Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is caused by dental plaque, a clear film of bacteria that grows on your teeth throughout the day and night – if not removed by brushing and flossing, the bacteria contained in dental plaque can produce acids in the presence of sugars. This acid will make holes in your teeth and can progress deep into the inner layers of your tooth, eventually causing a toothache when it reaches your tooth nerve.
Our professional dentists will detect any decay present in your teeth at your dental check up with the help of X-rays and an oral examination; and determine how deep the decay is or how extensive it is – the dentist will recommend several options depending on different findings:
If it is not too deep, and a small hole - the dentist will be able to place a tooth coloured filling
If it is not too deep, but too large, the doctor will recommend either a crown for your tooth or a partial crown (Onlay).
If it is deep, causing you pain, and has reached the nerve of the tooth – the doctor will recommend a root canal therapy, a treatment where the tooth nerve is removed and filled with a rubber material. After the root canal procedure, the doctor will recommend either a crown or an onlay, since the tooth is now weaker because of the amount of tooth structure lost caused by the tooth decay.
Gum Disease
Receding gums, bleeding gums, and loose teeth are all signs of gum disease – an infection of your gums by bacteria in the form of dental plaque and dental calculus (hard plaque).
During your routine check up exam, our doctors will examine the health of your gums with the help of measuring tools, X-rays and signs of bleeding gums. If a diagnosis of gum disease is reached, our doctors will recommend you go through a professional cleaning regime, possibly antibiotics and mouth disinfectants.
Gum disease is treatable however require long term commitment and our professional team of doctor will explain how you can help prevent it and stop its progression, and also treat you for the disease.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal treatment is usually indicated when tooth decay has infected your tooth nerve, causing pain and discomfort. Your doctors will numb your tooth, take out the nerve of the tooth, clean the tooth canals and then fill them with a filling material. Our doctors follow strict infection control procedures outlined by the Australian Dental Association, to ensure that our patients get the best prognosis possible. Our team will ensure that your experience is pleasant and pain free, and our doctors may prescribe medication that you may need after the procedure to ensure that you go home with no more pain.