Dentists & Dental Practices FAQ

Questions that dentists and dental practices get commonly asked…

Listed below are some commonly asked questions relating to dental procedures and oral health.

• Dental Crowns and Bridges FAQ

  Crowns

  Why would I need a Crown?

  A Dental Crown is often the best solution to replace large, worn fillings, repair a tooth that has cracked, has a very large cavity or has undergone Root Canal treatment. The crown covers and provides increased protection for the natural tooth beneath it. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are malformed, malpositioned or discoloured.

  How is the crown fitted?

  When you and your dentist are happy with the fit and appearance of the new crown it will be fixed in place with special dental cement or adhesive. The cement forms a seal to hold the crown in place.

  How long does the treatment take?

  You will need to have at least two visits: the first for the preparation, impression, shade taking and fitting the temporary crown; and the second to fit the permanent crown. There will usually be about 1 to 2 weeks in between appointments.

  Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

  How long will the Crown last?

  How long your crown lasts depends on how well you look after it. The crown itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the crown joins the tooth. Therefore, it is important to keep this area just as clean as you would your natural teeth in order to prevent decay affecting the crown.

  On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. You should avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting your fingernails and using your teeth to open packaging.

  Properly cared for crowns should last for many years. Your dentist will be able to tell you how long the crown may be expected to last.

  Bridges

  What is a dental bridge?

  Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.

  A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap – these two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth – and a false tooth/teeth in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

  Why would I need a bridge?

  • Replacement tooth, or teeth
  • Natural, or improved, appearance
  • Support and protection to compromised teeth
  • Restoration of normal, or improved, function
• Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQ

  What are Wisdom Teeth?

  Wisdom teeth are the last teeth at each end of the upper and lower gums at the very back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to develop. They usually appear in the mouth generally from late teens or early twenties. Sometimes these teeth can be a valuable asset to the mouth when healthy and properly aligned, but more often, they are misaligned and present potential problems.

  How Is a Wisdom Tooth Removed?

  The relative ease at which your dentist or oral surgeon can extract your wisdom teeth depends on the position of the impacted teeth. Your oral health care provider will be able to give you an idea of what to expect during your pre-extraction examination. A wisdom tooth that is fully erupted through the gum can be extracted as easily as any other tooth. However, a wisdom tooth that is underneath the gums and embedded in the jawbone will require an incision into the gums and then removal of the portion of bone that lies over the tooth.

• White Fillings FAQ

  What are the main benefits of white fillings?

  Aesthetics’ are the main advantage, since dentists can blend shades to create a colour nearly identical to that of the actual tooth. Composites bond to the tooth to support the remaining tooth structure, which helps to prevent breakage and insulate the tooth from excessive temperature changes.

  Are there any disadvantages of having white fillings?

  After receiving a composite, a patient may experience slight sensitivity, this should settle shortly after treatment has been completed. Sometimes the shade of the composite can change slightly if the patient drinks tea, coffee or other staining foods.

  How long will a white filling last?

  Studies have shown that composites last 7-10 years, except in very large restorations, where inlays, onlays or crowns would be recommended, as they would last longer than composites./white fillings.

• Teeth Whitening FAQ

  What is teeth whitening?

  Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth and improving their colour through a bleaching process to make them look “whiter”.

  Teeth Whitening can be very effective for teeth that have been stained by smoking or by consuming staining substances such as coffee, tea, or red wine and also whitens teeth discoloured by certain medications.

  What causes teeth discolouration?

  There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine etc. Certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discolouration.

  Who may benefit from Teeth Whitening?

  Almost anyone can benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective from some as it is for others. Your dental practitioner can determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure through an oral exam, including shade assessment.

• TMJ Treatment FAQ

  What is TMJ?

  The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet, it is frequently referred to as TMJ.

  There are two TMJs, one on either side, working in unison. The TMJ is responsible for moving the lower jaw forward, backward and side-to-side.

  Pain or dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint is commonly referred to as TMJ.

  TMJ disorders are not uncommon and have a variety of symptoms. Patients may complain of earaches, headaches and limited ability to open their mouth. They may also complain of clicking or grating sounds in the joint and feel pain when opening and closing their mouth. What must be determined, of course, is the cause.

  What causes TMJ?

  There are many possible causes of TMJ. Disorders of the teeth can contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Patients affected by TMJ may frequently clench or grind their teeth at night causing painful spasms in the muscles and difficulty in moving the jaw. Tooth mobility and tooth loss can be caused by destruction of the supporting bone and by heavy forces being placed on teeth.

  Movement of the teeth affects how they contact one another when the mouth closes, and the overall relationship between the teeth, muscles, and joints can be altered.

  What are the symptoms of TMJ?

  When symptoms of TMJ trouble appear, you should consult your dentist who will then make an accurate diagnosis of TMJ disorder. This may be made through the use of special images of the joint in consideration with your medical and dental history.

  Where appropriate referrals to other dental specialists may be required.

  Some of the most common TMJ symptoms include:

  • Headaches earaches, and pain/pressure felt behind the eyes
  • A clicking or popping sound when you open or close your mouth
  • Pain from yawning, opening the mouth widely or chewing
  • Jaws that “get stuck,” lock or go out
  • A sudden change in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
  • Jaw muscles feeling tender

  Once TMJ disorders are correctly diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be provided.

• Stop Snoring & Sleep Apnoea FAQ

  What happens if I ignore my OSA?

  OSA left untreated is potentially life-threatening. Risks include heart attacks, strokes, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, loss of interest in sex/impotence and frequent night-time urination. Furthermore, OSA causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems.

  Are Dental Sleep Appliances comfortable to wear?

  Although the mouth is a very sensitive area the vast majority of people adapt within a night or two and find the appliance surprisingly comfortable. This is because the appliances are tailored to suit your mouth and are very thin.

  What if I am missing teeth or have a bridge or denture?

  There are new appliances which can be successfully used in many different situations – even if all the upper teeth are missing. You will need to have at least a total of 6-8 teeth to be able to use a conventional dental sleep appliance. It is important to have a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums and jaws to ensure successful results with minimal problems long term.

  Do I have to wear the Dental Sleep Appliance forever?

  No. There may be other methods which you can undertake that can help overcome the problem. This is very individual and assessed and discussed in the first consultation. For many people weight loss, exercise or changing body position during sleep can go assist in overcoming snoring and sleep apnoea The use of a dental appliance can result in a boost in energy levels through better quality sleep and hence the impetus to make lifestyle changes.

  Are there any side-effects?

  The vast majority of people have no side effects. A small percentage of people have minor side-effects such as excessive saliva, jaw tenderness, pressure on teeth and bite changes. Most side effects are temporary and disappear after a day or two or with a simple adjustment.

  How does the Dental Sleep Appliance work?

  Sleep Appliances work by holding the lower jaw slightly forward during sleep thereby opening the airway at the back of the throat which is responsible for the snoring and obstruction. The tongue is attached to the lower jaw, and with the jaw held forward the tongue is prevented from collapsing back.

• Smile Makeover FAQ

  Is there a standard beautiful smile for everyone?

  Every person can achieve their own beautiful smile. we are all unique and the beauty of our smile should and does reflect this. Each individual is different and their case must be planned carefully. The design of a beautiful and natural smile must consider the sex of the individual as well as be in proportion with the gum line, the lips and the construction of the face of the individual. Your dentist will complete a thorough assessment to achieve the best smile for you.

  What are dental implants?

  A Dental Implant is a device designed to permanently replace missing teeth. The replacement of missing teeth is important to a patient’s oral health and overall well-being.

• Sedation Dentistry FAQ

  Will I feel any pain or remember anything about the dental procedure?

  No. Sleep dentistry begins before the first needles are given by the dentist and you will wake up and have no recollection of anything. There is no pain or discomfort at all.

  Will I be asleep during the procedure?

  You are in a very deeply relaxed state from which you are still responsive. You will not be able to remember anything however from the procedure.

  Is it safe?

  Yes. Sedation is incredibly safe and is monitored by an expert closely throughout the entire procedure. Sedation is both safe and effective.

  What dental procedures can be performed under sleep dentistry?

  Many types of dental procedures can be performed including fillings, root canal therapy, crowns,wisdom teeth extractions and dental implants.

  Am I able to drive home afterwards?

  No, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. You should not drive or operate any machinery for the rest of the day.

• Prosthodontic Treatment FAQ

  Why do I need to get a referral?

  A referral to a prosthodontist is made when a patient has a difficult or complex problem that requires advanced specialist management. Extensive training and education provides prosthodontists with the skills for restoring the balance, function and look of the mouth as a whole, as well as of course individual teeth. Prosthodontists are good at identifying the causes of problems and are skilled at providing the solutions.

  What can I expect from my visit?

  To help identify the nature of your problem, the prosthodontist will ask about your main concerns but will also gather important background information. There will be a lot of questions about your previous dental experiences, medical health and lifestyle.

  The initial evaluation usually takes about 90 minutes. You may be asked to return so further information can be obtained, for example full mouth Xrays, impressions for study models, and even photographs of your teeth. All this helps the prosthodontist put together an accurate and complete picture of your mouth. A separate, third, appointment gives them the opportunity to make definitive treatment recommendations after studying all the information, and gives you ample opportunity to raise questions or concerns you might have. The fees for this process unfortunately do not attract much health fund rebate but, like all good planning, the time and care pays back well in the long term.

  What is my general dentist’s role?

  Your general dentist has identified that you require specialist care and by doing this has placed your wellbeing first and wants the best for you. Throughout your treatment your dentist will be informed of progress and after it is complete you can return to them for ongoing care, with a program tailored to fit your needs that may include both general and prosthodontic reviews.

• Porcelain Veneers FAQ

  What can you expect from your veneers?

  Veneers can last for years, depending on how well you take care of them. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are resistant to staining and chipping. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular attendance for dental check-ups are an important requirement for the long life of your veneers.

• Periodontics FAQ

  What is periodontal disease?

  Periodontal disease (or commonly known as gum disease) is an inflammatory disease of the support structures of teeth. These structures include gingiva (gum), periodontal ligament and alveolar bone (part of the jaw bone). The gingiva, being the most superficial tissue, provides most of the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, such as swelling, redness, bleeding, recession etc. When inflammation is confined to the superficial layer (the gingiva), the condition is known as Gingivitis. This is a very common condition affecting adults and children alike. When inflammation is spread to affect deeper structures (such as bone) the condition is known as Periodontitis (or Periodontal Disease)..

  What causes periodontal disease?

  Bacteria in the mouth is usually responsible for causing Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The build-up of bacteria also known as dental plague can lead gum inflammation (gingivitis). If gingivitis is allowed to go on for a long time, some gingivitis progress to the next stage of disease – periodontitis, which involves a gradual loss of bone and tooth attachment to bone.

• Orthodontics FAQ

  How do I brush and floss with braces?

  When brushing with braces, hold your brush at an angle, brush in small circles, concentrate on the gum margin, and brush above and below the braces and wire. Brush the back of teeth and the chewing surfaces using the same circular motion.

  Slide floss under the wire, then hold each end while you gently rub the sides of the teeth in an up and down motion.

  Can adults have orthodontic treatment?

  Yes of course. Age is no barrier for orthodontic treatment. There are invisible methods of orthodontic treatment such as invisalign, which provide an ideal solution for adults wanting straighter looking teeth.

  What are some signs that braced may be required?

  • Difficulty chewing
  • Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth
  • Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
  • Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
  • The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
  • Crowded or overlapped teeth
  • The centre of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
  • The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
  • Spaces between the teeth

  Can I still play sports that require mouthguards?

  Yes, there is no barrier to orthodontics if a mouthguard is required. Your orthodontist can also custom fit your teeth with a mouthguard to accommodate the braces.

• Oral Hygiene FAQ

  How often should I visit the dentist?

  It is recommended that you visit the dentist every 6 months to ensure your oral health is maintained.

  I have bad breath, how can I get rid of it?

  Having a healthy mouth results in fresh breath.

  Bad breath can affect those nearest and dearest to us and can quite often cause problems in relationships. Worse yet, a person with bad breath is normally unaware they have it until someone tells them. Bacteria, plain and simple, is the culprit. Not surprisingly our mouth contains millions of bacteria and when they get out of control they can quite simply get on the nose.

  Plaque, tartar, gum disease, tooth decay, dentures, and your tongue are all places where bacteria can thrive, so much so that all the breath fresheners and mouth washes on the supermarket shelf won’t remedy the cause. They can only camouflage it temporarily – usually for only a few hours.

  • Bad breath caused by tartar, gum disease and tooth decay can only be remedied at the dentist by having regular scale and cleans and check ups.
  • Brush your tongue. One study estimates 50% of oral bacteria can be eliminated by brushing your tongue with a soft brush every day. Some of us call it the “bottom of a cocky cage” syndrome.
  • If you wear dentures anything less than pristine clean will generally contribute to bad breath. Make sure that you clean them thoroughly and regularly using Sterodent or something similar.
  • If you are a chronic “mouth-breather” also beware! More dry mouth means more bad breath.

  My tooth was cracked, what should I do?

  You should visit the dentist immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

  My tooth was chipped, what should I do?

  You should visit the dentist as soon as possible. Keep the chipped part of the tooth and take it with you when you come into the dental practice.

  How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush And Why?

  The life span of the average toothbrush is about 2-3 months. So change your toothbrush at the beginning of each season (summer, autumn, winter, spring). Toothbrushes just simply wear out after all the repetitive use morning, noon and night. The bristles breakdown and lose their effectiveness in getting into all those tricky corners around your teeth.

  The other reason to change them regularly is that they are a breeding ground for germs, fungus and bacteria which after a while can build up to significant levels. They can also spread cold and flu viruses through families when stored together, infecting adjacent toothbrushes.

  Toothbrushes also harbour the little bugs that cause cold sores and ulcers. If you are susceptible to ulcers and cold sores you should also change your toothbrush more regularly to avoid re-infecting other parts of the mouth and possibly other members of the family.

  After using a toothbrush, shake it vigorously under tap water and store it in an upright position allowing it to dry out. Try and keep your toothbrush from touching others when it is stored.

• General Dentistry FAQ

  How many teeth do I have?

  Count them. A normal person has 28 teeth plus 4 Wisdom Teeth.

  What tooth brush should I use?

  The best toothbrush is one with a small head and soft bristles. Electric toothbrushes can also be very good, particularly for people who find correct brushing techniques difficult to master.

  What toothpaste should I use?

  Choose a toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride combines with minerals in your saliva to toughen your tooth enamel and help stop decay.

  How often should I floss?

  You should floss your teeth once daily

  What causes tooth decay?

  Sugar is the main cause of decay and it is found in many foods we eat and beverages we drink. Bacteria that have settled on a tooth thrive on sugar. Unfortunately when bacteria and sugar get together a chemical reaction occurs that produces acid which eats away at the enamel of the tooth leading to decay.

  Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel making it harder for the acid to eat its way into the tooth but once the decay process has started it accelerates at a rapid rate. It is therefore important to try and limit the amount of sweet foods and drink that we consume and to brush our teeth shortly after every meal – including lunch.

• Endodontics FAQ

  What does Root Canal Therapy actually mean?

  Root canal or endodontic treatment is a process whereby inflamed or dead pulp is removed from the inside of the tooth, enabling a tooth that was causing pain to be retained.

  Dental pulp is the soft tissue in the canal that runs through the centre of a tooth. Once a tooth is fully formed it can function normally without its pulp and be kept indefinitely.

  After removing the pulp, the root canals are cleaned, sterilised and shaped to a form that can be completely sealed with a filling material to prevent further infection. The treatment can take several appointments, depending on how complex the tooth is, and how long the infection takes to clear.

  Subsequently a crown or complex restoration to restore or protect the tooth may be a necessary recommendation, as a tooth after undergoing treatment may be more likely to fracture.

  Why do I need Root Canal Therapy?

  If you have a damaged tooth, root canal treatment may help to save it. Inside your tooth is soft tissue containing nerves, and blood and lymph vessels, known as the tooth pulp. When the pulp cannot repair itself from disease or injury, it dies. A fracture in a tooth or a deep cavity commonly cause pulp death, as the pulp is exposed to bacteria found in your saliva.

  When the pulp becomes infected, it is best to remove it before it spreads to the tooth and surrounding tissues. The whole tooth may be lost if the infection is left untreated. Root Canal Therapy is able to save your tooth.

  How long will the restored teeth last?

  If you look after your teeth and gums, your root canal treated tooth may last a lifetime. However, you must have regular checkups to ensure that the tissues around it are nourishing the root of your treated tooth.

• Emergency Care FAQ

  My tooth was knocked out, what should I do?

  You should visit the dentist immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If a tooth is put back into its socket within 30 minutes, there is a good chance of the tooth re-attaching.

  • Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells
  • Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not touch, rub or scrub the tooth.
  • Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and the gum to keep it moist.
  • Do not let the tooth dry out.
  • If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk (not water).
  • Bring this with you when you come into the dental practice.

  My tooth was cracked, what should I do?

  You should visit the dentist immediately. Getting to a dentist within 30 minutes can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

  My tooth was chipped, what should I do?

  You should visit the dentist as soon as possible. Keep the chipped part of the tooth and take it with you when you come into the dental practice.

• Dental Implants FAQ

  What are dental implants made of?

  Implants are made of commercially and medically pure Titanium. This is the same metal that has been successfully used in hip replacements for many years.

  What are the benefits of dental implants?

  • Renewed ability to chew and speak properly
  • Restoration of facial aesthetics
  • Preservation of remaining jaw bone structure
  • Reduction of possible gum problems and infections

  Increased confidence and self esteem as a result of all of the above.

  Who is a candidate for dental implants?

  Anyone who is considered to be reasonably healthy and who wants to replace missing teeth are possible candidates for dental implants. You must have enough bone in the area of the missing teeth to provide for the anchorage of the implants. Some people are missing all their teeth and most of those are excellent candidates for dental implants. Today, we also use implants to replace small bridges, removable partial dentures and even missing single teeth.

  Who is not a candidate for dental implants?

  Not everyone can have implants. Certain factors, such as diabetes, smoking, bleeding disorders, certain medications as well as compromised physical and mental integrity, may influence whether or not an individual is suitable for this dental procedure.

• Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ
• Mouth Guards FAQ

  How long will a mouthguard last?

  Your dentist should review your mouthguard every 12 months to ensure it is fitting correctly. Sometimes, a mouthguard needs to be replaced if major changes occur to the teeth, like restorations or adult teeth coming through.

  How do I clean my mouthguard?

  Mouthguards need to be rinsed in cold water after use, dried and stored in a plastic container. They should be stored in a cool place avoiding high temperatures.