Bellevue Dental Practice ★9.7

The neighbourhood surgery other dentists refer into

Bellevue is a mixed practice – part of the work is done on the NHS, part privately – with three surgeries and a family feel. The unusual part is its second role: it publishes referral forms for colleagues across Edinburgh, one of them solely for a cone beam CT scan, and takes on patients who can only be treated under sedation.

Treatments

Examinations, hygiene, white fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures make up the everyday list, and root canal treatment is done on site. Surgery covers routine and surgical extractions, wisdom teeth, coronectomy and socket preservation, and implants replace missing teeth with bone augmentation, PRF therapy or a sinus lift where the ridge has thinned. Cosmetic work runs to whitening, composite veneers and clear aligners, and the dentists also inject botulinum toxin type A and hyaluronic acid fillers. Emergency appointments are open to unregistered patients and visitors, every day of the year.

Sedation and imaging

Anxious patients have three routes – inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide, oral sedation and intravenous sedation – with vital signs monitored and the patient still able to answer the dentist. Imaging runs on low-dose 2D digital radiography, a cone beam CT scanner and an intraoral scanner that does away with trays and impression putty. Other practices refer in for OPG, lateral cephalometric and TMJ views.

The dentists

Faheem Haider owns the practice: honours graduate of 2008, master’s in endodontics from Chester, master’s in dental implantology from Salford, postgraduate diploma in dental sedation from Newcastle, member of SAAD and of the British societies for paediatric dentistry and for disability and oral health. Vinita Shekar is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, an oral and maxillofacial SAS surgeon at Ninewells and a trainer recognised by NHS Education for Scotland. Haris Naseer holds membership in endodontics from the Edinburgh college; Andrzej Musko qualified in Warsaw and has practised here since 2007.

Who it suits

Adults and children who cannot face the chair without sedation, and patients with additional needs. Anyone sent by their own dentist for a 3D scan before implant or wisdom-tooth surgery. Visitors with a broken tooth and no dentist in the city.

Frequently asked questions

Is this NHS or private? Both – the practice describes itself as mixed.

Can treatment be carried out under sedation? Nitrous oxide, oral and intravenous sedation are all available.

Can I come only for a CBCT scan? Yes, there is a separate referral form for CBCT.

I am not registered and my tooth broke today. Emergency appointments need no registration, and walk-ins are seen.

Are children welcome? Yes, the practice is family-oriented.

Opening hours