Caring for you during COVID-19

Our dental implant centres have now re-opened and we are delighted to welcome new patients for their no-obligation Smile in a Day consultations and TDC Smile in a Day treatment.

Our services are unaffected by the latest government COVID-19 restrictions (November 2020).

TDC Implant Centres are part of the Bupa Dental Care Group. We would like to reassure you that we’re doing everything we can to keep our patients safe. You can find out more about the extra safety measures we’ve introduced and what to expect next time you visit us from our COVID-19 safety charter and short video.

Our approach during COVID-19

In recent months we have all been affected by the COVID-19 crisis facing the UK – many of our routines have changed and we have to adapt 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.

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 delighted to be able to offer consultations and treatment in our dental implant centres.

Our services are unaffected by the latest government COVID-19 restrictions.

We would like to reassure you that we’re doing everything we can to keep our patients safe, including the introduction of extra safety measures.

If you need to contact us, please call 02035536415 .

Can I book a Smile in a Day consultation?

Yes – we are delighted to offer no-obligation Smile in a Day consultations.

You may also 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 may not 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 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?

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.

Where else can I visit for further information?

Further information can be found at:

Bupa Dental Care
Oral Health Foundation
British Dental Association

Coronavirus Information