Preventative Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for one’s teeth to keep them healthy. Preventative dentistry is also the foundation for quality and lasting oral health.
We seek to educate our patients so they develop a strong oral hygiene routine which will help protect their teeth. A regular check up & clean, (usually every 6 months) will give your dentist the opportunity to give your mouth a complete check over, and see if there are any issues forming. This is preventative dentistry.
To minimise the damage done to our gums, teeth and oral health, it is imperative that we do everything possible to develop and maintain a thorough and effective oral hygiene routine. All of our dentists here at Dental Confidence endeavour to boost your dental routine through regular brushing, flossing and a system of check-ups, because even the best dental routine still requires a professional touch.
At Dental Confidence, our dentists will listen to your concerns and address your needs during your regular check up appointments. We will inform you of what is required to protect your mouth including regular brushing, flossing, flouride, fissure sealants, dietary advice and oral hygiene routine. At Dental Confidence, we also provide mouthguards, nocturnal splints and nightguards, periodontal treatment, and orthodontic interceptive treatment which helps to minimize larger issues further down the track. If left untreated, these issues can become more painful and costly later down the track.
Contact our dentists at Dental Confidence to protect your smile for life.
Your Initial Dental Check-Up
Your six-monthly check-ups are nothing to be afraid of. The process will likely go through the following steps:
- Your dentist will carefully but thoroughly examine any changes in the condition of your teeth and gums
- If needed we will likely carry out a scale and clean, ensuring you are aware of any places you may be missing regularly with your toothbrush or floss
- Using a Digital X-ray system, we will personally show you all the different areas of the mouth so you can get an overall understanding of your oral health
- As an addition service, your dentist may show you an Intra-oral camera for both adults and children to integrate some helpful education into the examination process – particularly for the little ones.
Fissure Sealants
The deep grooves and pits in the back molar teeth are called fissures. Young children can find these very hard to clean properly as they don’t often have the dexterity to hold their toothbrush properly. This can lead to the teeth not being cleaned properly and the development of cavities.
The dental fissure sealant is applied to the back teeth to fill the grooves, setting hard after a few minutes. This creates a protective barrier against plaque, bacteria and cavities plus makes the tooth smooth and easier to clean. It’s a very simple, completely pain-free procedure, only taking a few minutes to do each tooth and will last for several years.
Restorations (Fillings)
Dental fillings are used to repair teeth and treat tooth decay. We offer these simple procedures, and can offer you both tooth-coloured and metallic fillings. At Dental Confidence, we utilize the latest restorative materials to ensure your fillings last the longest period of time.
Rest assured that these procedures are performed promptly and in a timely manner, under complete moisture isolation and we also offer painless local anaesthetic where required.
Mouthguards
Sports and active lifestyles are an essential part in many of our and our childrens lives. However, they are also the most frequent cause of dental injuries which can often be very painful and result in long-term problems requiring extensive treatment and costs. Store bought mouthguards offer a very limited level of protection and can be highly uncomfortable, impeding your breathing and communication skills.
A custom mouthguard gives high level protection with maximum comfort. The tailored, form fit provides protection to all teeth and will enhance communication and breathing. A custom fit mouthguard is a worthwhile, small investment to ensure to best protection for you or your children’s teeth to prevent injury and lasting problems.
Root Canal Treatment
Endodontic treatment or root canal therapy is how we save these infected teeth, which would often be extracted, to keep your quality smile.
Infection largely occurs at what is known as the pulp of the tooth. This is found in the root canal of the tooth and it is here that the blood and nerve tissues are located. These vital elements are necessary for a tooth’s development and growth, which is why infection is exceptionally painful.
Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment options can vary. Firstly, the infected pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned. It is then disinfected and sealed with a filling, preventing any further infection and discomfort. At Dental Confidence, dedicated staff encourage follow-up consultations to ensure the site is healing smoothly. In the majority of cases the tooth remains, functional, durable and aesthetically pleasing, however if required a crown can be fitted over the tooth to ensure maximum protection and a more natural appearance.
We use the latest technology and rotary endodontics to achieve an optimal result in the shortest time, with the least complications.
Dentures
For many people, dentures are their preferred option to restore their smile, oral health and confidence. Dentures allow you enjoy your favourite foods, provide support for your facial muscles and enhance the appearance of your face and smile. With today’s technology, dentures can appear completely natural.
There are several types of dentures, the two most common are partial and complete dentures:
Partial dentures: are dentures “bridge” the gap between missing teeth. Partial dentures are fitted so teeth on either side of the space don’t change position. Complete dentures: replace all your upper or lower teeth, or both.
Once you receive your new dentures they can take a little getting used to for the first couple of weeks. The muscles in your cheeks and tongue have to learn how to keep them in place and you may find at first they feel slightly loose and it’s not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. This will subside once you become familiar with the dentures.
Eating hard foods with your new dentures is not advised. A soft food diet is best for the first few weeks then you can resume your regular diet. You should take care when cleaning and handling your dentures, they can break if dropped on to a hard surface like tiles or porcelain sink. Like your natural teeth you should brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a special denture cleaning toothpaste not regular toothpaste. This prevents them from discolouring and helps keep your mouth healthy. It is advisable to take your dentures out overnight and place them in a glass of water and denture solution to prevent them from drying out. This also allows your gums to rest after they have supported your dentures all day.