Services
Oral Hygiene & Gum Disease
As well as causing cavities, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can degrade the bone surrounding the teeth and ultimately, the tooth can become loose and may require extraction. People are often unaware that they have gum disease as it can be painless for a long time. Possible symptoms include: swollen, red, tender or bleeding gums; receding gums; persistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth; pus surrounding the teeth and gums; and loose teeth. Good oral hygiene prevents the build-up of plaque that causes gum disease and tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist/hygienist at least twice a year will help to maintain your dental health.
White Fillings
Whilst unsightly metal fillings used to be the only option for restoring decayed teeth, nowadays, an aesthetically pleasing outcome can be achieved with white fillings. White fillings are matched to the colour of your teeth, making them virtually invisible. As well as the obvious advantage of appearance, white fillings are safer as no mercury is used. White fillings can be done on-the-day with an adhesive material that bonds to the tooth, or can be made out of porcelain in a laboratory and fitted at a subsequent appointment.
Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped 'cap' that is used to restore a heavily decayed or worn tooth. The crown is used to build, strengthen and improve the aesthetics of the tooth. Crowns are generally made from materials such as porcelain or porcelain/metal combinations.
A missing tooth can be replaced by a bridge, which is a porcelain tooth attached with crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap. This may be a good option if the adjacent teeth are heavily filled and would benefit from being strengthened by crowns.
Veneers
Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured layers fixed onto the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are made from materials such as porcelain, glass or plastics and are custom-made in a laboratory to fit the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are a good option for teeth with gaps, stains, discolourations, and chips; as well as crowded or crooked teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
If decay has gone through the outer layers of the tooth and reached the central pulp, a root canal treatment can preserve the tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleaned out and sealed for strength and protection. Without a root canal treatment, the infection can spread, causing further discomfort and possibly requiring tooth extraction. Saving the natural tooth with a root canal treatment has many advantages: efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation, protecting your other teeth from wear and strain, and a natural appearance.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening lightens stained or discoloured teeth for an improved appearance. Whilst you can buy over-the-counter and use-at-home whitening toothpastes and strips, we as dentists are best qualified to provide this treatment for you. Dentists can diagnose the cause of the discolouration, and our specialised treatment provides the best result with the highest levels of safety.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a titanium root-like structure that is positioned in the bone to replace a missing tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the bone, it is restored with a crown, giving the appearance and function of a normal tooth. Implants can also be used to replace a full arch of missing teeth, and are a sturdier and more effective solution than a denture.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth don’t always have to be removed; however, sometimes when there is not enough room in the mouth, they can become trapped underneath the gum, or erupt at the wrong angle. This can make them difficult to clean and can lead to decay. Impacted wisdom teeth can also cause pain, infection and crowding. Regular dental visits allow us to monitor your wisdom teeth. If they become problematic, we can then assess them with x-rays and discuss with you the best course of treatment.
Mouthguards & Biteguards
Mouthguards can prevent sports injuries such as broken or knocked-out teeth. Unlike an over-the-counter type, a custom-made mouthguard is specially designed to fit the shape of your teeth and gums.
As the early stages of teeth grinding can be painless, many people are unaware of the issue until the more severe stages. At this point, they may experience jaw pain; headaches; and fractured, chipped, worn-down, or loose teeth. A custom-made biteguard can be worn at night to alleviate the grinding, relax the jaw muscles and ease joint pain. An adjunct to this is the use of muscle relaxants in the jaw muscles to minimise the force exerted.
Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Treatment
A comfortable and effective solution for people who snore or suffer from sleep apnoea is a custom-made oral device. This can be worn while sleeping to ensure the airway is kept open by gently positioning the jaw forward. Unlike other options like a CPAP, the oral device is small and free from tubing or wiring.
Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth that can be worn to replace multiple missing teeth. Dentures are made from acrylic, which mimics the appearance of natural teeth and gums, and may have a metal substructure for additional support. The denture is custom-made in a laboratory to fit comfortably over your gums, and it can be removed for cleaning.
Orthodontics
Often we can correct the appearance of your teeth without orthodontic treatment. However, if needed, we will refer you to our orthodontic colleagues. Having your teeth straightened has a number of benefits: it is easier to keep your teeth and gums clean, there is less strain on the jaw joint and gums, and you’ll have a beautiful smile! There are multiple options for braces, including: classic metal, colourful and clear styles, braces that adhere to the inner surface of the teeth, and 'invisible' braces. Anyone, including adults, can benefit from orthodontic treatment. However, most people usually start treatment from around age 12.
