FAQ's

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If you are experiencing bleeding when you brush or floss it is most often a symptom of gum disease, Gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums as a result of an overgrowth of plaque bacteria at the margin where the tooth and gum meet and just under the gum margin. The bleeding is a symptom of gingivitis and is one of the ways your body lets you know there is something wrong. Bleeding can also be a sign of periodontitis, which is more advanced gum disease that involves the structures surrounding the tooth such as the root surface and the bone. Gingivitis is a reversible condition. Periodontitis is not reversible however in some cases the progression can be arrested and then maintained through rigorous oral hygiene home care and regular visits to your dental hygienist. In advanced cases often a specialist Periodontitis will take over treatment management. Traumatic or aggressive brushing can also cause bleeding and can be resolved by using the correct brushing technique and a soft tooth brush, or better yet, an electric toothbrush. If you are experiencing bleeding gums from brushing or flossing it is best to see your dental hygienist for a thorough professional cleaning and have a personalized home care routine put together for you to achieve and maintain a healthy oral environment.
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If you’re not 100% happy with the condition or feel of your mouth then often a visit to your dentist and dental hygienist can fix the cause of the problem. A fresher feeling can be achieved after a professional cleaning to remove any built up plaque, tartar and staining, especially if you smoke, drink coffee, tea and red wine. If it’s old fillings that you’re not happy with anymore a visit to your dentist can help by restoring or replacing those broken down old fillings. If you find that food gets caught in certain areas constantly or when you floss it tears you may have an overhang. An overhang is caused by filling material excess that creates an uneven margin. Your dentist and often your hygienist can fix this problem hopefully preventing further food catching and floss tearing in that area.  It is important to be aware of the health of your mouth, if you are experiencing a bad taste or your breath is being affected there are a number of causes and these can be addressed by your dentist and dental hygienist. For example, infection in the mouth as a result of decay, impacted wisdom teeth, advanced gum disease, dental abscess’ or draining sinuses can all be addressed by your dentist and hygienist following a comprehensive dental examination to identify the root of the problem. 
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Tooth loss can have many causes such as trauma, root fractures, unsuccessful root fillings that have had multiple treatments, infection and periodontal disease.  Teeth can also be congenitally missing. This is a genetic condition where the tooth or multiple teeth simply do not develop and can be seen across generations and between siblings.  Loss of a tooth or multiple teeth can have a very negative impact on the aesthetics or appearance of the mouth and its ability to function correctly and have good use of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The spaces left where a tooth has been lost or is missing can be replaced by a full or partial denture (plate), bridgework or an implant(s).

A denture is an appliance that replaces teeth. You remove it to clean it and it may be replacing all the teeth (full denture) or some of them (partial denture). If you currently wear removable dentures of any kind, it is advisable that you have these checked regularly. It is recommended if you have any remaining natural teeth you should have these and your dentures reviewed as directed by us. If you have no natural teeth and wear removable full dentures, your dentures should be reviewed at least every two years. The rapid shrinkage of bone following extractions means the denture will soon need to have the fitting surface relined once that shrinkage has slowed down enough. After a reline, patients report a much better fit. This relining maybe done between three and six months after an immediate denture has been fitted. We will advise you when an immediate denture is ready to be relined. Relining involves an additional fee, but this is going to be cheaper than a new set of dentures and it is often very much appreciated. All dentures lose their fit through natural changes in your mouth. Chewing gum, biting your nails or grinding your teeth can accelerate this. You should see us yearly for a denture check, when refitting or relining may be necessary.
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A bridge is an appliance permanently fixed in the mouth to replace missing teeth. It uses remaining teeth to support the new artificial tooth or teeth. A conventional fixed bridge consists of crowns that are fixed to the teeth on either side of the missing teeth and false teeth rigidly attached to these crowns. An enamel bonded bridge uses a metal or porcelain framework, to which the artificial teeth are attached, then resin bonded to supporting teeth.
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Whether you have lost all your teeth, a few of them, or even just one tooth, dental implants should be considered as an option for your oral rehabilitation program. To help you decide if the exciting benefits of implants are suitable for you, contact us today. A consultation will clarify what type of treatment you require. Eating and correct chewing is essential for a healthy body. It is also one of the greatest human pleasures. Thousands of people, both young and old, no longer have their own teeth. Some manage quite well with dentures, for others they are unsatisfactory. If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about gaps, missing teeth, dentures that are loose or unexpectedly drop down or you are unable to chew properly, yet you feel you deserve the best today’s modern restorative dentistry can provide, dental implants may be the solution. A dental implant can be thought of as an artificial tooth root that is submerged into the jawbone. When dental work such as a crown, fixed bridge or a full set of dentures is added, one or more missing teeth can be replaced. A dental implant is fabricated from a very strong, biocompatible material placed in a simple procedure that, generally, is as convenient as a tooth extraction. After an initial healing period, during which the implant is buried in bone and left undisturbed under gum tissue, it is uncovered and connected to a small metal post that secures and supports the artificial tooth.

The implant material is extremely biocompatible. The bone grows to the implant and bonds to it. This makes the implant very strong. The process is called 'osseointegration'. It depends on the type of bone, and where the implant is placed into your jaw. It can range from a few months to over 9 months. Generally, implants in the front lower jaw need around 4 months; the back upper jaw needs around 9 months and elsewhere in the mouth around 6 months. These times may need to be lengthened if bone needs to be grown or grafting has taken place. Some people may not be suitable for this procedure. Conditions such as alcoholism, some psychiatric disorders and uncontrolled diabetes can cause problems. We will also need to check to see how much bone you have and whether there is enough space for an implant. The adjacent teeth roots will also need to be away from the implant. If you don't have enough bone, it is possible to grow bone or even graft bone from elsewhere in the mouth or places like your hip.
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Dental injury or trauma can disfigure, be painful and both time and financially consuming. Prevention is better than a cure.

If you are involved in a sporting activity such as football, basketball, netball, cricket, hockey and soccer you are a considerable risk of a trauma to your teeth and a mouthguard is a smart way to help prevent injury. Approximately 5-14% of dental injuries are caused whilst playing these sports whilst cycling can account for approximately 44%. It is also in your best interest to wear your mouthguard during training session, not just during competition.

There are two basic types of mouthguards available:

1. The custom fitted mouthguard is available from your dentist. This mouthguard is constructed directly from a mould taken of your teeth in the dental surgery and fits tightly and comfortably over your teeth. This type of mouthguard is the type recommended by the dental profession and is the most effective in preventing injuries to the teeth and jaws.
2. The "do it yourself" mouthguard, available at many pharmacies are usually poorly fitting and uncomfortable to wear. Sports Authorities do not recommend these as they offer little protection to the teeth and patients are encouraged to obtain the custom-fitted guard as a bare minimum.

There is absolute potential for your children to have a better experience going to the dentist thanks to the constantly advancing world of modern dentistry.  The focus now is very much about conservative treatment, prevention and education. With the introduction of dental therapists in private practice and the compulsory continued professional development in Victoria there is even more availability to providers with current treatment procedures, products and knowledge. Prevention is a primary focus for dental professionals and this can present in the form of therapies or procedures such as fissure sealants, fluoride therapies, conservative restorations and mouthguards. It is in your best interest as the parent to start bringing your child to the dentist between the ages 4 and 5. It does no harm to bring them when they’re younger as this will help to slowly introduce them to the dental surgery’s sights, sounds and people.
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White fillings have been used in front teeth for decades. In recent times, scientists have developed strong white filling materials for back teeth to be used as an alternative to the dark colour of amalgam. The reason for this is the public demand for tooth-coloured fillings in visible areas of the mouth.
Dentists replace amalgam fillings for a variety of reasons including recurring decay, fracture, endodontic treatment and appearance. Amalgam can be replaced by not only white (composite) fillings, there are a range or alternatives including; ceramic inlays and porcelain crowns that will enhance the strength of the tooth and create pleasing aesthetics.
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TMJ is the abbreviation used for the jaw joint and is short for ‘temporomandibular joint’. It can be felt by placing your fingers just in front of your ears and opening and closing your mouth. A TMJ disorder may affect one or both joints, often causing pain and limited jaw function. Symptoms usually arise in early adulthood, but children and the elderly can also be affected. Most symptoms of TMJ disorders or pain are mild and do not need treatment, if so they are best treated conservatively and cautiously. As with pain in other joints of the body, symptoms often go away with time.

Causes:

1. Missing teeth
2. Grinding or clenching of teeth, which may be linked to stress
3. Emotional or physical stress, and tension in the jaw muscles
4. Injuries such as fractures or dislocations of the TMJ
5. Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
6. Wrongly shaped dental fillings, crowns and bridges.

Symptoms:

1. Limited jaw movement
2. Difficulty in opening the mouth
3. A stuck or locked jaw
4. Clicking, grating or popping noises from the jaw joints
5. Pain when chewing, yawning or opening the jaw widely
6. Pain in or around the ears and cheeks
7. Headaches and occasionally, migraine-like headaches and nausea
8. Earaches, loss of hearing or ringing in the ears
9. Face, neck back and shoulder pain
10. A feeling of muscle spasms
11. Toothache
12. Clenching and grinding or teeth
13. An uncomfortable bite.

TMJ disorders can sometimes be treated with a series of head and neck exercises.

1. Place the top of the tongue on the roof of the mouth, as when making a ‘clucking’ sound. Keeping the tongue in this position, relax the jaw and take a deep breath through the nose, ensuring that the lower rib cage and abdominal area expand as the air is breathed in.
2. With the tongue as for exercise 1. Open and close the mouth in a relaxed manner making sure the tongue does not loose contact with the roof of the mouth.
3. With the tongue as for exercise 1. Hold the chin between the thumbs and the index finger of both hands. Without moving the jaw position, apply gentle resistance to:-
   1. The opening and closing movements of the jaw.
   2. The sideways movements to the left and the right.
4. Clasping the hands behind the neck bend the head forward, trying to keep the neck still.
5. Stretch the shoulders in a backward and downwards direction.
6. Shunt the head backwards on the trunk as far as possible. Use the finger tips of both hands on the upper lip for assistance.

** Each exercise much be repeated 6 times and the whole routine performed 6 times per day.
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A baby’s teeth start to form during pregnancy. By the time the baby is born, a full set of primary teeth has begun to form underneath the baby’s gums. During the last three months of pregnancy, the mother provides the minerals needed to calcify the baby’s teeth. These minerals do not come from the mother’s teeth – and there is no truth to the saying a tooth is lost for every pregnancy. The best source of these minerals is from an increased intake of dairy foods (or other calcium-rich foods and drinks) by the mother. A nutritious diet and good dental hygiene during pregnancy will ensure that mothers and baby’s teeth will be healthy and strong.

Pregnancy Gingivitis:
The surge in female hormones during pregnancy is associated with an increase in gum disease. Many pregnant women find that their gums bleed easily during brushing because gums are more sensitive to plaque. The effect of this pregnancy gingivitis is first seen when the woman is 12 weeks into her pregnancy, and it may continue through the second and third trimesters.
If pregnancy gingivitis occurs a visit to our clinic is recommended. It is best to see your dentist prior to pregnancy so that periodontal health is achieved before pregnancy. As well as careful attention to dental hygiene, it is important to visit the dentist more frequently during pregnancy so that plaque or calculus can be removed by a professional cleaning. This will help prevent gingivitis.

Pregnancy Epulis:
Pregnant women are also at risk of developing a pregnancy epulis, or swelling, on the gums. This is a benign (non-cancerous) growth caused by inflammation that develops when swollen gums become more irritated. A pregnancy epulis may not need any specific treatment, but if it interferes with eating, brushing or flossing, or is unsightly, your dentist may recommend removal. A pregnancy epulis often shrinks once the baby is born. If persistent, it should be removed.

Damage from stomach acid:
Both nausea and vomiting can cause acid from the stomach to reflux into the mouth, damaging the teeth due to erosion of the enamel. Use a fluoride mouthrinse to neutralize the acid and protect the teeth. If a mouthrinse is not available, thoroughly rinse the mouth with water. If brushing is difficult due to morning sickness, try using a child-sized brush and avoid frothy toothpaste. Avoid further acid exposure of the teeth by avoiding soft drinks and citrus fruit drinks.  Talk to us about use of tooth conditioners.

No tooth loss: 
The old wives’ tale that says a woman loses a tooth after each pregnancy is not true.

Food Cravings:
Women who have food cravings may eat sweet or sticky foods, and have irregular meals, all of which increase the risk of dental decay. Nuts are a good alternative; they will not harm the teeth and can reduce the craving.

Oral radiography:
Taking x-rays is safe for pregnant patients, provided protective measures such as high speed digital x-rays, a lead apron and a thyroid collar are used.

Oral Hygiene:
Coronal scaling, polishing and root planing may be performed at any times as required to maintain oral health. However, routine general dentistry should usually only be done in the second and third trimester of the pregnancy.

Extensive elective procedures:
These should be postponed until after the delivery. Any treatment should be directed towards controlling disease, maintaining a healthy oral environment and preventing potential problems that could occur later in the pregnancy or during the postpartum period.

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Description, diagnosis (at RFD), OPG etc
First aid
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Medication – summarize this from the ADA therapies
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