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Private vs. NHS Dentist Leicester: Benefits

leicester dental surgery

Choosing the Right Dentist: Private Practice vs. NHS in Leicester

When it comes to oral health, selecting the right dentist is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your dental care not only impacts your overall health but also your confidence in your smile. In Leicester, you have options when it comes to choosing a dentist, including both private dental practices and those under the NHS. Today, we’ll explore how to make an informed choice and the benefits of opting for a private dental practice or an NHS one.

How to Choose the Right Dentist in Leicester

Selecting the right dentist is a personal decision and should be based on your individual needs and preferences. Here are some key factors that you should consider:

1) Location and Accessibility: Start by looking for a dentist that’s conveniently located for you. Consider factors like proximity to your home or workplace and ease of parking or public transportation.

2) Services Offered: Different dentists offer various services. Ensure that the dentist you choose provides the treatments you require, whether it’s general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, or specialised dental care.

3) Qualifications and Experience: Check the dentist’s credentials and experience. How long have they been practising? Do they have expertise in specific areas of dentistry that are relevant to the care that you will need?

4) Patient Reviews and Recommendations: Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can provide insights into a dentist’s reputation and patient satisfaction.

5) Technology and Equipment: Modern dental practices often invest in advanced technology for more comfortable and efficient treatments. Such as scanners instead of impressions. Is a modern dental practice important to you?

6) Financial Considerations: Understand the costs associated with dental care. Does the dentist offer NHS or a dental membership plan? What are their payment options?

What are the Benefits of Choosing a Private Dental Practice

Private dental practices, like Smile Essential, offer a range of advantages that make them an appealing choice for many patients in Leicester.

1. Personalised Care: Private dentists often have more time to spend with each patient, allowing for a personalised approach to treatment. They can address your concerns and tailor treatment plans to your unique needs.

2. Shorter Wait Times: Private practices typically have shorter waiting lists for appointments, ensuring that you don’t have to wait any longer than necessary.

3. Comprehensive Services: Private dentists often offer a wider range of services, including cosmetic dentistry and specialised treatments, giving you more options for your dental needs.

4. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Many private practices invest in cutting-edge technology and equipment, providing patients with access to the latest advancements in dental care.

5. Membership Plans: One common misconception is that private dental care is prohibitively expensive. However, many private practices, including Smile Essential, offer membership plans that can make dental care more affordable.

Affordable Dental Care with Membership Plans

Smile Essential offers a Dental Care Membership Plan designed to make high-quality dental care accessible and affordable. It’s really popular with our patients. Here’s how it works:

  • Regular Preventive Care: Membership includes routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays, which are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing problems from occurring in the first place.
  • Discounts on Additional Services: Members receive discounts on various dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, and cosmetic work.
  • Spreading Costs: The membership plan spreads the cost of your dental care throughout the year, making it more manageable and predictable.
  • Priority Appointments: Members often have priority access to appointment slots, reducing waiting times.
  • Peace of Mind: With regular preventive care, you can catch and address dental issues early, potentially avoiding more costly and extensive treatments in the future.

Conclusion

Choosing a dentist in Leicester is a decision that should align with your individual preferences, needs, and budget. While the NHS provides valuable dental care services, having private dental care can provide you with a more convenient and personalised option.

Remember, maintaining your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being, so choose a dentist who can provide the care and support you deserve.

Click here for more information on Smile Essential’s Dental Care Membership Plan or here to schedule an appointment.

Your journey to a healthier smile starts here.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Top 5 Tips for Nervous Patients at Smile Essential, Leicester

Introduction

At Smile Essential, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. Our mission is to create a comfortable and stress-free environment for everyone, especially those who may feel nervous about visiting the dentist. If you’re one of those individuals, fear not! In this blog, we’ll share five helpful tips to help you overcome dental anxiety and have a pleasant experience during your visit to our dental practice in Leicester.

  1. Communicate Your Feelings

First and foremost, open communication with your dentist is key. Informing your dental team about your fears and anxieties allows them to tailor their approach to suit your needs. Our friendly and compassionate dental professionals at Smile Essential will take the time to listen and address your concerns, making sure you feel at ease throughout your appointment. Knowing that you are in caring hands can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

  1. Schedule a Consultation

If dental anxiety is preventing you from scheduling a regular check-up or undergoing necessary treatments, consider booking a consultation first. This introductory meeting will give you an opportunity to meet the dentist, familiarize yourself with the dental environment, and discuss your worries in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance for you to gain confidence and trust in our team before any actual procedures take place.

  1. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Before your appointment, practice relaxation techniques to calm your nerves. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can help reduce anxiety. At Smile Essential, we encourage our patients to take a few moments to relax in our waiting area, ensuring you enter the treatment room feeling more composed and at ease.

  1. Bring a Supportive Companion

Bringing a friend or family member to accompany you during your dental visit can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance. Having someone you trust by your side can be a great source of emotional support, making the experience less daunting. Our dental team at Smile Essential welcomes the presence of a companion and will ensure they feel included in the process.

  1. Distraction Techniques

For patients with dental anxiety, distraction techniques can be incredibly helpful in reducing nervousness during your appointment. Consider bringing headphones and listening to your favourite music, an audiobook, or a podcast during your treatment. Engaging your mind with enjoyable content can shift your focus away from any potential discomfort, making the experience more pleasant.

Additionally, some patients find comfort in stress balls or fidget toys that they can hold and squeeze while in the dental chair. These small, simple distractions can work wonders in easing anxiety and allowing you to feel more relaxed throughout the visit.

Conclusion

At Smile Essential in Leicester, we believe that dental visits should be positive and anxiety-free for every patient. By following these tips and taking advantage of our patient-centred approach, you can conquer your dental fears and achieve optimal oral health. Remember, our team is here to support and guide you through every step of your dental journey. So, don’t let dental anxiety hold you back—schedule an appointment with us today and experience the difference!

🦷 New Patient Dental Consultation Offer 🎁
 
😁 We currently have some availability to welcome new private patients before Christmas and have an offer that makes joining us now at Smile Essential, the perfect time.
 
⭐️ Save £24 on New Patient Consultations! Was £64 now only £40 when you come and visit us from now until December 16th 2022.
 
Here’s why you should choose us –
 
1) Enthusiastic and caring dentists
2) Friendly, helpful staff
3) A full range of general and preventative dentistry
4) Cosmetic dentistry such as Invisalign, teeth whitening and smile makeovers are available.
5) Experienced working with nervous or anxious patients
6) Flexible finance plans available such as Klarna
7) Highly rated and reviewed on Google
 
👉🏾 Get in touch with us and take advantage of this offer today. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice.
 
📞 0116 2891317
📧 info@smileessential.co.uk
 
Limited spaces are available. T&c’s apply.
 
#dentistleicester #invisalignleicester

Say hello to Lauren!

This lovely young lady behind the mask is Lauren. Lauren works with us as a Decontamination Operative at Smile Essential.
In her role as a Decontamination Operative, Lauren is responsible for putting our patients’ interests first and acts to protect them by carrying out procedures to control cross-infection in the dental surgery, an important aspect of patient protection. Lauren also supports the dentists and nurses before dental procedures and ensures that the surgery operates efficiently.

Some fun facts about Lauren!
🧠👩🏽‍⚕️ When Lauren was growing up, she wanted to a Brain Surgeon! (We’re impressed, Lauren!)
⚽️ Lauren loves football and supports Liverpool.
👩‍👧💕 Spot a familiar face? Lauren is also our Receptionist Adeles daughter!
👕👖In her free time, Lauren loves collecting designer clothes and driving. 🚗
🎬🍿 Her favourite film is Contagion, and her favourite TV show is Rick and Morty.

Lauren says that she enjoys working with the rest of the dental team and getting everything organised.

We asked Lauren why she thinks it’s important to visit the dental practice and her answer was perfect! She believes keeping on top of your dental health is essential to prevent illness and pain and that a good smile lightens up your face! We think she’s right!

6 Health Conditions That Can Be Affected By Having an Unhealthy Mouth…

We all know that not brushing and flossing can have a significant impact on your teeth and gums. But not everyone understands the effect that oral health has on your overall health. Brushing and flossing are more important than you might think. Of course, you’re probably aware of brushing and flossing for better dental health, but are you aware that your mouth health can directly affect your overall health?

The mouth is the gateway to your body, and often if you have a healthy mouth, you will have a healthy body. The mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Usually, the body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene, such as daily brushing and flossing, help keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper dental care, bacteria can reach high levels that might lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Diabetes

Inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin. By improving your oral hygiene and treating gum disease, you can help bring diabetes under better control.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treating periodontal disease has been shown to reduce pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart Disease

Though the reasons are still not fully understood, it is clear that gum disease and heart disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. It’s suspected that periodontitis has a direct role in raising the risk of heart disease. The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Obesity

Two studies have linked obesity to gum disease. It appears that periodontitis progresses more quickly in the presence of higher body fat.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of gum related problems. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Researchers are looking into the connection, but it is believed that gum infection and inflammation, in general, seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.

Lung Conditions

Periodontal disease may make pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worse, possibly increasing the number of bacteria in the lungs.

In summary

It’s important to understand that the body and mouth are not separate. Taking good care of your teeth and gums can help you live well for longer. To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene every day by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss or use interdental brushes daily

• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit snacks between meals

• Replace your toothbrush every three or sooner if needed

• Have regular dental health checks

• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol

Be mouthaware: The 45 second check that could save your life

Are you able to recognise the changes in your mouth? That’s the question posed by Smile Essential as they support a charity campaign to raise awareness of mouth cancer.

Smile Essential, based on Narborough Road, is urging Leicester residents to be more mouthaware and recognise the early warning signs of mouth cancer, ahead of November’s Mouth Cancer Action Month.

With awareness of the disease remaining alarmingly low, Smile Essential say that a simple 45-second check is often all that’s needed to identify anything unusual and be able to then seek professional guidance.

Dr. Niket Patel from Smile Essential says: “Early diagnosis transforms our chances of beating mouth cancer from 50 per cent to 90 percent so it is crucial that we know what to look out for and that we do not hesitate in seeking advice from a health professional.

“A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area, can all be potential signs of mouth cancer so it’s important to be aware of any changes occurring inside your mouth.

“Quite often it is easier to notice lumps and bumps on the outside of the body or to dismiss a mouth ulcer as benign. Most of us will spend at least a few minutes every day in front of a mirror brushing our teeth so while we’re there it makes sense to have a quick look inside the mouth.

“If you keep a lookout for these symptoms then a simple 45-second check really could save your life.

“If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please speak to your dentist or a doctor.”

Mouth Cancer Action Month takes place throughout November and is organised by the Oral Health Foundation.

Last year, 8,722 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer.  The number of new cases has doubled in the last 20 years, making it one of the UK’s fastest increasing cancers.

Survival rates of mouth cancer have barely improved in the last 20 years and the oral health charity is concerned that too many are mouth cancers are being diagnosed at a late stage, significantly reducing our chance to beat the disease.

Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE added: “Mouth cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth including the lips, tongue, cheek, throat and gums.

“Mouth cancer can have a devastating effect on a person’s life, impacting on their breathing, eating and speech. Reconstructive surgery could also change their appearance while the experience often has an impact on confidence and self-esteem.

“By developing a greater understanding about the early warning signs and symptoms, the lifestyle factors which increase our risk, and recognising where to go if we notice anything unusual inside our mouth, we can detect mouth cancer early. This will not only improve our chances of beating it but will also reduce the amount of invasive surgery needed to treat it.

“During every dental check-up, your dentist will do a visual examination for mouth cancer and look for anything that might be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s so important to keep regular dental check-ups – it’s not just about the health of our teeth and gums – a trip to the dentist could really be a lifesaver.”

To find out more information about mouth cancer and Mouth Cancer Action Month, please visit www.mouthcancer.org

Here’s how your oral health affects your overall health…

The mouth is one the main gateway into your body people are often surprised to discover the connection between having a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Your mouth is full of bacteria in a healthy mouth most of them generally harmless. The body’s natural defences and good oral hygiene practices, such as twice-daily brushing and interdental cleaning help to keep these bacteria under control. But without good dental care, these bacteria can reach very high levels leading to problems such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Dentists and scientists are looking to see if good oral hygiene practices can also help to defend you against COVID-19. 

Having poor dental health has been associated with the following health conditions:

Diabetes

Gum disease causes inflammation. Inflammation impairs the body’s ability to utilise insulin. By improving your oral health and getting any gum disease treated can help you to bring diabetes under better control.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gum disease bacteria has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Research is still ongoing but the NHS has published some information which makes for interesting reading if your suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. You can read it here…

Heart Disease

It’s clear that heart disease and gum disease often go hand in hand. Up to 91% of patients with heart disease also have periodontitis. It is suspected that periodontitis has a direct role which increases the risk of heart disease. The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Obesity

Periodontal disease occurs in patients more susceptible to inflammation — who are also more susceptible to obesity. It is suspected that by treating one it can directly affect the other. More research is continuing in this area.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase a woman’s risk of gum related problems. Periodontitis has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. Researchers are looking into the connection but it is believed that gum infection and inflammation, in general, seem to interfere with a fetus’ development in the womb.

Lung Conditions

Gum disease/periodontitis can worsen chronic inflammation in lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. If your gums are inflamed or infected they can send out a “distress signal” that places the rest of the body on alert.

Having a healthy mouth is an absolute must for better overall health. The mouth and body are not separate and both need to be healthy for improved overall health. Taking good care of your mouth can help you live well for longer. 

Excellent care of your oral health is actually pretty straightforward. It’s a combination of good oral health care and daily practices.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss or use interdental brushes daily

• Eat a healthy balanced diet and limit snacks between meals

• Replace your toothbrush every three or sooner if needed

• Have regular dental health checks

• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol

If you’re concerned about your oral health please get in touch with us by calling us on 0116 2891317 or emailing us info@smileessential.co.uk

Do you know the 4 early signs that could mean you have tooth decay?

Very early tooth decay can often go unnoticed. Sometimes signs and symptoms of dental decay don’t present themselves immediately and often people will overlook any signs as the tooth decay progresses.

So here are our top 4 early indicators for you to look out for:

1) Discolouration- white, grey or black spots. These could all indicate that tooth decay may be present.

2) Sensitivity- sensitivity to hot, cold and/or sweet things could all be an indicator of tooth decay. If you notice that there is one particular tooth or area that is sensitive and you don’t generally suffer from sensitive teeth, then this could be an indicator of tooth decay.

3) Bad Breath. The bacteria present in tooth decay can cause bad breath. If there is a hole (cavity) in the tooth then the smell could also be coming from food that is being trapped and is rotting.

4) Toothache or tenderness. This is usually the point that someone calls to book an appoinmrnt. Often people will wait until they experience toothache before realising that they have dental decay.

By far the most simple and effective way of detecting early tooth decay is by visiting your dentist. The equipment used by our Leicester dentists will often detect tooth decay before any of the above signals appear and the tooth decay worsens.

If your concerned you may have tooth decay then give us a call or email for advice…

 

 

 

Dr Niket Patel Celebrates Being 5 Years Dental Phobia Certified…

Dr Niket Patel and the Smile Essential Dental team are delighted to have been awarded Dental Phobia certification for another year. This year celebrates Dr Niket Patel having been Dental Phobia Certified for five years.

Why should you choose a dental phobia certified dentist? Because it means that they have dedicated treatments and services especially to help nervous patients who fear coming to the dental practice. It also means that we have had to put forward written testimonials from our patients that we have helped overcome their dental phobia.

At Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester, we have helped hundreds of patients with varying levels of dental phobia. Every person who comes through our door is unique and so is their fear of visiting a dentist. That’s why our first step is always a friendly open and honest chat. We listen to your fears and any specific reasons that make you feel nervous about your dental appointment. We have heard so many different fears including – the dental chair, a bad experience in the past, the school dentist, fear of injections, feelings of helplessness, the sound of metal, the feel of cotton wool and even the fish on the TV.

We have also invested in The Wand which is a digital method of delivering anaesthetic which prevents the pain associated with traditional injections. It ensures anaesthesia is delivered in a pain-free manner.

Find out more about visiting our dental practice as a nervous patient…