Monthly Archives

July 2022

Jul 28
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5 Things to Look for When Searching for Dentists in New South Wales, Australia

By Oral Health No Comments

You know that visiting the dentist is a key component of your oral health. But, with nearly 0 practitioners in the area, finding the right dentist can be a challenge. Whether you just moved, or you are simply looking to change dental offices, there are several things to keep in mind as you consider your options. 

When researching dentists in New South Wales, Australia, consider personal recommendations and online reviews. Think about your own particular needs and oral health goals. Most importantly, choose a practice where you feel relaxed and at home. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we are proud to be a trusted dental home for patients across New South Wales. Contact us to learn more about our services and to find out if we are the right practice for you.

1. Someone who can treat the whole family

Dental care is not only important for adults. 25% of children aged 5 to 10 have untreated cavities in their baby teeth.

Look for a dentist who can treat you and your children in the same place. At Magic Smiles, we can often book you and your kids for back-to-back visits for truly convenient care.

2. A practice that performs comprehensive services

Preventive exams and cleanings are essential components of dentistry. However, should problems arise, you want to have a dentist on call who can treat a wide range of issues. 

At Magic Smiles, we can provide full restorative and cosmetic services, including: 

  • Crowns and bridges
  • Fillings
  • Dentures
  • Dental implants
  • Orthodontics
  • Root canal therapy
  • Dental bonding
  • Teeth whitening 
  • Tooth contouring 
  • Gum contouring

Plus, we see both new and existing patients for timely emergency treatment, minimizing dental damage and discomfort as quickly as possible. 

3. A practice with specialists in house

Even if you love your regular physician, you wouldn’t go to him for brain surgery. Why should it be any different for your oral health? For certain treatments, you want the expertise that only a specialist can provide. 

At Magic Smiles, we have three specialists permanently on staff. 

  • An orthodontist
  • A prosthodontist
  • An oral and maxillofacial surgeon

4. An office that offers sedation

If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone – approximately 1 in 6 adults suffer from dental anxiety. When going to the dentist sets your heart racing, it’s important to find an understanding practitioner who will do everything possible to put you at ease. 

We go above and beyond, offering several forms of sedation. You can choose from inhaled sedation (either nitrous oxide or Penthrox). Or if you have more severe anxiety, oral sedation is also an option. 

5. Friendly dentists who make you feel at home

When searching for a dentist, the most important consideration is that you feel comfortable and relaxed at the practice you choose. 

At Magic Smiles, we have a warm, welcoming environment. We work hard to keep our schedule efficient and on time, but you will never feel rushed during treatment. Most importantly, our gentle, compassionate hands will ensure a pleasant and stress-free experience.

Contact Us for Outstanding Dentists in New South Wales, Australia 

If you want to enjoy top-notch dental care, make Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre your first stop. 

Contact our office online to schedule an appointment for yourself or your whole family. 

 

Jul 20
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An x-ray image displaying unerupted wisdom teeth

“Do I really need my wisdom teeth removed?” and Other Third-molar FAQS

By Oral Health No Comments

The human mouth typically contains eight molars to help us grind our food before swallowing. However, a third set of molars–known as wisdom teeth–can erupt, causing more harm than good. In order to protect your oral health, a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon may need to remove them.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team of dedicated specialists can help you remove pesky wisdom teeth. If you or a loved one needs a wisdom tooth extraction, then contact our team now. Patients can schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Woolgoolga or Coffs Harbour, NSW, by requesting it online here.

Not sure if you really need a wisdom tooth extraction? No problem! Our team is here to answer commonly asked questions about third molars.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an auxiliary set of molars that our ancestors once relied upon to help them mash hard-to-digest foods. Humans today, however, have a significantly different diet compared to our ancestors. As a result, the medical and dental community widely regards these teeth as vestigial–or residual–structures that serve little purpose today.

When do third molars erupt?

Unlike other teeth, third molars typically erupt later in a patient’s life. In fact, research suggests that most wisdom teeth erupt around 17 to 26 years of age. However, it’s not uncommon for patients younger than 17 and older than 26 to develop third molars.

What are some signs that my third molars are impacted?

There are several signs that your third molars might be impacted, such as:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Swollen and bloody gums
  • Swelling and pain around the jaw
  • Difficulty speaking or yawning

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then contact our team at Magic Smiles as soon as possible. The sooner we remove impacted third molars, the happier and healthier your mouth will be!

Do I really need my wisdom teeth removed?

In some cases, no. Some patients develop wisdom teeth without any issues, while others never develop them at all. However, the majority of patients who do have third molars will need them removed to prevent numerous complications, such as:

  • Impacted teeth
  • Overcrowded teeth
  • Dental infections
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Jaw pain
  • Headaches

What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?

It depends. If you have wisdom teeth, but you don’t experience any pain or issues with them, then your oral health may remain the same without removing them. However, if you do experience pain and issues with your third molars, then failure to remove them can have devastating results, including:

  • Prolonged pain
  • Dental shifting that can negatively affect your bite alignment
  • Infections that spread to the gum tissue, jawbone, or blood

Patients should have bothersome third molars removed as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage and adverse effects.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Nearly five million people require third molar extractions every year. Are you one of them? Contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today to find out!

Click here to schedule your appointment now. 

Jul 19
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Woman clutches an ice pack to the side of her face before her wisdom teeth removal

Take This Quiz to See How Much You Know about Root Canal Treatment

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

We’ve all heard horror stories about root canal therapy, but how much do you really know about this restorative treatment? You might be shocked to learn that it’s less painful than you may think!

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team is passionate about dentistry. That’s why we offer numerous restorative treatments to help patients reclaim control over their oral and overall health. If you’re ready to talk to our team in Woolgoolga or Coff Harbor, NSW, then request your appointment online here.

Meanwhile, let’s test your knowledge about root canal treatment. Answer these questions to see how much you know!

A root canal is…

  1. A dental instrument
  2. A blood vessel
  3. A tunnel within a tooth
  4. None of the above

 

Answer: C

We commonly hear ‘root canal’ as a term for a dental procedure, but a root canal is a naturally occurring tunnel within our teeth. These tunnels house dental pulp, which is full of nerves, blood vessels, and sensitive tissue.

You might need root canal treatment if…

  1. You have a dental abscess
  2. You have a tooth infection
  3. You have a cracked tooth
  4. All of the above

 

Answer: D

When bacteria enter the dental pulp inside our teeth, the tissue inside gets contaminated. This can result in a painful tooth infection that manifests as a bump, or dental abscess, on the gums. 

Oftentimes, a large cavity is responsible for eating away at teeth and gaining access to dental pulp. However, other dental damage (like a cracked tooth) can expose dental pulp, which will require root canal treatment.

Root canal therapy is very painful. True or False?

  1. True
  2. False

 

Answer: B

In the past, root canal therapy was extremely painful. However, root canals today are virtually painless thanks to local anesthesia and sedatives. Residual discomfort following the procedure may occur, but most patients can quell the pain with over-the-counter painkillers. Typically, patients leave our office feeling far less pain than when they walked in!

Root canals are not a successful dental solution. True or False?

  1. True
  2. False

 

Answer: B

Research indicates that root canals have an extremely high success rate of approximately 94%. This means that root canals give patients long-term relief from dental infections, which leads to a healthier mouth and smile.

What do dentists use to fill in a tooth after removing the infected pulp inside a tooth?

  1. Gutta-percha
  2. Gum
  3. Metal
  4. None of the above

 

Answer: A

Once our team removes the infected pulp inside a tooth, we must fill in the empty root canal to prevent more bacteria from entering the tooth. In most procedures, our team uses a material known as gutta-percha to fill in the empty space. 

Gutta-percha is a rubber-like substance that comes from a tree commonly found in Southeast Asia. The substance is biocompatible, meaning it works with the body rather than against it.

After the procedure, a dentist must cover the tooth with a dental crown. True or False?

  1. True
  2. False

 

Answer:  A

Filling in the tooth with gutta percha is just one way to protect an affected tooth from further damage. The second line of defense is a durable restoration, like a dental crown. These strong, ceramic coverings support the structural integrity of teeth and protect them from bacteria.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you think that you might need root canal therapy, then don’t delay. Call Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre for a consultation today. Our team will help you fight the pain and restore your smile.

To request an appointment at one of our three locations, send our team a secure message online here.

Jul 17
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An illustration showing how dental fillings work

Four FAQs about Dental Fillings

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

If you have worn tooth enamel or cavities, then you may need dental fillings to repair your smile. Dental fillings are just one way that a restorative dentist can help you strengthen your teeth and prevent worsening oral health conditions.

 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our team of dedicated dentists are here to help you get the healthy and happy smile that you deserve. So, if you suspect that you might have a cavity, then don’t wait–schedule an appointment to discuss dental fillings with a New South Wales dentist now. New and existing patients can request an appointment online here.

 

Meanwhile, let our team answer four frequently asked questions (FAQs) about tooth fillings. Using this information might help you make the right decision for your smile and oral health.

What are dental fillings made from?

In the past, dentists used a blend of metals to fill in cavities or worn tooth enamel. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that this metallic blend typically contains about 50% elemental mercury by volume. And, elemental mercury is a well-known neurotoxin. So, most dentists today no longer use metal to fill cavities or strengthen weak enamel.

 

Today, dental professionals use composite resin as fillings. Composite resin is a biocompatible material, so patients don’t have to worry about heavy metals seeping into their bloodstreams. 

 

Not only do composite dental fillings work better with our bodies, but they are more aesthetically-pleasing, too. No more dark, metal dental fillings–just seamless, tooth-colored fill-ins!

How long do dental fillings last?

Research suggests that the majority of composite dental fillings last for approximately seven years before needing replacement. However, newer research indicates that proper dental hygiene and maintenance could allow patients to enjoy their dental fillings for more than 10 years.

 

So, get the most out of your dental fillings by brushing after every meal, flossing at least once a day, and visiting our dental team for regular dental exams and cleanings.

How do I care for a new dental filling?

Besides brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and scheduling regular dental visits, patients should protect their new tooth fillings by:

  • Avoiding excessively sticky or hard foods
  • Using dentist-approved toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Wearing mouthguards for teeth grinding or during high-contact activities

 

Taking these precautions will prevent a new dental filling from falling out or getting damaged.

Does getting a dental filling hurt?

At Magic Smiles, we prioritize our patients’ comfort. That’s why we use top-of-the-line numbing agents and sedatives. So, patients who need a dental filling shouldn’t feel any pain during their treatment.

 

Nonetheless, patients may experience some slight pressure or discomfort during their procedure. Ordinarily, the procedure is pain-free, but some patients report minor sensitivity following their appointments. Typically, the sensitivity resides within a couple hours, allowing patients to get back to their regular activities. 

See if dental fillings are right for you–schedule a consultation!

If you think that you might need tooth fillings, then don’t delay–schedule an appointment at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today. Patients can easily request an appointment online here.