FAQs

Our team of dentists and support staff are regularly asked dental related questions. We have taken the time to include some of the most common below, however, if your question is not answered on this page, then please feel free to complete the form at the bottom of the page:-

What makes you different?

Our goal is to establish a long term relationship with our patients by being caring and sensitive to your needs. By carefully listening to your wishes and concerns and by giving considered advice we hope to provide appropriate treatment.

  • Long established practice.
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Friendly and helpful receptionists
  • Established personnel means being seen by the same dentist and team at each visit.
  • Town centre location
How does the dentist keep up to date on all of the current techniques and materials?

All of our dentists and hygienists each take part in formal continuing education courses each year as well as personal study. They are committed to maintaining and enhancing their skills and their knowledge of cosmetic, restorative, preventive, orthodontic and general dental procedures.

Crowns, veneers, inlays and invisible orthodontics… where can I learn more about these procedures?

Anyone in our surgery will be glad to explain them to you. We have many types of visual aids to help you understand any dental procedure.

I want my front teeth to look better, but I do not want to wear braces. What would you recommend?

There are several options that you could consider, including reshaping and recontouring, whitening, veneering in composite or porcelain, crowning. We can give advice on invisible braces and can arrange a referral.

What is tooth whitening and bleaching?

You may be able to lighten your teeth by teeth whitening. Your dentist will first need to check you are suitable. Some people may not benefit from whitening or may have too sensitive teeth. You can either have your teeth whitening by your dentist who will make you thin gum shield like trays which you can take home and fill with a special whitening gel and wear when convenient. The benefit of bleaching at home with the “trays” is that you can control how much you lighten your teeth and also it may be cheaper. It does however take much longer than in surgery whitening. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to show you examples of people’s teeth that they have whitened in the past.

What is a Hygienist?

The dental hygienists is an important member of the dental team. The hygienists role in patient care is becoming increasingly important. Patients are usually referred to the hygienist by their dentist. Hygienists help to treat and prevent gum disease by scaling and polishing teeth. They also advise patients how to care for their teeth through the use of various products such as toothbrushes, floss, interdental brushes, tongue scrapers and give advice on a healthy diet.

What is a veneer?

Veneers are used to improve the appearance of front teeth. Your dentists will advice you of the different options. Often this involves taking an impression which is sent to a dental technician who turns that impression into a model on which they make a veneer. The dentist then sticks the veneer on the tooth with special adhesive materials.

What are crowns?

Crowns sometimes called caps are like a thimble that fits over the remains of a tooth that may be damaged beyond simply placing a filling or to improve the look of a tooth or after a tooth has had root canal treatment. A crown can be either made of a gold coloured material or a tooth coloured material. Your dentist can advise you as to which type of crown will be best for your tooth, don’t be afraid to ask to see examples.

What are white fillings?

White fillings may be referred to as tooth coloured or composite fillings by your dentist. Your dentist will advise you as to whether a white filling is appropriate for the tooth you need restoring.

What is an impression?

An impression is a mould of your teeth. Your dentist will put putty like material into a tray slightly bigger than your teeth. The tray with putty in it is then put into your mouth and pushed over your teeth. Some of the putty may get squeezed out into your mouth. If you do not cope with things in your mouth very well it is a good idea to try and breathe very slowly through your nose and try to relax letting your mind wander. Depending on the type of putty the dentist uses the tray may be in you mouth for a few second to a few minutes. When the putty sets solid the dentist will remove it from your mouth. The tray with set putty is then sent off to the dental technician who will make a perfect model of your teeth from the impression.

I have a temporary crown in my mouth. What happens if it comes off or breaks?

During the surgery visit when you receive your temporary crown, we’ll explain what to do if it breaks or comes off. Generally, the best thing to do is call our surgery and ask to come in; we’ll either remake it or cement it back in place. Always take extra care with temporary crowns as they are secured with a soft cement only. If you dislodge the temporary, we suggest that you gently push it back on the tooth. It will fit precisely and will hold until you can get to see us. Please do not attempt to glue it onto the tooth in any way.

My gums bleed after I brush. Is this something to be concerned about?

Bleeding gums are an early, warning sign of periodontal or gum disease and should not be ignored. Our dental hygienist has been specially trained to treat periodontal disease and to get it under control.

I brush every day, but my breath is just not fresh. Is there anything I can do?

Persistent bad breath may be a sign of underlying problems, including periodontal problems or decay under older dental work. The best thing to do is call our surgery for an evaluation appointment.

Do I have to floss every day? Is it really that important?

It is important to clean every surface of every tooth every day. So yes, daily flossing or interdental cleaning with small brushes truly is that important to your overall oral health.

What different payment options do you provide?

We accept all major credit cards, cheques, switch/maestro and cash.

Do you accept my insurance?

Your dental insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. Insurance policies often differ in their coverages, but many do not cover cosmetic dental procedures. To simplify procedures for everyone, we ask that you pay at the time of service and then obtain any reimbursement directly from your insurance company.

We will be happy to assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and providing copies of any information that you require for submitting to the insurance company. Please bring us your insurance card on your first visit, and keep us updated on changes to your insurance coverages.

Do you accept referrals?

We welcome anyone referred by other dentists or by our current patients. We appreciate your referrals because we like to serve like minded people who are looking for the comprehensive dental care philosophy we are proud to provide.

What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?

We have a Decontamination Suite that means we adhere to rigorous cross-infection control for the safety of our patients. The team also receives annual training on the handling of medical emergencies.

What our Patients Say

  • Very good session with the hygienist at this practice, best in a very long time, thanks

  • As a nervous patient, the dental team always make me feel relaxed and confident

  • It really is great and we feel lucky to have chosen your practice when we did. The staff are really great and most helpful

  • In the time I have been coming to the surgery I have been extremely satisfied with the services I have received and would be very happy to recommend this surgery to others

  • Working with this practice on their ceramic restorations is really interesting. As a technician I am looking for really good fundamental techniques which they have, but the dentists are also open to using innovative techniques maximising the latest materials and bonding techniques. This combination gives us the opportunity to do really strong and aesthetic work for their patients’ – from our dental technician

Contact Us Today 01803 559 028
or
harrisandmoordental@xln.co.uk

How can we help you? If you have any questions you can contact us via the form below




    Harris And Moor Dental Surgery
    31a Hyde Road
    Paignton
    Devon
    TQ4 5BP
    01803 559 028 harrisandmoordental@xln.co.uk
    Opening Hours
    • Monday8.30 - 5.30
    • Tuesday8.30 - 6.00
    • Wednesday8.30 - 5.30
    • Thursday8.30 - 5.30
    • Friday8.30 - 2.00