Tooth decay is one of the most common dental issues and can affect individuals of all ages. The type of treatment required depends on the stage and severity of the decay. In its early stages, tooth decay can often be managed with a fluoride treatment, which helps to remineralise weakened enamel and prevent further damage. If the decay has progressed beyond the enamel, your dentist will likely need to remove the decayed portion of the tooth and restore it using a dental filling. In more advanced cases where the decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth structure. In the most severe instances—when the tooth is too damaged to be restored—extraction may be the only option. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid more complex and costly procedures, so regular dental check-ups are essential.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a progressive and serious dental condition that requires prompt and professional treatment to prevent long-term damage to your gums and teeth. The first and most important step is to schedule a comprehensive dental examination so your dentist can evaluate the extent of the infection and develop a customised treatment plan. For early to moderate cases, the most common and effective treatment is a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces to promote healing and reattachment of the gums.
In some instances, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotic therapy—either as a topical gel, oral medication, or mouth rinse—to help eliminate stubborn bacterial infections. For advanced cases, where the gum disease has caused significant damage to the bone or gum tissue, surgical treatments such as flap surgery or bone grafting may be necessary. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash, is crucial to support your treatment and prevent recurrence. Regular dental visits every 3 to 6 months will also help monitor your gum health and keep the condition under control.
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket. The procedure is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and can be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as severe tooth decay or damage, overcrowding, or infection. Prior to the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth being extracted. In some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax. The dentist will then use specialised tools to loosen the tooth and remove it from the socket. After the tooth is removed, the dentist may place a gauze pad over the socket to help stop any bleeding. The patient will typically be given instructions on how to care for the extraction site and manage any pain or discomfort. These include:
- For the first 24 hours, try to avoid eating hot food, don’t smoke, don’t drink any alcohol and try not to disturb any blood clots which might have formed.
- Don’t rinse your mouth for six hours after extraction. After that, rinse gently with warm salty water – half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water is enough.
- Brush your teeth as normal to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
- You may feel some small pieces of bone work their way out of the socket – don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.
- There may be some swelling and a bit of discomfort in the first two to three days. If you need to, take some ordinary painkillers – aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol will be fine.
- If you feel pain immediately after the tooth has been removed, it might be where the blood clot has broken down leaving an empty hole in the gum. This is called a ‘dry socket’ and will need to be looked at by your dentist. Simply go back and your dentist will pack the wound to ease your discomfort.
- Your dentist may have given you some gauze to place onto the area where the tooth has been removed – if not, a clean cloth handkerchief will do just as well (but not a paper tissue).
- Roll it into a small firm pad large enough to fit over the gap (probably around 1cm by 3cm).
- Sit up and gently clear away any blood clots around the gap using the gauze or hanky.
- Put a clean pad over the gap (from tongue side to cheek side) and bite down on it firmly for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take the pad off and check whether the bleeding has stopped. If not, apply a fresh pad and contact your dentist
Many patients worry that restorative dental treatments like fillings, tooth extractions, or root canal therapy will be painful—but the good news is that modern dentistry has made these procedures virtually pain-free. At our practice, we prioritise your comfort at every step. We use effective local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. For patients who feel anxious or nervous about dental treatments, we also offer sedation options to help you feel more relaxed and at ease throughout your visit.
Our caring and highly trained dental team will talk you through the procedure calmly and reassuringly, so you know exactly what to expect. After treatment, it’s common to experience mild soreness or sensitivity, but this can usually be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. We’ll also provide you with tailored aftercare advice to help you recover quickly and comfortably. So if you’re putting off treatment because of fear, rest assured that we are here to make your experience as comfortable, supportive, and stress-free as possible.
