It is truly something that the majority of people never want to consider happening to them. However, following the pandemic of 2020, emergency dental services saw their patient lists boom, as more people than ever before realised that they needed emergency dental care.

While most people would assume that a dental emergency involves discomfort from an issue like a dental abscess, there are in fact many other conditions that people may be experiencing that do warrant a same day visit to their dental surgery. But, these are currently being treated correctly, due to a lack of information about the seriousness of these issues.

At Wickham Dental, we are exceedingly proud of our emergency dentist in Wickham, and we will always aim to see our emergency patients within 24 hours of them contacting the surgery. We will treat you with the TLC you need when you come to us with a dental issue and will always aim to resolve any discomfort that you are in.

So, which conditions warrant a same day visit to see our dentist in Wickham?

Abscesses

As mentioned before, one of the most common reasons why people seek out our emergency dentist in Wickham is due to dental abscesses. Many people assume that the only symptom of a dental abscess is discomfort when, in actuality, many people notice a sensation of pressure before the discomfort sets in, along with swelling and discolouration to the gum. If you notice any of these symptoms followed by a fever, or vomiting, then you need to book a same day appointment to see our dental team.

Lost filling or crown

Most people who have had fillings or crowns can attest to the fact that sometimes they simply come loose and fall out. While this is usually associated with some level of discomfort, for some individuals, there is no sensation at all. But if you have lost a filling or crown, then you do urgently need to see our same day dental team, as delaying treatment could cause decay to set in and even for an abscess to form. Yikes!

Wobbly teeth

Wobbly teeth are usually the result of a trauma to the face or, in some instances, severe gum disease that has been untreated. But irrespective of the cause, if you notice that one of your teeth, or many of your teeth are wobbling, then you need to see our team. We will, of course, attempt to splint the wobbly tooth to the nearest secure teeth but based on the underlying cause, this is not always a guarantee.

Bleeding

Much like the wobbly teeth, bleeding in the mouth is usually the result of either trauma to the face or a dental extraction. If after around 20 minutes of applying pressure to the area with gauze there is no slowing of the bleed, then you need to see our emergency team to prevent any further blood loss.

Swelling

Swelling anywhere in the mouth, in the throat, under the chin or jaw line needs to be treated as an emergency situation as, if left unchecked, this can cause issues with eating and breathing. So, always be sure to contact us if you have this issue.

At Wickham Dental, we are here to help the whole family have healthy and happy smiles. We use the latest techniques, technology and training to ensure that all of our treatments are delivered with comfort and ease for all the patients we treat. We are keen to offer treatments that can also improve wellbeing, such as smile makeovers which improve the appearance of your smile. With a vast array of discreet treatments available for realigning your smile, we are the go-to dental practice for creating beautiful smiles. One of our popular treatments is Invisalign and our dentist in Wickham could recommend this if you have mild to moderate alignment issues such as gapped teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite or crossbite.

How does Invisailgn work?

Invisalign is a system that consists of plastic aligners being worn over your teeth. They are clear, so the aligners themselves are not visible. This means that they are highly discreet and afford patients the freedom to wear them whenever they choose, wherever they are.

When the aligners are being worn, they press against the teeth and, over time, they move them into the targeted position. This could take as little as 6 to 18 months and is just one of our discreet and time-efficient treatment options.

The other benefits

By choosing Invisalign, you will not only have discretion, but you will also have convenience. Invisalign’s aligners may be removed for up to 2 hours a day, which means that you can take a break from them when you need to. It also means that you don’t have to wear them at mealtimes and this is a great bonus for patients as it removes the need to clean the aligners of masticated food after eating, and it also means that you can clean your teeth without having anything in your mouth, so you can be sure to do a proper job! You should also have time to take them out for special occasions or playing sports, for example. The choice and flexibility of approach is all down to you and your preferences. You will be able to wear your aligners anywhere you go and you can have the confidence to do so with people not realising you are wearing them.

The aligners should not be uncomfortable to wear. This is because we use iTero technology to take a digital scan while getting accurate measurements for your smile to ensure that your aligners will sit snugly along the gumline.

Is it time for Invisalign?

If you are wondering whether or not Invisalign could be the right treatment for you, book in for a consultation with our dentist in Wickham and we will be able to examine your mouth to ascertain what the treatment options are. We can then discuss this together and we will answer any questions you may have. If you decide to go ahead with Invisalign, you could have a beautiful smile in a relatively short amount of time, fuss-free!

Tired of the long waiting lists and unavailable appointments at your dental practice? Are you looking for a dentist in Wickham where you can avoid delays? Then look no further than Wickham Dental, leading dentists in Wickham who can deal with all your dental needs and problems under one roof.

About us and how we operate

Our dentist in Wickham is a small dental practice based in the heart of Wickham Village and is very family orientated. We welcome families to join our practice and we will take care of all your dental needs. We have a team of skilled and highly professional individuals and we use the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art technology for our treatments. We endeavour to keep the costs of our treatments at affordable prices to make them accessible to all.

What services are available?

At our dentist in Wickham we have a wide range of modern dental treatments and these range from general and family services to specialist, complex oral reconstructions. What sets us apart from other dental practices is that we use cutting edge methods and technology and ensure that we put patient comfort and satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do.

We have a routine service which covers simple white fillings, fluoride treatments, and fissure sealants. We also offer comprehensive oral examinations, and scale and polish treatments with our expert hygienists. Our members of staff are highly professional and friendly and will ensure to provide you with excellent service and make certain that you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the appointment.

Smile makeovers are what we excel in at our dental practice. A lot of people look to have smile makeovers as they are unhappy with their smiles and with their teeth. It can have a big impact on a person’s self-confidence and therefore we look to deal with this to ensure that you can have a smile that gives you a real boost. There are a number of ways in which you can achieve your smile makeover and this includes oral restructuring, implants, crowns and veneers.

Another key treatment that we offer at our dental practice is orthodontic work. This is the way in which we straighten and align teeth. This is a very popular treatment particularly amongst young adults who look to have straight teeth. There are a number of ways in which we can straighten teeth. These include conventional metal braces, FastBraces, Invisalign, Damon, and Inman aligners.

A lot of people these days have moved away from the traditional metal braces due to the fact that they are unsightly and also take a lot of time to work. In comparison newer treatments such as Invisalign, Damon and Inman aligners are faster acting and have the added benefit of being invisible. They are clear aligners and therefore won’t be visible to anyone unless you wish to tell them!

If you are looking to have braces contact our receptionist who will be able to make an appointment for you with one of our highly trained, expert orthodontists.

Here at Wickham Dental, we understand how important it is to have a smile that makes the patient feel at their most confident and attractive best. We offer lots of choice when it comes to helping to achieve this. As a dentist in Wickham, we appreciate that a person’s smile can make or break how they feel about their appearance and that this can have a ripple effect across all areas of their life.

This is a guide from our dentist in Wickham on how to upgrade your smile if it is not quite up to scratch. We discuss several options, including teeth straightening, dental implants, cleaning and whitening.

Teeth straightening

If their teeth are crooked, protruding or overcrowded, a person can feel very self-conscious about how they look. This can mean that they are nervous about talking to others or even smiling. The result of this can be that they find it hard to make friends and mix with colleagues as they come across as much more reserved than they would be naturally.

Teeth straightening is no longer the sole preserve of young people. Today, adults of all ages are visiting the dentist in Wickham to find out about their options so that they can upgrade their smile and their self-esteem at the same time.

Traditional braces are very efficient at treating almost any issue when it comes to the misalignment of the teeth. They offer great results and it is now much more common to see adults wearing these braces with pride, looking forward to getting the smile they have always wanted.

For those who are unsure about traditional braces, clear aligners are an excellent alternative option. They are a popular choice because they are completely invisible, so the patient can keep their orthodontic treatment to themselves.

Dental implants

Anyone who has experienced tooth loss knows just how much of an impact this can have on how they feel about their appearance. Whether it is one tooth or several, dental implants can be used to remedy the situation and restore a smile to its former glory. Implants are a direct replacement for the tooth root, which means that they offer a stable and durable base for the new tooth that lasts many years, often a lifetime. They help to create a very blended look that is often indistinguishable from a patient’s natural teeth, which means that a patient can feel great about their smile again.

Getting white and bright

Many people find that their teeth become stained and yellow as the years go by, and this can have a negative impact on their confidence. Fortunately, no patient of ours has to put up with this as we can offer two main options to help. In many cases, especially if someone has not been for a check-up for some time, a professional clean from us is all that is needed to restore whiteness and remove stains.

When a scale and polish does not quite bring the teeth back to their former glory, then we can provide professional whitening. It is completely painless, and it is a simple procedure that provides excellent results.

Dental hygiene is the key to maintaining your teeth and ensuring that you do not suffer from dental issues. Nowadays people are a lot more conscious of their teeth and oral hygiene and this is due to the fact that National statistics show that one in three people will have dental issues in their lifetime and could end up losing their teeth.

People are also influenced by social media. We currently live in a world where social media plays a very large role in our day to day lives. So much so that people spend many hours of their day on social media, following their favourite celebrities, bloggers and influencers. It comes as no surprise that people aspire to be like their role models and therefore usually imitate and copy their hairstyles, dress sense and also their appearance.

If you are looking for a dentist in Wickham then look no further than Wickham Dental Practice where our highly trained dentists will be able to deal with all your needs and rework ends in a professional and friendly manner.

What is the most common treatment that people opt for?

At our dentist in Wickham we have found that teeth alignment is one of the most common treatments that people choose to have done. Having crooked teeth can be a cause for embarrassment and also make people feel self conscious. Often people feel uncomfortable to laugh or smile due to the fact that they do not like how their teeth look. At our dentist in Wickham we can ensure that you can have teeth that you are happy with and feel confidence in once you have had one of our alignment treatments.

At our dentist in Wickham we have three different alignment treatments that you can choose from. Speak to our friendly members of staff who will be able to book an initial consultation for you where you will be able to speak to our specialist dentists about your needs and requirements and what you are looking for from having treatment. Based on your individual preferences the dentist will be able to advise which treatment will suit you best.

What are the different types of alignment treatment available?

There are three different types of alignment treatments that are available at the dentist. These include Invisalign and Fastbraces, conventional braces that get fixed to the teeth directly, and invisible aligners.

Fastbraces is an American brand of aligning teeth and is able to give you straight teeth in the space of four to six months. In addition the dentist offers Invisalign which is also another fast and affordable method of aligning teeth. The dentist also offers conventional braces that are made of metal and attached to the surface of the teeth. This process takes longer than Fastbraces and also Invisalign however is the cheapest method.

All three types of braces are effective but you will need to speak to our dentist to determine which is the right option for you. Contact us now for a consultation on how best to proceed.

Here at Wickham Dental, we help our patients to make the best of their smile by offering an excellent choice of treatment options. In addition, we promote preventive care. Preventive care is a means of ensuring that the oral health is optimised so that there is less need for any intervention or treatment.

The first step in this kind of care is developing a routine of daily brushing and flossing. The second is to be mindful of the foods and drinks being consumed and keeping sugar and acidic items to an absolute minimum. In addition, drinking plenty of water can be a great way to look after the health of the teeth and gums. Here we explain why this is so important.

Fluoride

In many cases, the water that people get from their taps has had fluoride added to it. Fluoride is very beneficial to teeth. This is because it strengthens the enamel. Enamel is a protective layer that coats the teeth and helps to keep them healthy.

When the teeth are boosted by regular consumption of water that contains fluoride, they are much more robust in the face of acids. Acids can be found in many foods and other drinks, and these erode the teeth. Fluoride is also good for oral health because in the case of the early stages of tooth decay, it can eradicate it.

Keeps the mouth hydrated

Water doesn’t just hydrate the body in general, it also helps to keep the mouth moist. This is very important as the dentist in Wickham has found that a dry mouth is frequently the cause of bad breath. Bad breath can erode a person’s confidence and drinking plenty of water can significantly reduce the risk of this.

Drinking plenty of water also helps the mouth to produce healthy levels of saliva. This helps to maintain the health of the gums and can be a very effective means of minimising the risk of gum disease. Gum disease can result in tooth loss if it is allowed to progress, which can be very detrimental to a person’s self-image as well as their general health.

Superior alternative

People who don’t drink much water tend to choose other drinks that aren’t very healthy as alternatives. Fizzy drinks can cause cavities and erode the integrity of the teeth. Drinks like tea, coffee and red wine can result in the teeth becoming very stained. This means that they will not look and feel healthy, and the person can even look older than their years because of significant yellowing and staining.

Decreases urge to snack

The dentist in Wickham advises patients to eat three healthy meals a day, rather than snacking throughout the course of each day. This is because constant snacking means that the teeth are being frequently exposed to sugars and acids which will make them much less healthy and more vulnerable to damage. Drinking plenty of water and staying well hydrated throughout the day can suppress the urge to snack, and thus help to ensure healthier teeth and gums.

Many people find that their confidence is affected by the condition of their teeth. Here at Wickham Dental, we offer a wide range of treatments to help improve the smile and oral health. Visiting the dentist in Wickham for regular check-ups means that it is easier to keep the teeth and gums in good condition. In addition, there are lots of options for the patient who is feeling a little self-conscious about their smile.

Make that appointment

The first step to getting a better smile with the dentist in Wickham is to make an appointment with us. We can conduct a thorough assessment of the teeth and gums in order to ascertain any issues that need to be dealt with. We can also answer any queries the patient has about how best to safeguard oral health and discuss any potential treatments that may help.

A good clean

We encourage our patients to keep their teeth and gums as clean as possible at home. The best way to do this is to brush and floss thoroughly. Brushing should be done with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice daily.

Flossing should be completed once a day. Alternatively, interdental brushes can sometimes be more appropriate and easier to use. If in any doubt about how best to brush and floss, we are happy to give step-by-step advice to any patient who needs it.

In addition to keeping clean at home, it’s a good idea for the patient to get a thorough professional clean on a regular basis too. This can help to remove any plaque or debris that is difficult to reach at home, thus promoting better oral health. A good polish from the dentist in Wickham can also be great for removing stains that are caused by things like tea, coffee and red wine.

Whitening

Many people feel that their teeth aren’t quite as white as they should be. Although a professional clean can help, the patient who is looking for a dramatic improvement may well benefit from opting to get their teeth whitened.

While there are lots of whitening products advertised for use at home, they do not give the results that the dentist can. There is also a risk that home products are not safe. Therefore, the patient who is looking for effective whitening that does not compromise the integrity of the teeth should make an appointment with us.

Improve treatments

Dentistry has improved dramatically over the past number of years, so it is worth considering having previous treatments checked over with a view to having them upgraded. For example, fillings usually need to be replaced after several years, and it is often possible to get white ones that give a much superior cosmetic result. Crowns also need to be replaced and can be a great means of giving the shape and colour of the teeth a dramatic improvement. We are happy to help all patients who are feeling less confident than they should be about their smile. There are usually more options than most people have considered, so it is well worth coming to see us to discuss what can be done.

We all recognise the importance of maintaining a high standard within our oral health and hygiene routines. For this reason, you must brush and floss your teeth regularly so that you have the best possible experience of living with your teeth and avoid the need for invasive dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, or tooth extractions.

If you are parents, you may spend time trying to encourage any young children you provide care for to keep their teeth clean by brushing them twice a day, once in the morning and then once at night just before they go to bed to sleep. The best way to encourage this behaviour is to lead by example and let your children see their parents following a regular oral hygiene routine.

You may also decide to register your children with a dentist in Wickham so that they have the opportunity to access professional care and advice that will be offered to them in a friendly and compassionate way.

Our goal is to provide each and every client with an incredible experience that blows away their expectations.

Parents must be seen to engage

We all know that children can be very reluctant to engage with anything that they see as unusual or that they perceive may cause them pain. For this reason, it can prove difficult to get your children to engage with a dentist in Wickham. We often find that when children attend a dental appointment around the same time as their parents, this can make them feel more at ease and will increase the level of co-operation a child may have towards a dental professional.

Our advice to you as parents is that wherever possible let your children see you interacting with dental professionals in the practice, let them see you attending your check-ups and talking to people who are trying to help you with your oral health and hygiene in a friendly and calm manner. However, we are less inclined to advise you to let your children see you receiving invasive dental treatments, as this may be a little more upsetting for them.

Once your children can see that dental staff are helpful and friendly people, they will be a lot more likely to engage with them. It is well known that if children are taught to engage with a dental practice at an early age, they will mostly carry this habit throughout their lives and pass it on to their children, promoting high standards of oral health and hygiene going forward.

Dentistry for you and your family

As a leading dentist in Wickham, we want to encourage you and your entire family to engage with our practice. This will then give your entire family access to all the dental care and treatments they may need throughout your lives. We want you and your family to form a working relationship with us that will benefit you and give you the best possible chance to enjoy a high standard of oral hygiene.

One of the best pieces of advice we can offer you is to start a dialogue by asking questions, as this will help you gain a greater understanding of any treatment you are being offered and will help you to make informed choices that will help give you the standard of oral hygiene you desire.

Here at Wickham Dental, we work with our patients to help them achieve good oral health, offering advice and a range of treatments when needed. As the dentist in Wickham, we are often asked about the best ways to ensure that the teeth and gums can be kept in good condition. This guide details the habits of people who have sound oral health throughout their lives.

Brushing and flossing

Many people do not brush their teeth every day, or only do it once. Brushing twice per day with a fluoride toothpaste is vital to keep the mouth clean and remove any bits of food which have become trapped. A few seconds is not going to do the job, two minutes of brushing is needed to get the teeth properly clean.

Many electric toothbrushes have a sensor that beeps after 30 seconds, and this can be used to time the brushing session and ensure that all parts of the mouth are cleaned. If using a manual toothbrush, then setting a timer for two minutes on a mobile phone can be an effective way to ensure that the job is done to completion.

Flossing is also important and should be done once per day. Any patient who is unsure how best to do this should consult with the dentist in Wickham to get guidance on flossing techniques or on how to use interdental brushes.

Visiting the dentist

Many people make the mistake of only consulting with the dentist when they encounter a problem with their teeth. However, getting regular check-ups can minimise the risk of any issues from occurring in the first place. We can identify any issues before the patient is aware of them, which means that any treatment required will usually be minimal. This means that the patient spends less time and money at the dentist than if they had allowed any problems to escalate.

Regular appointments with the hygienist

The dentist in Wickham can provide a professional clean, which is important for maintaining oral health. Although brushing at home is vital and effective, our hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that brushing has missed. This allows the patient to keep their breath smelling fresh, helps to prevent gum disease and can be very effective in removing stains.

Regular water drinking

The people who have the healthiest teeth and gums drink water as their main beverage for hydration. Tap water contains fluoride which protects the teeth enamel, and this helps them to retain their strength and health. Fizzy drinks and juices as well as many alcoholic drinks can be very acidic. When these are consumed throughout the day, the patient has much less saliva coating their teeth. This makes them much more vulnerable to deterioration and damage.

Non-smoker

People who smoke are at high risk of receding gums, gum disease and tooth loss. The best thing any smoker can do for their oral health is to quit the habit. There is lots of help available such as nicotine replacement therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Here at Wickham Dental, we are focused on ensuring that all our patients enjoy good oral health as well as offering treatments that can help with any issues. As the dentist in Wickham, we often get asked about how best parents can help their children to have healthy teeth and gums.

Children who enjoy good oral health are much more likely to become adults who take care of their teeth, and this can have a positive impact on the general health too. Here, we explain what parents can do to help achieve this.

Start brushing early

Brushing should start as early as when a baby develops their first tooth. Parents should use a super soft brush and a toothpaste that is designed to cater for infants. If in any doubt about what brush or paste to use, talk to the dentist in Wickham to get advice and guidance.

This early brushing has two main benefits. Firstly, it means that the teeth are being protected as soon as they arrive, and this can reduce the likelihood of deterioration later in childhood. Secondly, it helps to establish a routine of regular brushing so that it does not become difficult or problematic as the child gets older.

Brush after milk

Many children continue to have milk before bed into toddlerhood and beyond. It is a comforting routine and helps to settle them for sleep. However, it is important to brush their teeth after they have had their milk. If they go to sleep with milk on their teeth, then this can cause cavities to develop and general deterioration of the health of the teeth and gums.

Other drinks

Aside from milk, the main drink that should be consumed by children is water. Tap water has fluoride in it, which helps to protect the enamel of the teeth and is important for preventing cavities. It is also sugar free, which is beneficial.

Fizzy drinks should be reserved for special occasions only, as these can erode the teeth and compromise their strength. If offering juice, it is best to do this with a meal and only as a treat. Children who drink juice throughout the day have a much greater risk of needing treatment such as fillings from the dentist in Wickham.

Diet

Most parents are mindful of the fact that treats like sweets, chocolate and cakes should be kept to a minimum if they want their child to have healthy teeth and gums. However, there can be a lot of hidden sugar in foods that are not thought of as sweet. For example, many pre-prepared and ready meals feature a high sugar content. The ideal is to make home cooked meals from scratch. However, if this is not always possible, then parents should check the labelling on any pre-prepared foods they are buying.

Set an example

Parents can encourage their children to take care of their teeth and gums by setting them a good example. Brushing together is a great way of modelling how it is done. It is also a good idea for children to see their parents drinking mostly water as their main drink and only having sweet things as an occasional treat. They will then grow up to see this behaviour as normal and something to be copied.