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About Edinburgh Dental Practice, Scotland Edinburgh Dental Specialists in Scotland, originally opened in 1994 as a private dental practice called West End Private Dental Practice. We are situated at the West End of Rose Street, in a prime city centre location in the heart of historic Edinburgh. The innovative concept of this brand new, custom built practice in 1994, was to offer an exceptionally high standard of private dentistry. Over the years, the reputation of the practice and the skills of the internationally renowned dentists have created exiting opportunities for expansion. The practice became limited to the provision of cosmetic, implant and restorative dentistry in 1997, with the second surgery being equipped as a surgical suite for the placement of dental implants. In 1998 we were runners up and received a commendation in the Scottish business and Excellence awards. In 2002 we committed fully to our goal of becoming Scotlands first multidisciplinary specialist centre and limited ourselves to only treating patients referred to the practice by local practitioners. We have since evolved into a large multi – floored premises encompassing our original location. Our first floor accomodates 5 clinical suites, a digital radiography and dental CT scanning facility, consulting rooms and our spacious and welcoming lounge area. Our second level comprises of our conference and teaching centre. This facility allows us to share our expertise with colleagues in the dental profession and is an ideal, central location from which we have been running many and varied training courses for dentists and dental nurses over the last 10 years. The third level houses our unique dental laboratory where our team of specialist dental technologists hand craft crowns, veneers, dentures, bridges and implant-supported restorations. Our service All our specialists and support staff care passionately about providing the very best service for patients referred to them. Our underlying principle is to treat people, as we would like to be treated and where possible to “go-the-extra- mile”. All our specialists carry mobile phones for out-of-hours emergency advice. Our lounge and clinical areas are constantly being upgraded and improved. All of our staff are there to help you, whatever your problem or concern. Weekly team meetings allow us to continually improve the way in which we deliver our care to you. We welcome and encourage your comments in order to keep improving. Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland Edinburgh Prosthodontics: Dr. Kevin A. Lochhead - B.D.S.(LOND),M.F.G.D.P.(R.C.S.Eng) Dr Lochhead qualified from Kings College London in 1987. For over 20yrs Dr. Lochhead has committed himself to intensive postgraduate training, following both international and British training pathways. In 1993 he was awarded the diploma in general dental practice. Dr. Lochhead's special interests lie in complex reconstruction, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lochhead has been running postgraduate courses and lectures on dental implants, cosmetic and restorative dentistry since 1995. At various times in the past 15yrs, Dr Lochhead has respresented the Association of Dental Implantology in Scotland, been diploma tutor for the east of Scotland Faculty of General Dental Practitioners and clinical tutor on the MSc in Primary Dental Care at Glasgow Dental Hospital. In 2002 he was recognised by the General Dental Council as a specialist in Prosthodontics. When Dr Lochhead opened the practice in 1993 with two members of staff – the aim was to deliver comprehensive dental care of the highest standard and provide a first class warm and welcoming service. Dr Lochhead has driven the expansion of the practice forward since then, introducing additional specialists and team members, designing and developing the on-site laboratory as well as the post graduate teaching facility. The centre now has a team of over forty all of whom are united in continuing to deliver dental care of the highest standard in all areas. Dr Lochhead is a member of various professional societies including: The Academy of Osseointegration, The Association of Dental Implantology, The American Equilibration Society, The British Society of Occlusal Studies, the British Society of Restorative Dentistry, British Society of Periodontology, The Royal Odontological Chirurgical Society and the British Dental Association. Edinburgh Prosthodontics: Dr. Judith Lello - B.D.S. (SHEFF), M.D.S. (SHEFF) Since graduating from Sheffield University in 1978, Judith Lello has undertaken extensive postgraduate training. Three years were spent at Zurich Dental Institute, Switzerland, undertaken teaching, research and patient management: following which, in collaboration with Sheffield University, a masters degree was awarded. One year in Johannesberg, South Africa, at the University of Witwatersand, preceded returning to the UK in 1988 to practice for two years in the Manchester region. Since moving to Edinburgh in 1990, a special interest in advanced restorative work and a commitment to postgraduate and research activities has been maintained. The General Dental Council of Great Britain certifies Dr. Lello as a specialist in Prosthodontics and she continues to limit her practice mainly to complete reconstruction, dental implants and aesthetic dentistry. Edinburgh Prosthodontics: Dr. Pier Lugi Coli - DDS,PhD Dr Pierluigi Coli graduated with honours in Dentistry at the University of Genova, Italy in 1990. He was trained as a specialist in Periodontology, Dental Implantology and Prosthodontics in the prestigious Departments of Periodontology, of Oral Rehabilitation/ Branemark Clinic and of Prosthetic Dentistry/Oral Material Sciences (Faculty of Odontology, Goteborg University, Sweden) during the years 1993-2005. Dr Pierluigi Coli is a registered specialist in Periodontology as well as Prosthodontics. Dr Coli worked as Guest Researcher at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. He was awarded a PhD in Prosthetic Dentistry and Oral Material Sciences from the Goteborg University in 1999, and became Associate Professor in Prosthetics Dentistry at Goteborg University. Dr Pierluigi Coli has authored several scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals and has lectured internationally. He has been involved in the training of undergraduate and post-graduate students at the Departments of Periodontology, of Oral Rehabilitation/ Branemark Clinic and of Prosthetic Dentistry/Oral Material Sciences (Faculty of Odontology, Goteborg University, Sweden), where he worked as a specialist. In 2007 Pierluigi moved to the UK to join the staff at the Edinburgh Dental Specialists Clinic, Scotland. He still maintains research and teaching contacts with the University of Goteborg. Edinburgh Prosthodontics: Dr. Grant Mathieson - BDS (Ed), FDS RCS (Ed), MRD RCS (Ed) Dr Mathieson graduated with BDS from Edinburgh University in 1990 and spent the following three years in a variety of hospital based posts in the UK covering all dental specialties before starting a formal training pathway in restorative dentistry. In 1994 , He became a Fellow in Dental Surgery of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh followed in 1995 by achieving the Membership in Restorative Dentistry also with RCSEd. He has had a broad based career with time spent in general practice dentistry , NHS hospital based posts and clinical teaching at both Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities. In 1999 , he was recognised as a Specialist in Prosthodontics by the General Dental Council and continued to provide restorative care for patients in private practices in both Edinburgh and Glasgow along with part time teaching positions. In 2004 , he was appointed as a Consultant at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates. This post involved all aspects of restorative dentistry but with particular emphasis on treatment of the failing dentition , toothwear and implant based care. During this spell abroad he was also Regional Dental Adviser for RCSEd and achieved accreditation for the department along with organising the first MFDS examination in Abu Dhabi. He continues to be actively involved as an examiner with the RCSEd for both the MFDS and MRD examinations. Grant is keen to build effective partnerships with dental practitioners and other specialists for the benefit of patients and to complement professional development. Edinburgh Prosthodontics: Dr. Crawford A. Bain - B.D.S.,D.D.S.,M.S.C.,M.B.A CERT.PERIO., CERT. FIXED PROS., FELLOWSHIP IN IMPLANTOLOGY After spending nine years in general practice in Scotland and Canada, Dr. Bain completed speciality training in Periodontics and Prosthodontics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Since then he has been at various times Director of Occlusion; Head of Periodontics and Director of Implant Dentistry at Dalhousie University, Canada. In 1990-1991 he was the Branemark Surgical Implant Fellow at UCLA, USA where his research into Implants and Smoking resulted in the Osseointegration Foundation/Quintessence Publishing Company Award for the best scientific article in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Implants in 1993. He has maintained a specialist practice since 1981, returning to Scotland in 1995. Dr. Bain is certified by the General Dental Council of Great Britain as a specialist in Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry. Edinburgh Endodontics: Carol Tait - BDS Hons, MSc MfDS RCS Ed, MRD RCS eng After Qualifying from University of Dundee in 1987 with Honours, Dr Tait spent several years in general practice developing her interest in endodontics before moving to Cape Town, South Africa in 1998 where she worked as a lecturer in Restorative Dentistry teaching endodontics and gaining an MSc in endodontics.Following her return to the UK, Dr Tait successfully completed her MfDS examination and took up the position of clinical lecture and specialist Registrar in Endodontics at the University of Dundee in 2001. She gained her postgraduate Specialist qualification, MRD RCS eng in 2004. Dr Tait is presently a part time lecturer in endodontics at the university of Dundee where she delivers courses at both undergraduate & postgraduate level. She is proficient in the use of modern endodontic techniques and carries out non-surgical & surgical treatment using an operating microscope designed for endodontict. Her area of interest is peridicular surgery. Edinburgh Oral Surgery: Prof. Glenn E. Lello - B.D.S.,F.D.S.R.C.S.EDIN./ENG.,I.,R.C.P.,M.R.C.S.,M.B.B.C.H.,F.R.C.S.,PH. Professor Lello undertook dental, medical, oral and craniomaxillofacial surgery training and practice in association with seven Universities in a number of countries including South Africa, Switzerland, U.S.A and the U.K. He has held many positions within training and professional associations including the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and England. He has published many articled and served as editor of the British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. For the past 16 years he has held a consultant NHS post in Edinburgh and maintains a specialist practice including dental implants. Edinburgh Oral Surgery: David Offord - BDS (Edin) MFDS RCPS (Glas) Mr David Offord graduated in dentistry from Edinburgh University in 1994. He moved from general practice to hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2000. David undertook senior house officer postings in North Wales, London, Fife and Forth Valley. From 2004 to 2006 he was staff grade in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Fife, where he continued to acquire extensive surgical experience, particularly in facial trauma and cutaneous malignancy. In 2001 he attained the MFDS from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and in 2007 he became a registered specialist in oral surgery. David has also spent two years of his career practicing overseas, namely in Australia and Singapore. In addition to his work at Edinburgh Dental Specialists, David teaches Masters Students, SHOs and GPTs in the department of oral surgery, Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute. David’s principal role within the practice is the surgical placement of dental implants. David works very closely with his prosthodontic colleagues, striving to produce the best possible aesthetic outcome for your patients. David is a surgical mentor for Nobel Biocare, 3i and Straumann, and is keen to develop close links with referring colleagues who wish to expand their implant practice. Many dentists do not wish to tackle the surgical aspect of dental implantology, preferring to develop their expertise in the restoration of implants. While he is willing to mentor dentists who have come through recognised courses in their surgical placements, David would also be delighted to carry out the surgery on their behalf at Rose Street. David has a particular interest in the management of anxious patients requiring oral surgery, and is currently studying for a diploma in conscious sedation at the University of Newcastle. He would welcome your referrals of anxious patients requiring dental implants, or indeed conventional oral surgery such as removal of impacted wisdom teeth, which might be best managed under conscious sedation. Edinburgh Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology: Neil Heath - DCR(R) BDS,BDS,MSc,MFDSRCS,DDRRCR Edinburgh Dental Team, Scotland Edinburgh Dental Hygienists: Moira Melville Moira Graduated in 1982 and was awarded the “ Oral B “ cup in recognition of her academic & clinical achievements. Moira worked in general practice and community dental care until joining the team in 2000. In addition to her role in caring for the patients oral health Moira working closely with Dr Crawford Bain and Dr Pierluigi Coli our periodontal specialists, Moira’s postgraduate qualifications allow her to administer local anaesthetic, take impression, radiographs & CT scans. She is a very well liked & trusted by her patients who appreciate her gentle & approachable manner. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Dawn Livingstone Dawn joined the practice in November 2001 after working in general practice for 12 years she qualified in 1993 and is registered with the General Dental Council (UK). Within the practice her primary roll is surgical nursing & administrative support to Prof. Glenn Lello. Dawn is also qualified as a sedation nurse having completed postgraduate training in May 2004, she is now one of two qualified sedation nurses within the practice and is currently studying for the Dental Radiography exam. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Jennifer Henry Jennifer joined the practice in January 2003, as a trainee dental nurse; in that time she has trained and worked with all specialists within the practice. Jennifer’s calm and caring nature makes her a valuable member of our nursing team. Jennifer passed her national certificate in July 2004 and is registered as a Dental Nurse with the General Dental Council (UK). Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Miriam Tuttle Miriam joined the practice in June 2006 prior to that she spent 1 year in New Zealand where she worked along side a cosmetic dental surgeon, She gained her dental nursing certificate in November 2005. Currently she is studying to complete her Dental radiography examination. Miriam works with both Dr. Judith Lello and Dr. Crawford Bain. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Patrick Gamble Patrick joined the nursing team in June 2007 after studying film and modern history at Queens University Belfast and a managerial role in the retail industry. Patrick is studying towards his national certificate in dental nursing at Edinburgh's Telford College and works with Dr. Grant Mathieson one of our specialist prosthodontists. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Emma Finlayson Emma joined the practice in March 2008 and very quickly became a vital member of our nursing team. Emma works with both surgical and restorative specialists, which allows her to support her patients throughout their entire treatment journey. Emma qualified as a dental nurse in 2004 and is registered with the General Dental Council (UK) as a dental nurse. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Jordan Hunter Jordan joined our nursing team as a trainee dental nurse in February 2008. She is studying towards her national Certificate in Dental Nursing at Edinburgh's Telford College. Jordan particularly enjoys nursing with our implant surgeons. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Lena Zlatogors'ka Lena joined our nursing team in May 2008 as a trainee dental nurse, prior to joining the practice Lena prior to joining us Lena was teacher of chemistry. Lena has attended Edinburgh Dental Institute for her induction training and begins studying for her National Certificate in Dental Nursing at Edinburgh's Telford College in January 2009. Lena works with Dr. Carol Tait our endodontic specialist. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Betka Gilchrist Betka joined us in October 2005 after studying full time at Edinburgh Telford College to gain her National Certificate in Dental Nursing. Betka’s primary role in the practice is to give full chair side support to Dr. Carol Tait, our endodontic specialist. Betka is registered with the General Dental Council UK. Betka has recently taken maternity leave and we look forward to welcoming her back in due course. Edinburgh Dental Nurses: Gemma Grant Gemma joined us in September 2005 with a back ground in retail. Gemma attended Telford College and qualified as a dental nurse in 2007 and is registered with the General Dental Council UK. Gemma took a career break in May 2008 and spent the summer living abroad. Gemma returned to us in September 2008 and we were delighted to welcome her back. Edinburgh Oral Health Consultant: Liz Hutchison Liz joined the practice in March 1994 and is qualified dental nurse registered with the General Dental Council (U.K). Liz has postgraduate qualifications in Oral Health Education and Dental radiography. Liz consults with patients on completion of their treatment to ensure they are fully aware of the most effective way to maintain the very best oral health. Liz also works at The Edinburgh Dental Institute as a co-ordinator of continued personal development courses for dental professionals. Edinburgh Receptionists: Emma Davidson Emma joined the admin team in May 2003 following extensive training in various offices. Emma has travelled and resided in East Africa working mainly with children but also managing a small office in a community centre in Nairobi. Emma's exceptionally friendly & enthusiastic nature has enabled Emma to become a vital member of reception team. Edinburgh Receptionists: Bernice Cumming Bernice joined the practice in June 2005 having previously worked as a dental receptionist for 3 years. She has worked for many years in customer related roles and has gained an NVQ in Customer Services. Bernice has a very calm, professional & caring approach with patients and is a highly valued member of our team. Edinburgh Receptionists: Tania Burns Tania joined us in June 2007, having previously worked in customer services. Her professional, friendly & highly organised approach makes her an invaluable member of our administrative & reception team. Edinburgh Practice Management & Admin: Susie Lochhead - Business Manager Susie has been managing the practice since its inception in 1994. Her managerial skills are responsible for the smooth and efficient running of the practice. Her role, encompasses recruitment, marketing, customer service training, financing, accounting and personnel. Edinburgh Practice Management & Admin: Karen Murray - Practice Management Karen joined the practice in 1997 following a career as a dental nurse and practice manager in the Royal Navy. Karen is a qualified dental nurse and is registered with the General Dental Council (U.K) and is also a qualified sedation nurse. Karen manages the day-to-day running of the practice and laboratory and co-ordinates the postgraduate courses. Edinburgh Practice Management & Admin: Jacqui Kelly - Office Manager Jacqui joined us in May 1999 with a management background in retail she has continued to develop her role in the reception and administrative side of things and now manages the referral system as well as over seeing the smooth running of reception. Edinburgh Dental Technologists: Daniel Gilchrist HNC Danny qualified in 1995 after studying for three years at Edinburgh Telford College. He gained experience working in several laboratories around Edinburgh. In 2001 Danny left Edinburgh and spent the next 18 months working in a crown & bridge lab in Melbourne Australia on returning to the UK he spent one year in a busy private lab in sussex covering all aspects of gold work. In 2003 he came back to Scotland and joined a busy lab in Glasgow starting off in the NHS department then joining the private department dealing with gold work and implants. Danny joined our laboratory in August in 2004 and has since undergone extensive training to help him develop the expertise he now has in dental implant supported restorations and the production of fine gold and precious metal frameworks (the supports for crowns and bridges.) Through Danny’s expertise and dedication we are now able to predictably cast and produce gold frameworks of outstanding accuracy. Edinburgh Dental Technologists: Kristel Brown Kristel joined the practice in February 2003 after her initial training in the Royal Air Force. She gained her dental nursing certificate in May 2003 and successfully completed the Dental Radiography examination at Queen Margaret College in 2006. After a three-month break, during which she travelled to New Zealand and Australia Kristel has re-joined Edinburgh Dental Specialists and has taken on the role of laboratory administrator. Kristel is registered with the General Dental Council (U.K.) Edinburgh Dental Technologists: Bruce Innes HND Bruce qualified at Edinburgh Telford College in 1996 where he gained an HND in Dental Technology along with a city and Guilds qualification in crown and bridge. In October 2006, after nine years experience at a private dental practice in Edinburgh he joined Edinburgh Dental Specialists and following an intensive period of post-graduate training is now managing the prosthetics department, overseeing the fabrication of all resin & acrylic based restorations. The aesthetic qualities of the restorations produced by Bruce are outstanding & are generally imperceptible from natural teeth. Edinburgh Dental Technologists: Sean McKenna Sean joined Edinburgh Dental Specialists in March 2008 after completing a three-year course at Telford College where he gained an HNC in Dental Technology. Sean currently manages the casting & modelling department. Edinburgh Dental Technologists: Bianca Mueller Following a four year training programme Bianca qualified as a dental technologist in Frankfurt in 1998. A further two years of postgraduate training was undertaken to gain the “Master Technician” qualification in 2001. Since then Bianca has worked in a number of laboratories until she opened her own laboratory in 2004. Bianca has been looking for an opportunity to relocate to the UK for 2yrs and we are delighted to welcome her to our team. Bianca is one of only a handful of Master Technicians in the UK, her knowledge and artistic expertise are outstanding. Her ability and skills will allow us to achieve the most natural, lifelike ceramic restorations much more predictably. The Edinburgh Dental Laboratory, Scotland Similar to the Practice, in the world of dental care our laboratory is unique. We have over the last 5 years taken the time to build a dental laboratory which can rival many of the large commercial laboratories. Critical to our success has been investment in state of the art equipment and computerised technology as well as the technical and practical education of our technologists. Like the specialist practitioners, the technologists are manufacturing complicated and challenging aesthetic dental restorations every day, their work is not diluted with routine cases. This means that their skills have developed rapidly, and continue to do so. Traditionally dental technologists have only met, to discuss cases with their dentists, when something has gone wrong. Our integrated team of specialists and technologists meet at some point every day to communicate the treatment being provided and how to achieve the best result. In cosmetic dentistry most work has to be sent by post to the laboratory of choice or even overseas. As our laboratory is on site we can take the opportunity to introduce you to the technologist responsible for crafting your restorations. This allows us to really communicate the detail of what we are trying to achieve, and the technologist to achieve outstanding results. Should emergency situations arise the convenience of an on site laboratory cannot be understated and our technologists will always strive to help you gain control of whatever problem has arisen. Edinburgh Dental Testimonials, Scotland "I can't thank you enough for all the caring & professional way you have shown me since we first met. I walked into your practice feeling very reluctant and walked out very thrilled with my new smile. I appreciate all the time you took to explain in detail all the options available to me. I have had many compliments on the new look. You have no idea how my new smile has affected my life! I would highly recommend you and your staff to my family & friends. You truly are an 'artist of the mouth'." "Having completed my treatment at Edinburgh Dental Specialists, I would like to say how very delighted I am with the final results! From my initial appointment to the final treatment I can honestly say I have had fantastic care from both Dr Lochhead and Crystal. They have been patient, kind, considerate every minute of the journey and all that definitely assisted my confidence. As I required implants, my fears were washed away at the beginning by all the explaining throughout every step. The final result is amazing and I feel at long last I can confidently smile instead of hiding my teeth all the time. Words cannot convey my gratitude- all I can say is I have been very fortunate to have had such expert professionals- thank you!" "I write to express my thanks for the kind, caring considerate shown to me during the last year when I underwent an implant procedure for my left front tooth. I am delighted with the outcome - having had various problems, difficulties and several crowns over the last 38 years!! It is wonderful to at last have the confidence the implant has given me!! The whole procedure although long - was not as I anticipated - and was made easier by the caring and professional team at all stages. As a consequence I would urge anyone considering implant treatment to proceed as the benefits and end result are well worth it and by far should outweigh any nerves or fear!" "I would like to thank you both for my latest treatment that complete my course successfully. The outcome is so much better than I had thought possible at the time of my initial consultation. I am so glad that I did not delay the treatment. I would not hesitate in recommending to anyone in my situation to go for it! The long term gain far outweighs the very short lived pain. What was a sensitive and traumatic experience was understood by all staff at the various stages of treatment. The empathy shown by all staff was very much appreciated. This made the experience so much easier to cope with, knowing that my feelings always being taken into account and that post surgery support was always there. As I mentioned at my last consultations I would be very happy to discuss my possible experience with patients who have concerns what lies ahead of them." "3 generations of my family have been patients of Edinburgh Dental Specialists almost from the first days it opened 10 years ago. We always received the best of care and advice, from impacted wisdom teeth through various fillings, crowns and dentures to bone surgery and gum care. The dental and surgical procedures always happened with a lot of concern, no pain and a smile. One enters this elegant practice being always greeted by a smile from reception and leaves with your own smile looking better." Edinburgh Referral Dentistry & Fee Guide, Scotland How to achieve the necessary referral: If you have a dentist: If after viewing our web site or talking to someone whose has received treatment previously, you would like to see one our of specialists the simplest option is to phone your dental practice and discuss your concerns with them first. If they feel a referral is appropriate it can be easily arranged. We are also happy to accept a referral from your general medical practitioner. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable phoning your practice then please do call one of our referral coordinators on 0131-225-266 who will be pleased to advise you on how to proceed. We have established relationships with over 500 local practitioners and will in most cases be able to manage your referral for you. If you do not have a general dentist or wish more information Call our friendly referral coordinators on 0131-225-2666 who will be able to explain how to proceed, in your specific case, in order to receive the necessary referral. We have lists of local practitioners we work with who will be happy to take on your regular care. THE PATIENT JOURNEY Free Initial Consultation We realise how daunting it can be to attend any form of medical consultation. Most patients are referred to us from practitioners with whom they have built up a relationship of trust and friendship over many years, attending another dental practice for the first time can be anxiety provoking. While you may agree with the treatment your dentist has recommended you may be, naturally, concerned about letting someone you don’t know yet carry out the treatment, or about the unknown costs involved. As a courtesy to you and your referring practitioner we provide a free initial consultation. This appointment initially takes place over a cup of tea or coffee in a relaxed environment away from the clinical areas. One of our referral coordinators will familiarise you with the way in which the practice runs, how we provide treatment and the various treatment options available. You will meet with one of the specialist dentists who will take time to discuss your concerns and find out what you are wishing to achieve with your dental care. After a short examination the specialist will explain their findings and outline the various treatment options, which may be available, to meet your requirements. Using our experience of helping people with similar problems it should also be possible to provide you with an idea of the costs involved. At the end of the of the appointment you will be given options on how to proceed, this may mean a treatment planning appointment, meeting with another specialist, or simply returning to your practitioner electing not to have any treatment at this time. With more complicated treatment requirements some patients wish to discuss the appointment with their spouse or family before deciding whether to proceed or not. We are more than happy should you wish to bring another family member to the initial consultation, or any subsequent appointment. Following this appointment the specialist will write to your dentist explaining their findings. Treatment Planning Appointment If you decide that you would to proceed with treatment or that you would like a firm quotation on the options available with specific costs and timescales then a treatment planning appointment is required. This is a 30 – 45 minutes clinical appointment where a full clinical exam is carried out, which includes: - detailed questioning on what you are trying to achieve and the current problems experienced - oral cancer screen - detailed examination of remaining dentition, gum condition and bite - impressions of upper and lower jaws with jaw recording to mount on an artificial jaw - detailed series of clinical photographs - detailed x-rays where required - scanning x-ray where required Note: If an additional special investigation such as a CT scan is required this is carried out as a separate appointment. After this appointment the Prosthodontist will compile the information and over the course of 1-2 hours produce a detailed report of your problems and how they may be resolved, discussions will take place with the laboratory and the supply companies in order to arrive at an accurate costing. Once a week the specialists meet to share ideas and discuss treatment plans. This is unique to Edinburgh Dental Specialists and means that you are not limited to the expertise of one person. Should you require an additional appointment to discuss any of the points raised in the report this is included in the fee. The treatment planning fee is £295.00 Note: for treatment such as root canal therapy or minor oral surgery procedures a treatment planning appointment is usually not necessary. Financial Investment We do not expect anybody to commit to treatment unless until they are fully aware of the costs involved. We know that most people have to carefully budget for extensive treatment plans and any increase during treatment might be prohibitive. Once we have quoted for treatment, and you have signed a consent form, we will do everything in our power to keep to the cost quoted. The most significant financial investment is usually attributed to dental implant treatment. There are two major costs involved with implant treatment: Surgical costs - which include surgical planning, the implant component costs and surgical placement by the implant surgeon and his team. Restorative costs - which include the final prosthesis(what is actually attached to the implant), associated component and laboratory costs together with the planning and any provisional (temporary) restorations required. Dental Implant treatment requires more financial investment than most previous dental treatment you will have received and undoubtedly this is one of the most important factors in deciding on which type of implant supported restoration to proceed with. There are many factors, which dictate the need for individual quotations rather than selection from a price list: - No two dentitions are the same. - The number of implants needed can be different for similar restorative cases. - The final restorative requirements may be different for similar situations eg emphasis on appearance or function. - The final cost can be "tailored" to some extent depending on the desired final result e.g. fixed or removable - Additional work may be required to stabilise any remaining teeth prior to implant treatment. As a result absolute costs cannot be quoted until a full diagnosis is established encompassing all the potential variables and combining them with your individual criteria. In this way we can present a complete treatment plan of all the available options and costs. In most instances however, it is possible to provide an estimation of cost at the initial clinical consultation, prior to committing to any treatment or follow up appointments. The estimation is based on previously completed similar cases and used only to help in deciding whether to proceed to a full treatment plan or not. Financial Guide to Investing in Dental Implant treatment This guide is in order to give an idea of the costs involved only. These costs include all surgical and restorative costs, implant component costs, grafting materials, laboratory costs and appointments necessary to completion, together with follow up appointments and making good any problems which may occur during or after treatment. Note: - When comparing these costs with other providers of this treatment it is important to be sure that all costs are included. Replacement of a single tooth from £2,500 - £4,500 3 tooth bridge – (2 implants and 3 teeth) from £5,500 lower denture supported on 2 implants from £3,500 (including custom fabrication of new denture) upper denture supported on 4 implants from £7,500 (including custom fabrication of new denture) Replacement of all lower teeth with fixed bridgework from £11,000 to £25,000 Replacement of all upper teeth with fixed bridgework from £11,000 to £25,000 Investing in Root Canal Therapy Root canal treatment of a front tooth from £380 Root canal treatment of a back tooth from £720 Apical Surgery from £800 Investing in cosmetic dentistry tooth whitening from £390 full and partial coverage crowns and veneers from £600 - £1,100 per tooth (There are many different materials from which these restorations may be fabricated each affording specific benefits. At your initial consultation the Prosthodontist will use the information provided by you to advise you on the most appropriate material for your needs. ) Composite bonding and fillings from £170 per tooth Upper arch aesthetic make-over using veneers or crowns from £5,000 Investing in periodontal treatment All periodontal treatment is patient specific and we recommend an initial consultation with either Dr PierLugi Coli or Dr Bain. Investing in custom fabricated removable dentures Complete upper and lower custom fabricated removable dentures (includes all appointments, chairside customisation, dental face-lift technique of achieving correct support to cheeks and lips as well as follow-up adjustment appointments if required and spare “emergency” denture if requested). from £1,800 Removable cobalt chrome “precision fit” equipoise dentures from £1,350 Treatment of TMJ problems, headaches and facial pain from £340 Edinburgh Dental Safety & Technology, Scotland Safety Your safety while under our care is paramount. All the current guidelines on cross infection control are in place with protocols to ensure that standards are maintained. All handpieces (drill units) are disinfected between patients, together with all non-disposable instruments, using pressurised steam autoclaves. Where possible disposable items are used and disposed of accordingly. All clinical staff wear gloves and masks for clinical procedures together with safety glasses. Full disposable covers are supplied to protect your clothes together with safety glasses. A dental dam is used where appropriate. All staff are regularly trained in emergency procedures and health and safety legislation is in force. If you have any concerns at all about your safety while under our care then please contact Karen Murray our practice manager. Latest advances Dentistry is a technologically driven science. The technology is rapidly changing and we make sure that any new innovations are thoroughly proven before introducing them for your care. The practice currently subscribes to eight peer reviewed journals a month, each providing research articles relevant to different aspects of dental care. We are often able to form opinions on advances in the field long before the items become universally available. The Digital Age Since we opened in 1994 we have been fully computerised with all our patients information being saved on computer and immediately accessible from either the surgeries or the reception station. Integral to the computer package are intraoral video cameras in each surgery, which allow pictures of your teeth to be taken for highlighting relevant areas and promoting discussion. A full X-ray facility is available on site with four intra-oral units and a digital OPT. Digital x-ray technology allows use of the lowest dose of x-rays. Guided Surgery We are one of a handful of practices in the UK to have invested in our own CT scanner. This investment now allows us to have CT images taken for dental implant treatment at approximately 1/40 of the dose of a hospital scanner and for half the price. The information from the CT scan in certain cases allow us to place implants, without having to cut the gums, and fit bridgework on the same day. This technology is company specific and referred to as “guided surgery” or “Nobelguide teeth-in-an-hour”. Not having to cut the gums means that there is very little chance of bruising, swelling or pain after treatment. If you are interested in benefitting from guided surgery please ask for details of this service from one of our specialists at your consultation. Relaxation & Comfort in Edinburgh Dentistry, Scotland We recognise that for many dentistry provokes a great deal of anxiety and tension. Critical to feeling relaxed is trusting the people you are with, as specialists you know that you can trust our expertise but that is not enough. It is important to us to take time building a relationship with you in order to really understand what you want, your previous problems and to decide how best to manage your care. Just because a procedure usually takes an hour does not mean it will every time. If you are particularly anxious then certainly more time will be allowed, often starting with minor procedures in order to build your confidence and for us both to find out how best to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. All dental care can and should be totally painless, if there are any areas you are particularly concerned about then do let us know in advance and we will do everything possible to reassure you and explain how they may be overcome in advance. For your comfort all surgeries are airconditioned, during long procedures all our chairs have “tempur med” body forming mattresses. There are screens above the dental chairs showing films and documentaries to distract your attention and help time pass. We are always happy to play your choice of music with an integral CD system in each room. Intravenous Sedation David Offord, one of our Oral Surgeons can provide an intravenous sedation service for particularly lengthy or anxiety provoking procedures. Mr Offord is one of only a handful of qualified trainers in intravenous sedation techniques and currently provides a sedation service at the Edinburgh Dental Institute and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Three of our Dental Nurses are qualified to offer chair side assistance during sedation sessions. Edinburgh Dental Treatments in Scotland What specialist treatments do we offer at Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland? Prosthodontics - this is the back bone of all dental treatment and includes dental implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures and all cosmetic dentistry. There are approximately 400 prosthodontists in the UK Periodontics - diagnosis and treatment of gum disease. There are approximately 300 periodontists in the UK Endodontics - root canal therapy. There are approximately 200 endodontists in the UK Oral & Maxillo-facial Surgery - tooth removal, bone grafting, biopsies, sinus lifts, placement of dental implants. There are approximately 800 oral surgeons in the UK. Edinburgh Cosmetic Dentistry, Scotland With programmes like “ten years younger” and “extreme makeover” looking good and getting your teeth “fixed” has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Our prosthodontists in Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland have been carrying out this type of treatment for the last 15yrs, for members of the public and celebrities alike, employing the latest techniques and materials as they become available and are proved reliable. We believe that every restoration we provide should harmonise with your smile and facial features. Rather than just focusing on the final image achieved we aim to plan your treatment being sympathetic to the whole mouth. In this way we arrive at a solution that gives you a predictable long-term result, at a price that suits your budget. Having our own on site laboratory allows you to have truly customised restorations, the technologists responsible for creating your crowns and veneers meet with you in order to really find out what you’re looking for and the image you’re looking to create. With our laboratory we have access to all the latest cosmetic materials - “contact lens” veneers, lumineers, empress crowns, procera alumina and zircon, all CAD/CAM restorations. All cosmetic “make-overs” start with detailed consultation and smile design. The end result should be established and visualised before any treatment takes place. This includes direct modelling on the teeth with nonbonded resin, laboratory modelled results on a cast of your teeth or computer imaging. Bright White or Natural? Not all cosmetic dentistry has to result in the “wow factor” of bright white teeth, indeed much of the cosmetic dentistry we carry out is to try and create a natural appearance which does not attract attention but rather blends with your smile. The choice, of course, is yours. Techniques routinely employed : Teeth Whitening (power and home techniques), porcelain veneers , all ceramic crowns , aesthetic reshaping, gum contouring, resin bonding. Edinburgh Porcelain Veneers: Scotland Cosmetic Dentistry Porcelain veneers are the main treatment procedure the prosthodontist will use when embarking on a smile makeover. Veneers can be used to change the shape and colour of teeth, they are essentially wafer thin pieces of hand crafted glass ceramic which when bonded in place become incredibly strong. The strength can be further enhanced through the use of additional materials such as alumina and zirconia. The properties of the glass mean that a very natural lifelike restoration can be created which absorbs the underlying tooth colour for a final result that can be imperceptible from a real tooth. Another advantage, not immediately obvious, is that less preparation of the tooth is required meaning there is less chance of nerve involvement and when the veneer, ultimately, needs replaced this is still possible. Absolutely critical to the aesthetic success of the veneers is the skill of the ceramist involved in their production and the selection by the prosthodontist of the correct materials. With veneers it is possible to finally have the smile, and confidence in smiling, that you have always wanted. Porcelain veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others. Full Coverage Dental Crowns at Edinburgh Dentistry, Scotland When a tooth has been extensively restored either by large fillings or a previous crown then full coverage of the remaining tooth structure is required to regain strength and durability. The tooth has to be reduced sufficiently such that the final crown looks natural and does not interfere with the bite position. These are the most destructive restorations to the tooth structure however if carried out correctly they can last a lifetime. Conventional crowns have a thin layer of gold under the porcelain to increase strength. The latest material advances have produced all-ceramic crowns with almost the same strength. There are many different manufacturers of these materials most notable at present being PROCERA by Nobelbiocare and LAVA by 3M. The core of the crown is fabricated from a layer of solid alumina or zirconium (produced by a computer design and machining facility) before being sent to our ceramist for the final layer of aesthetic porcelain to be added. Without the layer of gold all-ceramic crowns have almost as good aesthetics as porcelain veneers. A crown is an artificial restoration that fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. A crown is sometimes known as a ‘cap’. Crowns are an ideal restoration for teeth that have been broken, or have been weakened by decay or a very large filling. A dental crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance: - you may have discoloured fillings and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth - you may have had a root filling which will need a crown to protect it - it may help hold a bridge or denture firmly in place. Edinburgh Teeth Whitening, Scotland Just about everybody would like to have their teeth whiter. This has been possible for many years using a variety of different bleaching techniques with varying predictability. More recently the systems have been reduced to two main techniques: - In office "power teeth whitening". - Home whitening using a custom mouth guard. Teeth are stained by the foods and drinks we consume. Smoking further stains teeth and the natural bright, white shade becomes darkened. Teeth whitening is a successful and simple method of lightening the colour of your teeth. The degree of whiteness achieved will vary from patient to patient and with the type of bleaching process chosen. Our Office 1-hour power whitening can whiten teeth by up to several shades, brightening your teeth dramatically to its natural shade. Your lips and gums are covered and a gel is applied to your teeth. A special light is positioned over your teeth to activate the gel, which gently penetrates your teeth, breaking up stains and discolouration. Whiter, brighter teeth in less than an hour! Home Whitening A custom made mouth tray is created. A whitening gel is placed in the tray which you then wear whist asleep or for short periods during the day. Results are normally seen over 2 weeks. A mould of the teeth is taken and used to construct a closely fitting custom mouthguard or tray. Instructions are given on how to use the bleaching gel, which is placed in the tray. Ideally the tray should be worn for at least 4hr each day (usually at night), a noticeable difference is usually achieved within 2-3 uses but most treatments are continued over 2 weeks. Other important points about bleaching: Whitening does not make your teeth more susceptible to dental decay or gum disease. The results are not permanent although there will always be a noticeable difference from before treatment started, and teeth can always be "topped up" at a later date if required. Power whitening is limited by the time set aside in the surgery - if the teeth are not white enough at the end of the allotted time then a further period has to be booked or progression on to a home bleaching technique is required. Not all discolorations are treatable with a bleaching agent, it is essential that an examination is carried out first to assess suitability and provide an indication of the results achievable. The bleach agents do not affect existing crowns and fillings. Edinburgh Teeth Bonding, Scotland This is the same material that is used to provide tooth-coloured fillings, and in its simplest form is used for just that. Older generation composite resins can discolour over time, seriously compromising an otherwise good looking tooth, replacing the filling with a newer material can really make a difference to the appearance with almost no extra loss of tooth structure. In certain situations and when more destructive procedures are not appropriate composite resin can be used: - To close gaps between teeth - Provide full surface coverage (veneering) - Build up worn down teeth The composite resins and bonding materials are constantly being improved. We make sure that each time a new development occurs, we attend the relevant educational courses and source independent research material to decide whether the manufacturer claims are warranted and if we should add the materials to our stock. In this way only those materials that have been independently proven will ever be used in your care. Aesthetic Reshaping Creating a natural pleasing smile can sometimes be achieved by simple adjustment of the existing tooth structure - rounding off sharp edges, shortening teeth that are too long or polishing the front surface so that light reflects differently, all to achieve the predetermined symmetry and proportion. Edinburgh Dental Implants, Scotland Prosthodontists, Oral surgeons and Periodontists are the experts in providing dental implant treatment. While one person can provide all the skills necessary for implant treatment, using a team of specialists means that you benefit from expert skills and knowledge at each stage of treatment. This can make your treatment quicker, easier and more predictable. You are not limited to the expertise of any one clinician. Dental implants are the fastest growing area of dentistry today. When teeth are missing or have to be removed the most ideal way of replacing them is to use dental implant supported artificial teeth. Anchoring the replacement teeth in this way gives many advantages: - Eliminate the need for dentures and denture fixative so that there is nothing “moving about” when you chew - You can bite and chew food just as well as with your natural teeth - Eat comfortably again - Enjoy socialising and eating out again - Be able to eat food that you have avoided for years - Achieve natural looking teeth and the smile you have always wanted - No damage to remaining teeth - No need for a plate to cover the roof of your mouth - Restorations that last longer than anything else conventional dentistry can offer you - Implants stop your bone from shrinking and face from changing shape - Reduces the “aging” effect from tooth loss - Opportunity to restore and rebuild lost tissue predictably - Less complicated and easier to look after and maintain than conventional bridges or dentures - Facial collapse after tooth loss Facial support restored with implant supported restorations Our experience and expertise in providing this treatment has been established over the last 12 years. With five prosthodontists and two oral surgeons (including a Professor of Maxillo-Facial surgery) our collective experience amounts to over 100yrs! There really is not a situation or problem that we have not encountered. We are happy to work with all the systems available and having our own onsite CT scanner and dental laboratory allows us to successfully treat situations that previously might have been thought impossible. Dental implant treatment is not routine dentistry and only a few practices are able to offer this type of treatment. This is for many reasons, the most common of which is that the number of patients seeking implant treatment in an established practice is generally quite small and unfortunately does not justify the investment in the required technology, together with the considerable surgical and prosthetic training that is required. This is changing as more and more people are demanding dental implant treatment. We have for 5 years been running a postgraduate teaching programme for local practitioners to help them introduce this type of treatment to their practices. There remains however the need for a centre to which patients requesting this type of treatment can be referred or for more challenging cases requiring specialist care. It is on this basis that we established our referral system. We started accepting referrals over 12years ago and currently have over 400 practitioners referring patients to us for dental implant treatment. We can provide a service at whatever level is required by your referring practitioner: - Surgery only - Fabrication of the final restoration - Full treatment (surgery and delivery of the restoration) - CT scans - Help and advice on planning Confidence in the advice and treatment being provided is paramount and to this end all patients who attend the centre for this type of treatment receive unlimited information on the options available and are encouraged to become involved in the diagnostic and decision making processes. A careful consultation process, with both the surgeon and restorative dentist, ensures that a lasting professional relationship is established prior to treatment commencing. Throughout treatment referring practitioners are kept fully informed on how their patients treatment is proceeding. On completion, patients are returned to their general practitioners care with the relevant advice on home and surgery maintenance being sent in advance. We are extremely fortunate to have Dr PierLugi Coli as one of our full time Prosthodontists. Dr Coli worked as a specialist prosthodontist in the Branemark clinic in Sweden for over 10 years. Since the initial implant systems were developed there have been many systems brought to market, which no longer exist. To date there have been over 1000 implants developed with varying rates of success. If embarking on implant treatment it is essential to use a tried and tested system that you can be confident will still be available in 10 -20years, and for which spare parts are readily available (maintenenace will always be required at some point). When researching your implant treatment please note that as the scientifically proven implants all cost a similar amount, marketing for reduced cost implant treatment is often based on more obscure unproven systems. As a specialist centre we only place, service and maintain the major implant systems. Dental Implants History, Edinburgh, Scotland One of the most important developments in modern dentistry has been the ability to replace missing teeth using titanium implants placed directly in to the jawbone. From one tooth up to a whole arch, or simply to stabilise a moving denture, implant dentistry can offer a successful alternative to many restorative problems. The security and comfort of a fixed restoration which looks and functions like real teeth cannot be over emphasised. Almost since the time man started loosing teeth there have been attempts to replace them. Maya Indians (100-1500AD) remains show evidence of tooth replacement with obsidian stones. Throughout the 19th & 20th century many different materials have been tried : gold, porcelain, Indian rubber, chrome cobalt, stainless steel with very varying degrees of success. The major breakthrough in Implant success, which ultimately led to the very successful materials & techniques now being employed, was made in 1952 by Per-Ing-var Branemark, in Sweden, while investigating wound healing. By chance it was discovered that titanium was biocompatible and when surgically placed in bone, direct bone contact and complete healing occurred. This reaction of the bone to titanium was termed "osseointegration". The first screw shape implants were placed in patients in 1965. The technique was kept under research conditions and refined until 1985 when it was released to suitably trained practitioners, with the confidence of over 20years research and development. Throughout this period other types of implant systems have been available, however none have, until recently, been able to meet with the success rates afforded by the Branemark system. All the currently successful systems are now based on the initial Branemark research and treatment protocols. One of our Prosthodontists Dr Pier Luig Coli has spent 10years working in the Branemark clinic in Gothenburg. Dr Coli is not only tremendously experienced in providing this treatment but has from his experiences and research studies in Sweden a wealth of literature based knowledge on which to base decisions. Association of Dental Implantology The ADI aims to provide the public with an improved understanding of the benefits of implantology, and Members with the benefits of continuous skills development, safeguarding standards. Edinburgh Conventional or Implant Treatment, Scotland Whether to have conventional dentistry, or an implant supported option, depends entirely on the individual. All dental problems can be treated conventionally, implants however offer a number of distinct advantages which are best explained by looking at different restorative problems : - Missing Single Tooth - Replacing all the teeth in an arch Note: The options described are in principle only, different situations may require different approaches e.g. a reduction in the amount of bone available, a compromised opposing dentition, a night time tooth grinding habit. Missing Single Tooth Partial denture A removable prosthesis that can be made of all plastic or metal reinforced. It does not involve damaging the teeth either side of the space and hence is very conservative. This is the cheapest option but needs to be removed at least 3 times per day for cleaning, and replaced approximately every 3-5 years. Adhesive bridge A fixed prosthesis that is glued to the tooth, or teeth, either side of the gap. Only minimal preparation of the teeth is required. It is only suitable when the teeth either side have no existing restorations. These bridges can be very aesthetic, but as the glue used is brittle it can come unstuck over its lifetime. (If this is a front tooth it could present as an aesthetic emergency.) After 2 or 3 debonds these bridges may need to be remade and the preparations on the teeth extended. Fixed (conventional) bridge This is the technique most associated with fixed replacement of teeth. The teeth either side of the gap are shaped to support a restoration, which is designed & shaped to look like the missing tooth and supporting teeth (conventionally constructed out of porcelain and gold). This type of restoration is generally the least conservative, as it involves removing a considerable amount of tooth structure to create enough space. A fixed bridge will function like real teeth and provide a very aesthetic result that should last up to 15 years A restoration like this is often the ideal option when the supporting teeth would benefit from full coverage restoration in their own right. Unfortunately approximately 10-15% of teeth cut down as bridge supports will require root canal treatment. Implant supported crown The missing tooth root is replaced with a titanium implant and after a period of healing a replacement tooth is fabricated that is screwed or cemented on to the top of the implant. This is perhaps the most ideal restoration when the teeth either side are unrestored. It is the smallest restoration, provides function as good as a real tooth and has the longest survival rate of all the options. The techniques exist to control the shape of the gum tissue where the crown joins the implant such that the appearance is almost undetectable from a real tooth. Replacing all the teeth in an arch Complete denture The simplest and easiest option to replace all the teeth missing in an arch is a complete all acrylic/plastic denture. The denture relies on suction and muscle control to hold it in position. The appearance can be excellent, it is the function which is rarely ideal. All the biting forces are supported by the gums, which can lead to ulcers from rubbing and a compromise in eating habits because of denture movement. Long-term denture wear results in loss of the supporting bone necessitating relines or fabrication of a new denture. The maximum biting force possible with complete dentures is about 1/10 that possible with natural teeth. An implant supported complete denture (overdenture) The minimum number of implants (2 in the lower jaw, 4 in the upper) can be used to hold a complete denture firmly in place. The dentures are still primarily supported on the gums but the implants prevent any excessive movement such that social embarrassments are reduced and eating becomes much easier. The easiest way to use implants like this is to incorporate ball and socket joints, the ball on the head of the implant and the socket within the denture. Relines are needed much less as the implants help to maintain the bone around them. A removable bridge If the number of implants is increased (a minimum of 4 in the lower, 6 in the upper) then all the biting forces can be placed on the implants and the size of the restoration correspondingly reduced. There is no need to cover the palate and the plastic is limited to replacing the missing teeth and gum tissue only. This restoration provides an excellent aesthetic result with superb function, it is however still necessary to remove it for cleaning. There is generally no further bone loss and the integrity of the facial structures is maintained. Fixed full arch bridgework Again when sufficient implants are employed, a restoration can be fabricated which is either screwed or cemented on to the implants. These bridges are generally made of porcelain, or acrylic and gold, on a gold substructure and are as close to replacing your natural teeth as possible. Your maximum biting force is almost the same as having natural teeth and all foodstuffs can be eaten without compromise. Obviously all cleaning has to be carried out with the bridge in place, it is however removable for maintenance in the surgery if required. Dental FAQs Does this type of treatment hurt? We believe that all dentistry should be painless (including injections). Implant dentistry is no different. The surgical procedure of implant placement in the jawbone is carried out under local anaesthetic. The procedure is generally easier than having a tooth extracted as it is a controlled procedure with all aspects planned thoroughly beforehand. For patients that view the idea of any surgery with trepidation we offer the service of intravenous sedation, which provides all the relative advantages of a general anaesthetic (relaxation, no recollection of the appointment) without any of the dangers. Most people experience minor bruising which is relieved with simple painkillers for the first 24-48hrs. Many patients find that painkillers are not required. Following successful implant integration the restorative phase of treatment for the patient is very easy and painless. Guided surgery: We are the first practice in the united kingdom to offer the revolutionary “Navigator” guided surgery by Biomet 3i. The most recent advances in surgical placement using information gained from our CT scanner means that implants can be placed without having to cut the gums resulting in almost no after pain at all. This technique also allows us to place the restoration (teeth) at the same time - speeding up treatment to literally all in one day. How long does treatment take? Obviously treatment time is different for different cases and the extent of restorative work required, however as a general guide treatment is usually extended to allow for implant integration (bone healing). In the lower jaw implant integration period is approximately 3 months, in the upper jaw 6 months. Research is currently being conducted that suggests these periods can be reduced. How do I manage during the implant healing period, how will I look? If your treatment involves the front teeth then the appearance will generally be improved long before treatment finishes. The nature of implant treatment is such that a tremendous amount of planning is required before any treatment progresses. In this way the final appearance is known before treatment starts, it is this final result which is used as a template for provisional restorations (temporary dentures or bridges). It is the remit of the controlling restorative dentist that at no time from the initiation of your treatment should your appearance be compromised. Often it is necessary to reduce functional performance for a period prior to improving it to the ideal. It is the aim of the implant team that patients are made fully aware of the stages in their treatment and how they will look/ function during the treatment period before committing to any treatment. How long do implants last? Current research on NobelBiocare Branemark implants suggests that a successfully integrated implant will last at least 25years - making this the most successful form of restorative dental treatment available. As a result Nobelbiocare & 3i guarantee the implants for 10 years from the time of placement against failure. Dr Bain guarantees the implants he places against failure. Should an implant fail to integrate (approximately 5 out of every 100) then it can be replaced at no further cost other than the extra time require for healing. If an implant fails to integrate then this is generally found out before the final restoration is made. It is very rare for an implant to fail after the final restoration has been made (less than 1%). What if I do not like the final appearance? Prior to initiation and throughout your treatment Dr. Lochhead will seek your opinion on the appearance being achieved such that the final result is predicted and fully discussed before completion. Do I need one implant for every tooth that is missing? No, other than for a missing single tooth it often not necessary to use one implant for each missing tooth. Two or three implants can be used to support bridgework for upto five teeth. A whole arch can be supported on four implants. Can I have the implants placed and then go back to my own dentist for the final restoration? Of course, this is a service we are happy to provide to dentists trained in the restoration of implants. It is essential however that your dentist is involved at the beginning of treatment in order to prescribe where the implants should be placed. A restorative dentist should lead all implant treatment, implants should only be placed where they can be correctly restored to both the dentist and patients satisfaction. Edinburgh Root Canal Dentistry, Scotland What is endodontic treatment? Endodontic treatment removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. This tissue, called the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels that, prior to being infected, helped nourish the tooth. After the pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals arc cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed. What caused the problem with my tooth? The most common cause of pulp damage is severe decay or a fracture that exposes the pulp to bacteria that may cause infection. Other causes of pulp damage include traumatic injury such as a blow to the mouth, a cracked or loose filling or repeated fillings in a tooth, and occasionally periodontal disease. Common symptoms requiring a root canal treatment - Severe toothache, typically relieved by cold water and made worse by the intake of hot liquids - Pain that gets worse when you lie down - Pain that stays for a long time after consuming cold food or drinks - Swelling around the tooth - Constant tooth pain - Pain when chewing - Pain referred to the head and ears as well How many appointments are necessary? Often endodontic treatment is completed in one or two appointments but occasionally in complicated cases more visits may be necessary. Does endodontic therapy hurt? With the use of modern techniques, root canal treatment typically involves little or no discomfort. A local anesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. Often there is pain before treatment and endodontic treatment provides relief. Will there be pain after the procedure? Cleaning the root canals may cause some slight tenderness for a few days but usually over-the-counter painkillers alleviate the discomfort. If pain persists or if you experience severe pain or swelling, contact the surgery. How much does endodontic treatment cost? The expense of an endodontic procedure varies depending on how severe the problem is and the type of tooth. Molars with three or four canals are more difficult to treat and the fee will therefore be more. Endodontic treatment is usually more economical in the long term than any other alternative treatment. Can all teeth be treated endodontically? Occasionally a tooth cannot be saved. Endodontic treatment can be performed only if the root canals are accessible and can be adequately cleaned and sealed. There must be enough structure remaining to allow the tooth to be properly restored and the tooth must also have sufficient bone support. We only carry out treatment where we can give a good long-term outlook. Can the treatment fail? Endodontic treatment can have success rate of up to 90% in general if carried out to a good standard allowing the tooth to remain in function. Problems can occur if the tooth develops decay or the restoration on the tooth fails, or on occasions despite good care the tooth may not heal as expected. Further endodontic treatment or surgery may be carried out if appropriate. A tooth that develops a crack can also be a cause of failure and may result in loss of the tooth. Edinburgh Root Canal Treatments, Scotland What is root canal treatment? When bacteria find there way into the centre of the tooth (because of decay, leaking filling, tooth fracture or trauma etc.) an inflammatory reaction occurs which can result in toothache and ultimately an abscess. Sometimes no pain is experienced and the nerve dies quietly resulting in a slowly progressing infection. At any stage root canal treatment can be carried out to prevent spread of infection and in order to save the tooth. As the cause of the problem is bacterial infection, successful root canal treatment is effective disinfection of the inside of the tooth. The tooth is isolated under a rubber dam and after the inside of the tooth is accessed it is soaked in a disinfectant. Small nickel titanium and stainless steel instruments are used to gently clean and shape the inside of the tooth down to the tip of the roots, allowing disinfectant to work effectively. Dr Tait uses the latest surgical microscope in order to be able to see inside the tooth and work to a degree of accuracy that was not previously possible. Once completed a plastic filling material is used to fill the root canal space and prevent reinfection. After the final visit with Dr Tait you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. Will the tooth need any special care or additional treatment after endodontic treatment? You should not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. The unrestored tooth is susceptible to fracture, so you should see your dentist for a full restoration as soon as possible. Otherwise, you need only practice good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings. Most endodontically treated teeth last as long as other natural teeth. In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. Often when this occurs, redoing the endodontic procedure can save the tooth. What causes an endodontically treated tooth to need additional treatment? New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, additional or very narrow or curved canals are located that could not be treated during the initial procedure. Edinburgh Root Canal Retreatment, Scotland Many patients are referred to Dr Tait in order to have a root canal filling redone. If the dentist has been unable to access the full extent of the tooth or the infection has been resistant to their best efforts then referral to a specialist is necessary. Why do I need another endodontic procedure? As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons: - Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure. - Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure. - The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment. - The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth. - In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example: New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth. A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection. A tooth sustains a fracture. What will happen during retreatment? First, Dr Tait will discuss your treatment options. If you choose retreatment, Dr Tait will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials—crown, post and core material—must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals. The key again is disinfection but with retreatment the original filling material has to be removed and the whole root system investigated to be sure that there are no additional canals, (spaces harboring bacteria), which need to be treated. Use of the surgical microscope is essential for this process. After cleaning the canals, Dr Tait will fill and seal the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth. You will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function. Is retreatment the best choice for me? Whenever possible, it is best to save your natural tooth. Retreated teeth can function well for years, even for a lifetime. Advances in technology are constantly changing the way root canal treatment is performed. Dr Tait will use advanced techniques that were possibly not available when you had your first procedure. As with any dental or medical procedure, there are no guarantees. Dr Tait will discuss your options and the chances of success before beginning retreatment. Edinburgh Endodontics Surgery, Scotland Why would I need endodontic surgery? Surgery may be used in diagnosis. If you have persistent symptoms but no problems appear on your x-ray, your tooth may have a tiny fracture or canal that could not be detected during nonsurgical treatment. In such a case, surgery allows Dr Tait to examine the entire root of your tooth, find the problem, and provide treatment. Sometimes calcium deposits make a canal too narrow for the instruments used in root canal treatment to reach the end of the root. If your tooth has this “calcification,” then endodontic surgery can clean and seal the remainder of the canal. Teeth restored with post crowns that require endodontic treatment can often be dismantled but occasionally Dr Tait may prefer to carry out surgery if she thinks that removing the post may cause irreversible damage to the root. Usually, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can last the rest of your life and never need further endodontic treatment. However, in a few cases, a tooth may not heal or become infected. A tooth may become painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment. If this is true for you, surgery may help save your tooth. Surgery may also be performed to treat damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone. Although there are many surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth, the most common involves root-end resection. When inflammation or infection persists in the bony area around the end of your tooth after a root canal procedure, Dr Tait may have to perform root-end resection. What is root-end resection? In this surgical procedure, the Dr Tait opens the gum tissue near the tooth to see the underlying bone and to remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The very end of the root is also removed. A small filling is placed in the root to seal the end of the root canal, and a few stitches or sutures are placed in the gingiva to help the tissue heal properly. Over a period of months, the bone heals around the end of the root. Will the procedure hurt? Local anesthetics make the procedure comfortable. Of course, you may feel some discomfort or experience slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. Dr Tait will recommend appropriate painkillers to alleviate your discomfort. You will be given you specific postoperative instructions to follow. If you have questions after your procedure, or if you have pain that does not respond to medication, call the surgery for further advice. Can I drive myself home? Often you can, but you should ask Dr Tait before your appointment so that you can make transportation arrangements if necessary. When can I return to my normal activities? Most patients return to work or other routine activities the next day. Dr Tait will see you two days following your surgery to check that all is healing well and to remove the stitches. She will be happy to discuss your expected recovery time with you. What are the alternatives to endodontic surgery? Often, the only alternative to surgery is extraction of the tooth. The extracted tooth must then be replaced with an implant, bridge, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. Because these alternatives require surgery or dental procedures on adjacent healthy teeth, endodontic surgery is usually the most biologic and cost-effective option for maintaining your oral health. No matter how effective modern artificial tooth replacements are-and they can be very effective-nothing is as good as a natural tooth. You’ve already made an investment in saving your tooth. The pay-off for choosing endodontic surgery could be a healthy, functioning natural tooth for the rest of your life. Edinburgh Dental Dentures, Scotland Our Prothodontists at Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland are the experts in fabricating removable dentures. Integral to the success of these restorations are the skills of the dental technologists. Often seen as the despairing end point of a lifetime of dental problems - dentures will for some individuals be the realisation of a healthy, trouble free mouth. The advent of improved denture resins, stains and artificial teeth, make it possible to recreate a beautiful natural smile. Many people have problems with removable dentures either because of a poor appearance or confidence destroying and embarrassing mobility. This does not have to be the case. As specialists in the fabrication of these restorations, our guarantee to you is that once treatment has begun we will work with you to resolve your problems to the best of our abilities. Treatment is not completed until you are happy with the results achieved. The photographs below show a patient with no natural teeth and demonstrate the life like results that are achievable by our prosthodontists Complete Dentures Unlike conventional techniques, our Complete Denture bespoke service prescribes a 2-3 hour period of craftsmanship during which each tooth is chosen and positioned to conform with your natural symmetry and aesthetic goals. Prior to initiation, as much information as possible is sought not only on your previous denture experiences (good and bad) but also those aspects of your natural dentition which you would like to reproduce. All complete dentures are fabricated using the latest injection moulded resins which produce a very accurately fitting denture base, requiring less adjustments and offering the greatest strength. Partial Dentures When too many teeth are missing for fixed bridgework, and implant supported restorations are not viable, then partial dentures are the solution of choice. Every partial denture is unique, each is carefully planned and constructed to meet the criteria set out between the patient and the prosthodontist. The majority of our partial dentures are reinforced with cobalt chromium - a very strong metal which allows the denture to be made as small as possible. Our unique design means that metal clasps need not be visible. Considerations The critical factors that must be addressed for successful partial dentures are: - Appearance - Function - Comfort - Strength - Adaptability In many situations there are teeth still present which may not last as long as the prosthesis being provided. In these cases every attempt is made to design their loss into the denture, such that it can be adapted rather than having to be remade. The adaptability of partial dentures to future tooth loss is rarely considered at the outset, however it is of primary importance in patients that are suffering from periodontal disease. Historically a simple plastic denture has been the mainstay of tooth replacement in this type of situation as it is easily adjusted, however not only are these prostheses unstable and poor in appearance they can accelerate the further loss of teeth. We have developed a system of partial denture design specifically for these patients, which involves minimal preparation of the teeth for a precision fit metal base - which the replacement teeth are attached to. The metal base is not visible during normal function and yet locks all the teeth in an arch together for the stability normally only attained with fixed bridgework. This can indeed be seen as removable bridgework with the advantages of: - Future additions can be carried out if required. - Reduced cost over fixed bridgework and implants. - The ability to eat most types of food again. - The confidence of a solid bite position. - Excellent appearance - missing gum and bone tissue can be incorporated into the design. - Improves the prognosis of teeth affected by gum disease. (The originating designs for this procedure are the Equipoise® denture designs by Dr.G.Goodman) Be it complete or partial dentures the service offered is designed to provide all the options for achieving the criteria set out by each patient, together with examples of realistic results from similar cases. Edinburgh Dental Crowns & Bridges: Prosthodontists in Scotland Edinburgh Prosthodontists are the experts in crowns and bridges at Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland. When a tooth is seriously damaged and unsuitable for a direct placement filling then coverage with a crown or onlay is generally required. When planned and carried out correctly using a skilled technician it is possible to restore teeth, previously close to the point of being lost, to a condition almost as strong as a virgin tooth. All crowns are not the same, there are currently over 20 different materials that dentists can choose from to make a crown. Each with different properties and cost. The selection of the correct material depends on a number of variables: - Tooth position and size. - Stability of the bit. - Desired final appearance. - Strength required for final restoration. - Your criteria. It is the skill and experience of the specialist prosthodontist which will allow selection of the correct materials to fabricate a predictable long term crown that meets your requirements. When teeth are missing and those either side of the space are healthy, with well supported foundations, then replacement with fixed bridgework is possible, the procedures are effectively an extension of those used for single crowns. In situations when the potential supporting teeth have no fillings then it can be possible to fabricate bonded bridgework which is glued onto the supporting teeth with little, or no, preparation being required. The critical factors to successful long-term bridgework, as with all restorative dentistry, are: - Accurate diagnosis and planning prior to treatment being carried out. - Attention to detail by both the prosthodontist and technologist, during the operative and manufacturing procedures. - Instigation of an effective home care regime. Gum Disease, Fresh breath, Cosmetic Gum Procedures in Edinburgh, Scotland Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in the western world and most sufferers are unaware of their problem. It is slowly progressing, in most case taking many tears to become evident. Gum recession, "getting long in the tooth", bad breath, bleeding gums, loosening or drifting of teeth can all be signs of the advancement of this unpleasant process. Untreated gum disease results in loosening and eventual loss of the teeth. At present it is impossible to cure gum disease, we can however control it. As with any other disease processes the earlier we can diagnose it the easier treatment is, and the better the prognosis. Unfortunately the disease can be active for ten or more years before symptoms appear (such as the teeth start to become loose or the gums recede). Cause Individual susceptibility to causative bacteria Aggravating factors 1. Poor dental hygiene / inadequate dental home care 2. Smoking 3. Night time Tooth grinding Treatment When referred specifically for this treatment, an appointment with one of our periodontal specialists Dr Crawford Bain or Dr PierLuigi Coli will be arranged. They will carry out a full periodontal examination mapping your presenting gum condition using a dedicated computer programme and internationally accepted indices. This baseline measurement is then used to assess your needs and comprise a plan of treatment together with a personal recall and home care maintenance programme. A full explanation of your problem and what can be expected with the various treatment options will be given, together with time to answer any questions you may have. Treatment depends on the severity of the problem but can involve: - Initial treatment with the dental hygienist - Establishing a personalised home care regime - instruction and advice is provided by our oral health consultant - Localised grafting techniques to regrow lost bone and gum tissue - Gum surgery - Bite adjustment - The administration of local medications - Planning for tooth loss - Splinting of loose teeth - In all cases long term management is essential after the initial treatment phase. As a minimum most patients can expect to see the dental hygienist every three months for an appointment of approximately one hours duration. - An essential part of management is planning for tooth loss and regular reassessment. Gum disease by its nature involves loss of the supporting bone; there is a point beyond which there may be in sufficient bone remaining to anchor a dental implant. If, when teeth are lost, it is your wish to replace them with dental implant supported restorations then it may be necessary to electively extract teeth before absolutely necessary in order to be able to have the final implant supported restoration that you seek. We are aware that when they come to see us most patients with gum disease have been battling it for many years and that there is a huge psychological hurdle to overcome before teeth can be extracted. We are very sympathetic to this situation and will spend as much time as necessary counselling you on realistic expectations and treatment outcomes especially with regard to the impact this may have on your life. Edinburgh Full Mouth Rehabilitation, Scotland Prosthodontists, periodontists and oral surgeons are the experts which may all be involved in comprehensive full mouth treatment. When a dentition is seriously compromised it often becomes more logical to take a step back and, rather than looking at individual problems, view the whole condition and the steps necessary to achieve the most ideal result: "A healthy functioning mouth that looks good and has the security of well planned and executed restorative dentistry that will last for many years" Models of your teeth are studied on an artificial jaw, together with detailed x-rays and photographs. A review of your previous dental history and a discussion of your long term goals are combined with clinical information, to provide: - A report on your dental condition. - A diagnosis. - Detailed options and costs for treatment. Once the ideal result is visualised, through the combination of your criteria and the health needs of your dentition, it becomes necessary to look at the different treatment modalities available to realise the result. Different treatment options are presented and after a process of consultation to explain all the questions which may arise, a plan is settled on and carried out with the secure knowledge that the right treatment is being carried out to achieve the result that you want. Full mouth rehabilitation, or reconstruction, is one of our main areas of interest and can bring together many of the services and specialities available e.g. cosmetic dentistry, bite positioning (occlusion), implant dentistry, crown and bridge work, periodontal therapy. Edinburgh Wisdom Tooth Removal, Scotland An Oral Surgeon is a specialist in the extraction of teeth, wisdom tooth removal and any surgical procedures involving the mouth and related structures. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth at each end of the upper and lower gums, at the very back of the mouth. The medical name for wisdom teeth is the third molars. Wisdom teeth usually grow through the gums during your late teens or early twenties. There are normally four wisdom teeth. Often, there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to grow through in a straight line and they will emerge at an angle to fill the available space. Wisdom teeth that grow through in this way are known as 'impacted'. There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth, depending on the way the tooth has grown through. The most common type is mesial impaction, which means teeth that have grown at an angle facing towards the front of the mouth. Other types of impaction are: - vertical (when the tooth grows straight down but gets stuck against the tooth next to it) - horizontal (when the tooth grows horizontally and pushes against the tooth next to it) - distal (when the wisdom tooth turns away from the tooth next to it and becomes lodged in that position). Just because the tooth has not grown through straight does not mean that it needs to be removed. The indications for removal are: 1. it has caused repeated episodes of pain from gum inflammation 2. it has a cavity that is unrestorable 3. its position is making cleaning of the tooth in front impossible, which is developing a cavity 4. there is a cyst (bone cavity) developing round it The oral surgeon will carefully examine you, and using additional x-ray information from a scanning x-ray or CT scan, will be able to diagnose the problem you are having and how best to manage it. If a tooth needs to be removed various options are available: - The skills of the oral surgeons are such that most of the time teeth can be removed using a local anaesthetic injection. - If you would prefer a general anaesthetic this can be arranged at the local Spire Murrayfield private hospital with Professor Lello. A third alternative is intravenous sedation, where a sedative is injected in to the back of your hand. This has the effect of not only calming you considerably, but the procedure itself is not remembered. Mr Offord offers this service. Treatments for Headaches, Migraine, TMJ & Bite Problems in Edinburgh, Scotland The way in which your teeth meet and slide over each other can have a direct link to tension headaches, migraines and jaw joint problems (TMJ). The majority of these problems are in fact due to muscle spasm (especially if relieved by painkillers such as ibuprofen). It is the muscle-induced pain with which we have almost total success in curing. Other conditions connected to a poor bite include neck ache, earache, facial pain, loose teeth, gum recession, sensitive teeth and worn down teeth. Teeth heavily worn due to night time tooth grinding with associated headaches / neck and shoulder pain. The reason that the bite can cause these many different problems is extremely complicated and not fully understood, in principle however it due to an imbalance between the teeth and the muscles: The muscles are designed to pull the jaw joints in to their best fitting position - with the muscles on either side of the face in balance, as the teeth come together they should meet perfectly with the jaw joints staying in position. Unfortunately this rarely occurs and were the jaw joints to stay in position then only one tooth would hit. The jaw joint (TMJ) is a unique sliding / hinging joint and the two joints can move together to help as many teeth contact as possible and achieve a comfortable effective bite position. Obviously in order to achieve as many teeth contacting as possible the jaw is twisted away from its ideal and as a result the muscles are no longer in balance. It is believed that beyond a certain tolerance point over-activity of the muscles takes place resulting in the headaches, pain and other related problems. If diagnosed as a muscle problem treatment is straight forward (in principle!): position the jaw joints in the most ideal position (where the muscles are in balance and the pain dissipates) and either construct an artificial bite platform, to be worn during problem periods, or adjust / restore the teeth to meet in this position. Acrylic splint adjusted to provide muscle relaxation. Edinburgh Orthodontics, Teeth Straightening in Scotland If electing to improve the appearance of your smile there are certain situations where it is not possible to create the ideal proportion and symmetry using restorative procedures, e.g. teeth are crowded (too many teeth for the space available), teeth rotated out of position, gaps between teeth that are too big for composite bonding and too small for bridgework. In these situations it is necessary to move teeth into the correct position. This can be all that is necessary, although often other cosmetic procedures (described previously) are also required. The biggest advantage of orthodontics is that your own teeth are being used to create your smile, the need for maintenance and future replacement is therefore kept to a minimum. The potential disadvantage of orthodontics is that it generally requires a much longer time than most other treatments. Up to 18 months in many cases. Our preferred Orthodontists are those at Edinburgh Orthodontics with whom we have been working for the last 15years to achieve smile makeovers. In many cases once the teeth are in the correct position it is necessary to then carry out cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers to finalise the smile. Edinburgh Orthodontics are one of the UK’s foremost orthodontic practices and are able to provide the latest “invisalign” techniques as well as lingual orthodontics and orthodontic implants. This means that you can now have your teeth straightened without the need for unsightly braces. Reporting on CT Scans & Dental X-rays in Edinburgh, Scotland At Edinburgh Dental Specialists, Scotland, we have invested in the latest digital x-ray equipment to provide faster more convenient images with less radiation exposure. Integral to this has been the purchase of one of the first dental specific CT scanners in the UK. The information provided by these images is far more than we have previous had available. In order to be sure that all potential problems are picked up we, when requested, employ the services of Dr Neil Heath. As a specialist in oral and maxillofacial radiology Neil brings to the dental specialist team a background in medical imaging and dentistry. Neil normally works in a dental hospital setting where he is involved in head and neck imaging in its broadest sense. He has experience in many spheres of dentistry which allows the essential interpretive skill involved when reporting radiological images taken by the team. As the information acquired during CT scans can contain not only the immediate area of dental interest but also information about surrounding oral ,head and neck structures. Dr Heath will analyse each slice of information that is used to produce the final image (often more than 200 slices make up the final image) and report on any abnormalities found. If there are significant incidental findings from the images then an appropriate referral pathway can be advised. |