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Feb 20
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3d render of teeth with different types of dental crown

“Who needs a tooth crown?” and other FAQs

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Dental crowns are a common solution for all types of dental problems. Have a cracked tooth? Have multiple damaged teeth because of teeth grinding? Need a dental bridge? A tooth crown can restore one or more teeth in all of these situations. Patients who have cavities too large for fillings, need a root canal, or have a weakened tooth may also need a dental crown.

Continue reading to learn about the purpose and particulars of tooth crowns.

Is there more than one type of tooth crown?

Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including:

  • Metal
  • Porcelain
  • Ceramic
  • Zirconia
  • Composite resin
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM)
  • Other combinations of materials

Additionally, there are temporary crowns, same-day crowns, and onlays. Temporary tooth crowns are typically made from an acrylic-based material or stainless steel. Same-day crowns are permanent crowns that are created in-office with CAD/CAM technology. Onlays are also called ¾ crowns and only cover a portion of a tooth.

Be sure to talk with your dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of dental crown.

How is a dental crown placed?

For a traditional dental crown, dentists usually require two appointments: one to prepare the tooth and one to place the crown.

The first appointment includes an x-ray, taking a mold of the mouth, shaving down the tooth, and placing a temporary crown.

During the final appointment, the dentist places the custom-made, permanent dental crown using a dental bonding material.

Are there any alternatives to a crown?

Tooth crowns do their jobs so well that there is only one other option for certain situations. For example, a tooth that is discolored or only cosmetically damaged may be a candidate for a veneer which only covers the front surface of the tooth. A dental veneer will prevent the chip or crack from spreading to the inner part or root of the tooth.

How much does a tooth crown cost?

According to colgate.com, a tooth crown can cost between $1100 and $2000. Factors that affect the cost of a tooth crown include:

  • Where you live
  • The dentist you choose
  • The dental crown material
  • Size of the crown
  • Necessary prep work

Talk to your dentist about their payment options as well as how much of the cost would be covered by insurance.

How do I care for a dental crown?

Once a tooth crown has been placed, it doesn’t require any special care. So long as you practice proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, the crown should remain healthy and successful.

Here’s what we mean by “proper oral hygiene”:

  • Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Consume a healthy diet
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Avoid crunchy or hard foods

Some patients with tooth crowns experience dental sensitivity. If you experience this, try using a toothpaste for sensitivity or talk to your dentist about other options to reduce the discomfort.

For More Information About Tooth Crowns

Not sure if you need a dental crown? Have more questions? Our team at Magic Smiles in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour are prepared to meet your needs. We’ll only recommend a dental crown if you absolutely need one and provide other solutions if necessary. Contact us today at one of our convenient locations to schedule an appointment.

Feb 15
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3d white person with a schematic tooth section. 3d image. Isolated white background.

A Simple Explanation of the Root Canal Procedure

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

In the past, root canals have been given a bad name among dental patients. Thankfully, modern root canal procedures are nothing to fear or dread. Techniques and technology have changed so much and for the better, making endodontic treatment more comfortable and simpler than ever before.

So, how do you know if you even need a root canal? Dentists usually recommend this procedure for patients who are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Extreme pain while chewing and biting
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • Sensitive or swollen gums
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Severe dental decay
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Darkening of the gums

One or more of these symptoms may be a sign of a deep cavity, disease caused by a previous filling, or an infection caused by trauma.

The Root Canal Procedure

Diagnosis is the first step to the root canal procedure. This includes taking an x-ray of the tooth. Once diagnosed, the dentist will schedule the next appointment where he will perform the root canal treatment.

Root canal therapy involves the following steps:

1. The setup

First, the dentist administers a local anesthetic to numb the tooth. This ensures the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, a dental dam is placed over the tooth undergoing the root canal, keeping it clean and dry.

2. Opening and cleaning the tooth

To clean out the infected pulp, the dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth, then use small dental instruments to remove the infection from the tooth. The dentist will then shape the pulp and prepare it for the filling.

3. Filling the tooth

Filling the tooth is essential to ensuring that the tooth is protected from further decay and disease. Dentists use a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha to fill in the pulp of the tooth.

4. Seal the tooth

After filling the tooth with gutta-percha, the dentist may place a temporary crown while the permanent one is being crafted.

5. A return visit

During your final visit, a permanent restoration will be placed on the tooth. This crown or bridge will restore function while protecting the tooth from another infection.

After-Care for a Root Canal

In the days after root canal therapy, patients may experience sensitivity, swelling, and/or inflammation. Be sure to talk with your dentist about which symptoms are normal and which symptoms are concerning. Pain that lasts more than a few days is not normal, so call your dentist if this is your experience.

To ensure your mouth heals as quickly as possible, follow your dentist’s after-care guidelines strictly. These will likely include eating soft foods that require very little chewing, such as:

  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Applesauce
  • Yogurt
  • Ice cream
  • Smoothies
  • Mashed potatoes

Patients should brush and floss normally but be cautious around the root-canaled tooth.

Careful and Comfortable Root Canal Therapy in Woolgoolga

Are you suffering from dental pain or other unnatural oral health symptoms? Don’t wait any longer to visit your local dentist. Remember, when a tooth is left untreated, it often requires extraction rather than a root canal. It’s much better to preserve the natural tooth!

At Magic Smiles, our team of dental professionals is passionate about providing comfortable oral health care for patients with all types of dental issues. Call (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an appointment.

Feb 10
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close up of woman with hand over mouth

How To Eliminate Bad Breath At Home

By Oral Health No Comments

If you suffer from bad breath, you know just how debilitating and embarrassing it can be. First dates, fourth dates, job interviews, and even just playing with your children are all impacted by smelly breath. You may have lower self-esteem that comes across as incompetence during interviews or as not being as fun or confident on dates or in so many other circumstances.

Patients with bad breath should schedule a dental checkup as soon as possible to ensure that gum disease, decay, or other dental problems aren’t the cause. If anything, a dental cleaning can reset the bacteria in the mouth, providing a clean slate that allows you to maintain fresh breath.

Until you can get to the dentist, try these at-home remedies to eliminate bad breath:

Drink Plenty of Water

Dry mouth and dehydration are two of the most common reasons for bad breath. A dry mouth means that saliva production has decreased which leads to an overpopulation of bad bacteria.

Simply drinking more water (at least eight glasses per day) can counteract dry mouth and encourage more saliva. If you’re suffering from bad breath, stay away from sugary or caffeinated drinks as much as possible.

Pineapple

Although not backed up by science, many people recommend either drinking pineapple juice or chewing on a pineapple slice to eliminate smelly breath. Then rinse with water to remove any lingering sugars.

Parsley

Parsley contains a chemoprotein called chlorophyll which makes the plant green. It is also believed to combat odors. To try this out, simply chew on fresh parsley leaves after eating or start taking a parsley dietary supplement.

Zinc

There are several ways to use zinc for reducing bad breath:

  • Mouthwash
  • Chewing gum
  • Dietary supplements
  • Cashews

Zinc minimizes sulfurous compounds in the mouth which effectively eliminates halitosis. Rinsing with a mouthwash that contains zinc salts can reduce bad breath for up to six months!

Green Tea

According to the National Library of Medicine, green tea deodorizes and disinfects the mouth, effectively reducing sulfur compounds. As an antioxidant, it removes bad bacteria from the teeth and gums.

Sipping on green tea throughout the day could provide incredible results! If you don’t like plain green tea, try mint green tea for a little more flavor.

Baking Soda Mouthwash

Toothpastes that contain baking soda are most known for whitening teeth. Baking soda can also effectively eliminate bad-breath-causing bacteria.

A homemade baking soda mouthwash is made simply with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 cup of warm water. Swish for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Apples

Getting rid of garlic-related bad breath could be as simple as eating an apple! The natural compounds in the apples neutralize garlic compounds in the mouth and bloodstream which could eliminate the garlic smell faster than other remedies.

Dental Checkup for Bad Breath

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when experiencing bad breath is: “When was my last dental checkup?” Dental professionals remove smelly plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line during dental cleans. You’d be surprised at what a difference this makes in the smell of your breath and appearance of your smile!

At Magic Smiles, our team of dental experts is prepared to help you achieve fresh breath and a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact us today at

Jan 29
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illustration of mouth with missing teeth

Why People Have Missing Teeth and The Available Solutions

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

While tooth loss is common, it isn’t inevitable. Most of the time, missing teeth are entirely preventable. Our job as dental professionals is to help patients maintain healthy and complete smiles for their entire lives! Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. For those instances, we offer restorative treatments that reestablish beauty and function.

One of the best ways to prevent missing teeth is to educate yourself on what causes them. In this blog, we discuss the main reasons for tooth loss and the most popular solutions.

Reasons for Tooth Loss

Understanding what causes missing teeth can help you find ways to prevent tooth loss. Here are the four main reasons for one to several missing teeth:

1. Poor oral hygiene

The most effective oral hygiene routines include brushing twice a day and flossing daily. A proper diet and bi-annual visits to the dentist are also imperative to maintaining a healthy smile. Disregarding these guidelines may result in cavities or gum disease which may result in tooth loss.

2. Decay

Dental decay, or cavities, can lead to tooth loss when the cavity isn’t treated in time. As the plaque and tartar continue to eat away at the dental enamel, the tooth may become so infected that it can’t be saved. Patients will likely feel severe pain at this point, causing them to visit the dentist who may recommend a dental extraction.

3. Gum disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. What begins as bleeding gums could eventually lead to major tooth loss. Gum disease slowly progresses over time, so patients who visit the dentist regularly should avoid these consequences.

4. Trauma

Accidents happen and, most of the time, they are beyond our control. Sports injuries and car accidents can cause instant tooth loss or enough damage to a tooth that it must be extracted. Our dentists recommend wearing a mouthguard while playing sports to prevent tooth loss caused by trauma.

Solutions to Missing Teeth

Most patients seek treatment for missing teeth because of the negative impact on their appearance and confidence. However, tooth loss can also lead to serious oral and overall health issues. To avoid these consequences, most dentists offer these three restorative options:

Dentures

Traditional dentures are a non-surgical option for patients who want to replace an entire arch of missing teeth. This restorative option is extremely popular, but may not provide the stability, function, or health benefits that most patients desire.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of two dental crowns and one, two, or three prosthetic teeth. The dental crowns attach to the adjacent teeth which are shaved down. Dentists often recommend bridges to patients with only one to a few missing teeth in a row. Dental bridges are safe and secure.

Dental Implants

Dental implants can be attached to a single crown, a dental bridge, or a denture. These small, titanium rods take the place of tooth roots. During a surgical procedure, the dentist places one or more dental implants, then once the mouth has healed, he attaches the restoration.

Of all the restorative options, dental implants are the most durable, life-like, and safe.

Seek Treatment Today

Whether you already have missing teeth or want to avoid tooth loss, a trip to the dentist is always a good idea. At Magic Smiles, we desire to see patients of all ages maintain their natural teeth through preventive care. When that isn’t possible, our gentle and expert dentists offer safe and effective restorative solutions.

Call us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an appointment.

Jan 20
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chart with progression of periodontal disease

Periodontal Disease 101: Know the Facts

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal disease (aka gum disease) affects millions of Australian adults. Yet, many don’t know anything about it until they are diagnosed with it. Many of those people aren’t diagnosed until the disease has developed into a very serious health problem which often leads to tooth loss.

Education is the first step towards prevention. That’s why we’re writing this blog! Here, you’ll find the basic and most important facts about gum disease.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease happens when the bacteria in the mouth become unbalanced. In a healthy mouth, billions of bacteria that work together to create a neutral environment. Poor oral hygiene, eating too much sugar, genetics, and certain medications can all lead to the production of bad bacteria that take over the mouth. Once this occurs, the disease progresses through these four stages:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and most easily treated. In some cases, an enhanced oral hygiene routine can reverse gingivitis, but a professional dental clean is the best treatment.

How do you know if you have gingivitis? The most common symptoms are red gums, irritated gums, and bleeding while brushing and flossing.

Early Periodontitis

When gingivitis turns into early periodontitis, the person may experience persistent bad breath and mild gum recession in addition to their other symptoms. At this stage, the disease may not be reversible.

Early periodontitis treatment usually includes scaling and root planing. This treatment involves using special dental tools to remove tartar from above and below the gum line.

Moderate Periodontitis

As the bacteria moves further and further below the gum line, it attacks the bones and infiltrates the bloodstream and immune system. The gums will continue to recede, and the other symptoms will continue to worsen.

Scaling and root planing might be the dentist’s first line of treatment for moderate periodontitis. Then, he or she might recommend gum surgery to replace the missing tissue.

Advanced Periodontitis

In the last stage of gum disease, the symptoms should be very apparent. Patients report having loose teeth because of the extend of gum disease. The teeth may seem more spaced out than usual as well. At this point, the disease and its symptoms must be addressed. This could include root scaling and planing, gum grafting, and other restorative procedures.

The Connection to Overall Health

Because periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, and can get into the bloodstream, it impacts many areas of the body. Periodontal disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

For women, gum disease can be a symptom of hormonal issues like puberty, menstruation, and menopause.

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Our goal as dental professionals is to help everyone avoid gum disease. First, we educate. Then, we provide practical tips for patients to apply.

Here are our top five tips for preventing periodontal disease:

  1. Brush every morning and evening with a fluoridated toothpaste
  2. Floss every evening
  3. Consume a healthy diet (limiting sugary beverages and candy)
  4. Quit tobacco use
  5. Visit the dentist regularly

Those who follow these guidelines are much less likely to develop gum disease at any age!

Start Preventing Periodontal Disease Today

At Magic Smiles, we desire to see all patients achieve optimal oral health. Our team of friendly, experienced dentists is proud to serve the Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour communities. Contact us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule a dental cleans and exam appointment.

Jan 15
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close up of woman's smile

6 Common Question About Dental Veneers

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

Want a smile that turns heads? Consider porcelain veneers! These tooth-colored shells provide patients with picture-perfect smiles that last. Dental veneers began as a temporary solution for famous actors and actresses to use during photo shoots and red-carpet events. Fortunately, veneers are now available to everyone!

In this blog, we’ll address the most common questions about dental veneers so you can decide if this cosmetic dental solution is right for you.

1. How are dental veneers placed?

Once a patient is approved for dental veneers, he or she will meet with their dentist to talk about the design of the veneers and any concerns he or she may have. Then, the dentist takes x-rays or impressions of the patient’s teeth. The final step of the first appointment is to prepare the tooth for the veneers. This process includes removing dental enamel from the teeth, then taking another impression to ensure the veneers fit perfectly. Temporary veneers are placed on the patient’s tooth until the permanent ones are ready.

During the next appointment, the temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent ones are placed. If the veneers aren’t perfect when they arrive, the dentist can make small adjustments to the shape and color to meet the patient’s expectations.

2. Do veneers require special care?

In short, no. Patients can treat their veneers like they treat their natural teeth by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using a mouthguard at night if necessary. Those with veneers may want to visit the dentist more frequently to ensure their teeth, gums, and veneers are healthy.

Patients should also avoid bad habits, such as biting their nails, chewing ice, using their teeth to open certain items, and using tobacco.

3. What are Lumineers?

Dentists often call Lumineers “no-prep veneers” because they don’t require any enamel be removed from the teeth. Rather than being made from porcelain, Lumineers are made from thin laminate. Also unlike porcelain veneers, Lumineers can be removed without causing severe damage to your teeth.

4. Are there any drawbacks to veneers?

Dental veneers cannot be removed without being replaced because the natural teeth are permanently damaged. Additionally, they are more expensive than Lumineers and other cosmetic dental procedures.

5. What alternative cosmetic procedures provide similar results?

Veneers can correct multiple aesthetic issues at one time which makes them superior to other cosmetic procedures. However, there are ways to achieve similar results. Patients may require one or more of these cosmetic solutions:

  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Orthodontics
  • Tooth contouring

6. Who is a candidate for veneers?

Dental veneers are best for patients who have cosmetic concerns and an otherwise healthy smile. Patients with cavities, gum disease, or who suffer from bruxism are not good candidates for veneers. However, these issues can be corrected, allowing patients to receive veneers.

Additionally, patients must be willing to undergo the entire procedure and commit to quitting bad habits that could damage their veneers.

Dental Veneers in Woolgoolga

The best way to determine if veneers are right for you is to meet with an experienced cosmetic dentist like ours at Magic Smiles. We are passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Dental veneers are just one of many ways we do that!

Call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Jan 08
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woman placing Invisalign aligners in mouth

Top 3 Reasons to Choose Invisalign Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

Do clunky metal braces sound less appealing to you than having crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth? If so, you’ve probably wondered about other orthodontic options! Invisalign® clear aligners are an effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces, and luckily, most patients are suitable candidates!

The best way to find out if Invisalign is the best option for you is to visit your local dentist. During that appointment, the dentist will explain the reasons that so many patients choose Invisalign, the downsides to this treatment, and other orthodontic options, such as clear braces.

If you are a candidate for Invisalign or if you’re still in the early stages of making your decision, this blog can help make the choice clear! (See what we did there?)

The top three benefits of Invisalign clear aligners include:

1. Discreet appearance

A list of benefits about Invisalign wouldn’t be complete without talking about their discreet appearance. This is, after all, the top reason patients are interested in this orthodontic treatment.

Dentists and orthodontists mostly recommend Invisalign to older teens and adults. This demographic is typically more concerned with looking younger because of braces or having something so obvious distract from their overall appearance.

Clear aligners enable patients to maintain good self-esteem while transforming their smiles. Although Invisalign aligners aren’t completely invisible, they do go unnoticed in many situations!

2. Convenience and comfort

One of the greatest things about Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed at any time. However, patients should wear them for at least 20 hours per day to receive the desired results.

We love to remind our patients that with traditional braces, food is much more likely to get stuck between the brackets. With clear aligners, this isn’t a problem! Simply remove the aligner before eating, rinse or brush your teeth after eating, then replace the aligner.

Dentists who offer Invisalign also ensure that the aligners are perfectly fit so patients don’t experience rubbing that causes discomfort. Wires and brackets that rub the cheeks and gums are also eliminated and never become an issue. Of course, with all orthodontic treatment, discomfort is to be expected because of the tooth movement. Patients can especially expect to feel mild pain or discomfort every two weeks when their new aligners arrive.

For us, convenience and comfort are a major benefit to choosing Invisalign clear aligners! They make achieving a beautifully aligned smile much easier.

3. Effectiveness

While these clear, plastic aligners may not seem strong enough to move teeth, they have been proven to be just as effective as metal braces in many cases. Invisalign technology utilizes micromovement that gently pushes the teeth into their proper positions.

Like traditional braces, Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic cases, including:

  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gap teeth

In some cases, patients may require additional treatment, like dental extraction before they can begin their Invisalign journey. Additionally, attachments and buttons may be necessary for patients with more severe cases.

Woolgoolga Invisalign Dentist

Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for you? Our experienced dentists are Magic Smiles are prepared to help you achieve a beautiful smile. Click here to learn about our other cosmetic dentistry options!

To schedule your initial consultation, contact our dental practice today at (02) 6654-0650.

Dec 30
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white tooth with gold crown

What is the purpose of a tooth crown?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

It’s nearly impossible to know how many people have a tooth crown, but chances are, you know a few people who do. So, how do you know if you’ll ever need one? And what’s the purpose of a dental crown anyway?

The most common purposes of a dental crown are to protect a tooth or hold something in place. Check out this blog to learn more.

Reasons You Might Need A Tooth Crown

Dentists often recommend dental crowns for one of these reasons:

1. To support a tooth with a large filling

Patients who have had multiple fillings in one tooth or have had a filling replaced so many times that there is more composite resin material than tooth may need a dental crown. When there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left, it will become weak and more susceptible to breaking. A dental crown can restore strength to the tooth.

2. To protect a weak tooth

A weak tooth may be one like we just discussed, but it can also be one that has been damaged by a trauma of some kind. In the same way a dental crown helps a tooth with a large filling, it can help strengthen a weak tooth so that it functions properly.

3. To restore a tooth that has been chipped or cracked

Chips and cracks can be especially dangerous if the tooth has been damaged beyond the crown. Cracks can especially create a way for disease-causing bacteria to enter into the inner part of the tooth, causing immense pain. Once the infection spreads, the tooth may need to be extracted.

If you’ve experienced some sort of trauma to a tooth, be sure to contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible.

4. When the patient needs a dental bridge

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two tooth crowns and one to three prosthetic teeth. When a dentist places a dental bridge, he must first remove a small amount of enamel from the neighboring teeth. These teeth must be healthy to keep the bridge in place.

5. To cover a dental implant

Dental implants can be used to replace one missing tooth or an entire arch of missing teeth. Once placed, the dentist covers the small, screw-like implant with a custom-made tooth crown. Dental implants require surgery, but they are the most effective way to replace missing teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

A tooth crown can be crafted from several materials, including:

  • Composite resin
  • Metal
  • Ceramics
  • Porcelain
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal

To determine which material is best for your smile, your dentist will consider the following:

  • Location of the tooth
  • Function of the tooth
  • How much the tooth shows when you smile
  • Gum tissue
  • The color of your natural teeth

These considerations ensure that your dental crown looks and feels natural. Of course, the patient always has the final say on the type of crown!

When deciding on a dental crown material, most patients are concerned with cost, aesthetics, and durability. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of each type of crown material.

Tooth Crown Placement in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour

Searching for a dentist to place your dental crown? Our experts at Magic Smiles are prepared to help! But first, we’ll determine whether you actually need a dental crown or not. For many dental issues, there are multiple treatment options.

To schedule an appointment with our friendly dental team, contact one of our convenient locations today.

Dec 21
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illustration depicting periodontitis

Can periodontitis be reversed?

By Oral Health No Comments

The term “periodontitis” refers to the second stage of gum disease, following gingivitis. This serious gum infection can wreak havoc on your oral health. Fortunately, gingivitis can be reversed with a regular dental clean and improved oral hygiene at home. Can periodontitis be reversed with dental cleans as well? In short, the answer is no. However, the condition can be treated and maintained with periodontal therapies.

Here, our team at Magic Smiles – serving Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour – explores the topic of periodontitis and offers some recommendations for oral health maintenance. Read on to learn more.

The Stages of Gum Disease

There are really only three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is characterised by red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Even though the gums are inflamed at this stage, the infection has not yet affected the supporting bone.

Left untreated, however, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. At this stage, the infection travels beneath the gum tissue and starts eroding the jawbone. This results in periodontal pockets around the teeth. Plaque, food, and bacteria become trapped in these pockets, perpetuating a harmful cycle. Unfortunately, a dental clean will not be sufficient to remove bacteria in these hard-to-reach areas. More advanced therapies are necessary to properly treat periodontitis.

Treating Periodontitis

Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, there is no cure. Fortunately, however, the disease can be successfully maintained.

There are several treatments available that can successfully halt the progression of periodontal disease. The solution that is recommended for you will depend on the severity of disease.

Scaling and Root Planing

Mild to moderate periodontitis can often be treated with scaling and root planing. This procedure is often called a deep dental clean because it reaches further beneath the gum line to sweep away harmful bacteria, plaque, and food deposits. Once the teeth have been cleaned, the teeth roots are then smoothed to deter further irritants from reattaching. Your dentist or hygienist numbs your gums prior to treatment so you can remain comfortable during your visit.

Laser Periodontal Therapy

If the disease is more advanced, you may require laser treatment. Soft tissue diode lasers target infected tissue while keeping healthy tissue intact. Because the laser cauterises tissue, it helps seal periodontal pockets and reduce the risk of reinfection.

Traditional Gum Surgery

Advanced periodontitis requires traditional gum surgery. During this procedure, your dentist makes incisions and moves the gums back away from the teeth. This allows proper visualisation of the supporting bone. Next, the infection is cleaned out. In many instances, areas of the bone ridge must also be recontoured to prevent further plaque buildup. Your dentist may also perform bone grafting to replenish lost bone tissue and fill in periodontal pockets. Finally, the gums are repositioned and sutured.

How do I maintain healthy gums after treatment?

Once you have undergone periodontal therapy, it’s important to maintain gum health through routine dental cleans. Your dentist will determine a schedule that is right for you, though most patients who are prone to periodontitis benefit from cleans every three to four months.

Contact us for more information.

If you suspect you have gingivitis or periodontitis, schedule an appointment at Magic Smiles. Our doctors can design a treatment plan to eliminate infection and keep your teeth and gums healthy for many years to come. Contact us online. We have three convenient locations to serve you in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour.

Dec 16
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yellow sticky note with checks

Are dental implants right for me?

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic issue, they contribute to more oral health issues, low self-esteem, and even overall health issues. To combat these problems, most dentists recommend dental implants.

These small, screw-like posts insert into the jawbone through the gum line and take the place of the tooth roots. Dental implants are the only restorative option that offers this type of stability. Dental bridges and dentures use other teeth and the gums to stabilize themselves; unfortunately, those don’t offer the same kind of strength or durability.

For these reasons, many patients prefer dental implants! The best way to determine if dental implants are right for you is to visit an experienced dentist. For now, here are five indications that someone is a suitable candidate for dental implants:

1. Good oral health

Patients who desire dental implants should be free of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. These problems can lead to failed dental implants if the disease-causing bacteria attack the implant site. Fortunately, as long as the problems haven’t progressed too far, the dentist can treat these issues before beginning the dental implant process.

Once the patient’s mouth is restored, the dentist can plan for dental implant placement.

2. Sufficient jawbone density

For the implant to be stable and secure, the patient must have the appropriate amount of jawbone density. If not, the implant will likely become loose.

Bone loss begins as soon as a tooth goes missing because the jawbone requires the tooth root to keep it stimulated. The good news is that when an implant is inserted into the bone, it regrows!

3. Good oral hygiene habits

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing every day. What you brush and floss with, how often, and when all matters too.

Dentists recommend that patients of all ages brush once in the morning and once in the evening for two minutes at a time. Patients should use a fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush for optimal cleaning. Flossing should take place in the evening after the last meal of the day. Talk to your dentist about rinsing with a mouthwash and which brands he recommends.

Good oral hygiene also includes:

  • switching out your toothbrush at least every three months or when the bristles are worn
  • drinking plenty of water throughout the day
  • eating healthy, mouth-friendly foods
  • avoiding tobacco use

When patients abide by these guidelines, their dental implants are more likely to last a lifetime.

4. No bad oral hygiene habits

Patients who desire dental implants must stop using tobacco products throughout the process. Our hope is that they would continue this even after the implants are placed!

Tobacco use creates an unhealthy and imbalanced mouth where problems like gum disease and decay thrive. These are poor conditions for dental implants to live in and will impede the healing process.

5. Willingness to endure the process

Unlike other restorative options, dental implants require surgery and months of healing time. Patients must be willing to abide by the aforementioned guidelines and trust their dentist throughout the entire process. While the process to a fully restored mouth is long, the results are certainly worth it!

Dental Implants in Woolgoolga

If you’re considering dental implants, contact our experienced and compassionate team members today at (02) 6654-0650. During your initial consultation, we’ll determine if implants are the right option for your smile.