Testimonial – SO

”When sitting to write this review i didn’t know where to begin because I’ve had the absolute privilege of Uzma Patel being my dentist for a good few years now resulting in a huge amount to mention, so much so that I actually had to condense my original review as it was more like a blog!

Uzma took me on as one of her first Invisalign patients.
I’ve never seen such determination in a dentist to make sure her patient left the happiest they could be….and that was at the end of EVERY appointment not just at the end of the treatment.

Uzma is a hard working woman. She is knowledgeable, patient and caring. Nothing was an issue. She listened, always took on board my experiences and / or my concerns and gave great advice.

Uzma is an extremely determined individual and a perfectionist. She went above and beyond to make sure I was happy and satisfied with her work.

It’s been a long journey and words cannot describe how grateful I am for Uzma’s unconditional commitment and professionalism – I absolutely love the finished product …my smile….and regularly receive positive comments on her amazing work! She is a credit to Dentistry!

Thank you Uzma….I appreciate all you have done for me.”

Consuming sticky and sugary foods

Sticky or sugary foods can cause a number of problems for oral health, including:

  1. Tooth decay: Sticky foods tend to cling to teeth and can get stuck in between teeth for prolonged periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars in these foods and produce acids that can erode the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.

  2. Cavities: If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of cavities, which are holes in the tooth that can be painful and require dental treatment to repair.

  3. Gum disease: Sticky foods can also contribute to the development of gum disease, which is an infection of the gums that can cause swelling, bleeding, and even tooth loss.

  4. Bad breath: Sugary and sticky foods can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to bad breath.

To maintain good oral health, it’s important to limit consumption of sugary and sticky foods and brush and floss regularly to remove any food particles and plaque from the teeth and gums.

What if the Dental Health Budget was cut?

It is possible that the government may choose to cut dental budgets as a cost-saving measure. However, it is important to note that the decision to cut funding for dental programs would have significant consequences for public health.

Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being, and neglecting dental care can lead to serious health problems, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and even heart disease. In addition, untreated dental problems can result in costly emergency room visits, which may ultimately increase healthcare costs.

Therefore, while cutting dental budgets may provide short-term cost savings, it could have long-term negative consequences for public health and healthcare costs. Instead, governments should consider alternative cost-saving measures that do not compromise the importance of oral health, such as improving efficiency in other areas of the healthcare system or finding new sources of revenue.

Crisis! What Crisis can it impact oral health?

There was a global health crisis that affected every aspect of people’s lives. One of the many ways this crisis impacted individuals was by changing their access to dental care.

As people faced financial uncertainty and job loss, many found it difficult to afford routine dental check ups and treatments. Moreover, with lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, dental clinics were forced to close or limit their services, making it challenging for people to receive timely and necessary care.

The impact of these changes became apparent as time went on. Without regular dental visits, people were more likely to develop oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. These issues could go unnoticed for longer periods, exacerbating the problem and causing more significant dental issues down the road.

Furthermore, as people spent more time at home, they turned to comfort foods and sugary snacks, leading to a spike in dental problems. The increase in stress levels due to the pandemic also led to an increase in teeth grinding and jaw clenching, further damaging oral health.

The consequences of this dental neglect were severe. Many people suffered from toothaches, infections, and even tooth loss, leading to a lower quality of life and increased health risks.

As the crisis continued, dental professionals worked tirelessly to adapt and find ways to provide care safely. Dental clinics implemented new safety measures, such as air purifiers, and extra personal protective equipment, to ensure the safety of both staff and patients.

In conclusion, the current living crisis has had a significant impact on people’s access to dental care, leading to an increase in dental problems and potentially severe consequences for oral health. However, dental professionals are working hard to adapt and find new ways to provide care safely, highlighting the importance of prioritising oral health during times of crisis.

It’s important to prioritise oral health and seek dental care when necessary, even during challenging times.

Testimonial – ED

”I have been coming to this practise for 60 years, so the answer is “yes” I do like it here.
I find that Salil is an excellent Dentist, he is always welcoming and calming. He takes the time to explain exactly what procedure needs to be done and is so gentle. He is a credit to his profession.
The ambience is very good too with relaxing decor.
The receptionists (Elizabeth & Emma) are also to be praised, very friendly.
The place is spotless, and necessary Covid precautions taken.”

Testimonial – D.S

”Thanks for a very careful and painstaking reconstruction this morning. It was agony for me I know, but you have achieved a perfect likeness to the original as far as my tongue is concerned, and it is perfectly profiled to fit with its mates on my upper jaw. Now all the numbness has worn off, I would never have suspected I had had dental work done today.
Looks good in the mirror, too!

Don’t work too hard, and have a great summer.”

Testimonial – L.B

”Terrified of Dentists? Ask for Martina to take a look at your teeth and worry no more! Is that a real review? Yes! As a child, my original dentist scared me when having to remove some teeth that were growing crooked. That experience has sat with me for a very long time. Today, I needed a filling. From the moment that I entered the Reception and spoke to the staff, to the moment that I left, I was treated with so much care. Martina explained every step that she was doing before she did it which reassured me. I have honestly never felt so relaxed in a dental surgery before. I am happy to say that I will be back!”

Visiting Highfield Dental? Where to Park?

Here are some general tips on finding parking in the area:

  1. On-street parking: Look for on-street parking spaces on Allington Road, Andover Road, The Ridge and Pound Court Drive. Check for any signs or restrictions before parking, parking is permissible on single yellow lines the restrictions are between 11 to 12am and 1pm to 2pm depending on which section of the yellow line you park on.

  2. Public car parks: There may be public car parks nearby that you can use. These car parks can typically be found by searching online for “car parks near me” or using a map application. Check the parking rates and hours of operation before parking.

  3. Parking is also available in the nearby Tesco which is past Orpington train station only a 20 minute walk away.

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and research parking options before arriving. This can help you save time and avoid any parking fines or penalties.

Do Dental Implants Last Forever?

Dental implants can last for a very long time, potentially even a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. The success of dental implants largely depends on a number of factors, including the patient’s overall oral health, the quality of the implant procedure, and the level of aftercare provided.

Studies have shown that the success rate of dental implants is typically around 95-98%, meaning that most implants are likely to last for many years without any problems. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and there is always a risk of complications or failure.

Factors that can affect the lifespan of dental implants include:

  • Oral hygiene: Proper brushing and flossing can help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can lead to gum disease and implant failure.

  • Smoking: Smoking can significantly increase the risk of implant failure, as it impairs the body’s ability to heal and can lead to infection.

  • Bone density: Patients with low bone density may have a higher risk of implant failure, as the implant needs to be firmly anchored in the jawbone.

  • Implant quality: The quality of the implant and the skill of the dentist performing the procedure can also impact the success and longevity of the implant.

Overall, with proper care and maintenance, dental implants can provide a long-lasting and reliable solution for missing teeth.