Frequently Asked Questions
I’m afraid of the dentist, how can you help me?
Being afraid of going to the dentist is nothing to be ashamed of, as many people suffer from dental anxiety or a dental phobia. Anxiety before and during a dental appointment is not uncommon, but with the help of our support team we will do everything we can to help reduce your fears. We will discuss your feelings, concerns and needs to help reduce your anxiety.
We are committed to providing a comfortable, relaxing environment to help you feel at ease and safe. We offer a gentle approach, relaxing music, pillows and blankets and a Smart TV to view during the appointment. In addition, we use topical anaesthetic and a needle-free system for pain relief.
How often do I need a dental exam & hygiene appointment?
Generally we recommend a visit to see your dentist every 6 months for Dental Exam & Hygiene. Early detection of dental problems result in less invasive and less expensive procedures. If you have gum problems or if you have high decay rate we may recommend you visit us every 3 or 4 months.
You should try and floss your teeth once a day. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. It takes about 24 hours for plaque to form in your mouth. Daily flossing and brushing will help to disrupt these plaque forming, remove the build-up along your gum line, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
What causes tooth decay? What are my treatment options?
Bacteria and food in particular sugars are the main cause of tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque is always forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat. As the bacteria feed, they make acids, and these acids attack the protective layer of your tooth. There are varying stages of tooth decay, some more extensive than others. Depending on the destruction of the tooth decay you may need fillings, crowns, or root canal treatment. If the tooth decay is too extensive you may need to have a tooth extraction.
Root canal therapy has a bad reputation when it comes to dental treatment. However root canal therapy should be no more uncomfortable than any other dental treatment, like a regular filling. We can never guarantee you will never feel any pain, however we would never continue with treatment if you had any discomfort.
Dr Henry goes to great lengths to make sure you are correctly numb, before and during your dental treatment. Under local anesthetic you should not feel any discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can also be prescribed to alleviate your discomfort after the treatment.
My wisdom teeth hurt. What should I do?
Many people suffer from wisdom tooth discomfort throughout their lifetime. However it isn’t always necessary to have your wisdom teeth removed. Wisdom teeth are commonly referred to as ‘third molars’ – the large teeth at the back of the mouth. They usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If you feel pain around your wisdom teeth, then they may be impacted (i.e., not fully erupted because of blockage from other teeth). Please contact us to discuss your treatment options.
Teeth sensitivity occurs when the outer layer of your tooth becomes thin or when your gums recedes back exposing the underlying tooth structure. When you have sensitive teeth, activities such as consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks or breathing in cold air can cause sharp, temporary tooth pain. There are many reasons why you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity, such as brushing your teeth too hard, tooth decay near the gum line, gum disease, aging and cracked fillings. Please contact us to find out your best treatment options.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
If you have swollen, tender or inflamed gums that bleed when you brush, then you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by the build-up of hard plaque along the gum line, leading the gum to bleed when you brush or floss. If left untreated, gingivitis may progress into a more advanced form of gum problems. Treatment options for advanced gum problems include a professional and thorough deep dental clean, and an effective home brushing and flossing routine.
If you are concerned about the look of your smile then Cosmetic Dentistry may be right for you. Cosmetic dental treatments can enhance your smile and improve your self-esteem. With modern treatments and the latest technology, our team at Red Hill Dental can makeover your smile by procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants. Click here to see our Smile Makeover Gallery. For more information about treatment options, please click here to ask our friendly team.
Dental implants are one way to replace missing teeth, they can replace a single tooth or several teeth. A dental implant is an artificial screw-like root made from titanium, which is placed in your jawbone. Dental implants provide a stable base for tooth replacement. However not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants. Please contact us to find out your best treatment options.
Do you have stained teeth? This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth becomes discoloured. The most common causes of tooth staining are coffee, wine, soft drinks and smoking. Sometimes teeth that have tooth decay or infection may appear stained. Depending on the cause, the solutions can include thorough dental clean, teeth whitening treatment or other cosmetic procedures. Please visit us to discuss a solution. We will assess your stain and discuss which treatment options is right for you.
What?s the best teeth whitening treatment for me?
Do the colour of your teeth bother you? Too yellowed or stained? Are you embarrassed to smile? Teeth whitening can help with discoloured and stained teeth, it lightens the pigmentation within the outer layer of your teeth. At Red Hill Dental we use in-chair Zoom! Teeth Whitening or a take-home teeth whitening kit.
Zoom! Teeth Whitening has been proven to lighten teeth up to 8 – 10 shades. However not everyone is a suitable candidate. Contact us by clicking here to discuss your teeth whitening options. We will assess the stains and discolouration and recommend the most appropriate cosmetic solution.
There is no age limit for braces. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, braces can be used to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. It is never too late to get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers! We have seen an increase number of adult orthodontic treatments in recent years, as many adult patients have orthodontic issues, such as their teeth being too crowded, or have moved or tilted after extraction. Read more here.
There are many different types of braces including traditional metal braces and Invisalign (invisible/clear orthodontic appliances). To find out more, call us by clicking here to arrange a consultation for braces.
Invisalign is clear orthodontic system that is virtually invisible. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of clear removable aligners that you wear over your teeth that you change every two weeks. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, until they have straightened to the final position.
Invisalign is just one way to straighten your misaligned teeth or correct your bite issues. For more information please give us a call by clicking here.
When should I bring my child to the dentist?
You can start by bringing your baby to the dentist during your regular dental visit. By becoming familiar with the sights, smells and sounds of the dentist, your child is less likely to develop dental anxiety later in their life. When your toddler gets their first teeth we can conduct an examination to check them and give you advice on how to best look after their new teeth.
Why does my jaw hurt and make clicking noises when I open my mouth wide?
The joint that pivots the lower jaw is a ball-and-socket joint called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Like any joint, the TMJ can undergo arthritic degeneration, causing jaw pain, jaw clicking, bruxism (tooth clenching or grinding), headache, neck pain and difficulty swallowing or speaking. TMJ conditions can worsen if you clench or grind teeth during sleep. For more information about treatment options, please click here to ask our friendly team.
Ready for Your Best Smile?
If you would like to experience the Red Hill Dental difference for yourself, please schedule an appointment with our friendly practice today.
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