FAQ's

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. Visit our "Kids Corner" for more information.

Before the visit, ask the dentist about the procedures of the first appointment so there are no surprises. Plan a course of action for either reaction your child may exhibit – cooperative or non- cooperative. Very young children may be fussy and not sit still. Talk to your child about what to expect, and build excitement as well as understanding about the upcoming visit. Bring with you to the appointment any records of your child's complete medical history.
Many first visits are nothing more than introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. If your child is frightened, uncomfortable or non-cooperative, a rescheduling may be necessary. Patience and calm on the part of the parent and reassuring communication with your child are very important in these instances. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child's trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.
Child appointments should always be scheduled earlier in the day, when your child is alert and fresh. For children under 36 months, the parent may need to sit in the dental chair and hold the child during the examination.
The first session may include the following, depending on age:
• A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
• If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar buildup or stains
• X-rays
• A demonstration on proper home cleaning
• Assessment of the need for fluoride

Both children and adults should see the dentist every six months. Dr Sykes may schedule interim visits for every three months when the child is very young to build up a comfort and confidence level or to treat a developing problem.

Costs will depend on what work is required, but as a guide, some common procedures are listed here. Please note that these are "starting from" costs, and may change. This does not constitute a comprehensive quotation.
• Basic consultation - R630.
• X-rays - R160 each.
• Fillings - Quote will be given on day of consultation.
• Scale and polish - R550 (teeth cleaning).

No, we do not offer a payment plan. Please chat to Doc if you have concerns about paying for your treatments.

We accept credit card and debit card. We do not accept Diners Club or American Express.

The dentist will recommend that you have treatment from the dental hygienist because you have one or more of the following:
1. Red or swollen gums
2. Bleeding gums
3. Plaque and tartar deposits
4. Stained teeth
5. Bad breath
6. Bad taste
7. Gum recession
8. Teeth drifting apart
9. Loose teeth
10. Decayed/infected teeth
These are all signs of gingivitis, periodontal disease (gum disease) or caries (tooth decay). The former particularly is a common problem amongst most adults and it is easily arrested with help from the dental hygienist. However if left untreated it will steadily progress towards tooth loss or necessitate further more expensive treatment, often by a specialist. See our "Dental Library" for more info on visiting a dental hygienist.

Many of our patients ask the same questions after having a filling: 'When can I eat?' And the answer is, 'Straight away!' The fillings are solidified by the light instantly, meaning the tooth will be restored to full strength. You may experience increased sensitivity for a short period of time, and if this persists speak to Dr Sykes.

When there is enough room for the wisdom teeth to develop fully and the teeth are strong and healthy, they can actually be a valuable asset. However, in most cases, there is not enough room for the teeth to erupt and grow properly, and this can cause the teeth to become impacted. Impacted teeth start to grow sideways, becoming stuck on the adjacent teeth, and sometimes they are only able to erupt partially.
Extraction is generally recommended in the following instances:
• When wisdom teeth erupt partially
• Where there is risk of damage to the neighbouring teeth as a result of poor alignment
• When a cyst develops and harms surrounding structures
Your dentist will explain all the risks and possible complications of the procedure before you have the operation.

An implant acts as a replacement for a natural tooth root and will be inserted into a drilled opening in the jaw bone. Implants are cylindrical in shape and often appear like small screws. Implants are fixed into a pre-drilled hole in the jaw bone and can support a single or several false teeth. Implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth and should last for around 15 to 20 years. Implants are not suitable for everyone. Before you have an implant your dentist will check the health and density of your jaw bone, to ensure that it can support a dental implant. Implants are fitted by a dental surgeon.

Dental Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap. A conventional bridge links the teeth in front and behind the missing tooth and appears as though it is 3 crowns in a row. Bridges can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Natural teeth or implants support Dental Bridges. Dental bridges can last 5 to 7 years or even longer. With good oral hygiene, regular cleaning and visits to the dentist, it is not unusual for the life span of a fixed bridge to be over 10 years.

Dental crowns are an effective way of strengthening teeth that have been damaged by injury or decay. Crowns are sometimes known as caps because they fit over the top of existing teeth. They are designed to look like natural teeth and can enhance the aesthetics of the smile. They can be made from different materials and new types are becoming available all the time. Full porcelain crowns are an aesthetically pleasing option, but they are not suitable for everyone. If the crown is required for a tooth at the rear of the mouth, which must withstand a lot of pressure, a metal crown will usually be recommended. Crowns made from porcelain fused to metal are the most common type of crown.

Dentures act as replacements for missing teeth and are used to replace entire sets of missing teeth (complete or full denture) or a small number of teeth (partial denture). They are made from acrylic resin bonded to metal. Complete dentures are designed for patients who have lost all or most of their natural teeth, while partial dentures are for patients who have most of their natural teeth intact.
Most people take a while to get used to wearing dentures. You may find that your speech is affected and the dentures feel a little odd, and it is advisable to stick to soft foods and liquids for a short period of time.
Dentures are not the only option for missing teeth. Dental implants are fast becoming the most popular option for patients with missing teeth, but they are not suitable for everyone and can be expensive. Contact your dentist for more information about your treatment options.