Preventive therapy is a major field of dentistry which is involved in looking after your teeth to keep them healthy and prevent the development of dental problems later on in life. This is at the heart of our ethos at Plowman & Partners. Maintaining good dental hygiene and oral health is vital for overall well-being and can help avoid issues such as cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and ultimately help prevent tooth loss. Regular check-ups with our dentist in Marylebone are extremely important to check for issues with the teeth or gums. It is recommended that you should visit the dentist at least twice a year to ensure that your everyday oral hygiene skills, brushing and flossing, are effective in maintaining your healthy teeth. More frequent visits to our dentist in Marylebone are recommended and will be beneficial for those who are at higher risk of dental problems or have presented with issues already. Regular check-ups will enable our dentist to identify dental problems as early as possible, making them easier to treat, with a greater chance of a successful outcome, and can also help prevent any possible negative impact on surrounding healthy dentition.
Dental hygiene and the role of the hygienist
Regular appointments with the hygienist are important for maintaining the good health of your teeth. The hygienist also plays a vital role in preventive dentistry. An appointment with the hygienist includes a thorough examination of the teeth and a full professional clean of the mouth at a standard which will not be possible at home. The hygienist uses scaling and polishing techniques to remove plaque and calculus from the teeth. Plaque is the sticky transparent film that forms on the surface of the teeth and when left untreated hardens over time and becomes calculus. Calculus provides an ideal surface for further plaque build-up, bacteria flourish in the plaque and secrete acids which results in problems such as bad breath, receding gums, tooth decay and eventually periodontal disease which is severe infection of the gums and may result in tooth loss. Calculus cannot be removed by brushing or flossing at home, therefore regular appointments with the hygienist are important in preventing such issues in the long run. The hygienist also plays a role in giving advice and education on how to look after your teeth to the highest standard possible.
Periodontics
Periodontics is the branch of dentistry which concerns the study and treatment of diseases of the periodontium. This is the surrounding and supporting structures of the teeth including the gums, jawbone, the cementum which attaches the tooth to the jawbone and the periodontal ligament which holds the tooth in position. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis, which is a common infection and inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis which is the inflammation and infection of the other structures of the periodontium. When left untreated gingivitis can result in periodontitis which can be severely painful and ultimately result in tooth loss. Regular visits to our dentist in Marylebone and follow-up appointments with the hygienist can help prevent such diseases. However if they do unfortunately present themselves, periodontal treatment includes cleaning, scaling and root planing, whilst more progressive stages of the disease can require surgery. If left untreated periodontal disease will result in tooth loss, therefore speak to us today to find out how your dentist can help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile and prevent dental issues in the future.
How often do you visit your dentist? Or have you recently moved to Marylebone and you are looking for a new dentist? It is recommended that you should visit your dentist every six months, however this may vary for each individual, depending on their oral health. Individuals without any dental issues can visit their dentist in Marylebone once every twelve months and those with dental problems are advised to visit their dentist between three and four times a year. If you cannot remember the last time you visited a dentist however, you may want to consider seeing a dentist in Marylebone soon.
Visiting Plowman & Partners for a first time
If you have not visited our dental practice Plowman & Partners before, as a new patient, you can expect a friendly and professional service from our highly experienced team who will welcome you to the practice. We pride ourselves in having a number of recognised specialists in advanced dental disciplines, which allows us to carry out a comprehensive assessment of your dental needs, whilst also recommending the most suitable treatment for you should you need it.
We are open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 6pm and on Fridays we close the practice at 5pm. As well as being to book general appointments to see one of our dentists, you can also contact us if you have a dental emergency. If you contact us during working hours we will try our best to accommodate you on the same day and offer appropriate advice and potential treatment. However, if you find that you need to speak to a dentist in Marylebone outside of our normal working hours, we advise that you call the practice and leave a detailed message and your contact details, so we can contact you as soon as we are able at the start of the next working day. If you require urgent services however, our telephone message will also provide you with the contact details for the out-of- hours emergency service.
Dental hygiene at Plowman & Partners
At Plowman & Partners, we understand the importance of dental hygiene and provide a hygiene service for our patients which is the focal point of our preventive programme. In order to maintain healthy teeth and gums, it is vital that you maintain a good oral hygiene regime, which means brushing your teeth twice a day and regular flossing. By doing this, you are preventing the build up of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath and other conditions such as gum disease, which in turn can result in bleeding and in some cases, tooth loss.
Have you recently lost a tooth?
If you have unfortunately lost a tooth due to gum disease or even as a result of an accident or an injury, there are dental treatments in restorative dentistry that we offer at Plowman & Partners that can help you restore your smile, and one of these options is an implant.
Implants, usually made of titanium, are a long-lasting solution to replace missing teeth. Once an implant is inserted into the jaw where the tooth root should be, a tooth coloured crown is fixed on top of the implant which matches the shade and shape of your remaining teeth, meaning that it is not detectable and restores the functionality of your teeth.
A quick trip to the dentist may not always be a priority, especially if in the past you haven’t always had the best experience. However, visiting a dentist should be a part of your oral care regime in order to ensure that your teeth, gums and mouth remain healthy. So if you are based in Marylebone and are looking around for a dentist, why not look into visiting our practice; Plowman & Partners.
About us at Plowman & Partners
Established in 1922, our dental practice Plowman & Partners has been dedicated to providing the highest standard of dental care to our patients. Led by our four partners Graham Bailey, Jack M Mirza and Duncan Edworthy, our team of highly experienced experts work together to ensure the dental treatments and services we provide to our patients are in line with the Standards for Dental Professionals from the General Dental Council. Our practice also offers a wide range of dental treatments and our team ensures that they undertake additional postgraduate training and always keep up to date and evaluate advances when it comes to dental technology. Which means our patients are always receiving the best dental treatment possible.
Cosmetic dentistry at Plowman & Partners
Cosmetic dentistry is a popular area in dental care and more adults in particular are investing in cosmetic dental treatment to correct their teeth and improve their smile. Due to advancements in dental technology, there are various excellent procedures for patients who want to undergo dental treatment discreetly.
At Plowman & Partners, we offer cosmetic dental treatments including cosmetic fillings, teeth whitening, and veneers.
Veneers
Our dentist in Marylebone can offer both porcelain and composite veneers to our patients who would like to improve the appearance of their teeth. The majority of our veneer procedures are carried out over two visits.
If you have noticed that your teeth are discoloured, crooked or even chipped, our dentist in Marylebone may recommend veneers.
Before having the veneer procedure, your tooth or teeth will be prepared for the cosmetic treatment. The dentist in Marylebone will take off a thin layer of the enamel to ensure that the veneer can be attached to the tooth without any issues. An impression will then be taken of your teeth in order for the veneer to be made which will fit perfectly over your tooth or teeth. In some cases, whilst the veneer is being prepared, a temporary covering may be attached to the tooth.
When the veneer is ready, you will be invited back to the practice and the veneer will be attached to your tooth and permanently secured into place.
The benefits of having veneers at Plowman & Partners
Veneers are a quick and long lasting solution for our patients who would like to correct their teeth and improve their smile. The veneers are made to look natural and hard to detect as being any different when compared to natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are also stain resistant and as long as you maintain a good oral hygiene regime which includes regular brushing, flossing and regular dentist appointments, veneers can last a good number of years.
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.