Local Dentist in Burpengary
Anxiety-Free Dental Care

We recommend scheduling a dental cleaning and checkup every 6 months. These regular visits allow your dentist to professionally clean your teeth, check for any oral health issues, and provide personalised recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene between visits.

Professional teeth cleanings provide several key benefits, including:

• Removing hardened plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t easily remove at home
• Polishing your teeth to a smooth, clean finish
• Detecting early signs of tooth decay or gum disease
• Providing an opportunity for your dentist to assess your overall oral health

To improve your at-home oral hygiene, be sure to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (morning and night) for 2 minutes each time
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day to remove food debris and plaque between teeth
• Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to help kill harmful oral bacteria
• Limit sugary or acidic foods and drinks that can erode tooth enamel

Early signs of gum disease, or gingivitis, include red, swollen, or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing. Other signs can include persistent bad breath and receding gums. To help prevent gum disease, be sure to brush and floss regularly, use an antiseptic mouthwash, and get professional cleanings every 6 months. Catching and treating gingivitis early can often reverse the condition before it progresses to more advanced periodontal disease.

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks that can lead to cavities. Fluoride works in a few key ways:

• It is incorporated into the crystalline structure of tooth enamel, making it harder and more decay-resistant.
• It helps repair microscopic areas of decay before they become larger cavities.
• It inhibits the growth of the harmful bacteria in your mouth that produce acids and cause cavities.
• Fluoride can be obtained through fluoridated drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and professional fluoride treatments.

You would need a dental filling if you have a cavity or small area of decay in a tooth. The different types of fillings include:

• Composite resin fillings – made of a tooth-coloured plastic and glass mixture
• Amalgam (silver) fillings – made of a metal alloy mixture
• Gold fillings – made of solid gold
• Ceramic fillings – made of porcelain

Your dentist will recommend the best filling material based on the location and extent of the decay, as well as your personal preferences.

The process for getting a dental crown typically involves:

• Preparation – Your dentist will reshape the tooth to allow room for the crown.
• Impressions – Your dentist will take impressions of the tooth to create a custom crown.
• Temporary crown – You’ll wear a temporary crown while the permanent one is made.
• Placement – At your next visit, the permanent crown will be cemented into place.

The full process usually takes 2-3 dental appointments over the course of 1-2 weeks.

For CEREC same-day crowns, the process is a bit different from a traditional crown:

• Tooth Preparation – Your dentist will reshape the tooth to allow room for the crown.
• Digital Impression – Instead of traditional impressions, your dentist will use a digital scanner to take a highly accurate 3D image of your prepared tooth.
• Crown Design – The digital impression is used by the CEREC system to design your custom crown.
• Milling – The crown is then milled out of a solid block of tooth-coloured ceramic material right in the dental office.
• Placement – Your dentist will then bond the new crown permanently onto your prepared tooth.

The entire CEREC crown procedure can typically be completed in a single visit, often in just 1-2 hours. This allows you to leave with your permanent, natural-looking crown the same day.

If a tooth is too severely damaged or decayed to be restored with a filling or crown, your options for replacement include:

• Dental implant – An artificial tooth root is surgically placed into the jawbone to support a crown.
• Dental bridge – The teeth on either side of the gap are used to support an artificial tooth.
• Partial denture – A removable prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth.

Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each option to determine the best tooth replacement solution for your needs.

Dental bridges work by using the teeth on either side of a gap to support an artificial tooth in the middle. The teeth supporting the bridge, called abutment teeth, are crowned and the artificial tooth, called a pontic, is fused between them.

Dental bridges can last many years with proper care, often 5-15 years on average. Factors like your oral hygiene, teeth grinding habits, and general health all affect their lifespan. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the condition of your bridge.

Yes, dental implants can be used to replace multiple missing teeth. In cases of multiple missing teeth, your dentist may recommend:

• Individual implants – Where an implant is placed for each missing tooth
• Implant-supported bridges – Where multiple teeth are replaced using implants as the support
• Implant-supported dentures – Where dentures are anchored in place using dental implants

The key benefits of using dental implants to replace multiple teeth include:

• Improved chewing function and ability to eat a wider range of foods
• Prevention of bone loss in the jaw that occurs with missing teeth
• A more natural look and feel compared to removable dentures
• Long-term durability, with implants potentially lasting a lifetime

Your oral health is closely connected to your overall physical health and well-being. Some key connections include:

• Certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis can increase your risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
• Poor oral hygiene and untreated dental issues can contribute to inflammation that may worsen chronic health problems.
• Bacteria and infections in your mouth can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health complications.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of health issues and prevent complications.

Here are some tips to help reduce bad breath and keep your breath fresh:

• Practice good oral hygiene – brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Avoid foods and drinks that can cause bad breath, like garlic, onions, coffee, and alcohol.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard candies to stimulate saliva flow and cleanse your mouth.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to bad breath.

Signs that you may be grinding or clenching your teeth (bruxism) include:

• Waking up with a sore jaw or headache
• Excessive wear, chips, or cracks on your teeth
• Disrupted sleep or a sleeping partner complaining about the noise

To address bruxism, your dentist may recommend:

• Wearing a custom night guard or occlusal splint to protect your teeth
• Trying stress management techniques like meditation or muscle relaxation exercises
• Adjusting your bite or underlying dental issues that may be contributing to the problem

To protect your tooth enamel and prevent cavities, it’s best to limit or avoid:

• Sugary foods and drinks like candy, cookies, cakes, and soft drinks
• Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, wine, and sports drinks
• Starchy foods that can get stuck in your teeth, like chips and crackers

Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet with plenty of tooth-friendly foods like:

• Fruits and vegetables high in fiber and water content
• Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Whole grains and lean proteins

Quitting smoking and other tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. Here are some tips that may help:

• Talk to your dentist or doctor about nicotine replacement therapy options like gum, lozenges, or patches.
• Identify your smoking triggers and find healthy alternatives, like chewing sugar-free gum or going for a walk.
• Seek support from friends, family, or a smoking cessation program to help you stay motivated and accountable.
• Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged – quitting can be challenging, but the benefits for your oral and overall health are significant.

The main cosmetic dental treatments available to improve your smile include:

• Teeth whitening – to brighten and lighten discoloured or stained teeth
• Dental veneers – thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth to change their size, shape, and colour
• Dental bonding – a tooth-coloured resin material used to repair chips, cracks, or discoloration
• Dental implants – artificial tooth roots used to replace missing teeth and support crowns or bridges
• Clear aligners like Invisalign – discreet orthodontic treatment to straighten crooked or misaligned teeth

Professional teeth whitening is a great option for many people looking to brighten their smile. You may be a good candidate if your teeth are stained or discolored due to factors like aging, drinking coffee/tea, or using tobacco products.

Professional whitening treatments typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your oral hygiene, dietary habits, and the whitening method used. In-office whitening procedures can lighten teeth by up to 8 shades in a single visit, while take-home whitening trays may require several weeks of use to achieve your desired results.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are an effective way to cover a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

• Discoloured or stained teeth that don’t respond well to whitening
• Chips, cracks, or uneven tooth shapes and sizes
• Gaps or spaces between teeth
• Mildly crooked or misaligned teeth

The process for getting veneers typically involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel to create space for the veneers, taking impressions, and then bonding the custom-made porcelain shells to your teeth. Veneers can provide long-lasting, natural-looking results when cared for properly.

Dental bonding and tooth-coloured fillings use a composite resin material that is sculpted and hardened onto your teeth to repair imperfections or decay. The process involves:

• Preparing the tooth surface by roughening it and applying a conditioning liquid
• Selecting a shade of resin that closely matches your natural tooth colour
• Applying the resin in layers and sculpting it to the desired shape
• Hardening the resin using a special curing light
• Polishing the bonding or filling to blend seamlessly with your tooth

The results are natural-looking and can often be completed in a single appointment. Dental bonding and tooth-coloured fillings are budget-friendly cosmetic options to enhance your smile.

Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a modern, discreet alternative to traditional metal braces for straightening teeth. The process involves:

• Your dentist taking detailed 3D scans of your teeth to create a customised treatment plan
• A series of clear, removable aligner trays being fabricated to gradually shift your teeth into place
• Wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss
• Switching to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks as your teeth move
• Regular check-ins with your dentist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments

The clear, comfortable aligners make Invisalign a popular choice for adults and teens looking to straighten their teeth without the look and feel of traditional braces.

If you are experiencing severe toothache or dental pain, you should:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication like paracetamol or ibuprofen to help manage the discomfort
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to help reduce inflammation and soothe the area
• Apply a cold compress to your cheek or jaw to help reduce swelling and numb the pain
• Contact your dentist immediately to schedule an urgent appointment to diagnose and treat the underlying cause

If you have a permanent tooth that has been knocked out, it’s important to act quickly. You should:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (top part), avoid touching the root
• Gently rinse the tooth with milk or water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue
• If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place
• If you can’t reinsert it, store the tooth in a container of milk, saliva, or saline solution
• Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes to an hour

Signs of an abscessed tooth may include:

• Severe, persistent toothache
• Swelling in the gum around the affected tooth
• Redness or tenderness in the area
• Fever or general malaise

Prompt treatment is crucial because a dental abscess is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening if left untreated. Your dentist will need to drain the abscess and may require root canal therapy or tooth extraction to resolve the issue.

If you chip or crack a tooth, you should seek emergency dental care as soon as possible, especially if:

• The break is causing pain or sensitivity
• The tooth is severely cracked or the crack extends below the gumline
• There is bleeding or the tooth is loose
• The crack or chip is jagged and could cut your tongue or cheek

Seeking prompt treatment can help prevent further damage, infection, or the need for more extensive dental work down the line.

If you experience uncontrolled bleeding or a facial injury involving your teeth, you should:

• Apply firm, direct pressure to the bleeding area using a clean cloth or gauze
• If the bleeding does not stop within 10-15 minutes, go to the emergency department or call emergency services
• If a tooth has been knocked out, follow the steps outlined in question 2 to try and preserve the tooth
• Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications as they can increase bleeding
• Apply a cold compress to the injured area to help reduce swelling and pain

Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial, as uncontrolled bleeding or facial injuries involving the teeth can be serious and require immediate treatment.