Latest News
– Improving the Quality of Dentistry
Posted on 2nd May 2013
IQuad Trial
The practices within our group are always keen to give our patients the best service possible with up to date advice and techniques. So when we were approached by IQuad (Improving the Quality of Dentistry) to take part in a dental research study we thought why not take part as the findings could change dentistry for our future generations.
The study is being conducted by Dundee University, Aberdeen University and the Dental Health Services and Research Unit. The research study is comparing the effects of personalised oral hygiene instruction and scale and polish (periodontal instrumentation) to prevent gum disease. 20 dental practice across Northern England and 40 practices in Scotland are taking part. It is a 3 year trial and patients are been randomly selected to take part.
Our Whickham practice has recruited all their patients and we are in the process of recruiting for our Gosforth practice. We are all looking forward to see the results in 3 years time.
We would also like to thank all the patients taking part, as without the valued cooperation study’s like this would not be possible.
– Movember
Posted on 23rd January 2013
All the dentists at the practice are over the moon they have been able to shave their moustashes off. November was a long month for some of the dentists.
It was all for a good cause to raise money for Prostate and Testicular cancer and we raised £190.36.
– All on 4 implants – same day teeth
Posted on 10th October 2012
Implants
Before After
Why implants?
When my bridge broke in March this year, I knew that I needed to look at a more long-term solution to the problem of my upper teeth. The tooth that was sustaining my bridge had rotted and so a replacement bridge was impractical. I already had a partial denture of three teeth, and therefore very few of my own remained. I did not want to have false teeth, as I find the plastic dentures intrusive. On top of that it would mean regular and constant maintenance for the rest of my life. I preferred to look at a more “natural” alternative that could best simulate having my own teeth. From my initial discussions with the dentist, implants offered me the closest substitute.
It should be stated that implants are an expensive option compared to false teeth. However, given my views and the parlous state of my upper teeth, I saw it as a worthwhile long-term investment.
It should also be noted it is not a “quick fix”. From that initial discussion to the final process will take over a year, although this is partly due to the fact that I am in Australia for six months. However, even in normal circumstances, given that it takes several months for the implants to fuse with the jaw, from start to finish would normally take about eight to nine months. However, this timeframe also offers distinct advantages, as it allows the dental surgeon’s time to adjust the fittings and the teeth in the light of any difficulties that may emerge and also allow for gum shrinkage before securing the final set.
Preparation
I was offered a free consultation to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of implant surgery. However, I had already decided that I wanted to explore implants and so skipped this step and proceeded to the detailed consultation. This second consultation cost £167 (April 2012) but it enabled me to discuss the various options not only with my dentist but with the specialist, who the dentist brought in and who would perform the surgery when the time came to insert the implants. I finally decided on implants supported bridges which would give me a full set of upper teeth on the same day, a concept known as All-on-4. This would be cheaper than having implants throughout and avoided any bone grafting procedures. Nevertheless, it would total £10,500.
The next stages involved taking photographs of my mouth and doing impressions of the teeth in preparation for the replacement set. This involved a further two or three appointments. Although time-consuming, I appreciated the care and attention that was going into ensuring not only that the implants were successfully installed but also that the replacement teeth would complement my lower set and be the right size to suit my mouth.
After my last preparatory meeting (27th June), I had a detailed discussion with Gemma from the dental surgery about what would happen on the day of the surgery. She went through what was likely to happen, including forewarning me that the actual surgery could take up to six hours. I was given some information to take away with me and had to sign the various forms to give permission to continue. I was thus able to ensure I kept the day free and to arrange for my wife to pick me up. We set the date of the surgery for 14th July.
Surgery
The whole process did take nearly six hours, a very long time to have to keep your mouth more or less constantly open! Even allowing for the fact that some of this time was taken up with waiting for last minute adjustments of the replacement teeth, I was very tired by the end of the process, having said that it was not painful. I also appreciated the meticulousness taken in all aspects of the operation. Even in my jaw-aching state, I felt that everything was being done to a very high standard and that every effort was being made to ensure the operation was a success.
Aftercare
Immediately after we had finished, I was given a “goody bag” of mouthwash and pain killers to treat my teeth and any ensuing pain. I was also told that I should eat only soft foods for at least the first week.
As it happened, I have not had any particularly bad after-effects, other than looking like a chipmunk due to the swollen gums, which I had been told was a consequence of the surgery but which should recede after a few days.
I received a call on the Monday after the Saturday surgery to see how I was doing. I was still feeling a bit tired, and my gums were still a little sore and swollen, but otherwise I and the teeth were doing very well.
The implant surgeon saw me a week after the operation to check everything was normal, which it was. I will also see them a fortnight after this, where he will check that the gums have healed OK and to see if the teeth may need to be realigned or adjusted depending on if the gums have shrunk appreciably.
As part of the process, the dentist is also making a second set of the temporary teeth so that I can take them with me to Australia, in case I need to install it while I am away. He will provide me with the name of a dentist in the area who has experience of this type of operation. I will then return in April 2013 for the permanent set to be fixed.
I am very pleased with the difference my new teeth are making in terms of my overall appearance, and feel I can again laugh and eat normally. I am certainly feeling at this stage that, despite the expense and the length of the surgery on 14th July, it has been most worthwhile.
– Summer practice team event 15/9/12
Posted on 10th October 2012
The whole team
For our Team Buildiing Event this year we were very fortunate to have some of our rare British sunshine!
The staff from all of our practices (Westlands Dental Studio, The Grange Dental Centre, Village Dental practice) linked up at Slaley Hall for an action packed activity day. Activities included:
- Archery
- Segway assault courses
- Human table football.
- Air Crash survival
The team thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was rounded off by Mr. Ghai’s hosting skills as he kindly opened up his house to us all for a barbecue and relaxing drinks to steady the nerves after our vigorous activities.
Congratulations to our trainee nurse Maryam who scored the fastest time on the segway assault course and a special mention to Malcolm and Kevin from our Gosforth practice who drew with the highest score in archery.
Below are some pictures of the day.
Plane crash survival
Segways Archery
– Congratulations
Posted on 9th August 2012
Congratulations to our National Smile Month competition winner Orla from our sister practice in Whickham. Orla drew the winning picture and won a sonicare toothbrush. The picture was chosen by all the staff at the practice.
Well done to all the other children who took part.
– 6 Months Smile
Posted on 1st May 2012
Before After
After many years of not liking my teeth I finally decided to do something about them and booked a consultation at the Village Dental Practice in Whickham sister practice to Westlands Dental Studio. Mr Somal was really good at explaining the options that were available to me and helped me choose the options that was going to be best for me this was the 6 Months Smile brace.
I had the brace on for 5 months which flew by. The brace was very inconspicuous, I had very little pain or discomfort from the brace.
I am exceptionally pleased with the smile that I now have. I would recommend the Village Dental Practice to everyone as I am so happy with my experience.
– It’s all be worth it
Posted on 17th April 2012
Before treatment After treatment
This patient came to the practice as new patient interested in braces to straighten her upper teeth. She did not like the tooth on the left hand side between her front tooth and canine tooth as she felt it protruded and was longer compared to the other teeth.
The patient discussed braces initially, however Mr Somal gave two additional treatment options, veneers and direct composite veneers . Mr Somal demonstrated the look the patient could achieve by adding composite filling material to the teeth.
With this information the patient decided on the composite veneers treatment on 3 of her front teeth along with tooth whitening.
The tooth whitening needed to be completed prior to the veneers in order for the composite veneers to match in with the natural teeth. The whitening process involved having bespoke upper and lower whitening trays made which took approximately 2 weeks in the lab. The patient applied the whitening gel to the trays for a few hours during the day over a 3 weeks period to get the desired result.
Once the patient was happy with the shade of her teeth the veneers could be done. We allowed the shade of the teeth to settle for a couple of weeks before a final appointment completed the procedure. The composite veneers were completed with a single appointment and matched to the colour of the patients natural teeth.
– Receive exclusive offers
Posted on 27th March 2012
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– Overcoming my fears
Posted on 1st February 2012
‘I am really pleased with the treatment I had. I used to be frightened of the dentist but after having the work done on my teeth, it has been the best thing I have ever done. I’m over the moon with the results and would recommend it to anyone.’
BEFORE AFTER
This patient joined the village dental practice in October 2011. The patient had not been to the dentist in over 10 years as she was frightened of needles. She was prompted to come to the dentist as she had broken a tooth. The patient was very unhappy with the appearance of her upper teeth and was interested to know what could be done and would fit into her budget.
After having a full case assessment with Mr Ghai, a treatment plan was designed. The treatment plan included tooth whitening, veneers, crowns and a bridge.
The first step was to start the tooth whitening, the patient used a home tooth whitening tray system for a little over 2 weeks. Once the patient was happy with the colour of her teeth we then could proceed to the preparation for the crowns/bridge and veneers. This was done over two appointments. The first appointment was the preparation stage which was sent to the laboratory and one week later the permanent work was fitted.
– Thank goodness I had dental insurance!!
Posted on 23rd December 2011
Before During After
February 2011 I tripped over a dog while running and broke 3 of my front teeth off at gum level. I immediately contacted Westlands Dental Studio as this was the first place I thought to go for help. The receptionist was caring and supportive, I took time to calm down from the shock and then Mr Ghai saw me. Mr Ghai was unable to do anything at that point but arranged for me to see his colleague Mr Somal at the Village Dental Practice in Whickham the following day to have the teeth temporary restored. I was aware at that point the fractured teeth needed to be extracted in the future.
Mr Ghai had said how fortunate I was to have a Dental Plan as this had insurance for trauma. This meant I was able to afford implants. Without the insurance I would have had to wear a denture for the rest of my life which I did not want to do.
Mr Ghai saw me for the rest of the treatment as I was having implants. I was worried about the treatment especially the extractions but I need not have been. The procedure went smoothly and was pain free . The treatment was also done with great care. The work that followed was equally straight forward, I was put at ease through every stage by Mr Ghai and the dental team. They explained what was the next stage and very accommodating with appointments when I needed it.
The whole process took seven months as each stage needed time to heal properly before the next could begin. The implants are comfortable and strong, easy to keep clean. I am over the moon with the implants and think they look better than my original teeth. I expect them to last for many years to come.