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Coronavirus Information

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Caring for you during COVID-19

Following the Government’s update, our dental implant centres have now re-opened but are offering very limited service to a small number of existing TDC patients. We hope to welcome new patients for their free consultations and life-changing Smile in a Day same-day dental implant treatment very soon.

In the meantime, over the past weeks, we have been working hard to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff – we completely understand you may be more nervous about visiting the dentist than normal.

Our dentists, hygienists and nurses will be wearing more safety clothing and face wear, and our reception teams will be behind screens and wearing masks too. We’ll ask you to use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask while in practice (these will be provided), for everyone’s protection as we continue to put your needs and safety first.

TDC Implant Centres are part of the Bupa Dental Care Group and all of the latest information will be available on the Bupa Dental Care website. You can find out more about our extra safety measures and what to expect when you visit us in-practice, in this short video. https://youtu.be/XMBdhlCHW3E.

We look forward to welcoming you at TDC Implant Centres very soon.

Our approach during COVID-19

In recent weeks we have all been affected by the COVID-19 crisis facing the UK – our routines have changed and we are facing daily challenges that mean we have to adapt, compromise, re-think our priorities and how we live day to day.

We understand during this uncertain time you may have some questions related to your oral care, so we’ve put together the answers to some key questions.

You may want to read our Q&As in conjunction with the advice given by the Government and information from the NHS on handwashing, social distancing and staying at home.

What dental care is currently being provided by TDC Implant Centres?

In line with Government guidelines, and with the safety of both our patients and our people as our priority, we are currently able to offer only very limited dental treatment in our dental implant centres.

If you need to contact us, please call your local centre:

Can I book a Smile in a Day consultation?

We are not currently able to offer consultations to new patients. We will go back to offering consultations and to restoring smiles and confidence once we know it is safe to do so.

In the meantime, you may like to look across our website to learn more about the TDC Smile in a Day treatment, see wonderful patient before and after pictures, and read patient case studies and reviews.

General hints and advice for taking care of your dental implants

If you have dental implants, you’ll understand the importance of keeping them clean and healthy to maintain their lifespan. Peri-implant disease is the most common form of infection that can develop around implants. It’s similar to gum disease around a tooth and is caused by a build-up of plaque. This causes bone loss around your implants and surrounding teeth.

The only way to prevent peri-implant disease is with regular cleaning and maintenance of your implant. During the coronavirus pandemic, you won’t be able to regularly visit your dentist and hygienist, so it’s vital you look after your implants meticulously at home. We recommend you:

  • Brush your implants at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, including under and around the crown of the implant
  • Use an interdental brush coated with nylon every day to clean around the implant, or by using unwaxed floss tape or ‘super floss’

What if my maintenance appointment is due at TDC Implant Centres?

Maintenance appointments require a face to face consultation. Once we are open as normal, we will contact each patient individually so we can get their treatment back on track as soon as possible.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns and need to speak with a dentist, please call your practice number to speak with a member of our team.

What sort of dental care regime should I follow at home?

The important thing is to maintain a regular oral care routine.

TDC Smile in a Day patients should follow the instructions given for keeping your mouth and dental implants clean.

In these times, keeping safe is everything. When it’s safe to return, we will be back to help our patients enjoy their lives with smiles and confidence restored. In the meantime, stay safe and well.

From all of us at TDC Smile in a Day

What should I do if I need emergency dental care?

TDC Implant Centres are part of the Bupa Dental Care group. If you have a dental emergency, please call your local centre and follow the instructions to be connected to a dentist. They may prescribe medication, or if needed, talk to you through the next steps for emergency care.

Patients should visit A&E if they have jaw swelling that is causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial trauma.

For alternative Bupa Dentalcare practices offering telephone support and advice to patients with urgent need, please visit the Bupa Dental Care website.

Problems or pain with your dental implants

Problems with dental implants can vary from a short-term infection to a chronic infection such as peri-implant disease. Symptoms to look out for include:

  • Redness or soreness of the gum around your implants. This could simply be due to a plaque build-up and although the gums may be sore, cleaning properly may settle this down. Use a softer brush or soak your normal brush in hot water before using it as this may soften the nylon bristles. You could also use an antiseptic mouthwash for five to seven days, but don’t forget to clean between the teeth and implants with interdental brushes or dental tape
  • Difficulty chewing with your implants. This could be due to gum inflammation because a crown or bridge is slightly loose, or due to an infection
  • Noticeable swelling around the implants or gum. If it’s spreading up to your eye, down your neck or across your mouth, you must mention this when you contact your dental practice
  • The crown or bridge around the implants loosening, which could be due to the fixed crown or bridge around the implant screw becoming loose or to cement failure (if the crown or bridge is stuck on)
  • The implant(s) itself (the screw fixed into the jaw) loosening.

If you have a problem with a dental implant, you shouldn’t try to treat it yourself at home without speaking to a dentist first.

If you are a TDC patient, contact your treatment centre to speak with a member of our team.  If you are not a TDC patient, get in touch with your local dental practice in the first instance.

If your dentist is closed due to coronavirus, contact your local Bupa Dental Care practice for telephone support. If they think you need urgent care, they can direct you to the most appropriate support location.

Where else can I visit for further information?

Further information can be found at:

Bupa Dental Care
Oral Health Foundation
British Dental Association