Q. Why do I need 6 monthly checkups?
A. Regular examinations is a part of a preventive Dental approach that will identify problems early. This means cheaper dentistry in the long term. Everyone has individual requirements, i.e. some of our patients may require 3 - 4 monthly cleans due to severe gum disease; others regularly crack fillings due to heavy grinding. Most of our patients require examinations and cleans on a 6-12 monthly basis and X-Rays every 2 years.
A. Composite resin fillings can closely match the shade of your teeth. These materials are chemically bonded to your teeth by etching (cleaning) the tooth's surface and hardening the composite with a blue light.
Q. What is the status of amalgam?
A. This material has been used for many years as a strong, long lasting filling for back teeth. It is made of silver, tin and small amounts of mercury that is bound together in an inorganic compound and the World Health Organisation classes this as a safe dental material. Where possible we try to use more aesthetic bonded composite materials but amalgam remains a stronger alternative for large fillings on back teeth.
Q. Why is there a difference in the cost of fillings?
A. Cost differences usually relate to the size and complexity of fillings and the degree of difficulty in completing your treatment.
Q. Why do I need a filling if my tooth doesn't hurt?
A. Teeth and/or fillings may be cracked or decay present with or without the patient's knowledge. Pain can often be a late sign that relates to nerve involvement that may require Root Canal Treatment.
Q. Why do I need Root Canal Treatment?
A. To alleviate strong nerve pain, prevent tooth abscess and ultimately to save your tooth from needing to be extracted.
A. These are a great diagnostic tool to identify hidden decay and other problems in teeth not easily identified by simple examination alone.
Q. Why do I get a strong pain when drinking hot and cold beverages.
A. Assuming the dentist has eliminated all other possibilities, it may be caused by overzealous brushing using incorrect technique and too hard a toothbrush. This results in wearing of gum and enamel on the outer surface of teeth causing temperature sensitivity.
Q. What should I do if my child chips a tooth?
A. Visit "Our Dentist" ASAP. If the nerve is exposed it is important to cover it quickly to preserve it. A tooth coloured composite filling can then be placed. The dentist will need to check the nerve vitality in two months.
Q. What should I do if my child loosens or knocks out a permanent front tooth?
A. If possible visit a dentist immediately however if you are more than one hour away from "Our Dentist" realign the tooth if it has been knocked backwards and have the child close their mouth into their normal position. If the tooth has been knocked out completely and is clean, try to replant the tooth immediately, hold it in position and have the child close to a normal bite. If the tooth is dirty rinse first with milk or salt water. If you are unable to replant the tooth store it in milk or the child's saliva so it doesn't dry out and make sure you get to a dentist within the hour, which is the critical time for replantation to be successful.
Q. Does vomiting cause tooth problems?
A. Conditions that exhibit regular vomiting or gastric reflux problems creates a constant acid environment in the mouth that may cause rapid erosion or decay of teeth.
Q. Should I visit the dentist during pregnancy?
A. There is no medical reason not to visit a dentist during pregnancy. Your dentist will avoid using X-Rays but it is important to maintain your preventive examinations especially as pronounced gum problems are common during pregnancy.
Q. Why do my teeth feel loose?
A. This along with bleeding, red gums is a sign of chronic gum disease (periodontitis) that dissolves the bony support of the tooth. Regular cleaning and better oral hygiene will prevent your gums reaching this stage. Some patients are more prone to this than others and require intensive maintenance by a dentist /Periodontist to save their teeth.
A. If a tooth is built up by pins and large fillings or especially if it is root filled it may be more prone to fracture and require crown protection.
Q. Can my teeth be made a lighter shade?
A. Yes. A Dentist can achieve this by use of a bleaching agent in a custom fitted tray for the teeth over a couple of weeks. Results are often good but vary depending on the type of stain. Porcelain or composite veneers (tooth facings) can often achieve a more predictable result.