FAQs

Fear of needles or injections is one of the most common forms of dental phobia. This type of phobia can make dental treatment very difficult. The Dental Wand can be used instead of an injection to help treat these kinds of patients.

Fillings Restorations

The Wand is a computerised system that is used instead of an injection to anaesthetize or ‘numb’ the patient. It is a much more comfortable and gentle way of numbing an area than using a traditional syringe. Most of the pain from an injection comes from the speed and force that the anaesthetic is delivered and not from the needle. The Wand controls the speed flow of the anaesthetic and uses a much gentler force to deliver the anaesthetic to make numbing much more comfortable experience, ideal for those who hate injections.

There is a needle at the tip of the wand but it is much smaller and more discrete that a traditional syringe. The wand delivers the anaesthetic using a pen like device instead of a syringe. The area is numbed before the wand delivers the anaesthetic to make the numbing much more comfortable.
Fissure sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant helps protects the tooth from getting a cavity by preventing food and plaque getting caught in the grooves or fissures of the teeth.
Most children and adults should see their dentist for a dental health check every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases may need to have check ups more often. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, low saliva, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check-up.
The main role of the Dental Hygienist is to help patients prevent any dental problems. They professionally scale and polish (clean) the teeth. A crucial role is in showing the patient the best ways to keep the teeth plaque (bacterial film related to gum disease and decay) free at home.

Scaling and polishing of teeth – this removes harmful plaque and calculus (tartar) and stain from the teeth. Deeper scaling (debridement) which includes cleaning the roots of teeth may be required for some patients. Each patient’s mouth is unique and therefore your hygienist will tailor a treatment plan to your needs. Some people will require one visit however sometimes more visits are necessary. Local Anaesthetic may be used in some cases. Regular cleaning and in some cases deeper scaling (cleaning under the gum) helps prevent tooth decay, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and bone loss (periodontal disease). Having a clean mouth will help you keep your teeth for life and improve your overall general health.
If you have good oral hygiene habits and a healthy mouth, your dental hygienist will probably suggest professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. If you have gum disease, diabetes, smoke or have certain medical conditions you may need to visit the hygienist more frequently. Getting your teeth cleaned and polished not only gives you a great smile, but it also prevents future decay and gum disease. Preventive care costs far less long-term than undergoing treatment, so it’s wise to see your dental hygienist often.
The main difference between silver and white dental fillings is the material that they consist of. Silver (amalgam) fillings, are made up of mercury and other various metals. White (composite) fillings are made up of acrylic and various glass particles. Other differences in silver and white fillings are cost, strength and the way they look.
You should brush your teeth twice a day, before going to sleep and at one other time in the day. Before going to sleep is the most important time to brush as your mouth is much more susceptible to plaque at night time when the salivary flow rate is reduced. The other time that you brush is whatever suits with your daily routine. For most people this is the morning. After brushing it is important to spit out the excess toothpaste but avoid rinsing with water or mouthwash after brushing. If using a mouthwash , use it at a different time to brushing. Brushing your teeth helps to remove plaque which causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Always use a soft bristled toothbrush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Always brush your tongue to remove any bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

  • Start to clean a baby’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.
  • Clean a baby’s teeth with a soft toothbrush or cloth.
  • Do not use toothpaste unless recommended by your dentist.
  • Use a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste 1,000–1,500 ppm. Some children’s toothpastes have only 500ppm which is insufficient. Most adult toothpastes have between 1,000-1,500ppm.
  • Supervise brushing twice a day.
  • A child under seven years needs help from an adult when brushing teeth.
  • A child should never eat or swallow toothpaste.
  • Clean the teeth thoroughly twice every day with fluoride toothpaste.
You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food debris and plaque from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque causes tooth decay and can lead to gum disease. Another great reason to floss is that recent studies have shown that flossing helps to prevent a heart attack or strokeand improves your overall health.

There are several causes of bad breath. The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that coat your teeth, tongue and gums can cause plaque (the soft white deposit that forms on the surface of the teeth), gum disease and dental decay. These bacteria combine with saliva and food in the mouth, breaking down food particles and proteins. This releases an unpleasant-smelling gas.

If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, any food that is trapped between your teeth will be broken down by the bacteria, causing bad breath. These bacteria can also live in the rough surface of the tongue. Therefore, as well as brushing your teeth, cleaning your tongue can help control bad breath.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be warning sign of gum disease, tooth decay or dental infection. It is important to consult with your dentist to exclude any of these causes.

Any oral hygiene problems should be picked up and treated in regular check-ups with a dentist or hygienist.

Other common causes of bad breath are eating strong flavoured foods, medicines, smoking and some medical conditions such as infections in the lungs, throat or nose, diabetes and gastritis. Crash dieting, fasting and low-carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet, can also cause bad breath. These cause the body to break down fat, which produces chemicals called ketones that can be smelt on the breath.
Root canal treatment is procedure to remove the inflamed or infected pulp from a tooth. The inside of the tooth is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, filled and sealed. A modern root canal treatment is very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments.

Tooth decay can occur when acid is produced from plaque, which builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a layer of bacteria and food debris that collects on teeth. Over time this can result in cavities or decay. Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have decay you might have:

  • toothache– either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause
  • tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
  • grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth
  • bad breath
  • an unpleasant taste in your mouth

It is important to contact your dentist to have this treated. Early treatment can help avoid having more complicated and expensive treatment and help prevent tooth loss. Although tooth decay is a common problem, it’s entirely preventable. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. For example, you should:

  • visit your dentist regularly – your dentist will decide how often they need to see you based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums
  • cut down on sugary and starchy food and drinks, particularly between meals or within an hour of going to bed – some medications can also contain sugar, so it’s best to look for sugar-free alternatives where possible
  • look after your teeth and gums – brushing your teeth properly with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, using floss and an interdental brush at least once a day
  • avoid smoking or drinking alcohol excessively – tobacco can interfere with saliva production, which helps to keep your teeth clean, and alcohol can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel
• Electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. Since plaque is the cause of most dental disease such as cavities and gum disease an electric toothbrush will help keep the mouth healthier. They are especially good for people with reduced dexterity such as people with arthritis or developmental disabilities. Most electric toothbrushes have inbuilt timers which also helps ensure sufficient time is spent brushing. Some also have pressure sensors which alert the user if too much pressure is being applied to the teeth.
Tooth sensitivity is pain experienced when brushing, eating or drinking cold, hot or sweet foods or drinks. This is usually a short, sharp pain that does not linger after the stimulus is removed. Most tooth sensitivity is caused by worn enamel or exposed root surfaces on teeth. It can also be caused by other factors, such as a cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, a worn filling, or gum disease. It is important to visit your dentist and they can identify the cause and advise on treatment. To help prevent tooth sensitivity caused by worn enamel or exposed root surfaces use a soft bristled toothbrush with a nonabrasive toothpaste. Some whitening toothpastes can be abrasive. Use soft, gentle movements when brushing. Do not brush directly after eating. Wait an hour after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth as some foods and drinks can soften the enamel on teeth and this can be worn away when brushed too soon. Try to avoid acidic drinks such as fizzy drinks, sparkling water and fruit juices as these can cause tooth wear. Use a straw if drinking acidic drinks as this will help reduce exposing the teeth to the acid.
As we are evolving our jaws are getting smaller. The wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt and often there is insufficient room for them to fully erupt in the correct position in the mouth. As a result they may only partially erupt and lie at an unusual angle which can cause plaque and food to trap around them resulting in infection.