Welcome David Cohen – the newest member of The Old Surgery Team!

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

We are very excited to announce that David Cohen will be joining the Old Surgery Team next week as a Specialist Endodontist.

David qualified in 1971 with a BDS from the Royal Dental Hospital of London and in 1972 with a LDSRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Following qualification he worked in general practice in Manchester.

In 1976, after developing an interest in endodontics and in order to advance his knowledge in this field, he undertook a number of postgraduate courses in the United States at Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry, which led to an MSc awarded in 1984.

In 1986 he was invited to undertake further research work, resulting in a PhD being awarded by Manchester University in 1991 on the basis of a thesis entitled “Development and Evaluation of endodontic filling and pulp capping materials”. This led to the development of new materials in both areas of root filling and pulp capping and worldwide patents for such materials. In 2005 he was awarded a Certificate of Expert Witness Accreditation by Cardiff University.

In1981 David opened a part-time practice “limited to endodontics” which grew into a full-time practice. For a number of years David taught postgraduate endodontics and undergraduate studies as a lecturer at Manchester Dental Hospital and currently holds the position of Honorary Research Associate at Manchester University. He was admitted to the Endodontic Specialist Register as soon as it was inaugurated in 1998.

He has written widely on endodontic subjects and in 1994 was a Visiting Fellow to the Singapore Ministry of Health. He lectures extensively in the UK and USA. David has served as the President of the British Endodontic Society and Chairman and/or executive member of local dental and endodontic associations and has also been a member of the American Association of Endodontists since 1979.

(For dentists) referral services available -

• Root canal therapy

• Re-treatment endo therapy

• Apical surgery

• Difficult pain diagnosis

• Perio-endo problems

• Post/core preparation

The new iTero technology blows me away! – Steve Lomas

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

‘The new iTero technology blows me away – no impressions, just perfect crowns every time!

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We have recently invested in the iTero digital impression scanner – only the 24th Practice in the UK to do so.

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I had high expectations – but this is even better than I dreamed possible! Our patients no longer have to have their mouths filled with uncomfortable trays full of sticky putty. The iTero scanner takes a digital scan of the teeth, every aspect of the work can be checked and then at a click of the mouse all the information is sent to the laboratory.

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Every crown I have fitted has been perfect on the marginal fit, contact points and occlusion. I have not needed to analyse a single thing.This shows two things:

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1) Despite using the best impression materials and techniques for years – small discrepancies have always occurred somewhere in the impression and processing stages.

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2) What an amazing job really skilled technicians can do on a perfect impression – huge amount of respect for Ian Taylor at Castle Ceramics.

The iTero really is digital dentistry for the 21st century, brilliant for the Dentist and brilliant for our patients.’

Dr Steve Lomas

If you’d like to know more about the dental treatments we offer here at The Old Surgery, why not give us a call on 01270 587 820.

Enlighten Whitening – it’s as good as it claims!

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

Enlighten tooth whitening is as good as it claims – B1 shade guaranteed!

B1 is the lightest natural tooth shade on the Vita shade guide – used by dentists.

Just before Christmas we introduced Enlighten to our range of tooth whitening systems. We felt we had finally found a system that could consistently deliver the beautiful white B1 smile we always aim for – but have only rarely achieved with traditional home whitening or Zoom 2 in-surgery whitening.

The great news is Enlighten really delivers. We have completed many Enlighten treatments now and every single one has been B1 or a better result!

Find out more about Enlighten here!

If you’d like to find out more about the tooth whitening treatments we offer at The Old Surgery, just give us a call on 01270 587 820.

Another Happy Inman Aligner Patient!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by admin

This female patient had previously considered veneers or crowns, but she decided against these options , which can be more destructive to teeth and decided to opt for orthodontic treatment with Inman Aligner.

Before Inman Aligner

The patient was delighted with the results – she is looking forward to photo shoots with the family and graduation photos!

After Inman Aligner

Inman Aligner Patient – Before and After

Posted on February 27, 2012 by admin

These photos are from a 20 year old female who was unhappy and lacking confidence with her smile.

Old Surgery Dentist Steve Lomas discussed the options with her and the patient opted for orthodontic treatment using Inman Aligner.

Steve is the first dentist in South Cheshire to be accredited to use Inman.

The aligners are used to relieve crowding of the front six teeth. Cases that would previously have been treated with multiple, often highly destructive porcelain crowns and veneers can now be treated with nothing more than realignment, plus some tooth whitening and bonding a little white filling material onto worn incisal edges if the patient desires.

After Inman Aligner

At this stage, minor recontouring of the incisal edges of the two front teeth has been carried out to enhance the result.

The next stage is tooth whitening using Enlighten and then possibly some minor white filling build-ups to give the teeth ideal edges if the patient wishes.

If you’re unhappy with your smile and would like to know more about Inman Aligner or any other treatments, please give The Old Surgery a call on 01270 587 820. We’d love to hear from you!

My role as Treatment Coordinator at The Old Surgery

Posted on February 3, 2012 by admin

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

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

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

Posted on January 25, 2012 by admin

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.

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.

Posted on January 18, 2012 by admin

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!

Posted on January 11, 2012 by admin

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:

‘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.

The Old Surgery Dental Practice Blog

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