Faq

My Last Check up was done many years ago and I have had no problems since then. Why do I still need to come in for a regular check up?

Periodic Oral examinations are extremely important. Many problems in the mouth start very small and often do not cause pain. By the time they do, it can sometimes be too late and you may require extensive treatment to manage them. All of this can be prevented by having routine examinations. If there are any issues, early diagnosis and conservative management is preferable compared to allowing the problem to worsen without treatment.

My Front tooth is broken. What can I do to fix it and make it appear normal again?

Modern cosmetic dentistry allows quick and easy repairs of chipped teeth on the day of the appointment. In most cases the repaired tooth is hardly noticeable to the naked eye at common speaking and viewing distances. Sometimes more thorough reconstructions may be required by way of porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns to help regain your smile.

I am going to have/I have had a tooth out. What can I do to help the gum heal without problems?

It is important to not smoke for at least a few hours before you have your tooth out. Keeping your mouth clean prior to the extraction will also help. We may recommend some anti-bacterial mouth washes for you prior to the extraction appointment. Once the tooth is removed,

1. Continue to refrain from smoking for at least a week if possible.

2. It is helpful to bite on the gauze placed on the socket for about 30 mins. By then the bleeding will have stopped although you will continue to have pink tinged saliva for a couple of days following the extraction. This is normal and there is no need to panic. If you see the socket bleeding, place the gauze we have provided for you on the socket and bite down firmly for 30 mins. If the bleeding still does not stop, contact us immediately.

3. Gentle Warm salt water rinses are recommended 2-3 times a day for the next 7 days. only Start this about 4 hours after the extraction to allow the blood clot to establish.

4. Refrain from hard crunchy foods on that side for a few days to prevent food debris from getting stuck here.

5. Try not to play with the stiches if they are present, they will either dissolve by themselves or you will have been given an appointment to come back to have them removed.

6. Take any medications that have been recommended or prescribed as per directions

7. Keep the remaining teeth around the socket as clean as possible

8. It is normal to have small amounts of bone spicules coming up through the socket over the coming weeks.

I have been given a bite guard to help with my grinding. Why do I need to keep coming back to get it checked?

As you wear your guard, over time it will wear down, sometimes unevenly. This can lead to changes in your bite. To prevent this and to also make sure that the guard still fits and functions as it was originally designed, we require that you have it assessed periodically. Sometimes this can be done as part of your check up and clean appointment.

How often should I clean my teeth at home?

This is easy. We recommend brushing 2x a day, morning and night if possible, and flossing daily.

Why do I need x rays taken?

Diagnostic Radiographs (x-rays) are a very important part of your examination and during some treatment procedures. They are extremely helpful in diagnosing decay between teeth, position of wisdom teeth, loose fillings, dental infections etc.

What are crowns? Why did my dentist recommend them?

Crowns are essentially full coverage caps that fit over your existing tooth. They are recommended in cases where teeth need extra reinforcement to reduce the risk of fractures, or in the case of a front tooth, to improve a smile. Please see the crowns and bridges section of the website for more details.

Why is my health insurance rebate less than what I expected?

Please note that the “Private health insurance – Patient relationship” is completely independent of us. We cannot dictate which health fund insurance policy you decide to purchase. Rebates will vary based on your insurance policy, annual limits, health fund company etc. Some private health funds may provide higher rebates for dental treatment so it is always good to do your own research.

Do you treat kids?

We can perform basic examinations and treatment for children. If there is extensive work required, we will almost always refer your child to a pediatric dentist.

My Tooth is broken and has been for some time. It does not hurt and I have been chewing on it without problems. Does it still need treatment?

Teeth can break. Sometimes this can cause sensitivity which may prompt you to come and see the dentist. Other times they are completely painless and you may feel that you do not need to see the dentist at all. This approach is not recommended. You may have ongoing decay or bacterial infections of the dental pulp (the nerve inside the tooth) without even realizing it. Again it is important to have the problem assessed and managed before it gets to a stage where more involved treatment is required.

Why do my gums bleed?

Gums can bleed when brushing and flossing or even eating. This is almost always due to an underlying inflammatory process such as gingivitis. There can be other causes of gum bleeding such as trauma to the gums but in all cases it is recommended that they be assessed and managed appropriately. A simple scale and polish with good home oral care may be all that is required to get your gums back into a healthy state.