Archive for February, 2010

Periodontal Magic!!!

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Today Lama has been working her perio magic at WH! We have seen several new patients today, referred to us from other dental practices around the Berkshire area. Lama has been reviewing their periodontal status, taking radiographs, and discussing the extent of gum disease in the mouth. Periodontal disease effects the underlieing tissues and bone in the mouth. When plaque is left around the teeth and the gum margin, it releases toxins, which in turn causes gingivitis. If this is left untreated, it will progress to Periodontal disease. The signs of this disease are mobile teeth, bone loss, drifting teeth and eventually loss of teeth. When reviewing her patients Lama measures the pocket depths of the gum each side of the teeth, takes Xrays to examine any bone loss and explains throughly the extent of the disease and how she can treat it. She may be a little lady but she sure knows how to fight that plaque and disease away!

If you have any questions regarding Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease, then speak to one of our dentist. they will be happy to help.

Whitening, fillings, and good old gossip

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Nae was busy today, with a patient who has decided to have her teeth whitened and also to replace some old fillings. As the patient wanted white composite fillings we decided that it was best that the patient did a couple of weeks of home whitening before changing the old fillings. This enables Nae to pick the correct shade for the new fillings, as her patient will then have lovely bright white teeth. Nae explained how the whitening treatment works, and explained what the patient needs to do at home. We advised the patient to try and avoid food and drinks that are likely to stain(ie: black coffee, red wine, curry and beetroot). Teeth are more porous during the period that you bleach, so the teeth are more likely to pick up stains. Nothing a good polish with our Hygienist won’t fix though! We even had time to catch up on the latest  Eastenders gossip. Nae was really behind with the times! We are looking forward to seeing the results in a couple of weeks (and the continuing chaos of Albert Square)

If you are interested in whitening your teeth, then ask our reception team or your dentist. We have all done it at WH, so have a look at our pearly whites when you are next in.

Nurses to the rescue!

Thursday, February 25th, 2010

Me and Laura came to the rescue to one of our dear 92 year old patients today. She came to see Sarah for her dental examination, and decided that it was time to repair the two broken front teeth on her denture. As Sarah wanted to speak with our lab guy to check that the repair was possible, we told our patient we would give her a call to let her know this was possible. When we came to call, the telephone number she gave us was not working. Panic!!!!! So, me and Laura decided it would much easier if we walked to her house and told her the situation (see, blondes do have a brain!). The pt was absolutely delighted that we made the trip through Pangbourne to tell her about her denture repair. We even got an invite into her home. As she relies on a carer to bring her to practice, we offered to drop her home after her next appointment here with Sarah. We want to do all we can to keep our loyal patients happy.

All change on a Monday

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

Its all change here on a Monday here at WoodboroughHouse in regards to your hygiene appointments. Katie has been with us now, on a Monday, for several months but due to other work commitments she has had to leave us on a Monday. But don’t despair…………. she will still be here but on a Saturday. It won’t be every Saturday but it will be at least once a month. It may be an idea, when you come for your hygiene appointment with her, to book ahead in advance. That way you are guaranteed to see her,and also there is no chance of you forgetting to book (we all know hygiene appointments are not at the top of our list of things to do on a Saturday). Here at WH, we understand that many people do not like change, and that when you find someone you like and trust, you like to stick by that. We will do all we can to accommodate your needs, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. We want to keep you all smiling.

A familiar face

Friday, February 19th, 2010

If you visit Woodborough House today, you may see a familiar face wondering around the practice. No, it isn’t a ghost of WH past, it is our recently retired practice manager Linda! After leaving the practice, she decided it was time to fix up her teeth. She is investing in some Dental Implants to replace some missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium fixtures that fuse with the jawbone. They replicate the natural root structure of a tooth and provide a fit that is very secure and natural looking. They definitely are the best thing since sliced bread!

 She has been to see Nick several times for consultations, radiographs, impression appointments, photos, you name it, and today is the big day! All the girls are ready for her arrival, and all hands are on deck. Linda is also indulging in some of our oral sedation. No dancing on the work tops Linda!! We are all excited about seeing the final resultsof the treatment. I’m sure she will be smiling from ear to ear.

If you are interested in Dental Implants or would like to know what treatment options are available for you, feel free ring our reception team and they will be able to book you an appointment with our patient co-coordinators or a dentist. Alternatively check out our website for information.

All tied up

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Firstly, I want to start the blog by saying a big “ahhhhhhhhhhh” for our Laura. She was merrily on her way to work this morning, when her cursed car broke down on her! She didn’t make it to WH and had to walk all the way home in the pouring rain (as well as being 5 months pregnant). We hope she isn’t feeling too washed out (hee hee excuse the pun) and she makes it to us tomorrow.

Also, me and and Sarah saw a lovely new patient from Purley-on-Thames today, who came sporting a kiwi tie, just for Sarah. He is a big fan of NZ and told us he thought it was appropriate to wear it to his dental examination. He did cheer us up after a very busy morning. We hope he comes back to see us wearing it. It definitely kept us smiling :-)

Sealing them up

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Sarah has been busy today seeing kids for their 6 monthly dental exam. The hot topic of the day in Sarah’s surgery is fissure sealants! The kids that we have seen today, are just starting to get there adult teeth through. As a preventative measure, it’s a great idea to “seal” the teeth in order to protect them from decay and carious lessions. Kids will be kids, and trying to stop their little teeth from getting decayed can be a hard job for the parents. Placing fissure sealants on their adult teeth will protect them for the future. A few of the children were a little scared when Sarah told them they need to have this done, but I explained to the kids exactly how it is done and how easy it is. We show them the filling material, and set it with our fairy light (curing lights to us). We may have to make a couple of appointments in order to get it all done. The children may get tired or bored, but we will do all we can to make the appointment go as smoothly and as quickly as possible. If they are really good, they may even get a goodie bag!!

Ask your dentist about fissure sealants when you are next in.

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

As its half term this week, all the dentists have been busy catching up on the children’s check ups. Me and Sen saw a lovely sister and brother from Pangbourne Primary School who couldn’t stop talking about coming to the dentist all weekend (according to mum). The 5 year old even came sporting a bright red t shirt with the words “keep smiling” on the front. We gave the children their annual exam, took some photos using the intra oral camera, and explained to them both how they should be brushing their teeth. They made mum proud. Their teeth were perfect. Keep up the good work kids (and mum).

If your children are in need of a dental exam then speak with our reception team. They will be more than happy to help.

The luck of the Irish……..or not

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

The luck of the Irish definately was not looming on the Woodborough House team, as our Euro Lottery numbers did not come up on our syndicate. I really thought it was our turn! Of course, we would have spent our money wisely if we had won……….. I mean, a walk-in wardrobe is not a lot to ask for!!

Anyway, we shall get back to it. Our day is full of dental exams and tooth ache appointments. With half term approaching, we will be sure to have a busy week next week. If your kids are due their dental check ups, then call our reception team to book an appointment. We want to keep those kids healthy and smiling :-)

Bye bye broken bridge

Friday, February 12th, 2010

We started the day today fixing one of our patients bridge problems. He originally came to see us, as a bridge he had made to replace some missing front teeth, and fallen out. Sometimes, when bridges de-bond the dentists are able to simple “glue it back in”. Unfortunately this time, this was not possible. We discussed with our patient his options, and ideally Dental Implants would have been the most superior way of replacing these missing teeth. He decided, for now, to have a denture made to replace the missing teeth. We took impressions, and after a lot of blood, sweat and tears at the lab, the final denture is made. He was happy to have his teeth back again. We will be seeing him regualrly for his dental check ups to ensure he is looking after and cleaning his denture correctly.

If you need advice about looking after your dentures or would like to speak to one of our dentists regarding dentures and denture care, then feel free to ask.