Mercury in dental amalgam is not poisonous. Once it is combined with the other materials in the amalgam filling, its chemical nature changes so that it is harmless. Research into the safety of dental amalgam has been carried out for over 100 years. So far, no reputable controlled studies have found a connection between amalgam fillings and any medical problem.

Most people have fillings of one sort or another in their mouths. Nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well. Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about the way they look.

Inlays and onlays provide an alternative to fillings, replacing part of a tooth that has been lost because of decay, wear or accidental damage. They are stronger and can last longer than fillings, and are especially suitable for the chewing surfaces on back teeth and large repairs to front teeth.

An inlay sits in a hole in the tooth. An onlay sits on the tooth and builds up its shape. They can be made from tooth coloured porcelain, gold or composite.

The tooth is prepared in the same way as a filling. Once prepared, an impression is taken of the tooth using a soft mouldable material. This is then given to a dental technician to build a bespoke inlay/onlay to the exact size and shape required.

A temporary filling is applied on the tooth, whilst the inlay/onlay is being built. When they are ready, your dentist will glue the inlay/onlay into place and make small adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite is maintained.

There are, on average, over 4,400 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK each year. This figure is still increasing. Whilst research has shown that mouth cancers are more common amongst people over 40, particularly men, it is also becoming more common in younger people and women. Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Smoking and heavy drinking increase the risks.

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. It can appear as a painless mouth ulcer that does not heal normally. Less often, a white or red patch in the mouth may develop into a cancer. It is important to visit your dentist if these areas do not heal within three weeks.

Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages by your dentist during a thorough mouth examination. If mouth cancer is recognised early, then the chances of a cure are good.

Our dentists check for symptoms of mouth cancer in patients during each examination. They will examine a patients head and neck, looking for abnormalities or swelling, and will look carefully inside all areas of the mouth, including the lips and tongue. In addition, our dentists may offer a mouth cancer screening test called Ora Test, which is a special blue mouthwash which stains any suspicious areas in the mouth.

If your dentist feels further examination is necessary, they will refer you to a specialist who will see you promptly to give a second opinion. However, not all suspicious areas turn out to be cancerous.

Yes. Nearly 1,700 people in the UK die from mouth cancer every year. Many of these deaths could be prevented if the cancer was caught early enough. As it is, people with mouth cancer are more likely to die than those with cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer.

If mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good. The smaller the area or ulcer the better the chance of a cure. However, too many people come forward too late, because they do not visit their dentist for regular examinations.