Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have a question that isn’t listed below, dont hesitate to contact us on 8231 2606 or by email for further information.
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions.
If you have a question that isn’t listed below, dont hesitate to contact us on 8231 2606 or by email for further information.
CAN I PREVENT TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE?
Yes,
good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by
regular visits to us. Most people visit their dentist every 6 months
for a check-up, clean and fluoride treatment. Some patients at high risk
of disease have more frequent visits. This enables early detection of
tooth decay and other health problems. We also encourage twice a day
brushing with fluoridated tooth paste and once a day flossing.
WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN FIRST VISIT US?
Every
child should have a dental appointment by the age of three. It is
important to brush baby teeth and visually inspect them every day for
changes. Any dark spots, stained areas or frosty white areas it is
important to make an appointment regardless of the child’s age.It’s
best to bring the child with you to each appointment, to acquaint
themselves with the dentist. Children 4 and under are seen free when
appointed with an adult
I’M PREGNANT, SHOULD I STILL GO TO THE DENTIST?
Yes,
in fact due to the change in hormones produced in pregnancy your gums
bleed easier and react to plaque and calculus build up more severely. It
is suggested that pregnant women have cleans every 3 months and
check-ups every 6 months. Gum disease has been linked to Low Birth
Weight and Miscarriage, so regular maintenance is as important as ever.
IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN GUM DISEASE HEART DISEASE, DIABETES AND OTHER DISEASES?
Recent
studies have found that the incidence of heart disease is double in
people with gum disease than those without. Gum (periodontal) disease
has also been linked to other conditions such as: diabetes, stroke, lung
disease, low birth weight, premature birth and stomach ulcers. By
keeping regular maintenance appointments with your dental team, you will
minimise the effect of gum disease on your overall health.
I WAS TOLD I HAVE A CAVITY BUT IT DOESN’T HURT. WHY?
Decay
starts in the outer layer of the tooth known as the enamel. This tooth
layer has no nerves, so when decay is present there is no pain
associated with it. It is only once the decay grows to moderate in size
that most people experience pain. That is because now the decay is very
close to the inside nerve of the tooth or already into the nerve of the
tooth.
WHY DO I NEED X-RAYS?
Decay
and other disease of tooth and bone occur in places that are hard to
access and clean. Usually these areas are also hard to see visually.
X-rays are important for treatment planning as it enables us to detect
disease early and treat with simple treatment. So it is important to
have x-rays taken every 2 years as a screen in low risk patients, and
may need to be taken more often in high risk patients.
I BRUSH MY TEETH BUT STILL SUFFER BAD BREATH. WHAT CAN I DO?
The
accumulation of food particles on your tongue and between your teeth
not removed during your daily oral cleaning, react with bacteria and
cause bad breath. Some people battle with constant bad breath, using
mints, mouthwash and gum, which only mask the problem and not cure it.Adopting
an effective at home oral hygiene routine and scheduling professional
cleaning appointments to remove plaque and tartar build-up every six
months, depending on your current state of oral health, can restore your
mouth to full health and make your breath fresh.In some
cases, persistent bad breath can indicate you have a more serious health
problem, including a gastrointestinal, respiratory or sinus problem.
In this instance we advise that you consult with your GP.
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
Sensitive
teeth are caused by a wide range of factors. The porous part of the
tooth (dentine) is the section that registers pain. Dentin can become
exposed by fractured, chipped, injured and decayed teeth. Clenching and
grinding is also a factor.
WHEN CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?
If
you are in pain every attempt will be made to see you that day and your
pain relieved. For all other treatment at the next available
appointment.
CAN I PREVENT TOOTH DECAY AND GUM DISEASE?
Yes,
good oral hygiene starts at home, though it needs to be supplemented by
regular visits to us. Most people visit their dentist every 6 months
for a check-up, clean and fluoride treatment. Some patients at high risk
of disease have more frequent visits. This enables early detection of
tooth decay and other health problems. We also encourage twice a day
brushing with fluoridated tooth paste and once a day flossing.
WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN FIRST VISIT US?
Every
child should have a dental appointment by the age of three. It is
important to brush baby teeth and visually inspect them every day for
changes. Any dark spots, stained areas or frosty white areas it is
important to make an appointment regardless of the child’s age.
It’s
best to bring the child with you to each appointment, to acquaint
themselves with the dentist. Children 4 and under are seen free when
appointed with an adult
I’M PREGNANT, SHOULD I STILL GO TO THE DENTIST?
Yes,
in fact due to the change in hormones produced in pregnancy your gums
bleed easier and react to plaque and calculus build up more severely. It
is suggested that pregnant women have cleans every 3 months and
check-ups every 6 months. Gum disease has been linked to Low Birth
Weight and Miscarriage, so regular maintenance is as important as ever.
IS THERE A LINK BETWEEN GUM DISEASE HEART DISEASE, DIABETES AND OTHER DISEASES?
Recent
studies have found that the incidence of heart disease is double in
people with gum disease than those without. Gum (periodontal) disease
has also been linked to other conditions such as: diabetes, stroke, lung
disease, low birth weight, premature birth and stomach ulcers. By
keeping regular maintenance appointments with your dental team, you will
minimise the effect of gum disease on your overall health.
I WAS TOLD I HAVE A CAVITY BUT IT DOESN’T HURT. WHY?
Decay
starts in the outer layer of the tooth known as the enamel. This tooth
layer has no nerves, so when decay is present there is no pain
associated with it. It is only once the decay grows to moderate in size
that most people experience pain. That is because now the decay is very
close to the inside nerve of the tooth or already into the nerve of the
tooth.
WHY DO I NEED X-RAYS?
Decay
and other disease of tooth and bone occur in places that are hard to
access and clean. Usually these areas are also hard to see visually.
X-rays are important for treatment planning as it enables us to detect
disease early and treat with simple treatment. So it is important to
have x-rays taken every 2 years as a screen in low risk patients, and
may need to be taken more often in high risk patients.
I BRUSH MY TEETH BUT STILL SUFFER BAD BREATH. WHAT CAN I DO?
The
accumulation of food particles on your tongue and between your teeth
not removed during your daily oral cleaning, react with bacteria and
cause bad breath. Some people battle with constant bad breath, using
mints, mouthwash and gum, which only mask the problem and not cure it.
Adopting
an effective at home oral hygiene routine and scheduling professional
cleaning appointments to remove plaque and tartar build-up every six
months, depending on your current state of oral health, can restore your
mouth to full health and make your breath fresh.
In some
cases, persistent bad breath can indicate you have a more serious health
problem, including a gastrointestinal, respiratory or sinus problem.
In this instance we advise that you consult with your GP.
WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?
Sensitive
teeth are caused by a wide range of factors. The porous part of the
tooth (dentine) is the section that registers pain. Dentin can become
exposed by fractured, chipped, injured and decayed teeth. Clenching and
grinding is also a factor.
WHEN CAN I GET AN APPOINTMENT?
If
you are in pain every attempt will be made to see you that day and your
pain relieved. For all other treatment at the next available
appointment.