Everyone has questions about their teeth, ranging from proper daily care to complex treatments. Your dentist is always happy to answer and discuss any questions you may have about your teeth; however, the following Frequently Asked Questions may prove helpful in a pinch.
Will I feel any pain during my treatment?
You should not have to endure any pain during your dental visits. We will explain your treatment in detail and discuss your options for pain management. We will never rush you into ANY TREATMENT and will explain all procedures and answer any questions. We will ensure that you are fully numbed before commencing any treatment.
Can you help reduce my anxiety?
We are sensitive to the concerns of anxious or nervous patients and offer sedation options to make your visit as comfortable as possible, along with a calming chair side manner and soothing clinic environment. We have found that by taking time to listen to our patients’ concerns, we can explain each phase of the treatment, removing the unknowns that generally cause fears.
We understand the health care dilemmas that anxieties can create for our nervous patients and will ensure that you feel safe, informed, and secure throughout your visits with us. More complex and involved treatments may require intravenous sedation. This is a method of anxiety control that lowers consciousness and enhance patient comfort. Please ask us for more details.
What if I have a dental emergency?
We are available for dental emergencies and will make every effort to accommodate you with an immediate dental care response to your critical care needs. We will work emergencies into our schedule during normal operating hours and will provide after-hours services when necessary. We aim to see our patients who present with a dental emergency on the same day or within 24 hours.
We encourage you to call us anytime you encounter an immediate care or emergency situation, so that your dentist can determine the severity, offer advice and calm your worries and book any future treatments.
How often should I see my dentist?
Usually twice a year is sufficient for most patients, and this will ensure sustained good dental health.
This varies from individual to individual as everyone has a different level or “risk” regarding gum disease, tooth decay etc.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Gum disease is the most common dental health event needing treatment and could contribute to serious health consequences if left untreated, so it is a good idea to be informed and let your dentist know if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Gums bleeding after or during flossing or brushing your teeth
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Teeth appearing to get longer
- Gum line becoming uneven
- Roots of tooth exposed
- Sensitivity to cold/hot temperatures
- Dentures no longer fitting correctly
- Teeth becoming noticeably loose
- Spaces starting to show between your teeth
- Bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Dry mouth and/or a burning sensation in your mouth
Can you make my teeth look whiter?
Yes! We offer exclusive Teeth Whitening systems, Enlighten and Zoom WhiteSpeed, that will safely brighten and whiten your teeth as in-clinic and/or at-home treatments. Teeth whitening is the number one requested cosmetic dental treatment due to its fast treatment times and dramatic results. It is best to discuss teeth whitening with your dentist to ensure the best, safest results.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal is a dental treatment that is recommended when the inner most part of a tooth, the nerve, is injured or becomes infected. The injury or infection can only be resolved by removal of the nerve, which lies within a root canal in the centre of the tooth. Removal is accomplished by making a small hole in the top of the tooth, cleaning out the infected nerve, shaping the root canal then filling the inner injured or infected canal with a sterile, stabilising material. The initial hole to access the nerve is then filled to protect the seal.
What is a dental implant?
In addition to being unsightly, losing a tooth can lead to other problems with surrounding teeth. Dental implants are one of the fixed methods to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants are simply titanium fixtures which act as anchors for a natural-looking replacement tooth. They can be combined with other treatments such as dentures and bridges. They can be an excellent and predictable alternative to fixed bridges or dentures, affording you the appearance and function of natural teeth.
Why do I need my teeth cleaned regularly?
Teeth cleaning by your dental hygienist helps prevent disease and decay by removing tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot remove. Plaque accumulates on your teeth and gum surfaces daily. After 24 hours, if not removed by brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar are home to huge quantities of bacteria which can release toxins into tooth enamel and gum tissues, causing decay and disease.
What can I do to help minimise future dental problems?
Eat a healthy balanced diet, low in complex carbohydrates and simple sugars.
