Monthly Archives

August 2022

Aug 31
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Gentle Dentist Explains: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sedation

By Sedation Dentistry No Comments

Going to the dentist shouldn’t be cause for alarm. But if you are one of the millions who suffer from dental anxiety, the experience can be pretty overwhelming. Fortunately, when you choose a compassionate, experienced, and gentle dentist, dental care can be smooth and stress-free. Plus, sedation dentistry can further calm your nerves and make your appointment go by in the blink of an eye!

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we offer three types of sedation. We will discuss your options prior to your appointment, helping you to select the best sedation method for your needs.

To learn more about sedation or to ask any additional questions not covered here, please contact a member of our team.

Who is a candidate for dental sedation?

1 in 6 adults and 1 in 10 children suffer from dental anxiety. 5% of Australians suffer from more severe dental phobia. Patients with anxiety may experience heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, or difficulty sleeping the night before a dental visit. Dental phobia can be crippling, causing patients to delay necessary dental care for years. 

Your dentist will need to check with your physician if you suffer from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or respiratory disease. However, with careful monitoring, many patients with these conditions are still able to receive sedation. 

Dental sedation is also appropriate for patients who do not have anxiety but are preparing for a lengthier procedure, such as an extraction or implant surgery.

What are the different types of sedation?

At Magic Smiles, we have three sedation options.

  • Nitrous oxide: This odorless, colorless gas is also known as “happy gas” or “laughing gas.” You will inhale it through a face mask, while a member of our team carefully monitors the amount you receive, making adjustments as needed. 
  • Penthrox®: Penthrox, the brand name for methoxyflurane, is another clear inhaled gas with similar effects to nitrous oxide.
  • Oral sedation: If you suffer from more intense dental anxiety, oral sedation may be the solution. We will prescribe anti-anxiety medications, which will make you extremely relaxed so that you may even fall asleep during your treatment. 

Is sedation safe?

Yes! Dental sedation has very few side effects. The few effects it does have – such as nausea and sleepiness – are very mild and wear off quickly. Moreover, we closely adhere to the sedation guidelines provided by the Australian Dental Association. 

Can kids receive dental sedation?

Absolutely! Children need lower doses of medication, but when they are given the right amounts, sedation is safe for little patients. 

The Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry reminds parents of the importance of fasting prior to a child receiving sedation. We are happy to provide further instructions about preparing your child for his or her appointment.

Schedule an Appointment with a Gentle Dentist 

With our personalized, compassionate approach, there is no reason to delay your dental care. Contact us to learn more about sedation or to book an appointment.

Aug 24
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Dentists in Coffs Harbour Explain Teething and What New Parents Should Expect

By Oral Health No Comments

New parenthood is a wild ride, and few words instill as much trepidation as “teething.” But what exactly should you expect? Our dentists in Coffs Harbour understand your concern about your child’s oral health. We want to guide you through this important stage of growing up, helping both you and your baby to feel more comfortable. 

Most importantly, at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we want your baby to enjoy a healthy smile for life. When it is time for his or her first visit, we will conduct a gentle, thorough cleaning and provide tips for good oral hygiene at home. 

Whether you have questions about teething or you want to schedule an appointment for your child, contact our office today.

When does a baby start teething? 

On average, a baby will get his or her first tooth around the age of 6 months. However, this can vary greatly from child to child. Some babies will begin teething as early as 4 months, while others may not start until closer to a year. 

How long does it take for baby teeth to come in?

Every child has 20 baby teeth, which should all erupt by the time he or she is about three years old. 

It usually takes about 8 days for each tooth to come in fully – 4 days before the tooth appears and 3 days afterwards. During this time, teething symptoms will be most pronounced.

What are the symptoms of teething? 

Teething tends to cause certain common symptoms. Unfortunately, a large percentage of parents ascribe serious, non-related symptoms to teething. Common signs of teething include:

  • Red, sore gums
  • Rubbing ears
  • Flushed cheeks
  • Dribbling and chewing on things more than usual
  • Fussiness
  • Interrupted sleep
  • A low temperature of less than 38 degrees

If your child has a higher temperature, diarrhoea, or other problems, you should contact your pediatrician. 

How can I ease my child’s discomfort? 

Aside from extra snuggles, there are several ways to help reduce teething symptoms. These include:

  • Chilled teethers (Do not freeze them, as this can make them too hard.)
  • Gentle gum massages, using your fingers or a damp cloth
  • Children’s paracetamol (Be sure to check with your doctor about the proper dosage.)

Note that the ACCC has issued a warning against amber teething necklaces, as they can pose a choking hazard. 

How do I care for my baby’s new teeth?

Begin brushing as soon as your baby’s first tooth appears. Use a small, soft-bristled brush. The Australian Dental Association advises parents to use only water for the first months. Do not introduce toothpaste until your child is 18 months old. 

As soon as your child has two adjacent teeth, you should begin flossing. 

When should my baby visit the dentist?

Schedule your child’s first dental visit when the first tooth comes in. Even if he or she does not have any teeth, you should make an appointment by their first birthday.

Schedule an Appointment with Compassionate Dentists in Coffs Harbour

Contact our practice today to make an appointment. We are also happy to answer any teething questions you may have or discuss eligibility for the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

Aug 10
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Who was the best dentist in history? Six Dentists Everyone Should Know!

By Sedation Dentistry No Comments

How many famous dentists could you name? If you are like most people, not many! So when it comes to naming the best dentist in history, you probably come up short. In reality, there have been many figures who have made vital contributions to the field. Whether they pioneered the science of dentistry itself, introduced dental sedation, or invented cutting-edge techniques in the modern era, the following 6 dentists deserve a place in the history books. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we are proud to stand on the shoulders of giants. We combine advanced technology, specialized training, and a friendly, compassionate manner to provide the highest level of care. 

Though we may not claim to be the best dentists in history, many of our loyal patients would say we are the best dentist they’ve ever had. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. 

1. Hesy-Ra

The first named dentist in history, Hesy-Ra was an important official in Ancient Egypt. One of his many titles is translated alternately as “Great One of the Dentists” and “Great One of the Ivory Cutters.”

2. Pierre Fauchard

Pierre Fauchard, who lived from 1678 to 1761, is known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry.” His influential work, Le Chirurgien Dentiste, detailed everything currently known about oral health and helped make dental care a true science. Prior to Fauchard, most “dental professionals” in Europe were amateur “tooth-pullers” who offered their services at fairs and festivals.

Today, Fauchard is the namesake of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, an organization that recognizes leaders in the dental field.

3. William Morton

Imagine facing dental surgery without any anesthesia. Before William Morton, that is exactly what you would have had to do. Morton was an American physician who lived from 1819 to 1868. In 1846, he gave a public demonstration using inhaled ether (an anesthesia) during surgery. Morton’s display helped make surgical anesthesia an accepted practice.

Unfortunately, he also claimed to be the inventor of anesthesia, a claim which is widely disputed. 

4. Joseph Hyams

Joseph Hyams is considered Australia’s first dentist. A convict, he was sentenced for an unknown crime and sent to the penal colonies in 1813. 

While Hyams deserves a place in Australian history, he certainly would not qualify as the best dentist. Untrained in dentistry, he eventually returned to crime.

5. Annie Praed 

Annie Praed was the first female dentist in Australia. Praed graduated from the University of Sydney in 1906 at the top of her class. After visiting England for a year, she returned to Sydney, where she set up practice with a classmate. She later opened a solo practice and specialized in prosthodontics. Praed was a leader in numerous Australian dental associations before her death in 1948.

6. Per-Ingvar Branemark 

A Swedish physician, Branemark made an accidental discovery that led to the revolutionary invention of dental implants. When researching the effects of blood flow on bone healing, he found that titanium fuses with bone tissue. He called this process osseointegration and realized that titanium could support replacement teeth.

Implants produced and sold by Nobel Biocare are™ known as the Branemark System.

Looking for the Best Dentist in Your Area? Contact Magic Smiles

Whether you are looking for routine preventive care, dental implants, or cosmetic treatment, the dentists at Magic Smiles work hard to provide historically great care!

Contact our office today to book an appointment.

Aug 10
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Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening in Coffs Harbour

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Are you interested in brightening your smile but not sure where to start? Our knowledgeable dentists are here to discuss your cosmetic dentistry options for safe, gentle, and effective teeth whitening.  

Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre offers in-office and take-home whitening treatments for quick and convenient teeth whitening results in the Coffs Harbour area.  

How do I get started? 

One of our dentists can explain the benefits of teeth whitening during your periodic dental cleaning and check-up appointment. Teeth whitening works best when your teeth are clean and healthy. In fact, the best time for teeth whitening is after a dental cleaning!

Whitening treatment does not work on existing restorations such as crowns and bridges. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for teeth with decay or gums in need of treatment. Our team can help you prioritize the treatment you need for the brightest smile you deserve. 

What teeth whitening system do you use? 

Our office only uses Philips Zoom, which is the most trusted whitening product on the market. Zoom is also one of the most well-known in-office whitening treatments available. If you are in need of quick results for a special event, Zoom may be the perfect fit.

Philips also offers an extensive line of take-home whitening gels for long-lasting and convenient results. This option is perfect for patients who are unsure of the results they desire or those who need the convenience of at-home whitening.  

What is the process like? 

The Philips Zoom in-office whitening treatment can take several hours to complete. We recommend our patients bring earbuds to listen to music during the treatment. Hands-free entertainment is best. There will be breaks between whitening sessions to stretch your legs. The number of sessions depends on the current shade of your teeth. Our team will be there to make sure your comfort is top priority during these sessions.  

If you want to try Philips take-home whitening kit, a quick appointment to take impressions is necessary. Impressions are used to make molds of your teeth for a custom-fit tray that delivers the right amount of whitening gel. A helpful team member will go over instructions and assist you with trying on the trays to ensure a comfortable fit.  

What results can I expect? 

Whether you choose the in-office Zoom whitening or take-home kit, you can expect to see your smile brightened by several shades. Zoom in-office whitening treatment offers immediate results that continue to work even after you leave the office. To achieve your best results, it is important to follow all the instructions given to you during your appointment. 

For a long-term result that you will continue to love, we recommend you follow-up Zoom whitening with the take-home whitening kit. This is especially helpful if you enjoy drinking dark beverages such as coffee, tea, or wine. We find it is often necessary to continue whitening at home to maintain your brightest smile. 

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening in Coffs Harbour Appointment

When you’re ready to get started, schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Let our team help you discover the best teeth whitening option to fit your specific needs! Contact us today at one of our three locations.