FAQ

How often should I attend?
How often should I need x-rays?
What are fissure sealants?
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
What causes tooth decay and cavities?
How can I look after my gums?
Is it important to floss?
Can I change my old fillings to white fillings?
Can I have cosmetic work to improve my smile?
Why choose Dalkeith Dental?

How often should I attend?

This is a question we are asked so frequently. In most instances adults and children should see their dentist for a regular check up and clean every six months. People who are at an increased risk of oral disease should ideally increase this to every three months.

Your dental professional will take risk factors such as alcohol, tobacco use, diabetes, caries rates, periodontal disease and a number of other issues into account when recommending to you when you should next attend.

By attending regularly you will help to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and your dentist is also able to detect any early problems such as cavities, gum disease or in some cases more serious health issues.

How often should I need x-rays?

X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool used in Dentistry. They provide your dentist with a much fuller picture of what is going on in your mouth and in particular below the gum line.

X-rays show dental decay that can’t be seen by eye, for example decay between teeth and decay under restorations. They also show bone levels and plaque deposits and this provides your dentist with valuable information that is used to improve oral hygiene and target gum disease.

Normally regular x-rays will need to be taken every 18 months to 2 years, however if you are experiencing a problem then an x-ray may also be required to help in diagnosis.

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants have been around for a long time as one of the first ways we as dental professionals can protect teeth. Prevention is one of the things we take seriously here at Dalkeith Dental and it is for this reason that we sometimes carry out these important protective measures.

In essence fissure sealants are a durable coating that is applied to the biting surface of the back teeth. This offers a protective coating that shields the tooth surface from bacteria and plaque that causes decay.

We most commonly place these coatings on children’s permanent back teeth as they are often most prone to developing cavities in these areas. The protection is not just for children though, and can be used on adults as part of good preventative practice.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

It is never too early to start taking your child to the dentist. So many adults have issues or phobias surrounding going to the dentist, so it is important to educate your child that going to the dentist is nothing to worry about. By introducing them to the sights, sounds and smells of the surgery from an early age, we hope to ensure that as they grow older they are happy to keep coming here.

Often a ride in the chair, or a sticker or activity will ensure your child wants to come again. This also means that the dentist is able to monitor your child’s dental health every step of the way.

What causes tooth decay and cavities?

Whenever you eat or drink, bacteria converts the food and sugars into acid and this acid will damage the surface of your teeth creating holes in the teeth (cavities). The more often our teeth are exposed to this acid attack, the more quickly decay will form.

Certain food groups e.g. sticky or sweet will cause a longer acid attack to occur. Diet, individual causes, medications, illness and many other reasons affect the rate and speed with which teeth decay. Regular dental visits helps to spot problems early and early treatment is always best.

An untreated cavity will eventual cause a more significant problem such as an abscess which may require more advanced care or even extraction of the tooth. Your daily cleaning and flossing schedule is ideally complimented by regular dental hygiene appointment too.

How can I look after my gums?

Gum disease is unfortunately one of the major causes of tooth loss in adult patients. As we get older we become far more careful about the foods we eat however our gums often don’t get the same level of our attention.

Gingivitis is the first early stage of gum disease and is more easily treated and can in fact be reversed if it is diagnosed early, another reason to see your dentist regularly.

Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease and this tends to include more serious impacts such as bone and tooth loss and this is irreversible. Gum disease has a number of symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. Although gum disease is a serious issue our dentists and our team of specialized dental hygienists are perfectly positioned to guide you through the care and upkeep of your gum health.

We are able to provide education for you on brushing and flossing as well as a range of targeted periodontal treatments. Seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly is the best way to prevent gum disease.

Is it important to floss?

Yes! Tooth brushing using an appropriate toothpaste is a great start to better dental health but the humble toothbrush cant effectively clean between your teeth. That’s where flossing comes in. Regular flossing helps prevent cavities and helps ensure healthy gums. Our hygienists are always available and they can help you to learn to floss and maintain a flossing habit as part of your daily dental routine.

Can I change my old fillings to white fillings?

Amalgam or metal fillings have been used for a number of years, yet many people are unhappy with their appearance. We offer a range of white and cosmetic fillings that can ensure you have a smile you can be proud of.

Can I have cosmetic work to improve my smile?

Jeremy and Ian, our dentists, are passionate about improving people’s smiles here at Dalkeith Dental. They offer a range of treatment options from tooth whitening to implant restorations to help you achieve your desired results. They will guide you through the whole process and discuss the many options before embarking on a course of treatment.

Why choose Dalkeith Dental?

This is a question that every dentist hears regularly – why choose us?

Well, we believe that you should choose us because:

We have been established and serving the local community for over 30 years.
Our dental support staff have all been with us for a number of years and they are committed dental professionals that ensure a smooth, professional experience from your first contact with the practice.
We offer a comfortable, friendly experience alongside modern contemporary equipment.
Our dentists are both highly experienced at general dentistry and ideally suited to providing you with an exceptional level of dental care.
And finally because once you have been to us you’ll realize why our patients have been coming for over 30 years….because coming to the dentist should be a relaxing comfortable reassuring experience with warm staff and facilities who all have your dental health as their primary objective!