Nov 22
Love0
A person clutches their jaws to indicate the presence of a TMD

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): What It Is, and How to Treat It

By Orthodontics No Comments

If you have frequent jaw pain that makes yawning, speaking, and chewing more difficult, then you may have a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Luckily, simple solutions (like orthodontics) can help you get lasting relief from jaw pain and dysfunction.

 

The team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is here to help you get healthy teeth and jaws for life. Contact our team in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW, online here to see how we can take your oral health to the next level.

 

Diagnosing a temporomandibular joint disorder starts with you. Keep reading to learn more about what a TMD is, what it feels like, and how to treat it. 

What is TMJ disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (shortened to TMJ) is a hinge-like joint. It connects the lower jaw (called the mandible) to the temporal bones of the skull (located just above the ears). These joints allow us to open and close our mouths. Because of their near-constant use for speaking, eating, and yawning, the TMJ is vulnerable to injury and wear over time.

 

Dysfunction and disease can limit the TMJ’s mobility, comfort, and function, leading to what experts call a temporomandibular joint disorder.

What causes a TMD?

A TMJ disorder may develop for a number of reasons, including:

  • Bruxism (unconscious dental grinding and jaw clenching)
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Tight or tired facial muscles
  • Trauma or injury to the jaw 
  • Arthritis 
  • Depression, anxiety, and other psychological stressors
  • Certain medications (like fluoxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine)
  • Genetics

 

The cause of a TMD may be the result of one, some, or all of the above factors. Ultimately, a trained professional must diagnose the disorder in order to pinpoint the likely culprit and treat it accordingly.

What does a TMJ disorder feel like?

In the absence of pain, clicking and popping sounds coming from the jaw joints are normal. However, clicking and popping accompanied by pain are signs of a TMD.

 

Other signs and symptoms of a TMJ disorder include:

  • Pain that radiates from the jaw toward the face, neck, or shoulders
  • Jaw stiffness
  • Limited mobility
  • Locked jaws
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Frequent headaches or migraines
  • Changes in bite patterns

How can I treat a TMJ disorder?

There are several surgical and non-surgical options to treat a TMJ disorder. However, the team at Magic Smiles always prefers to pursue non-surgical treatment options before pursuing surgical treatment options.

 

Common non-surgical treatment options include:

  • Personalized night guards: These anti-bruxism devices provide a constant cushion between the teeth to deter sleep bruxism (which affects nearly 13% of all adults).
  • Orthodontic treatments: In some cases, improper dental alignments may put undue stress on the teeth and jaws. Simple solutions (like clear aligner therapy) can easily shift teeth into better alignment for prolonged pain relief.
  • Medications: Whether over-the-counter or prescription, painkillers can reduce discomfort and improve jaw mobility. Alternatively, anxiolytics and antidepressants may also decrease tension in the jaw and improve mobility.

Get TMD Relief Now at Magic Smiles

Don’t let jaw pain and dysfunction keep you from living your life to the fullest. Contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today to see how we can help you. Just send a message to one of our three, convenient locations to book your appointment now!

 

Nov 17
Love0
A person rests their chin on their hands and smiles widely to reveal the benefits of routine oral hygiene

Improve Your Routine Oral Hygiene with These Six Tips

By Dental Checkup No Comments

Routine oral hygiene includes activities like brushing and flossing. But, is simple brushing and flossing enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy and functional? Possibly, but there are a few things you can do (along with regular checkups) to take your oral hygiene to the next level.

 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we believe that exceptional oral health care starts with you. So, don’t be shy–contact our team in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour, NSW, today. Simply send us a brief message here to get started!

 

In this post, we give you six tips on how you can improve your routine oral hygiene. Because even tiny changes can add up to major improvements in your oral and overall health!

1. Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush

Did you know that the bristles on toothbrushes come in different stiffnesses, like soft, medium, and hard? Many patients assume that the stiffer the bristles are, the better clean they will get. But, that simply isn’t true.

 

Hard-bristled and soft-bristled toothbrushes both clean teeth equally well. The key difference? Hard bristles can rub away the protective layer on our teeth (tooth enamel) at an alarming rate, but soft bristles do not.

 

So, ditch the hard-bristled brush. Save your tooth enamel and prevent cavities with soft-bristled toothbrushes instead.

2. Don’t Rinse after Brushing

Today, many toothpastes contain remineralizing ingredients, such as fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite. These ingredients rebuild weakened tooth enamel and prevent cavities from forming on the teeth.

 

Research indicates that rinsing after brushing actively removes these essential ingredients from the mouth. As a result, remineralizing toothpastes cannot properly strengthen and protect teeth as intended. 

 

So, simply spit out the toothpaste, skip the rinse, and carry on. Leaving residual toothpaste in the mouth allows remineralizing ingredients to do their job better.

3. Brush or Scrape Your Tongue

Right now, billions upon billions of bacteria are living in our mouths, many of which are responsible for bad breath. These bad-breath microbes create a sticky film in our mouths, which can be removed with gentle brushing. But, if you’re not brushing your tongue, then you may be leaving billions of odour-causing bacteria behind.

 

Following toothbrushing, you should brush or scrape your tongue. This helps to remove plaque, bacteria, and residual food debris on the tongue for fresher breath and a healthier smile.

4. Upgrade Your Dental Floss

There is no doubt about it–traditional string floss is a hassle. But, with recent upgrades to dental floss, patients have more accessible and comfortable ways to prioritize their periodontal health.

 

Here are just a few ways to floss in the 21st century:

  • A water flosser 
  • Interdental brushes
  • Floss picks (disposable or reusable!)

5. Eat and Drink Your Way to a Healthy Smile

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks are common cavity culprits. Therefore, establishing a dental-friendly diet is a great way to elevate your routine oral hygiene. 

 

So, drink plenty of fresh water, eat your fruits and veg, and add more probiotic foods (like yogurt and kimchi) to your menu for a healthier smile!

6. See a Dentist in NSW Every Six Months

Don’t let your routine oral hygiene practices go to waste. Maintain your oral health and hygiene by booking regular checkups and dental cleans with our dentists in New South Wales every six months. Request an appointment at Magic Smiles online now to schedule yours!

 

Nov 11
Love0
A young woman sits on the floor and clutches her chest, indicating dentophobia before a dental appointment

Four Ways to Overcome Dentophobia

By Dental Checkup No Comments

Is a deep-seated fear of the dentist keeping you from getting yearly checkups and cleanings? You don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is here to give you four ways to overcome dental anxiety (also called dentophobia).

Looking for gentle dentistry in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW? At Magic Smiles, we offer numerous services (like sedation dentistry) to make dental care more comfortable for you. Contact our team now to see how we can give you a more pleasant experience.

Meanwhile, let’s discuss four things you can do to make dental care less intimidating. Even simple solutions can add up to major differences in your care and comfort!

 

Calm Your Nerves with Breathing Exercises

We’ve all heard it before– “Just take a deep breath!” But, how beneficial is deep breathing on anxiety? It turns out that it could make a noticeable difference in soothing frayed nerves.

Research reveals that prolonging exhalation triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. Once triggered, the parasympathetic nervous system reduces the fight-or-flight response. As a result, feelings of fear and anxiety greatly diminish with deep, controlled breathing.

So, what’s the trick? Simply breathe in, and fully release all of the air from your lungs (exhaling for about five counts). Repeat this process for two to five minutes or until you feel more relaxed.

 

Distract Yourself with Your Favorites

For many patients, the sensations of a dental office can trigger their dentophobia. So, if the sound of drills or the smell of a sterile environment causes you to panic, then block out the surrounding environment with welcome distractions. 

Here are a few ways that you can keep yourself distracted and entertained during dental appointments:

  • Listen to your favorite music (and pump the volume up just a tad!)
  • Watch your favorite TV shows or movies (on our TVs or on your own device!)
  • Play with fidgets to keep energetic hands occupied
  • Place diluted essential oils (like calming lavender mixed with coconut oil) under the nose to promote calm 

 

Find Your Happy Place

It might sound a little silly, but visualization can be a powerful tool to combat dentophobia. Visualization is a mental exercise that encourages patients to reframe and redirect their thoughts. Experts believe that visualization is a form of meditation, which can help patients relax and find their ‘happy place,’ even in stressful situations.

 

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry may be the most effective way to overcome dentophobia. This nerve-soothing approach to gentle dentistry deters dental anxiety with the use of:

  • Oral conscious sedation
  • IV sedation
  • Nitrous oxide 
  • Local anesthesia
  • General anesthesia

 

Sedation dentistry is right for most patients. So, don’t hesitate to ask our team which sedation dentistry services might benefit you most at your next appointment!

 

Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry in New South Wales

Don’t let dentophobia keep you from getting exceptional dental care with our skilled dentists in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW. Contact the team at Magic Smiles online here to ask us about our available sedation dentistry services and other gentle treatments.

 

Nov 03
Love0
Close-up image of crowns for teeth in Coffs Harbour, NSW

Six Reasons to Get Crowns for Teeth

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

Dental crowns for teeth serve as protective coverings to combat continued damage, decay, and dysfunction. As a result, dental crowns (also called caps) are a popular restorative solution to strengthen and beautify patients’ smiles.

 

Looking for top-notch restorative dental care in a friendly and educational atmosphere? Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is your premier location for all things dental health. Schedule your next dental appointment at one of our three, convenient locations in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, New South Wales by submitting a request online here.

 

Meanwhile, let our team tell you six reasons why you might need dental crowns for teeth. From restorative to cosmetic, these versatile prosthetics offer numerous benefits.

1. Prevent Cavities from Spreading

Did you know that cavities are contagious? 2014 research indicates that cavities are infectious, as cavity-causing bacteria are easily transmissible via saliva. That’s right–swapping spit can result in tooth-destroying cavities.

 

If you have a cavity, then it’s important to protect yourself and others from damaging bacteria. Dental caps can prevent extensive dental decay from spreading to surrounding teeth or other people. As a result, crowns for teeth serve as comprehensive treatments that restore patients’ smiles and their interpersonal relationships. 

2. An Alternative to Traditional Teeth Whitening

Traditional teeth-whitening treatments easily lift external stains from the teeth. But, when it comes to internal discoloration, traditional teeth-whitening just won’t cut it.

 

Internal stains may be the result of trauma, medications, or health conditions. Whatever the cause, they are immune to traditional whitening methods. Instead, patients with intrinsic stains can seamlessly cover discoloration with tooth crowns.

 

Our team can craft and color-match crowns to patients’ exact specifications. As a result, patients can tailor their smiles to meet their aesthetic, health, and budgetary goals.

3. Combat Tooth Sensitivity

Thinning tooth enamel is the primary cause of dental sensitivity. And, even though tooth enamel is the toughest substance in our bodies, it is incapable of repairing itself once damaged.

 

Significantly worn or thin tooth enamel requires reinforcement. However, simpler solutions (like dental fillings) may not be enough to support ultra-weak teeth. Dental caps offer more protection than fillings while also improving the appearance of dull or discolored teeth.

4. Complete a Dental Implant or Dental Bridge

Tooth caps can sit atop a dental implant to replace missing teeth. Alternatively, crowns can serve as anchors on neighboring teeth to keep dental bridges securely in place. 

5. Protect Teeth Following Root Canal Therapy

If a cavity goes untreated for too long, it may result in a painful (and potentially life-threatening!) root canal infection. Luckily, root canal therapy effectively removes the infection. But, teeth with root canal infections require long-lasting protection.

 

A tooth cap protects and restores teeth following root canal therapy. As a result, patients can keep their natural teeth longer without sacrificing their overall aesthetic.

6. Reshape Teeth to Improve Oral Function and Aesthetics

In some cases, short or misshapen teeth can affect dental occlusion (the way our teeth align and interact). Dental crowns for teeth with abnormalities help patients improve their bite patterns, which improves their oral function and appearance.

Crowns for Teeth in Woolgoolga and Coffs Harbour

Are you ready to see if crowns are right for your teeth? Then, contact the team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre today! Patients can easily reach one of our three locations by submitting appointment requests online here.

Oct 26
Love0
Side-by-side comparison of teeth with cavities and teeth with teeth fillings in place.

Teeth Fillings 101: Everything You Want to Know

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

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

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

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

What are tooth fillings?

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

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

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

What kinds of dental fillings are there?

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

  • Gold
  • Silver amalgam
  • Porcelain 
  • Composite resin

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

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

Does it hurt to get a tooth filling?

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

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

How long does a dental filling last?

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

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

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

Ask Us If Tooth Fillings Are Right For You

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

Oct 20
Love0
3d render of jaw with a dental bridge

5 Dental Bridge Facts

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

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

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

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

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

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

2. There are different types of dental bridges.

The different types of dental bridges are: 

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

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

3. Some dental bridges require alteration to neighboring teeth. 

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

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

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

5. There are alternatives to a dental bridge. 

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

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

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

Dental Bridge, Dental Implants, and Dentures in Woolgoolga

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

Oct 12
Love0
Man holds partial dentures in his hand

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

By Restorative Dentistry No Comments

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

 

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

 

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

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

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

You should wear dentures while sleeping.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

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

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

 

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

Whitening toothpastes can brighten a dull denture.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

 

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

You need to continue brushing your mouth after getting dentures.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

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

  1. True
  2. False

Answer

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

Considering dentures? Schedule a consultation today!

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

 

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

 

 

Oct 05
Love0
woman needing dental cleanings and orthodontics

Dental Cleanings & Orthodontics: 3 Benefits

By Dental Checkup No Comments

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

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

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

Here are three benefits of dental cleanings during orthodontic treatment: 

1. Maintain Oral Health

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

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

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

2. Avoid Excess Plaque Buildup

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

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

3. Prevent Decalcification

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

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

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning

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

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

Sep 27
Love0
A large family smiles after receiving excellent care with dentists in Coffs Harbour

Dentists in Coffs Harbour Review Advancements in Dental Technology

By Oral Health No Comments

We live in a fast-paced world, and keeping up isn’t always easy. But, there are some professionals, like our dentists in Coffs Harbour, that must keep pace with this ever-changing world. One way that our team stays competitive and sharp in today’s society is with modern advancements in dental technology. 

 

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center, we take great pride in delivering the highest level of care. Our use of high-tech gadgets and imaging software allows us to do just that. So, don’t wait–come see how our dental technology can revolutionize your oral health. Request your appointment online or call our Coffs Harbour, NSW, dental office at (02) 6652-3242 to get started.

 

Here, we review some of the latest advancements in dental technology. You might be surprised to see just how comfortable and comprehensive contemporary dentistry can be!

Digital Oral Impressions

In the past, dentists had patients bite down on a goopy paste inside of a tray to get oral impressions. Dentists could then use these oral impressions to craft personalized dental restorations or orthodontia for each patient’s unique smile.

 

In theory, impression paste works well. In practice, it’s less than ideal.

 

The impression paste is often messy and difficult to work with. And, for many patients, the paste and impression trays are too large for their mouths, which can trigger their gag reflexes. As a result, traditional oral impressions are now an outdated way to map dentition.

 

Today, dentists in Coffs Harbour use digital oral impressions to gather highly-accurate images and topographical information about patients’ teeth. These impressions don’t use any messy paste, and they are far more comfortable than traditional impressions. And, our team can get digital impressions in a fraction of the time, which saves our patients time and money!

Digital X-Rays

Historically, dentists used film-based radiographic images to get pictures of underlying oral structures. Although traditional x-rays are incredibly useful to dentists in Coffs Harbour, they are not without their risks.

 

In fact, 2021 data suggest that film-based x-rays can deliver the equivalent of several days’ worth of background radiation. And, even though it may not feel like it, this amount of radiation can wreak havoc on cellular growth and regeneration.

 

Therefore, our dentists in Coffs Harbour use digital x-rays. These advanced radiographic images use 90% less radiation to capture crystal-clear images of the teeth and jaws. As a result, we can deliver better care without risking our patients’ overall health.

Soft Tissue Lasers

Some treatments, like treatments for periodontal disease or a gummy smile, require the removal of a small amount of gingival (gum) tissue. In the past, dentists in Coffs Harbour used razor-sharp scalpels to get the job done. But, even though it was effective, it wasn’t the most comfortable option for patients.

 

Today, laser dentistry has completely changed the game. Using gentle, soft-tissue lasers, our dentists in Coffs Harbour can comfortably and effectively remove gingival tissue without sacrificing our patients’ comfort. Not only that, but soft tissue lasers sterilize the treatment area, which leads to a better, faster recovery.

Schedule an Appointment with Our Dentists in Coffs Harbour

Are you ready to see how our team uses advanced dental technology to provide top-tier care in an inviting and inclusive atmosphere? Then, call Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Center today to schedule your appointment!

 

Patients can reach our dentists in Coffs Harbour online here, or they may call (02) 6652-3242 to get started.

 

Sep 19
Love0

5 Surprising Facts about Baby Teeth from Your Children’s Dentistry Provider

By Dental Checkup No Comments

Teething is a milestone for every baby and parent. Though it doesn’t seem possible, as your child’s gummy smile transforms into a toothy grin, he becomes cuter than ever before. Unfortunately, children’s dentistry is not discussed as frequently as other topics, like feeding and sleep. Many parents, for instance, are not aware that babies should have dental checkups as soon as their first teeth appear.

At Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre, we proudly provide quality care for patients of all ages. 

Read on to learn some fascinating and little-known facts about baby teeth. Then contact us to schedule an appointment for your child.

1. Teeth Are One of the First Things to Grow in the Womb.

While the heartbeat is one of the first developments for an unborn baby, the growth of baby teeth is not far behind. Teeth begin forming as early as six week’s gestation. At this time, dental lamina form tooth buds, which will later grow into teeth. Around 3 to 4 months in utero, hard tissue begins to form. 

When a baby is born, she already has all 20 baby teeth below the gum line! 

2. Some Babies Are Born with Teeth.

In about 1 out of every 2,000 to 3,000 births, babies are born with teeth. These are called natal teeth and are most often normal teeth that have simply erupted early. They can, however, cause complications with nursing, and they may be weaker than teeth that develop on a more regular timeline. But sometimes they cause no complications whatsoever.

3. Some Babies Have Extra Teeth.

3.8% of the population is born with hyperdontia, a condition that causes extra teeth to develop. Many times, only a dental professional can diagnose hyperdontia in infants since the extra teeth tend to look normal and align with the rest of the teeth. Nonetheless, it is important to diagnose this condition, as it can cause problems with normal dental alignment and development.

4. Baby Teeth Are More Susceptible to Cavities Than Adult Teeth.

Enamel forms the outer layer of teeth and helps to prevent cavities. In babies, however, the enamel layer is thinner, meaning children are more prone to tooth decay than their parents! In fact, 42% of Australian children have experienced decay in their baby teeth.

5. Baby Teeth Play an Important Role in the Development of Adult Teeth.

Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth. If your child loses teeth too early, they could suffer from pronounced misalignment later down the road. In addition, children who experience dental decay are more likely to develop cavities as adults. 

This is why early dental care is so vital. To prevent cavities, brush your little one’s teeth twice a day, and begin flossing as soon as she has two teeth that touch. You should also begin biannual dental checkups no later than age one, or whenever teeth start to come in, whichever comes first. 

Schedule an Appointment with a Children’s Dentistry Expert

To learn more about baby teeth and to protect your favorite little smile, contact our practice today.