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Cosmodent Patient Guide Does a Root Canal Hurt? Cosmodent Answers the Real Question It’s the question almost everyone asks before agreeing to a root canal, and the reputation is out of date. Cosmodent offers root canal treatment, apicectomies, re-treatment of existing canals, and abscess management, using modern technique aimed at predictable outcomes and no post-operative pain. At a Glance Quick Facts Root canal treatment: for infected or damaged tooth pulp Apicectomies: surgical treatment of the root tip Re-treatment: of existing canals when needed Abscess management: also treated at the practice Outcome: predictable outcomes, no post-operative pain Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville The Myth Does a Root Canal Actually Hurt? With modern technique and effective local anaesthetic, most patients describe root canal treatment as feeling similar to getting a filling. The tooth pain that brings people in is usually caused by the infection itself, not the treatment, root canal treatment is designed to relieve that pain, not add to it. Save It or Pull It? Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Is Better? Where a tooth can realistically be saved, keeping your natural tooth is generally the preferred route over extraction. A root canal preserves the tooth itself, while extraction removes it and typically opens up a separate conversation about replacement. Which makes sense for you depends on the condition of the tooth, assessed individually rather than assumed. Watch For This What Are the Signs I Might Need a Root Canal? Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the trigger is gone, swelling around a tooth, or a tooth that’s darkened are all worth getting checked promptly. Cosmodent also manages dental abscesses as part of its endodontic care, so don’t wait for pain to become unbearable before booking an assessment. Dealing With Tooth Pain? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book an assessment directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Scared of the Needle? How Cosmodent Makes Injections Easier Fear of the needle keeps a lot of people out of the dental chair longer than they’d like. The Peri-press technique is used throughout Cosmodent as a deliberate alternative to conventional anaesthetic injections, with minimal sensation and no post-procedure soreness, and here’s what that actually means for you. At a Glance Quick Facts Technique: Peri-press, an alternative to conventional injections Used: throughout the practice as standard Experience: minimal sensation during the injection Afterward: no post-procedure soreness Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville Why It’s Different Why Are Dental Injections Usually So Uncomfortable? A lot of the discomfort people associate with dental injections comes down to the pressure of the anaesthetic being delivered, not just the needle itself. Peri-press is used throughout Cosmodent as a deliberate alternative to conventional injections, adopted as the standard approach across the practice because of the real difference it makes to the patient experience. Setting Expectations Does This Mean No Needles at All? It’s still an injection-based technique, so there is a needle involved, it’s the way the anaesthetic is delivered that’s different, which is what patients notice most. If needles are a source of real anxiety for you, it’s worth mentioning to Dr Dumas beforehand so the approach can be talked through before treatment starts, not sprung on you in the chair. Afterward Will the Numbness Wear Off Uncomfortably? No post-procedure soreness is one of the main benefits patients report with Peri-press, a common complaint with conventional injections. Numbness fades gradually on its own. The main thing to be careful of while you’re still numb is accidentally biting your cheek, lip or tongue, since you won’t feel it happening. Nervous About Injections? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book a consultation directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Braces & Clear Aligners at Cosmodent: Orthodontics Explained Cosmodent offers three ways to straighten your smile: fixed braces, removable appliances, and Mia Clear Aligners, all provided directly by Dr André Dumas, with referral to trusted specialists for complex cases. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you choose one. At a Glance Quick Facts Braces & removable appliances: provided directly by Dr Dumas, for children and adults Mia Clear Aligners: a discreet, removable, locally-made alternative to braces Complex cases: referred to trusted specialist orthodontists Suitable for: children and adults, no upper age limit Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville A Common Worry Am I Too Old for Braces or Clear Aligners? No, there’s no upper age limit. What matters is whether your gums and the bone supporting your teeth are healthy enough for them to move safely, not how old you are. Adult orthodontics is common, and it’s exactly why Cosmodent treats both children and adults seeking a straighter, healthier smile. Know the Difference Braces vs Mia Clear Aligners: What’s the Difference? Fixed braces and removable appliances are provided directly by Dr Dumas for children and adults, with referral to trusted specialists for complex cases. Mia Clear Aligners are a discreet, removable and comfortable alternative, manufactured locally, that let you eat, brush and live as normal with no wires or brackets. Whether aligners suit your case as well as braces would depends on the specific correction you need, which is assessed before you choose. How Long It Takes How Long Does Treatment Take? It varies a lot depending on how much movement your teeth need, and adult treatment can take a little longer than a teenager’s since the jaw has finished developing. Clear aligner treatment starts with a digital scan and a custom plan, and you wear a series of aligners, changed roughly every two weeks, with check-ins along the way to track progress. Ready to Start Your Smile Journey? Read the full orthodontics page for more detail, or book a consultation directly on WhatsApp. See Full Orthodontics Page Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide In-Theatre Dental Treatments at Cosmodent For patients requiring sedation or general anaesthesia, Cosmodent offers in-theatre treatment, including for anxious adults, children under 13, and complex procedures that benefit from a controlled theatre environment. At a Glance Quick Facts Options: sedation or general anaesthesia Suitable for: anxious adults, children under 13, complex procedures Setting: a controlled theatre environment Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville Who It’s For Who Benefits From In-Theatre Treatment? In-theatre treatment at Cosmodent is available for anxious adults who find dental visits difficult, for children under 13 who may not be able to tolerate treatment while fully awake, and for complex procedures that are better managed in a controlled theatre environment. Getting Started Discussing Whether It’s Right for You Whether sedation or general anaesthesia is the right choice depends on the procedure and the patient. Dr Dumas discusses the options with you or your child beforehand, so you know exactly what to expect before any in-theatre treatment is scheduled. Want to Discuss Sedation Options? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book a consultation directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Wisdom Tooth Removal at Cosmodent: Do You Actually Need It? Not every wisdom tooth causes trouble, and not every one needs to come out. Cosmodent offers wisdom tooth removal, routine and surgical extractions, apicectomies, gingivectomies, and crown lengthening, all performed in-practice by Dr André Dumas, and the decision to remove or leave a wisdom tooth is assessed individually, not automatically. At a Glance Quick Facts Wisdom teeth: removal performed in-practice, only when needed Extractions: routine and surgical Also offered: apicectomies, gingivectomies, crown lengthening Setting: performed in-practice by Dr Dumas Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville A Common Myth Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out? No, not always. A wisdom tooth that’s fully in position, properly aligned, and free of decay can sometimes stay exactly where it is. Removal tends to be recommended when a wisdom tooth is crowded, hard to keep clean, causing pain, or showing signs of decay or infection, decided case by case rather than as a routine rule. Watch For This What Are the Signs My Wisdom Teeth Need to Come Out? Pain or tenderness at the back of the jaw, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth fully, or crowding pushing against your other teeth are all worth getting checked. Regular check-ups and X-rays let Dr Dumas monitor your wisdom teeth over time, so any changes are caught early rather than only once they’re causing problems. Recovery How Painful Is Removal, and What’s Recovery Like? The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain while it’s happening. Some swelling and discomfort for a few days afterward is common and manageable with the guidance you’re given. For anxious patients or more complex cases, Cosmodent’s in-theatre options are also available. Dealing With Wisdom Teeth? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book an assessment directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Veneers & Cosmetic Dentistry: What to Know Before You Commit Cosmetic dentistry decisions tend to raise more questions than routine treatment, especially around what’s permanent and what isn’t. Cosmodent offers porcelain veneers, tooth-coloured composite fillings, and full replacement of amalgam restorations with mercury-free cosmetic alternatives, all metal-free. Here’s what’s worth understanding before you commit. At a Glance Quick Facts Porcelain veneers: for a refined, natural-looking smile Composite fillings: tooth-coloured, blending with your natural teeth Amalgam replacement: full replacement with mercury-free alternatives Approach: all restorative work at Cosmodent is metal-free Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville Before You Commit Are Veneers Permanent? Getting veneers usually involves removing a thin layer of enamel to fit them properly, which means the process generally isn’t reversible, your teeth won’t go back to exactly how they were before. The veneers themselves aren’t permanent and will need replacing over time. It’s worth going into the decision with that in mind, which is exactly what a consultation with Dr Dumas is for. Composite Fillings How Long Do Composite Fillings Last? A good few years is typical, though it varies depending on where the filling is, how much bite pressure it takes, and how well you look after it. Regular check-ups at Cosmodent are part of what keeps an eye on your fillings over time, so any wear gets picked up before it becomes a bigger issue. Metal-Free Do I Need to Replace My Old Amalgam Fillings? Not necessarily, it’s usually a preference rather than a requirement. If you’d simply rather have a tooth-coloured, metal-free smile, or an existing amalgam filling is due for replacement anyway, Cosmodent can replace it with a mercury-free cosmetic alternative as part of its metal-free approach to restorative work. Ready to Discuss Your Smile? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book a cosmetic consultation directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Crowns, Bridges, Implants & Dentures: Your Questions Answered Crown, bridge, implant, denture, it’s a lot of terminology to sort through when you’ve lost or damaged a tooth. Cosmodent offers crown and bridge restorations, implant placement, inlays and onlays, and both plastic and metal-base dentures, and here’s how to make sense of the options. At a Glance Quick Facts Crowns & bridges: restore damaged or missing teeth Implants: placement for a fixed, long-term solution Inlays & onlays: precise restorations for damaged teeth Dentures: both plastic and metal-base options Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville Sorting the Terms Out What’s the Difference Between a Crown and a Bridge? A crown covers and strengthens a single damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto the teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Which one applies to you comes down to whether the tooth is damaged but still there, or missing altogether, which Dr Dumas assesses during your evaluation. Longevity How Long Do Dental Implants Actually Last? With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, implants can last many years, in many cases decades, though nothing in dentistry is guaranteed forever. How long yours lasts depends on your own oral health, habits like smoking, and how well the implant is cared for, which is why follow-up visits matter as much as the procedure itself. Dentures Will People Be Able to Tell I Have a Denture? A well-fitted denture is designed to look and function like your natural teeth, not to stand out. Cosmodent offers both plastic and metal-base options, and which one suits you best depends on your individual needs, comfort, and how many teeth need replacing, all discussed during your consultation with Dr Dumas. Ready to Discuss Your Options? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book a consultation directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Bleeding Gums? Gum Disease Treatment at Cosmodent Bleeding gums when you brush are easy to write off, but it’s usually the first sign worth paying attention to. Cosmodent diagnoses and treats gum disease at the practice in Oude Westhof, Bellville, including laser therapy for deeper cases, and catching it early makes a real difference to the outcome. At a Glance Quick Facts Treats: diagnosis and treatment of gum disease Includes: laser therapy for deeper periodontal conditions Early sign: bleeding, red or swollen gums Why early treatment matters: preserves the bone and tissue supporting your teeth Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville The First Sign Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush? It’s usually not because you’re brushing too hard, a common assumption. Bleeding, red or swollen gums are typically an early sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque building up along the gumline. It’s worth getting checked rather than just brushing more gently and hoping it settles on its own. Good News Is Gum Disease Reversible? At the early gingivitis stage, yes, with treatment and improved oral hygiene, most people see real improvement within a couple of weeks. Left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, where the bone and tissue supporting your teeth become involved, and that stage is much harder to fully reverse. Catching it early is what makes the difference. When It’s More Advanced When Is Laser Therapy Needed? For deeper periodontal conditions that have progressed beyond the early stage, laser therapy is used to target the affected tissue with more precision than conventional treatment alone. Dr Dumas diagnoses how far gum disease has progressed as part of your evaluation, and recommends the right level of treatment from there. Notice Signs of Gum Disease? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book a periodontal assessment directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Children’s Dentistry at Cosmodent: For Nervous Parents Too When should my child first see a dentist, and what if they’re terrified of the idea? Cosmodent offers specialist paediatric dental care for children from 12 months of age, in a child-friendly environment built around exactly these questions. At a Glance Quick Facts Age range: children from 12 months of age Environment: designed to be child-friendly Goal: a positive first experience with dental visits If treatment is difficult: in-theatre options available for children under 13 Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville Starting Young At What Age Should My Child First See a Dentist? Sooner than most parents expect. General guidance from paediatric dental bodies is a first visit by around your child’s first birthday, and Cosmodent welcomes children from 12 months for exactly this reason. Starting early means their first dental experience happens in a calm, familiar setting, well before any treatment is actually needed. For Nervous Kids My Child Is Scared of the Dentist, What Can I Do? It’s a very common fear, and it’s exactly what the child-friendly environment at Cosmodent is designed around. Keeping the conversation at home relaxed and avoiding scary language beforehand helps too. For children who find treatment particularly difficult in the regular chair, in-theatre options with sedation or general anaesthesia are also available for children under 13. Baby Teeth Do Baby Teeth Really Need Treatment? Yes, even though they’ll eventually fall out. Baby teeth hold the space for adult teeth coming in, and they matter for chewing and speech development too. Left untreated, decay in a baby tooth can still cause pain or infection, which is why regular checks matter from an early age, not just once permanent teeth arrive. Ready to Book Your Child’s Visit? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book your child’s visit directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp

Cosmodent Patient Guide Dental Check-Ups at Cosmodent: What to Expect No pain, no obvious problem, so is a check-up really necessary? A full evaluation at Cosmodent is a thorough clinical assessment covering the teeth, gums, bite alignment, and oral soft tissues, and it’s built around catching exactly the kind of problems that don’t announce themselves with pain. At a Glance Quick Facts Covers: teeth, gums, bite alignment, and oral soft tissues Purpose: the foundation of every personalised treatment plan Suitable for: new and existing patients Medical aid: Cosmodent bills directly to major schemes wherever possible Provided by: Dr André Dumas at Cosmodent, Oude Westhof, Bellville No Symptoms, No Problem? I Don’t Have Any Pain, Do I Still Need a Check-Up? Yes, and this is exactly why. Early decay and early gum disease often produce no pain or obvious symptoms at all, which is what makes them easy to miss without a professional assessment. By the time something hurts, it’s usually progressed further than it needed to before catching it. How Often How Often Should I Go for a Check-Up? Twice a year is the general guideline, though it can vary depending on your own oral health and risk factors. If it’s been a while since your last visit, or you’ve never been assessed by Dr Dumas before, a full evaluation is the natural place to start, whatever your reason for coming in. If Something’s Found What Happens If Something Is Found? Nothing gets sprung on you. If Dr Dumas finds something during your evaluation, whether it’s early decay, a gum concern, or anything else, it’s explained clearly and discussed with you before any treatment is planned, so you understand exactly what’s going on and what your options are. Ready to Book a Check-Up? See the full range of treatments at Cosmodent, or book your evaluation directly on WhatsApp. See All Services Book on WhatsApp