Dentistry Prices and Payment Options

Frequently Asked Questions

At Cherry Tree Dental, we're committed to helping you achieve the beautiful smile you've always wanted. We often find that certain questions are often asked by clients, so we’ve taken a few moments to provide answers below!

If you have a question that isn't included below, or you’d like more information on our dental plans, feel free to give us a call on 01254 202888.

I'm afraid of going to the dentist… What can I do?

• If you’re afraid to go to the dentist, something many of our clients find helpful is to come and see us beforehand! That way you can familiarise yourself with our offices, the layout, and speak with our friendly staff.


  We’ll take the time to talk through your concerns, and answer any questions you might have. If necessary, we can offer sedation to reduce anxiety during treatment. 

What causes cavities?

• Tooth decay is damage to a tooth caused by dental plaque turning sugars into acid. When plaque builds up, it can lead to holes in your tooth enamel and even gum disease.

   

  You can help prevent the development of cavities by reducing your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and by brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Which is better, a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush?

• For most people, there's no reason to upgrade to an electric toothbrush unless you want to. No matter which toothbrush you select, you should brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.

  We typically recommend an electric toothbrush for people with crowns, fillings, or other dental work because it can more easily remove food from hard to reach areas.

  If you have sensitive gums or ones that bleed easily, we’d generally recommend that you switch to an electric toothbrush to prevent over-brushing.

There are so many kinds of toothpaste to choose from; how do I know which one to use?

• We always recommend that our patients use a toothpaste with fluoride. The amount of fluoride in your favourite tube of toothpaste is measured in parts per million (ppm). According to the NHS, the most effective kinds of toothpaste have somewhere between 1,350 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride.

  Here's how much fluoride you should look for in your toothpaste, depending on your age:

  • Children under 3 years old - 1,000ppm
  • Children between 2 and 6 - 1,000ppm
  • Adults - 1,350 - 1,500ppm

  Remember not to use mouth wash immediately before or immediately after brushing, as it can rinse away the fluoride!


How often should I go to my dentist for a check-up?

• The regularity of your dental check-ups will depend on your circumstances. It’s a good idea to you should visit the dentist between 12 and 24 months as a bare minimum, even if you’ve got generally good oral health.

  However, if you have fillings, crowns, or other dental work, you’ll need to visit the dentist at least once per year. In some cases, you may need to visit more frequently, but as your dentist, we'll let you know the best course of action when you visit.

What is gum disease?

• Gum disease is a common condition that results in the gums becoming swollen, sore, or infected. To protect yourself from gum disease, it’s important to look out for gums that bleed when you brush, or any that feel like they may be causing bad breath.

  If you can see redness on your gums, you notice any bleeding, or have painful gums, it's important you speak with a dentist as soon as you can. With a change to your diet and brushing habits, you can help reverse some of the symptoms.

How safe are dental X-rays?

• Dental X-rays are considered safe for children and adults, particularly the digital dental X-rays as they use very low radiation.

  They can even be okay for women who are pregnant, though we do recommend you speak with our staff about it before undergoing any dental procedures.

What if I already have gum disease?

• If you already have gum disease, don’t panic! If you carefully follow professional advice, you can correct and even reverse some of the symptoms, but you’ll need to make sure not to neglect them again, as it’s a problem that doesn’t ever completely go away.

  If you’re worried, our friendly experts are always available to help. We can give you general advice on how to manage gum disease, and recommend a plan of action for your specific case.