Dental information

Click on a section below to learn more about the right dental process for you:

• General dentistry
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Cleaning and prevention

180 Chester Road
Sunderland SR4 7EY
Tel: 0191 5140300

General dentistry

Tooth decay is a common problem, and most people have a 95% chance of suffering with some form of it. As soon as it occurs, it is important to remove the decay, clean and repair the tooth. Missing or lost teeth should also be replaced to ensure you have the highest possible oral health.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings are aesthetically better than amalgam fillings, modern materials placed correctly and then maintained by the patient, are just as hard wearing.
Your dentist will choose a shade to match your existing teeth. Discolouration may occur, but again, modern polishing techniques and materials make this risk minimal.

Inlays and onlays

An inlay is a small setting within the biting surface of the tooth. Onlays are to cover larger areas. Gold is usually used, as it is long-lasting, hard-wearing and does not tarnish. Unfortunately a gold inlay can not be made by the dentist while you wait – an impression of the cavity (prepared and taken by your dentist) will be sent to the laboratory, where a technician will make the inlay or onlay. You will go away with a temporary filling, which your dentist will replace with the gold inlay once it has been made. Due to the material used and the longer process, this type of filling is more expensive.

Crowns

A crown, sometimes called a ‘cap’, is a method of covering chipped, broken or weakened teeth, strengthening your teeth and restoring your smile. A crown can also be used to protect the space left from a root filling or to help hold a denture or bridge in place.

Usually your tooth will need to be shaped under local anaesthetic, and an impression taken by your dentist, this is then sent to the laboratory in order for your crown to be custom-made out of porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold.

Sometimes, especially with root fillings, it is necessary to set a post before fitting the crown.
This supports the crown and adds stability and strength. Posts can be pre-made from stainless steel, however recent advances make white fibre posts possible, which your dentist can cement directly into the root canal, ready for the crown to be fitted over the top.

Bridges

A bridge is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth, giving you back a full smile. They are only possible if your surrounding teeth are healthy and strong, as it is these which are used to support the bridge. They are usually made from a porcelain and precious metal blend, although non-precious metals are also sometimes used.
It is important to replace missing teeth not only to improve the appearance of your smile, but also to prevent weakening of the teeth either side, decay and gum disease caused by trapped food particles or alterations to your bite.
Your dentist will help you to choose the best method to replace any missing teeth you may have.

Implants

A dental implant is used to secure one or more false teeth, or dentures, into place. It consists of a titanium rod, set into the jawbone, which the false teeth are then fixed to. The combination of rod and false teeth are collectively known as ‘implants’. This is a well-established method, with 95% lasting many years, providing they are cared for correctly.

Setting an implant requires a small operation, using local anaesthetic or even sedation if you are a nervous patient. Occasionally a general anaesthetic may be required for complex cases. After the operation you will feel some discomfort for about a week, as with any healing process.

We look forward to serving the dental needs of your family

Our dental team Jackie and John Doran own and manage the practice with the help of their practice manager Mrs Davison.
In addition to this, they have four dental surgeons, reception staff, a hygienist, a dental therapist, a patient coordinator and dental nurses who all work as a team to provide you with the best dental care.

Opening hours

Appointments available

Mon to Fri:	7.00 am to 7.00 pm
Sat:	8.30 am to 12.00 pm

Core surgery hours are

Mon to Fri:

9.00 am to 4.00 pm

Appointments outside the core surgery hours (9.00 am to 4.00 pm) are available by prior arrangement only.