Jun 23
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woman sitting in office chair holding face because of dental pain

Dental emergency? Contact our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist now!

By Emergency Dentist No Comments

Dental emergencies can’t wait. Unfortunately, not all dentists are available for immediate dental treatment. Our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist at Magic Smiles is available when you need him most.

Not sure if you have a dental emergency? Severe oral pain, bleeding, and trauma are three factors that require urgent attention. Give our office a call and we can help you determine if you need immediate care or if it can wait until later.

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat:

1. A knocked-out tooth

Sports injuries, roughhousing, and car accidents are a few of the most common causes of an avulsed tooth. In these instances, all hope is not lost.

If you have a knocked-out tooth, call an emergency dentist first. Then, pick up the tooth by the tip, not the root. Rinse it with water if you have it and try to place it back in its place. If you can’t, place it in a glass of milk (preferably) or water. Bring it with you to the dentist’s office. The dentist may be able to preserve the tooth if he gets to it fast enough.

2. Broken or cracked teeth

Teeth become broken or cracked for numerous reasons, such as eating crunchy, hard foods, chewing on nonedible items, sports injuries, and car accidents. A broken tooth should be treated the same as an avulsed tooth.

For a cracked tooth, bite on a clean cloth or gauze until you reach the dentist’s office. If your tooth is cracked, but not painful, it’s still worth a trip to the dentist. An untreated cracked tooth can lead to severe dental pain because of disease-causing bacteria that infiltrate the inner tooth structure.

3. Severe dental pain

Tooth pain that cannot be resolved by over-the-counter pain medications or other home remedies require emergency dental care. The pain could be a result of an untreated infection, cavity, or trauma. Only a dentist can find the root cause of the pain and treat it appropriately.

4. A broken jaw or severe jaw pain

Doctors and dentists can treat a broken jaw, but a dentist might be your best option. Severe jaw pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a broken jaw. You may also experience immobility of the jaw, bruising along the jawline, and misalignment of the jaws or teeth.

In the meantime, put ice on your jaw and tie something around your jaw and face if necessary. Then, get to the dentist’s office as soon as possible.

5. Abscess

An untreated dental or gum infection can lead to an abscess near the tooth root or soft tissues surrounding the teeth. An abscess typically looks like a pimple on the gum tissue.

Dental abscess pain is persistent and throbbing. It might radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear. Patients with a dental or gum abscess may also have a fever, swelling, and tender lymph nodes.

When dental or gum abscesses are ignored, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone, soft tissues, and sinuses. It can also result in tooth loss and the spread of infection throughout the body.

Coffs Harbour Emergency Dentist

Don’t wait any longer to receive the emergency dental treatment you need. Our Coffs Harbour emergency dentist is here to help when you need us most. Call (02) 6652-3242 now.

Jun 17
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coffs implant dentist

Your Coffs Implant Dentist Explains the Implant Process

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

If you are missing a tooth, whether from trauma, extraction, or hypodontia (tooth did not form), it is essential to replace it to restore the function and beauty of your smile. While there are several restorative options, a dental implant is the closest you can get to a natural tooth. It replaces the missing tooth root and is the only permanent option.

Are you considering a dental implant? Your Coffs implant dentist, Dr. Arpit Pathak, explains the procedure for replacing a natural tooth with an implant. Dr. Pathak has extensive training and experience with dental implants.

First, you need a consultation with your implant dentist.

After completing diagnostic imaging and collecting your medical history, your implant dentist will perform a thorough oral exam. He will then determine if you are a candidate for a dental implant.

To be a candidate, you must have adequate jawbone to support the pressures chewing and biting place on the implant. If your jawbone has deteriorated or weakened, you may be able to get a bone graft to build up the jawbone. This, however, requires additional surgery. It also requires a healing period before implant surgery.

If you are a candidate, your dentist will go over your unique needs and goals to create a customized treatment plan. Then, we will discuss sedation options, answer all your questions, and schedule you for surgery.

Before Your Implant Surgery

If you have had a joint replacement or are on medications, discuss this with your implant dentist. You may need to take antibiotics or stop a medication before surgery.

The best way to prepare for implant surgery is to go shopping. Stock up on soft foods for the days following surgery. Cool options, such as ice cream, pudding, yogurt, and applesauce, are good options. Some patients find warm foods more comforting, such as broth, cream soup, oatmeal, or eggs. It’s also a good idea to pick up some small re-freezable ice packs.

If you want sedation for surgery, you may need to arrange for someone to bring you to your appointment.

Implant Surgery Process

Dental implant placement is a minor surgery that has few risks. The most significant risks include discomfort, infection, bleeding, and implant failure, but the success rate of implants is 95%. An implant is a titanium screw that your implant dentist will surgically place into your jawbone.  Actual surgery time is about 20 minutes.

Most patients need only local anesthesia, but you may choose another option, such as laughing gas or oral sedation. Once you are comfortable and numb, your implant dentist will make a small incision in your gum line where the implant will go.

Next, he will screw the titanium implant into your jawbone. Titanium is compatible with human tissue and will not rust or corrode.

Once the implant is in place, your dentist will close the site with a few tiny, dissolvable stitches.

After Dental Implant Surgery

You may be asked to continue biting down on gauze to keep the bleeding at a minimum. Sometimes it is necessary to continue doing this for several hours after surgery, and you may need to change the gauze. Your dental team will go over this with you in more detail.

Avoid drinking and eating anything while your mouth is still numb to keep from injuring the surgical site. When the numbness wears off, it is best to stick with soft foods for a couple of days.

Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications should keep your swelling and discomfort tolerable. If not, there may be something unexpected occurring, and you should call your implant dentist to let him know.

If needed, your dentist may prescribe a special mouth rinse or an antibiotic for you to take. If so, be sure to follow the directions and complete the antibiotics.

Good oral hygiene is essential for the healing process and to avoid infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush and floss gently but effectively.

Dental Implant Healing Process

Titanium attracts bone cells and encourages new bone growth around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This process fuses the implant to your jawbone, holding it securely in place. However, it will take about three to six months for this to occur, so you will have to wait for complete restoration of the tooth.

Once the implant is a permanent part of your jawbone, your dentist can complete your new tooth.

Your implant dentist will top it off.

A dental implant replaces the tooth root, but not the visible part (crown). Therefore, completing your dental restoration may involve a crown, a bridge, or permanent dentures.

A connector, called an abutment, is placed on the implant. Depending on your treatment plan, we may get impressions at this time for fabrication of your restoration. You may also get a temporary to fill in the gap while waiting for your permanent device.

Once your crown, bridge, or denture is completed, your implant dentist will connect it to the abutment and cement it in place.

Looking for an implant dentist?

If you are in the Coffs Harbour area, the dentists at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center have the experience, skills, and technology you want. And we can take care of all the steps, including completing your restoration with a crown, bridge, or denture.

Call (02) 6652-3242 today to schedule your implant consultation and examination.

Jun 10
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cute cartoon wisdom teeth

7 Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth get their name because they develop between the ages of 17 and 25. These third molars used to be much more necessary than they are today. In fact, most people have their wisdom teeth removed soon after they erupt.

Long ago, people used wisdom teeth to break down raw vegetables and tough meats. Today, we cook our foods and use utensils to break them into bite-sized pieces. Because of this, our jaws have evolved so that wisdom teeth don’t always fit in the mouth properly, leading to several dental issues.

Want to learn more? Here are the most frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth:

1. Who needs to have their wisdom teeth removed?

When the third molars don’t have enough room to erupt, it’s called impaction. There are three types of impacted wisdom teeth:

  • Soft tissue impaction means the gum tissue surrounding the tooth prohibits adequate cleaning.
  • Partial bony impaction, meaning the tooth won’t function properly and creates cleaning problems.
  • Complete bony impaction where there is not enough space for the tooth to erupt.

Impacted wisdom teeth cause several dental issues, including infection, damage, disease, and dental pain. Patients who experience these symptoms or have x-rays that show their wisdom teeth aren’t developing properly should have them removed as soon as possible.

2. Do all four have to be taken out at once?

No. Sometimes, one or more of the wisdom teeth will develop properly while the rest of them are impacted. In these instances, only the ones that are impacted need to be removed. If all four need to be taken out, the dentist or oral surgeon will most likely recommend one procedure to extract all four, but ultimately, the patient makes the decision.

3. What is the best age to have them removed?

The earlier the better. When it comes to oral surgery, younger people tend to heal much faster than when they are older. So, when a dentist predicts a patient’s wisdom teeth will be impacted, many patients choose to have them removed immediately. This could be as early as age 11!

4. Can I wait to have mine removed?

Yes. Patients can decide not to have their wisdom teeth removed at the time it is suggested by their dentist. However, those patients will likely develop the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth and experience much more pain and discomfort than if they had them removed at their dentist’s recommendation.

In other cases, patients live their whole lives without too much trouble from their wisdom teeth.

5. Does the extraction hurt?

Dentists strive to make every dental or oral surgery as comfortable as possible. Most patients report feeling pressure and a little discomfort during their extraction but minimal pain. During the treatment planning appointment, the dentist and patient will discuss sedation and anesthesia to determine how much should be used on the day of the surgery.

6. How common are complications from wisdom tooth removal?

Complications from wisdom teeth extraction are few and far between. However, with any surgery, there are always risks. Dry socket is the most common complication. This occurs when a blood clot doesn’t form or is lost too early. A dry socket is dry and painful and inhibits healing and the formation of new bone.

Other rare complications include temporary loss of feeling in the lower lip, chin, and tongue and sinus complications. These issues typically resolve themselves on their own over time.

7. Does it take long to recover?

When patients follow their dentist’s recovery protocol, they can typically resume normal activities in three to five days. Complete healing can take up to two weeks.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Coffs Harbour

Are you experienced unexplained dental pain? Have you been told recently that your wisdom teeth aren’t being cleaned properly? Our specialists at Magic Smiles are prepared to relieve your pain and restore your smile to health.

To schedule an initial consultation or to get a second opinion, contact our friendly dental team today at (02) 6652-3242.

Jun 09
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coffs general dentist

Why You Need a General Dentist

By Oral Health No Comments

Your smile is important to you. A general dentist can provide many services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, Dr. Arpit Pathak has extensive training to use to the latest technologies, techniques, and materials that modern dental care offers. He provides comprehensive dental care, and he can help you enjoy good oral health for the rest of your life.

Here are five reasons that you need a general dentist.

5. Regular Checkups and Dental Cleans

You should visit a general dentist twice a year – or every six months – to have your teeth and gums checked and cleaned. A general dentist can check for early signs of dental issues and take immediate action to correct or prevent them.

Even with the best personal care at home, you may have enamel stains and plaque buildup that can only be removed professionally. General dentists provide dental cleans to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile white and beautiful.

4. A Variety of Dental Services at One Place

You need a general dentist so that you and your family have access to many different dental services in one office, where you know the team and feel comfortable and well cared for. In addition to checkups and dental cleans, general dentistry includes:

The value of having all of your family’s dental care at one office cannot be overstated. In our modern culture, time is tight and responsibilities are great. Save time by booking your children’s checkups, cleanings, and other dental visits back-to-back so you only have to make one trip to the dentist.

3. A Trusting Relationship

If you have good oral health, you probably see your dentist only twice a year. By choosing a Coffs general dentist who can provide all of your family’s dental care, over time you will see that same dentist at many visits.

This more consistent interaction will contribute to you being able to develop trust in the dentist, as you witness his compassion, knowledge, and dedication in treating your family. In addition, you will get to know the hygienist, assistant, and front office personnel. Dr. Pathak has a great team!

You can feel confident at your appointments, in a familiar setting where the doctor answers all of your questions and the team makes sure you’re comfortable. You can also know that medications are available to help alleviate dental anxiety or nervousness during dental treatments, so you can relax. If you cannot develop trust with your dentist, then perhaps you need to find another.

2. Multi-generational Dental Care

Another benefit is that many general dentists will see patients of any age: your children, spouse, and parents. This makes creating the family schedule convenient, because dental visits can be booked back-to-back to reduce the number of trips to the office.

Many general dentists send appointment reminders. If you have just one dentist for the whole family, you won’t risk confusion on which reminder is for which dentist!

A general dentist should genuinely care about your family’s long-term oral health. The hope is, your family’s general dentist will see your children throughout childhood and into adulthood. You’ll never have to transfer records or be a new patient again.

1. Healthy Smile

Preventive dental care involves treatments and procedures to help your mouth stay healthy, long term. If you attend regular checkups and dental cleans, you’ll greatly reduce your potential for developing serious dental infections or gum disease. The dentist and hygienist will ensure that your teeth are tartar-free so that your gums stay strong and healthy.

Many general dentists offer fluoride treatment, a procedure that bathes teeth in fluoride to strengthen enamel and deter cavities. Some also offer sealants for children. Dental sealants coat the rough, top surfaces of molars, where kids have trouble brushing. Sealants create a barrier so that tooth enamel doesn’t come in contact with bacteria that cause cavities.

Your Coffs General Dentist

If you need a general dentist to provide comprehensive dental care for you and your family,  choose our team at Magic Smiles, We have the knowledge and experience you can trust. We also offer a relaxed environment, where your family will feel well cared for. Call us today at (02) 6654-0650 to make your appointment.

May 19
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Cosmetic dentistry services

What services does a cosmetic dentist offer?

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

 

Your smile is one of the most compelling gifts you share with other people. But when you don’t feel comfortable with the appearance of your teeth, you may purposely try to hide your smile.

Cosmetic dentists offer many services that can restore your teeth’s healthy appearance and give you the confidence to smile openly and broadly at the world again. Let’s take a look at a some of the cosmetic dental services that you can benefit from.

Repairing Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped and broken teeth are more common than you might think. Chipped teeth are usually caused by some sort of injury, like a fall or a car accident. However, sometimes teeth can become chipped because the enamel of your teeth weakens over time.

Broken teeth are often caused by excessive pressure. This pressure might come from routinely chewing on ice, biting into hard candies, or grinding your teeth.

Whether your teeth are chipped or broken, they need to be repaired. There are several different ways that a cosmetic dentist can repair your chipped or broken teeth, but the two methods that are most used are bonding (for chipped teeth) and crowns (for broken teeth).

Cosmetic dentists bond matching-color resin to the tooth that has chipped to make its appearance whole again. This is usually done with your front teeth when they have sustained damage.

Broken teeth that have healthy roots that need to be protected are crowned. Crowns are made from durable materials and they will usually last you a lifetime.

Aligning Teeth for Adults

You may think that teeth-straightening and braces are just for children. However, if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth’s alignment, this is a cosmetic dental option for you.

Cosmetic dentists have the latest types of aligners that can address things like overbites or crooked teeth. Many of these teeth aligning options are removeable – and they are practically invisible.

Adults like the fact that they can choose clear braces and not have to endure wearing metal braces for several years. If you want to improve the alignment of your teeth or correct your overbite, a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve this.

Enhancing Your Teeth’s Appearance Using Veneers

Cosmetic dentists use veneers to help give you the perfect smile. Dental veneers can change the size, length, shape, and color of your teeth, giving them a beautiful and uniform appearance.

Your teeth grow naturally a bit more haphazardly that you may like. You may teeth that are uneven in length or you may have some teeth that look smaller in proportion to your other teeth. Veneers are a great way to address this.

While some people choose to have veneers installed on all their teeth, others choose just to have them installed on the teeth that show when they smile. Whatever your preference, the right veneer solution is possible.

Whitening Your Teeth

You may have looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth don’t exactly look pearly white anymore. That is because the food and drinks that we consume cause our teeth to lose their luster with time.

Coffee, tea, and wine are big offenders, and they can leave your smile a little dingy. Fortunately, one of the services that cosmetic dentists offer is teeth whitening. While there are many over-the-counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, they may not be as safe or as effective as professional teeth whiteners.

Having your teeth whitened as a cosmetic dental procedure is easy. It is completely safe and it will produce the results you want in a very short period of time.

Abrasing Your Teeth’s Enamel

If the stains on your teeth are superficial, enamel abrasion is a perfect solution to restore their gleam. With this cosmetic dental procedure, a micro-abrasion tool removes discoloration on the outside of the enamel with a pumice stone.

Enamel abrasion, however, will not remove deeper stains inside the enamel or inside the tooth, so you can talk with your dentist about whether this option is right for renewing your smile.

Schedule a cosmetic dental appointment with us today.

If you are looking for a Coff cosmetic dentist with the knowledge and experience to make your smile the best it can be, then you want to entrust your dental care to our team at Magic Smiles.

Call us now at (02) 6654-0650 to make your appointment.

May 15
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woman at kitchen table on laptop

How To Find the Best “Coffs Dentist Near Me”

By Woolgoogla and Coffs Harbour Dentist No Comments

Excellent dental care shouldn’t be hard to find. Unfortunately, there are bad apples in every industry. That doesn’t mean the whole bunch is ruined! There are great dentists everywhere who desire to help their patients achieve optimal oral health through compassionate and gentle dental care—you just have to know how to find them.

The formula is simple, and we’re going to walk you through each step. At the end of this process, you should know exactly where to go in Coffs Harbour for all your oral health needs.

1. Decide what you want

Do you want a dentist with lots of cosmetic dental experience? Should your dentist’s office be a one-stop shop for all oral health needs? How important is proximity? Do you prefer a more traditional or modern treatment style?

Ask yourself these questions before beginning the search process, so you know exactly what to look for. Here are five qualities of a great dental practice to get you started:

  • Offers a wide range of services
  • Has specialists in the office
  • Uses modern technology
  • Prioritizes patient comfort
  • Offers emergency dental care

2. Ask for recommendations

A few of your friends and family members likely have a dentist that they love, and a few probably know one they wouldn’t recommend! Gathering information from their first-hand experiences is one of the best ways to find a reliable and compassionate dentist.

Jot down their suggestions and do some research on those dentists on your own.

3. Search the web

Not satisfied with recommendations from friends and family? Let the internet guide you! Type “Coffs dentist near me” in the browser’s search bar, then start reading patient reviews. Look for a majority of good reviews and a few that stand out and show that the dentist goes above and beyond for their patients.

The long list of nearby dentists can be overwhelming but it’s important to go through as many as you can to find the best fit. From here, choose up to three dentists to look deeper into.

4. Dig deeper

Digging deeper simply means clicking on the dental practice’s website to find out more information. Check out the “Our Team” page, their various services, and any other pages that are of interest to you.

Go back to your list and make sure the dental practice meets at least most of those specific needs and expectations. For example, if you think oral surgery may be in your future, check to see if the dental practice has an oral surgeon on staff. This way, you’ll be able to receive the proper care in a place, and with people, you’re already familiar with.

A dentist’s website usually reflects his or her dental practice. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and informative. If you don’t find the answers to all your questions, call the office! The front office team should be eager to speak with you.

5. Schedule an initial consultation

The final step is to choose a dentist to meet with in person. Keep in mind that an initial consultation isn’t a commitment, it’s more of an interview for the dental practice!

During this appointment, expect to meet several team members, the dentists, and experience first-hand the type of care the team provides.

“Coffs Dentist Near Me”: Dr. Pathak

At Magic Smiles, Dr. Arpit Pathak is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve optimal oral health. Dr. Pathak truly cares about his patients and offers modern techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure each one receives the care they deserve. In addition, Dr. Pathak has several specialists on his team, including an oral surgeon and orthodontist.

To learn more about our practice or to schedule an initial consultation, call (02) 6652-3242 today.

May 07
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beautiful woman on white background pointing to her smile

Coffs Harbour Dentist Offers Tips for Safe Teeth Whitening

By Cosmetic Dentistry No Comments

What’s the first thing you notice about a person? For many people, it’s their smile. Did you know that a beautiful smile can make a person appear more intelligent and successful? That could be a life-changing assumption! Beautiful smiles have several qualities, including no stains, no missing teeth, a healthy gum line, no chips or cracks, and perfect alignment.

Teeth whitening is one of the quickest ways to improve the appearance of your teeth. Unfortunately, not all whitening methods are safe. The good news is that it can be done safely! Here are five tips for safe teeth whitening from our Coffs Harbour dentist:

1. Understand dental stains

There are two types of dental stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic dental stains alter the dentin, the layer beneath the dental enamel. These stains aren’t cosmetic, and therefore, cannot be treated by teeth whitening methods. An overuse of fluoride, certain medications, trauma, or aging can lead to intrinsic stains. Dental veneers are the most common treatment for intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic dental stains only affect the dental enamel and are typically caused by certain foods and beverages and smoking. These stains become permanent when a person continually exposes his or her teeth to these substances and when tooth-staining agents sit on the teeth for long periods. These are the types of stains that can be treated with professional or over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Without understanding these differences, people often overuse whitening treatments and cause more damage to their teeth. This can result in severe dental sensitivity, gum irritation, and more discoloration.

2. Consult your dentist

A dental visit is necessary before beginning the whitening process. Dentists will never offer whitening treatments or encourage over-the-counter whitening for patients with cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. These problems must be addressed before bleaching begins. Failing to address these issues can lead to more and worse oral health problems.

Additionally, the dentist will tell you whether the stains on your teeth are intrinsic or extrinsic so you know which type of treatment you need.

Finally, a dentist can offer personalized tips for patients who decide to use over-the-counter whitening treatments.

3. Follow instructions carefully

Store-bought whitening gels, strips, pastes, and rinses have specific directions written on the back of the product. Be sure to follow these instructions to a T. Failure to do so could result in damage to the enamel.

4. Be wary of home remedies

While some home remedies do provide some results, most of them only remove surface stains, much like toothpaste. Many home remedies, such as rubbing strawberries on your teeth, can actually harm them if done too often or improperly. Be sure to do your research before trying these at-home whitening methods.

5. Opt for professional whitening treatments

Our best advice to you is to save up or invest in professional whitening treatments. In-office whitening is safe, extremely effective, and long-lasting.

Because a dentist performs the whitening procedure, the process can be customized to your needs, and the soft tissues of the mouth are covered and protected from the whitening gel. Professional whitening treatments provide incredible results in under an hour. In most cases, when patients leave the office, their teeth are up to 8 shades brighter than when they walked in. These results can last up to three years.

Coffs Harbour Teeth Whitening

At Magic Smiles, our team is dedicated to offering safe, effective, and conservative cosmetic treatments that offer dramatic results.

Ready to improve your smile? And possibly your life? Call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Apr 26
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female patient receiving tooth crown

Everything You Need to Know about Getting a Tooth Crown

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Sometimes a tooth is so badly decayed or damaged that it can’t be repaired with a simple filling. In these cases, a tooth crown may be necessary to restore your oral health, function, and appearance. Our team of dentists at Magic Smiles create custom dental crowns that blend in with your smile for natural results.

If you are considering a dental crown, there are several things you may be wondering. Our team is here to answer your questions and tell you everything you need to know about dental crown treatment.

When is a tooth crown recommended?

Dental crowns may be recommended for a number of reasons. This type of restoration can be used to:

  • Repair a decayed tooth
  • Strengthen a weakened tooth
  • Restore a broken tooth
  • Cover cosmetic imperfections, such as chips or stains
  • Restore a dental implants
  • Protect a tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy

Am I a candidate for a tooth crown?

If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. To be eligible for this type of treatment, you must be in good oral health, free from periodontal disease and other serious dental issues. During a consultation at Magic Smiles, your dentist will perform a comprehensive oral examination to ensure that a dental crown is right for you. If you have extensive damage, you may be better suited for alternative treatments, such as an extraction and dental implant. We will recommend the most conservative treatment possible to keep your oral health on track.

Dental Crown Treatment Process

Many patients ask us what to expect when receiving a dental crown. In most cases, the procedure requires at least two office visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the affected tooth. This prepares the tooth so that it can serve as an anchor for your new restoration. Once this step is complete, we will take dental impressions of your smile. These impressions are then sent to our partner dental lab, where a technician will design your crown.

Your final dental crown will be delivered to our office once it is ready. Next, we’ll schedule you for a second visit at our practice. At this appointment, your dentist will try in your new crown to ensure that the fit and color are correct. After making some minor adjustments, your new tooth crown will be permanently cemented into place.

Dental Crown Recovery

After having a tooth crown placed, you may notice some slight, temporary sensitivity. These side effects are normal and should subside in a few days. Most patients can resume normal activity and function the same day.

Though the area may be slightly tender, be sure to keep it clean. Brush and floss normally, and use an antibacterial rinse to reduce the risk of complications.

Preserving Your New Smile

To keep your new dental crown looking and feeling its best, you’ll need to follow the recommendations set forth by the Magic Smiles team. For example:

  • Practice good oral hygiene.
  • Avoid sticky or hard foods.
  • Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.

Learn more about tooth crowns at Magic Smiles.

If you think you may need a tooth crown, schedule a visit at our Coffs Harbour dental office, also serving Woolgoolga. Contact us online anytime.

Apr 20
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happy little girl brushing teeth

Children’s Dentist: Oral Health Tips for Kids

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

While most parents expect their child to have a cavity or two, this doesn’t have to be the case. Cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems are almost always preventable. As dental professionals, we don’t take oral health lightly, and parents shouldn’t either! It’s more common to take overall health more seriously than oral health, but what if we told you that one affects the other? Oral health problems in children can lead to poor digestive health, nutrient deficiencies, and low self-esteem.

We know that you want the best for your little one. That includes helping her achieve optimal oral health so that the rest of her body doesn’t suffer the consequences. In this blog, our children’s dentist offers three tips to help your child gain and maintain a healthy smile.

1. Begin brushing and flossing as early as possible

Parents should clean their children’s mouths long before they develop their first tooth. Milk and other substances can damage a baby’s gum tissue and increase the risk of gum disease. To clean the gums, simply wet a soft cloth and wipe the front, back, and top of your baby’s gums.

When the first tooth develops, buy a finger brush or use a damp washcloth to remove any residue, plaque, and bacteria. Be very gentle and don’t use a toothpaste unless recommended by your children’s dentist. Once the second tooth develops, use floss to clean between the teeth.

As your child gets older (usually by age three), he or she will graduate to a regular, soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized dollop of fluoride toothpaste. Children typically need assistance with brushing and flossing until age six.

2. Offer healthy meals and snacks

One of the most important, and often most overlooked, aspects of oral health care is eating healthy foods. Children love snacks like crackers, dried fruit, gummies, and juice. Unfortunately, these usually contain loads of sugar and carbs that contribute to cavities and gum disease.

What our children eat is just as important for their oral health as it is for their overall health. To maintain a healthy microbiome, children should consume diets that contain these vitamins and minerals:

  • Calcium helps build strong bones which provide structural support to the teeth and gums. It also hardens dental enamel.
  • Potassium strengthens bone density and removes acidity from the blood which would otherwise inhibit calcium production.
  • Vitamin D assists the body in absorbing calcium.
  • Vitamin C protects against gum disease and prevents teeth from loosening.
  • Vitamin A prevents dry mouth and promotes healing.

Here are some of our favorite mouth- and kid-friendly snacks:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Milk
  • String cheese
  • Avocados
  • Fruit and veggie smoothie
  • Cantaloupe
  • Apples and peanut butter

Additionally, children should drink plenty of water throughout the day to clean the mouth of food particles and sugars and promote the production of saliva.

3. Find a kid-friendly children’s dentist near you

An experienced, compassionate, and friendly children’s dentist is a parent’s best resource for kids’ oral health. Children’s dentists help parents navigate the first years of oral health care, answer their questions, and give tips for teaching children how to care for their teeth and gums.

Finding the right kids’ dentist is essential to creating a healthy relationship between your child and his or her oral health. Choose a dentist with years of experience working with children, great patient reviews, and who is conveniently located.

Our Woolgoolga Children’s Dentist

At Magic Smiles, our dental team ensures every child that walks into our office feels comfortable and cared for. Our children’s dentist offers preventative treatments to ensure your little one achieves optimal oral health.

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

Apr 15
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gum disease or periodontal disease on green background

Gum Disease and Systemic Health

By Oral Health No Comments

Bleeding, irritated, swollen, and receding gums are a few of the most obvious signs of gum disease. Other signs and symptoms include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, changes in bite, and even tooth loss. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, progresses very slowly which is a great thing! This means that dentists can usually catch the disease in its earliest (and only treatable) stage before patients experience the worst symptoms.

However, for patients who don’t visit the dentist regularly, periodontal disease can cause tremendous damage to their oral cavity as well as their bodies. Additionally, periodontal disease can be triggered or worsened by systemic health issues.

How Gum Disease Affects Overall Health

Most often, people develop gum disease because of poor oral hygiene and/or eating habits. What begins as an infection in the gingiva, turns into an inflammatory reaction throughout the body when it gets into the bloodstream.

The bacteria from gum disease infiltrate the bloodstream and can cause the following overall health issues:

Heart disease

After evaluating several research studies, authors from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology have found a significant link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Those studies proved that gum disease creates at least a 20 percent increase in the risk of heart disease.

Though this number is seemingly small, any percentage can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, periodontal care is an essential part of avoiding heart issues.

Diabetes

According to the American Dental Association, people who have periodontal disease may develop higher blood sugar which leads to type 2 diabetes. When the microbes from the disease leak into the bloodstream, the body has a natural reaction, which sometimes means raising blood sugar levels.

Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers haven’t quite figured out the connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease and some even disagree that they are related. However, others believe that an over-production of beta-amyloid as a response to gum disease germs could be what causes Alzheimer’s disease.

Overall Health Issues That Cause Periodontal Disease

For some people, gum disease is caused by issues and changes in the body. While many studies of how certain health issues lead to gum disease are ambiguous, the connection certainly seems clear.

Hormonal changes in women that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause often lead to periodontal disease.

The story is a little different for men in that gum disease is more likely to affect other parts of their reproductive health.

Just as periodontal disease can lead to type 2 diabetes, the reverse is also true. Since diabetes leads to blood vessel changes that reduce the flow of nutrients to the rest of the body and removal of waste from the body the gums and bone tissue may weaken.

Gum Disease Prevention

The saying “prevention is the best policy” certainly applies to gum disease. Besides practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing, at home, patients should visit the dentist at least every six months. During these appointments, dentists look for signs of periodontal disease and can even eliminate the disease with a dental clean if it’s early enough.

In addition to these practices, patients should eat healthy, exercise, eliminate stressors, and visit their general physicians regularly since we know overall health issues lead to gum disease.

Ready to get your oral (and overall) health back on track? Contact our Woolgoolga dental practice today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.