Patient information

Common dental procedures, explained simply

Not sure what a treatment actually involves? Here's a plain-language overview of the procedures we're asked about most. This is general information — Dr Cassim will explain what applies to you at a consultation.

Cross-section of a molar, labelled: enamel on the outside, dentine beneath it, the pulp containing the nerve and blood vessel, the gum line, the root, and the surrounding jawbone.
The parts of a tooth referred to throughout this page.

Check-ups & cleaning

A routine exam of your teeth and gums, plus a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar that brushing at home can't reach. It's the main way small problems get caught early, before they need bigger treatment.

Cosmetic dentistry

Treatments such as whitening, veneers and bonding, aimed at improving the appearance of your smile rather than treating disease. Suitability and results vary by individual, and are best discussed at a consultation.

Dental implants

A titanium post placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root, topped with a crown. A more involved procedure with a healing period, but a long-term option for a missing tooth.

Read our full implants guide →

Root canal treatment

Used when the soft tissue (pulp) inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, often from deep decay. The infected tissue is removed and the tooth is cleaned, sealed and usually protected with a crown — this treats the problem while keeping your natural tooth in place.

Read our full root canal guide →

Crowns & bridges

A crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape and strength. A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth by anchoring a false tooth to the teeth on either side of it.

Digital & 3D X-rays

Imaging that lets Dr Cassim see below the surface — between teeth, below the gumline, or inside the jawbone — to diagnose problems that aren't visible during a regular exam, and to plan treatment accurately.

Emergency dentistry

Same-day and after-hours care for dental pain, trauma or urgent problems such as a knocked-out or badly broken tooth. If you're in pain now, call rather than wait for a routine appointment.

This page is general information to help you understand your options — it isn't a diagnosis or a treatment plan. The right treatment for you depends on an examination by Dr Cassim.

Questions

Procedure FAQs

What happens at a routine check-up?

Generally a visual examination of your teeth and gums, a professional clean, and a chat about anything you've noticed since your last visit. X-rays are taken from time to time as needed, not necessarily at every visit.

Do I need X-rays every visit?

Not usually. Dr Cassim will recommend X-rays based on your individual needs and history, not as a routine part of every check-up.

How do I know which treatment I need?

The best way to know which treatment is right for you is a consultation with Dr Cassim, who can examine your teeth and discuss your options directly.

Not sure what you need?

Book a consultation and Dr Cassim will examine your teeth and talk you through the right options for you.

Book an appointment