Choosing a private dentist in Twickenham: what to check

Check the person who will treat you

UK dentists must be registered with the General Dental Council. Dr Sundeep Solanki’s registration number is 212282. Ask who will assess you, who will carry out each treatment and whether another clinician or a specialist referral may be appropriate. A cosmetic title is not itself evidence of specialist registration.

What a consultation should establish

A useful consultation starts with your concerns, medical history, medicines and dental history. Examination of teeth and gums, bite assessment and relevant investigations inform the options. Not every visit requires a scan or an X-ray; the clinician should justify investigations rather than use them as a sales feature.

Ask what is causing the problem and whether it needs treatment now. Elective appearance changes are different from treating pain or disease. You should hear about reasonable alternatives and the consequences of doing nothing, with time to ask questions.

Compare the clinical commitment, not just the headline

• Bonding changes shape and may need polishing or repairs.
• Veneers can involve irreversible preparation and future replacement.
• Aligners move teeth and need supervision and retention.
• Implants involve surgery and long-term cleaning and monitoring.
• Whitening affects natural teeth, not existing restorations.

Costs: ask for a complete written estimate

Current approved practice fees are on the Fees page. A listed fee is a starting point for discussion, not an individual quote. The final plan depends on examination findings, the teeth involved and any preparatory care. If a fee is not displayed, ask the practice rather than relying on an older article or online price range.

Request an itemised plan showing assessment, necessary investigations, treatment stages and aftercare. Ask which reviews are included, what a repair or replacement might cost and how changes to the plan will be agreed before further treatment. Do not assume finance, discounts or a guarantee are available.

Questions worth writing down

• What are the benefits and material risks for my teeth, gums and medical history?
• What alternatives are suitable, including a smaller intervention?
• How many appointments and how much recovery are likely?
• Who handles aftercare or an urgent problem when the practice is closed?
• What is included in the quote, and what could add to it?
• How can I obtain records or raise a concern?

Consent is a conversation, not just a signature

You should understand the plan and feel free to pause or decline elective treatment. Ask for the plan in writing and check any revisions before proceeding. Avoid making a decision under time pressure from a discount or an event deadline.

Planning a consultation in Twickenham

Dr Sundeep Solanki, GDC 212282, sees patients at Sunny Dental, 2 London Road, Twickenham TW1 3RY. Bring a medicines list, relevant medical and dental history and the questions you want answered. Recent records may be useful; the dentist decides whether further investigations are justified. Tell the team about anxiety or access requirements before the visit.