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General Dentistry
Check up and oral cancer screening
Check up and oral cancer screening
Check up and oral cancer screening
Scale & Polish
Check up and oral cancer screening
Check up and oral cancer screening
Fillings
Check up and oral cancer screening
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment
Check up and oral cancer screening
Root Canal Treatment
Crowns
Dentures
Bridges
Bridges
Dentures
Bridges
Dentures
Dentures
Dentures
Check up and oral cancer screening
Dentistry is a caring profession, we are here to serve your needs. In real terms that means…
- (1) Listening to you.
- (2) Advising you of all of your options using terminology which you understand.
- (3) Eliminating any pain or discomfort associated with treatment, where possible.
- (4) Working with you to prepare treatment plans which meet your requirements in terms of outcomes and budget.
As your dental health care provider, we understand the trust you place in us, we will personally be here to stand over our work, advise you and maintain your oral health.
The dental examination is a systematic process during which we will investigate many facets of your oral and systemic health in order to identify pathologies or concerns and develop an uniquely customized treatment plan that is catered towards maximizing your oral health while meeting your goals and expectations. The dental exam can catch problems early – before you see or feel them – when they are much easier and less expensive to treat. Please remember that the dental exam is CRITICAL to your ongoing oral health and only your dentist can perform this. The exam consists of the dentist looking inside your mouth for things that can affect your oral – and your overall – health. Many of these are things you can’t see on your own, but that a dentist is trained to detect. Here is some of what your dentist is looking for during a dental exam:
- Damaged, missing or decayed teeth
- Early signs of cavities
- Condition of your gums, such as periodontal pockets, inflammation or other signs of gum disease (which can lead to tooth and bone loss)
- To see how previous dental work such as root canals, fillings and crowns are holding up
- Early signs of mouth or throat cancer, such as white lesions or blocked salivary glands
- Other suspicious growth or cysts
- Position of your teeth (e.g., spacing, bite)
- Signs that you clench or grind your teeth (a treatable problems that can cause headache or sore jaw and can, if serious, lead to hearing loss and tooth loss)
- The overall health and function of your temporomandibular joint (which joins the jaw to skull), checking for signs of disorders that can cause pain or tenderness
As well as the visual inspection of your mouth, the exam includes a complete medical history so the dentist knows about any health conditions that may affect the success of dental treatment or procedures or that may be associated with oral health problems. It may also include dental x-rays, if necessary. These can show such problems as cavities under existing fillings, fractures, impacted wisdom teeth, decay under your gum line and bone loss caused by gum disease.
Scale & Polish
Scale and Polish – What?
A scale and Polish is the cleaning of your teeth, both the visible part above the gums and just under the gums where your toothbrush is unable to reach. Scaling refers to the removal of plaque and calculus, this is the white or yellow hard deposits that can build up on your teeth and is not removable by routine brushing (a bit like limescale in the kettle). The calculus can also build up just under the gums where your brush cannot reach.
The polishing refers to the removal of stains and very small particles of calculus using a high speed brush.
The dentist may sometimes refer you to the Hygienist for a scale and polish. The hygienist specialises in the health of your gums and your general oral health.
Scale and Polish – Why?
To prevent decay- Plaque is a naturally occurring substance that exists on the surfaces of the teeth. When plaque builds up it hardens to form calculus or tartar. Bacteria thrive in the crevices formed by the plaque and calculus and combined with food debris lead to increased risk of tooth decay.
To prevent or minimize the effects of gum disease- Once formed, plaque and tartar or calculus irritates the gums causing them to become inflamed, and infected. This infection is known as gingivitis or gum disease. Your gums and jaw bone are the foundations of your teeth, if your gums deteriorate and calculus remains, the bone around your teeth can be slowly eaten away. Your teeth no longer have foundations and can no longer be held in place, they become loose and eventually fall out or have to be extracted.
The most common referral is for a routine scale and polish. If your gums are more seriously infected detailed root planing must be carried out.
Scale & Polish - How?
The hygienist or dentist scales your teeth by using a combination of hand and motorised instruments in order to remove the calculus which builds up on your teeth both above and slightly below gum level.
The hygienist polishes your teeth using a high speed brush or rubber cup together with special cleaning pastes. This removes staining and small particles of remaining calculus. The debris which the hygienist removes cannot be removed by toothbrush and toothpaste at home.
A lot of water is used to cool the scaling instruments and to wash away the debris as it is removed, a suction tube is used to suck away the excess water during the procedure.
The scaling of teeth can sometimes be sensitive, especially if your gums have receded and the top of the root of the tooth is exposed. Should you require it, the dentist can give you an injection to numb each area of your mouth to minimise the sensitivity. However this will require more than one visit to the dental practice as it is not possible to numb the entire mouth at one time.
White Fillings
White Fillings
Unfortunately, most people need fillings… However, nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well.
Unlike the traditional silver fillings,white fillings have the distinct advantage of not being visible when you laugh or smile. In addition, white fillings are different to silver fillings, as they stick to the teeth, which means that they can also be used to repair teeth that have been chipped, broken or decayed.
White fillings come in a range of shades to closely match your existing tooth color which gives a totally natural appearance.
- A wide variety of shades
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Gives a totally natural look
- Reshape or rebuild teeth
- No unsightly silver fillings
The dentist will normally perform this treatment under a local anesthetic in order to numb the area around the tooth. Any decay or old filling will then be removed if necessary before the white filling is put in. To harden the filling, the dentist will point a bright light onto it, ensuring that your eyes are protected throughout the process. At the final stage of the treatment, the dentist will trim and polish the filling.
As white fillings come in a range of shades, the dentist will be able to provide the closest colour match to your own teeth. White fillings can also be used to reshape and rebuild teeth that are broken or have been worn down, due to the sticky material that is used. A tooth that is going to have a white filling requires less preparation compared to a silver filling. However, white fillings are not as strong as silver fillings, which means that they may not be suitable for large fillings in back teeth.
Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics)
What is a root canal treatment?
Root Canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected through decay or injury.
Why is root canal treatment needed?
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
Does it hurt?
No. A local anesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done.
What does it involve?
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits to your dentist. At the first appointment the infected pulp is removed. Any abscesses, which may be present, can also be drained at this time. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped, ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in and the tooth is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all of the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
In the past, a root filled tooth would often darken after treatment. However, with modern techniques this does not usually happen. If there is any discoloration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance of the tooth.
What if it happens again?
Root treatment is normally very successful, however, if the infection does return the treatment can be repeated.
What if I don’t have the treatment?
The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed by the infection it can’t heal and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth – it can lead to very serious consequences and very serious pain.
Will the tooth be safe after the treatment?
Yes, however, it is better to restore the tooth with a crown to provide additional support to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out?
Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure which your dentist will be happy to do for you.
What about aftercare?
Root treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth at least once a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste.
Crowns
Dental Crowns
Dental Crowns are fixed in place and look exactly like a tooth. Crowns can be made from various types of porcelain, metal (a gold or other metal alloy), or a combination of both.
Dental Crowns are fixed in place and look exactly like a tooth. Crowns can be made from various types of porcelain, metal (a gold or other metal alloy), or a combination of both.
Crowns are recommended to:
- Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
- Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
- Restore a fractured tooth
- Attach a bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Cover a discoloured or poorly shaped tooth
- Cover a tooth that has had root canal
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth covering the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and to improve its appearance. When the crowns are cemented into place it fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
How well do dental crowns work?
A crown will work just like a healthy tooth. However, crowns can sometimes come loose over time and may need to be replaced or cemented in again. If the decay is near the centre of the tooth and bacteria invade the pulp, the pulp may die. If this happens, the crown may need to be removed and root canal treatment will be needed to eliminate the bacteria and dead pulp.
What types of crown materials are available?
Permanent crowns can be metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or completely ceramic.
- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide the best natural color match than any other crown type and may be more suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are not as strong as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns and they wear down opposing teeth a little more than metal or resin crowns. All-ceramic crowns are a good choice for front teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns can be color matched to your adjacent teeth unlike the metallic crowns. However, more wearing to the opposing teeth occurs with this crown type compared with metal or resin crowns. The crown’s porcelain portion can also chip or break off. Next to all-ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look most like normal teeth. However, sometimes the metal underlying the crown’s porcelain can show through as a dark line, especially at the gum line and even more so if your gums recede. These crowns can be a good choice for front or back teeth.
- Metals used in crowns include gold alloy, other alloys (e.g. palladium) or a base-metal alloy (e.g. nickel or chromium). Compared with other crown types, less tooth structure needs to be removed with metal crowns, and tooth wear to opposing teeth is kept to a minimum. Metal crowns withstand biting and chewing forces well and probably last the longest in terms of wear down. Also, they rarely chip or break. The metallic color is the main drawback. Metal crowns are a good choice for out-of-sight molars.
What steps are involved in preparing for a crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth covering the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and to improve its appearance. When the crowns are cemented into place it fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line..
Before the process of making your crown has begun, your participating dentist will inject a local anesthetic that will completely numb the teeth, gums, tongue, and skin in that area. Next, the tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will use impression paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect your bite. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. The dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made. Temporary crowns usually are made of acrylic and are held in place using temporary cement. Receiving the permanent dental crown. At your second visit, your dentist will remove your temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown is permanently cemented in place. Your dentist will then have you bite on a piece of carbon paper that will indicate any high spots and reshape and polish the crown to fit the tooth.
What are “onlays” and “3/4 crowns”?
These are variations on the technique of dental crowns. The difference between these crowns and the crowns discussed previously is their coverage of the underlying tooth – the “traditional” crown covers the entire tooth; onlays and 3/4 crowns cover the underlying tooth to a lesser extent.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, and your personal mouth-related habits (you should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging).
Does a crowned tooth require any special care?
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease. Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day-especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.
Is there anything else to think about?
It may be less costly and less complicated to have a tooth removed than to have tooth restoration. If the decay is near the pulp and the dentist thinks there is a chance that the pulp will die, tooth removal (extraction) may be recommended and a bridge or implant installed. If the pulp dies after the crown is placed, root canal treatment will be needed to remove the dead pulp.
Bridges
There are basically four types of dental bridges:
Traditional dental bridges where the teeth on each side of the empty space are prepared for dental crowns and a dental bridge is made including a tooth between them (a pontic) to “bridge” the gap.
A resin bonded “Maryland” dental bridge, where the pontic tooth is fused to metal bands that can be bonded to the back surface of the teeth on each side of the empty space. A cantilever dental bridge where there are teeth on only one side of the empty space.
An implant supported dental bridge where there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors for the dental bridge.
The traditional dental bridge is the strongest and is typically used to replace back teeth where the forces of chewing and grinding are strongest. The resin bonded “Maryland” dental bridge is the most conservative and reduces the amount of tooth preparation. It is also the weakest and is used primarily to replace front teeth for that reason. The Cantilever dental bridge typically replaces one tooth where more strength than a “Maryland” dental bridge can give is required. The implant supported dental bridge is the most versatile and offers strength rivaling the traditional bridge
Dentures
Dentures
Sometimes a removable denture is the best or only option. If you are unhappy with your dentures, if they are loose, ugly, look like dentures to everyone, are embarrassing and you are not confident eating and in company we can help.
By constructing new dentures using special impression techniques, using high aesthetic denture teeth, laboratories who understand that a denture should look like a real set of teeth and taking our time to ensure you are happy before the dentures are finished we can make you more comfortable and confident. The need for sticky denture adhesive will be reduced or eliminated. In some cases we place a small number of dental implants to support dentures which helps keep them tight, prevents bone loss and prevents the dentures from moving. Even people who have worn dentures all their life can avail of the advantages of dental implants.
Acrylic Partial Dentures
Acrylic partial dentures are usually the most cost effective and can be made within a short period of time. Other advantages are that they can be relined, added to (in case you lose any more natural teeth) and can be used as a temporary denture before dental implants, or whilst waiting for chrome dentures.
Some of the disadvantages are that the acrylic denture base is slightly weaker due to its irregular shape and tend to break frequently, especially those made for the lower arch. In order to counteract this, the acrylic is usually built quite thickly, which can take a little extra time to get used to.
Chrome Partial Dentures
Chrome dentures, however, are more a long term material for a partial denture, as the frame and required components are all cast in one piece. This is just one of the many advantages chrome dentures have over acrylic dentures.
The components of a chrome partial denture rest on soft tissue and natural teeth, making the denture both tooth and tissue borne, thus distributing the load evenly during mastication, helping to protect the underlying bone.
Due to the strength of the chrome it can be made in a smaller, more efficient design, making it more comfortable to wear and live with, whilst giving you the security of knowing it has less chance of breakage.