General dentistry covers the everyday treatment that keeps your teeth healthy and working. At Dr Haseena Mahomed’s practice in Johannesburg, this includes examinations, tooth-coloured fillings, extractions and root canal treatment, along with dentures for older patients and mouthguards for people who play sport. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom bite plate can also be made to protect them.
A filling repairs a tooth that has been damaged by decay or a small fracture. At Dr Haseena Mahomed’s practice, fillings can be done in tooth-coloured material, so the repair blends in with the rest of your smile.
The appointment usually starts with a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once the tooth is numb, the decayed part is removed, and the remaining tooth is cleaned and shaped. The filling material is then placed in layers and hardened with a special light before it is shaped to fit your bite.
Your mouth may feel numb for a few hours afterwards, so take care not to bite your cheek or tongue. Some people notice mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a short time, which usually settles on its own.
If a cavity is left untreated, it can spread deeper into the tooth and reach the nerve. At that point a crown or root canal treatment may be needed instead of a simple filling.
Root canal treatment is used when the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or badly inflamed. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack, a knock to the tooth or a large filling that has started to leak. Common signs include lingering toothache, sensitivity to heat, swelling or a tooth that has darkened in colour.
During treatment, the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr Haseena Mahomed then removes the infected nerve tissue and disinfects the root canals before sealing them to stop bacteria getting back in. This may take one or more appointments.
Once the canals are sealed, the tooth needs a strong restoration. Back teeth in particular are often covered with a crown afterwards, because a root-treated tooth can become brittle over time.
Saving a natural tooth this way is often preferable to extraction. Delaying treatment, however, can allow the infection to spread to the point where the tooth can no longer be saved.
Dr Haseena Mahomed will always look at ways to keep a natural tooth first, but sometimes removing it is the most sensible option. A tooth may need to come out if it is too badly broken or decayed to repair, or if an infection cannot be resolved with root canal treatment. Severe gum disease can also leave a tooth too loose to keep.
Before the extraction, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic so that the tooth can be removed with as little discomfort as possible. Most extractions are straightforward and completed in one short appointment. Your aftercare instructions will usually include biting on gauze to control bleeding and avoiding hot drinks and smoking for the first day.
After a tooth is removed, it is worth discussing whether the gap should be filled. Missing teeth can allow neighbouring teeth to shift and affect your bite over time. Options such as a dental bridge or a denture can restore the gap.
As people get older, their dental needs change. Gums may recede, and older fillings can wear out, while a dry mouth can raise the risk of decay. Dr Haseena Mahomed’s practice provides dental care for older adults that covers diagnosis, prevention and treatment, as well as the making and maintenance of dentures.
If you are missing several teeth, a denture can help restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably. The process involves taking impressions of your mouth and trying in the denture before it is finished, so that it fits as closely as possible.
Dentures need care over time. The shape of your gums and jawbone gradually changes, which can make a denture feel loose or cause sore spots. Regular check-ups allow the fit to be assessed and adjusted, and give the dentist a chance to examine the soft tissues of your mouth.
If your denture is rubbing or has cracked, book an appointment rather than trying to adjust it yourself.
A mouthguard and a bite plate both protect your teeth, but they are used in different situations.
A custom sports mouthguard is made for people who play contact sports such as rugby or hockey, or any activity where a knock to the face is possible. It is shaped from an impression of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays in place while you play. A well-fitting guard helps cushion blows that could otherwise chip or knock out teeth.
A bite plate is worn at night by people who grind or clench their teeth. Many people do this in their sleep without realising it. Signs include jaw pain or stiffness in the morning, headaches, flattened teeth and sensitivity. Over time, grinding can damage enamel and strain the jaw joint, a problem known as temporomandibular disorder. A bite plate creates a protective layer between your upper and lower teeth.
If you recognise any of these signs, mention them at your next check-up.