Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something needs attention. While a mild twinge after something cold might pass on its own, some symptoms are worth a same-week visit to the dentist. Here’s what to watch for.

1. Pain that lasts more than a day or two. Sensitivity that fades quickly is usually harmless, but a lingering ache often signals decay or infection reaching the nerve.
2. Swelling in your face or gums. This can point to an abscess, which needs prompt treatment to stop the infection from spreading.
3. Pain when biting down. This often means a cracked tooth or a filling that has come loose.
4. A bad taste or smell that won’t go away. Combined with pain, this can indicate a developing infection.
5. Fever alongside tooth pain. This is a sign the infection may be spreading and needs urgent care.

If you’re experiencing any of these, don’t wait it out. Book an appointment with our team at Lavish Dental and we’ll get you comfortable again.

Scaling (professional teeth cleaning) removes the plaque and tartar that a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent gum disease, but a lot of people aren’t sure how often they actually need it.

The general guideline

Most people benefit from a scaling every six months. This matches the pace at which tartar builds up for the average mouth and lines up nicely with a routine checkup.

When you might need it more often

Some people build up tartar faster and benefit from scaling every three to four months, including smokers, people with gum disease or a history of it, those with braces or other dental appliances, and people with diabetes, since it can affect gum health.

Your dentist will check your gums at each visit and let you know if it’s time to adjust your schedule. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, book an appointment with us and we’ll take a look.

Root canal treatment has a scary reputation it doesn’t really deserve anymore. With modern techniques and anaesthesia, most patients say it feels about the same as getting a filling. Here’s what actually happens.

Why you’d need one

A root canal is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed, usually from deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work. Left untreated, this can lead to an abscess and eventually loss of the tooth.

What happens during the procedure

Your dentist numbs the area, then removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth. The empty space is cleaned, disinfected, and filled to seal it off from further infection. Most cases take one to two visits, and a crown is often placed afterward to protect the tooth long-term.

Recovery

Some mild soreness for a few days is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most people are back to normal eating and activities within a day or two.

If you’re dealing with persistent tooth pain, don’t put off getting it checked. Book an appointment and we’ll assess whether a root canal or another treatment is right for you.

A brighter smile is one of the most requested treatments at any dental clinic, and it’s a fair question to ask: does whitening damage your teeth? The short answer is that professional whitening, done correctly, is safe for most people.

How it works

Whitening treatments use a peroxide-based gel to break down stains within the enamel. Professional treatments use a carefully controlled concentration, applied and monitored by a dentist, which is why they’re both more effective and gentler than most over-the-counter kits.

What about sensitivity?

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. This usually fades within a day or two and can be managed with a sensitivity toothpaste. It doesn’t mean your enamel is being damaged, it’s a normal, temporary response.

Why professional whitening beats DIY kits

Drugstore strips and kits aren’t tailored to your teeth, which can mean uneven results or gum irritation from ill-fitting trays. A dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, or worn enamel first, since whitening isn’t recommended if any of these are present.

If you’re curious whether whitening is right for you, book a consultation and we’ll assess your teeth and talk through what to expect.