GENERAL CHECK-UP AND CLEAN

What are Dental Fillings or Dental Restorations?

Due to bacteria and acidity within our mouth, the degradation of teeth is known as a dental cavity.

You may see a visible black spot in or around your teeth. Food becomes easily trapped causing greater harm and decay to the tooth. There are two types of dental fillings,

- Composite or Amalgam restorations.

However, we do not use amalgam fillings due to there mercury concentration which is poisonous to the patient.

Before the cavity becomes deeper to hit the nerves, it is important to be treated as soon as possible.

To avoid cavities, avoid sugary food and drinks and maintain good dental hygiene habits.

Why replace your Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are mostly known as ‘silver fillings’ . The dental amalgam can be easily manipulated around tooth cavities, so dentists had often used it in the past. However, there is a high concentration of mercury in the composition, hence due to health risks amalgam fillings are not recommended by dentists.

At Dental Focus we can remove these fillings and replace them with resin composite fillings.

What are Composite Fillings?

• Composite fillings are a white coloured resin material that bonds to the tooth structure.
• The bonding helps “glue” or reinforce the weak parts of the tooth.
• It is a replacement for amalgam ‘silver’ fillings to provide a strong and cosmetically pleasing restoration. (silver fillings require a “mechanical lock” to stay in place, where a shape larger than the decay itself is drilled.)
• Because of the adhesive chemistry of white fillings the end result is a smaller, stronger and aesthetically pleasing filling.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment is the removal of damaged, diseased or dead pulp in the centre of the tooth. The remaining space is cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed up.

Common Causes of Pulp Damage:

• A cracked tooth
• A deep cavity
• An injury to a tooth

Once the pulp is infected or dead and left untreated, pus can build up at the root tip in the jawbone, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth and cause pain.

Root Canal Treatment

How is Root Canal Done?

There are several steps over 2-4 visits depending on the case.

Crowns are a ‘cap’ which is placed over a tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. It is cemented to the visible tooth lying above the gum line, giving it a new outer surface.

Do I Need a Crown?

Crowns are necessary, when teeth are too damaged for a filling to hold or worn down. Depending on the case, the dentist may recommend a partial or full crown.

• Replaces missing teeth
• Offers support to misshapen teeth or badly broken teeth
• Looks completely natural
• Fixes ‘smile’ and functional chewing problems

Types of Crowns:

• Gold
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal(PFM)
• All Ceramic

Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Crowns are placed on either side of the gap, supported by natural teeth or implants. A bridge is made as a false tooth or teeth attached to the crowns, fill the space in between.

Our dentists use local anaesthesia and are highly experienced so rest assure that you are in good hands.

Even while practicing good oral hygiene there are cases where tooth extractions are an only option.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction:

• Tooth decay/ infection (that root canals cannot treat)
• Crowded teeth
• Preparing for orthodontics
• Wisdom teeth are often extracted either before or after they come out

What to Expect for Tooth Extraction

It is important to have regular check-ups to prevent greater harm and decay.

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Periodontal means ‘around the tooth.’

Plaque (the furry feeling on the tooth surface), when not cleaned can inflame the gums leading to serious infections that affect the gums & bones supporting the tooth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are a result of chronic bacterial infection.

Stages of Gum Disease:

Prevention:

Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are recommended to avoid gum disease.

Causes and Signs of TMJ Pain

• Headaches or ringing of the ears
• Facial pain around jaw or ear
• Clicking or popping sounds by the jaw
• Jaw locks
• Off bites
• Neck, Shoulder, Back Pain
• Cheeks Swelling
• Teeth Grinding or Clenching
• Difficulty swallowing / Throat Pain

BOTOX can help relieve the pain and issues revolving around the TMJ. It freezes and relaxes the muscle, avoiding further damage to occur.

For temporary relief:

• Take anti-inflammatory drugs over the counter. This will reduce muscle pain.
• Consume soft foods
• Use cold or hot packs on the side of your face

Call or Visit Us immediately for a proper examination.

Do You Have:

• Sensitive Teeth?
• Bleeding/ Receding gums?
• Loose Teeth?
• Bad Breath?

We are busy with everyday duties and tend to forget our daily oral health care routines. An estimated 75 of Australians reportedly have some form of periodontal disease.

Have regular visits every six months for early detection of periodontal disease. Reducing the risk of permanent damage to teeth and gums and can prevent more extensive and costly treatment in later years.

Dental Cleanings

Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque (a soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (‘calculus’) from the teeth. Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss.

Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them.

Steps of a Scaling Treatment:

Step 1

The dental hygienist will use an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations to knock larger pieces of tartar loose. It sprays a cooling mist of water to wash away debris and keep the area at a comfortable temperature.

Step 2

Scalers and Curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces.

Step 3

After the teeth are polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end.
Prophylaxis paste, is a special gritty toothpaste-like material – is applied to the teeth to make them shiny and smooth.

Step 4

Lastly, Fluoride is applied to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.