Common Dental Questions
Clear answers for oral health
Browse answers to common questions about oral health, treatments, costs, aftercare and patient experience at Attelia London. This page is designed to make dental topics easier to understand in a clear, balanced way. All information is general guidance, and suitability always depends on an individual clinical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Topics
Browse a selection of the questions patients ask most often about oral health, treatments, costs and aftercare.
Not always to the same degree, but porcelain veneers commonly require some tooth preparation to create space and fit. The amount depends on the starting position, thickness needed and the aesthetic plan. Cases that need more aggressive reduction should be assessed very carefully and explained transparently.
When cosmetic treatment is planned carefully and carried out conservatively, the aim is to protect as much natural tooth structure as possible. However, some options are more invasive than others, which is why suitability and trade-offs should be discussed before treatment.
Yes, particularly composite bonding, which is more likely to pick up colour from foods, drinks and smoking over time. Porcelain is generally more colour stable, but no restoration is completely immune to maintenance issues. Regular reviews and good oral hygiene help support a cleaner, more stable result.
Extraction is usually considered when a tooth cannot be predictably restored, for example because of severe decay, deep fracture, advanced gum disease or failed previous treatment. The decision should be based on clinical findings and a discussion of alternatives where appropriate.
A sinus lift is a grafting procedure used in the upper back jaw when there is not enough bone beneath the sinus for an implant. The sinus membrane is lifted and graft material is placed to create more support. It is a specialised procedure and is only relevant in selected cases.
A dental implant is a replacement root placed in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge or denture. Its aim is to restore function and support a stable replacement tooth in suitable cases. Whether an implant is appropriate depends on bone, medical factors, gum health and treatment goals.
Implants should be maintained with careful daily cleaning and regular professional review, much like natural teeth but often with more specific guidance. Good plaque control, monitoring of the gum tissues and attention to bite forces are all important. Aftercare needs vary from case to case.
Implants should be cleaned thoroughly every day using a toothbrush and the right interdental aids for the shape of the restoration. Good plaque control is important because implants can still develop gum and bone problems if the surrounding tissues are not kept healthy.
Some smokers and vapers can still be considered for implant treatment, but smoking and nicotine exposure may increase healing and gum-related risks. That should be discussed openly during planning so the likely risks, limitations and maintenance expectations are clear before treatment begins.
Some medical conditions, medications and healing-related factors can affect implant planning or make treatment less predictable. This does not automatically rule implants out, but it does mean your medical history needs careful review before any decision is made.
Yes, implant failure can happen even though success rates are generally high. Problems may occur if the implant does not integrate with the bone, if infection develops around it, or if healing is affected by factors such as smoking, uncontrolled medical conditions or heavy bite forces.
