Frequently Asked Questions

We are accepting new private dental patients and child patients under the age of 16 for free NHS children’s dentistry. 

Yes! We happily accept child patients under the age of 16, offering a child smile service with all work covered by the NHS.  

We do offer NHS treatment for both children and adults.  

Dental crowns are typically recommended for more severe cases of tooth decay or damage, while fillings are used for smaller areas of decay.

Crowns provide more comprehensive coverage and protection for the tooth, while fillings are a more conservative approach to treating tooth decay. The dentist will recommend the best option based on the patient's individual needs and the severity of their condition. 

The NHS may cover dental crowns in certain cases, such as if the patient has a severe dental condition that affects their oral health or quality of life. However, coverage for dental crowns under the NHS is limited, and patients may need to pay for some or all of the costs of the procedure. 

Getting a dental crown should not be painful. The dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure, so you should not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Dental crowns can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a dental crown can vary depending on the materials used and the patient's oral hygiene practices. On average, dental crowns can last between 5-15 years, and sometimes even longer.

If you’ve paid for and undergone cosmetic dental work, chances are you’ll want to keep your new smile looking great for as long as possible! 

The best way to do this is by practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing regularly (at least twice a day), avoiding foods and drinks high in sugar, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups.  

It’s also important to let your dentist know immediately if you feel any disruption or significant discomfort in the weeks following your procedure.  

There are some risks associated with cosmetic dentistry, although most are minor and highly unlikely if treatment is performed by a registered dental professional.  

Issues that some patients may face include:  

• Heightened sensitivity 
• Gum irritation or inflammation 
• Allergic reactions 
• Infection 
• Dental damage if procedures are not performed by a skilled and experienced dentist. 

Yes, we encourage all of our cosmetic patients to come back in for a checkup a month after their treatment is complete to check everything is as expected.  

Out with this follow up appointment, we strongly recommend attending a regular 6-month checkup to ensure your teeth and gums are strong and healthy.  

Results will last a varying amount of time depending on the exact cosmetic procedure you undergo.  

Dental implants can last up to a lifetime, whilst teeth whitening may need topped up every couple of years.  

Your Whitburn dentist will always give you a clear outline of the expected results before continuing with any type of cosmetic procedure.  

The type of cosmetic dentistry you choose will depend on your smile goals and the particular issues you wish to solve.  

If you have a particular cosmetic treatment in mind, simply book an initial consolation with one of our dentists and we’ll be able to confirm if you are suitable for that treatment or not.  

Some cosmetic dental procedures are invasive, meaning local anesthetic will need to be used. Dental implants in particular involves significant changes to the teeth and gums, and it’s likely you will feel some pain and discomfort after the procedure.  

Other cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, veneers and composite bonding are relatively painless and, in most cases, you will only experience some mild discomfort during the procedure.  

Cosmetic dentistry is a practical and beneficial form of dentistry designed to fix a troublesome issue and improve the aesthetic  smiles.  

Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are:  

• Dental implants  
• Composite bonding  
• Veneers 
• Teeth whitening  
• Teeth straightening solutions, such as Invisalign  
• Crowns 
• Bridges  

Dental implants involve invasive cosmetic work and require a strong and healthy jaw bone so that the artificial implant can be properly attached and anchored to the jaw.  

If your jaw bone is found to be too weak or brittle, you may not be suitable for dental implants. However, there is the option of having a bone graft to help strengthen the jaw bone.  

If you’re interested in dental implants, we’ll take a series of x-rays and scans to assess your suitability before any work begins.