1. Did you always want to become a dentist?
No. It wasn’t until the end of secondary school that I realised I wanted to pursue dentistry. Before that, I actually wanted to study medicine. I hadn’t even realised there was a separate degree for dentistry!
2. How do you become a dentist?
To become a dentist, you complete a six-year university programme. During the final three years, you treat many patients under supervision, so that once you graduate, you’re fully prepared to work independently.
3. Do you brush electrically or manually? What do you recommend?
I use an electric toothbrush myself. For many people, it makes removing plaque easier. Ultimately, though, what matters most is taking enough time and brushing mindfully covering every surface of every tooth.
4. Why should I go to the dentist every six months?
In six months, new issues such as cavities or gum inflammation can develop. Detecting them early allows us to treat them easily, avoiding more complex or costly procedures later.
5. Do I still need to visit the dentist if I have no symptoms?
Unfortunately, pain-free doesn’t always mean problem-free. We often see patients with deep cavities or gum disease who didn’t feel anything until it suddenly became painful, often at the worst possible time, like during a holiday. Regular check-ups prevent that.
6. My old dentist used to clean my teeth. Why don’t you, and why am I referred to the dental hygienist?
A check-up appointment takes about ten minutes. Proper cleaning takes longer and deserves full attention. That’s why we schedule a separate visit with our dental hygienist so your teeth get the thorough care they need.
7. My dental hygienist told me I have periodontitis. Why didn’t my dentist tell me, and why does she treat it?
The hygienist spends more time assessing gum health using a special measuring tool to check for pocket depth beneath the gums. When inflammation causes deeper pockets, bacteria can accumulate and affect the bone that supports your teeth. Dental hygienists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat this type of gum disease.
8. I’m afraid of the dentist and embarrassed about my teeth. I’m scared of being judged because I haven’t been in years. Any advice?
Please know that we see patients with dental fear every single day many who haven’t been for a long time. We admire anyone who takes that brave first step! When you call, share your worries and preferences. Our reception team will match you with the dentist who best suits your needs.
9. How do you treat anxious patients?
I take extra time to make them feel comfortable. We talk about their fears, what triggers them, and how we can adapt. I explain every step clearly. Patients remain fully in control, if they need a break, they simply raise a hand and we pause immediately.
10. From what age should children visit the dentist?
You can bring your child from the moment their first teeth appear even during your own check-up. Early visits help your child get used to the environment. When their molars come in later, they’ll already feel safe and familiar at the dental chair.
11. Why are so many dental X-rays taken?
We only take X-rays when necessary. They reveal things we can’t see with the naked eye such as cavities between teeth, the roots, and the bone around them. This allows us to detect inflammation or infection early.
12. How does warranty work?
If a filling or crown fails shortly after placement, it’s covered by warranty and fixed free of charge. Sometimes, however, a larger follow-up treatment is needed later for example, a root canal after a deep cavity. That’s considered a new issue and not part of the warranty.
13. How long does anaesthetic last?
Usually, numbness begins to fade after 2–3 hours, but it can occasionally last a bit longer.
14. Can anaesthetic cause facial paralysis?
In extremely rare cases, anaesthetic can cause temporary facial paralysis but it always resolves on its own.
15. How long can sensitivity last after a filling?
The nerve can remain irritated for a short time after treatment, causing temperature sensitivity. It usually disappears within one to two weeks. If it lasts longer, contact us, sometimes we can adjust the filling slightly to relieve pressure.
16. What is an onlay/inlay and why is it recommended instead of a filling?
When a tooth has lost a large portion of structure, a regular filling may no longer be strong enough. An onlay or inlay, made of ceramic material, fits precisely onto the tooth and restores strength. It’s similar to a crown but requires less tooth reduction.
17. I have white spots on my teeth. Can this be treated?
Yes. A treatment called ICON therapy can make white spots less visible, depending on how deep they are in the enamel. If that’s not suitable, we can mask them with tooth-coloured composite for a natural, smooth finish.
18. If I have a large filling, do I need a crown?
When a tooth loses a lot of structure, it becomes weaker and more likely to fracture. A crown adds strength and protection, helping the tooth last much longer.
19. I’m pregnant. Should I go to the dentist or not?
Yes, you should. Hormonal changes, nausea, and altered eating habits can affect oral health. Your dentist can monitor your mouth closely and provide personalised advice to prevent issues during pregnancy.
20. How much radiation do dental X-rays emit?
Very little, about the same as one day of natural background radiation. Our equipment is calibrated to limit exposure only to the treatment area, and we take X-rays only when truly necessary.
21. What do you think about oil-pulling?
Some oils have mild antibacterial properties, but there’s no scientific proof that oil-pulling improves oral health. The best routine remains brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth every day.
22. Do whitening toothpastes actually work?
Most whitening toothpastes remove surface stains with mild abrasives and create a temporary optical effect. Occasional use can help if you drink coffee or tea, but overuse can wear down enamel making teeth appear more yellow over time.
23. Why are wisdom teeth often removed, even if they don’t hurt?
Many people simply don’t have enough space in the jaws for wisdom teeth. They may erupt sideways or only partially, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of decay or infection. Removing them early prevents future problems.
24. Why are so many children referred to the orthodontist nowadays?
Crooked teeth or jaw misalignment can make cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of decay and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause uneven wear. Early orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function and long-term oral health.
25. Why do some fillings cost more than others?
The price depends on how many surfaces of the tooth are restored, we call these one-, two-, or multi-surface fillings. The size and depth of the cavity don’t change the price, but the number of treated surfaces does.
