Frequently asked questions

General dentistry focuses on the everyday care and assessment of your teeth and gums. It can include routine dental visits as well as assessment of dental concerns and treatment where required.

No. You can schedule a dental visit simply to stay proactive about your oral health, even when you don't currently have a specific concern.

Your appointment begins with a consultation and assessment of your dental needs. Depending on what is identified, your dentist can explain the appropriate treatment options or next steps.

That's okay. You can book a consultation and explain your concerns. Your dental team can assess your needs and advise you on the appropriate next step.

Tooth pain should be professionally assessed rather than self-diagnosed. During your visit, your dental team can evaluate the concern and determine whether further treatment is required.

Tooth sensitivity can have different causes. If sensitivity is persistent, uncomfortable or concerning you, it is appropriate to discuss it with a dental professional so it can be assessed properly.

Your dentist can assess concerns involving your gums and advise you on the appropriate care based on your individual needs.

Yes. You can use the Book an Appointment option on the SmilePlug website to submit your preferred branch, treatment, date and time, along with your contact details.

SmilePlug operates across Ikeja, Lekki and Abuja. When booking, select your preferred branch and the available appointment options will guide you through the process.

If you are experiencing an urgent dental concern, contact SmilePlug directly or use the appropriate emergency-care pathway rather than waiting for the problem to resolve on its own.

Orthodontic braces are dental appliances used to gradually move teeth and address certain alignment and bite problems. Traditional fixed braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure over time.

People may seek braces for crowded, crooked or gapped teeth, bite problems, difficulty cleaning certain areas, or concerns about the appearance and function of their smile.

Yes. Adults can be candidates for orthodontic treatment. Whether braces are appropriate depends on individual dental and orthodontic needs, not simply age.

Treatment duration varies considerably depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem and the individual's response to treatment. Your dental professional can provide a more meaningful estimate after assessment.

Braces can cause temporary soreness or discomfort, particularly after fitting or adjustments. Persistent or significant pain should be discussed with your dental professional.

You can continue eating, but some foods may need to be avoided or modified because hard, sticky or crunchy foods can damage braces. Your orthodontic team will provide specific dietary guidance.

You need to maintain careful oral hygiene around the brackets and wires. Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth are important during orthodontic treatment.

Braces are commonly used to gradually move crooked teeth into better alignment. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual's orthodontic assessment.

Orthodontic treatment can address certain bite problems, including overbite and underbite, but the appropriate approach depends on the nature and severity of the individual case.

A retainer is commonly used after active orthodontic treatment to help maintain the teeth in their new positions. Your orthodontic professional will advise you about the appropriate retainer and wearing schedule.

Braces and clear aligners are different orthodontic treatment options. Which one is appropriate depends on the complexity of the alignment or bite problem and your individual treatment plan.

These concerns may need to be treated before orthodontic treatment begins. An assessment will help determine whether your teeth and gums are ready for orthodontic treatment.

Dental veneers are thin coverings placed over the visible front surface of teeth to change their appearance. Your dentist can assess whether they are suitable for your teeth.

They may address certain concerns about tooth colour, shape, chipped edges, proportions or small gaps. The right approach depends on a dental assessment.

Veneers are a long-term treatment but may need repair or replacement over time. Some types involve removing enamel, which is irreversible. Discuss the implications before treatment.

Some veneer treatments require enamel removal and cannot be reversed to the original tooth surface. The extent of preparation varies, so ask your dentist what applies to your plan.

Veneer treatment may require preparation of healthy tooth structure. An assessment helps determine whether the benefits and risks are appropriate for your teeth.

Longevity varies with the material, oral health, habits and care. Your dentist can explain maintenance and possible replacement based on your treatment plan.

Certain gaps may be addressed with veneers, but the size and cause of the gap matter. Your dentist may discuss other options after assessing your bite and teeth.

Veneers may change how some teeth appear but do not straighten their underlying position. Orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate for alignment or bite concerns.

Neither material is best for everyone. They differ in preparation, appearance, durability, repair and cost. Your dentist can explain the trade-offs for your individual case.

Decay should be assessed and addressed before cosmetic treatment. Your dentist will advise whether veneers remain an appropriate option afterwards.

Gum concerns should be assessed and managed before veneer treatment. Healthy gums are an important part of a considered treatment plan.

Maintain regular brushing, interdental cleaning and dental visits. Your dentist may recommend specific care based on the veneer material and your oral health.

A tooth may need to be removed when it is severely damaged or decayed, fractured, impacted, affected by advanced gum disease, or cannot be adequately treated with other options.

The area is normally numbed with local anaesthesia before extraction. You may experience discomfort or soreness after the procedure as the anaesthetic wears off.

A surgical extraction is a more involved form of tooth removal used when a tooth cannot be removed easily with a straightforward extraction. This may occur when the tooth is below the gum, partially erupted, broken below the gum line or has difficult roots.

The time varies according to the tooth and complexity of the procedure. A straightforward extraction may be relatively quick, while a more complex surgical extraction can take longer.

A severely broken tooth may sometimes need to be removed, particularly if it cannot be predictably restored. Surgical techniques may be required if the tooth has broken near or below the gum line.

Yes, wisdom teeth can be removed when clinically indicated. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth may require a surgical approach.

Soft foods can be more comfortable during the early recovery period. You should also avoid hot food and drinks while your mouth is still numb. Follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist.

Recovery varies according to the tooth and procedure. Some discomfort and swelling are expected, and more complex surgery may take longer to settle.

Some bleeding or blood-tinged saliva can occur after extraction. Applying firm pressure with appropriate gauze or a clean cloth is commonly recommended. If bleeding does not stop or is significant, contact your dental provider promptly.

Smoking can interfere with healing and increase complications, so patients are generally advised to avoid it during the early recovery period. Follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist.

No. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatments such as fillings, root canal treatment or crowns may sometimes preserve it. Your dentist needs to assess the tooth before deciding.

Your dentist may discuss whether the missing tooth should be replaced and which option is appropriate. Depending on the situation, possibilities can include an implant, bridge or partial denture.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration that fits over a prepared tooth to restore its shape, strength and function. Crowns can also be used over dental implants and to support some bridges.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using artificial teeth to fill the gap. Depending on the type, it may be supported by natural teeth or dental implants.

Crowns may be recommended for teeth that are weak, broken, badly worn, significantly decayed, have large fillings or have undergone root canal treatment.

A crown alone does not replace a missing tooth root. However, a crown can be placed on a dental implant to replace the visible portion of a missing tooth.

Yes. A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth by filling the space with artificial teeth supported by neighbouring teeth or implants, depending on the bridge type.

A crown generally restores a tooth that is still present, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth.

Fixed bridges are secured in place and can only be removed by a dentist, but they are not permanent in the sense of lasting forever. They may eventually need repair or replacement.

Many crowns and bridges last approximately five to 15 years, although lifespan varies between individuals and depends on care, oral health and other factors.

A crown may be used to restore and protect a broken tooth when enough healthy tooth structure remains and the dentist determines that a crown is appropriate.

Your dentist should assess the health of your gums and surrounding teeth before recommending a bridge. Gum health is an important consideration when planning tooth replacement.

Brush regularly, clean underneath the bridge and between your teeth, avoid damaging habits and attend regular dental appointments.

Depending on your situation, options may include a dental bridge, dental implant with a crown, or another appropriate tooth-replacement restoration. Your dentist can assess which options are suitable for you.

A dental filling is a restoration used to repair a cavity or hole in a tooth caused by decay.

Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the root canal system and then fills and seals it.

A filling may be recommended when tooth decay has created a cavity or damaged part of the tooth that needs restoration.

Root canal treatment may be recommended when infection or significant inflammation affects the pulp inside the tooth.

Symptoms alone cannot determine which treatment you need. A dentist needs to assess the tooth and determine the extent and cause of the problem.

The tooth is normally numbed with local anaesthesia during treatment. You may experience some soreness or sensitivity afterwards while the area recovers.

Treatment time varies depending on the tooth and complexity. Root canal treatment may require two or more appointments.

Root canal treatment is designed to remove infection from inside a treatable tooth while allowing the natural tooth to remain. Whether the tooth can be successfully treated depends on its condition and prognosis.

An untreated infection inside a tooth can worsen and may eventually result in the tooth needing to be removed.

Not every tooth necessarily requires a crown. Depending on how much tooth structure remains, your dentist may recommend a filling, crown or another restoration to seal and protect the tooth.

Yes. A crack or fracture can allow bacteria to reach the pulp and may result in the need for root canal treatment, depending on the condition of the tooth.

Arrange a dental assessment as soon as possible. Severe or persistent pain, swelling or signs of infection should not be ignored.

Professional dental cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar and other deposits from the teeth using professional dental instruments. It complements daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth.

Cleaning can remove certain surface stains and deposits, which may make teeth look cleaner and brighter. It is different from bleaching, which changes the colour of natural teeth.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that uses bleaching agents to lighten the colour of teeth. Professional systems commonly use peroxide-based bleaching agents.

No. Teeth can become stained again over time due to factors such as diet, tobacco use, age and other causes of discoloration.

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. The likelihood and severity can vary between individuals.

Sensitivity should be discussed with your dentist before whitening. Your dentist can assess the cause of the sensitivity and determine whether whitening is appropriate.

No. Different types of discoloration respond differently to whitening, and some stains may not respond well.

No. Whitening changes the colour of natural tooth structure but does not bleach existing crowns, veneers or fillings.

A dental professional can assess your teeth and determine whether cleaning or treatment is appropriate before whitening. Removing surface deposits may also improve the appearance of stained teeth.

The appropriate frequency depends on your oral health, dental history and individual needs. Your dentist can recommend a suitable schedule.

Dentist-supervised at-home whitening is one established option. There are also over-the-counter products, but it is advisable to discuss whitening with a dentist first and use products according to their instructions.

Some popular DIY methods can be harmful. Abrasive or acidic household substances can damage enamel, and there is not reliable evidence supporting many of the whitening hacks promoted online.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners used for orthodontic treatment. A series of removable aligners is used to gradually move teeth according to an individual treatment plan.

No. Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners, while traditional braces use fixed brackets and wires. Both are orthodontic treatment options, and suitability depends on the individual case.

Clear aligners can treat many alignment concerns, including certain cases of crooked or crowded teeth. A dental professional must assess your particular case to determine suitability.

Invisalign treatment can address certain spacing concerns, including gaps between teeth. Whether it is appropriate depends on the cause and complexity of the spacing.

Clear aligners can be used for certain bite problems, including some overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient's individual diagnosis.

Aligners are generally removed for eating and drinking, except for water, following your provider's instructions.

The recommended wearing schedule depends on your treatment plan. Invisalign states that most people wear their aligners for around 20–22 hours per day. Your provider's instructions should take priority.

You may experience temporary pressure, tightness or tenderness when beginning treatment or changing aligners. Significant or persistent pain should be discussed with your dental professional.

Treatment time varies according to the complexity of the case and individual response to treatment. Your dental professional can provide an estimate after assessing your smile.

Yes. Adults can receive Invisalign treatment, provided the treatment is appropriate for their individual dental and orthodontic needs.

Yes, retention is an important part of maintaining orthodontic results because teeth can shift after active treatment.

The cost varies depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of treatment required. A consultation is needed before an appropriate treatment cost can be determined.