Restorations Leeds

Brushing twice daily is essential but doesn’t reach beneath the bridge. You’ll need specialist tools: superfloss (a threaded floss that passes under the bridge), interdental brushes, or a water flosser. We’ll demonstrate proper technique at your fitting appointment and reinforce it at regular hygiene visits. Cleaning under the bridge takes 10–20 extra seconds a day but is crucial for long-term success.

Yes — bridges restore near-normal chewing function. Stick to softer foods for the first few days while you adjust, then gradually return to your normal diet. Very hard or sticky foods (hard caramels, ice cubes, extremely crunchy nuts) can damage bridges and are best avoided. Most patients forget they have a bridge once they’ve adapted.

Well-made bridges typically last 10–15 years, sometimes longer. Lifespan depends on oral hygiene (keeping the area beneath the bridge meticulously clean is essential), the health of abutment teeth, bite forces (grinding shortens lifespan), and material quality. Regular check-ups and hygiene visits maximise longevity.

Implants are generally the superior long-term solution — they don’t affect neighbouring teeth, they preserve bone, and they can last a lifetime. Bridges require preparing (drilling down) the teeth on either side, which can create problems 10–15 years later. However, bridges are faster (weeks vs months), less expensive upfront, and avoid surgery — making them the right choice when those factors matter, or when adjacent teeth already have large restorations that could serve as bridge abutments.

Zirconia and full-ceramic porcelain are the two top choices for most cases. Zirconia is extremely strong and excellent for back teeth. Full-ceramic porcelain is slightly less strong but superior for aesthetics in front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is a good middle ground. Gold is rarely chosen now except for back molars with very high bite forces — it’s extremely durable but obviously visible. We’ll recommend the right material based on the tooth’s position and your preferences.

No — not during the procedure. Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth completely while we prepare it, so you’ll feel pressure but no pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal. If you’re nervous, sedation is available. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the whole process is.

Well-made crowns typically last 10–20 years, often longer. Lifespan depends on material (zirconia and porcelain are both excellent), the health of the underlying tooth, oral hygiene, bite forces (grinding shortens lifespan), and regular dental check-ups. Occasional re-cementation or replacement may be needed over decades.

Crowns are recommended when: (1) a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling to safely restore; (2) after root canal treatment (to protect the now-brittle tooth); (3) for teeth with significant cracks or fractures; (4) for severely worn teeth from grinding; or (5) occasionally for cosmetic purposes when a veneer isn’t sufficient. At your consultation, we’ll assess whether a crown is the right option — sometimes a large filling, inlay or onlay will do the job more conservatively.

Technically yes, but less commonly — front teeth are more often restored with composite fillings or veneers than with inlays/onlays. Inlays and onlays are most commonly used on back teeth (molars and premolars) where chewing forces are high and larger repairs are often needed. For front teeth, we’d typically recommend composite fillings for small repairs or veneers for larger aesthetic changes.

No. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you’ll feel pressure but no pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal (especially for deeper preparations). Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the whole process is. If you’re nervous, sedation is available.

Porcelain inlays and onlays typically last 15–20 years, often longer. Composite versions typically last 7–10 years. Both can significantly outlast equivalent-sized fillings because they’re lab-crafted under ideal conditions and made from stronger materials. Regular check-ups monitor condition and catch any issues early.

Depends on how much natural tooth is left. Small cavities: filling is the best option (fastest, cheapest, minimal preparation). Large cavities with healthy tooth structure still remaining: inlay or onlay preserves more tooth than a crown. Teeth with extensive damage, cracks, or after root canal treatment: a crown is usually needed for full coverage and protection. We’ll assess your specific tooth and recommend the most appropriate option.

In most cases, yes — especially for back teeth. Root-canal-treated teeth are weaker than natural teeth and vulnerable to fracture under chewing forces. A crown reinforces the tooth and dramatically improves its long-term survival. Skipping the crown is a false economy that often leads to tooth loss.

A properly treated, properly restored tooth can last a lifetime. Studies show 85–97% success rates over 8+ years. The key is a thorough cleaning of all canals and a good crown afterwards to protect against fracture. Regular check-ups let us monitor the tooth for any long-term issues.

Most root canals are completed in one visit of 60–90 minutes. More complex cases (usually back molars with curved canals) may need two appointments. We’ll let you know what to expect at your consultation based on X-rays of the tooth.

No — the procedure itself is comfortable. Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth completely, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Most patients say it feels no different to having a filling. The painful part is the infection before treatment — root canal therapy is what ends the pain, not causes it.

Don’t panic. Fillings occasionally come loose, especially older ones. Book an appointment as soon as possible — the exposed tooth is vulnerable to further decay, sensitivity and fracture. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. Temporary filling materials from the pharmacy can cover the tooth for a day or two if there’s a gap before your appointment.

Yes — absolutely. Modern composite materials are strong enough for most back-tooth cavities. For very large cavities or teeth under heavy grinding stress, we may recommend inlays, onlays or crowns for better longevity. But for the vast majority of back-tooth cavities, composite fillings are an excellent choice.

Not during the procedure. We use effective local anaesthetic, so you’ll feel pressure but no pain while the filling is placed. Mild tenderness or sensitivity for 1—3 days after is normal (especially for deeper fillings). If sensitivity persists beyond a week or worsens, let us know — occasionally a filling needs minor adjustment.

Typically 7–10 years with proper care, sometimes longer. Lifespan depends on filling size (smaller tends to last longer), location (front teeth have less chewing stress than back teeth), and how well you care for your teeth (hygiene, avoiding tooth-grinding). Regular check-ups catch any filling issues early, often letting us repair or refresh rather than fully replace.