Patient Education & FAQ
Due to the age and individuals needs of each patient the frequency changes. Children should be seen every 6 months as good oral hygiene habits are set for life, there are numerous changes in their dentition and they are in the highest cavity age group. Adults have quite varying needs depending on hygiene level, diet, overall health, medications taken, plaque and tartar build-up, and genetic tendency toward periodontal disease. We try to put each adult on a recare schedule that suits their needs: 3,4,6,9 or 12-month intervals.
Research has shown that hard bristle brushes used in conjunction with toothpaste can cause enamel wear and gum recession. Soft bristles are kinder to the dentition.
Electron microscopy show there is no structural change in enamel with whitening; it only lightens (changes) the color.
A rare combination of human professionalism sets the team apart from others. From the gentle, reassuring touch of an arm during a procedure to the guidance and thorough explanation provided, the experience is truly unique.”
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A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. A crown is then attached to the implant.
If you are in good general health and have healthy gums then you are an eligible candidate. We will do a careful examination to determine if implants are right for you.
Dental Implant technology derives from hip implants both of which we have had great success.
If you are in good general health and have healthy gums then you are an eligible candidate. We will do a careful examination to determine if implants are right for you.
Patients who have had implants say there is no discomfort or pain neither with the surgery to place them, nor after the anaesthetic wears off. Surprisingly most patients don’t need any painkillers and comment how easy it was.
Tartar is calcified (hard) plaque, which is primarily made of bacteria, toxins, salivary and food products. If plaque is left on the teeth more than 24 hours it starts to calcify. Unlike plaque, brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar. Tartar is rough, providing a haven for more bacteria and toxins, which encourages gum disease to develop.
Gingivitis is an inflammation (mild to severe) of the gums. If untreated it may develop into periodontitis, which is a gum infection that damages the supporting bone and tissues. Periodontitis is the main reason adults lose teeth.
It is the name of the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint). TMD is a disorder of the TMJ and may involve the associated muscles, bone or ligaments of the TM joint. The pain associated can be mild to severe. As the disorder is often multifactorial a careful examination by your dentist is warranted.
A rare combination of human professionalism sets the team apart from others. From the gentle, reassuring touch of an arm during a procedure to the guidance and thorough explanation provided, the experience is truly unique.”
~name
It is the third dental disease, cavities and gum disease being the other two. Wear, sensitivity, cracks, loose teeth, breaking teeth, sore muscles, painful jaw joints and headaches are some of the effects of occlusal disease. In its early stages a broken tooth may hide the underlying cause. Bite splints are often part of this therapy.
A night guard is an acrylic splint, which fits over the biting surface of the teeth in one arch. It is important that it is well adjusted and comfortable. If so it will help your jaw joints, muscles relax. As well it acts as a smooth polished surface protecting the tooth surfaces on grinding.
Most root canals do not hurt today due to the use of local anaesthetic and antibiotics.
Erosion occurs when the enamel or root surface of your tooth dissolves as a result of direct contact with acid. It may be caused by stomach acid-gastric reflux or with eating disorders. It can also occur with high consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
Dry mouth is most commonly a result of medication use (Blood Pressure, nasal sprays, sinus meds, radiation treatment) and psychological stress. We encourage investigating the cause and rinsing frequency with water as the best remedy to help this frustrating condition.
Children’s Corner
Regular visits should start at age 3. Due to the changes in a child’s dentition and the importance of setting up good habits, we encourage regular 6 months visits.
There is a 50% decrease in the number of cavities in children who have fluoride in their drinking water. Fluoridated toothpaste should begin at 6 years old.
We encourage children and adults alike to brush twice a day and never skip bedtime brushing.
The baby teeth act a guide for the position of the adult teeth, thus cavities should be filled.
Calcium in milk products is important for both tooth and bone development.
After giving medication or sugar containing syrup, children should be encouraged to brush their teeth!
Snacks such as vegetables, cheese, nuts and yoghurt are tooth friendly compared to sugary snacks and crackers.
1) Fluoridated water
2) Pit and fissure sealants
A dental sealant is a flowable acrylic material that fills the depressions and grooves on the top of the teeth. Once cured hard it acts as a barrier for the bacteria to slide off. As 75% of dental decay begins in the pits and fissures we have virtually eliminated these types of cavities in children in our practice. Unfortunately it cannot be applied to the surfaces between teeth where flossing is recommended to prevent decay.
It changes the configuration of the enamel rod structure rendering the enamel more durable.