Craigshill Dental Centre.
We offer all forms of dental treatment currently available under the remit of the NHS. This Includes exams, fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns, bridges and treatment for gum disease.
Who is entitled to free treatment on the NHS?
NHS treatment is free for:
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- everyone aged under 26
- people who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
- those with certificated exemption from patient charge because of income or receipt of certain benefits
If you are exempt from patient charges during a course of treatment, tell the dentist and ensure that you bring the evidence with you.
NHS dentistry at Craigshill provides a wide range of services to help maintain and improve oral health. These services are designed to cover both preventative care and necessary treatments. Here’s a breakdown of the main services provided under NHS dental care:
1. Routine Check-ups and Examinations
- Regular dental check-ups to monitor oral health, detect early signs of dental problems (such as cavities or gum disease), and provide advice on maintaining good oral hygiene. Note- examinations are spaced dependant on patient need ranging from 6 months to 24 months apart.
2. Preventative Care
- Oral Hygiene Advice: NHS dentists provide guidance on proper brushing techniques, flossing, and diet to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fluoride Treatments: Application of fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities, particularly for children or those at high risk.
- Scaling and Polishing: Removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) from teeth to maintain gum health and prevent gum disease.
3. Fillings
- Dental fillings for cavities caused by tooth decay. Our dentists can use various materials, such as amalgam or composite, depending on the location and size of the filling.
4. Extractions
- Removal of teeth that are decayed, damaged beyond repair, or impacted (such as wisdom teeth, although sometims referral is required).
5. Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures (if suitable)
- Crowns: Tooth-shaped caps placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and function.
- Bridges: Used to replace one or more missing teeth by attaching a replacement tooth to the adjacent natural teeth.
- Dentures: Removable appliances that replace missing teeth and help restore function and appearance.
6. Root Canal Treatment
- Treatment for infections or damage to the pulp (nerve) of a tooth, which involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning the root canal, and sealing it to save the tooth.
7. Gum Disease Treatment
- Treatment for various stages of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which may include scaling, root planing, and advice on improving oral hygiene.
8. Emergency Dental Care
- NHS dental practices in Scotland provide urgent care for dental emergencies such as severe tooth pain, abscesses, or injuries to the teeth and mouth.
9. Tooth Whitening (in some cases)
- While NHS does not typically provide cosmetic treatments like tooth whitening as part of routine care, there may be some provision in certain circumstances (e.g., if it’s necessary for medical reasons).
10. Orthodontics (Braces)
- NHS provides orthodontic treatment (braces) for children and some adults with certain dental issues such as misalignment, bite problems, or crowding. The eligibility is typically based on clinical need rather than purely cosmetic concerns.
11. Oral Cancer Screening
- During regular check-ups, NHS dentists can screen for signs of oral cancer, such as unusual lumps or sores in the mouth.
12. Advice on Smoking Cessation and Diet
- NHS dental services provide guidance on how smoking and diet affect oral health and may offer support for patients trying to quit smoking or make healthier dietary choices.
13. Child-Specific Services
- NHS provides free dental care for children up to the age of 18, including regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, and fillings.
14. Specialist Referrals
- In cases where specialized care is needed (e.g., for severe dental problems or complex treatments), NHS dentists can refer patients to specialists such as oral surgeons or periodontists.
15. General Oral Health Advice
- Dentists provide ongoing education to patients about maintaining good oral health, managing issues like bad breath, and the impact of overall health on dental care (such as the relationship between diabetes and gum disease).
These services are provided through NHS dental practices across Scotland, with costs typically kept low to ensure accessibility, particularly for those on low income, young children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals who may qualify for free dental care.
It’s worth noting that while most treatments are available on the NHS, some cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening or purely aesthetic procedures, may not be covered unless there’s a clinical need.
