If you’re thinking about finding a good dentist in Bournemouth, look no further than Dentistry on the Grove, an award winning general dental practice with patient car park serving patients from the Bournemouth area and beyond.
When trying to choose a general dentist, you might immediately think about having a filling, getting a toothache treated or simply having your teeth checked. But modern dentistry is about much more than treating problems when they occur.
A good general dentist aims to help you prevent dental problems from developing in the first place. They will also diagnose and treat issues when they do arise.
At Dentistry on the Grove, our approach is centred around preventative, long-term dental care. As an award-winning dentist in Bournemouth, we believe regular check-ups, good oral hygiene and early diagnosis are the foundations of a healthy smile.
Why should you visit a dentist if nothing hurts?
One of the most common misconceptions about dentistry is that you only need to visit a dentist when something is wrong. Of course, we treat emergency dental patients at Dentistry on the Grove, but ideally it shouldn’t come to this.
Unfortunately, if you wait until you have significant pain, this can sometimes mean that a relatively straightforward problem has developed into something much more complicated.
For example, a small area of tooth decay may initially cause no symptoms at all. If it progresses deeper into the tooth, it can eventually reach the dental pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are found. An infection at this stage may require root canal treatment to save the tooth.
In some circumstances, the tooth may no longer be restorable and extraction could become necessary. Once a tooth has been lost, there are then further decisions to make about replacing it, potentially with a dental implant, bridge or denture.
This is why prevention and early diagnosis are so important.
At Dentistry on the Grove in Bournemouth, we encourage our patients to attend regular dental examinations so that we can monitor their teeth and gums over time and identify potential problems while they are still manageable.
What happens during a dental check-up?
A dental check-up is about much more than simply looking at your teeth.
Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums and overall oral health. He/she will ask about any concerns or symptoms you may have and look for signs of problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and other changes within the mouth. Often your dentist will recommend X-rays where clinically appropriate to help identify problems that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
Dental X-rays, including bitewing X-rays, can be particularly useful for identifying areas of decay between teeth and assessing what is happening below the visible surfaces. The frequency of X-rays should be tailored to the individual patient, taking into account factors such as previous dental history and risk of tooth decay.
Regular appointments also give you an opportunity to ask questions about your oral health. You will receive personalised advice about brushing, interdental cleaning, diet and other factors that can affect your teeth and gums.
So, what does a general dentist actually do?
A general dentist provides ongoing care for your teeth and gums and can diagnose, prevent and treat a wide range of dental conditions.
This can include relatively simple treatments such as tooth-coloured composite fillings, as well as more complex restorative dentistry designed to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth.
Depending on your individual needs, a dentist may provide treatments such as:
- Dental check-ups and preventative care, such as hygienist referral
- Composite and other dental fillings
- Dental crowns
- Dental bridges
- Dentures
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions
- Gum disease treatment
- Treatment for sensitive or worn teeth
- Dental implants
- Emergency dental care
The aim is not simply to treat an individual tooth, but to consider your overall oral health and how your teeth function together.
At Dentistry on the Grove, our Bournemouth dental team provides a comprehensive range of general, cosmetic and advanced dental treatments under one roof.
Modern dentistry and 3D technology
Dentistry has changed significantly over the years, and technology now plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Modern dental practices use advanced imaging, 3D technology and intraoral scanners to create highly detailed digital representations of a patient’s teeth and mouth.
Digital scanning can be particularly useful when planning restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges and dental implants. It can help the dental team assess the position and condition of teeth, plan treatment more precisely and create restorations that fit accurately.
At Dentistry on the Grove, we have invested in modern technology to support our comprehensive approach to dental care in Bournemouth.
Dentistry is constantly evolving | Dentist Bournemouth with ‘special interests’
Dentistry is not a static profession. New techniques, materials and technologies are continually being developed, and dentists undertake ongoing professional education throughout their careers.
Some dentists develop particular interests in specific areas of dentistry. For example, periodontics focuses on the health of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Endodontics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of problems affecting the dental pulp and root canals. Other dentists develop particular expertise in dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.
This means that a modern dental practice can bring together clinicians with different areas of experience, allowing patients to benefit from a broader range of knowledge.
Our team at Dentistry on the Grove includes general dentists as well as clinicians with particular interests in areas including implants, gum disease treatment and endodontics. This enables us to provide a wide range of treatment options for patients in Bournemouth, Southbourne, Poole, Christchurch and the surrounding areas.
What does a dentist do for missing teeth?
Dentists can also help patients who have lost teeth or whose teeth have become badly damaged.
Depending on the situation, treatment may involve restoring an existing tooth with a crown or replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, denture or dental implant.
Dental implants are one of the most advanced options available for replacing missing teeth. An implant can be used to replace a single missing tooth, several missing teeth or, in appropriate cases, to support a full-arch restoration.
The right solution depends on factors such as your oral health, the condition of your remaining teeth and gums, the amount of available bone and your individual goals. A consultation allows your dentist to assess your situation and explain the options available to you.
What about cosmetic dentistry?
Dentists don’t only look after the health and function of your teeth. Modern dentistry can also help improve the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic dentistry can involve relatively simple treatments or a combination of procedures designed around your individual smile.
For example, a smile makeover might involve teeth straightening with Invisalign, followed by composite bonding and teeth whitening. In other cases, porcelain veneers or restorative dentistry may be appropriate.
At Dentistry on the Grove, our cosmetic dentistry treatments include Invisalign, composite bonding, teeth whitening and dental veneers. These allow us to create personalised treatment plans based on each patient’s needs and aspirations.
Dr Amy Baers is a registered Invisalign provider. Dr Tim Doyle and Dr Amy Baers are Full Members of The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Choosing a dentist in Bournemouth
Ultimately, a dentist should be more than someone you visit when you have toothache.
Your dentist can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums, identify problems early, restore damaged teeth, replace missing teeth and, where appropriate, improve the appearance of your smile.
At Dentistry on the Grove, we take a preventative and patient-focused approach to dentistry. Our independent, family-run practice is based on Southbourne Grove in Bournemouth, and our experienced team provides general, cosmetic, implant, root canal and gum treatments.
We were delighted to be named Practice of the Year 2025 – South West & Wales at the Private Dentistry Awards, alongside being highly commended for Patient Care.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Bournemouth and would like to find out more about your oral health, existing dental concerns or the treatment options available to you, we’d be happy to help.
Dentistry on the Grove
42 Southbourne Grove
Bournemouth
BH6 3RT
Our practice offers general and cosmetic dentistry alongside dental implants, root canal treatment, gum treatment, hygienist appointments and other restorative and preventative dental care.
