Monthly Archives

June 2022

Jun 27
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two girls smiling-cost of dental bridges

Types and Cost of Dental Bridges

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Missing teeth hurt your self-esteem and your dental health. A dental bridge boosts your self-confidence and improves your oral health by restoring the look and function of your teeth. Magic Smiles is here to explain the types and cost of dental bridges so you can make the right decision for your smile.

Dr. Pathak and our team at Magic Smiles are experienced in placing traditional and implant-supported dental bridges. We may recommend either of these options to patients who are missing one or more consecutive teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridges

In order to be a good candidate for traditional dental bridges, you must have two healthy teeth, one on either side of the gap. These teeth will be fitted with crowns in order to support your new dental bridge. 

Cost

The cost of traditional bridges may vary depending on the number of teeth you need. Typically, these bridges may cost anywhere between $1500 to $6000 with an average of $700-$1500 per tooth. This is a long-term investment, as traditional bridges last 10 or more years with the proper care. 

Regular brushing and flossing as well as regular dental cleanings are still an important part of taking care of your smile. Dental bridges need to be maintained just like your natural teeth to extend their lifespan.

Implant-Supported Dental Bridges

One of the problems that occurs following tooth loss is bone loss. Without the tooth root to stimulate it, your jaw bone will start to deteriorate over time. Traditional bridges may replace your missing teeth, but they do not effectively stimulate your jaw. 

Implant-supported dental bridges are a reliable way to both restore your smile and protect your jaw bone. Dental implants are titanium pegs that act as prosthetic roots for your teeth. You new dental bridge is attached to these posts, replacing both your teeth and their roots.

Dental implants are safe and effective, and once healed, they feel just like your natural teeth. In order to be a good candidate for dental implants, you must have good overall oral health and no pre-existing conditions that could affect the osseointegration process.

Cost

The cost of implant-supported dental bridges is greater than traditional bridges. Depending on the number of implants needed, and the size and material of the bridge, implant-supported bridges can range from $3,500 to $30,000 or more. 

Some insurance covers replacement teeth, depending on the specifics of your policy. Usually, dental insurance may cover up to 50% of the cost of dental bridges but this varies by company. 

Although they are expensive, implants are safe and reliable. Studies have shown that implant supported prosthetics have a survival rate of more more than 90%. Additionally, no other prosthetic options properly stimulate your jaw bone.

Dental Bridges in New South Wales

The gap left behind by tooth loss can collect bacteria, increasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Are you experiencing jaw pain after tooth loss? Missing teeth can make you rely more heavily on one side of your mouth to eat, resulting in problems with your jaw. 

Replacing missing teeth is essential to protecting your oral health. With advanced technology and an experienced team, Magic Smiles can take care of all your restorative dentistry needs. Our doctors are trained to place implants, so you will not need a referral to an outside specialist.To learn more about restorative dentistry or to discuss the cost of dental bridges, schedule an appointment today. You can contact us online or call (02) 6654-0650 to start your journey to a healthier smile.

Jun 16
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Girl looks concerned after addressing teeth grinding in New South Wales

Dental Crowns: Why do they feel loose?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

At some point in your life, you might need dental crowns or “caps.” Dental crowns are artificial teeth that act as a protective outer layer of the tooth, which can prolong the life of your natural teeth. If you have severely damaged or decayed teeth, Dr. Arpit Pathak and the Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre team might recommend placing a dental crown as part of restorative dentistry treatment. Find out more information about our various dental crown options at our Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW, dental offices by reaching out online.

Dental crowns look, feel, and function like natural teeth when properly placed. On the other hand, a loose crown can cause more problems than you might imagine. Aside from imperfect dental work, here are six other factors that might cause dental crowns to detach:

1. Physical Trauma

If you take a blow where a dental crown was placed, it can become loose or influence what’s beneath the restoration. For example, physical trauma can loosen the bonding agent. In other cases, the tooth underneath the dental crown can become fractured.

2. Bruxism

Bruxism is the unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, which are not part of ordinary chewing actions. This condition is not only detrimental to your jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but bruxism can loosen, crack, and break your dental work.

3. Underlying Tooth Decay

Even though the crown itself cannot experience tooth decay, the underlying tooth can—beneath dental crowns, dentin, tooth root, and other dental structures are still intact. So, if the protected tooth starts to deteriorate along the gumline, the bonding agent that holds the dental crown in place and the tooth begin to break down. Ultimately, the crown will feel loose or even fall out.

4. Chewy and Sticky Foods

Please don’t let a snack dislodge your dental work. Commonly, chewy and sticky foods force dental crowns out of alignment. Sticky candies (like caramels) are especially hazardous since they slowly break the cement’s seal and can yank the restoration off the tooth.

5. Ill-Fitting Dental Crowns

Ideally, dental crowns have adequate size, length, and shape to blend in seamlessly with your smile. The underlying tooth serves as secure seating for a perfectly fitted crown. Once bonded, dental crowns shouldn’t loosen or come off easily.

However, your dental crown might feel like it’s about to fall off if the underlying tooth is inadequate, imperfectly shaped, or simply doesn’t fit. With brand new dental crowns, dentists typically notice a bad fit and take corrective steps before you realize that there’s an issue. Still, if you notice a bad fit with a crown that has been otherwise dependable for an extensive period, that could mean something has shifted, broken, or altered.

6. Older Dental Work

Sometimes, the fit of the crown is not the problem. Almost all crowns are cemented or bonded onto the natural tooth structure. After many years, the cement washes away. Consequently, the crown might loosen or fall off.

Wobbly dental crowns? Visit Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre

Even though loose dental crowns can be unsettling or uncomfortable, this is a relatively common issue. Luckily, if you act quickly and the underlying teeth and crown are not damaged, your dentist can recement the same crown. Call (02) 6652-3242 or message us online to schedule an appointment. The sooner, the better.

Jun 11
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woman hiding chipped teeth with her hands

Restorative Dentist Explains How to Care For and Repair a Chipped Tooth

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Suppose you’ve just crunched down on some hard candy or ice, then you notice a hard particle that doesn’t dissolve. Next, you get a sinking feeling as you realize what it is: it’s a tiny fragment of your tooth.

Restorative dentist Dr. Arpit Pathak offers restorative dentistry treatments to help you reclaim confidence in your smile and wellness. Have you recently chipped your tooth? If so, first book an appointment at our Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW location as soon as possible. Secondly, read and follow these instructions:

How to Care for a Chipped Tooth

If you’ve accidentally chipped or broken a tooth, don’t panic. After scheduling a visit with your restorative dentist, take these precautions until you can meet with an oral health professional:

  • Manage Pain: If you’re experiencing dental pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a saltwater rinse.
  • Adjust Your Mealtime Habits: When eating, avoid biting down on the fractured tooth and try to eat soft foods.
  • Protect Your Mouth: If your fractured tooth has a jagged or sharp edge, cover the uneven surface with a piece of paraffin wax. This can temporarily protect your tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues.

How a Restorative Dentist Can Repair a Chipped Tooth

Treatment for a chipped or broken tooth is highly dependent on how seriously it is damaged:

Dental Bonding

Suppose you’ve chipped off a small amount of dental enamel. If this is the case, your restorative dentist can fix the damage with dental bonding in a single visit. Some patients prefer dental bonding because it’s affordable, quick, and straightforward. Generally, patients do not require anesthesia because they feel little to no discomfort during this procedure.

Porcelain Veneers

Although porcelain veneers are often associated with cosmetic dentistry, they can also be a long-lasting way to mend chipped teeth. Generally, a restorative dentist can attach porcelain veneers in two visits. 

Compared to other dental procedures (such as dental crowns and dental implants), porcelain veneers are conservative. Your restorative dentist will save as much of your natural tooth structure as possible before attaching the dental veneer.

Dental Crown

For larger chips or damaged molars, we suggest dental crowns. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the tooth root. Typically, your restorative dentist can place a dental crown can in as little as two visits. 

If you have extensive structural damage, a custom-made crown can protect your tooth while relieving sensitivity. Dental crowns can last for years, depending on the type of crown, your restorative dentist’s skill-set, and how you treat your teeth.

Dental Implant

Seeing your restorative dentist as soon as possible could help protect your tooth from further damage and infection–potentially causing you to lose your tooth if you wait too long. 

Suppose this is the case, then your best restorative option in this worst-case scenario (tooth loss) is a dental implant. A dental implant-supported restoration is a highly successful dental device resembling a natural tooth in aesthetics, function, and feel.

See a Restorative Dentist ASAP!

Even though dental enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the human body, it has its limits. Thankfully, Dr. Pathak and his team of restorative dentists can help regain your smile if you damage your teeth. 

Don’t wait for a second longer! Meet with a restorative dentist by contacting one of our New South Wales dental offices:

  • Woolgoolga: (02) 6654-0650
  • Coffs Harbour: (02) 6652-3242
Jun 05
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A Woolgoolga dentist works on a patient's mouth

Our Woolgoolga Dentist Answers Four Questions You Should Ask at Every Checkup

By Dental Checkup No Comments

Dental checkups should be a part of your yearly health routine. These appointments help our Woolgoolga dentist determine the state of your oral health, but that’s not all. Regular dental checkups give you time to ask our team important questions about your dental health.

If you want to speak with our knowledgeable team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre now, then send us a quick message online. In the meantime, let our team of dental professionals address some little-known questions that you should be asking at every dental checkup. 

1. How can I avoid gum disease?

Experts estimate that approximately half of all adults have some form of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). This progressive disease destroys gum tissue, which leads to tooth loss and jawbone recession. 

So, when patients ask us how to avoid gum disease, we always tell them:

  • Brush after every meal or at least twice a day
  • Floss daily
  • Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
  • Schedule dental checkups and cleanings at least every six months 

2. Am I using the right toothpaste and toothbrush?

Using the right oral hygiene products can make a world of difference in your oral health. For example, using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away tooth enamel. Similarly, whitening toothpastes can cause minor tooth sensitivity. That’s why it’s important to ask our team for help finding the right products for you. 

We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush (preferably electric!) and non-abrasive toothpaste. These products will preserve tooth enamel while removing harmful plaque buildup on the teeth. 

Need recommendations for particular oral hygiene products? No problem! We’ll gladly help you explore your options.

3. Could my diet be affecting my oral health?

Our diets play a major role in our overall health, including our oral health. Discussing your diet with our dental team could help you limit damaging behaviors and problematic foods that affect your mouth and body.

Here are some foods and drinks that our Woolgoolga dentist recommends avoiding if you want to preserve the health and appearance of your teeth and gums:   

  • Sugary foods and drinks 
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Overly acidic foods and drinks (like sour candies and lemonade)
  • Highly pigmented foods and drinks (like red wine, coffee, and tea)
  • Tobacco products
  • Alcohol

As with most things in life, moderation is key. So, while sweets and sodas are fine every once in a while, patients should still strive to drink plenty of water and eat nutrient-dense foods every day.

4. Am I grinding my teeth at night?

Many of us unknowingly grind our teeth while we sleep. But, this unconscious behavior can have catastrophic effects on our dental health. Fortunately, our team is specially trained to detect signs of grinding or clenching (also known as bruxism).

If you’re unsure if you grind your teeth at night, then let our Woolgoogla dentist know. We’ll look for signs of bruxism, as well as make suggestions on how to protect your teeth at night.  

Schedule a dental checkup today!

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we pride ourselves on educating our patients. So, if you’re ready to see how our knowledgeable team can help you get a better, brighter smile, then schedule a checkup today with our Woolgoolga dentist. 

Getting started is easy–just send our team a message online to request an appointment now!