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A KEY QUESTION
Get a cleaning and prevention plan for the affected surfaces, with a review to see whether it is working.
Recession and decay
Roots do not have the same enamel covering as the tooth’s crown. Receding gums expose them to the mouth, increasing vulnerability alongside other risk factors. Gum position and tooth decay are separate findings; have each explained before choosing treatment.
Assessing a particular surface
A dark patch, notch or sensitive gumline can have several causes. Colour in a photograph cannot establish decay or its extent. Have the tooth and surface identified, including whether a cavity is present and whether imaging would help the assessment.
Changes in risk
Dry mouth, cleaning difficulties and previous decay can increase risk. Describe persistent dryness, awkward access or an appliance that gets in the way. Provide an updated medicine list and discuss dryness with a GP or pharmacist where appropriate. Do not alter prescriptions yourself.
Cleaning exposed roots
Have the affected gumline and spaces between teeth demonstrated with suitable tools and gentle technique. Mention problems with grip, sight or access. Discuss fluoride toothpaste and sugar frequency. Additional prevention may be appropriate; prescription products need individual instructions and a review plan.
When repair is needed
Early changes may be managed preventively under supervision. Cavities or more extensive damage may need restoration or other treatment. Have the recommendation linked to the findings. A filling repairs a particular area but does not remove the conditions that allowed decay to develop.
Reviews and new symptoms
Keep the tooth, surface and agreed preventive steps in your records. New pain, swelling or breakage needs assessment before routine recall or planned travel. Resolve these health questions before choosing cosmetic work, and arrange continuing prevention and review where you can attend.
Read the related guidance
Keep the wider treatment plan in view while comparing these options.
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About this information
Published by Best Smile Turkey, a health-tourism intermediary. Your treating dentist is responsible for assessment, treatment and care.
Use this information to prepare questions for your dentist. An examination is needed to advise on treatment. Photographs, models and previews cannot establish suitability or predict results.
Source checking is not a clinical review. How we use sources and images, or how to report a correction.
Sources and further reading
- UK oral-health prevention guidance: dental caries Root-surface caries, exposed roots, dry mouth and risk-based prevention.
- NHS: tooth decay Examination, preventive care and treatment according to the extent of decay.
- NHS: dry mouth Dry-mouth causes, clinical assessment and discussing prescribed medicines safely.
- NHS: dental treatments explained An overview of crowns, bridges, veneers, implants and other options.
- General Dental Council: going abroad for dental treatment Questions to ask about the treating provider, follow-up arrangements and concerns.
These resources offer general guidance; their publishers do not endorse Best Smile Turkey or the treating provider. Manufacturer links identify products or records, not independently compared outcomes. NHS funding information concerns UK care, not treatment costs in Turkey.
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