Dental Check-Up
General Dentistry
Keeping teeth and gums healthy for life
What is general dentistry?
General dentistry encompasses the range of services which are used to keep your teeth and gums healthy and will restore them if they have a problem.
At Askew Dental Care, we believe in a preventative approach to your oral health. By looking after your teeth and checking on them regularly, we can prevent problems from occurring. Should any issues arise, we can deal with them quickly before the problem gets worse and is potentially more expensive.
We see patients from White City, Hammersmith and throughout West London of all ages. We encourage children to come and see us as soon as they cut their first tooth, and we look after patients who are in their nineties.
Which services does general dentistry cover?
Here are some of the more common general dentistry services which we offer at Askew Dental Care.
Regular dental check-up
You should visit your dentist at least once a year. If you have a problem with your teeth or there’s something we want to keep an eye on, we will ask to see you twice a year or more regularly. At your dental check-up, your dentist will do a thorough general check on your oral health which includes monitoring your teeth for cavities, checking for plaque and gum disease. We will also check for loose or wobbly teeth and assess your bite.
Dental hygiene
You should see your dental hygienist once a year. Your hygienist is more focused on keeping your mouth, teeth and gums clean to prevent tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. They will thoroughly clean your mouth with a scale and polish. Your hygienist will also identify, diagnose and treat gum disease which is the number one cause of tooth loss in the UK.
Fillings
Cavities are small holes which appear in your teeth from either decay, trauma or consuming too much sugar in your diet. A cavity needs to be filled otherwise it will become painful or risk developing an infection. Most patients now prefer white fillings because they are made from a strong material which looks natural and are inconspicuous in your mouth.
Inlays and onlays
Inlays and onlays are used to repair larger cavities than fillings. Where fillings are applied directly to fill a cavity during a single visit to your dentist, inlays and onlays are custom-made in our dental laboratory to fit your tooth’s structure. Inlays sit within the tooth’s cusps and onlays are used to cover a larger area – one or more cusps in the tooth. Inlays and onlays are made from porcelain which blend in with your natural tooth colour.
Dental crowns
A crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to repair a tooth which has broken, has become weakened by decay or has a large cavity which cannot be repaired with a filling. If you have had root canal treatment, you will need a dental crown to cap the restored tooth. The crown is made from a tooth-coloured composite material which sits over the top of your natural tooth. It helps to give shape, add protection and give a natural look to your smile.
Dental bridge
If you require a more extensive restoration than a crown or have more than one tooth that needs to be repaired, a bridge is a good solution. A bridge is also used to replace one or more missing teeth which are next to each other. A bridge spans a gap and is usually anchored in place by a dental crown at either end. The bridge helps to strengthen the prepared teeth because it is fixed and cannot
Root canal treatment
If you get an infection inside of your tooth, you may experience pain, red swollen gums, increased sensitivity and notice an abscess. You will need root canal treatment, where, over a series of appointments, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from within your tooth and flush out the root canals to remove the infection.
Dentures
Dentures are the most cost-effective way
Why choose Askew Dental Care for general dentistry?
Patients from Turnham Green, Hammersmith and West London choose Askew Dental Care for general dentistry because:
- We offer a high quality and personalised service to all our patients
- We have been established for over 60 years with regular patients from areas including White City, Acton, Shepherd’s Bush and throughout West London
- We welcome patients of all ages and build caring relationships which last a lifetime
- We offer a wide range of general, cosmetic and restorative dental treatments in our relaxing and friendly environment
- We offer 0% finance options which helps make the cost of general dentistry affordable
What are the benefits of general dentistry?
Patients from White City and Shepherd’s Bush are choosing general dentistry because:
- Regular check-ups with your dentist and your hygienist will keep your teeth looking good and ensure that problems like tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and bad breath are kept at bay
- Restorative dental treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatment and dentures all help to fix problems with your teeth – making them look good, feel better and protect their health
- Your oral health has proven links with your general health. By taking care of your teeth, mouth and gums, you are protecting yourself from the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease
FAQs
What is the best way to protect my teeth?
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Floss at least once a day and use a fluoride toothpaste which protects your teeth. Limit the amount of sugar you have in your diet as this is the main cause of cavities. Fizzy drinks are the worst culprit. Give up smoking and visit your dentist and hygienist at least once a year.
Is it essential to floss each day?
Flossing cleans the gaps between your teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Food debris can get caught in these spaces causing a build-up of plaque which is hard to remove and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing helps to prevent this from happening and gives your mouth a more enhanced clean.
What causes sensitivity in teeth?
There are several reasons for teeth to be sensitive. If you have a cavity, your tooth will become sensitive. If you have a chipped or cracked tooth this can cause your tooth to become sensitive as can an infection, gum disease, worn enamel and exposed roots. You should see your dentist if your tooth or teeth becomes sensitive.