Dental FAQs

With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, white fillings can last many years. Their lifespan depends on the size of the filling, the tooth’s position, and your biting habits.

No. White fillings are colour-matched to your natural tooth shade, so they blend in seamlessly.

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and strengthens a damaged tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.

Brush twice daily, clean between teeth, and attend regular check-ups. For bridges, we may recommend cleaning aids to keep underneath the bridge clean.

A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone where a tooth is missing. Over time, the bone naturally fuses with the implant, then a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to restore your smile.

Missing teeth can cause bone loss, shifting of nearby teeth, bite changes, and an aged appearance. Implants help prevent these issues and restore chewing strength and confidence.

Most implant treatments take between 3–12 months depending on healing, complexity, and whether grafting is needed. In some cases, temporary teeth can be fitted so you’re not left with a gap.

No. Implant placement is carried out under strong local anaesthetic, and sedation may be available for nervous patients. Many people report it’s more comfortable than expected.

With good care, implants can last decades—many last a lifetime. Success depends on healthy gums, excellent cleaning, and regular check-ups.

Bleeding gums are a common sign of gum inflammation and gum disease. It happens when harmful bacteria irritate your gums.

We use professional deep cleaning to remove tartar, guided home care, and in advanced cases, treatments like bone regeneration or gum grafts.

Gum grafting is a minor surgical procedure that adds new gum tissue to cover exposed roots and strengthen thin gums.

Surface healing takes 1–2 weeks, and the graft fully integrates over several months. We’ll provide aftercare guidance to reduce swelling and discomfort.

A dental abscess develops when the nerve inside a tooth dies and bacteria multiply, leading to a build-up of pus. This can happen due to decay, trauma, or deep cracks in the tooth.

If a root canal fails to fully clear the infection, we may recommend an apicectomy—cleaning the abscess directly and sealing the root tip to prevent reinfection.

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged. It helps save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

With modern techniques and anaesthesia, it’s typically no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling.

In most cases, bad breath is caused by bacteria on the tongue and around the gums. These bacteria release sulphur compounds that create an unpleasant odour.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include professional cleaning, gum care, advice on tongue cleaning, or addressing leaking dental work.

Even with great brushing and flossing, tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. A hygienist removes this safely to help prevent gum disease, decay, and staining.

Most patients benefit from a professional clean every 6 months, but some may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health.

Extractions are carried out under strong local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain during treatment. Sedation options may be available for patients who need extra support.

Mild discomfort and swelling are normal for a few days. Follow aftercare instructions, eat softer foods, keep the area clean, and avoid smoking or drinking through a straw to support healing.

Dental snags are small but irritating issues like sharp edges, chipped teeth, food traps, or loose fillings. They can cause daily discomfort and may lead to bigger problems if left untreated.

Treatment depends on the cause and may include smoothing a rough edge, repairing/replacing a filling, or adjusting the bite to restore comfort.

Smoking stains teeth, reduces blood flow to the gums, and increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. It can also slow healing after dental treatments.

Yes. Your dental team can provide advice, encouragement, and direct you to trusted stop-smoking services, while monitoring improvements in your oral health.

A screening is a quick, painless check carried out during a routine exam to look for unusual changes in the mouth, tongue, gums, lips, throat, or face.

Your dentist will explain the findings and may refer you to a specialist for further assessment. Early detection often leads to better outcomes.

Yes. Modern dentures use high-quality materials and careful design so they blend naturally with your smile and facial features.

A short adjustment period is normal. Eating and speaking may feel different at first, and follow-up visits allow us to fine-tune comfort and fit.

We recommend a first check-up by age one, or as soon as the first teeth appear. Early visits help children feel comfortable and help us spot issues early.

Yes. Baby teeth are important for speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and problems for developing adult teeth.

TMD refers to problems affecting the jaw joint, muscles, and bite, often leading to pain, clicking, or restricted movement.

Treatment may include custom splints/night guards, physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, medication, and tailored bite therapy depending on the cause.

Options range from fillings and inlays to crowns, bridges, veneers, and dental implants. The right choice depends on damage level, bite, and long-term needs.

Yes. Modern materials mimic natural teeth and are shade-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile.

The treatment usually takes about 90 minutes in a single visit. You’ll leave the practice with noticeably brighter teeth straight away.

Yes. It’s carried out by qualified dental professionals using regulated products, with measures to protect your teeth and gums.

Home whitening uses custom-made trays and professional gel worn for a set period each day. Teeth gradually lighten over 1–2 weeks.

Some patients have temporary sensitivity, especially early on. This usually settles quickly and we can advise adjustments if needed.

Yes. Older or mismatched restorations can often be replaced with modern tooth-coloured materials that are carefully shade-matched.

It’s usually best to whiten first, then match new restorations to the lighter shade (as restorations don’t change colour with whitening).

A tooth can darken due to trauma, decay reaching the nerve, root canal treatment, heavy grinding, or certain staining factors.

Options may include whitening, internal bleaching, bonding, veneers, or crowns—depending on the cause and diagnosis.

Composite bonding involves applying tooth-coloured resin directly to your teeth in a single visit. Porcelain veneers are thin custom-made shells created in a lab and then bonded to your teeth. Composite is quicker and more affordable, while porcelain offers greater durability and stain resistance.

Composite bonding typically lasts 4–7 years, while porcelain veneers can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care. Good hygiene and avoiding habits like nail-biting or opening packaging with your teeth helps extend lifespan.

Not necessarily. Some veneers can be placed with little to no preparation. When minimal preparation is required, only a very thin layer of enamel is removed to ensure a good fit.

Very natural. Composite and porcelain can be crafted with subtle characterisation marks, colour variations, and translucency to mimic real teeth. We work with skilled technicians to ensure they blend beautifully with your smile.

Most people are suitable, but it depends on your oral health and smile goals. If teeth are crowded or misaligned, orthodontics may be recommended first to avoid a bulky look and make veneers easier to clean.

Bonding works very well for small or moderate gaps, especially at the front. Larger gaps may be better suited to orthodontics, implants, or bridges.

Sometimes for mild issues, yes. For significant crowding or misalignment, braces/aligners may be recommended first for the healthiest result.

Crooked teeth can be caused by jaw size mismatch, delayed or abnormal eruption of teeth, childhood habits such as thumb sucking, genetics, accidents, or even having too many or too few teeth.

Beyond appearance, crooked teeth can affect how you bite, chew, speak, and even breathe. They can also be harder to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and long-term wear on your teeth and jaw joints.

Not usually. At Gentle, we try to avoid extractions where possible. Instead, we use techniques that create space naturally, helping to achieve a broader, healthier smile while keeping as many natural teeth as possible.

We offer different options depending on your needs and preferences. These include traditional fixed braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. Clear aligners are discreet, smooth, removable, and suitable for many mild to moderate cases.

Some simple cases can be completed in as little as 6 months, while more complex treatments may take 18–24 months. Your dentist will give you a clear estimate during your consultation.

Yes. Treatments are carried out by trained dental professionals with expertise in facial anatomy, using regulated products and careful safety protocols.

It depends on the treatment. Anti-wrinkle injections often last 3–4 months, while dermal fillers commonly last 6–12 months.

Gum contouring reshapes the gum line to reduce excess gum tissue and reveal more of your natural teeth, creating a more balanced smile.

Most gum contouring treatments can be completed in a single visit, often within one hour (depending on how many teeth are treated).

Yes. Treatments such as composite bonding, veneers, or crowns can add size and improve proportions. Options are tailored so the result looks natural and balanced.

We offer a temporary smile makeover service that lets you preview your potential results before starting treatment.