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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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.

Dec 05
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close up of mouth and dental mirror

Why are dental check-ups important? And other FAQs

By Dental Checkup No Comments

When a person wants to lose weight, she works with a dietician or physical trainer; when a person wants to improve their mental health, he works with a therapist or counselor; and when a person wants to have a healthy, beautiful smile, he works with a dentist.

Most dentists recommend patients visit the dentist at least every six months. However, some patients should visit even more often. The most obvious and important reason for these visits is to help patients gain and maintain optimum oral health. Dental check-ups help patients avoid the negative side-effects of cavities and gum disease. When patients attend these appointments regularly, dentists can track their oral health and interfere with any potential problems.

These appointments are important for patients of all ages, but especially children because dentists can help the child and parent lay the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile throughout their lives.

Here are three more questions patients ask about dental check-ups:

1. What happens during a dental check-up?

Two things happen during a dental check-up: an oral health examination and a dental clean.

When a dentist performs an oral exam, he checks for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and any other signs of oral health problems. First, x-rays are taken of your teeth, jawbone, and jaw joints. Then, the dentist uses special tools to look more closely at the gums, teeth, and other structures in the mouth.

After completing the exam, a dental hygienist will perform a dental clean. This involves using scalers and ultrasonic instruments to remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and along the gum line. Lastly, a special paste and rubber cup are used to polish the teeth by removing surface stains and dangerous biofilms.

Dental check-ups are the perfect time to ask your dentist questions about any issues you’ve had with your teeth, gums, or breath. Nothing is off-limits! Patients also often ask for recommendations on the best brands of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash.

2. What if the dentist discovers a cavity or gum disease?

Minor issues like a small cavity or chip can be treated on the same day as your dental check-up. For more extensive issues like advanced gum disease or cavities, another appointment may be necessary.

If follow-up treatment is needed, be sure to talk to your dentist about all of your treatment options, payment options, and schedule a time that works well for your schedule.

3. What should I do between visits?

This is a question many patients ask during their dental check-ups. The great thing about asking in person is that you receive personalized advice. Here are the basic guidelines for at-home oral healthcare:

  • Brush twice a day—once in the morning, and once right before bed.
  • Floss every evening (after your last meal).
  • Eat healthily. Up your intake of whole foods and reduce the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume.
  • Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Patients who abide by these guidelines have a much better chance of maintaining a healthy mouth year-round!

Schedule Your Dental Check-Up Today

Don’t wait any longer to experience the benefits of a dental exam and cleaning. At Magic Smiles in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, our team of expert and compassionate dentists is prepared to help you achieve your best smile!

Contact one of our convenient locations today to schedule your appointment.

Dec 01
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Children’s Dentist Tips: Reduce Cavities with Healthy Snacks

By Children's Dentistry No Comments

It seems like most commercials for oral hygiene products focus only on brushing and flossing for keeping our children’s mouths free of cavities and gum disease. Of course, this is true and necessary, but it’s also a selling tactic. What they fail to mention is that what we put in our mouths is just as important! Certain foods help prevent cavities and gum disease while others contribute to them.

This is especially true for children whose teeth tend to be much more susceptible to cavities. Nutritious meals and snacks and drinking lots of water can make a big difference in your child’s oral and overall health.

At Magic Smiles, our children’s dentist is passionate about helping parents find practical ways to support their child’s oral health. In this blog, we offer information about how snacking can make or break a smile and healthy snack ideas.

The Dangers of Sugars in Snacks

Unfortunately, many of the most convenient snacks we offer our children are full of sugar that is sometimes disguised as high fructose corn syrup, rice syrup, honey, fruit juice concentrate, and sucrose. Look for these names on food labels before buying those seemingly healthy snacks at the grocery store!

Children are only supposed to eat 25 grams of sugar per day. When hidden sugars aren’t considered, a child can easily eat and drink three times that! Along with contributing to gum disease and cavities, consuming too much sugar can lead to the following overall health problems:

  • Acne
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Depression
  • Low energy
  • Impaired memory
  • Heart disease
  • Fatty liver

Thankfully, we can help our children avoid these negative consequences by being just a little more conscious about the foods and beverages we offer them.

Tips for Reducing Sugar Consumption

One of the best ways to limit your child’s sugar intake is to eat more whole, unprocessed foods. This means more fruits and vegetables, and fewer foods that come in a package. Other ways to limit sugar include:

  1. Offer more water and less juice
  2. Use Stevia as a sweetener
  3. Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate
  4. Use bananas and apple sauce for sweetening desserts
  5. Look for “zero added sugars” on food labels

Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Nutritious snacks come in four categories: fruits, veggies, protein, and calcium. When you stick to these food groups, it’s hard to go wrong! Here are some of our favorite snack ideas (we think your little one will love them, too!):

Fruits and Veggies

  • Celery and apples with natural peanut butter
  • Kale, zucchini, and sweet potato chips
  • Hummus with peppers, carrots, and celery
  • Guacamole with corn chips or pita wedges
  • Fruit smoothie

Protein

  • Beef jerky
  • Salami
  • Pepperoni
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Plain Greek yogurt (add fruit and peanut butter)
  • Roasted chickpeas

Calcium

  • Apples with almond butter
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese
  • Cottage cheese with fruit
  • Almonds
  • Fortified orange juice
  • A glass of milk

Children’s Dentist in Woolgoolga

At Magic Smiles, our team is proud to offer dentistry for children between the ages of 2 and 17. We understand what it takes to make the dentist’s office comfortable and fun so that little ones enjoy coming back!

Along with encouraging and teaching about good oral hygiene at home, we urge parents to bring their children to the dentist every six months for cleanings and preventative treatments.

To learn more about our team or to schedule an appointment with our children’s dentist, call (02) 6654-0650 today!

Nov 18
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impacted tooth illustration

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that sit in the very back of the mouth. They are named “wisdom teeth” because they develop between the ages of 17 and 25, about a decade after a person’s second molar. It is believed that prehistoric humans needed their third molars to grind down tough meats, plants, foliage, nuts, and seeds.

Today, our foods are much softer, and our mouths have evolved by becoming smaller. As a result, our wisdom teeth have become insignificant, functionless, and intrusive (in most cases). Some people never need to have their wisdom teeth removed if their mouth is healthy, they are able to keep the teeth clean, and the teeth have developed properly.

Reasons Why Your Wisdom Teeth Should Be Extracted

Because of how our mouths have changed since prehistoric times, our third molars rarely have enough room to develop. In these cases, the wisdom teeth become stuck in the jaw, unable to emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and other oral and overall health problems.

Jaw damage from cysts that form around the new teeth is one of the more significant consequences of impacted wisdom teeth. If left untreated, the jaw can hollow out and the nerves become damaged.

If the teeth partially erupt, they may damage the second molars by putting immense pressure on them. As you can imagine, this may also result in pain and discomfort. The pain could arise from tooth movement caused by the pressure of the erupting wisdom tooth. If you notice that your teeth are becoming more crowded or are shifting in position, that’s a good sign that wisdom teeth removal is necessary.

Partially and fully erupted wisdom teeth are typically exceedingly difficult to clean. Getting a toothbrush back there is hard enough, not to mention trying to floss between the second and third molars. Consequently, patients who don’t have their wisdom teeth removed often experience cavities, gum disease, and all of the symptoms that those conditions come with, such as:

  • Tooth pain
  • Gum irritation
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Tooth loss

What to Expect

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common outpatient surgery that oral surgeons regularly perform. Before the procedure, the dentist will offer a local anesthetic or dental sedation, depending on your specific needs. These make the procedure much more comfortable and relaxing.

Once you are comfortable, the procedure begins. If the wisdom teeth are fully impacted, the oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gums to get to the teeth. Then, the tooth is gently removed. When the teeth have partially erupted, the dentist may need to break the tooth into pieces so that no damage is done to the remaining healthy teeth.

The entire procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. Afterward, the dentist will send you home to recover. He will provide a specific set of guidelines to ensure your recovery is as smooth as possible.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Woolgoolga

If you’re searching for a professional, experienced, and compassionate dental team in Woolgoolga, look no further! Our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to give you a comfortable dental experience. We have an oral surgeon on staff with decades of experience in removing wisdom teeth.

Don’t wait any longer to have your third molars removed. Contact us today at (02) 6654-0650 to schedule an initial consultation.

Nov 10
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dentures in glass of water

5 Denture Care Tips to Make Your Dentures Last Longer

By Oral Health No Comments

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dentures are a popular option because of the many benefits they offer. These include improved appearance, easy maintenance, improved function, comfort, and support.

Not sure if dentures are right for you? The best way to find out is to visit your local dentist! He or she will examine your mouth and offer treatments that will fit your smile goals, lifestyle, and budget.

When it comes to making dentures last, proper care is essential. When a person follows their dentist’s guidelines, his or her dentures can last up to ten years without needing to be completely replaced. Check out the rest of this blog to learn our top five tips for long-lasting dentures.

Denture Care Tip #1: Clean them daily.

You wouldn’t go a day without brushing your teeth, right? The same rule applies to dentures. Cleaning them every day is a MUST. Plaque forms on dentures just like it does on natural teeth, and certain foods and drinks can stain them. If they aren’t cleaned properly, the dentures will appear dull and yellow and have a funny smell.

It is also important to rinse them after each meal. The food and bacteria surrounding your gums and denture can lead to gum disease, bad breath, and other serious oral health problems.

Denture Care Tip #2: Clean them properly.

Regular toothpaste can damage dentures. Be sure to use lukewarm water and a soft-bristled denture brush when cleaning the denture. Hot water can warp the dentures, making them fit uncomfortably. At night, soak the dentures in cool water or a denture cleaning solution.

Denture Care Tip #3: Be gentle.

If you are cleaning or removing your dentures, do so over a sink filled with water or a soft surface, like a folded towel. The denture can be easily damaged if dropped on a hard surface. Again, make sure to use a denture cleaner and soft-bristled denture brush so that the teeth do not become scratched or discolored.

Denture Care Tip #4: Remove them properly.

Denture adhesives and suction keep traditional dentures held in place throughout the day, so removing them can be a challenge. Here are three tips for removing dentures:

  • Swish with warm water or mouthwash beforehand
  • Top denture: Place your thumbs against the back of the front teeth; pull forward and upward towards your nose until they come loose
  • Bottom denture: Pull the denture outward in a rocking motion until it releases

Denture Care Tip #5: Visit the dentist regularly.

Six-month dental visits are so important for denture wearers. During these appointments, your dentist will check for wear and tear on the dentures as well as signs of irritation and gum disease. Treatment for these conditions is imperative for maintaining a healthy mouth and keeping your dentures comfortable.

More About Dentures

Applying these guidelines to your daily oral hygiene routine will certainly improve the longevity of your dentures, but that doesn’t mean they won’t need regular maintenance. Without natural teeth, your mouth will continue to change. Therefore, your dentures will likely need to be relined or rebased every few years.

With proper maintenance and help from an experienced dentist, dentures should last between seven and ten years. To learn more about dentures and denture care, contact our experienced dentists at Magic Smiles. Call (02) 6654-0650 today.

Nov 05
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illustration of three teeth with swollen gums

How to Know If You Have Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, has four stages: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Unfortunately, this is one of the most common oral health problems and one of the most common chronic diseases. The good news is that it is easily prevented in most cases and easy to treat and reverse when caught in the earliest stage.

Preventing gum disease is as simple as maintaining a good oral hygiene routine, visiting the dentist regularly, and eating properly. However, even these things aren’t always enough when the cause is genetic or hormonal. That’s why it is so important to attend regular dental cleans and examination appointments every six months.

Concerned that you might have gum disease? Here are the most common symptoms:

Red, swollen, or irritated gums

Inflammation along the gum line is one of the first signs of gum disease. You may notice that your gums are a little more red than usual and brushing and flossing may be a little more painful. These indicate that something certainly isn’t right. You should visit the dentist as soon as possible.

Bleeding gums

If you notice blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, gum disease is most likely the cause. Bleeding gums is the most noticeable symptom. Many toothpaste commercials refer to this as “a little pink in the sink” and claim to reverse gingivitis. While the toothpaste may help, it’s best to schedule a dental cleaning appointment to reduce the risk of the disease progressing.

Bad breath

Gum disease occurs when the bad bacteria in the mouth outnumber the good ones. These take over when plaque and tartar are left on the teeth—again, this is why proper oral hygiene is so important!

These disease-causing bacteria release toxins that have a foul smell, causing your breath to smell bad no matter how much gum or breath mints you chew.

So far, we’ve discussed symptoms that are most common during gingivitis. At this stage, gum disease is reversible when properly treated. Be sure to contact your dentist to schedule a dental cleans appointment if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

The following symptoms indicate that the disease has progressed from gingivitis to a more severe type of periodontal disease.

Receding gums

When left untreated, the symptoms of gum disease become more and more severe. The bad bacteria will eventually move on to eating away at the gums, making them shorter. In addition to the visible changes, your teeth will become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as the dentin is exposed.

Shifting or loose teeth

If you notice your teeth don’t quite fit together like they used to when you bite, the bacteria may have moved on to attacking the jawbone which holds the teeth in the proper position. This is a symptom of advanced periodontal disease and should be treated immediately. At this point, you are at a high risk of tooth loss.

Gum Disease Treatment in Woolgoolga

Dental cleans are important for both the prevention and reversal of gum disease. If your gum disease has progressed to a stage that is no longer reversible, don’t fret! We offer effective treatments to stop it in its tracks. This way, no more damage is done to your smile.

To learn more about these treatments and to schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists, call Magic Smiles at (02) 6654-0650 today.

Oct 30
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woman holding clear aligners

The Good and Not-So-Good of Invisalign Clear Aligners

By Invisalign No Comments

When it comes to braces, most patients are ecstatic to hear that Invisalign clear aligners are an option. Traditional metal braces don’t usually sound quite as appealing. However, clear aligners aren’t right for everyone. Continue reading to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Invisalign clear aligners.

Benefits of Invisalign

Most patients are drawn to Invisalign because of their discreet appearance because they can achieve a beautiful smile without having to deal with metal brackets on their teeth. This is especially true for our adult patients who don’t want braces to make them look or feel like they are in junior high again.

While this is the most obvious benefit, Invisalign also offers:

Comfort

When clear aligners fit properly, they tend to be much more comfortable than metal braces. Many patients with traditional metal braces complain about brackets and wires rubbing against their gums and cheeks throughout the day. Not only is this painful and irritating, but it can be a distraction from school, work, and other tasks throughout the day.

Invisalign clear aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic that won’t irritate the gums or cheeks.

Freedom

Although it is important to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, patients have the freedom to remove their Invisalign trays while eating, to give a speech or presentation, and while brushing their teeth. This benefit is unique to clear aligners and one of the main reasons so many patients chose them as their orthodontic option.

Simple Maintenance

Caring for traditional braces can be difficult because brushing and flossing require more a little more effort and maybe even some new tools. With Invisalign, you can keep your same toothbrush and floss because the aligner can be removed while brushing.

To keep your aligner clean, you will need a special cleaner recommended by your dentist. We also recommend that patients brush after each meal, before replacing their Invisalign tray, to inhibit bacterial growth.

Quick Results

While it’s true that no two treatment plans are alike, most patients can expect to wear their Invisalign trays for between 6 and 18 months.

Drawbacks of Invisalign

Because Invisalign requires patients to wear several different trays throughout treatment, the cost is significantly more expensive than traditional metal braces. Traditional braces cost between $5,000 and $6,000 on average. Invisalign can cost up to $8,000. However, every treatment plan is different. So be sure to ask your dentist for a quote.

Clear aligners also require more responsibility and self-control from the patient. We only recommend Invisalign to older teens and adults for this reason. It’s imperative that patients keep up with their aligners so that they don’t have to be replaced, making their cost higher and treatment time longer.

When an Invisalign tray doesn’t fit perfectly, it may cause some pain or discomfort to the gums and cheeks. If this happens, be sure to contact your dentist immediately to have a new tray created.

Invisalign Dentist in Woolgoolga

Invisalign clear aligners can help patients with all types of orthodontic needs. If you’re ready to begin the journey to a perfectly aligned, beautiful smile, call our friendly dental team today at (02) 6654-0650. Our expert dentists are prepared to help you achieve the smile of your dreams through compassionate dental care.

Oct 23
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illustration of root canal therapy

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

So, you’ve been told you need root canal therapy. There are probably one hundred questions running through your mind, or maybe you don’t know which questions to ask! Although root canals have a reputation for being dreadful, the procedure is simple, comfortable, and extremely beneficial.

Root canal therapy allows patients to keep their natural tooth while eliminating the infected pulp inside of it.  This permits the patient to maintain chewing and biting force, keep a natural appearance, and protect his or her mouth from further infection.

To help prepare patients for their root canal treatment, we’ve answered five of the most frequently asked questions about root canal therapy in this blog.

1. What are the most common reasons for root canal therapy?

There are several reasons a patient may need a root canal, including:

  • Deep decay caused by untreated cavities
  • Having several procedures done on the same tooth
  • A poorly fitted crown
  • Severe crack or chip in the tooth
  • Injury caused by car accident, sports injury, etc.

The bottom line is that any time the pulp of the tooth is damaged or infected, root canal therapy is one of the most practical and effective solutions.

2. How painful is a root canal?

One of the most common misconceptions about root canals is that they are painful. While that may have been the case in the past, modern technology has made this treatment about as painless as having a cavity filled. In fact, the infection or damage is much more painful than the treatment.

3. Is it better to have the tooth extracted?

Because root canal therapy saves the natural tooth, it is a much better option than pulling out the tooth. Prosthetic teeth cannot replace the look and strength of the natural tooth and people who choose to have the tooth extracted will most likely need to have the tooth replaced with a bridge. These may not last long, but root-canaled teeth typically last a lifetime.

4. What happens during the procedure?

After taking X-rays, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia and places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry.

Then, he accesses the pulp of the tooth to remove the bacteria and decay with root canal files. Water or sodium hypochlorite is sprayed throughout the inner tooth to flush away the debris.

During a second appointment, the dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta percha, then seals the tooth. If necessary, he will reinforce the tooth with a dental crown.

5. How can I avoid another root canal therapy in the future?

Avoiding another root canal is simple: amp up your oral hygiene routine. This is especially important for patients who had a root canal due to dental decay. However, a good oral hygiene routine keeps all types of oral health problems away.

Here’s what your oral hygiene routine should consist of:

  • Brushing in the morning and evening
  • Flossing daily
  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash
  • Eating properly
  • Visiting the dentist every six months

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Whether you need root canal therapy or its time to schedule your dental clean, our team at Magic Smiles is prepared to help. If you’re nervous about a procedure, ask us about our sedation methods.

Call (02) 6654-0650 to schedule your appointment today.