‘Frequently Asked Questions’ Category

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“I want straight teeth but I feel like i’m too old for braces”

Monday, August 17th, 2009

We very commonly hear patients say “when i was young we didn’t get the chance to have braces, but i wish i did, i hate my crooked teeth” Many patients want straight teeth but do not want veneers or crowns to enhance their smile. We now have a perfect remedy!

Technology and treatment has moved so far forward that there is now other options that patients can have instead of fixed braces, one such example is Clearstep.

The advantages of Invisible braces is that it is clear so you do not have to have a wire brace, its removable and comfortable to wear, treats people of any age, its totally unique, affordable and flexible and it can treat all types of orthodontic problems.

It works by the patient wearing a clear wafer thin plastic positioners which gradually guide your teeth from their present to desired position. The clear plastic positioners are worn in sequence and monitored by a dentist.

The most beneficial aspect is that Invisible braces are removable and therefore flexible enough to fit around your lifestyle so may be removed for that important meeting or special occasion, in addition to eating and drinking.

If you have any further questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 01474 537191


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Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, Invisalign, Invisible Braces Clearstep/Invisalign, Orthodontics | Comments Off

Why do i need dental hygiene appointments?

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

A recent study carried out from University College London states that over half of all adults in Britain are suffering a dental condition known as Periodontitis also called gum disease. It is most common amongst the elderly. Approximately 67% of people aged over 65 suffer.

In the early stages, gum disease often goes unnoticed because there is little, if any, pain. Gum disease causes bad breath and swollen gums, which bleed on brushing or flossing. If it is left untreated, this can progress to pus-filled cavities, receding gums and loss of tooth support. There are two main stages of gum disease, gingivitis (which is reversible) or periodontitis.

What causes gum disease?

Its caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth from a mixture of food, bacteria and bacterial waste products. If plaque isn’t cleaned off your teeth regularly, your gums will become red, swollen and shiny and they may bleed. This can cause the gums to pull away from your teeth, leaving a little pocket around the tooth. This pocket traps plaque that you can’t reach with your toothbrush and over time the plaque can harden to tartar (calculus). The irritation gradually spreads to the bone structures around your teeth. Gradually, the pockets get deeper and more difficult to clean, and the gum and bone may shrink. This can now be described as the stage of periodontitis. the shrinking gums may expose some of the roots of your teeth, making them wobble and sensitive. If left untreated over a number of years, your teeth may fall out, or need to be taken out by a dentist. Although periodontitis is not reversible, with appropriate treatment the disease can be halted.

There are other factors that can make you more likely to get gum disease, these include, smoking, diabetes and hormonal changes such as pregnancy.

How can i tell if i have gum disease?

You may not be aware that you have gum disease because often there is no pain. There are warning signs that you can look out for, these include;

Gums that bleed during toothbrushing. If this occurs you should carry on brushing as normal, do not avoid the area

Red, swollen tender gums

Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

Persistent bad breath

Pus between the teeth and gums

Loose or separating teeth

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

A change in the fit of partial dentures

However it is possible to have gum disease without any of these signs.

How does the dentist/hygienist help prevent gum disease?

During a dental examination a dentist examines the gums for periodontal problems. They inspect the colour and firmness of the gums, they also us a small instrument called a periodontal probe which gently measures the depth between your teeth and gums. The more advanced the gum disease the greater the depth of pockets. Depending on the outcome of the examination your dentist will inform you if you have any signs of gum disease and the severity of it.

If the gum disease is still in the early stages where it is still reversible patients maybe advised to undergo a course of thorough periodontal clean and then see and dentist/hygienist every 3 months and be advised to use an electric toothbrush and floss or inter-dental brushes to help minimize the buildup of plaque.

If the examination shows that a patient has periodontitis, patients maybe advised to have infected teeth removed as decayed teeth can weaken bone structures and loosen other healthy teeth, a intensive course of periodontal treatment would be recommended which is carried out over several appointments of the course of a few months. Pocket charting (the depth of pocket between the gums) is recorded and then compared over the course of the treatment to see how the gums are responding to treatment.

If think you have symptoms of gum disease, please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to book you an examination or hygiene appointment.


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Posted in Dental Hygiene, Frequently Asked Questions, Preventive | Comments Off

Denture Repair – Same Day Lab Repairs

Monday, August 3rd, 2009

Sometimes patients have the mistaken notion that if they have broken their denture they have to see a dentist to get a new one, however that is not always the case.  On many occasions a denture can be repaired or added to without needing any impressions by the dentist.

Colin has been a dental technician for over 30 years and thoroughly enjoys his job. He works Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and is available to help repair and add to any broken dentures or replace any missing teeth onto a denture.

You do not have to be registered at our practice in order to use the services of our dental laboratory. You can bring your broken denture to us and after Colin has made an assessment of the denture we can advise you of the proposed course of action needed in order to fix your denture.

Just like an optician we recommend two pairs of glasses, We recommend that our denture wearing patients always have a spare set of dentures made, in the unlikely event that their permanent dentures are misplaced, dropped, broken etc….. they will then not have to go without any teeth as the process of making a great fitting and looking new denture can take a few appointments over the course of a few weeks.

As a fixed alternative to dentures patients may want to consider implant supported dentures or bridges

Should you have any queries regarding your dentures, please do not hesistate to contact us on 01474 537191


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Posted in Dental Technician, Dentures, Frequently Asked Questions, Our Team, Restorative | Comments Off

Dental implants in Kent: Why choose us?

Monday, July 13th, 2009

In summary

*An outstanding team

*Latest techniques used

*High-tech equipment used

*We work around you, and for you

*Quality and value, function and beauty

*Exceptional service with a smile

*Thorough examination for suitability of dental implants

*Treatment Plan and consent form explained and given

To have any dental treatment can be a daunting experience for many patients, even for those of us who don’t mind a visit to the dentist.

However when considering options for dental implants it can be a scary situation for many, the types of questions we generally hear from patients while searching for an implantologist is “Am a suitable candidate for dental implants?” “How do I know the dentist is properly trained?” “What if I can’t keep my mouth open for the procedure?” “What is the recovery period?” “What will the final result look like?”  “Will I be able to eat straight away?” these are just a few of the questions that we get asked everyday.

We believe that when deciding on the placement of implants it is very important that the patient is happy, comfortable and confident with their dentist however other factors should also play a part in the decision making, such as a practice that has a calm and relaxed atmosphere and a team who are friendly, approachable and caring.

Our Philosophy has always been one of a lifelong relationship based on friendship and trust.

“An outstanding team”

Our team has been hand selected for their enthusiasm and passion for life, people and their work. Our highly experienced nurses, receptionists and technicians are always at hand, making your dental experience truly memorable.

“Latest techniques used”

In addition to Dr Rik Trivedi’s 10 years of experience, he is currently undertaking a Diploma in Implantology from the Royal College of Surgeons. Therefore he is abreast with all the latest techniques that are being used.

“High-tech equipment used”

The Ankylos dental implant systems is used within Parrock Street Dental Care.

“A home from home”

We are proud to provide an environment of luxury and comfort with a feeling of being with friends. Our reception area, waiting room and treatment rooms are brand new, modern and immaculately clean with state of the art equipment and materials. They have been designed to make you feel at home.

“We work around you, and for you”

We are proud to provide an environment of luxury and comfort with a feeling of being with friends. Should you need a few minutes break during a procedure the dentist will happy for this as long as it is clinically possible at the time. We are happy to provide treatment late evenings and Saturdays thus minimizing time off work for attending appointments.


“Thorough examination for suitability of dental implants”

Before any treatment can be started, patients have to undergo a full and thorough examination to assess the suitability of the patient for the placement of dental implants. A full examination involves xrays/OPG and a full medical history being taken.

“Treatment Plan and consent form explained and given”

After a full examination has been carried out, another appointment is made for Dr Rik Trivedi and the patient to go through the proposed treatment plan. After the treatment plan is agreed and finalized a consent form will be sent to the patient, which includes any important information that was discussed in the treatment plan appointment.

“Quality and value, function and beauty”

Dr Rik Trivedi always endeavers to provide the very best esthetic work possible in order for patients to feel like their new tooth/teeth look and feel real.

There maybe instances when it is clinically necessary for a tooth to be extracted before an implant can be placed, in those situations a patient will always be given a temporary tooth/teeth before the implant appointment so at no stage is a patient left without a gap.

If you feel that dental Implants are the way forward for your new healthy smile or you would just like some further information then please do not hesitate to contact us at Parrock Street Dental Care on 01474 537191 and speak to one of our lovely receptionists.


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Posted in Dental Implants, Frequently Asked Questions, Implants | Comments Off

What is the best way to whiten my teeth?

Friday, July 3rd, 2009

There are several ways you can whiten your teeth but only one way has been proven to work  and give patients the results they want and this is the method we recommend- take home night whitening!

1 Hour whitening with or without lasers and lights have a limited result straight after due to drying of teeth after which the teeth return to their original colour. The process is lengthy and can be very painful and sensitive. The cost can be three times that of our whitening kit and most patients are not satisfied. They normally come and see us to use our take home kit and get a beautiful result.

Take Home Whitening the Parrock Street Way

Whilst most dental practices may offer take-home whitening our kit has specially designed whitening trays and specially formulated gel. The whitening trays are designed to be comfortable, and are custom made to give a uniform white colour to all your teeth. The trays have many features which aid in ensuring you the very best result. With our kit you can dictate how white your teeth can go to customise your result to your needs from natural healthy white to beautiful stunning white.

Contact us if you are interested in a whiter, healthier more beautiful smile.


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