Answers

Questions patients actually ask

Straight answers about crowns, root canals, cracked teeth and what treatment costs — written to be useful before you book, not to sell you something.

Search for a treatment, a symptom or a price

All answers

Is there an alternative to a dental crown?Sometimes. Where enough healthy tooth remains, a bonded restoration such as an onlay can rebuild the tooth without reducing it for a crown. Where too little structure is left, a crown is still the safer choice.
Can I avoid a root canal?Sometimes. If decay has not infected the nerve, sealing the tooth and protecting the pulp early may avoid root canal treatment. Once the nerve is infected, a root canal or extraction is usually the only option.
What is a root canal, and do I need one?A root canal treats a tooth whose inner pulp — the nerve and blood supply — has become infected or is dying. The damaged pulp is removed, the canal cleaned and sealed, and the tooth kept rather than extracted.
I have cracked a tooth — what should I do?See a dental professional as soon as possible. Meanwhile, avoid chewing on that side, rinse with warm salt water, and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed. Cracks worsen with use, and early treatment preserves more tooth.
Should I replace my old silver fillings?Not always. An old filling that is sealed, symptom-free and not cracking is usually best left alone. Replacement is warranted when there is decay underneath, a fracture, a failing margin, or the tooth is flexing under load.
What is vital pulp therapy?Vital pulp therapy treats a tooth's inflamed nerve without removing it. A bioactive material is placed over the exposed pulp to seal it and allow healing, aiming to keep the tooth alive and avoid root canal treatment.
How should I brush my teeth properly?Brush twice a day, two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste — one of them just before bed. Use a soft brush, go gently, and give every surface of every tooth its own moment.
Do I really need to floss?Yes. Your brush simply can't reach the snug gaps between teeth, and that's exactly where plaque and food hide. Cleaning between them once a day, with floss or interdental brushes, stops trouble starting there.
Electric or manual toothbrush — which is better?Done properly, both clean just as well. What matters is that every surface gets attention and there's fluoride on the brush. Technique and showing up daily win, not the gadget.
Should I rinse with water after brushing?Don't — just spit and leave it. The thin film of toothpaste left on your teeth is packed with fluoride, quietly hardening the enamel long after you've put the brush down. A mouthful of water washes that away.
How long should I wait to brush after eating?Wait about an hour after anything acidic — citrus, fizzy cooldrink, wine. Acids leave enamel briefly soft, and brushing into it scrubs away the layer we work hard to protect. Swish water while you wait.
What actually causes cavities?Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar and starch, and produce acid in return. Mixed with food and saliva that becomes plaque, which slowly dissolves the enamel until a hole appears.
Can early tooth decay be reversed?At the very first whisper, yes. A soft, chalky patch where enamel has just begun to soften can re-harden with fluoride and less sugar. Once decay reaches the softer layer beneath, it needs a filling.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms all day — you can brush and floss it away. Left too long it hardens into tartar, a crust no toothbrush can budge; only we can scale it off.
Is fluoride safe, and what does it do?Fluoride is both safe and genuinely useful: it strengthens enamel and helps mend the earliest acid damage, so teeth shrug off cavities more easily. Decades of research and health bodies worldwide back it.
Does mouthwash replace brushing and flossing?No — think of it as a helpful sidekick, never the main act. A fluoride rinse can lend a hand against plaque and bad breath, but brushing and flossing still do the heavy lifting.
Why does a dry mouth harm my teeth?Saliva is your mouth's quiet bodyguard — it rinses, neutralises acid and keeps things balanced. When it dries up, decay, gum disease and mouth sores all get a much easier ride.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?Bleeding gums usually mean plaque has built up along the gumline — early gum disease. The fix is more careful cleaning, not less. If it carries on, come and see us.
Is gum disease reversible?Early gum disease — gingivitis — is reversible with a professional clean and good home care. Once it advances to periodontitis and bone is lost, that can't be undone, only managed. Catch it early.
Why are my teeth sensitive, and what helps?Sensitivity usually means enamel has thinned or gums have receded, exposing the softer dentine beneath. A soft brush, desensitising toothpaste and easing off acids help. If the zing turns sharp or lingers, come and see us.
What causes bad breath, and how do I fix it?Bad breath usually comes from bacteria on the teeth and tongue, plus dry mouth, smoking or gum trouble. Brush twice daily, clean between teeth, scrape your tongue and stay hydrated. If it lingers, come in.
What causes teeth grinding, and how is it treated?Grinding is often stress showing up in your sleep, sometimes with a sleep issue. It wears, cracks and loosens teeth. A custom nightguard is the mainstay, alongside easing stress and cutting caffeine. Spot flat teeth? Come in.
What is the difference between a filling and an inlay or onlay?A filling patches a small cavity chairside. Inlays and onlays are sturdier lab-made restorations for larger damage — too much for a filling, too little for a crown — keeping as much of your own tooth as possible.
What wears teeth down, and can it be fixed?Teeth wear from acidic food and drink, reflux, grinding, hard brushing and dry mouth. Enamel doesn't grow back, but we can help — fluoride, a nightguard, bonding, veneers or crowns. The real win is finding and stopping the cause.
How do I care for my dentures?Rinse them, then brush every surface daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner, and store them in water so they don't warp. New dentures rub while your mouth adjusts. If soreness lingers, phone us for an adjustment.
How long does a dental bridge last?Most bridges last around 5 to 15 years, longer with good care. Clean under the false tooth as well as around it — a floss threader helps — brush and floss daily, and keep your check-ups.
When does a tooth need to be removed?We remove a tooth only when it's beyond saving — too decayed, damaged or infected to repair — or badly crowding others. Pulling one is our last resort, never our first move. We'll always try to save it first.
What should I do after a tooth is removed?For the first day, rest, eat soft food and leave the clot alone — no straws, smoking, alcohol or fizzy drinks. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water. If bleeding or pain climbs, contact the practice.
What is dry socket, and how do I avoid it?Dry socket is when the protective clot never forms or is dislodged, exposing bone and nerves. It brings pain a few days after extraction. Avoid it by skipping straws and smoking. It's treatable — phone us if it strikes.
Do wisdom teeth always need to be removed?No. Wisdom teeth only need removing when there's no room and they cause pain, swelling, infection or decay. If they come through cleanly and behave, we're happy to leave them and simply keep an eye on them.
My tooth was knocked out — can it be saved?Often yes, if you act fast. For an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, place it back in the socket, and see a dentist within the hour. Can't reinsert it? Keep it in milk. Never reimplant a baby tooth.
How do I ease a toothache, and when is it urgent?Ease it with ibuprofen or paracetamol, a warm salt-water rinse and soft food. See a dentist if it lasts more than two days, ignores painkillers, or brings fever or swelling. Swelling that affects breathing is a hospital emergency.
What is a dental abscess, and is it an emergency?A dental abscess is a pocket of pus from infection. It won't clear on its own, so treat it as urgent and contact us straight away. If swelling makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to hospital now.
My filling or crown fell out — what now?It's usually not an emergency, though the tooth may feel sensitive. Keep any crown, cover the gap with pharmacy temporary dental cement (never glue), chew on the other side, and book in with us soon.
What is composite bonding, and how long does it last?Composite bonding is tooth-coloured resin sculpted onto the tooth to mend a chip, close a small gap or tidy shape and colour. It's usually a one-visit fix with little or no drilling, and typically lasts three to ten years.
What is gum contouring, and is it safe?Gum contouring reshapes or eases back excess gum tissue to even out a gummy or lopsided smile. In trained hands it's generally very safe, with most people back to normal within a few days.
How can I soothe my teething baby?Give sore gums something safe to press on — a teething ring chilled in the fridge (never the freezer), or a clean finger rubbed over the gums. For real discomfort, sugar-free paracetamol may help; check the dose with your pharmacist.
Is thumb-sucking bad for my child's teeth?It's a natural comfort, and most children give it up on their own between two and four. It only starts to matter once the permanent front teeth arrive, as forceful sucking then can nudge teeth out of line.
Do baby teeth really matter?Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew, speak clearly and smile, and they hold the space that guides adult teeth into place. The back ones stay until around ten to twelve, so they're on duty for years.
How much fluoride toothpaste should my child use?Just a little. For under-threes, a thin smear the size of a grain of rice; from three to six, a pea-sized amount. Get them to spit rather than rinse, and supervise brushing so not much is swallowed.
What are dental sealants, and does my child need them?A sealant is a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of back teeth, sealing the deep grooves where decay starts. It's quick and painless, and works best soon after the molars come through.
When should I start brushing my child's teeth?Start the moment the first tooth appears — twice a day with a soft brush and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Do the brushing yourself until your child can manage it well, usually into primary school.
Do cavities in baby teeth need treating?Yes. Decay in baby teeth doesn't fix itself — it spreads and can reach the nerve, causing pain and infection. Losing a baby tooth too early can crowd the adult teeth coming through.
Does my child need a mouthguard for sport?For contact sport — rugby, hockey, netball, martial arts — yes. A mouthguard cushions a blow and can save a tooth. A custom-made one fits snugly and comfortably, so it actually gets worn.
Is it safe to see the dentist while pregnant?Yes — and we'd encourage it. Check-ups matter more than ever, and needed cleanings or fillings are safe. Just tell us you're expecting at the start so we can tailor everything to you and baby.
Does diabetes affect my gums and teeth?Yes, and it runs both ways. Diabetes makes gum infection harder to fight, and gum disease can make blood sugar trickier to control. The good news: treating your gums can help steady your sugar levels.
How do older adults keep their teeth healthy?Keep the basics strong — brush twice daily with fluoride, clean between the teeth, and keep your check-ups. Watch for dry mouth from medications, which raises decay risk, and mention every medicine you take.
How does smoking affect my mouth and teeth?A lot. Tobacco raises gum-disease risk, starves the gums of blood, stains teeth, sours breath, and raises the risk of mouth cancer. The hopeful part: quit, and those risks start dropping — we'll help.
Is vaping safer for my teeth than smoking?Not as harmless as it's made out to be. The aerosol dries your mouth, and less saliva means more plaque, bad breath and gum-disease risk. Nicotine stains teeth and slows healing. Tell us if you vape.
What are the warning signs of mouth cancer?Watch for anything that lingers: a mouth sore that won't heal, a lump or thickened patch, white or red areas, or trouble swallowing. Anything lasting three weeks or more should be checked promptly.
Are dental X-rays safe?Yes. The radiation dose is genuinely tiny, and modern equipment has trimmed it lower still. We don't take them on autopilot — only when they'll tell us something useful, like decay hidden between teeth.
Does getting a filling hurt?It shouldn't. We numb the area properly with local anaesthetic first, so you feel pressure but no pain. If anything sneaks through, lift a hand and we'll top up. Mild sensitivity afterwards soon settles.
How much does a dental crown cost in South Africa?A crown at Catford Dental costs between R7 500 and R9 500, depending on the material used. What a tooth needs before the crown — a build-up or root canal treatment — is quoted separately after an examination.
Does medical aid cover dental treatment in South Africa?Usually in part. Most schemes pay routine dentistry from a day-to-day benefit with an annual limit, while larger work often needs pre-authorisation. Schemes pay a set tariff, which may not match a practice's fee.

These pages explain how treatment decisions are generally made. They are not a diagnosis — what is right for your tooth depends on an examination.