FAQs

Are you open?

Yes! We have been operating as safely as possible through the peaks of the pandemic. We have many procedures in place to ensure the safety of all our patients as well as all our staff members.

Can I get an emergency dental appointment?

Yes. We try our best to accommodate all emergency appointments, however, they are subject to availability. Contact our practices in Esher and Wandsworth to book an emergency appointment.

Click here to find out more about emergency dental appointments.

What is classed as a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is classed as any severe or unmanageable pain, bleeding, or swelling. If you have any other concerns that you are worried about, feel free to give us a call and explain your concerns, we’ll be happy to help and book any appointment that is necessary.

How do I book an appointment?

Call one of our practices in Esher and Wandsworth and we will book an appointment that is convenient for you. If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours notice.

Cancellations and Delays FAQs

Can I postpone my appointment until I get the vaccine?

While it is safe for you to come into the practice, as we have a number of safety precautions in place and also have all our staff members vaccinated, you are welcome to postpone your appointment if you would like to.

Do you charge if I miss or cancel my appointment?

A fee shall be charged for missed or short notice cancellation.

Please be aware that if you cancel three appointments in a row (without good reason), within a 12 month period, no further appointments will be offered to you.

COVID-19 FAQs

Can I take my mask off in the dental practice?

We require all patients to wear a mask when entering the surgery (unless you are medically exempt). Once you are in the dental chair we will ask you to remove your mask however, once you have finished your appointment we will ask you to place your mask back on. You should keep your mask one while you are moving around the building.

You can find out more about dentistry and COVID-19 here.

Will there be a lot of people in the waiting room with me in the dentist?

We have measures in place to ensure that our waiting rooms are do not have more than two people in it at one given time. The chairs in our waiting rooms are also spaced apart so you are socially distanced from any other patients.

Have all your staff been vaccinated?

All our dentists have been vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. All staff members are also carrying out tests twice weekly at home using the lateral flow testing kits. These are done on set days and all staff report their results on the gov.uk website.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

We ask all our patients to please attend your appointment alone unless you are a carer or you are accompanying a child.

Please do not bring extra children or any other family members who do not have an appointment with you into the practice.

First appointment FAQs

Do I need to arrive early for my first dentist appointment?

Yes. It would be great if you could arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out any pending patient forms which may be necessary. 

What should I do if I require premedication?

Just be sure to mention it to our receptionist when you book your appointment. If you require any medication, such as any antibiotics or Aspirin, before your appointment it is imperative to tell your dentist beforehand.  

How long will my first appointment last?

Depending on what you need, you can expect your first appointment to last from 30 minutes to an hour. 

You can find out more about our dental examinations here.

General Dentistry FAQs

How often should I go to the dentist? 

You should be visiting your dentist for a routine check up every six months. Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you are able to wait between your dental check ups.

Your dentist will be able to recommend how often you should be coming in for your regular check ups based on your specific dental needs.

You can read about all of our General Dentistry services here.

Why should I go to the dentist regularly?

Even though it is recommended, many people do not go to see their dentist on a regular basis. The problem is people only go when they have a dental emergency that needs immediate dental professional attention. This is often known as ‘crisis treatment’.

Here at The Neem Tree we try to help all our clients choose ‘preventative treatment’. This is because many dental problems usually don’t have many evident symptoms until they reach advanced stages that are harder and more complicated to treat.

As dentists, we always prefer preventative treatment rather than crisis treatment. 

Do I have to floss, isn’t brushing enough?

Flossing is just as important brushing. While brushing your teeth effectively will clean the fronts and backs of your teeth, flossing is the only way to dislodge food stuck in between your teeth and reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth and between your teeth. 

Flossing will get rid of the plaque between your teeth. If that plaque is left untouched it will harden into tartar which you cannot treat on your own. You will need to book an appointment with your dentist. 

Read our blog on the importance of flossing here.

Do you have a waiting list?

Get in contact with one of our practices in Esher and Wandsworth to enquire about availability. Due to our Coronavirus procedures put in place, we prefer for you to call us to check for our availability rather than coming into the practice without an appointment.

One of my teeth got cracked/ knocked out, can it be saved?

Oral injuries are often quite painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible. Book an emergency appointment as soon as you can so your oral surgeon can treat it and has a higher chance of repairing the tooth. 

If you do have a tooth that is knocked out of its socket, here are a few tips to save it: 

• Get to the dentist as soon as you can. Successful re-implantation is only possible when treatment is performed promptly.
  
• Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket.

Rinse the tooth, DO NOT scrub it. 

What can I do about my sensitive teeth?

If you have sensitive teeth it might be a good idea to use sensitivity toothpaste. After using the toothpaste after a few weeks you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods as well as surgery drinks and tea can increase tooth sensitivity and could also work against your sensitivity toothpaste.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a form of gum disease. It consists of inflamed gums as well as an infection of the gums and the supporting bone structure. Many cases of periodontal can be treated when spotted early. If it is left untreated, you are at risk of it developing into an advantages stage of periodontal disease which is irreversible. 

Signs of periodontal disease include: 

• Red, swollen or inflamed gums.
• Sensitive teeth 
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums 
• Bad breath

Treatment of early periodontal disease is absolutely imperative to reduce the risk of it getting worse. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following your recommended dental health routine.

You can find out more about how to properly clean teeth and gums.

What should I do about bleeding gums? 

If your gums or teeth are continuously bleeding, see your dentist about it as soon as you notice it. Many people stop brushing and flossing as soon as they see blood. This is one of the worst things you can do. Brushing could help reduce any inflammation. 

Although some over the counter medication may help any oral pain you may be having, it is important to consult with your dentist as soon as you can.

You can find out more about bleeding gums here.

Do I have to tell my dentist the medication I am on? 

It is important to let your dentist know of any medical conditions you may have and any medication you are taking. This could affect your oral health and may affect the type of treatments available to you which is why it is important to inform your dentist of all this information. 

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a very common and mild form of gum disease. The main symptom usually consists of the inflammation of the gums, tender gums or bleeding gum.

What should I do if my face is swollen?

Face swelling could indicate that you may have an infection. If this is the case, you will need book an emergency appointment with your dentist and you also may need to be prescribed some anti-biotics.

If you do not have a regular dentist, you can find your nearest emergency dental practice by contacting the NHS 111 service.

I’m nervous and afraid of the Dentist, can you help me?

Here at The Neem Tree we understand that some people struggle with coming to the dentist which is why we have a lot of ways to help put you at ease, including Teddie, our cuddly dog who may be around to sit with you in the waiting room.

When you book your appointment feel free to tell our receptionist how yo feel and what worries you, we can then work together to decide on the right approach for you.

Can I just see a hygienist instead of a dentist?

You do not need your dentist to refer you to see a hygienist so, if you want to see a hygienist all you need to do is simply book your appointment with a hygienist instead of your dentist. It is important to remember that seeing your dentist for regular check ups is just as important for your oral health.

You can find out more about our hygiene services here.

Can I spread the cost of my treatments?

Depending on individual needs and circumstance we may be able to arrange a finance plan for you. Please contact your local Neem Tree practice for further information.

Click here to find out more about our fees.

How often do I need a dental check up?

The general rule of thumb that we recommend is that you should visit the dentist every six months. However, if you have more complicated or complex dental issues, your dentist may recommend you to book an appointment more frequently.

Is it okay to go to the dentist once a year?

Seeing a dentist regularly (every six months) can help prevent any dental issues from forming or at least stop them from progressing. Going to the dentist once a year is the bare minimum you should be doing.

How do I make a complaint about my dentist? 

If you are unhappy with any part of your dental treatment, you need to begin with approaching your dental practice with any of your concerns first. This can either be done by telephone or letter. If you are unhappy about anything we are always open to listen and happy to help. Explain your concerns and what you would like the ideal solution to be. In most cases you will be able to solve the problem together with your dentist. At the end of the day, they just want to carry out the best treatment for you and ensure that every single patient leaves the practice happy with their treatment. 

There are advice numbers for complaints in the UK: telephone 03000 683 000 or for private complaints call 0208 253 0800.

You can read our complaints policy here.