What to do afterwards, and when to call us.

It is common, but it is not normal. Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum inflammation, and at that stage it is reversible. Left alone for years it is not. Book a cleaning rather than brushing more gently.

A well-placed composite filling commonly lasts several years and a crown a good deal longer, but the number depends far more on your bite, your grinding habit and your cleaning than on the material.

Brief sensitivity that stops as soon as the stimulus goes is usually exposed root surface or a worn filling. Pain that lingers for more than a few seconds, or wakes you at night, suggests the nerve is involved. Call us for that one.

Bite firmly on the gauze for an hour, do not rinse, spit or use a straw for the first twenty-four hours, and keep to soft food. Some swelling is expected. Call us if bleeding does not settle or pain increases after the third day.

Please do not. Household adhesives are not safe in the mouth and they make the tooth harder to repair properly. Keep the piece, call us, and we will see you.

Every six months suits most people. If you have gum disease, grind your teeth, smoke or are diabetic, more often is better, and we will tell you why rather than just booking it.