Your Treatment Journey
Dr Alexandra Davies is a General Dentist with an MSc in Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry.
Her holistic views on oral health have set the tone and standards in every aspect of this practice.
Her treatment philosophy is a phased one: Diagnose, Heal, Restore.
In her view, cosmetic treatment is not something separate, it is simply built on the foundation that a healing restorative treatment creates.
Multi Award Nominated Practice
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Quality Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry
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Boutique Family-run Private Practice
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Calming Interiors
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Holistic Dentistry
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Multi Award Nominated Practice - Quality Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry - Boutique Family-run Private Practice - Calming Interiors - Holistic Dentistry -
Diagnostic Phase
Examinations
A dental examination at Whitland Dental Co is far more than a quick look at your teeth.
Every examination includes a thorough check for oral cancer, an assessment of your airway — which can reveal signs of sleep-disordered breathing — alongside a detailed review of tooth wear, decay, and gum disease.
We also carry out a comprehensive occlusal assessment — an evaluation of how your teeth come together when you bite and chew. Your bite affects far more than you might expect. A poorly balanced occlusion can contribute to tooth wear, cracking, jaw pain, headaches, and muscle tension around the face and neck. It can also place excessive stress on restorations, causing them to fail prematurely. Understanding your bite is therefore not just relevant to comfort — it is fundamental to the longevity of any dental treatment you have, whether that is a filling, a crown, or a cosmetic procedure.
At Whitland Dental Co, occlusal findings are carefully documented and considered as part of any treatment plan, ensuring that what we restore is built to last within the context of how your whole mouth functions.
Catching problems early almost always means simpler, less invasive treatment — and your examination is where that process begins.
X-Rays
What the eye cannot see, an X-ray can. Even the most thorough clinical examination has its limits — and dental X-rays allow us to examine areas that are completely invisible to the naked eye, including between teeth, beneath existing restorations, around root tips, and below the gumline.
At Whitland Dental Co, we use digital radiography — meaning significantly reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays, with instant, high-quality images that can be examined in detail chairside with you.
We use two primary types of X-ray depending on what we need to assess:
• Bitewing X-rays — taken to examine the crowns of the upper and lower back teeth simultaneously. These are particularly valuable for detecting decay between teeth and monitoring bone levels, where early gum disease changes often first become visible
• Periapical X-rays — these capture the entire tooth from crown to root tip, including the surrounding bone. They are essential for diagnosing infections, assessing root anatomy, identifying abscesses, and planning treatments such as root canal therapy or extractions
X-rays are a clinical necessity, not an optional extra. They allow us to diagnose accurately, plan treatment precisely, and monitor changes over time — ensuring nothing is missed.
Hygiene
A professional hygiene clean goes far beyond what your toothbrush can achieve at home — and at Whitland Dental Co, we combine several techniques to give your mouth the most thorough clean possible.
We remove hardened plaque — known as calculus or tartar — from areas that daily brushing and flossing simply cannot reach. Left undisturbed, this buildup irritates the gum tissue, drives the progression of gum disease, and contributes to bone loss around the teeth over time.
We also offer air polishing — a highly effective technique that uses a fine jet of pressurised air, water, and specialist powder to remove soft deposits, plaque, and surface staining from teeth and around the gumline. It is particularly effective at reaching the areas between teeth and around restorations that traditional instruments struggle to access. For patients who drink coffee, tea, or red wine, or who notice surface discolouration, air polishing delivers a noticeably cleaner, brighter result — without altering or bleaching the natural tooth colour.
Regular hygiene appointments help prevent gum disease, reduce decay risk, eliminate bad breath, and protect the supporting bone that keeps your teeth in place. Gum health is also closely linked to systemic health — including heart disease and diabetes — making prevention a genuinely worthwhile investment.
Sleep Medicine
Poor sleep isn’t just tiring — it can have serious consequences for your overall health. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) occurs when the airway partially or fully collapses during sleep, causing repeated interruptions to breathing that many people are completely unaware of.
At Whitland Dental Co, Dr Alexandra Davies incorporates airway and sleep assessments into her clinical approach, drawing on her advanced training in sleep medicine. Undiagnosed OSA is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
From a dental perspective, airway issues are also closely linked to tooth grinding, wear, and jaw pain — meaning that addressing sleep health can directly improve your dental treatment outcomes and long-term oral health.
If you snore, wake unrefreshed, or have been told you stop breathing in your sleep, this conversation could be one of the most important you have.
Cosmetic Consultations
At Whitland Dental Co, aesthetics and function are at the heart of everything we do — and the two are never considered in isolation. A beautiful smile means very little if it isn’t built to last.
Every cosmetic consultation with Dr Alexandra Davies is completely individual. Treatment recommendations are shaped by your aesthetic goals alongside your bite, gum health, existing restorations, longevity, risk factors, and of course, your budget. No two patients are the same, and no two treatment plans should be either.
This is why we are cautious about providing prices over the phone. A ballpark figure or an indicative range is always available, and we are happy to point you toward our treatment menu — but until a full assessment has been completed, it is simply not possible to give you an accurate, honest, or fair quotation. Quoting without examining isn’t something we’re willing to do, because it wouldn’t serve you properly.
Your consultation is where the conversation truly begins — unhurried, honest, and entirely focused on what is right for you.
Healing Phase
Fillings
When a tooth needs restoring, we believe the result should be virtually undetectable — not just a tooth, but your tooth.
Decay, cracks, and failing old restorations are all common reasons a filling may be needed. At Whitland Dental Co, we use two premium composite systems depending on what your tooth requires. Venus One is a chameleon composite that naturally adapts to the shade of your surrounding tooth — ideal for straightforward restorations where blending seamlessly is the priority. For more complex cases, Venus Art is applied in careful layers, allowing us to recreate the natural depth, translucency, and colour variation of real enamel. The result is a restoration that disappears completely into your smile.
We never use amalgam — the traditional silver filling material. Beyond the obvious aesthetic concerns, amalgam carries well-documented environmental and health considerations that we are not willing to overlook. Every filling we place is tooth-coloured, biocompatible, and bonded directly to your tooth structure.
It is worth noting that no filling lasts forever. How long a restoration lasts depends on its size, location, your bite, and how well the tooth is maintained at home and monitored at review appointments. We will always be honest with you about what to expect.
Extractions
At Whitland Dental Co, we are firmly pro-restoration. Saving your natural tooth is always our first preference, and we will explore every clinically appropriate option before considering an extraction. However, when a tooth is beyond saving, removing it is the right decision for your oral health and your overall wellbeing.
One of the most important things to understand is that an infected tooth does not need to hurt to be dangerous. A tooth can become completely asymptomatic despite significant underlying infection — and left unaddressed, that infection can spread. Untreated dental infections have been linked to serious systemic complications, reinforcing that oral health and general health are never truly separate.
When an extraction is clinically necessary, we take every step to ensure it is carried out carefully and comfortably. Afterwards, you will receive:
• Detailed aftercare instructions — so you know exactly what to expect
• Sterile gauze — to support clot formation and control bleeding
• Socket suturing — where appropriate, dissolvable stitches to aid healing and reduce infection risk
You will never leave our practice without feeling fully informed and cared for.
Root Canal
Root canal treatment is the last clinical option available to save a tooth before extraction becomes necessary. When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or irreversibly damaged, removing that nerve tissue, cleaning the canals thoroughly, and sealing them gives the tooth its best chance of survival.
At Whitland Dental Co, Dr Alexandra Davies is a general dentist who has undertaken postgraduate endodontic training and uses specialist-level equipment to achieve the best possible results. This includes rotary endodontics for precise canal shaping, bioceramic sealer for a superior biological seal, and rubber dam isolation — a critical infection control measure that keeps the working area sterile throughout treatment.
It is important to be honest with you: even with an optimum result, a root-treated tooth is more brittle and generally has a reduced lifespan compared to a vital tooth. Complications can arise in the future. This is why coronal coverage with a crown is strongly recommended following root canal treatment. Research consistently demonstrates that a root-treated tooth restored with a crown has significantly better long-term survival than one restored with a direct filling alone, with ten-year survival rates notably higher in crowned teeth.
Root canal treatment buys your tooth time — and protecting it afterwards gives it the best possible chance.
Periodontal Treatment
Gum disease is far more than a dental problem. Periodontal disease — the infection and inflammation of the structures supporting your teeth — has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and cognitive decline. Healthy gums are not just the foundation of a good smile; they are a cornerstone of your overall health.
At Whitland Dental Co, we follow the BSP S3 Clinical Guidelines for the treatment of periodontitis — the highest standard of evidence-based guideline development available in UK dentistry, combining systematic appraisal of published research with expert clinical consensus. This stepwise, individualised approach means your treatment is tailored to the severity and complexity of your specific condition, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
It is also important to understand that healthy gums are the non-negotiable foundation of any restorative or cosmetic dentistry. Veneers, crowns, bonding, or whitening carried out on a mouth with active gum disease will not achieve the results you are hoping for — and may actively cause harm. We will always address periodontal health first, before any aesthetic or restorative work begins.
Gum disease is treatable. The earlier it is caught, the better the outcome.
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride is a clear liquid that does something remarkable — it stops tooth decay in its tracks without drilling. Combining the antibacterial properties of silver with the remineralising effects of fluoride, SDF is applied directly to a cavity to arrest its progression, harden the affected dentine, and prevent further bacterial activity.
For children, SDF is a clinically significant tool. It is non-invasive, quick to apply, and well-supported by evidence. A systematic review of clinical trials found that 38% SDF arrested active decay in primary teeth in approximately 81% of cases — making it an invaluable option for young patients, anxious children, or those with complex needs where conventional drilling is not appropriate.
SDF is also increasingly used in adults. It is particularly valuable for root surface caries, managing decay in hard-to-restore areas, and patients where conventional treatment carries higher risk.
One important consideration: SDF permanently stains arrested decay black. This is a clinical sign that it has worked — but it does affect aesthetics, making it most suitable for back teeth or where appearance is less of a priority. This will always be discussed with you fully before treatment.
Restorative Phase
Crowns, Inlays & Onlays
At Whitland Dental Co, preserving your natural tooth structure is a core principle of everything we do. A full crown is not always necessary — and we will always recommend the most conservative restoration your tooth actually needs.
Where damage is significant but does not require full coverage, an inlay or onlay may be the ideal solution.
An inlay sits within the cusps of a back tooth, replacing a failing filling without removing healthy structure unnecessarily.
An onlay extends further to protect one or more cusps where additional support is needed. Both offer the strength and longevity of a crown whilst keeping far more of your natural tooth intact.
When damage is too extensive for anything less, a full crown encases the tooth completely — restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
All three restorations are precision-milled by our laboratory, Swift Dental, using the latest CAD/CAM technology, and designed from the accurate 3D scans captured by our 3Shape Trios 3 scanner.
We offer three materials — eMax, Zirconia, and Gold — and will always recommend the most appropriate option based on the tooth’s position, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.
Bridges
Missing a tooth? A dental bridge does exactly what its name suggests — it bridges the gap, restoring your smile and preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position over time.
At Whitland Dental Co, we use the same fully digital process as our crowns. Our 3Shape Trios 3 scanner captures a precise 3D image of your mouth — no messy impressions — and that data goes straight to Swift Dental, where your bridge is designed and precision-milled using the latest CAD/CAM technology for an exceptional, natural-looking fit.
We offer two types of bridge:
• Conventional Bridge — the most common option, where the teeth either side of the gap are prepared to anchor the replacement tooth firmly in place. Ideal where neighbouring teeth already have fillings or restorations
• Cantilever Bridge — anchored to just one neighbouring tooth rather than two, making it a more conservative option that preserves more of your natural tooth structure
Both options are definitively cemented, meaning no removing them at night — they feel and function just like your own teeth.
Wondering which bridge suits you best? Dr Alexandra Davies will talk you through your options at your consultation.
Composite Veneers
Want to reshape, resurface, or refresh your smile without committing to crowns? Composite bonding could be exactly what you’re looking for — a skilled, artistic treatment that transforms your teeth using tooth-coloured composite resin, built up in layers for a beautifully natural result.
At Whitland Dental Co, we start by scanning your teeth with our 3Shape Trios 3 scanner. That digital scan goes to our laboratory, Swift Dental, who produce a 3D printed wax-up — essentially a preview of your new smile before we’ve touched a single tooth. This means you can see and approve the shape before treatment begins.
On the day, we use Venus Art composite, applied in careful layers and sculpted by hand to create a result that looks and feels completely natural.
One important thing to know: although we don’t usually drill your enamel, we do apply an etching agent to help the composite bond securely to your tooth surface. This chemically alters the enamel — and that change is irreversible. We believe in making sure every patient fully understands this before proceeding, so you can make a truly informed decision.
Night Guards
Do you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or facial tension? Do you notice your teeth are wearing down, or have you been told you grind at night? You may be experiencing bruxism — the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, most commonly during sleep.
Bruxism is more common than many people realise, and its consequences accumulate quietly over time. Enamel does not regenerate, and once teeth are worn, cracked, or fractured by years of grinding, restoring them requires significantly more complex and costly treatment. Existing restorations — fillings, crowns, and veneers — are also vulnerable to the excessive forces bruxism generates.
A custom-made night guard acts as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing and redistributing the forces of clenching and grinding so that your teeth do not take the impact. It is important to be honest — night guards manage the consequences of bruxism rather than eliminating its cause, and evidence for their effect on sleep outcomes remains limited. However, their role in protecting tooth structure and restorations from wear and fracture is well supported clinically.
A poorly fitting over-the-counter guard is no substitute for a custom-made appliance. At Whitland Dental Co, every night guard is precision-made from accurate digital records of your bite.
Dentures
Losing teeth — whether one or several — affects far more than your smile. It can impact how you eat, how you speak, and how you feel about yourself. A well-made denture can restore all of that, and at Whitland Dental Co, we take the fit, comfort, and appearance of every denture seriously.
Using our 3Shape Trios 3 intraoral scanner, we capture a precise digital record of your mouth — removing the need for traditional impression putty and giving our laboratory, Swift Dental, the accuracy they need to craft a denture that truly fits. A poorly fitting denture is not just uncomfortable; over time it can accelerate bone loss and cause real problems with eating and speech.
We offer three types of denture to suit different clinical needs and preferences:
• 3D Printed Dentures — digitally designed and printed with exceptional precision for a modern, accurate fit
• Flexi-Dentures — made from a flexible, lightweight material that is gentle on the gums and avoids the need for metal clasps, making them a discreet and comfortable option
• Traditional Acrylic Dentures — the long-established option, reliable and cost-effective, still crafted to the highest standard via our digital workflow
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of treatments
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Please note this is not an exhaustive list of treatments -
Postoperative Care
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Please read and follow these instructions if you have recently had an extraction:
Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue whilst you are still numb after your anaesthetic.
Be mindful of the temperature of food and beverages in the first few hours after extraction.
Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after your extraction.
Do not undertake any strenuous activity for 24 hours after your extraction.
Your saliva will be coloured for a few days after the extraction. This does not mean the socket is bleeding.
If the socket does start bleeding, use the sealed spare gauze; bite down on it for 10 minutes and this should allow the socket to clot.
After 24 hours, using a salt water rinse twice a day will aid healing.
Taking Ibuprofen and Paracetamol at the same time as directed on the packet will prevent swelling and minimise discomfort.
If you experience persistent bleeding or have any other cause for concern please ring the practice during working hours.
If you are bleeding after hours, please attend your nearest A&E.
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After a filling it is perfectly normal to have a few weeks of intermittent sensitivity or a few twinges when eating or biting down.
However if symptoms become persistent, please contact the practice for a review.
There is always a risk to the tooth’s vitality when any work is undertaken, even when a filling is small or apparently superficial.
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It can take a few days to adjust to a new fixed restoration, however, if you feel that your bite is not normal, please contact the practice, as sometimes this can be difficult to determine right away.
The first few times you brush a new crown or bridge, the gum can bleed a little. This will stop, and you should continue to brush this area. There can be a little residual inflammation from the temporary crown or bridge and this will resolve itself in a few days.
It is of paramount importance that you clean in between your teeth on a daily basis and not just brush them. This will help prolong the longevity of your fixed restorations and prevent gum recession and root decay, which are the primary causes of failure.
At Whitland Dental Co, we recommend using TePe’s, which we sell here at the practice.
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After a root canal, part of your face can feel tender whilst the tooth settles.
A slight bruised feeling is normal for a few days and biting directly on the tooth may also elicit a twinge.
If symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, please contact the practice.
If you experience pain, swelling or throbbing after root canal, this may unfortunately be a postoperative flare up. Please contact the practice at your earliest convenience so that we may assist you.
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If you have recently seen Dr Davies because you have been diagnosed with gum disease and require gum treatment, then she will have spoken to you during your appointment about the importance of cleaning in between the teeth.
Interpoximal brushes (TePe’s) and Peroxyl mouthwash can be purchased during your Periodontal Treatment in Surgery or from the Patient Lounge (press HELP on the iPad and someone will come down to assist you).
“Excellent dentist, best decision we made to join. Absolutely great for the children also.”
Helen RyanEnquiries
Reach out to one of our friendly, informative staff for information about our plan options, finance or anything else that will put you at ease about your visit with us.
Please let us know if you would prefer to speak in Welsh.