My role as Treatment Coordinator at The Old Surgery

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I have worked at The Old Surgery for quite a few years now (nearly 12) and in that time I have had many roles within the practice.

I originally began my career as a dental nurse and subsequently re-trained as a hygienist/therapist in 2005, returning to work at The Old Surgery in 2008.

As a Treatment Coordinator I can offer complimentary appointments to existing patients who would like to discuss their treatment plans, or to potential patients who would like to know more about the practice and the types of treatments that are available.

With so much to consider, and so many options in terms of dental treatments these days, my previous training and in-depth knowledge of dental care means that all our patients have someone to talk to throughout their journey with us, no matter how long or short it may be.

You will find me friendly, sympathetic and easily available to answer any questions or queries you may have.

Whatever your dental goals may be, we can offer a range of solutions to create your perfect smile!

This can all be achieved whilst having a coffee and a chat with either myself or one of our fantastic Treatment Coordination team members in the relaxed surroundings of our newly refurbished patient-care suite, away from the dental chair.

To arrange a chat please don’t hesitate to contact

I look forward to hearing from you!

 

If you’re interested in a no-obligation, free consultation chat with Rebecca, why not give The Old Surgery a call on 01270 587820. Our team would love to hear from you!

Patient Testimonial for Rebecca (Treatment Coordinator) – by Rosemary Fenn

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Here at The Old Surgery we were delighted to receive this lovely testimonial from Rosemary.

It’s always fantastic to hear that we have made a nervous patient feel comfortable with their dental treatment. Well done to our brilliant Treatment Coordinator, Rebecca!

 

Testimonial - Written by Rosemary K Fenn (New patient at the surgery) 01.02.12

Old Surgery Treatment Coordinator - Rebecca

‘Following a traumatic experience at my NHS dentist I had decided to move to another practice, and so I emailed The Old Surgery.

I arranged to come in on 3rd January to meet with Rebecca for a look round and to discuss my needs.

I was very impressed from the very start with the great service I received from the receptionist, Sam, who took me to the waiting room to wait for Rebecca.

Rebecca came to greet me and took me up to one of the dentist’s consulting rooms where we had our discussion.

Rebecca was very attentive and caring and put me at my ease right from the start. I felt very relaxed in her company and she was very patient in listening to my story.

I had been very nervous and apprehensive about joining a new practice but these fears dissipated as soon as I had met with Rebecca.

Following the discussion with Rebecca, we arranged for me to see Dr Steve Lomas on 26th January for a full health assessment.

Again, on this day, Rebecca came to greet me and showed me to Dr Lomas’s surgery. She introduced me to everyone and stayed with me the whole time. Rebecca took some x-rays (as instructed by Dr Lomas) and took me back into the surgery.

Dr Lomas was very patient and gentle. He went through the x-rays with me and carried out a very thorough examination, taking a lot of time with me which is very important for an anxious patient such as myself.

Rebecca stayed in the surgery for the whole duration of my appointment, during which I was also introduced to Tracey, the hygienist.

At the end of the consultation, Rebecca took me back down to reception so that we could arrange the first of my three hygienist appointments.

Rebecca is a very caring lady who is also very professional in the way she portrays herself. She is a credit to The Old Surgery Dental Practice.’


Have you had a bad experience with your dentist, or are you a nervous patient? We can help! Contact us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with Rebecca – she will discuss your experiences with you and help you decide which treatment is right for you. 

Give us a call on 01270 587820 today!

What is a Dental Implant? – replacing your missing teeth

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Old Surgery Implantologist, Russell Holloway, explains all about Dental Implants. Look out for the ‘handy for pub quizzes’ fact at the end ;)

What is a Dental Implant?

An Implant is a titanium screw placed in the jaw that replaces the root portion of a tooth. The crown portion of the tooth then screws into the implant.

The implant can be used to support either one or two ‘teeth’ independently or as many as needed when linked together.

Implants can also be used to lock removable dentures securely in place. Once the implant is in place, while it may have started it’s life as a single tooth implant, the top portion can later be changed to suit different needs such as linking up with other implants or supporting more teeth.

I think of it as being a bit like Meccano!

Why Have an Implant?

• Implants can replace lost teeth, improving aesthetics (looks) and function (chewing ability).

• Implants prevent the bone loss that occurs naturally after teeth are lost, which can in time result in a sunken ‘old person’ appearance.

• Implants can fill the gap without damaging the teeth either side of the gap, unlike a bridge.

• Implants can give a permanent, fixed solution to partial dentures.

• Implants can be used to anchor loose ‘full’ dentures, and work extremely well on people with loose, floppy lower dentures.

• Amazing success rate… 96% at 10 year review (no other dental treatment comes close!)

Who Should Put the Implant in?

The GDC (General Dental Council) states that a qualified General Dental Practitioner will not be competent to carry out implant dentistry without further training. GDC requirements are to attend a recognised course and have practical training under the supervision of a mentor.

Is it PAINFUL?

This is the most common question I am asked. I think it is a very sensible question also.

The good news is that it is not very painful (ask my mum, I placed four in one visit for her!)

The bone that the implant is placed into has lots of nerves going elsewhere but very few nerves that supply the bone itself. In fact if we didn’t have to uncover the bone by cutting the gum we would not have to use any local anaesthetic at all!

The procedure is done under normal local anaesthetic, the same as if you were having a tooth out, and most of my patients take painkillers for the first day then stop after that.

Very Sad and Boring Fact

Both the Ancient Egyptian and Mayan people used implants way before us, the oldest surviving implant was found in the skull of a Mayan person dated 600AD. A shell was placed in the socket of an extracted tooth, and was used for some time afterwards, considered to be a success as the person must have died before the shell fell out!

Modern implants have only been around since 1950’s.

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 If you have missing teeth and would like to find out more information about dental implants, why not give us a call on 01270 587820 and speak to a member of our friendly dental team!

 

A New Smile for Summer! – Old Surgery Nurse Debi Lloyd talks about her Six Month Smiles Experience.

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All my life I’ve been conscious of my crooked teeth, and feel that a person’s smile is often the first thing we notice when we meet them.

As you get older, your teeth tend to get a bit darker in colour, and I think that over recent years this has enhanced the crookedness of my teeth.

I was literally cringing at pictures of myself and even began to smile without showing my teeth – not a great look!

Although I desperately wanted a solution to my problem i am far too impatient to wear braces for up to two years, so when I heard about Six Month Smiles I got very excited that upper and lower teeth can be done at the same time and treatment can be completed in an average of six months.

Steve Lomas, my dentist, recently became a certified provider of Six Month Smiles and hey presto – I’m now wearing my lovely, barely noticeable braces!

The fit was really easy – I had my impressions taken and my mouth dimensions were sent off to America and then my braces came back ready to be fitted. It was totally painless!

After One Month

I had a little initial discomfort for a few days which is expected, but nothing a painkiller didn’t ease.

It took about 3 days to get used to wearing them, less than a pair of killer heels!

The biggest bonus is that it has stopped me snacking. While you are getting used to your braces it is advisable to eat soft foods, so I’ve managed to lose a few pounds too!

I can already see changes to my smile, which I am thrilled about. As Six Month Smiles braces are tooth-coloured, other people have hardly noticed I’m wearing them!

I’ve heard of a few celebs wearing the braces as well – Holly Willoughby and a couple of girls from Emmerdale – and hey, if its good enough for celebs its good enough for me!

Can’t wait to have my lovely new smile by summer!

 

 

Are you concerned about your crooked teeth? if you’d like to find out more about the Six Month Smiles Braces System, why not give The Old Surgery a ring on 01270 587820.

Badly-Fitting Dentures? We Can Help!

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The Old Surgery Dental Practice is proud to have opened the first specialised denture centre in South Cheshire.

Patients now have a choice: they can have dentures made by a dentist, or choose to see a Clinical Dental Technician who is trained specifically to provide dentures.

Our CDT, Simon Owen, describes one patient’s case:

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‘This patient recently came to see me as she felt her smile was not as natural and confident as she would like.

Before

After careful treatment planning and extensive discussions we decided that a natural yet attractive smile was the preferred outcome and so we began with shade selection.

My patient decided that she would like a nice white smile and therefore we chose a light shade. The patient also commented that her previous dentures showed excessive gum, which she had always disliked. Previous consultations elsewhere had led her to believe that this was unavoidable. However, I assured my patient that this was not the case and along with a slightly wider tooth shape selection we were able to give her precisely what she wanted, a lovely smile with no gums showing.

After

My patient and I worked together to give her the smile she wanted and that we were both very pleased with!’

Simon has been making dentures for over 20 years. Simon obtained his initial Dental Technology qualification in Manchester in 1993 and has run his own successful dental laboratory since then.

He can now personally assess each individual patient’s features, their facial profile and smile and how they talk. By discussing and seeing first hand any existing problems and utilising his specialised training and experience, using this tried and tested set of procedures, Simon is able to then construct new dentures with the optimum fit, appearance and comfort.

 

If you’re thinking of getting new dentures, or would like to find out more about our Denture Centre, take a look at our website  or give us a call on 01270  587820.

Introducing – Enlighten Whitening!

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Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to enhance your looks. Whether you want to add a sparkle to your smile for your wedding day or perfect your look for business meetings, whitening is simple, affordable and safe.

Many people feel years younger after the treatment, having erased the effects of aging, coffee, red wine and cigarettes.

Introducing Enlighten Whitening

Enlighten whitening works by increasing the tooth’s permeability to oxygen which breaks down stain molecules. It is a combination treatment meaning there is a two week home treatment followed by a 1 hour visit to the dentist.

How white will my teeth get?

Enlighten Whitening can whiten up to 16 shades, results vary but if used correctly all teeth will whiten dramatically.

Will they look too white?

No, natural teeth will rarely look too white, sometimes very white crowns can look wrong because they are made of porcelain.

Will my crowns, veneers or fillings change colour?

No, sometimes you may need to change some of these after whitening.

Is there pain or discomfort?

You may get some sensitivity, however we can provide easy to use desensitising swabs for you to take home, which will work immediately. You will also receive a tube of Tooth Serum toothpaste to brush with, while you wait for your trays, this also helps with the sensitivity.

How long does it take?

Two weeks after your dentist delivers your Enlighten Whitening trays. These are thin and comfortable and must be worn in bed for 14 nights, and then on the 15th day you need to see your dentist for the second treatment which takes only 40 minutes.

How long does it last?

Results can last indefinitely with some very simple maintenance, wearing the trays for 1 night every other month. Continuing to brush with Tooth Serum will also prolong results.

Is it safe?

Completely, the materials used in Enlighten Whitening have been used in dentistry for over 100 years.

Join the Fight Against Dementia!

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We are very proud to announce that one of our patients – Leila Atlasi, has taken on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro early next year!

She is doing the trek to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and to raise awareness about Dementia.

Leila says -

‘I’m fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society.

Trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro Feb 2012.

Please support my charity effort!

You may donate/view my progress at:

www.justgiving.com/Leila-Atlasi

Or quickly & simply send a free text to 70070 saying: ‘LALA99 £2’ (or any amount you wish!)

Thank you!
Leila Atlasi’

 

Please show your support for Leila!

Getting Lippy – my lip enhancement experience – by Michelle Hinde

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Our receptionist Michelle talks about having a lip enhancing treatment at The Old Surgery.

‘For years I always thought that I’d love to have Angelina Jolie’s or Megan Fox’s lips – there wasn’t really anything wrong with mine, I just wanted to be more ‘pouty’.

I’d bought virtually every lip plumping lip gloss on the market and all they did was sting and irritate my skin. (After reading the ingredients I realised the glosses can contain chilli – and cinnamon oil (ouch!!)

When I first mentioned having lip enhancements to my husband the first thing he said was, Lesley Ash, Pete Burns! I explained that both of them had permanent fillers done by people that hadn’t received the correct training and the fillers that I wanted were semi-permanent, made from a natural ingredient that already exists in the body.

Having the procedure was painless thanks to two injections of local anaesthetic – very similar to when you have a filling done. Steve Lomas who provides my treatment was amazingly gentle and I could hardly feel the injections!

Once the anaesthetic had taken effect and I had no feeling in my lip, the filler was injected. This was completely painless and took only minutes.

Initially your lips are a little bit swollen due to the procedure, but after 24-48 hours it was not enough to keep me indoors! The final result looked fabulous and felt completely natural.

I’ve now had my “Megan Fox” lips for 5 months (results can last up to 6 months), so within the next month or so I will be having them topped up.

I absolutely love my new lips and the increased confidence they give me!’

If you’d like to find out more about lip enhancement or any of our other treatments, please contact The Old Surgery on 01270 587820 or email info@oldsurgerydental.co.uk.

Team Profile – Sarah King – Dental Nurse

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Name: Sarah King

Number of years working at The Old Surgery: 11 years

Job Title: Dental Nurse

Role: Oral Surgery Treatment Coordinator – we receive referrals from practices all over Central & Eastern Cheshire to provide oral surgery treatment with or without sedation. It is my responsibility to ensure from the moment we receive a referral right through to discharging a patient back to their dentist, that the patient journey runs efficiently and smoothly whilst ensuring patients are well informed and feel at ease with the treatment they are receiving from our team.

What you enjoy most about your job: I deal with lots of nervous patients within my role, particularly patients who haven’t been to the practice before. I get a great amount of pleasure helping patients through what can be a difficult time for them, and I enjoy seeing them build up their confidence throughout the treatment they receive.

Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 2002 & Level 3 2003, Certificate in Radiography 2003, NEBDN Sedation Nursing 2005

Reason for obtaining qualifications: To register as a dental nurse, you have to be qualified. The Old Surgery kindly offered for me to take the opportunity to sit the NVQ exams in dental nursing, this allowed me to further my career in taking the radiography and conscious sedation nursing exams.

What added skill set and knowledge means for your role: To be able to fulfill my job role efficiently and adequately, taking the radiography exam has helped greatly. The sedation exam means that I am able to assist in difficult sedation procedures, dealing with very nervous patients and helping them through treatments.

Future training goals: Always happy to accept any further training in any aspects of this continuing growing practice

Why staff training is important to the practice: Essential within the practice to maintain good working relations, to work well together as a team.

Hobbies: Try to go the gym at least 3 times per week, sometimes for leisure for leisure but mostly to ease my conscience for my love of most foods

Favourite Films: The Bodyguard, Dirty Dancing, Grease, Proper chick flicks and nothing scary

TV Soaps: Emmerdale, Corrie, Eastenders, Holby City

Music: All music, especially Rhianna, Black Eyed Peas, Eminem

Sports: I haven’t played any sports for about 10 years now but enjoy watching Formula 1

Pets: None

Children: I have no children, but do look forward to having a family in future

Marriage: I am not currently married but have been in a relationship with my boyfriend Chris for 10 years and am hoping for a proposal in the near future.

Holidays: I try to have at least 1 holiday per year, usually abroad and particularly enjoy the Canary Islands

Goals for the coming year: Many – but usually take each day as it comes, that way there are no expectations and therefore no disappointments!

Friday Flowers & Meet the Team – Rebecca Copeland

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Each week we get some new flowers in our reception and post a photo of one of our team with the flowers!

This week’s flowers are - asiatic red lillies, red chilli peppers, orange roses.

 

Name: Rebecca Copeland

Number of years working at The Old Surgery: 12

Job Title: Treatment Coordinator

Role: Providing information to both existing and potential patients about the treatments that are available within the practice. Patients can contact at any time with queries that they may have regarding treatment, or to discuss treatment options available to them. I am also qualified to assist in all aspects of treatment at the practice from implant placement to oral surgery with IV sedation.

What you enjoy most about your job: Having such a varied role within the practice means that no two days are the same. Assisting with many aspects of treatment means that every day is interesting. Being lucky enough to be involved with treatment plans (especially complex) allows me to follow patients progress, and see end results. It is really nice to see how pleased patients are with the results that can be achieved.

Qualifications: NEBDN Dental Nursing 1999, NEBDN Dental Sedation Nursing 2001, Diploma in Dental Hygiene/Therapy 2007

Reason for obtaining qualifications: Provides the best level of care possible for patients and to be an integral part of the team

What added skill set and knowledge means for your role: Varied and in-depth knowledge of treatments available enables me to effectively communicate this to patients

Future training goals: To eventually achieve a degree in dental studies

Why staff training is important to the practice: It reassures patients that all team members are both motivated and interested in the work that they do. It shows the high standards expected within the practice are achieved, and ensures that patients receive the very best possible care when attending the practice.

Hobbies: Love cooking (and more importantly eating!!)

Favourite Films: Office Space, League of their Own, East is East, Lost in Translation, Pulp Fiction.

TV: Friends, Come Dine with Me, Coach Trip

Music: Various, George Michael, 90s

Sports played/watched: Zumba, Watching F1

Pets: 2 Goldfish (who have for the past 8 years remained nameless!!)

Children: None

Marriage: Married to Stuart for the last 9 years. Stuart is an Electrician.

Holidays: Greece, Cyprus