How long does a dental appointment usually take?

A standard dental check-up usually takes around 30–60 minutes. A professional cleaning typically lasts 30–45 minutes, depending on the level of plaque and tartar present.

What should I do before a dental appointment?

Brush and floss as normal, make a note of any concerns or changes in your health, bring a list of medications, and arrive early if you need to update medical information.

What happens during a professional teeth cleaning?

Plaque and tartar are removed using specialist instruments, followed by polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and reduce bacterial build-up.

How often should I have a dental cleaning?

Many people benefit from a professional cleaning every 6–12 months. Those with gum disease or heavy tartar build-up may require more frequent visits.

When can I eat after a dental cleaning?

Most people can eat shortly afterwards. Avoid very hard, sticky or strongly coloured foods for a few hours if the gums feel sensitive.

What is the best way to brush and floss my teeth?

Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, and clean between teeth once daily using floss or interdental brushes.

What is a cavity and how is it treated?

A cavity is a damaged area of a tooth caused by decay. Treatment involves removing the decayed area and placing a filling to restore function.

What happens if I do not get a cavity filled?

Untreated decay can worsen, leading to pain, infection, abscess formation and possible tooth loss.

Does getting a filling hurt?

Local anaesthetic is used, so discomfort is usually minimal and temporary sensitivity typically settles quickly.

Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. It can progress from gingivitis to periodontitis if untreated.

What are the signs I might have gum disease?

Bleeding gums, swelling, bad breath, gum recession and loose teeth can all indicate gum disease.

How is gum disease treated?

Early stages are treated with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Advanced cases may require deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance.

Can gum disease affect my overall health?

Gum disease has been linked with heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications, making good gum health important for overall wellbeing.

How can I prevent tooth decay?

Limit sugar intake, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth daily and attend regular dental visits.

Do I really need to floss?

Yes. Flossing removes plaque and debris from areas brushing cannot reach, reducing cavities and gum disease risk.

Which dental products are best for me?

Product choice depends on your teeth and gums. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend suitable options.

What should I do if I have a toothache?

Rinse with warm water, clean gently, use suitable pain relief and contact a dentist promptly.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Severe pain, swelling, knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding or trauma usually require urgent dental attention.

What services does a general dentist provide?

General dentists provide check-ups, X-rays, fillings, preventive care, basic gum treatment and referrals when needed.

Does it hurt to get a crown or major treatment?

Local anaesthetic is used and any post-treatment soreness is usually manageable with simple pain relief.

Are implants, braces or cosmetic treatments done by a general dentist?

Many general dentists provide these treatments, although complex cases may be referred to specialists.

How do I choose the right dentist?

Consider location, opening hours, communication style and whether you feel comfortable and listened to.

Why are regular dental visits important if I am not in pain?

Regular visits help detect problems early before they become painful, complex or costly to treat.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

General Dentistry in Milton Keynes

Q: How often should I see the dentist?

Most people benefit from a dental check-up every 6–12 months. Some people may need more frequent visits if they have a higher risk of dental problems, such as gum disease, multiple fillings, diabetes, or smoking.

Q: What happens during a routine dental check-up?

During a routine dental check-up, the dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth, may take X-rays if required, checks for signs of decay, gum disease and oral cancer, and discusses any findings and recommended next steps.

At Oakgrove Dental Practice, we offer a full range of dental treatments, for both existing and new patients.

We will explore all possibilities as we discuss your options to maintain and achieve the smile you have always wanted.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

General Dentistry in Milton Keynes

Dental problems will not always time themselves to coincide with your next check-up, or during the convenience of the daytime.

At Oakgrove Dental Practice, we understand that dental emergencies can cause varying levels of pain and discomfort but we are here to help.

BOOKING A TREATMENT

Please use the form below for all of your dental treatments, check-ups and and dental hygiene appointments.

OPENING HOURS

Monday 8am – 7:30pm
Tuesday 8am – 7:30pm
Wednesday 8am – 7:30pm
Thursday 8am – 7:30pm
Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

ADDRESS

Oakgrove Dental Practice

11 Atlas Way,

Milton Keynes

MK10 9SG

TEL 01908 771170

Enquiry About General Dentistry

Oakgrove Dental Practice

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS

On your first visit to one of our dentists at Oakgrove, Milton Keynes we will discuss how you want to improve your Dental Health and your smile. To do this we need to understand what you want, ascertain the current state of your oral health and identify a plan of action.

We will explore all possibilities as we discuss your options to maintain and achieve the smile you have always wanted. No question is too trivial, our aim is to ensure that you feel fully informed and comfortable with your decisions.

Using the latest technology we will check the health of your mouth, gums and teeth to ensure there are no underlying problem such as those that are not visible to the naked eye including beneath fillings, between teeth the bone and supportive structures and abscesses.

A full breakdown of costs and a treatment plan will be provided at your dental health check assessment.

DENTAL EXAMINATIONS

A full breakdown of costs and a treatment plan will be provided at your dental health check assessment.

DENTAL CROWNS

Looking just like natural teeth

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration used to fix teeth that have been broken, weakened by decay or have a very large filling. The crown fits over the remaining part of a prepared tooth, making it strong and giving it the shape of a natural tooth. It will also be tooth coloured, giving the restoration a more natural appearance so it fits in with the rest of your teeth.

A crown could be a good solution for you if you have large, discoloured fillings and would like to improve their appearance. Crowns can be used to replace these to give you a more aesthetic smile. Also, if you have had root canal treatment you will need a crown to protect the restored tooth, allowing you to eat and bite down on it as if it was a real tooth.

How long a crown lasts depends on how well it is looked after. It is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth in order to prevent decay affecting the crown. Here at The Private Dental Group we recommend regular six monthly dental examinations and hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays in good health.

DENTAL CROWNS

Looking just like natural teeth

DENTAL VENEERS

Re-create a lovely, natural smile.

If you have discoloured, chipped or irregular shaped teeth, dental veneers can be used to re- create a lovely natural smile. Dental veneers are wafer thin yet strong and durable porcelain laminates that are fixed to your natural teeth. Shaped to perfectly mask and disguise imperfections, dental veneers will function as a normal tooth when you eat and their durable and strong material mean you can continue to bite, chew and enjoy all your favourite foods without worrying about the consequences.

If you don’t feel confident when you smile, maybe because your teeth are discoloured, chipped or uneven, then dental veneers are your answer. They are also perfect if your teeth are just a little twisted or you’ve been looking for a solution without the need for orthodontics or braces.

By removing the smallest amount of enamel from the front of your tooth and replacing it with a thin porcelain shell, which is bonded onto your existing tooth, you are left with a strong, straight and natural-looking smile.

DENTAL VENEERS

Re-create a lovely, natural smile.

DENTAL BRIDGE

Close the gap for a more youthful smile.

Dental Bridges are used to replace lost teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant and fill in the gaps in your smile.

Dental bridges can be used to replace one or more missing teeth by using one or both neighbouring teeth as anchors. The dental bridge is cemented to the anchor teeth and is fixed in place so that you can smile, laugh and eat with confidence. Your bridge will perform much like your natural teeth.

How long a dental bridge lasts depends on how well it is looked after. It is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth in order to prevent decay affecting the bridge. At Oakgrove Dental Practice we recommend regular six monthly dental examinations and hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays in good health.

DENTAL BRIDGE

Close the gap for a more youthful smile.

Dental Bridges are used to replace lost teeth without the use of a denture or dental implant and fill in the gaps in your smile.

DENTURES

Smile and eat with confidence again

Create the smile and facial structure you want with hand-crafted, natural looking dentures.

If you have lost most or even all your teeth, have an awkward overbite or old worn-out dentures (false teeth), there are many options available for replacing missing teeth. Flat pink dentures are a thing of the past as we now hand craft dentures so they look realistic enough to convince even the most discerning onlooker that they are looking at natural teeth and gums.

The loss of teeth can have a negative effect on your self-confidence and impact your ability to chew food properly. Your teeth also provide structure and support to your face and cheeks, tooth loss can result in sagging face cheeks and make you appear much older than you are. Natural looking dentures can greatly improve the quality of a wearer’s life.

It is important to visit your dentist regularly even if you have no natural teeth, as your dentist checks more than your teeth. At Oakgrove Dental Practice we check the soft tissue parts of your mouth including the tongue and cheeks. It is important to spot any infections or mouth conditions at the earliest stage.

DENTURES

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Why and how?

Root Canal treatments are carried out when the inside of the tooth (the root or pulp) becomes infected or damaged.

Infection and damage to the root can be very painful, creating inflammation with the risk of severe pain and swelling. Root Canal Treatment eliminates the cause of the pain by completely removing the diseased or damaged tissue from the tooth. The root canal is meticulously cleaned, shaped and decontaminated, before securely filling it back up with a durable, inert material. This means you can be pain free whilst still keeping your original tooth.

There have been great innovations in the last few years to improve the comfort, speed and efficiency of this treatment. Our dentists are experienced, highly skilled and keep up-to-date with the most current concepts in Root Canal Treatment to ensure that they deliver the best possible care for our patients.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Why and how?

Root Canal treatments are carried out when the inside of the tooth (the root or pulp) becomes infected or damaged.

Infection and damage to the root can be very painful, creating inflammation with the risk of severe pain and swelling. Root Canal Treatment eliminates the cause of the pain by completely removing the diseased or damaged tissue from the tooth. The root canal is meticulously cleaned, shaped and decontaminated, before securely filling it back up with a durable, inert material. This means you can be pain free whilst still keeping your original tooth.

There have been great innovations in the last few years to improve the comfort, speed and efficiency of this treatment. Our dentists are experienced, highly skilled and keep up-to-date with the most current concepts in Root Canal Treatment to ensure that they deliver the best possible care for our patients.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR DENTAL CARE

Early Detection of Oral Issues

Regular dental checkups help identify problems like cavities and gum disease in their early stages, making treatment more effective.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance

Professional cleanings and polishing keep your teeth looking bright and prevent staining.

Pain Prevention

Regular visits address small issues before they turn into painful problems, like infections or abscesses.

Cost Savings

Preventative care is less expensive than extensive treatments like root canals or extractions that result from neglect.

GETTING STARTED

How much does a dental check-up cost?

A routine examination for an adult starts from £55, and a first visit as a new patient starts from £60, because it takes longer and covers a fuller assessment of your teeth, gums and bite. X-rays, where they are needed, are £15 each. Children’s examinations start from £25 for ages 5 to 11 and from £30 for ages 12 to 17, and are free up to age 4. Prices vary a little depending on which location you visit, and you will be given a cost estimate before any treatment begins.

Is dental treatment available on the NHS or only privately?

NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands: £27.90 covers a check-up, any X-rays you need and a scale and polish where it is clinically necessary, £76.60 covers fillings, extractions and root canal treatment, and £332.10 covers crowns, dentures and bridges. You pay one band charge per course of treatment, however many appointments it takes. Treatment is free if you are under 18, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or receive certain benefits. Purely cosmetic work such as whitening is never available on the NHS. Whether an NHS place is open depends on the practice, so ask when you book.

What happens during a routine dental check-up?

At a check-up the dentist examines each tooth for decay, cracks and failing fillings, measures the health of your gums, and checks your tongue, cheeks and throat for early signs of mouth cancer. X-rays are taken only where there is a clinical reason for them, because they show decay between teeth and bone loss that cannot be seen by eye. You are then told what was found, what treatment is needed and what it will cost, so nothing is booked before you have agreed to it.

How often should I see the dentist?

How often you need a check-up depends on your own risk of dental problems, not on a fixed six-month rule. NICE guidance sets recall intervals of between 3 and 24 months for adults, and up to 12 months for under-18s. You are likely to be seen more often if you smoke, have diabetes, have gum disease, have had several fillings, or drink heavily. If your teeth and gums are healthy and stable, the gap can safely be extended towards two years. Your interval is reviewed at every visit rather than set once.

Why do I need check-ups if my teeth feel fine?

Tooth decay and gum disease both cause no pain until they are advanced, which is exactly why they are worth finding while they are still silent. Gum disease can destroy the bone holding a tooth in place without ever hurting, and by the time a tooth aches or feels loose the simpler options have usually gone. Check-ups also compare your mouth against your previous records, so a hairline crack, a filling starting to leak, or a gum pocket deepening by a millimetre a year is picked up as a change rather than an emergency. Feeling fine tells you about symptoms, not about what is happening inside a tooth.

PREVENTION & DAILY CARE

What is the best way to brush my teeth?

Brush for two minutes twice a day, last thing at night and at one other time, using a toothpaste containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride. Then spit out the excess and do not rinse with water or mouthwash, because rinsing washes away the concentrated fluoride that does the protective work. Angle the bristles at about 45 degrees towards the gum line and use small circular movements rather than hard scrubbing, which wears enamel and pushes the gums back. Clean between your teeth once a day as well, with floss or interdental brushes.

Does my diet affect my oral health?

Your diet affects your teeth mainly through sugar, and how often you eat it matters more than how much. Every time sugar reaches your teeth, plaque bacteria produce acid that softens enamel for up to an hour, so four sugary snacks spread through a day do more damage than the same sugar eaten in one sitting. The NHS advises adults to have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, roughly seven teaspoons. Fizzy drinks, fruit juice and wine are acidic in their own right, so wait an hour before brushing after them while the enamel is soft.

Is a scale and polish included in my check-up?

A scale and polish is not automatically part of a check-up. On the NHS it is included in the Band 1 charge only where the dentist judges it clinically necessary, and if it is not judged necessary you would pay for it privately. Privately, a 30 minute hygienist appointment starts from £80. Scaling matters because it removes hardened tartar that brushing cannot shift, and tartar is what keeps gum inflammation going. Your dentist will tell you at the check-up whether you need one, and how often, based on how much build-up and bleeding there is.

Why are my teeth sensitive, and what can I do about it?

Sensitive teeth are usually caused by exposed dentine, the softer layer beneath the enamel, which happens when gums recede, when enamel wears from acidic drinks or hard brushing, or for a few weeks after a new filling. Use a desensitising toothpaste containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride twice a day, and give it a full two to four weeks before judging it, as the effect builds gradually. Switch to a soft brush, and do not brush within an hour of anything acidic. See a dentist if only one tooth is affected, or if pain lingers after the cold has gone, as that points to decay or a crack.

COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS

What is a cavity, and what happens if it is not treated?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth, caused by acid from plaque bacteria dissolving the enamel. Caught at the earliest stage, before a hole has formed, decay shows only as a chalky white patch and can often be halted with fluoride and diet changes, with no drilling at all. Once the surface breaks that is no longer possible, and the decay has to be removed and the tooth filled: composite fillings start from £150. Left alone, decay reaches the nerve, which usually means root canal treatment from £550 or losing the tooth, so treating it early is by far the cheaper route.

Are dental X-rays safe?

A single dental X-ray gives you roughly the same radiation dose as one ordinary day of background radiation in the UK, and considerably less than a long-haul flight. Dentists are also legally required to take an X-ray only where there is a clinical reason, so they are not done routinely at every visit. They are worth having because decay between teeth, bone loss from gum disease and infection at the root of a tooth are all invisible during a visual examination. X-rays are £15 each. Tell your dentist if you are pregnant, as non-urgent X-rays are usually postponed.

Does having a filling or a crown hurt?

Having a filling or a crown fitted should not hurt, because the tooth and the gum around it are numbed with local anaesthetic first. The injection itself feels like a brief pinch, and the numbness wears off over the next few hours. It is common for the tooth to feel tender or sensitive to cold for a few days afterwards, particularly with a deep filling, and ordinary paracetamol or ibuprofen handles it. Tell your dentist if you have ever failed to go properly numb at a previous appointment, because more anaesthetic or a different injection technique can be used.

What is gum disease, and what are the signs?

Gum disease is inflammation of the gums and, later, of the bone holding your teeth in, caused by plaque left along the gum line. The early stage, gingivitis, shows as gums that bleed when you brush, look red or puffy, or persistent bad breath, and it is fully reversible with better cleaning between the teeth and a professional scale. If it progresses to periodontitis, bone is lost around the roots and that cannot be grown back, so teeth may loosen or drift. Bleeding when brushing is the sign most people dismiss as normal. It is not normal, and it is the point at which to act.

I grind my teeth at night. What can be done?

Night grinding, or bruxism, is usually recognised from flattened shiny wear on the biting edges, teeth that chip or turn generally sensitive, and waking with a tight jaw or a dull headache in the temples that eases through the morning. The main treatment is a biteguard at £200, a hard splint made from moulds of your own teeth and worn overnight. It does not stop you grinding; it takes the load so your teeth do not, and it costs far less than rebuilding worn teeth later. Avoid soft boil-and-bite guards from a chemist for long-term use, as a poor fit can load single teeth unevenly.

Do my wisdom teeth need to be taken out?

Wisdom teeth only need removing if they are causing problems. NICE guidance is that healthy, symptom-free wisdom teeth should not be taken out as a precaution, because the surgery carries a risk of temporary and occasionally permanent numbness of the lip or tongue. Removal is advised where there is decay that cannot be filled, a cyst, or a second or particularly severe episode of pericoronitis, the infection that causes a swollen, throbbing gum around a partly erupted tooth. A straightforward extraction by a general dentist is £165 to £250; surgical cases are assessed first, and the examination starts from £55.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

What treatments does a general dentist provide?

A general dentist covers all your routine care: examinations from £55, X-rays at £15, composite fillings from £150, root canal treatment from £550, ceramic crowns from £695, extractions at £165 to £250, and dentures from £700 to £1,600. Hygienist appointments for scaling and gum care start from £80, composite bonding from £350, and implants and clear aligners from £2,800. Work that is unusually complex, such as a difficult surgical extraction or advanced gum surgery, is referred on to a specialist, and your dentist tells you at the assessment if that applies to you.

What are my options for a damaged or missing tooth?

For a damaged tooth the options run from a composite filling from £150, to a ceramic crown from £695 where too little tooth is left to hold a filling, to root canal treatment from £550 where the nerve is infected. For a missing tooth you can leave the gap, have a denture from £700 to £1,600, have a bridge anchored to the neighbouring teeth, or have an implant from £2,800. Bridges are quoted after assessment, as the fee depends on how many teeth are involved. The examination that decides between all of these starts from £55.

Will I be referred to a specialist for implants, braces or complex treatment?

Implants and clear aligners are both on our own fee list, so they are usually carried out here rather than referred elsewhere. You are more likely to be referred for treatment that needs a specialist’s training or equipment: complicated surgical extractions, root canal treatment on a tooth where a previous root filling has failed, advanced gum surgery, or orthodontic work needing a consultant orthodontist. If a referral is the right course, your dentist explains why at the assessment, and your routine care carries on here as normal.

COMFORT & CONFIDENCE

What can I do if I am nervous about going to the dentist?

Tell the practice you are nervous when you book, rather than once you are in the chair, so extra time can be set aside. Four things help most: agree a hand signal that stops treatment straight away, so you keep control; book a first appointment for talking and looking only, with no treatment; ask for the first slot of the day so you are not sitting in the waiting room building up dread; and bring headphones. Ask to be told what is happening step by step, or ask not to be. Being numbed properly matters more than anything, so speak up if you feel anything.

What is sedation dentistry, and will I be asleep?

You are not asleep under dental sedation. It is conscious sedation, meaning you stay awake and able to respond, but deeply relaxed and often remembering little afterwards. Inhalation sedation uses nitrous oxide breathed through a small nose mask; it wears off within about 20 minutes and you can usually drive yourself home. Intravenous sedation uses midazolam into a vein in the arm, so you will need someone to take you home and must not drive for the rest of the day. Local anaesthetic still numbs the tooth either way. Being genuinely asleep means a general anaesthetic, which is done in hospital, not in a dental practice.

I have not been to the dentist in years. Where do I start?

Start by booking a new patient examination, which begins from £60. Nobody will lecture you, and dental teams see long gaps constantly. The appointment is an assessment, so no treatment is carried out on the day unless you are in pain and want it dealt with there and then. You will leave with a written plan that separates what is urgent from what can wait and what is optional, with costs against each, so the work can be spread over months if that suits you better. If you know a lot needs doing, say so when you book and a longer appointment can be set aside.