”Hi the teeth team, how refreshing to get a good quality service, the old saying goes you get what you pay for. All the staff are very polite and helpful especially Uzma Patel who was very understanding as I am a very nervous patient, she made me feel reassured and also did a good job, many thanks to you all.”
Testimonial – D.S
”Dear Biruntha,
Thanks for a very careful and painstaking reconstruction this morning… 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….I would never have suspected I had had dental work done today.
Looks good in the mirror, too!”
Testimonial – M.B
”Today I had my first appointment with Pinal Patel who is new to this surgery. My fears, which are many, were completely unfounded as he appreciated how I felt. This will make future visits less stressful. He is one kind, gentle and very professional dentist..”
Testimonial – B.W
”Having been a patient at highfield for more than a decade I can only say I wouldn’t go anywhere else, only today I attended an appointment with Martina who like all the staff was proficient & as always explained everything was to be done. 10/10”
Give your teeth a treat this Halloween
Halloween is around the corner, what child doesn’t like to dress up and “trick or treat” all the neighbours, in their search for some sugary delights.
Children love getting lots of candy treats! But whilst this is a fun time of year, eating too many sweets is a horrifying thought for our teeth.
So our friendly team at Highfield want to give you some good tricks, on how to treat your teeth well this Halloween.
* Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day, morning and night.
* Have your sweet treats, along side a main meal, this limits the amount of sugar attacks on your teeth. Continually eating sweets throughout the day is a tooth’s worst nightmare!
*Avoid sticky sweets as these can get stuck in your teeth and stay there for longer, which gives the bacteria more time to harm your teeth.
(And that goes for Mum and Dad too… we know you like to feast on the children’s goodies too).
Have a fangtastic Halloween!!
Testimonial – W.D
Lost and Found.
During this pandemic I, like most people, have not been able to see my lovely dentist, Biruntha Vaheeswaran, but the time came when I could put it off no longer, so I was devastated to find out she had left the practise in Chatterton Road. I had been her patient for many years and, having previously had a bad experience with a ‘lucky dip’ search for a dentist, was unwilling to go the same route again. I should not have worried, having asked around I found her! She is now at Highfield Dental in Crofton Road. Orpington. It was such a relief – and added bonus, Claire, the receptionist, was also there! It is a very friendly surgery, super friendly receptionists – and a lovely garden to gaze out on while you wait your appointment, and, big bonus, easy to get to by bus. If you are looking for a dentist, look no further!
Wendy D.
Testimonial-R.E
I just wanted to say how impressed I was with Martina Oboh. She was such a pleasant person and explained everything she was doing during my filling which is very reassuring as it was my first visit with her.
R.E
MORE ON GUM DISEASE AND IMPACT OF SMOKING
So far, we have been looking at all things “gums” from defining gum disease, causes, risk factors, treatment, and things to expect after having gum treatment.
In this blog we are looking at the consequences of not having gum treatment as well as impact of smoking on gum disease.
The consequences of not having gum treatment include:
1) The disease could get worse than it was
2) Teeth could become loose with gaps appearing between the teeth and teeth drifting
3) Bad breadth which could get worse
4) Teeth and gums could become painful
5) Increased likelihood of losing teeth early
It is worth bearing in mind that sometimes extraction (removal of teeth) may be an acceptable alternative in cases where the disease is severe.
There is the option of exploring replacement for these teeth from dentures, bridges or dental implants as deemed appropriate by your dentist.
Dental implants and bridges are only recommended if the gum disease is no longer active.
It is usually more challenging adapting to replacement teeth especially with eating.
SMOKING AND GUM DISEASE
Smoking has an impact on gum disease.
We usually advice Smoking cessation for those who do.
There are organisations that can assist and offer help with quitting Smoking.
Please speak to your dentist for more information on this.
Smokers who carry on with this habit are:
1) More likely to develop gum disease
2) Find that the gum disease may deteriorate at a much quicker rate
3) The gum disease is less likely to get better after treatment
4) Smokers may also notice a higher tendency for relapse following gum treatment.
Please visit the British Society of Periodontology ( BSP) for additional information and resources.
Many thanks for stopping by!
Martina
How we adapt to change
At Highfield dental we are constantly evolving to provide our patients with the best possible service we can offer. So we have made a few changes over the last few months to make your experience here the best we can.
Firstly we have introduced online booking for dental appointments, this can be done through our website, or if we send your dental reminder, this will give you a unique link for you to book in at a time that suits you, along with a gentle email reminder of your appointment a few days before with a dedicated patient portal link to complete your medical history’s and forms all in the comfort of your own home.
As you come in to the practice for your appointments, you will notice that one of our changes is our reception desk has relocated, we have now made way for a brand new surgery on the ground floor for Mr Patel, along with a ramp from the road to provide an easier access into the practice.
You will also see a few new happy faces around the practice and on reception, as sadly one of our long term staff members has now retired and they are now currently enjoying a well deserved rest.
This comes as a great loss to the practice and I am sure to our patients as well, but don’t worry we’ve got this covered, we are currently training our new reception team to continue to give you the best possible service you have always been accustomed to.
We are so lucky to have such lovely patients, and we are so appreciative of the kindness, support and patience from you all during our changes.
By Clare N.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
Hello Everyone!
We have so far looked out what causes gum disease, the risk factors, what gum treatment involves
and the benefits of having gum treatment.
In this blog we would be looking at what to expect after you have had gum treatment (periodontal
treatment) carried out.
The following may occur following gum treatment:
1) The gums are likely to bleed more initially but not to worry.
Keep cleaning the teeth effectively and this would improve2) As the gum become healthier, they shrink and spaces may appear between the teeth known as ‘black triangles’.
The teeth may also appear longer.
3) As the gums shrink the teeth become more sensitive hot, cold or sweet things.
Usually this gets better in a few weeks but you may need to use a sensitivity toothpaste or have
other treatments to help with this.
4) Ongoing maintenance of the gums is required with regular checks up and hygiene visits every
three months.
Please feel free to contact your dentist for more information.
In the next blog I would be exploring the consequences of not having gum treatment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Martina