Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, Barnehurst Dental Practice welcomes new patients of all ages. Your first visit includes a full examination and personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What happens at my first dental appointment?

Your first appointment includes a full oral health assessment, checking your teeth, gums, and overall mouth health. X-rays may be taken if required, followed by a discussion of any recommended treatment.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Most patients should visit every 6 months, although some may need more frequent check-ups depending on their oral health.

Do you offer emergency dental appointments?

Yes, emergency appointments are available. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or dental trauma, contact the practice as soon as possible for urgent care.

What treatments do you offer?

Barnehurst Dentists provide a wide range of treatments including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, Invisalign, and facial aesthetics.

I’m a nervous patient – can you help?

Yes, the practice is experienced in treating nervous patients and focuses on providing a calm and comfortable environment to help you feel at ease.

Do you treat children?

Yes, Barnehurst Dentists provide dental care for children of all ages and encourage early visits to help build good oral health habits.

Is there parking available at the practice?

Yes, there is free parking available nearby, making it easy to attend your appointment.

What areas do you cover?

The practice is based in Barnehurst and serves patients from Bexleyheath, Dartford, Bromley, and surrounding areas in South East London.

Do you offer cosmetic dentistry?

Yes, cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, Invisalign, and smile enhancements are available to improve the appearance of your smile.

Will I be given a treatment plan and costs upfront?

Yes, after your examination, you’ll receive a clear treatment plan with full cost breakdowns so you can make an informed decision before any work begins.

How can I book an appointment?

You can book an appointment by calling the practice directly or using the contact form on the website.

How much does a dentist cost in Barnehurst?

The cost of dental treatment in Barnehurst varies depending on the type of treatment required. Routine check-ups are generally more affordable, while treatments such as crowns, implants, or Invisalign cost more. You will receive a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing before any work begins.

Where can I find an emergency dentist in Bexleyheath?

Barnehurst Dentists offers emergency dental appointments for patients in Bexleyheath and surrounding areas. If you are in pain or have a dental emergency, contact the practice as early as possible for a same-day appointment where available.

Is Invisalign worth it in the UK?

Invisalign is a popular teeth straightening option in the UK as it is discreet, comfortable, and removable. Many patients find it worth the investment as it allows them to straighten their teeth without traditional braces while achieving excellent results.

Dental Crowns in Barnehurst

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Both dental crowns and dental bridges are fixed dental restorations used to restore damaged or missing teeth. Unlike removable appliances such as dentures, which can be taken out for cleaning, crowns and bridges are permanently cemented onto natural teeth or dental implants.

These restorations help restore the strength, function and appearance of your smile, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength and appearance. Crowns are commonly recommended when a tooth is weakened or damaged and needs additional protection.

Crowns may be used to:

Protect a badly decayed or fractured tooth
Strengthen a tooth with a large filling
Protect a tooth after root canal treatment
Improve the appearance of teeth with irregular shape, spacing, or severe discolouration

By covering the entire visible part of the tooth, crowns help restore normal function while improving the overall look of your smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by filling the gap where teeth are missing and restoring both function and appearance.

The teeth on either side of the gap act as anchors, known as abutment teeth, while the replacement tooth in the middle is called a pontic.

Dental bridges help to:

Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
Maintain the shape of your face
Prevent surrounding teeth from moving out of position

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Before recommending a crown or bridge, the dentist will carry out a thorough clinical examination, which may include dental X-rays. This allows the dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and determine whether a crown or bridge is the most suitable treatment.

Your dentist will explain:

The most appropriate material for your restoration
The treatment process
Any alternative options available
How to care for your restoration after treatment

The Crown or Bridge Procedure

Treatment for crowns and bridges typically takes two appointments.

Preparation Appointment

During the first visit, the tooth or teeth will be carefully prepared by reducing their size to create space for the crown or bridge. Impressions of your teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create the custom restoration.

A temporary crown or bridge is fitted to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent restoration is being made.

Fitting Appointment

At the second appointment, the temporary restoration is removed and the prepared teeth are cleaned. The dentist will carefully check the fit, bite and appearance of the new crown or bridge before permanently cementing it in place using dental cement.

Materials Used for Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges can be made from several materials depending on the location of the tooth and the desired appearance.

Common materials include:

Porcelain or ceramic, which can be colour-matched to natural teeth
Gold or metal alloys, which offer exceptional strength
Porcelain fused to metal, combining durability with a natural appearance

Metal or alloy crowns are often recommended for back teeth, where additional strength is required for chewing.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

Crowns and bridges are made from durable materials that are designed to last for many years. However, proper care is essential to maintain their longevity.

Good oral hygiene is key to protecting both the restoration and the supporting teeth. The underlying teeth are still susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which can weaken the restoration.

To keep your crown or bridge in good condition:

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Maintain regular visits to the dentist and hygienist

Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning help prevent problems, particularly around the margins where the crown or bridge meets the natural tooth, which is the most vulnerable area for plaque build-up.