The Technology We Use
Cone-beam CT Scanner:
A dental cone beam (CB) CT scanner uses x-rays and computer-processed information to produce 3D images of your jaws and teeth. It is a smaller, faster and safer version of the regular CT scanner, with less radiation.
The machine moves around your head in a circular motion taking many tiny x-rays which a computer puts together so we can see a complete 3D image of the area we will treating. CBCT scans are used for more complex treatments such as implant placements, complicated root canal treatments and certain tooth extractions. By using advanced HD 3D imaging your treatment will not only be more successful but also more predictable.
Intra Oral Cameras:
Here at Wellington Dental Practice we are constantly striving to provide the best patient experience. For this reason we have recently invested in state-of-the-art, intra-oral cameras, which are available to every clinician.
Intra-oral cameras allow us as dentists to show our patients what we can see. A high quality, magnified photograph is taken of something in the mouth. This is then instantly shown on our computer monitors for viewing. Intra-oral cameras allow us to image areas that would be incredibly difficult to get to with a conventional camera.
X-rays:
Our X-rays are all digital. This means that the images we take are processed in seconds and can be displayed on a monitor right in front of you. Our dentists will talk through your X-rays with you – explaining our findings, and what we look for. We optimise the images, adjusting contrast settings, using magnification and fine-tuning the accuracy of the image.
Safety of X-rays:
It is understandable that you may be concerned about the effects of x-rays on your health. At Wellington Dental Practice we only take x-rays when clinically necessary. We work to national standards set by radiographic experts to obtain maximum clinical information with the lowest possible dose of radiation. X-rays support and enhance the information we can gather during a clinical examination. X-rays can show us areas which we can prevent becoming problematic before we could ever pick them up in the mouth. All our equipment is regularly tested and checked and all our staff routinely undertake course days and CPD sessions which provides us with the most contemporary information available regarding the safety of these images.
A useful and interesting chart is linked here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ionising-radiation-dose-comparisons/ionising-radiation-dose-comparisons
Helpful Information: 2 dental x-rays carry the same radiographic dose as eating 100g of Brazil nuts!
Photography:
All of our surgeries are equipped with intra-oral and DSLR cameras.
Intra-oral cameras are small, wand shaped cameras linked to your patient record. We use them to take HD photographs within your mouth so you can see exactly what your dentist can see. We use DSLR cameras during examinations and for aesthetic dentistry.
Materials:
We pride ourselves on the constant updating and restocking of materials to match the modern dental market. We regularly have representatives of new dental materials come into the practice and discuss new products with them. This means the materials we use in your mouth have been diligently researched and chosen as the best ones to use.
We are very proud of our practice’s high standards, so you can rest assured we will always be alert to new systems which provide you with the most advanced and effective treatment.
We recently have invested in ICON – a non-invasive treatment for early signs of dental decay. This infiltration technique shows better results compared to the previous ways of managing early decay, all without the need for a drill! We also stock a material called Admira Fusion, which is a white filling material devoid of BPA monomers.
We welcome questions about our materials and will all strive to ensure you are satisfied with our options before your treatment commences.
Implants:
Implants are the best long-term solution to tooth loss in the current dental world. They are essentially a titanium post which is fixed into your jaw (like the way broken bones are pinned), which acts as a solid, grounded post to affix either a crown, bridge or denture to.
We use Straumann technology which is a company who unites international brands to provide a premium evidence-based solution to tooth loss (see more details on Straumann technology here).
Our fully-trained implant dentist Mr Andrew Armstrong places all our practice’s implants and provides long term care and follow-up.
Root Canal Treatments:
Root canal fillings are one of the more complex procedures our general practitioners provide. Occasionally, due to the anatomy of your tooth, or the accessibility of your tooth, our dentists may suggest you see a specialist, or a dentist with a special interest in root canal treatments to continue your care.
This is in your own best interests; in the same way you wouldn’t want your local GP to perform your complex surgery, sometimes extra training and equipment is required to sufficiently treat your tooth. At Wellington Dental Practice we are proud to have Mr Martin Damyanov working with us. Martin’s advanced skills and gentle patience can produce higher success rates in complex root canal systems. He works with the best technology available for root canal treatments, including a microscope and devices for removing root canal files which may have fractured in your tooth.
Software:
Our dental software allows us to have all your information stored electronically and backed up safely. All of your notes, x-rays and photos can be linked together on your file, allowing for maximum efficiency and accessibility. We update our systems regularly, meaning they are constantly improving
Decontamination:
Cross infection control is essential in healthcare and we take it very seriously. We have invested heavily in ensuring your practice is compliant in all areas of cross infection control. This means you can confidently visit us and be assured your practice is clean and safe at all times. We are a proud member of the BDA Good Practice scheme, which we have been a part of since 2011.
We are also a member of Code Quality Practice scheme (see more on our useful documents page).
We meet the HTM 01-05 guidelines for Best Practice in terms of our decontamination provisions. This means that we place your safety to the highest possible standard available. We have a dedicated decontamination room, which is regularly inspected and assessed. We have a dedicated decontamination lead nurse who ensures the practice is running cleanly and safely every day.
We have exemplary methods of sanitisation always running in the background of the daily practice’s routines. We provide alcohol gel for every patient in the waiting rooms to keep the spread infection to an absolute minimum.