Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance from Norfolk Dental Specialists
Most of our patients are referred to us for treatment by their dentist because we offer a specialist tier of service that is not available from a General Dental Practitioner (GDP). We also supply aftercare and ongoing maintenance where applicable. We work closely with our referring dentists – who will continue to look after the general aspects of the patient’s oral health while we provide specialist care.
The Story of an Implant Patient
When a dentist considers dental implants to be the correct treatment for a patient but the surgery does not offer that procedure, the patient can get that treatment from us. After an initial consultation in which the patient’s general oral health is established and during which we can answer any questions, the patient agrees to the procedure and is booked in for treatment. We place the implant and, in many instances, the patient’s GDP will place the crown element - this process is often called 'restoration'.
One year later, as part of our aftercare plan, the patient will return to our practice so we can check that the implant is performing as expected. At this follow-up consultation, our specialist dentist will determine whether any further specialist aftercare is needed or whether all further care can be handled by the patient’s regular dentist.
Implant Maintenance
Many of our dental implant patients choose to have regular maintenance appointments with our hygienists to ensure that they are maintaining the high level of hygiene that is needed around implants.
Periodontal and Root Canal Treatments
The process is similar for our specialist periodontal and root canal treatments. The patient will be referred by a dentist to us for specialist treatment. Following the specialist procedure, our dentists will determine what level of aftercare the patient needs, but this can usually be supplied by the patient’s regular dentist. Some patients choose to continue seeing our hygienists in addition to their regular dentist for assistance in maintaining the hygiene of their gums and teeth. Proper maintenance of oral hygiene is essential in preventing a relapse of periodontitis. Over 50% of the adult population have some kind of gum disease.
Important Note
Norfolk Dental Specialists are (as our name implies) specialists. We don’t perform ANY general dentistry, so please don’t let your check-ups with your GDP lapse or allow yourself to become non-registered while you are undergoing a course of treatment with us.
If you would like to know more about maintenance following treatment, pick up a copy of our Guide to Dental Hygiene next time you visit us. As always, if you have any questions at all about our processes and procedures, please don’t hesitate to get in contact. You can call our reception on 01603 632525.
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