Frequently Asked Questions

Will my treatment hurt?

We do our best to ensure that any dental treatment you receive is done in a pain free way.

Surface Anaesthetic is used. This ensures the surface is numb so that the injection of Local Anaesthetic is done with the minimum of discomfort.

We allow the anaesthetic time to work and always check with you that your mouth is numb before we start treatment.

If you become aware of any discomfort during treatment, please tell us and we will give more anaesthetic to ensure the entire process is as pain free as possible.

I can only come at certain times. Is this a problem?

We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. We have dentists and hygienists available Monday to Friday. Appointments to see your dentist and hygienist can be made together to keep your visits to a minimum.

We are also open Tuesday evenings for those patients who are unable to visit during normal working hours.

We do ask patients to let us know in advance if they are unable to attend an appointment, as this will then allow other patients to be seen.

I am concerned about the possible cost of dental treatment.
Will I have unexpected large bills?

We will explain the dental problems you have and the different ways these can be treated. We will also give you details of the cost of treatment and advise you so that you can decide which treatment would be the best for you. You will be given a written estimate.

For treatment that covers several visits, we ask patients to pay for the treatment provided at each visit. This allows you to spread the cost of treatment rather than having to find the full amount at the start of treatment.

If you are having problems with meeting the cost of your dental treatment, please speak to your dentist. You can also speak to Max, our practice manager, or the reception staff, all whom will treat your approach in the strictest of confidence.

Are you easy to find and can I park easily?

We can be found by following the instructions on our Directions Page. Situated a mile from the centre of Gloucester in a pleasant suburb, we have none of the difficulties with access and parking experienced in the town centre.

Parking is free. We have a car park to the front of the practice and street parking is free and not time limited.

For our disabled patients, cars can be brought to within 3 metres (10 feet) of the front door with a step free entrance.

Will I have to wait long for an appointment?

We aim to see patients as soon as possible. When you call our reception staff will offer you the earliest possible appointment and will be happy to find a time that best suits your diary.

We try to offer patients with an emergency an appointment for the same day. To allow us to do this, we ask you to contact the practice as early in the day as possible. Calls made late in the day may result in you being seen the following day. If your dentist is not available, you will be offered an appointment with one of the other dentists.

When I attend the practice, will I have to wait long to be seen?

Every effort is made to see patients on time with over 95% of patients being seen within 10 minutes of their appointment time.

Plenty of time for each patient to avoid running late. However, patients sometimes require emergency treatment that takes a little longer than expected. We ask for your understanding when this occurs and will let you know if your dentist is running late and how long the delay is likely to be. You will then be given the option of waiting or rebooking your appointment.

Will the dentist tell me off for not visiting regularly or for the bad state of my mouth?

Definitely not!! We hope our patients look on us as friends to look after their teeth. We want to help and encourage you to look after your mouth and keep it healthy. We do not worry about what has happened in the past but by focusing on your future wellbeing.

Will I like the dentist? Can I visit the practice and meet the dentist before I join the practice?

You are very welcome to call into the practice. Our reception staff will be pleased to show you around  and give you a welcome pack of our practice literature. If you call in advance we will arrange for a dentist to be available to meet you.

You can choose which dentist you would like to treat you. Profiles of the dentists as well as all of our team can be seen on the Profiles pages. If you are uncertain who may be best suited to your needs, our reception staff will be happy to discuss this and advise you further.

Can I be certain the treatment is needed?

We accept the trust that you place in us and would never abuse it. We describe problems to patients and always give a full list of any alternative treatments with a cost breakdown. With the help of digital radiographs (X rays) and photographs we can often show patients the problems in their mouth.

If you are uncertain of the need for treatment, we will not be offended if you ask us to clarify the need for treatment.

What will be done at my appointment?

Full details of what happens on your first visit to the practice can be seen on our New Patients’ page. Your dentist will explain how your treatment will proceed with each visit being itemised on your written estimate. The dentist will be happy to tell you what is to be done at your next visit.

We are also happy to explain in more detail how a treatment is undertaken. More details on specific treatments can be found on our Dental Treatments’ Page. Please ask if you would like to see how our equipment works.

I find having fingers and instruments in my mouth uncomfortable and embarrassing.

There is no need to feel embarrassed during your appointment. We aim to treat you with total discretion and understanding.

We appreciate that having your mouth open for long periods can be uncomfortable. Let us know if you need a rest. We allow plenty of time so that you never need to feel rushed during your treatment.

Will my mouth hurt afterwards?

Modern anaesthetics, material, equipment and techniques have eliminated a lot of the pain associated with dental treatment. However, depending on the treatment, there may be some discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off. If your dentist anticipates that this may occur, you will be advised of the correct action to take to relieve any discomfort. This is most likely to occur after extractions or extensive treatment.

If you experience any unexpected pain, whether after treatment or at any other time, please contact the practice and we will see you as soon as possible.

Will I be able to speak afterwards?

Some anaesthetic injections numb the tongue and lip as well as the teeth. This is a change in sensation and does not stop the normal working of your mouth. However you may feel you speak a little differently. This will disappear as soon as the anaesthetic wears off.

New dentures and crowns on the front teeth can affect speech. This is quite normal and will disappear in 2 to 3 days, once the mouth has got used to the new teeth.

Will I be able to work after treatment?

Except for major treatments such as multiple extractions or surgery, you should have no problem returning to work after your visit. If you have had an extraction, you are advised not to undertake any physical work that day as this may result in bleeding.

Will you give me instructions on what to do after my visit?

Any necessary instructions will be given to you and the most common can also be found on our Instructions Page.

When do I pay?

Our patients pay at the time of their treatment. When a course of treatment involves more than one visit, payment is made for the treatment undertaken at each visit. An itemised estimate is given at the first appointment so you can see how much is due at each one.

How do I pay?

Payment can be made using credit or debit cards, cheque or cash.

Will I get any unexpected bills?

You should not receive any unexpected bills. At the start of your course of treatment, you will be given a written estimate. Sometimes, changes in the treatment are needed. If this happens, the change in treatment will be discussed as well as any alternatives. The cost will also be explained so that you can make a decision before treatment is continued

Can I bring somebody with me?

You are very welcome to bring a friend or family member with you. If you wish, they are welcome to come into the surgery with you while you have your treatment.

Will I be able to eat after treatment?

It is not advisable to eat until the anaesthetic has worn off as you might bite your lip or tongue resulting in a painful ulcer.

Metal fillings require several hours to reach full hardness and we ask you not to eat on that side. Tooth coloured fillings are set before you leave the surgery and can be eaten on straight away.

Following extractions, you should not eat or drink for one hour and avoid eating on that side for a few days.

 

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