly skilled dental practitioners who provide exceptional dental care. If you are looking for a qualified dentist in Marylebone, you can do no better than pay us a visit. Here’s why we believe regular dental check-ups are mandatory. We also take a look at what some of the risks are when patients miss their scheduled oral health assessments.
How a dentist in Marylebone protects your dental health
Ensuring your oral health is in fact very easy to accomplish – visit a dentist in Marylebone on a regular basis to look out for any red flags that threaten the health of your teeth and gums. It is the careful examination that is carried out, as well as the preventive actions taken by our dental practitioner, which work in a seamless way to make dental health a certainty.
Outside of pain, sensitivity (teeth and gums), bad breath and tooth discolouration, warning signs of worrying oral health issues are not always easy to discern. It takes a knowing eye and practised hands to determine signs of dental diseases such as oral cancers. To fully restore good oral health, a dental practitioner must take appropriate action at the earliest opportunity to prevent the patient from suffering the cost and headache of lengthy and complicated restorative treatments.
When it comes to dental issues, there is one certainty that no amount of wishing it away can cure – dental issues only worsen if left untreated and can have dire consequences if present for a long time: loss of adult teeth, periodontal disease and loss of jawbone quality.
Patients may not regard the loss of a single adult tooth of any significance (after all, there are so many others that can be called upon to do the job), but stop and think for a moment what this would mean for the aesthetics of a smile. And there is a lot that is dependent on an attractive smile, least of which is mental (self-esteem and confidence) and psychosocial health. By allowing our dental practitioner to protect dental health in the best possible way through preventive dentistry measures, you protect your teeth and gums and all the spin offs associated with a symmetrical smile.
Maintaining good dental health is not only due to what takes place at our dental clinic, but the actions taken by patients at home, in particular, their observance of daily brushing and flossing. In this we can help also by recommending good teeth brushing and flossing techniques in addition to suggesting specific dental products to use.
We regard patient education as a critical part of promoting dental health, which is why we at Plowman & Partners encourage the asking of questions when you visit us for a check-up or any other dental treatment.
Dental implants
Dental implants are an innovative way of treating tooth loss. Tooth loss is a very serious condition that can affect a broad part of our everyday life, even activities that we take for granted normally. Dental implants are small metal appliances, which are introduced to the bone of the jaw via a surgical operation. Dental implants appear to be similar to a screw, however these are not just normal screws. They are made out of a special metal called titanium, which the body perceives as natural tissue, unlike other metals, which are recognised as foreign materials by the immune system and rejected quickly. This allows dental implants to integrate into the bone and the other surrounding tissues and thus provide a solid point of attachment for the subsequently made artificial teeth. Dental implants essentially work as artificial roots. Dental implants are some of the most long-lasting ways of replacing missing teeth, which explains their increasing popularity. If you would like our dentist in Marylebone to replace your missing teeth with the help of durable, dental implants, then get in touch with us for an appointment today!
Veneers
Veneers are one of the most widely used treatment types in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are essentially small shells which are layered on top of a damaged tooth to increase its functionality and to improve its appearance. These appliances were invented by a Californian dentist in the 20th century’s earlier half, with the aim of improving the smiles of actors. While the acrylic veneers Charles Pincus used were only a temporary solution, due to the weak attachment achieved with denture adhesives, his invention was the foundation for one of the most widely used dental treatments today. The widespread use of veneers was facilitated by the invention of etching in the latter half of the 20th century, which allowed increased bond strengths, thus in theory producing permanent veneers. While modern veneers are not entirely permanent, with good care they can last over 10 years and are relatively inexpensive. In summary, veneers are an excellent way of restoring the functionality of damaged teeth. If you would like to get advice on veneers from our dentist in Marylebone, then we would be pleased to offer you a consultation.
Invisalign
The treatment of orthodontic conditions was mostly done with metal braces until recently. These metal braces are still one of the most important treatment types when it comes to orthodontics, however they are increasingly replaced by alternative methods that have improved comfort and aesthetics. One of these alternatives is Invisalign, which is a brand of invisible aligner as the name suggests. These are plastic trays worn on the dental arches, which help realign misaligned teeth. During the treatment approximately 6-12 aligners are made, which helps the progression of the treatment. Invisalign has a variety of benefits, including the fact that it is practically invisible, and its removability. However, there are certain downsides of Invisalign too. Certain patients with overly small, large or round tooth shapes and patients with more severe orthodontic conditions are unsuitable for this treatment. If you would like our dentist in Marylebone to straighten your smile, then contact us for more information on this popular treatment and others, to gain your ideal result.
Causes of tooth loss
Tooth loss can be a debilitating condition. Its prevalence increases with the years, however it can affect people of any age. The main causes of tooth loss are traumatic injury, severe tooth decay that affects the pulp tissue and advanced periodontal disease. The causative agent behind the latter two cases is oral microbial overgrowth, which results in the increased production of acids that cause cavities and the stimulation of chronic inflammation, which can damage the gum tissues permanently and lead to tooth loss. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent tooth loss. You can do this by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, using dental floss and incorporating the use of an antibacterial mouthwash. Limiting your dietary sugar intake is also an important way of preventing tooth loss. If you experience cavities, do not hesitate to get treatment for them, as they can progress into tooth loss if left untreated. If you have already been affected by tooth loss and would like our dentist in Marylebone to treat this condition, then get in touch with us for a consultation session.
What are dental implants?
There have been numerous treatment regimes established previously for tooth loss, however none of them seem to be as robust and long-lasting as the use of dental implants. Dental implants are small appliances which are inserted into the jawbone through the slot of the missing tooth via a surgical procedure. These appliances are made out of titanium, which is essential for them to function, as most other metals are quickly rejected by the immune system thus rendering the implant useless. Titanium however allows the integration of the implant into the jawbone. Dental implants are very durable, and act as if they were a natural root and prevent the disintegration of the bone, which starts to occur after a tooth is lost. Dental implants today have become one of the most popular ways of replacing teeth. If you are interested in getting dental implants from our dentist in Marylebone, then contact us and book an appointment at Plowman & Partners.
What are the benefits of dental implants?
Dental implants have a great number of advantages. One of the most important benefits of dental implants is that they are very durable and allow for strong chewing and biting, just like your natural teeth. Some patients even report that they feel as if the dental implants were even stronger than their natural teeth. This is of course not a valid reason to lose your teeth, therefore you should maintain good oral hygiene to preserve them as long as possible! Another important benefit associated with dental implants is the fact that they strengthen the bone into which they are implanted. Associated bone density loss in the jaw due to losing teeth has been linked to an increased risk of fractures and an increased risk of losing further teeth. Another large benefit is that once dental implants have healed, they can potentially last throughout a lifetime without requiring special care. Of course they still have to be brushed and cleaned, just like normal teeth as the prevention of plaque build-up is essential to preserve the rest of your teeth and gums. If you would like our dentist in Marylebone to provide you with dental implants to improve your quality of life we should be happy to assist you.
Veneers
When veneers were invented in the early 20th century by a dentist from California whose name was Charles Pincus, dental veneers were only a very temporary treatment. He used his early veneers to improve the smiles of actors before their performances and film shoots by attaching the veneers to his patients’ teeth using denture adhesive. At this point they only lasted up to a few hours, therefore they were of no use in a clinical practice. However, during the latter half of the 20th century significant advancements were made with veneers. With the discovery of etching, the bond strengths between the material of the veneer and the surface of the recipient’s teeth have become strong enough to hold the veneers in their place, theoretically, permanently. Dental veneers can be used to treat a diverse range of conditions, however their most frequent application is on eroded teeth. With veneers both the function and the aesthetic appearance of the eroded teeth can be restored while also leaving most of the natural tooth. If you would like a dentist in Marylebone to provide you with veneers to enhance your smile, then get in touch with us for a consultation.
Teeth whitening
Our teeth can get discoloured due to a variety of reasons, but the result is always unpleasant. However, luckily, besides the aesthetic issues of tooth discolouration, this condition is usually not a reason for serious concern about oral health. Certain drinks such as coffee, tea or red wine, which are high in a group of chemicals called tannins, are capable of staining teeth. Other factors include for example certain antibiotics, smoking and even the natural process of ageing as well. There are multiple different types of teeth whitening therapy available. Some of them only involve a single visit for approximately an hour at the dental clinic, where with the aid of a whitening gel and UV-lights your dentist performs the treatment quickly. Other types of teeth whitening treatments involve the manufacture of personalised bleaching trays and multiple teeth whitening treatments at home. If you are interested in a dentist in Marylebone providing you with teeth whitening treatments, then get in touch with us, Plowman & Partners and book an appointment with us today!
White fillings
Tooth decay is one of the most common dental conditions. It can affect people of any age or sex and it is highly prevalent in Western societies, where the average diet contains large amounts of simple sugars. This can aid the growth of the bacteria that produce the acids that contribute to the formation of cavities. Tooth decay or cavities are most commonly treated by using fillings. There are numerous different types of fillings. Until recently the most commonly used fillings were amalgam fillings, however due to their metallic colour and the potential health concerns associated with small amounts of mercury leaching from them, they are being increasingly replaced by tooth coloured white fillings. These fillings have a significantly improved appearance, as they melt into the background colour of the teeth. They also do not leach any mercury, as they do not contain any. If you want a dentist in Marylebone to provide you with white fillings, then we would be happy to discuss our cosmetic dental services with you.
What options are there for teeth straightening as an adult?
In the past quite rightly, tooth realignment has been primarily focused on children and teenagers for obvious reasons. In days gone by braces have been considered to be unappealing on the eye with their somewhat chunky, noticeable appearance. For this reason most adults have often shied away from having their teeth straightened during adulthood. However modern advances within the dentistry world have seen the creation of a solution to this undesirable feature and now most dental practices, including our dentist in Marylebone, offer new discreet braces that are often preferred by adults.
The available solutions vary between the traditional braces to invisible aligners which are often removable in the comfort of your own home. The advances on the traditional brace method include the designs of new, discreet, clear, wired braces which are fixed to the teeth. This traditional method is still considered to be one of the most effective ways to realign severely misaligned or overcrowded teeth. Alternatively there are a number of invisible aligners available to patients now such as, Six Month Smiles, Invisalign and ClearSmile. Whilst these methods are all clear, removable options, their method of realignment varies and generally suits the more mild to moderate cases of misalignment.
If interested in any type of realignment, please discuss your options with our dentist in Marylebone to discover the options suitable for your individual needs.
What is meant by teeth whitening treatment?
Having stained teeth, for people who are in their younger years or even older years, can cause embarrassment and have a lasting detrimental impact on the person’s confidence and self-esteem. The enamel on the teeth may have become dull or taken on a yellowish tinge creating an appearance that is unwanted by the person. Whether the discolouration has occurred due to age or whether it is due to decisions made by the individual such as smoking, drinking wine or coffee, teeth whitening is a possible solution to visibly brighten the shade of enamel and the teeth.
Cosmetic teeth whitening is a popular, non-invasive cosmetic treatment that is used worldwide and achieves positive results within a relatively short period of time. At Plowman & Partners there are two options available for teeth whitening. One is an at-home option where you are provided with a series of retainers and a special paste which is to be applied as directed by your dentist in Marylebone. The other option is to have ‘in surgery’ treatment, this option is often carried out in appointments which last approximately two hours and is a more intense way to achieve the desired results.
Whether intending to have your teeth realigned or having your teeth whitened, all the options available at Plowman & Partners are safe and effective and will be discussed in full with you, the patient, before any treatment or procedure is undertaken.
Please note, as with all dental treatments and procedures there are potential risks. Therefore we advise and encourage all our patients to seek further information from us about any treatment they are intending to pursue.
Anxiety surrounding dentists and dental practices, what can be done to help patients?
Anxiety problems, whether mild or severe, are taken very seriously at our dental practice and every single member of our team will work with our patients to ensure that they feel as comfortable as possible and that the duration of their visit is conducted at ease. To do this we not only offer modern, minimally invasive treatments and procedures, but combine this with a caring, understanding and sensitive approach to our services and patient care. Whilst in our care our patients’ comfort is a top priority.
By using modern treatments we aim to reduce as much of the physical discomfort as possible, so that our patients have one less stressful element to consider during their visit to the dental practice. Our dentist in Marylebone also has great awareness and understanding of the common anxiety surrounding visits to the dentist. Therefore whilst in our care our team will ensure that all questions are answered in detail and any extra measures that may be requested or needed by the patient are carried out to the best of the practice’s ability. Our job is to provide you with an excellent service that encourages you to return on a regular basis for further dental care and to assist with reducing or eliminating any potential anxiety that may have formed over the years.
What approach is taken when dealing with oral hygiene?
Oral hygiene is of the utmost importance and whilst our dentist in Marylebone can provide a thorough clean on a regular basis, it requires the patient to also make a commitment to their oral hygiene as well.
The first part of our approach is to encourage preventive care which, in the long run, will decrease the need for future dental work. This is therefore considered to be a pivotal part of our dental practice as preventive care requires teamwork from our dental team and from the patient. The reason teamwork is required is that whilst our dentist in Marylebone can provide a deep clean at each appointment and remove any build-up of plaque, it is down to the patient to provide the daily care and maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine that works with their lifestyle.
For this reason, the second part of our oral hygiene approach is one of educating the patient. During the appointment a dental hygiene plan will be created to suit the patient’s individual needs and they will be encouraged to follow it at home on a daily basis. The length of time between each dental hygiene appointment will depend on the individual’s case, as there are many factors which could impact the need for more regular appointments. Using a combination of regular appointments, and an excellent oral hygiene routine at home, the need for dental treatments and procedures is greatly reduced.
Please note, all patients have very different dental situations and any treatments need to reflect this. Therefore, we advise all our patients to seek further advice and information from our dental team about any procedure they are considering.
The location of the dental practice
Plowman & Partners have been providing the highest standards of private dental care since 1922 when the practice was first established on Queen Anne Street. Residing in a comfortable, modernised, Grade II listed building, surrounded by leading medical companies, enables its patients to recognise the high standard of care they will receive. Each highly qualified partner is recognised as a specialist within their field, which enables the practice to provide a unique in-house service to each patient. This means that whether providing a routine check-up appointment or a complex dental procedure Plowman & Partners are able to provide the highest quality service all within one dental practice. Continuingly striving to administer the best possible care and service to each patient.
The dental team
Whilst location is often one of the main contributing factors as to where a patient goes for their dental check-ups, treatments and procedures, another contributing factor is that of the dental team. This is apparent from the way the reception team approaches each conversation with patients through to how the dentist treats the patient.
Our dental team and dentist in Marylebone have a firm understanding of how important it is to provide excellent patient care before, during and after each appointment. Whether you are suffering from anxiety, new to the practice or are a regular patient, rest assured that each of our dental team has a sympathetic and understanding nature.
Do I need to visit a variety of dentists to receive different treatments?
Our practice prides itself on its level of expertise provided, as each member of the team has carried out additional postgraduate training in numerous dental fields to provide our patients with the best care possible. The practice is also recognised as specialists by the General Dental Council. Due to our broad knowledge of a variety of dental treatments and procedures, we are able to offer a multi-disciplinary approach to each of our patient’s needs whilst maintaining a high standard of care. This means that your routine dental check-ups through to root canal treatments and various other treatments and procedures are covered by our practice. By providing a team that covers every part of maintaining a winning smile, we can ensure that our patients never feel uncertain about any part of their care and feel comfortable with each part of the process. This includes everything from booking an appointment, to discussing the treatments with the dental team, through to having the procedure carried out and the aftercare. At every stage of the process we pride ourselves on having the knowledge to support our patients and provide them with an unprecedented standard of care.
Dental referrals
Whilst our practice can offer the multidisciplinary approach to dental care, we understand that this is not possible for all practices. Therefore we accept dental referrals, but maintain a strong ethical approach with the referring practices as to how we deal with their patients. By working closely with the referring practice we can ensure that the regular dental practice is fully informed of every decision made and is even invited to attend each appointment with their patient.
Please note, we encourage all our patients to seek further information and advice from our dental team about any intended treatment.
Dental hygiene is of the utmost importance and at our dental practice we are strong believers that prevention is better than cure. If a regular visit to see our dentist in Marylebone can prevent a variety of dental problems throughout various stages of your life, then we are all for the preventive method.
Our dental practice offers a highly rated hygiene service which is the cornerstone of our preventive programme, as it is the front line against gum disease which can cause foul breath, bleeding and eventually tooth loss. This is why we strongly promote our hygiene services, a healthy oral hygiene routine is still regarded as the most effective way to maintain a healthy mouth and prevent future dental problems.
Uncomfortable visiting a dental practice?
We at Plowman and Partners are fully aware that some patients have a fear or feel uncomfortable about visiting the dentist. Our dentist in Marylebone therefore ensures that they do everything they can to put all of our patients at ease by following a caring and modern approach to our service. At our dental practice we aim to provide each of our patients with modern treatments and procedures which are minimally invasive and provide minimal discomfort. By maintaining these methods we ensure that each visit is as relaxing as possible and are always happy to discuss further requirements with our patients. We want each individual patient to feel entirely comfortable with all aspects of their time in our care.
What treatments and procedures are offered?
Please see a brief outline of each procedure and treatment offered with our dentist in Marylebone. For further information on any of those mentioned please contact our dental practice.
- Hygiene education and periodontics are two treatments that are offered by our practice. These highlight the potential flaws in your regular oral hygiene routine and support your journey to healthy teeth and gums.
- Dental implants are a modern dentistry method used to replace missing teeth. These small titanium screws support various restoration methods such as crowns, bridges and dentures. This particular procedure is popular due to the stability provided within the mouth.
- Working with highly trained specialists in the field we are able to provide dental crowns, bridges and dentures to patients who have damaged or lost a tooth or multiple teeth.
- Orthodontics is a field of dentistry used for the realignment of misaligned teeth and issues such as an overbite, crossbite or underbite. Our dental team works with patients of all ages to ensure that all possible options are discussed, whether it be the traditional metal brace or the new modern clear aligners. We aim to provide you with a treatment that will not hinder your confidence and cause very minimal discomfort if any at all.
- Along with necessary dental work we also offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers and cosmetic fillings. Whilst cosmetic treatments are sometimes considered unnecessary, we at Plowman and Partners understand the importance of having confidence in your smile. Therefore we happily offer a variety of cosmetic treatments and procedures alongside the necessary medical ones.
Please note, as with all treatments and procedures any form of treatment provided is subject to being appropriate for the patient concerned.
- A high standard of dental oral hygiene is the leading preventive method to address most dental issues later in life. Therefore two services which we offer with our dentist in Marylebone are that of our highly rated hygienist service and our periodontics service. Our hygienist service will provide patients with an in depth clean which is usually recommended by our dentist in Marylebone to be on a 6 monthly basis. By attending these appointments your daily oral health routine can be monitored and we can advise you, our patient, with methods of keeping on top of it all. Alongside this is the treatment of gums which is where the periodontics appointment comes in useful. Healthy teeth and healthy gums are a massive aid to preventing potential dental problems later in life. By keeping on top of your own oral hygiene and tweaking it when advised to, future problems such as gum disease and tooth loss are often avoided.
- When tooth loss has occurred whether through an accident or due to previous dental care issues, a common modern procedure is to have small titanium screws known as dental implants applied. These small cylinder screws are placed into the jaw and promote healthy bone growth, whilst providing a stable base for tooth restoration methods such as bridges, crowns and dentures. Fears of dentures falling out or slipping about whilst eating are therefore removed. By offering a variety of services at our dentist in Marylebone we are hopefully assisting our patients to keep or gain confidence in their smile.
- As mentioned above, dental crowns and bridges are a great way to restore teeth whether it is single tooth loss or multiple teeth. When comprehensive cases of restoration are needed by our patients or a more complex case arises, we ensure that our dental team works alongside highly regarded specialists in this field. This allows us to reassure you that we are providing you with the best possible care and giving you the best methods of restoration. After all we strive to achieve our best with every individual case presented to us.
- An extremely common treatment is carried out within our orthodontics department. Braces and aligners are frequently used for cases of misalignment, overbite, underbite and crossbite. At our dental practice we use both the traditional brace method and the more modern treatment of clear aligners. Whilst the modern clear aligners are often the more preferred treatment method it is important to understand that each method is suited to different alignment cases. For this reason we offer advice on both and will create a treatment plan which is suitable for your individual case, whether it be the traditional method or more modern methods.
Are all the treatments on a necessity basis only, or is cosmetic dentistry also offered?
Whilst cosmetic treatments are sometimes considered unnecessary, we at Plowman and Partners understand the importance of having confidence in your own smile. Therefore no treatment, whether cosmetic or medical related, is considered unnecessary. Each treatment and procedure offered has the end goal of providing the patient with a healthy set of teeth and a smile that they can be confident in.
At Plowman and Partners’ dental practice we know that gaining a rapport with our patients is of the utmost importance and if we were to provide only basic general dental care and outsource other treatments we would not be providing you, our patient, with the best service we can offer. Therefore each member of our dental team has undergone further training to ensure that we are able to provide you with a number of treatment options and make certain you know the team and feel comfortable with your dentist in Marylebone.
Whilst our practice has the facilities to offer a variety of treatments, we at Plowman and Partners understand that this is not always possible for every practice. We therefore accept dental referrals and have an excellent reputation within the field of dentistry. Each of our highly qualified partners are recognised by the General Dental Council as specialists and this fact enables us to provide an excellent in-house referral service as a dentist in Marylebone. This allows swift, secure referrals to occur keeping you, the patient, feeling as comfortable with the process as possible.
How does a referral work?
Working with other dentists and their patients requires a strong ethical approach, as personal data will need to be shared between the practices. Therefore we ensure that our practice’s GDPR procedures are of the highest standards. All clinical notes, radiographs and any other relevant information will always be transferred to your own dental practice, as we at Plowman and Partners are merely providing you with a service which is not available at your own individual practice. We are not taking over your future dental care, just lending our services out to you on a temporary basis. This does not mean that we will not accept you as a patient at our dental practice, if you wanted to transfer over to us, a discussion would need to occur with your regular dental team first, as we follow a strong ethical approach to all referrals.
Sometimes unexpected complications may appear upon seeing your diagnostic tests, therefore all possible options will be discussed with your regular dentist to begin with, as it may be that they are capable of carrying out the treatment. If this is not the case then we will happily provide the required service and can also accommodate your regular dentist should they wish to attend the appointment with you, their patient.
What are the fees for treatments?
Our dentist in Marylebone understands that the cost of treatments can be at the forefront of our patients’ minds when deciding whether to go ahead. As each case is treated individually all our fees are presented as a rough guide only. We are also very aware that upfront payments are not always feasible and therefore offer a payment plan where the treatments can be paid in instalments throughout the treatment process. Please feel free to discuss this with our team so that we can work on providing you with all the possible options.