Monthly Archives

October 2022

Oct 26
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Side-by-side comparison of teeth with cavities and teeth with teeth fillings in place.

Teeth Fillings 101: Everything You Want to Know

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Our teeth play an important role in our lives. They help us speak, bite, chew, and smile. But, if damage or decay sets in, then our teeth are likely to weaken over time. And, when our teeth are weak, our oral health suffers. Luckily, restorative dentistry options (like teeth fillings) are an excellent way to repair a damaged smile while also enhancing your oral and overall health. 

Serving patients in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, NSW, the family at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is here to repair and restore your smile. From dental fillings to dentures, we have it all. So, don’t wait for damage or cavities to get worse–contact our team today to schedule an exam.

One way that our talented dentists can address dental damage and decay is with tooth fillings (also called dental fillings). In this post, our team tells you everything you want to know about fillings. 

What are tooth fillings?

As the name suggests, dental fillings clog (or fill in) areas of weakness caused by disease, injury, or overbrushing. 

Oftentimes, we use fillings to prevent cavities from spreading further. Other times, however, we may use tooth fillings to strengthen weak teeth or cover damage (like fracture lines, chips, and cracks). 

Whatever the case, dental fillings are a remarkably versatile, safe, and effective way to repair a damaged smile.

What kinds of dental fillings are there?

Dental professionals can use many different materials to fill in cavities or pits, such as:

  • Gold
  • Silver amalgam
  • Porcelain 
  • Composite resin

At Magic Smiles, our team strongly recommends composite resin dental fillings. These types of fillings are tooth-colored, which allows patients to seamlessly repair their grins. Furthermore, composite fillings:

  • Require less preparation
  • Are more biocompatible than metal fillings
  • Can address more dental issues (especially in the front teeth)

Does it hurt to get a tooth filling?

During treatment, patients should not feel any pain. We completely numb the treatment site before injecting local anesthesia to eliminate pain during the procedure. However, patients may still feel some light pressure during their treatment. 

If you feel even the slightest bit of pain, please let us know. Your comfort is our number one priority! 

How long does a dental filling last?

Depending on the material used, dental fillings may last for several years. For example, gold, silver, and porcelain fillings may last for 15 years, while composite resin fillings may last for only ten years.

Regardless of which material you choose, you can ensure and lengthen the lifespan of your filling by:

  • Conducting daily oral hygiene practices (like twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing)
  • Limiting troublesome behaviour (like opening packages with the teeth or munching on ice)
  • Visiting a dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning

Ask Us If Tooth Fillings Are Right For You

Have more questions about restorative dentistry? No problem! Contact the friendly team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today. We’ll gladly help you choose treatments that fortify your smile without sacrificing your comfort or budget. Just send our team a message here to get started!

Oct 20
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3d render of jaw with a dental bridge

5 Dental Bridge Facts

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Restoring missing teeth is a big deal, and every option should be carefully considered. If you’ve researched your restorative dentistry options, a dental bridge has likely popped up. 

To learn more about how a dental bridge can improve your smile, contact our friendly dental team at Magic Smiles. Our Woolgoolga dentists can evaluate your smile and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this restorative treatment option. 

Get more familiar with dental bridges by reading this blog! Here are five important facts to know before getting a dental bridge: 

1. A dental bridge replaces one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. 

A dental bridge is one of the most common tooth-replacement options. A traditional dental bridge (the most common type of bridge) comprises two dental crowns with pontics (false teeth) between the crowns. All parts are attached, so the bridge can only replace one, two, or three missing teeth in a row.  

2. There are different types of dental bridges.

The different types of dental bridges are: 

  • Conventional or Traditional: A traditional bridge is the best option for your smile if you have two healthy teeth on either side of the gap. 
  • Maryland: Often used to replace front teeth, the pontic is fixed to the back of the neighboring teeth with metal or porcelain wings. 
  • Cantilever: A cantilever bridge may be needed if you only have one tooth next to the missing tooth or teeth. 

Some dentists only offer conventional dental bridges because they are the most reliable and effective option. In contrast, Maryland and cantilever bridges often fail or need to be replaced after a few years. 

3. Some dental bridges require alteration to neighboring teeth. 

When placing a traditional or cantilever dental bridge, the dentist needs to remove enamel from the neighboring teeth or tooth. The dentist takes a special tool to grind the enamel down so that the crown or crowns fit securely over the teeth. This means that the patient will always need a crown on top of those teeth, even if their bridge is removed. 

4. Dental bridges do require special care (but not too much!). 

It’s important to care for your dental bridge properly. Brushing and floss should still be a part of your daily routine, even though you won’t be able to floss between your crowns and pontic. However, plaque and tartar can accumulate in the area between the pontic and the gums. A floss threader, interdental brush, or a water pick should be used to clean this area daily. 

5. There are alternatives to a dental bridge. 

If you are curious about other restorative dentistry options, ask your dentist about dentures and dental implants. 

Dentures are best suited for people who are missing an entire arch of teeth and who aren’t willing or able to undergo implant surgery. 

Dental implants are the only tooth-replacement option that replaces the tooth root. The implants can be attached to a crown, bridge, or denture. This option is permanent and can last for decades. 

Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, and Dentures in Woolgoolga

Learn about your tooth replacement options at one of our three locations: Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour. Call today to schedule your initial consultation!

Oct 12
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Man holds partial dentures in his hand

How healthy are your dentures? Take this quiz to find out!

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Whether partial or complete, your dentures require daily maintenance and upkeep. Although denture care is relatively easy, choosing the right products and techniques may not be. Fortunately, our restorative dentists are here to help.

 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we take great pride in teaching our patients how to properly care for their dentures. But, even with the proper care, patients should get their dental restorations checked regularly to assess their fit and function. Get your restorations checked today by our team in Woolgoolga, or Coffs Harbour, NSW, by sending our team an appointment request online.

 

Meanwhile, let’s test your knowledge about denture care. You might be surprised to learn that your dentures aren’t as healthy as they can be.

You should rinse your dentures after snacks, meals, and sugary drinks.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

True. Patients should remove and rinse their dentures with warm (never hot!) water after eating snacks or meals or after drinking sugary beverages. Not rinsing dentures after eating and drinking leaves patients vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth, irritation, and infection.

You should wear dentures while sleeping.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

False. Dental professionals recommend removing dentures nightly to disinfect the appliances in an overnight soaking solution. Nightly removal also gives the gums time to rest and recover, which limits the risk of contact ulcers in the mouth.

You should soak, disinfect, and remove denture stains with bleach.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

False. Patients should never use bleach or bleach-containing products to soak or clean dentures. Bleach can weaken the appliance, which can alter its performance and the way it feels in the mouth. Additionally, bleach can change the color of restorations in unpredictable and unappealing ways.

 

Instead, patients should use dentist-approved denture cleansers, like these safe and effective products.

Whitening toothpastes can brighten a dull denture.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

False. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can scratch the surface of dentures. These micro-scratches can worsen stains and rob restorations of their lifelike shine.

 

Patients should use hydrogen peroxide and a soft-bristled toothbrush to lift stains from the appliance without damaging it.

You need to continue brushing your mouth after getting dentures.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

True. Even though patients may have no natural teeth remaining, they should still brush their mouths every day. Brushing the gums, tongue, and hard palate keeps bacteria at bay while also removing denture adhesive and other irritants from the mouth.

A dentist should assess the fit and function of a denture yearly.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

True. Experts recommend dental checkups every six to 12 months to keep dentures working comfortably and effectively. In fact, regular dental checkups at Magic Smiles can help patients keep their restorations functioning optimally for 15 years or longer!

Considering dentures? Schedule a consultation today!

Don’t let tooth loss keep you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Contact Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today to discuss your restorative options. 

 

Patients can conveniently reach one of three locations by submitting an online appointment request here.

 

 

Oct 05
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woman needing dental cleanings and orthodontics

Dental Cleanings & Orthodontics: 3 Benefits

By Dental Checkup No Comments

There are several benefits connected to dental cleanings and orthodontics. It is recommended that patients receive dental cleanings twice a year, and sometimes even more often depending on the patient’s oral health. 

Patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment especially need to schedule regular dental cleanings to combat sensitivity, avoid excess plaque buildup, and prevent decalcification.  

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, our doctors are passionate about helping patients with all oral health needs achieve optimal oral health. Call our Woolgoolga dentist to schedule your appointment. 

Here are three benefits of dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment: 

1. Maintain Oral Health

Braces make oral hygiene much more difficult than brushing or flossing without braces. Therefore, it is even more important to visit the dentist for a dental cleaning while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Dentists have the tools and techniques to clean the difficult-to-reach parts of your teeth and mouth, helping you maintain optimal oral health and avoid issues like cavities and gum disease.

Additionally, if they detect early signs of decay or disease, they can treat it immediately or schedule a follow-up appointment for the appropriate treatment. 

Your dentist will also be happy to discuss tools you can buy to make cleaning your teeth at home easier and more effective. He or she may recommend a Waterpik®, electric toothbrush, or other oral hygiene products. 

2. Avoid Excess Plaque Buildup

Plaque buildup can quickly lead to gum disease. In the early stages, a regular dental cleaning may reverse the gum disease. However, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning (or scaling and root planing) to remove any hardened plaque along the gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can turn into an irreversible and destructive issue. 

Another key to avoiding plaque buildup is flossing. If flossing feels impossible for you, there are other tools to help; such as floss picks, floss brushes, and even a Waterpik®. An electric toothbrush is truly optimal for orthodontic patients as studies reveal they can remove 21% more plaque over a three-month period and reduce gingivitis by 11%. 

3. Prevent Decalcification

A high fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse can prevent decalcification, the loss of calcium in the enamel, that can appear where the brackets used to be. These spots on the teeth appear white and chalky. This usually happens if too much tartar builds up around the brackets.

Brushing and flossing properly at home and visiting the dentist at least every six months can reduce your risk of decalcification, so there are no surprises when your braces are removed. 

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning

If you have braces, it is especially important to visit the dentist for a dental cleaning at least every six months. To avoid issues like decalcification, gum disease, and sensitivity, you may want to visit more frequently! 

Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre offers three convenient locations to get dental cleanings; Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga. Our team can’t wait to serve you! Schedule your dental cleaning with Magic Smiles today.