Dentists
Hilsea Dental Care
281 London Road,Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO2 9HE
Overview
Hilsea Dental Care is a dental practice located in Portsmouth, serving patients across the local community and surrounding areas. The practice is situated on London Road in the Hilsea district, a residential area of Portsmouth, making it accessible to patients in the city. As a general dental practice, Hilsea Dental Care provides comprehensive oral healthcare services to both adults and children, including routine check-ups, professional cleaning, fillings, and preventative dental care.
The practice aims to deliver quality dental treatment in a welcoming environment, helping patients maintain good oral health. Hilsea Dental Care likely offers NHS services to eligible patients, along with private treatment options for those seeking additional services. The team of dental professionals works to address various dental needs, from routine maintenance to more complex treatments.
For patients in Portsmouth seeking local dental care, Hilsea Dental Care provides convenient access to professional oral healthcare services. Those interested in registering or booking appointments are encouraged to contact the practice directly for information about availability and services offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can register at Hilsea Dental Care in Portsmouth by calling the practice, visiting the practice in person, or completing a registration form on their website. Unlike GP registration, you do not need to live within a catchment area to join an NHS dentist — you can register with any practice that is accepting NHS patients. You will be asked for your name, date of birth, address, medical history, and details of any medications you take. Your first appointment will usually include a full dental examination.
NHS dental places can be limited and availability changes frequently. Contact Hilsea Dental Care directly on the practice to check whether they are currently accepting new NHS patients. If Hilsea Dental Care is full, you can call NHS 111 or use the NHS website (nhs.uk) to find other NHS dentists near Portsmouth accepting new patients. You do not need a referral — simply contact the practice.
If you are registered at Hilsea Dental Care, call the practice during opening hours for an emergency appointment. Outside surgery hours, call NHS 111 for advice — they can direct you to the nearest emergency dental service. Go to A&E only if you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or trauma to the face or jaw. For dental pain at home, take over-the-counter painkillers (ibuprofen or paracetamol), rinse with warm salt water, and apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.
NHS dental charges in England are set nationally and apply at Hilsea Dental Care. As of 2024, Band 1 (check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, preventive advice) costs £26.80. Band 2 (fillings, root canal treatment, extractions) costs £73.50. Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) costs £319.10. An urgent dental treatment charge is £26.80. If you need more than one treatment in the same course, you only pay the highest band. You may be entitled to free NHS dental care if you are under 18, under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving certain benefits, or hold an HC2 certificate.
During a routine check-up at Hilsea Dental Care, your dentist will examine your teeth for signs of decay, check your gums for gum disease, examine the soft tissues of your mouth (tongue, cheeks, palate, throat) for any abnormalities including signs of oral cancer, review any existing dental work (fillings, crowns, dentures), take X-rays if needed to check between teeth and below the gum line, carry out a scale and polish if clinically indicated, and discuss your oral hygiene routine. The entire appointment typically takes 20-30 minutes.
Yes, Hilsea Dental Care welcomes children of all ages. NHS dental care is free for all children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education). Services include regular check-ups, fluoride varnish applications (recommended from age 3), fissure sealants to protect back teeth, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic assessments. It is recommended to take your child to the dentist from when their first milk teeth appear (around 6 months) or by their first birthday. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dental environment.
Yes, Hilsea Dental Care provides full and partial dentures as part of NHS Band 3 treatment (currently £319.10). This includes the cost of the dentures themselves, all fittings and adjustments, and any other treatment needed in the same course (such as extractions). Private dentures may also be available with upgraded materials and aesthetics. Your dentist will discuss the options and help you choose the best solution for your needs. Allow several weeks for denture construction as they require multiple appointments.
Yes, every routine dental check-up at Hilsea Dental Care includes a soft tissue examination where the dentist checks the mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any unusual changes that could indicate oral cancer. This takes only a few minutes and is included in your Band 1 check-up. Mouth cancer can affect anyone but is more common in smokers, heavy drinkers, and those with HPV. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. If you notice any unusual lumps, ulcers lasting more than 3 weeks, red or white patches, or difficulty swallowing, contact Hilsea Dental Care promptly.
Hilsea Dental Care in Portsmouth typically offers appointments Monday to Friday during standard hours. Some practices offer early morning, evening, or Saturday appointments to accommodate working patients. Contact Hilsea Dental Care on the practice for their current opening times and to find the most convenient appointment slot. Emergency slots are usually available each day for registered patients with urgent problems.
Yes, Hilsea Dental Care has dental hygienists who provide professional cleaning (scale and polish), stain removal, advice on brushing and flossing techniques, treatment for gum disease, and fluoride treatments. On the NHS, a scale and polish is included in a Band 1 check-up if your dentist deems it clinically necessary. Some patients choose to book additional private hygienist appointments for more thorough cleaning — ask Hilsea Dental Care about private hygiene fees.
Yes, you can transfer to Hilsea Dental Care at any time. Simply contact the practice on the practice to register as a new patient. Your dental records will be requested from your previous practice. If you are mid-treatment at another practice, it is best to complete that course of treatment before transferring, as a new course of treatment at Hilsea Dental Care may incur a new NHS charge.
NHS dental charges at Hilsea Dental Care are payable at the time of treatment. Most practices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You should receive a receipt and an FP17DC form confirming your NHS treatment and the band charged. If you are exempt from charges, bring evidence (such as a maternity exemption certificate, HC2 certificate, or proof of benefits). For private treatment, Hilsea Dental Care may offer payment plans or finance options — ask the practice for details.
Yes, Hilsea Dental Care uses dental X-rays as part of routine examinations. These may include bitewing X-rays (to check between teeth for decay and bone levels), periapical X-rays (to see the root of a specific tooth), and panoramic X-rays (a full view of all teeth and jaws). Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation and are safe. Your dentist will only take X-rays when clinically necessary — typically every 6 to 24 months depending on your risk of dental disease. X-rays are included in NHS Band 1 charges.
Your dentist at Hilsea Dental Care will recommend a recall interval based on your individual oral health needs. NHS guidelines (NICE) recommend check-ups every 3 to 24 months for adults and every 3 to 12 months for children and young people under 18. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you may only need to visit once every 12-24 months. Patients with gum disease, a history of decay, or other risk factors may need more frequent visits. Your dentist will advise the best interval for you at each appointment.