Monthly Archives

May 2024

May 31
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hand holding model of teeth, placing a dental implant

Are you a candidate for dental implants?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

If you are missing teeth, your restorative options are more diverse than ever before. Along with traditional bridges and dentures, consider dental implants. Once surgically placed in your jawbone, these titanium posts will integrate with your bone tissue. In this way, they will replace your tooth roots and form a solid, durable base for a custom-made dental restoration. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, both our Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbor locations are equipped with the latest technology. Our tools include orthopantomography and cone beam CT scanners. With this digital imaging, Dr. Arpit Pathak can accurately determine your candidacy for dental implants. If you qualify for treatment, these tools will also allow your dentist to create a unique surgical plan with minimal discomfort and recovery time. 

Contact us to find out if you are a candidate for treatment.  

The Number of Teeth You Are Missing

Whether you are missing one, several, or all of your teeth, dental implants may be an option. One implant can support a single crown. Two or more can uphold a bridge. You can even receive a full upper and/or lower denture. The number of implants you will need for a full denture will depend on the anatomy of your mouth. 

Your Jawbone Structure

Once you have lost even one tooth, your jaw will start to recede very quickly. This can often lead to additional tooth loss, and it can change the contours of your lower face. 

Significant jawbone recession can also compromise your ability to receive implants since you must have enough tissue to support the titanium posts. Fortunately, in many cases, a surgical bone graft can replace missing tissue and enable you to undergo further treatment. 

Your Periodontal Health 

Gum disease can also compromise your candidacy for implants. When you struggle with advanced periodontitis, your gums can start to recede and pull away from your tooth roots. If you have implants, gum recession will also affect the stability of the implant posts. 

Gum disease is quite common. Fortunately, many people with periodontitis will still qualify for implants. The disease must be under control, and you must be committed to maintaining good periodontal health. Your dentist may recommend treatment, such as scaling and root planing, before proceeding with implant surgery.

Your Physical Health

Certain health conditions can affect your ability to receive dental implants. One of the most worrisome conditions is diabetes, since it is widely publicized that diabetes can lead to implant failure. In fact, it’s only uncontrolled diabetes that is a concern. Studies show that diabetic patients with healthy HbA1c levels are just as likely to enjoy implant success as non-diabetic patients.

Other concerning health conditions include auto-immune diseases, blood clotting disorders, and cancer. Be sure to discuss your health history with your dentist at your implant consultation. 

Your Lifestyle 

Finally, to qualify for implants, you should be committed to good oral hygiene and habits. This includes daily flossing and brushing, as well as regular dental cleanings. Smoking is a major contributor to implant failure and complications. If you smoke, it won’t automatically disqualify you from dental implants, but for best results, you should commit to quitting before your surgery.

Contact Us to Learn More about Dental Implants 

Book your consultation at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today.

Reach us online. You can also call our Woolgoolga location at (02) 6654-0650 or our Coffs Harbor office at (02) 6652-3242.

May 26
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Smiling man with goatee and shaved head

The Key Differences Between Amalgam and Composite Dental Fillings

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Although dental fillings are among the most common restorative dentistry treatments, they are surrounded by a cloud of confusion and even controversy. Two kinds of fillings are widely available: silver amalgam and composite resin. But while amalgam has been around for centuries, many experts claim that they are dangerous and unnecessary. Meanwhile, composite fillings have soared in popularity, thanks to their cosmetic and health benefits. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre in Coffs Harbor, we exclusively offer composite fillings. Dr. Arpit Pathak can even replace your old metal fillings with composite. Once your new composite fillings are in place, you will enjoy a beautiful smile and complete dental function. 

To learn more about our dental fillings or to schedule a restorative consultation, contact Magic Smiles today.

Composite Dental Fillings Look More Realistic

At first, silver amalgam fillings will usually blend in with your smile. Over the years, however, they can start to show through, giving your teeth a grey tint. 

In contrast, dental composite comes in a broad range of shades, so your dentist can easily find one that is an almost perfect match to your teeth.

Composite Causes Less Wear and Tear on Your Teeth

To prepare your tooth for any type of filling, your dentist will need to remove some dental tissue. This will, of course, include any decayed tissue, plus a bit more to ensure a strong bond for the filling. Many times, however, silver fillings require more tooth preparation than composite. 

Further, if you think back to your basic physics lessons, metal expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Thus, every time you eat or drink something particularly hot or cold, your filling will change shape. Over time, this can weaken your teeth, causing cracks and other damage. 

Composite Is 100% Mercury Free

“Silver amalgam” dental fillings actually contain several additional types of metals, including tin, copper, and liquid mercury. Long-term, excessive exposure to mercury can cause numerous health problems, including:

  • Tremors in the hands, lips and eyelids
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Developmental issues in unborn children

In addition, although the nature of the connection is still being determined, it is known that Alzheimer’s patients have toxic levels of mercury in their brain tissues. Frighteningly, autopsies show that individuals with metal dental fillings have 2 to 5 times more mercury in their bodies than those without amalgam fillings.

Composite is Legal Across the Globe 

Because of the unnecessary health risks associated with silver amalgam, several countries around the world have already banned these dental fillings. Countries that have a general ban on amalgam include Sweden, Norway, the Philippines, and the UAE. Italy has pledged to phase it out by next year; many other countries have plans to do so by 2030. 

In Australia, amalgam fillings are still legal. However, the Australian Dental Association has issued a strong warning against using these dental fillings in pregnant women or patients under the age of 15.

Learn More About Our Tooth-Colored Dental Fillings 

Receive top-of-the-line dental fillings and personalized care when you visit Smiles Dentistry and Implant Centre. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

Reach us online or call us at (02) 6652-3242.

May 14
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woman putting clear dental aligners in her mouth on blue background

5 Reasons to Consider Clear Dental Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

If you are considering orthodontics to improve your oral health and appearance, you have multiple treatment options. While traditional metal braces are a popular and deservedly reliable choice, clear dental aligners are becoming increasingly common. In fact, thanks to advances in orthodontic technology, clear dental aligners can address most of the same concerns as braces in a similar time frame. 

Dr. Amal Pathak and his colleagues at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre are proud to provide clear dental aligners among their many other treatments. When you visit our Coffs Harbor or Woolgoolga office, our orthodontist can evaluate your dental alignment to determine the best treatment for you. 

To learn more about clear aligners and to find out if you are a candidate for treatment, contact Magic Smiles today.

1. Clear Dental Aligners Are Remarkably Subtle

Clear aligners are virtually unnoticeable, even from close range. Thus, their subtlety makes them an ideal option for patients who are embarrassed to wear metal braces. They can be an especially great choice for adults, older teens, and patients who frequently speak or perform in public. 

2. They Are Appropriate for a Diverse Range of Issues

Today’s clear aligners can correct a host of orthodontic problems. These include: 

  • Overbites
  • Underbites
  • Crossbites
  • Open bites
  • Crooked or overlapping teeth
  • Gapped teeth 

In fact, clear dental aligners are appropriate in so many instances that, as of 2020, 40,000 Australians had chosen this orthodontic treatment. 

3. Clear Aligners Are Great for Athletes

If you or your child play contact sports, metal braces can be a hazard. A fall or blow to the face can crack your teeth, cause lacerations on your lips, and damage your orthodontic appliance. Clear dental aligners, however, are smooth and less likely to cause cuts and bruises. 

Of course, no matter what type of orthodontia you undergo, we still recommend wearing an athletic mouthguard during games and practices. You will need to remove your aligner to wear a mouthguard. 

4. You’ll Have Less Risk of Tooth Discoloration

When patients finally have their metal braces removed, they are often dismayed to find that their teeth appear darker than when they first began treatment. This is because it is more difficult to clean your teeth with braces. As a result, dark-colored tartar can begin to build up under the brackets and wires. Over time, tartar can even deplete your dental enamel of important minerals, leaving white spots on your teeth.

Because you can remove clear dental aligners, it is much easier to clean your teeth thoroughly. 

5. You Can Eat Whatever You Want

With traditional braces, some of your favorite foods may be off limits. These can include whole fruits like apples, chewy caramels, very crunchy crisps and pretzels, dense bread, popcorn, and hard candies. Eating these foods can damage braces or leave small food particles stuck behind the appliance. 

If you choose clear aligners, you will remove them to eat, so you won’t have to change your diet. Just be sure to store your aligners properly during your meal and to brush your teeth before putting them back on.

Learn More about the Benefits of Clear Dental Aligners 

To find out if you are a candidate for this popular treatment, contact Magic Smiles today.

Send us a message online. You can also call our Coffs Harbor office at (02) 6652-3242 or our Woolgoolga location at (02) 6654-0650. 

May 07
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Girl in a black dress with her head on her knees

Dentists in Woolgoolga Discuss Oral Health and Eating Disorders 

By Oral Health No Comments

Eating disorders are a serious and growing problem, especially among Australian youth. Those who struggle with eating disorders may suffer from an array of related health concerns. One area that is often overlooked is the effects of eating disorders on oral health. But, as your dentists in Woolgoolga know, dental wellness can be a pivotal factor in treating – and even diagnosing – eating disorders. 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, Dr. Arpit Pathak and his colleagues offer compassionate care to patients of all ages. They understand that eating disorders are a devastating burden, both for those who suffer from them and for their loved ones. They can perform appropriate treatment for any dental damage that may have already occurred. They can also work with your health care team to provide comprehensive care. 

Contact Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre to learn more. 

Eating Disorders: What You Should Know

Approximately 1 million Australians (or 4.5% of the population) are currently suffering from an eating disorder. And 10.5% of the population will or already have experienced an eating disorder in their lifetime. Sadly, these disorders often go undiagnosed. 

There are several forms of eating disorders. The most common include: 

  • Anorexia nervosa: Severe restriction of calories to control weight. 
  • Binge eating disorder: Eating large quantities of food in a short time, often alone and accompanied by intense feelings of guilt or shame.
  • Bulimia nervosa: Periods of binge eating followed by purging via deliberate vomiting, laxative use, restrictive eating, or excessive exercise. 

How Eating Disorders Manifest Themselves in the Mouth 

Bulimia may perhaps have the most noticeable effect on dental health, particularly if a patient induces vomiting. Frequent vomiting can lead to enamel erosion, especially on the back of the top front teeth. These teeth will then be more sensitive and susceptible to decay. Vomiting can also lead to a chronic sore throat and small sores on the soft oral tissues. 

Binge eaters often consume large quantities of sugar or starches at a time. This can greatly increase their risk for tooth decay and gum disease. 

Individuals who struggle with anorexia may suffer from severe malnutrition. Insufficient calcium and iron can weaken teeth, increasing the risk for dental damage and cavities. Without enough Vitamin D, patients often have weaker immune systems and are more at risk for gum disease. 

The Role of Dentists in Addressing Eating Disorders

Dentists can sometimes play a key role in diagnosing eating disorders, especially bulimia. They are often the only ones in a position to observe telltale enamel erosion. And they may be able to recognize unusual dental damage and signs of weakened teeth.

While dentists in Woolgoolga obviously cannot treat eating disorders, they can alert patients’ families to their suspicions and encourage them to seek treatment. They can also provide important treatment to combat dental damage. Services could include fluoride treatments to strengthen dental enamel, crowns to restore cracked teeth, and periodontal care to address gum disease. 

Contact Your Dentists in Woolgoolga 

If you or a loved one is suffering from an eating disorder, routine dental care is all the more important. Schedule an appointment with our dentists in Woolgoolga today. 

Reach us online or call us at (02) 6654-0650.