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Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you find answers quickly and easily.
Whether you're looking for information about our products, services, policies, or anything else, you'll likely find what you need right here. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly support team for further assistance.
Explore our FAQs below to get started on your quest for knowledge.
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I need to change the date or time of my appointmentIf you would like to change your appointment, or you have difficulty in attending pre-booked appointments, patients should call us on 01270 765771 giving us at least 48 business hours’ notice. We will try to offer you the nearest available appointment for that day if there is availability, or reschedule for another day. ​ We will strive to accommodate the appointment needs of our patients and make every effort to provide emergency dental care where needed at short notice.
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Why do dentists need to know my medical history?When you attend your first appointment with us and at least every six months thereafter, our dedicated reception team will request that you complete or update your medical history. Your medical history is a crucial part of your dental care, as it helps us understand any potential health factors that may impact your treatment. Your cooperation in keeping your medical history up to date is greatly appreciated, as it enables us to provide you with safe and personalised care tailored to your unique needs. We provide a digital form for you to do this easily, it should take between 5-10 minutes. This is to ensure that the dentist has all the necessary information regarding your health to ensure that they can always provide safe and effective treatment. All this information is completely confidential and is held under the 1998 Data Protection Act. It may be necessary at times for your dentist to contact your GP, but they will always ask your permission prior to doing this and will only do this to ensure that any treatment will not be adversely affected by your current medication or health conditions. Medication It is important that the dental team have an up to date list of any medication you are on to ensure that the treatment they propose is safe. For example, if you take warfarin that thins the blood and means that prior to extractions or invasive dental procedures you will need a blood test to check your INR level and ensure that it will be possible to stop the bleeding following the procedure. There are also medications that can mean you will need to be referred to a specialist oral surgeon for certain procedures. This ensures that there is adequate provision in place to manage your conditions that may not be available within general dental practice. Antibiotic cover Antibiotic cover is no longer considered necessary for patients with heart complaints or rheumatic fever. However, the dentist may well use a non-adrenaline anaesthetic if you suffer from these conditions. Allergies By listing any allergies, the dental team are able to ensure that they do not use materials or prescribe medication that may cause you to have an anaphylactic attack. Diabetes If you suffer with diabetes you are at higher risk of developing gum disease and so it is important the dentist is aware so can ensure you attend for more routine appointments. Diabetic patients may also take longer to heal following a procedure. Epilepsy If you suffer with epilepsy the dentist needs to know so that they can have the appropriate drugs on hand should you have an episode during treatment. Epileptic patients find that they are more likely to suffer fits when they are stressed or anxious, so it is important to make sure that you discuss any worries with the dental team. Pregnancy The dentist will aim to leave any dental treatment until after the birth of your baby and will refrain from taking x-rays. During pregnancy some women find that their gums bleed and require closer attention. It may be worthwhile visiting the hygienist for regular cleaning and advice or oral care routines. If you would like more information about how the dentist uses your medical history, do not hesitate to ask at your next appointment.
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My employers provide a dental insurance plan. Will I be able to use this at Cottage Dental?Yes. If you advise our reception team at when making your appointment, they will be able to advise you the most appropriate way to utilise any dental insurance plans or schemes.
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Do my children qualify for treatment at Cottage Dental?We offer a full range of dental services for children, and our team are not only great with kids but also passionate about teaching good dental habits to build confidence and lay positive foundations towards their dental health care routines for life. We do not offer NHS Dentistry, we are a fully private practice. Please refer to our price list for details on fees for children's private treatment. You can save on your annual dental costs and make your family's dentistry more affordable by joining one of our exclusive Membership Plans. Kids aged 0-10 For parents and guardians that are enrolled in our Gold or Platinum Memberships, children under the age of 10 are treated free of charge, which allows them to see their dentist regularly and learn how important it is to take care of their teeth. ​ Kids aged 11-18 As your child develops, their teeth and oral health can change rapidly and the potential need for dental treatment to be carried out is greater, therefore the treatment of children between the ages of 11-18, will incur a fee of £7 per month, per child, in addition to the parent/guardian membership fee.
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I do not live in Sandbach, can I still come to Cottage Dental?We are more than happy to welcome patients from all over the UK. We have many patients from Stockport, Manchester and Cheshire including Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Hale and Bramhall. We even have patients who fly from abroad to attend their dental appointments every 6 months.
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Do you charge if I miss an appointment?Yes. Please be aware that appointments are cancelled without 48 hours notice, a fee shall be charged for missed or short notice cancellation of private appointments, please see our cancellation policy for more information. This fee is proportionate to the length and type of appointment failed and is to cover the cost of the surgery time wasted. It is understandable that sometimes cancellations cannot be helped due to emergencies and we will take all valid circumstances into account.
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Do you provide NHS treatment?Cottage Dental is a private practice and does not offer any NHS treatments.
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I have a question about my treatment at Cottage Dental. What shall I do?The first thing to do would be to contact us. Most questions can be answered by our reception team, but if they are unable to help you they may pass your question onto our practice manager. If the question is of a more technical nature they may consult with the dentist to assist you. If you would like to provide feedback you can do that via our feedback page. In the unlikely event that you are not satisfied with the answers and solutions provided. Our practice has procedures in place should you wish to make a complaint to us directly. Please read our Complaints Policy, you can also contact the Practice Management team on 01270 765771 or via email at office@cottagedental.co.uk
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Do you offer finance?At Cottage Dental, we offer a convenient and affordable 0% finance option for our patients to help manage the costs of their dental treatments. This plan allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over an agreed-upon period without incurring any interest charges. Learn more here: https://lead.tabeo.co.uk/cottage-dental/finance
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What do I do if I have a dental emergency and need urgent help?Please call lour team on 01270 765771 as soon as possible. We will do everything we can to help you. The earlier in the day that you ring, the more likely you are to be seen that same day and at a time that suits you best. We charge £50 for an emergency appointment in normal working hours plus costs for any additional treatment required, for out of hours emergencies the fees is £150 plus any additional costs treatment required. For Gold and Platinum members the emergency fee is discounted by 10%.
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Will my dental treatment be painful?Where possible, we practise pain-free dentistry and do everything we can to ensure that you remain comfortable during your treatment. To do this we use the latest gentle dental techniques accompanied by local anaesthetic, or where needed, dental sedation. Either way, we will always ensure you are comfortable before we proceed and will keep checking in with you to ensure you remain so throughout your procedure.
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I’m a nervous patient – How can you help me?Here at Cottage Dental our team regularly treats nervous or anxious patients and we would be happy to treat you. In addition to practising gentle dentistry, we can help with relaxation techniques and provide dental (conscious) sedation to get you the treatment you need.
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Can I prevent cavities?Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes, and floss once daily. These are the most effective ways to remove plaque buildup between the teeth and below the gum line. Regular teeth cleanings and checkups at our dentists and hygienists also support proper oral and dental hygiene. Maintain a well-balanced diet low in sugary or starchy foods and acidic beverages to minimise acid-producing bacteria that attack your tooth enamel.
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How do I Know If I have gum disease?Periodontal disease, aka gum disease, is from plaque and bacteria buildup in a patient’s mouth over time. If this buildup is not brushed and flossed away, it will eventually lead to gum disease. Periodontal disease can also be caused by smoking and chewing tobacco, teeth grinding, medications, and genetics. Advanced forms of gum disease can cause bone and tooth loss and significantly affect overall health. our team recommend always brushing and flossing daily and scheduling dental appointments every six months as the best way to fight gum disease and decay. Some of the most common signs of periodontal disease are: Red, swollen, or bleeding gums Receding gums Abscessed teeth Extreme tooth sensitivity Chronic bad breath Loose teeth and loss of teeth
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