Back to school!
Modbury Primary School, as part of their key stage 2 curriculum invited Absolute Dental to deliver a presentation to the children on ‘How to keep a healthy smile’.
The children aged between 7 and 11 years were set a task for the half term holiday to design a poster in this theme. The response from the children was fabulous, a great deal of time and effort had been made by all who took part, all kinds of media were used, from collage through to computer art. It was certainly a difficult task to choose winners. The winners in the 2 - year group categories were presented on the day with prizes of an electric toothbrushes and a goody bag.
It was great to see the children showing a great deal of interest and enthusiasm, with lots of questions being raised by the children and teachers, and, even though the presentation ran into the children’s ‘play time’ the were still keen to stay behind and ask more questions.
‘Why do my gums bleed?’ ‘Do we need to use a mouthwash?’ ‘Is it ok to use a mouthwash instead of brushing?’ ‘Why are flavoured crisps not a healthy snack when plain crisps are?’
The presentation was concluded with an (egg)speriment which demonstrated the positive benefit fluoride has with helping to strengthen the enamel surface of the tooth.
Positive feedback from the teachers said that the presentation reinforced the messages they were trying to promote, and was delivered in a very interesting way.
A beautiful hand-made thank you card was sent to the practice - another wonderful piece of artwork.
Denise Bingham RDN/OHE

Absolute Better Smiles

Plaque removal is the first action against gum and tooth problems. It causes gum disease.
Lots of care and time is needed each day to clean your teeth.
Always brush for at least 2 minutes twice a day to remove the plaque.
Quick brushing is not sufficient.
Use a medium textured, small headed toothbrush.
Each tooth should be cleaned thoroughly on all surfaces & especially along the gum line.

Plaque disclosing tablets can be used to see how effective your brushing is.
Rinsing with a mouthwash is not necessary unless advised by dentist or hygienist.
Each tooth should be cleaned interdentally (in between) with ...
Vision brush, tepe brush or floss daily as a toothbrush cannot get into these areas.
Ensure tepes/vision brushes are replaced weekly & toothbrushes 3 monthly.
Never use a brush that looks worn or bristles are splayed outwards.
Toothpaste should contain fluoride to help strengthen teeth and help against sensitivity.
In difficult areas (back teeth and crowded teeth) an interspace brush (single tufted) can be used.
Oh, and don't forget to visit the dentist and hygienist at least every 6 months.
Never rush the brush, as a clean plaque free mouth gives a better 'Absolute' smile.

Written by Nicola Adams - Hygienist

"Feel the fear - and do it anyway"
Some people can be very fearful of visiting the dentist - this fear can present itself as mild anxiety through to blinding fear. For some of these people, the fear will have kept them away from the dentist for many years, driven only to attend by severe discomfort, setting up an association between discomfort & visiting the dentist.For others (and we meet many), there has been a "bad experience" with a previous dentist that taints all subsequent visits. An entire generation received relative analgesia through a "rubber mask", and some received treatment after no anaesthetic at all. All of these patients need our help, understanding & empathy. Here at Absolute Dental we want to replace those bad memories or experiences with positive ones. As soon as you walk through our doors we want you to fell that you are amongst friends. We take time to listen to your fears & concerns and work with you to provide you with the care you need at a level you are comfortable with.We have tricks up our sleeves to make all aspects of dental treatment comfortable - but our main weapon in anxiety control is our team. We have a dedicated team of professionals who are there to help. We listen & support you and never underestimate the power of fear. We build trusting relationships with our patients giving them confidence to visit us on a regular basis. Patients who described themselves as "phobic" when they first visited the practice, now tell others how we have helped them to start combating their fears - but don't just take our word for it...
A touching testimonial from one of our converted phobic patients...
...As a child of the Seventies, Dentists held a special place in my mind, usually at the back of it. Anyone reading this that had dental work as a child during the Seventies will understand what I mean, little or no pain relief, being held down whilst the dentist did his best to do his work, crowded and stuffy waiting rooms and the dreaded 'rubber mask', If I close my eyes I can still smell the rubber. So when I reached my teens I simply stopped going to the dentist, if I brushed my teeth twice a day they’d be no problems and no need for dentists. I happily went along for the next 20 years, my teeth getting progressively worse but I could manage it. Then it happened, one toffee too many and my tooth broke. As it was after neglecting my teeth for all those years, I was only able to eat on one side, “The Extra Toffee” why didn’t I stop, I had no choice, and the pain was too much,
I had to go ... To the Dentist…
The first thing that struck me was how much it had changed. I walked through the door, I smelt flowers and scented candles I was greeted by attentive staff who knew who I was, why I was there and who I’d be seeing. The waiting area was light, spacious and relaxing. My dentist, Mr. John talked to me he explained what he’d be doing, why he’d be doing it, what I should do if I needed him to stop. He showed me the instruments of his trade and explained what they did. The dental nurse was on hand, overseeing everything in a calm and efficient manner, no rush, no panic we’ll go at your pace. Absolute Dental help me to manage my teeth, dental hygiene and spreading the cost and over time have restored my faith. Although the smell of the rubber mask is still there, the anxiety is not and for that “I Thank You”

Written by Diane Cox RDN

An Absolute warm welcome
My name is Sophie Bain and I am the newest recruit to Absolute Dental. I previously worked in a lovely practice in Plymouth but seven months ago I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Josie and made the decision to search for somewhere closer to home.
I was over the moon when I heard that Absolute Dental needed somebody to join their team, and even more delighted when they offered me the job.
I hope to offer Absolute Dental my experiences of working in a specialist practice. I am looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my crazy dog Phoebe and the usual girlie things, shopping and fun nights out!

Importance and benefits of routine Dental Radiographs

Dental radiographs (X-rays) are a very important part of comprehensive dental care as they help provide valuable information, which, may not be seen by the dentist on visual examination of the patients teeth.
Radiographic examination may help the dentist see small areas of early decay between the teeth or below existing fillings - this can be treated at an early stage preventing the need for larger, more invasive procedures.
Radiographs also allow for bone loss due to periodontal disease to be recorded and monitored.
Areas of infection may sometimes be seen as well as other oral conditions.
Digital x rays are used at Absolute Dental. The dentist takes digital images using a small digital sensor that is placed in the mouth to capture the image. Importantly - this reduces the amount of radiation required to produce an x ray as compared with conventional film x rays, also eliminates the risk of film processing errors.
The computerised dental radiographs are immediately displayed on the computer monitor.
Images can be enhanced to provide an optimal radiograph and to detect specific problem areas of a tooth.
The images are stored on the computer in the individual patients’ clinical notes, this allows for comparison with future radiographs possible - to monitor for any changes.

So next time your dentist takes a radiograph be assured it is an important part of your overall dental care.

Why offer a treatment coordinator service?

We feel that our patients deserve the best care possible, and feel that providing the treatment coordinator service will give them just that.

From the initial meeting or telephone enquiry a special relationship will be created, patients can rest assured that they have a personal point of contact and one to one care throughout their treatment.

All new patients to the practice have an initial 20 minute consultation with a treatment coordinator to discuss any concerns and possible treatments, models, testimonials, before and after photographs will be used to help with patient understanding of treatments offered. This will preceed a comprehensive assessment by one of our dentists during a consultation which typically takes 30 minutes.

What's on the horizon for 2010

An exciting year ahead...

January - Welcomes Bill Beare, specialist in Implantology, Periodontology and Advanced Restorative Dentistry to our expanding Award Winning team.

Also sees the launch of our Treatment Coordinator service. All new patients to the practice will routinely have an appointment with one of our treatment coordinators to discuss any concerns, and possible treatment options prior to their initial consultation with their appointed/chosen dentist.

April -sees 3 successful years of Absolute Dental, which, we will be celebrating with an open evening, watch this space for more details.

October - A team of 7 'The Absolute Stars' will be doing the 'Marine Commando Challenge' involving an obstacle course, a lot of water, mud, and a 4K fun run. To raise sponsorship for Devon Air Ambulance.