Dental implants, wisdom teeth & complex root canals – done carefully, explained clearly

At 3 Fog Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6AX – easy to reach from Withington, Burnage, Chorlton, Stockport and Sale. Bookings are by WhatsApp on 07887 889413.

In adults a loose tooth usually points to gum disease (periodontitis), an infection at the root tip, a knock or injury, or heavy grinding. Bleeding or receding gums often come with it. Get it checked soon – an X-ray shows how much bone support is left, and early treatment can often save the tooth.

Common causes are a cracked tooth, a filling that sits too high, deep decay, or infection around the root (an abscess). A sharp pain when you release your bite often suggests a crack. Upper back teeth can also ache with sinus problems. Don't leave it – a cracked tooth can split further.

Wisdom tooth pain is usually right at the back of the jaw, behind your last molar. Typical signs are swollen, tender gum over a partly erupted tooth (pericoronitis), a bad taste or smell, difficulty opening wide, and pain spreading towards the ear or throat. An X-ray confirms whether the tooth is impacted and how close it is to the nerve.

No. Healthy wisdom teeth that have come through fully and can be cleaned can stay. Removal is usually advised for repeated gum infections, decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, cysts, or damage to neighbouring teeth.

It is done under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Swelling and stiffness usually peak around day 2–3 and settle within about a week; more difficult surgical extractions can take a little longer.

Throbbing pain at night, or pain that lingers after hot or cold drinks, often means the nerve is inflamed and may not recover. This usually needs root canal treatment or an extraction. Painkillers can help in the short term, but contact a dentist promptly.

Common causes are worn enamel, receding gums exposing the roots, decay, cracks or recent whitening. A sensitive toothpaste can help mild cases; if the pain lingers or is getting worse, have it checked.

Usually gingivitis caused by plaque build-up, which is reversible with better cleaning and professional hygiene. Left untreated it can progress to periodontitis, which causes bone loss and loose teeth.

With local anaesthetic it usually feels similar to having a filling. The aim is to remove the infected nerve and save your own tooth. Back teeth usually need a crown or onlay afterwards to protect them.

Implant placement is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure – many patients find it easier than having a tooth taken out. Afterwards there is usually mild soreness or swelling for a few days, normally managed with regular painkillers.

Most adults who have lost a tooth can be considered. What matters is enough healthy bone, healthy gums and good general health. Smoking and poorly controlled diabetes increase the risk of problems, so these are discussed at your assessment.

A 3D CBCT scan shows exactly how much bone there is. If it is thin, options include bone grafting at the same time as the implant, a sinus lift for upper back teeth, or a different implant size. Some cases need grafting first and the implant later.

With good home care and regular check-ups, implants can last many years and often decades. The crown on top may eventually need replacing through wear. Gum inflammation around implants (peri-implantitis) is the main risk, so cleaning and hygiene visits matter.

An implant replaces a tooth without cutting down the neighbouring teeth and helps preserve bone. A bridge is quicker but relies on the teeth either side. A denture is the least invasive and lowest cost, but it is removable. The right choice depends on your teeth, bone, health and budget.

Sometimes. If the bone is good and the implant is very stable, a temporary tooth can occasionally be fitted straight away. More often the implant heals first, with a temporary option in the meantime so you are not left with a visible gap.

I mainly use Straumann implants, a Swiss implant system, and plan each case with a 3D CBCT scan.

Usually there is an assessment with a 3D CBCT scan, the implant is placed under local anaesthetic, then it heals for around 2–4 months before the final crown is fitted. Bone grafting can add time. The cost depends on your case and is explained after a consultation.

Simple cases can take a few months; more complex cases often take 12–18 months. Aligners are worn about 22 hours a day and changed every 1–2 weeks.

Keep the area clean, avoid chewing hard food on that side and book an appointment soon. If you have pain or swelling, contact us sooner.

Yes. Dr Chu is originally from Hong Kong and consults in English, Cantonese and Mandarin at 3 Fog Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6AX.

Send a WhatsApp message to 07887 889413 with your name and what you'd like help with, and we'll reply with available appointments.