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About Us.
Welcome To Downend Dental Practice.
Downend Dental Practice has been providing dental care to the local community for over five decades. Over this time the practice has increased in size and today has six fully equipped surgeries and three separate waiting rooms. The practice offers both private and NHS treatments. We were proudly one of the first practices in the UK to become Denplan® Excel Accredited.
All our equipment is of the very latest technology. Each surgery is fully equipped allowing us to provide a full range of dental treatments.
For patients who are particularly worried about receiving dental treatment we are able to offer intravenous sedation and oral sedation.
For your safety we use digital x-ray systems. We also use sterile bactericidal walter (Sterilox®) in all our procedures thus eliminating a common source of infection in dental surgeries. Additionally, we have vacuum autoclaves and extensively use disposable items. The practice also has a heart defibrillator, full resuscitation and mointoring equipment on site.
In 2001 the practice became a centre for dental implants. The South West Implant Centre came into being. This has grown to become a major part of the practice, not only treating patients already members of the practice but also taking referrals from dentists across the region.
Appointments
We always try to see patients at the appointed time. If you are kept waiting there is normally a good reason and your patience is always appreciated. If you need to cancel an appointment we require 24 hours notice to enable us to make alternative arrangements, perhaps to see somebody who is in pain. There will be a charge for short notice cancellations or missed appointments.
Disabled access and facilities
The practice is accessed by a shallow ramp. All the downstairs doors are designed for wheel chair access and have no thresholds. We have a patient toilet that is purpose equipped for the disabled.
Methods of payment
We accept all major credit cards, cheques when accompanied by a valid guarantee card, and cash. For larger payments of implant treaments interest free direct debit payment plans are available.
All NHS courses treatment must be paid in full prior to reserving appointments
We kindly ask that private treatments are paid for at the completion of each appointment unless agreed otherwise prior to starting the course of treatment.
Out of hours and emergency numbers
Advice on all emergencies including self help can be accessed 24 hours a day by telephoning 0844 576 9874.
NHS emergencies are taken care of by the local Primary Care Trust. They can be contacted by telephoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
For patients who wish to be treated on a private basis please telephone 0844 576 9874. After listening to our advice line you will be given a mobile number to call. One of our dentists will be available between 9.00am and 6.00pm.
About Dental Implants
Why implants?
Missing and damaged teeth are a common problem for many people. If you are missing your natural teeth you may find that there are other things you miss too. You may miss your natural smile or not being able to eat the food you wish. Some people experience muscle strains and discomfort as the remaining teeth shift. But it doesn't have to be this way.
What is an implant?
A dental implant is a small man-made titanium 'screw' that serves as the replacement
for the root of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone
of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone and serve as an
anchor for the replacement tooth. Dental implants can be used to replace a
single lost tooth or many missing teeth. Implant-supported replacement teeth
look, feel and function like natural teeth. Dental implants are a proven restorative
option with a long clinical history. Dental implants preserve the integrity
of the facial structure and reduce the inconvenience associated with tooth
loss.
The Implantologists.
Dr Reynolds, Dr Gillis and Dr Tenstam are qualified implantologists (Certificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implantology) and have undergone extensive formal training and examination at the International Centre of Excellence in Dentistry, Eastman Dental Institute, London. They have extensive post-graduate training in restorative techniques and are members of the British Dental Association, Denplan Excel and SAAD.
Range of services.
Dr Reynolds, Dr Gillis and Dr Tenstam provide a comprehensive range of services which can all be carried out at the practice. They provide a very high standard and range of treatments - from single tooth replacement to complex full mouth reconstructions and sinus lifts.
Who is a candidate for dental implants?
Anyone who is missing teeth due to injury, disease or decay may be a candidate for dental implants. If one, a few, or all your teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth. Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you are healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you are probably healthy enough to receive dental implants.
Is there any pain or discomfort involved?
Most patients report that there is very little discomfort and that they were much more comfortable following the procedure than they anticipated. Nobel Biocare® implants are placed in a very gentle fashion and care is taken to the various tissues involved. Local anesthesia and if you wish, patient sedation are used to eliminate and discomfort during the procedure.
How will I benefit from dental implants?
- improved appearance
- improved comfort
- enhanced ability to chew & enjoy your food
- protection of remaining teeth and jawbone
Dental implants will look, feel and function like your real teeth.
How much will it cost?
The fee for tooth replacement with dental implants will depend upon several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of implants required to support your replacement teeth. It is important for you to know that you do not necessarily need an implant for each missing tooth. To obtain a specific fee estimate it is necessary to have a dentist examine your mouth. After a diagnostic examination we will recommend the treatment that is best for the procedure.
How long do implants last?
Nobel Biocare® (who produces the Brånemark and Replace® implants
we use) has experience from over 32 years of replacing missing teeth with
dental implants. There is every indication they will last for much longer.
Most patients can expect them to last a lifetime. Careful cleaning and maintenance
will still be required after your treatment with implants.
The first patient received his dental implants more than 30 years ago and they are still functioning today. Research studies have proven the effectiveness and long lasting results of dental implants. Nobel Biocare® dental implants have demonstrated a success rate of over 95% in documented studies.
How long will it take?
The complete process may take from 4-9 months depending upon the extent of the treatment required. Time is needed for your jaw bone to grow around the implant and for your replacement teeth to be made.
The practice.
The South West Implant Centre boasts modern surgeries with "state of the art" equipment that enable us to treat patients in the best way possible. We have a fully trained compliment of friendly and dedicated staff.
