Frequenty Asked Questions

Yes, we have a Welcome Pack which gives some information about our dentists, the type of treatments we offer and an example fee guide. One can be posted to you. Please complete our contact form.

We are situated on Captain French Lane. Just a short walk away from the Brewery Arts Centre. Just walk up the lane from the chemist and we are on the left; Look out for the brown tourist signs directing you to the Brewery Arts Centre.

The nearest car park is at the Brewery Arts Centre, just 2 minutes walk away. If this one is full there are several other car parks signposted which are only a 5 - 10 minute walk away. All are fee paying.

Yes of course, we are happy to accept referrals, and do from over 85 dentists in the region. This can be via our dedicated referral form on our website.

Our Treatment Coordination Team is available if you would like to discuss the referral process in more detail.

All our new patients are seen for a Pre-Clinical Consultation with a member of our Treatment Coordination Team. During this consultation a digital intra-oral scan will be taken of your teeth, this will show you a 3D image of your teeth on screen. From this your Treatment Coordinator will discuss with you your main concerns, and desired goals along with the treatments we may be able to offer you, and an idea of the associated costs. This is not commencement or agreement to clinical treatment.

Should you express an interest in any of the proposed treatment options and associated costs, a comprehensive clinical examination will be scheduled with a Dentist. From this, a definitive treatment plan will be presented to you.

We allow around 60 minutes for your Pre-Clinical Consultation and then again for your clinical examination.

If you are coming to see us for Invisalign treatment we allow around 90 minutes for this consultation.

Conscious sedation is a form of anxiety control that allows nervous people to accept treatment, or allows longer treatments to be performed in a comfortable manner. It is the modern alternative to general anaesthesia and is both safer and more pleasant. It will make you feel sleepy and relaxed, most patients can remember little or nothing of the procedure. You are are still able to respond if the dentist makes a simple request. However, our dental beds are very comfortable, we cover your eyes to protect them from the bright lights and often cover you with a soft blanket. It’s dark, warm and cosy and patients often fall asleep, therefore the treatment time passes very quickly.

Around 2 weeks before your sedation appointment you will be required to attend the practice for a 20 minute appointment for a pre-sedation assessment.

You will need a responsible adult to take you home and to stay with you for 24 hours following your implant surgery, you cannot drive or operate machinery until the next day.

Please ensure you have a light breakfast or lunch before your appointment. We ask that you wear a short sleeved t-shirt, long hair is tied back, no nail polish, gel polish or false nails, and very little make up on the day.

Payments for the surgery are due before you are taken in to surgery. We recommend that no financial decisions are made 24 hours following sedation.

Yes, we have very experienced and highly regarded implant dentists. We currently have over 85 dentists in the region who refer patients to us. These are dentists who either do not provide implants or pass on their more complex cases to us.

A single tooth implant is a permanent, natural-looking way to replace an individual missing tooth. It involves surgically placing a titanium post into your jawbone to act as a tooth root. Once the implant has fused to your bone (a process called osseointegration), we attach a natural looking porcelain crown to the post. This crown is custom-made to blend in seamlessly with your remaining teeth.

With the use of local anaesthetic you will not feel any pain during the implant placement. Following your surgery you will be provided with the necessary medications needed to keep you comfortable.

Patients who have had single implant treatment quite often feedback to us that they have experienced very little to no pain, following implant surgery.

If you have any further questions, or you would like to read our patient testimonials, please contact our Treatment Coordination Team on 01539 720820.

There are many advantages to choosing a single tooth implant over other options like a fixed bridge or partial denture:

• Permanent solution - Implants can potentially last a lifetime with proper care

• Natural look and function - Implants look, feel and function just like natural teeth

• Preserves bone - Implants stimulate bone growth to prevent deterioration

• Easy maintenance - You care for implants just like your other teeth

• No impact on adjacent teeth - Unlike bridges, implants don't require grinding down neighbouring teeth

Single tooth implants can replace a tooth in the front or back of your mouth. However, you must have adequate bone density to support the implant. If you've experienced significant bone loss, a bone graft may be needed before getting an implant.

The entire single tooth implant process is completed over several months. After the initial implant surgery, it takes 3-6 months for the implant to integrate with your jawbone. Once healed, we attach the custom-made crown. Most patients agree the wait is well worth it for a permanent new tooth!

One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is how natural the results look and feel. Unlike bridges or dentures that rest on the gums, implants actually fuse with your bone to become like a real tooth root. The crown is also carefully designed to match the size, shape and colour of your existing teeth. You'll be able to eat, brush, floss and go about your day without thinking about your new implanted tooth.

If there isn’t enough bone for us to be confident the implant will enjoy a long life, we can perform a bone augmentation to re-build the missing bone.

Age is not a barrier to dental implants! Dental implants can be successfully placed in older adults, providing a durable and long-term solution for missing teeth. Age is just a number when it comes to restoring your smile and oral health.

Despite their high cost, dental implants offer several advantages that make them worth considering:

• Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a long-term solution compared to other options like dentures or bridges.
  

• Functionality: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing for normal chewing, speaking, and oral hygiene practices.
  

• Natural appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, restoring your confidence in your smile and overall appearance.
  

• Bone Preservation: Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving facial structure.
  

• Improved Oral Health: Dental implants do not require the alteration of adjacent teeth, as with bridges, preserving the integrity of surrounding teeth.

Dental implants have a high success rate and can last a lifetime with proper care. They are designed to fuse with your jawbone, providing a stable and durable foundation for replacement teeth.

Several factors contribute to the high cost of dental implants:

• Material Costs: Dental implants are typically made of titanium, which is biocompatible and integrates well with the jawbone. The cost of titanium adds to the overall expense of the procedure.
  

• Implant quality: Reputable dental practices placing implants should choose quality implants to place in your jawbone. The cost of buying implants from recognised suppliers to ensure the quality of implants can significantly impact the overall cost.

• Xrays & imaging: Advanced technologies such as 3D imaging with dental Conebeam CT scans and guided implant surgery improves the precision and success rate of implant procedures but also adds to the overall cost. Check with your implant provider what technology they have invested in to help achieve the best result for you.

• Surgical Procedure: Dental implant placement involves complex dental surgery, which requires a high level of clinical skill. Not all dentists are skilled or experienced in placing dental implants. When selecting a dentist to provide your implants, check their recognised qualifications, experience & ask for patient testimonials. Additional supplemental surgical procedures, such as sedation, bone grafting, sinus lift or ridge augmentation, can also add to the cost of implants.
  

• Implant Abutment and Restoration: After the implant is placed, an abutment (the connector piece) and dental crown, or bridge, or dentures are attached. These components, along with their fabrication and placement, further increase the cost.
  

• Number of implants being placed: Affects the cost with materials & surgical time involved.
  

• Aftercare: Post-operative care and maintenance contribute to the overall cost but will ensure that your dental implants last.

Of course, yes, it would be the same process as a new patient, so you can either book an appointment online or give us a call on 01539 720820 where we will ask you about your dental needs and anything specific you are wanting help with and then we’ll get you booked in.

1. Experience and Expertise: Dr Richard Hellen is a Platinum Invisalign provider, having gained extensive experience, over 30 years, helping people correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. He blends his in-depth knowledge of extensive techniques to achieve excellent results.

2. Personalised Treatment Plans: Each patient's orthodontic needs are unique, Dr Richard Hellen will assess your specific situation, listen to your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve the smile you wish for.

3. Advanced Technology: Invisalign treatment relies on cutting-edge technology to create custom aligners and track your progress. Here at Crossbank Dental Care we utilise the latest digital scanning technology, such as intra oral scanners, which enhances accuracy and convenience for you during your treatment process.

4. Comprehensive Services: We can align your teeth with aligners, lighten your teeth with tooth whitening, and then shape your teeth with cosmetic bonding. All of this happens under one roof - our experienced team of highly skilled clinicians means you do not have to go anywhere else & everyone is up-to-speed with your treatment to help you achieve the smile you wish for.

5. Positive Reviews and Testimonials: We have created thousands of beautiful smiles over the years, patients positive experiences can be seen on our website, and in our testimonial folder which can be found in our patient lounge.

6. Clear Communication: Your treatment during your Invisalign journey will be thoroughly explained at all stages - from discussing your dental wishes in your initial complimentary consultation with our Treatment Coordinator to your clinical consultation with Dr Richard Hellen and throughout your treatment until you are fully satisfied with the stunning results for your smile. We are happy to discuss any concerns or questions you may have at any time.

7. Comfort and Convenience: We prioritise patient comfort, provide flexible scheduling options, and we are conveniently located in Kendal in the heart of the Lake District.

Most removal methods involve some minor discomfort, stinging or pinching sensations. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with any residual pain or soreness after the procedure.

Having unsightly or bothersome skin tags removed is a relatively straightforward procedure. Be sure to have them evaluated by a dermatologist first to rule out any potential skin cancers. Then you can decide if removal is right for you based on the various techniques and risks involved. Please get in touch with Sarah, our experienced Aesthetics Practitioner, to discuss your skin tag removal questions.