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Oral Health

Oct 31
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image of small holes and stains in teeth which are cavities symptoms

Cavities Symptoms & Treatments

By Oral Health No Comments

Cavities are holes in the teeth that form from tooth decay. Although prevalence varies across Australian states and territories, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that 42% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 have cavities in their baby teeth. Even though many people associate cavities as a childhood health obstacle, it’s a more prevalent problem in adults. Tooth decay affects over 90% of the Australian adult population. 

Because of the widespread prevalence, you may be wondering, “How can I tell if I have a cavity? How do dentists treat cavities?” Below, we answer these questions and more.

What are the common symptoms of cavities?

Plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) constantly forms on the teeth. When people eat or drink foods with sugar or carbohydrates, they feed the oral bacteria in plaque. Consequently, the bacteria excrete acids that destroy the tooth enamel (the hard surface of the teeth). If not removed, the enamel breaks down and forms holes in the teeth (cavities).

If you believe that you or your loved one may have tooth decay, below are three common cavity symptoms to keep an eye out for:

1. Discomfort

Even though cavities do not usually cause pain until they are deep enough to affect the underlying nerves and tissues, a toothache is one of the most apparent symptoms. Discomfort can fluctuate from mild to intolerable. Also, toothaches can come abruptly, continuously, or promptly when biting, chewing, or eating.

2. Sensitivity

Below the enamel, the dentin has two roles (1) to reinforce the tooth’s enamel and (2) to protect the pulp chamber that houses the blood vessels and nerves deep inside the tooth. As the enamel erodes, the dentin is more exposed, and the dental nerves are more stimulated. As a result, sensitivity may occur after consuming food and drinks that are too hot, cold, acidic, sweet, or sticky.

3. Enamel Changes

As cavity-causing bacteria chemically changes the tooth, there may be changes of appearance:

  • Staining: White, brown, or black spots are the beginning visual signs of tooth decay. As the spots worsen, they become darker (brown or black) and more extensive.
  • Holes and pits: As staining advances, it can change into a hole or pit in the tooth. They may be noticeable by sight or felt when the tongue is run over the surface of the teeth. Sometimes, they may be difficult to see or feel if they are in ridges on the molars (the back of the mouth) or between the teeth.

How do dentists treat cavities?

While cavities may start small and unnoticeable, they rapidly expand when left untreated. After a dentist removes the decayed tissues, they may restore the tooth with a dental filling or crown.

If you are experiencing cavities symptoms, contact us now.

Many people are unaware of when a cavity forms. However, a dentist can identify tooth decay before it causes alarming symptoms that lead to more severe challenges with regular check-ups. At Magic Smiles Dental, Dr. Arpit Pathak offers a wide range of treatments to prevent and heal tooth decay for patients of all ages.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any of the listed cavity symptoms, we advise that you seek care immediately. The sooner that you seek care, the greater your odds are at preventing tooth decay progression. To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call one of our many New South Wales locations:

  • Woolgoolga: (02) 6654-0650
  • Coffs Harbour: (02) 6652-3242
Sep 10
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Image of bleeding and inflamed gums from gum disease

5 Myths About Gum Disease

By Oral Health No Comments

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in the mouth that can lead to tooth loss and damage systemic, overall health. Periodontal diseases and conditions are a considerable health crisis in the Australian population, with 3 out of 10 Australian adults having moderate to severe periodontitis.

Even more alarming is that many people don’t even realize that they have gum disease due to common misconceptions. 

In this blog, we debunk five common myths about gum disease to help you better understand what it is, how it develops, and possible treatments. 

1. “My gums don’t hurt.”

Remarkably, periodontal disease isn’t typically painful and is often referred to as a “silent” disease. Usually, by the time you feel pain from periodontal conditions, the infection has spread and is too severe to be reversed.

Here are some early signs to be aware of:

  • Sensitive, bleeding, or receding gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Discomfort when chewing

2. “Periodontal disease only affects the mouth.”

Periodontal disease starts in the gums, but the infection can get into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Researchers at Harvard University note that people with periodontal disease have a higher risk of:

  • Diabetes
  • Chronic respiratory disease
  • Dementia
  • Pregnancy complications

How is gum disease connected to some chronic health issues? Inflammation plays a role in all of these conditions. For example, successfully treating diabetes reduces the severity of periodontitis (and vice versa). By treating the inflammation, symptoms of these systematic conditions (including periodontal disease) lessen.

3. “I brush and floss every day to prevent periodontal disease.”

Consistent, thorough at-home oral hygiene routines are crucial for managing periodontal disease. Nonetheless, just brushing and flossing can’t always prevent gum infections from developing. Regardless of how good you’re brushing or flossing, genetics, smoking, and some systematic conditions can increase the possibility of gum disease emerging.

Additionally, when gum infections are left untreated, “pockets” start to form around each tooth and deepen as the disease progresses. Once the pocket is deeper than 4mm, a toothbrush and floss cannot reach the bacteria, plaque, and tartar beneath the gums. In this instance, scaling and root planing (or deep dental cleaning) treats this stage of the disease. If too much damage is done, restorative measures, like gum grafts, are needed. 

4. “I’ve never had a cavity, so I can’t have gum disease.”

If you’re fortunate enough to have never experienced tooth decay, you could still possibly develop periodontal disease. Oral bacteria cause both cavities and gum disease; however, different types of bacteria cause both of these conditions:

  • Porphyromonas gingivalis causes gum disease.
  • Streptococcus mutans causes cavities.

Unfortunately, otherwise healthy teeth can still become loose and fall out if advanced periodontal disease destroys the supporting gum tissue and underlying jawbone.

5. “Gum disease can be cured.”

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of periodontal disease, is often reversible with early intervention. With regular cleanings and checkups, a dentist can help identify and reverse the early signs of gingivitis. However, as the disease progresses to periodontitis, it can only be treated and not cured. Additional professional cleanings, treatments, and possibly surgery may be necessary to help alleviate advanced symptoms.

Schedule an Appointment

Periodontal disease is a leading cause of missing teeth in people over the age of 15. Prevention and early intervention are key.

Dr. Pathak monitors gum health with professional dental cleanings and exams. If you suspect that you may have gum disease, or if you simply want to prevent it, call (02) 6654-0650 or message us online to schedule an appointment at our Woolgoolga, NSW location.

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.

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.

Mar 08
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3d render of jaw with wisdom mesial impaction

6 Common Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

By Oral Health No Comments

Wisdom teeth, fortunately and unfortunately, do not impart wisdom. These fourth molars are called “wisdom teeth” because they develop much later than the other teeth, typically between ages 17 and 24. So if they don’t make us wiser, why do we have them? And why do they almost always need to be extracted?

Many anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were necessary when humans mainly consumed roots, meat, leave, and nuts. Today, we soften foods by cooking them and use utensils to cut and crush them when necessary. As our methods of cooking have evolved, so have our bodies, including our mouths. Human jaws today are much smaller; therefore, they cannot always accommodate the wisdom teeth.

A smaller jaw typically results in impacted wisdom teeth that must be removed. Here are the most common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth:

1. Red, swollen gums

Next to the impacted wisdom tooth, a small flap of gum tissue may become irritated and inflamed due to a build-up of plaque and bacteria. This can occur when a tooth has erupted through the skin or with an impacted wisdom tooth.

2. Shifting teeth

Oftentimes, wisdom teeth grow sideways, pushing against the other teeth. Patients with impacted wisdom teeth often experience radiating pain throughout the mouth because of tooth movement. Eventually, the teeth may begin to turn in an effort to make room for the wisdom teeth. Patients who are experiencing dental pain throughout the mouth should contact their dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

3. Sinus issues

The roots of our upper teeth can press against the sinuses and cause sinus pressure, pain, congestion, and headaches. This issue is rare, but it does occur.

4. An unpleasant taste in the mouth

In some cases, fluid-filled sacs called cysts form next to impacted wisdom teeth. As the fluid leaks, you may experience a bad taste in your mouth, but that’s not the worst of it. When left untreated, the cyst can destroy bones, tooth roots, and other surrounding structures.

5. Pain while eating

When the impacted wisdom teeth push against the adjacent teeth, it can make chewing difficult. Patients may also find that food particles get lodged between their third and fourth molars more easily but are extremely difficult to remove. Leaving food particles lodged between the teeth may lead to cavities or gum disease.

6. Cavities

Impacted wisdom teeth and even fully developed wisdom teeth can be extremely difficult to clean. Cavities and irritated gums are sometimes the first indications that the wisdom teeth should be extracted.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Woolgoolga

Are you experiencing symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth? Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Mohammed Mansour, is prepared to relieve any pain and discomfort associated with the impaction.

The first step towards pain-relief is a thorough exam where our surgeon will determine how many wisdom teeth are impacted or should be removed. Then, we will schedule your surgical appointment. Dr. Mansour will talk to you about how to prepare for the surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for your mouth afterward so there are no surprises!

If you’re feeling anxious or scared about this procedure, please let us know. We are happy to answer any questions you have and do anything we can to help you feel at ease on the day of the procedure.

To schedule an initial consultation, contact us today at (02) 6654-0650.

Feb 10
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close up of woman with hand over mouth

How To Eliminate Bad Breath At Home

By Oral Health No Comments

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

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

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

Drink Plenty of Water

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

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

Pineapple

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

Parsley

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

Zinc

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

  • Mouthwash
  • Chewing gum
  • Dietary supplements
  • Cashews

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

Green Tea

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

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

Baking Soda Mouthwash

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

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

Apples

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

Dental Checkup for Bad Breath

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

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

Jan 20
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chart with progression of periodontal disease

Periodontal Disease 101: Know the Facts

By Oral Health No Comments

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

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

The Stages of Gum Disease

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

Gingivitis

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

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

Early Periodontitis

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

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

Moderate Periodontitis

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

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

Advanced Periodontitis

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

The Connection to Overall Health

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

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

Preventing Periodontal Disease

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

Here are our top five tips for preventing periodontal disease:

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

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

Start Preventing Periodontal Disease Today

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

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.

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.