You can check that you’re doing all that you can to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery by following the advice below.
You will always be given verbal and written aftercare instructions when you start treatment at Church Street Dental Practice, however, should you forget what you’ve been told or lose your written instructions you can follow the advice below.
Avoid mouthwash, mouth rinses, hot food and drinks and strenuous activity for the first 24 hours.
After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 3-4 times per day, always after meals. Be very careful not to dislodge any blood clot in the tooth socket.
If the socket bleeds, apply pressure by biting down on a clean, rolled up handkerchief placed over the affected area for about 10 minutes. Repeat if still bleeding.
Take regular painkillers if needed.
Use a cold compress to ease swelling and sleeping propped up with an extra pillow can help.
Bruising of the jaw muscles can cause stiffness; this wears off after seven to ten days.
Eat a well-balanced, soft diet for a few days until you’re able to chew carefully with your remaining teeth.
Brush your teeth carefully, using a child’s toothbrush, taking care not to dislodge blood clots in the tooth socket; these prevent bleeding and help protect from infection.
Complete any course of antibiotics that you may have been given.
Avoid smoking as it affects the body’s ability to heal.
If pain or swelling worsens or you get a raised temperature, contact your dentist.
Take your retainers out when eating and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a wet toothbrush (no toothpaste which scratches). Use warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors. Efferdent® or other orthodontic appliance cleaners can be used but do not take the place of brushing.
When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case. Pets love to chew on them!
Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken call us immediately.
Always bring your retainers to your appointments. We will clean them for you!
Retainer replacement is expensive; with proper care they will last for years!
Remove retainers when swimming.
Keep retainers away from hot water, hot car dashboards, pockets, the washing machine, and napkins.
For the first few days after treatment, your composite bonding will still be settling in place, and may be prone to staining.
Take care to avoid certain foods and drinks – especially hard or sticky foods that may cause the resin to shift. While composite bonding is exceptionally strong, the bond can take a day or so to properly adhere to the teeth.
Avoid things that can stain the teeth. Smoking and drinking coffee or red wine are not recommended if you have just had a composite bonding procedure. Again, this is because the materials used may not always be as hardwearing when first applied.
Here are some of the more long-term tips you can follow to protect your composite bonding.
Focus on oral hygiene. With composite bonding, you should take care of your teeth just as much as usual. This includes brushing twice a day (or more, if necessary), using dental floss, and rinsing with a quality mouthwash morning and night.
Protect teeth against damage. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard or splint to protect the composite bonding material against continued friction. This can cause the resin to chip or file away over time – the same as it can happen with your natural teeth.
Visit your dentist regularly. Going for your 6-monthly check-ups is a must, even with composite bonding. In fact, these appointments can help your dentist determine whether there are any issues with the bonding process, as well as taking care of your overall dental health and hygiene. Having your teeth professionally cleaned and polished each year will also reduce the long-term potential for staining that can happen with composite bonding.
Following these tips can help your treatment last much longer. If your bonding does break or chip, you should contact us and book in to see your dentist as soon as possible – improving the chances they’ll be able to repair it properly.
Dental Implants:
After Implant Placement:
After the procedure there will be some discomfort and swelling. The degree of swelling will depend upon the number of implants placed and whether or not additional surgical procedures were carried out. Occasionally, along with the swelling there may also be slight bruising of the skin overlying the area which will fade over a week. If you are a smoker or have a pre-existing medical condition which affects soft tissue healing, the amount of swelling may be greater. The gum tissue in the region where the implants have been placed may change appearance/colour and take on a white appearance for a short time (normally two weeks) after surgery.
After 6-10 days, once the soft tissues have healed sufficiently the stitches may be removed. During this period it may not be possible to wear dentures or temporary restorations. After this stage the implants will usually be left undisturbed for up to six months to attach to the jawbone. During this period the top of the implant may show through the gum slightly and metal may become visible. Although this is normally no cause for concern, should it occur please contact the practice to have the area checked.
Aftercare Instructions:
Attend your recall appointments to check the condition of the implant(s) and to adjust the bite if required.
Regular six monthly appointments should be made as normal for dental check-ups.
You should book regular hygiene appointments as a build-up of plaque will cause problems and possible bone loss from around your implants.
If you have teeth and implants mixed together it is also very important to maintain the health of the natural teeth. Should the natural teeth become infected or are lost for any reason, the remaining implants may be damaged by the extra pressure caused by the additional workload.
It is important that you inform us immediately should you detect any mobility or loosening of your implant teeth.
Occasionally, the small screws which help to retain the crown become loose due to either heavy or abnormal biting. This is an easy matter to rectify if caught early as it entails retightening the screws and adjusting the bite or removing the cause of the loosening. Failure to resolve this early will result in possible fracture of the screw or even worse, damage to the implant.
Still need help?
Please contact us if you are having other issues, need advice or need to be seen again by one of our dentists. If you require emergency dental care outside of our opening hours, please contact 111.
Get in touch
What our patient is saying
“Great service throughout and friendly staff! Had composites from Anita and big shout out to nurse Susan who didn’t suck...”
R McKay
“I have always been nervous of going to the dentist, but Anita was fantastic throughout my Invisalign treatment, everything was...”
S McDonald
“For someone who is scared stiff of the dentist today’s visit was a very pleasant experience. Anita & Molly are...”
D Hughes
“I am a nervous patient and Anita had patience and made me feel at ease. Both the dentist and assistant...”
S Mallam
“Great!”
D Hoggin
“Really pleased with Pravin and Susan. Throughly recommend, Pravin went above and beyond for my comestic dental treatment and Susan...”
J Courtney
“I am so pleased and so glad. I got the chance to have it done by Church Street. Anita and...”
Anonymous
“I have always been nervous of going to the dentist, but Anita was fantastic throughout my Invisalign treatment, everything was...”
K Akers
“Best dental practice around! I had my Invisalign treatment here and can't fault my results 😁 Staff are so lovely...”
S Whalen
“I've been going to Church Street Dental Practice a year or 2 now and I wouldn't go elsewhere. The service...”
D Miller
“I couldn’t recommend CSDP any higher. Enquired about Invisalign when I first joined and to see my teeth after the...”
N Anderson
“I have recently visited Church Street Dental Practice and the service provided from all the staff there was incredible. With...”
A McFeeley
“I have had composite bonding on 8 of my teeth by Anita and I couldn’t be happier! Exactly how I...”
C Cubby
“Would highly recommend Church Street Dental especially my dentist Jonny for giving me back my smile. As a nervous patient...”
C Reed
“I have recently joined this practice after being on a long waiting list. I’m a very nervous patient due to...”
C Riseborough
“I knew one day I’d need A LOT of dental work doing and had no idea where to start with...”
B Owens
“We are are new to this dentist as ours closed down and we are so pleased with church street. Our...”
K Armstrong
“I attended today for 2 fillings- as someone who hates going to any dentist I wasn’t looking forward to my...”
L Nixon
“Possibly the best dentist I’ve had if I’m totally honest , not only does the practice look amazing, the waiting...”
A Riseborough
“I have just finished a round of treatment which consisted of whitening, new crowns and composite bonding with Anita. I...”
Being absolutely terrified of the dentists I was recommended Church Street and they did not disappoint. Everyone from the reception staff to the dental practitioners were absolutely incredible from the start. Such a chilled and calm environment with zero judgement.Big thanks to Anita who saw me for my 3 appointments in January and a special mention to Niamh today who was in assisting.If you have a fear of dentists or just want a great place to have your dental work done then look no further.
Just finished my appointment for a white filling with Sunny and Izzy. They put me completely at ease during the whole procedure and kept me informed throughout. I’m so pleased I opted for this as the end result is better than I expected!Sunny ensured the final result was as natural as possible to the original tooth.I’m back again next month and feel confident the results will be just as good.
Had an emergency dental appointment 3/4/24 to remove a wisdom today as an unregistered patient. Sunny and Izzy were first class immediately making me at ease and the removal of my tooth was totally painless. I am now a registered patient with Sunny. Thank you.
I visited curch street practice on Wednesday half expecting to have a tooth extractedI was right but Elen and her assistant were fantastic. We have tried really hard to save the tooth but I put my trust in Elen's professionalism and without any pain or discomfort had the culprit removed. Elen has such a knowledge not just of dentistry but how other health complications can have an impact on your dental health. Thank-you for being so kind and understanding
Fantastic service , amazing results. Anita and Susan were very professional . Caitlin explained the practice plan she was brilliant. Recommend Church street Dental Practice. First class
Sunny and Caitlin are amazing! Sunny as a dentist explains through every option available helping me feel 100% sure in my choice and Caitlin is just perfect in making me feel confident and helps rid of any nerves. My whole Invisalign experience has been well explained by them both, I couldn’t thank the church street team enough for all they’ve done for me. Anita and her nurse Susan have also been great in making me always feel welcomed and answering any dental related queries I have.
Excellent experience so far at the dentist, I have anxiety about dentists but at church street they are so helpful and reassuring. Donna Patterson is a superb practice manager and the reception staff are so welcoming and friendly. Couldn’t recommend the dentist more.
Thank you so much for getting me in so quickly to be seen for my check up. Jonny is a brilliant dentist and explained everything clearly, Molly was great too! And Caitlin was great at talking me through the plans available! Thank you again!
Anita and Niamh made the composite bonding experience run smoothly and I am over the moon with my results. Caitlin also took me for my vivera scans and was very good at explaining the process and making me comfortable, thank you!
I chose this dentist for composite bonding treatment and Invisalign and I’m so glad that I did. Everyone is so nice, and my dentist Anita, and Susan, couldn’t do enough for me. Going out of their way to make sure the treatment plan was complete in time for me leaving the county, just making everything so easy for me. And Anita did such an incredible job of my teeth, I would recommend anyone to go here. Thanks so much for looking after me
Have been seeing Anita and Susan at this practice for new dentures. They are a very happy,helpful,professional ladies. I am absolutely delighted with my new dentures which Anita did and was very painstaking and patient with the best fit and appearance. They are very natural looking and comfortable. I can smile with confidence. A HUGE THANK YOU.
Always brilliant and first class service from Dentist Jonny and Molly (on this 6 month check up, it was Rachel). Very informative regarding daily dental routine and tips for continuing good oral health.The receptionists always telephone prior to my appointment to confirm my attendance and are always professional. Today I was checked in by Susan and checked out by Sophie.A big 'Thank You' to all of you at Church Street Dental Practice for the welcome I get and the service I receive on each successive visit.Well done!Terry.
I'm a fairly new patient at the practice. I'm, unfortunately, a very nervous patient....thanks to school dentists in 1960's!! From day one Elin and Rachael have put me at ease and I've never been made to feel foolish for being scared....this means a great deal to me. The reception staff are lovely too....nothing seems to be a bother. Thank you all very much.
A huge Thank-you to Anita and Susan for making my experience amazing, I couldn’t of wished for a better team to go through this journey with me - I had Invisalign and whitening and composite bonding completed, and even though I did have an issue initially with my composite bonding, Anita put my mind completely at rest at my follow up appointment and I couldn’t be happier with my new smile! Every appointment Susan made me feel really comfortable and it has been the best dental experience I have ever had in my life
Visited church street for the first time at the start of the month, I seen Anita & Caitlin who were absolutely fab!! Came out feeling reassured and the results I wanted to hear! Can’t wait to get my treatment!. Well done 🙌🏽
I went for a normal check up today with Sonny and Simran. Unfortunately I do suffer from dental anxiety after a bad experience at another dentist when I was younger. I can honestly say Sonny was the best dentist I've ever seen. Everything was explained fully and they were both kind and understanding with my nervousness. I think I dare say I'm no longer scared and so happy I've found a good helpful dentist and assistant. Thank you both. The lady on reception was welcoming aswell although I didn't catch her name.
Thank you to Sunny and Caitlyn. I’m quite nervous going to the dentist but I was put completely at ease at every step of my treatment. Thank you so much. See you in 3 months x
Fantastic service , from dentist Anita and Susan. Make you feel at ease , appointments run on time and do brilliant work . Very happy with my dental work ☺️ 🙌. The practice is very stylish and relaxed atmosphere, free coffees whilst waiting. The best 👌
Me and my husband had a regular check up today with Sunny. We both found him to be excellent and probably the best experience we’ve had visiting a dentist. He and the dental nurse (sorry we didn’t catch her name) were so friendly and discussed the treatments available to us both going forward. Five star treatment.
Great experience today at Church Street Dental Practice. Warm welcome from Anita and Caitlin. They carried out a veneer fit which I am very pleased with. Looks amazing. Perfect fit and colour. I would highly recommend.
After some terrifying experiences at previous dentists I had a lovely first experience at Church Street Dental Practice. The decor is so modern and stylish. The receptionist Brogan was warm and welcoming and both Anita and Susan were lovely throughout the whole appointment.
Came to Church street after seeing how amazing it looked on Instagram and I wasn’t disappointed the care you receive in there is next to non. I booked a consultation for teeth whitening with Anita she went through everything step by step made me feel so comfortable. Wouldn’t go anywhere else for my teeth ⭐️
I am a new patient and attended my appointment yesterday for 2 fillings, i really wasn't looking forward to it as i do get really anxious, but i would like to say that Anita and Susan were great,very friendly and caring which made me feel relaxed.
For someone who is scared stiff of the dentist today’s visit was a very pleasant experience. Anita & Molly are a great team, both put me at ease and were very friendly (much better than the 1970’s dentist van). Thanks you girls and the practice for opening up to NHS. Worth a 40 mile round trip👍👏
I have always been nervous of going to the dentist, but Anita was fantastic throughout my Invisalign treatment, everything was very thorough, explained well, and I love the results. Sophie (hygienist) is fantastic, caring and explains everything brilliantly, I was super worried about my last appointment but she managed to put my mind at ease quickly. The nurses working alongside the two are also fantastic.
I have recently joined this practice after being on a long waiting list. I’m a very nervous patient due to a bad experience at another practice when I was younger. I have to say from coming into the practice to leaving the experience was a positive one. Everyone is very welcoming and polite. The practice looks lovely inside , which helps to make you feel comfortable. I saw Anita and Sue on my visit and they made me feel at ease and and reassured knowing how nervous I was. Anita was a fantastic professional dentist , she talked me through what was happening before doing the treatment and done a great job without any pain from the needle . I’ve never had such a positive visit to a dentist in a long time. I know now for future visits I won’t be as nervous. Thanks again
Possibly the best dentist I’ve had if I’m totally honest , not only does the practice look amazing, the waiting area is comfortable and relaxing ( just what you need in a dentist tbh ) the staff are friendly and polite , normally I’m a bit edgy before an appointment especially if I need work doing but since joining this dentist I haven’t worried once , I don’t even feel the needle go in , the work is carried out with absolute top class quality and professionalism , Anita and Susan were extremely welcoming as I came into the surgery and just seem to have a calming effect as they prepare you for the work it’s people like this who deserve recognition as their hard work and team work make it easy to feel calm and relaxed, Anita is an amazing dentist who puts you at ease and has clearly mastered her profession, best dentist I’ve ever had hands down , can see why it took so long to get on their list and I’m so pleased I did , I’ll never worry about a dentist appointment ever again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sophie + Caitlin = Amazing!Great surgery, very understanding, and Sophie & Caitlin have looked after me recently. They are both amazing, lovely, chatty and experienced at what they do.They even asked me about my freind who was not well last time i visited and remembered 🤗, so sweet of them.Also credit to the girls on reception as well as they definitely showed me compassion and understanding as ADHD and appointments don't mix 😂 best dentest ever!!! Even the waiting room chair is blumin comfy😂 😂🤗🤗thanks guys.
I attended today for 2 fillings- as someone who hates going to any dentist I wasn’t looking forward to my visit however I have to say what a lovely bunch they are. I even booked a 6 month check up in as I won’t be afraid to go back now. Special shout out to Anita and Susan for looking after me- lovely ladies
We are are new to this dentist as ours closed down and we are so pleased with church street. Our Dentist is Anita and sue is our dental nurse and they are brilliant. So friendly and caring. My daughters are nervous of certain procedures but Anita and sue made them feel so at ease and was very patient. Would definitely recommend
I knew one day I’d need A LOT of dental work doing and had no idea where to start with this. I finally bit the bullet around 6 months ago and got in touch with CSDP. Everything and everyone there has been amazing. I felt I couldn’t fully explain what I wanted to do with my teeth but I could explain the problems I’d had and the state they were in (though I felt really ashamed!) Toni was a massive support throughout, coordinating my treatment and checking in on me whenever she saw me. Anita and Susan were amazing every time. I had lots of fillings replaced and needed to add in an emergency root canal treatment (which Anita squeezed me in the same day for - which is absolutely unreal!), I got teeth whitening and composite bonding too. I will definitely be starting a monthly payment plan here to keep up my oral health and hygiene with people I trust. Fantastic service all round. Beautiful reception area. Really helpful reception staff. Thank you all so much!
My husband and myself new patients. The receptionists are so polite and friendly and I believe I was seen by the boss lady. Simply brilliant. As was her lovely assistant. Had to return for a little adjustment again brilliant. Completely happy 🙂
I have just finished a round of treatment which consisted of whitening, new crowns and composite bonding with Anita. I am extremely happy with the results and the care I received at every visit. This has made me more confident and I literally can not stop smiling. Well recommended.
Would highly recommend Church Street Dental especially my dentist Jonny for giving me back my smile. As a nervous patient scared on my first 1st appointment, over the period of my treatment I came to look forward to my appointments and I’m no longer scared of the dentist which was down to Jonny. I love my whiter, healthier teeth, it was worth every penny!
I had composite bonding done with Anita and I am thrilled with the results 1.5 years later. Beautiful clinic, great staff and great service. I would definitely recommend!
Absolutely amazing. I can’t remember his name but my dentist was the handsome bald dude and honestly he is a magician I was pretty scared after having bad experiences at other places and didn’t feel a thing even the injection!
I have recently visited Church Street Dental Practice and the service provided from all the staff there was incredible. With Beautiful interior design with fresh teas and coffees. From reception team, the Dentists and also the Practice manager were all fantastic. I Highly recommend!
I couldn’t recommend CSDP any higher. Enquired about Invisalign when I first joined and to see my teeth after the treatment is astonishing and I couldn’t be happier. The staff are just phenomenal and caring no matter what and always work around what’s best for you and your schedule. Big thanks to Anita who kept me straight (pun intended) with my Invisalign procedure and treatment plan.
I have been coming here with the family during when Doctor Tang owned and after Anita took overI have always found the staff to be very friendly and when emergency’s happen always quick to react considering post pandemic work loadYesterday I needed an urgent filling due to a cracked tooth which had become painfulChloe has always been professional and has always reassured myself and my wife who is a very nervous patientChloe has been so good with my wife that she no longer needs sedation for treatmentMy filling is now replaced and I had a thorough check upI cannot recommend this surgery enough, yes they do private work but not to the detriment of the NHS patientsThank you to the whole team for outstanding customer service and helping me get sorted before my trip to FloridaRespect to you all for doing a great job in a very high pressure environmentTo all patients be kind to all staff they are playing catch up from the pandemic and most have not taken a holiday for sometime due to prioritising patients over own needs
Excellent service at Church Street Dental practice, made you feel extremely comfortable and informed throughout. Very friendly and professional service. I saw the staff members the following day in town and was also talking to them for a while! 100% the best in this area.
I have had Invisalign, teeth whitening and bonding with Church Street Dental Practice. I was so unhappy with my teeth and visited many dentists to try and find the right fit. I knew immediately when I had a consultation with Anita that I wanted to have my treatment done there. The staff are all so lovely and accommodating. Anita listened to all of my concerns and made every effort to fulfil my vision (which she definitely did). I then had my bonding done with Sunny and I absolutely love them, they’re everything I could of imagined and more! I recommend this dentist to absolutely everyone, they have just been so amazing! Linzi is also a huge credit to the surgery, she is always so happy and chatty which is a lovely thing to first walk into! I don’t think I could go anywhere else now
Nothing but praise for this dental practice, Chole has been brilliant gave me a new smile, which I use all the time 😁All the staff, everyone is so friendly I actually like going to the dentist now.
Visited Church street dental practice after chipping three of my front teeth. Anita and the team were lovely booking me in straight away. Jonny the dentist who carried out the work was excellent, really pleased with the results! Couldn’t fault the service from start to finish, wouldn’t go anywhere else now!
I had a broken tooth and was seen very soon after my phone call to the practice. I am very happy with the work done and the advice given. Thank you very much!
I've been going to Church Street Dental Practice a year or 2 now and I wouldn't go elsewhere. The service is 10/10 both from Anita and her Great team which are very friendly and make you feel welcome. Had a couple of teeth extracted and never felt a thing at all. Think this practice would be great if your a nervous patient etc 👍🏼
Church Street Dental Practice, 10 Church Street, Houghton le Spring, Durham, DH4 4DN. Telephone 0191 584 3247. CSDP (UK) Ltd trading as Church Street Dental Practice is a credit broker not a lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 840271. Registered in England & Wales 07257396. Registered Address: 10 Church Street, Houghton le Spring, Durham, DH4 4DN.
