Brunel Dental Practice

General Treatments

We offer a of treatments

General Treatments, Swindon

Dental Checkups

All smiles need a little checkup and maintenance from time to time and having a regular checkup will save you from having to carry out any more extensive dental work further down the line.

At each consultation your teeth, gums and mouth will be carefully examined to ensure you are in good oral health and we will also discuss with you any requirements you may have. We can also offer advice on how to protect your teeth going forward as well as how you might improve the look of your smile through a Smile Consultation.

Root Canal Treatment



Why is root canal treatment needed?



Does it hurt?


What does it involve?




What will my tooth look like after treatment?


What if it happens again?


What if I don’t have the treatment?



Will the tooth be safe after treatment?


Where can this treatment be carried out?


What about aftercare?


Tooth Coloured Fillings

A filling replaces part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay or accidental damage. All fillings are tooth coloured , carefully selected to match the original shade and shape of the tooth.

A filling will normally be carried out under local anaesthetic. The affected area will be cleared of decay or loose filling, the tooth will be washed and dryed. Then the filling will be inserted and smoothed off before a bright light is applied to set the filling. The filling will then be trimmed off and polished.

Why should I consider white fillings?


Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?


Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

It is usually best to change fillings only when we decide that an old filling needs replacing. If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material.


What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?


Are there any alternatives to fillings?





Will anyone be able to tell I have dentures?


How easy is it to adjust to wearing them?


Will dentures change how I speak?


Do I play a role in how successful my dentures are?



What about eating out?


So what are denture fixatives?


How do they work as an adhesive?


How do fixatives work as a barrier?


How do fixatives act to increase your bite force?


How does a fixative help prevent gum irritation?


How do I use a denture fixative?


How do I take care of my dentures?


So how should dentures be cleaned?


What is soaking?


Do I still need to visit my dentist?


Wisdom Teeth

Adults can have up to 32 teeth. The wisdom teeth are the last to come through, right at the back. They usually appear when you are between 17 and 25, although sometimes they appear many years later.

Nowadays people often have jaws that are too small for all 32 teeth – 28 is often the most we have room for. So if all the other teeth are present and healthy there may not be enough space for the wisdom teeth to come through properly.

Do they always cause problems?

No. If there is enough room they will usually come through into a useful position and cause no more problems than any other tooth.

Often there will be some slight discomfort as they come through, but this is only temporary and will disappear once the tooth is fully in position.

What is an impacted wisdom tooth?


What problems should I be prepared for?

If part of the wisdom tooth has appeared through the gum and part of it is still covered, the gum may become sore and perhaps swollen. Food particles and bacteria can collect under the gum edge, and it will be difficult to clean the area effectively.

Your dentist will tell you whether this is a temporary problem that can be dealt with by using mouthwashes and special cleaning methods (and possibly antibiotics), or whether it is better to have the tooth removed.

What can I do to help myself?

If your gums are sore and swollen, use a mouthwash of medium hot water with a teaspoonful of salt. (Check that it is not too hot before using it.) Swish the salt water around the tooth, trying to get into the areas your toothbrush cannot reach. An antibacterial mouthwash such as Corsodyl can also reduce the inflammation. Pain-relieving tablets such as paracetamol or aspirin can also be useful in the short term, but see your dentist if the pain continues.

But if it does not help?

If the pain does not go away or if you find it difficult to open your mouth, you should see a dentist. They will be able to see the cause of the problem, and tell you what to do. It may help to clean around the tooth very thoroughly, and the dentist may give you a prescription for an antibiotic.

Are x-rays needed?

The dentist will usually take x-rays to see the position of the root, and to see whether there is room for the tooth to come through into a useful position.

What are the main reasons for taking wisdom teeth out?

  • When it is clear that the wisdom teeth will not be able to come through into a useful position because there is not enough room, and they are also causing some pain or discomfort.
  • If they have only partly come through and are decayed – such teeth will often be more likely to decay as it will be difficult to clean them as thoroughly as your other teeth.
  • If the wisdom tooth is causing a cleaning problem and has no real use.
  • If the wisdom tooth starts to ‘over-grow’. This often happens if the lower one has already been removed or is impacted and cannot come through, and the upper one has no tooth to bite against. The upper one will come down too far, looking for a tooth to make contact with.
  • If they are painful.

Are wisdom teeth difficult to take out?

It all depends on the position and the shape of the roots. Your dentist will tell you how easy or difficult each tooth will be to remove after looking at the x-rays. Upper wisdom teeth are often easier to remove than lower ones, which are more likely to be impacted. Your dentist will say whether the tooth should be taken out at the dental practice, or whether you should be referred to a specialist (oral surgeon) at a hospital. Very occasionally there is a possibility of some numbness of the lip after the removal of a lower tooth – your dentist will tell you if it is possible in your case.

You will probably have either a local anaesthetic – as you would have for a filling – or sedation. You could also have a general anaesthetic (where you would be asleep), but this will usually be given only in a hospital.

Will it make any difference to my face or mouth?

Taking wisdom teeth out may cause some swelling for a few days. But as soon as the area is healed, there will be no difference to your face or appearance. Your mouth will feel more comfortable and less crowded, especially if the teeth were impacted.

What should I expect after a wisdom tooth is taken out?


£53 New Patient Consultation


“Sid the Dentist is the best Dentist I have ever had. I cannot fault the practice in any way, it has a good ambience, knowledgeable and friendly staff, a professional approach to treatment plans and very clear pricing. I would recommend this Dentist to anyone, it simply is fantastic. Top marks!”

Gary M, 5 Star Google Review

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