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Max Malins Will Be Smiling With Invisalign Treatments

Max Malins Invisalign

Max Malins, the current full-back for Bristol Bears who recently represented England in the Rugby World Cup, has started Invisalign teeth straightening treatments at CK Dental in Clifton.

Only available at Invisalign-approved dental clinics, Invisalign uses the newest clear aligner technology for improving smiles.

Discover more below, and find out how you can start your own teeth straightening journey with a special invitation to our Invisalign Open Day event where you’ll receive some exclusive discounts.

Max chooses CK Dental for Invisalign treatments

Invisalign is a modern teeth straightening system and a discreet alternative to traditional braces. It can help correct issues such as crowding, misalignment, spacing and rotations of teeth.

Some patients see results in as little as three to six months, achieving a new, confident smile and with minimal interference to daily life.

In fact, Max had wanted to get his teeth straightened for many years. “Attention to detail, friendly service and state of the art facility,” he said were reasons for choosing CK Dental for his Invisalign treatment.

Cornelius explains, “Scans are the first part of the Invisalign treatment that we are providing for Max. He will have custom-made clear aligners for gently and comfortably moving his teeth into a better position. They will conveniently fit around his active lifestyle and can be removed when needed. We will keep an eye on how things are progressing and can make adjustments if needed as we go along.”

Max said, “I feel very comfortable with CK Dental managing my treatment plan. They’ve talked me through everything, making it super easy. I can’t wait to continue the process and see the results in a few months’ time.”

Cornelius, Becky and Max Invisalign
Left to right, Principal Dentist Cornelius, Dental Treatment Coordinator Becky, and Max

Come to our Invisalign Open Day

To find out more about how Invisalign is transforming smiles in Bristol, come along to CK Dental’s Invisalign Open Day on Thursday 29th February.

On the day, you’ll have a free consultation and, if you go ahead, you’ll receive some exclusive discounts worth over £1,900, including a free Pola Light whitening treatment and custom fit Vivera Retainers.

Be advised that we have limited availability. Call us now to secure your place on 0117 472 1600. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@ckdental.co.uk or book your slot via the form on this page here > https://ckdental.co.uk/invisalign-open-day/

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Associate Dentist Nick Banfield Brings Periodontitis Treatments to Bristol Patients

Treating Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums, periodontal ligament and the bone supporting the teeth. It is commonly known as gum disease. In the UK, 10% of the adult population suffer from severe periodontitis and up to 50% can suffer from milder forms, however, if periodontitis is caught early, it can usually be managed successfully without the need for specialist surgery

Associate Dentist, Nick Banfield has recently completed his Post-Graduate Diploma in Periodontology, expanding his expertise in periodontology, and is now able to treat this condition with more competence and skill compared to the usual practice norm of receiving treatment from the hygienist. This means he can offer patients with this condition more in-depth treatment.

Here, Nick talks about this common dental condition, with advice on prevention, management and the treatments offered to patients with gum disease.

What causes periodontitis?

Periodontitis results from long term chronic inflammation of the gums over a long period of time. In patients that suffer from the condition, their immune system launches an exaggerated response to the bacteria in their mouths leading to destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth leading to tooth mobility, infection and possible premature tooth loss.

Certain factors lead to people being more prone to developing periodontitis including:

  • poorly controlled diabetes
  • smoking
  • poor oral hygiene
  • genetic susceptibility (family history)
  • certain medications
  • stress
  • poor diet

If patients have any of the above risk factors then they are more likely to develop gum disease

Periodontitis can be linked to a range of medical conditions, and has a bidirectional link with diabetes, where diabetics are more prone to developing periodontitis, having periodontal treatment improves the control of diabetes in diabetics and having untreated periodontitis can increase the risk of developing diabetes in the future in previous non-diabetic patients.

Recent research is providing evidence it may have a link with many systemic inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease and dementia but further research in this area is needed.

Quite frequently, there is a genetic risk to developing the disease and many relatives of periodontal patients may suffer from the disease. The effects of periodontitis (receding gums, mobile teeth, gum infections/abscesses and tooth loss) become more obvious with age as the condition progresses but by the time this occurs and the patient is aware of the problems it is often too late to effectively treat. That is why it is important to try and manage and treat the condition before it gets to this stage.

The majority of Periodontitis cases can be managed with a dedicated oral hygiene routine tailored to each individual patient and visits to receive non surgical periodontal therapy. In severe cases surgical treatment is sometimes indicated when stability of the condition hasn’t been met with non surgical treatment alone.

“Periodontal patients have to be committed to hygiene visits every three months after receiving periodontal therapy to maintain stability – it isn’t curable but can be successfully managed where it doesn’t progress and get worse. If they go back to their old habits or stop seeing the hygienist, it just comes back,” explains Nick, adding, “the worst case scenario is that then they could potentially start losing teeth.”

How is periodontitis diagnosed?

Periodontitis can be diagnosed by an initial dental examination of the gums and routine x rays. If periodontitis is noticed then a more in depth periodontal examination is carried out where the depth of the gum pockets around the teeth are measured and further x rays are taken to assess the amount of supporting bone around the teeth that has been lost. This will then confirm the severity of periodontitis and aid the dentist what treatment is needed and the prognosis of the condition. Periodontitis can present with different symptoms, when it is mild/early patients will often be unaware of having the condition. When it is more advanced, symptoms can include bleeding gums which can be swollen and painful and infected, bad breath and loose teeth.

How is periodontitis managed?

For managing periodontitis, it is crucial to follow your dentist’s advice with your teeth cleaning routine for improving your oral hygiene.

“Eighty per cent of controlling it is what they do every day at home,” Nick says, “so it’s important that time is spent showing how to effectively clean your teeth and gums and what is needed.

“If improved oral hygiene with regular hygienist visits isn’t controlling the disease sufficiently, then non-surgical treatment options can be explored where plaque and calculus is removed from deep beneath the gum line. This is done across two sessions and under local anaesthetic so is painless. For nervous patients, there is also the option of sedation.”

Surgical options for periodontitis

Usually, an improved oral healthcare routine with non surgical periodontal therapy will stabilise the condition in 80% of cases. However, if periodontitis remains unstable in localised places then surgical treatment may be needed to restore periodontal health where resective and regenerative surgical procedures can be used for reducing periodontal pockets and replacing lost bone in certain situations.

However, certain criteria always need to be met first, including having extremely good oral hygiene.

“If they follow the dentist’s guidance, and really do it properly, then the non-surgical treatment usually works,” concludes Nick.

If you are concerned about periodontitis, if there is a family history or if you are experiencing symptoms, then get in touch with CK Dental for an appointment by calling 0117 472 1600.

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Receptionist Lucy Wells Joins our Family Dental Practice

Dental Receptionist

Early next month, we are excited to announce that Lucy will be joining our growing family dental practice. It is likely that Lucy will be the first friendly face that you see when you come into our relaxing reception area at 1 West Mall, as she will be our new dental receptionist!

Previously, Lucy worked with Cornelius and Sheryl at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital. A self-proclaimed natural organiser and people-person, Lucy has spent her life working in customer-facing roles and is looking forward to this new chapter. “I am looking forward to going above and beyond to deliver an excellent customer experience,” she says.

At CK Dental, we believe in helping people that have a fear of the dentist. And with bags of experience, Lucy will certainly help put any nervous patients at ease when they step into our calm and relaxed reception area.

“I know the importance of putting patients first and providing them with the best customer service possible.”

“I enjoy interacting with people and helping to make them feel content about visiting the dentist instead of feeling nervous,” she adds.

Bristol-born, Lucy has now settled in Clevedon and has a passion for the outdoors and being active. When not looking after her young granddaughter, she enjoys local rambles with friends and recently took up tennis again.

You can find out more about Lucy, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page (here).

Book an appointment with our friendly team by calling 0117 472 1600 or email enquiries@ckdental.co.uk .

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Brushing for Better Health – Features in Bristol Life Magazine

Children’s Brushing

To celebrate National Smile Month, the team recently visited children at Christ Church C of E Primary School in Clifton to talk about the importance of brushing their teeth. We are also featured in this month’s Bristol Life magazine, with a special 50% off new patient offer.

Brushing for Better Health

The ‘Brushing for Better Health’ campaign is run by the Oral Health Foundation and highlights the importance of starting good oral health habits at an early age.

Principal dentist, Cornelius says, “The most important thing you can do to maintain your child’s oral health is to ensure they are brushing their teeth. Ideally, twice a day.”

“Until the age of seven, children should be supervised while brushing their teeth to ensure it is done correctly. They should brush for two minutes,” he added.

Take advantage of our offer

For advice on how to care for your children’s teeth, or to take advantage of the family discount, book an appointment with our friendly team by calling 0117 472 1600 or email enquiries@ckdental.co.uk .

More details about our special National Smile Month 50% discount offer can be found here – https://ckdental.co.uk/offers-and-promotions/

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What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Knock out a tooth

Your teeth may be the hardest substance in the human body, but that doesn’t make them invincible. If you fall, or suffer an impact to the jaw, it can knock out a tooth, requiring immediate treatment.

Following Falls Prevention Week, a national awareness campaign that occurs each September, we look at what you can do if you accidentally knock out a tooth.

What to do if you knock out a tooth

Having a tooth knocked out can be a traumatic experience. However, there is a chance the tooth can be saved if you know how to handle it.

If you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown and not the root. If it is dirty, run it under the cold tap for a maximum of 10 seconds. Do not attempt to place it back in the hole if it is a milk tooth. Otherwise, put it in as soon as possible and seek urgent dental help immediately. If it won’t go in easily, place it in milk, or saliva until you can get to the dentist.

If your child has had a tooth knocked out, don’t try to place it back in. Keep the tooth clean, don’t touch the root and store it in milk until you can get to a dentist.

How is a knocked-out tooth treated?

If you have the tooth, your dentist will be able to help you secure it back in place. Splinting is typically used to keep the tooth attached to the teeth at either side. The splint will be left on for a couple of weeks before being removed.

If you couldn’t find the tooth or it is unable to be saved, a dental implant can be used to replace it. They provide a long-lasting solution, helping to hide unsightly gaps, and give you the confidence to smile.

Dental implants are created from titanium, and they are implanted into the jaw. A temporary restoration will be provided for a period of two to four months until the tooth has healed. Over that time, the bone will begin to grow around the implant, keeping it firmly in place.

Preventing a knocked-out tooth

Although it isn’t always possible to prevent an injury, there are some ways to prevent a tooth being knocked out. Mouthguards are especially effective for athletes participating in contact sports.

The Bristol Flyers Basketball team, sponsored by CK Dental, have custom-made mouthguards to protect the teeth during play. Mouthguards are affordable, effective, and can prevent an emergency trip to the dentist. Custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth, they can also be worn overnight to prevent teeth grinding.

If you have knocked out your tooth, getting to the dentist quickly is the key to saving it. To learn more about mouthguards or dental implants, book a consultation with our friendly dental team now.

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Associate Dentist Dr Alexander James Joins Our Clifton Practice

Clifton Practice

This month we welcome Dr Alexander James to our expanding team at our Clifton practice. A friendly, confident and approachable dentist – we are certain that patients will feel at ease throughout any dental treatment with him.

Alex graduated from the University of Bristol in 2016 and he was individually awarded the BDA Medal for achieving the highest grade for restorative dentistry in his year as part of his degree.

As well as providing all aspects of general dentistry, Alex has a particular interest in cosmetic dentistry. He is also a certified Invisalign provider, helping patients improve their smiles.

We asked Alex a few questions about his experience, his motivations and why he has chosen to join our Bristol dental practice now.

What is it about being a dentist that motivates you?

The most motivating and rewarding part of being a dentist is witnessing the transition of a formerly very nervous patient into someone who actually finds attending the dentist enjoyable! It is a privilege to have the opportunity to build such amazing trusting personal relationships with so many different individuals. It is also genuinely fun to have a job that involves problem-solving and so many technical skills on a daily basis.

What are the most common dental issues that you see?

The two most common problems we face daily are without question: dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal (gum) disease. Both are almost entirely preventable with good oral hygiene and limiting the frequency of consumption of sugars in the diet.

So why CK Dental?

CK Dental is a stunning ultra-modern practice that strives to offer patients the very best journey and experiences from patient care to high quality treatments. Being situated in the heart of Clifton Village is probably the most desirable location to work in Bristol.

I have been equally very impressed with Principal Dentist, Cornelius and his wife Sheryl (Practice Manager). They have both been so friendly and accommodating in my encounters with them so far. I just get the feeling I am onto something really special with this practice.

I am genuinely very excited and proud to be joining the team at a practice as alluring as CK Dental. I will make a full commitment to every patient I treat to deliver high-quality care in both the overall patient experience and clinical aspect of the treatment. I take pride in my chair-side manner and sincerely hope that every patient benefits from my friendly and amicable yet ethical and professional approach.

You can find out more about Alex, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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Associate Dentist Dr Nicholas Banfield Joins Our Clifton Village Practice

Clifton Village Practice

Our new Associate Dentist, Nick joins us at our brand new Clifton Village practice with fifteen years of general dentistry experience under his belt, working at a very busy Practice in Stroud. But his journey into dentistry may not have followed the traditional route. It actually began with a degree in Biological Sciences and then into research in oral and dental sciences at the Bristol Dental School.

To our delight though, Nick decided it was the right time to move on and he now joins our ever-growing team at our new modern clinic in Clifton Village. He brings with him years of general dentistry experience, a practical approach and a strong passion for preventative care.

Nick’s dental experience

One of the benefits to our team, after being based at one dental practice over such a long period of time? “Over the years, you learn what techniques and treatments work for individual patients and what doesn’t,” he said.

Nick really enjoys building relationships with his patients. Over the years, he has seen the long-term effects of his handiwork. Additionally, as an experienced dentist, he quickly builds trust and rapport with his patients. For this reason, he can quickly put anyone that is nervous at ease.

Describing himself as a very practical person, Nick really enjoys the physical work involved in a patient’s dental transformation.

“Transforming a rotten tooth into one that is totally fixed! It just becomes like second nature,” he said.

Prevention is key!

Nick undertakes all aspects of general dentistry and places a strong emphasis on educating his patients to prevent future dental problems arising.

He sees Periodontal (gum) disease as something that should be treated better in general practice. Therefore, he spends more time than most other dentists on prevention.

“90% of dental problems are self-inflicted and can be prevented,” he said.

“By talking to the patient and finding out more about their daily eating and oral hygiene habits, I quickly find out the real cause of the problem.”

Nick believes that people are taking better care of their teeth and are keeping more of their teeth into old age. However, he sees the British public lagging behind other countries in their dental care. Why?

“Regular examinations and hygiene visits are absolutely key.

“A lot of people do not get the advice and time needed in their dental visits to achieve good oral health. And this can only be done really well at a private practice.”

So Why CK Dental?

One of the key things that Nick enjoys with private dental care is the quality of dentistry it is able to provide. From the availability of better materials and equipment to the time the dentist can spend on each patient. And that is certainly the case at the new practice in Clifton. An independent practice run by a dentist he knows is also a main draw for Nick. And having previously worked alongside Principal Dentist, Cornelius – he is confident about the standards of patient care this practice can deliver and provide.

You can find out more about Nick, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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Welcome Dental Nurse Beth To Our Growing Clifton Dental Practice

Clifton Dental Practice

We are happy to reveal another new face and part of our growing Clifton dental practice. A very warm welcome to Beth Cains, our new Dental Nurse.

Beth completed her training in 2015 at Bristol dental hospital whilst working at a busy private practice in Keynsham. She went on to join the Cavity Dental Agency, gaining experience in all areas of dentistry, whilst supporting both NHS and private dental practices.

Beth has a keen interest in dental implants, always furthering her knowledge in this area and enjoys assisting Principal Dentist, Dr Cornelius Krause with these treatments.
“I find it very interesting and rewarding. I have done a few day courses concentrating on implants and hope to gain more knowledge as I continue dental nursing.”

With a real talent of putting nervous patients at ease, Beth enjoys being part of a positive dental experience. “I enjoy being a part of their journey, especially when they are anxious as you are able to help put them at ease,” she says.

You can find out more about Beth, as well as the rest of the CK Dental team on our Team page.

If you would like to book an appointment at our Clifton dental practice, please call us on 0117 472 1600.

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Welcome to our new associate dentist, Sonia

New Associate Dentist at CK Dental

We’re delighted to welcome a new member to our team at CK Dental. Associate Dentist Dr Sonia Manikam qualified at the University of Bristol in 2017. She then embarked on a four-year Masters of Clinical Dentistry in Fixed & Removable Prosthodontics at the prestigious King’s College London.

As well as general practice, Sonia enjoys and has a special interest in minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry and short-term orthodontics, creating beautiful smiles using a conservative approach. She has a relaxed friendly style to put you at your ease however complex the procedure may be.

Outside of dentistry, Sonia enjoys going for long walks in the countryside and playing the piano. Call us on 0117 905 9866 to arrange a consultation with Sonia.

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CK Dental is still open

Dentist still open

Following yesterday’s announcement, we want to let you know that as an essential medical service, CK Dental is able to remain open as normal, and patients are still allowed to travel for their dental treatment.

Your safety, our priority

We would like to reassure all our patients that our clinic is the safest environment possible. Since the first lockdown, we invested in a new air filtering system which has the recommended HEPA filter, and is able to filter out 99.97% of pathogens as small as 0.3 microns.

We have had no reported cases in the clinic and we will continue to work within all the government guidelines to keep it that way.

Dental treatment plans

Please make sure you keep your appointment if you have one. If you call us to make an appointment, you will be asked some screening questions. You’ll be asked those same questions again at your appointment to see if anything has changed since you booked.

We are still accepting new patients too, and we can offer budget payment plans with Denplan Essentials to make treatment more affordable.

How you can help

At CK Dental, we use personal protective equipment including masks, gloves and aprons, and social distancing measures to keep staff and patients safe. You can also help by following these steps;

  • Please do not arrive without an appointment
  • With the exception of children and persons in need, patients should come alone
  • Patients should attend wearing a mask
  • Please do not arrive early to the practice. If necessary, you should wait outside the practice
  • If you show symptoms following appointment booking, you should contact NHS Test and Trace

Please call our friendly team in Bristol on 0117 905 9866 if you have any questions about your upcoming appointment or our budget payment plans.

We look forward to seeing you!

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