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Teeth Whitening on the Central Coast: A Comprehensive Guide

Dentist Central Coast

A bright, white grin boosts confidence and appearance. People may acquire that gorgeous smile with professional teeth-whitening at several Central Coast dental practices. This article extensively discusses Central Coast teeth whitening. It covers procedures, advantages, prices, and maintaining a bright smile. If you’re looking for the best options, you might want to consider visiting a Dentist Central Coast for expert advice and treatment.

Importance of Teeth Whitening

Whiter teeth can boost self-esteem and social interactions. A brighter grin makes others assume someone is healthier, younger, and more active. Understanding the benefits of teeth whitening might help individuals choose it. A lovely grin may leave a lasting impression at work and home. Many see it as an investment in their appearance, which may improve employment and social prospects. People who wish to preserve their new look may exercise improved mouth care with a bright grin. Consulting a Dentist Central Coast can provide insights and professional options for achieving and maintaining a radiant smile.

Professional vs. OTC Teeth Whitening

Dental procedures and over-the-counter (OTC) products are the major approaches to tooth whitening. Professional procedures usually perform better and produce faster, more obvious results. Over-the-counter (OTC) products are cheaper but take longer to work and may not whiten teeth.

Dental treatments like in-office whitening employ harsher bleaching agents to whiten teeth multiple shades in one visit. Dental specialists ensure these procedures are safe and reduce adverse effects. OTC products like toothpaste, whitening strips, and gels contain less bleaching. They can remove minor stains, but you must use them repeatedly for weeks or months to notice results. Without expert assistance, there’s a higher risk of misuse and adverse effects, including sensitive teeth or inflamed gums. Dentist Central Coast can give trusted care for best results.

Central Coast Teeth Whitening

Teeth-whitening procedures include in-office and at-home kits from Dentist Central Coast. A unique light or laser triggers a high-concentration bleaching gel at the doctor’s office for speedier results. It takes an hour and lightens teeth several shades. These treatments are ideal for folks who need results immediately, such as for a significant event.

Dentists provide patients with take-home kits with custom-fitted trays and weaker gel. Thus, patients can whiten their teeth anytime, for several days, or weeks. Custom trays ensure the bleaching goo covers all teeth uniformly and are better than over-the-counter alternatives. Patients wear the trays for a set period each day, depending on how potent the gel is and how white they want their teeth. These home hair treatment kits use expert equipment; hence, they work.

Professional Teeth Whitening Benefits

Professional tooth whitening benefits include:

Enhanced Results:  Enjoy a better grin than with OTC products. See a professional for more significant stains and longer-lasting effects.

Security: Professional supervision ensures safe treatment and reduces gum and tooth damage. Dentists can monitor and adjust the procedure.

Customization: Dentists can tailor therapy to each patient for optimum outcomes. They can also help you achieve and maintain your desired whiteness.

Speed: Your dentist can whiten your teeth in many shades in one visit. This is beneficial for people with limited time or crucial events.

Costs and Financing Options

The cost of Central Coast teeth whitening varies depending on the therapy. The average office treatment is $500–$1,000. However, take-home kits cost $200–$400. Many dentists offer payment options to make treatment affordable.

When obtaining competent teeth cleaning, consider the long-term expense. Professional remedies may cost more than OTC ones, but more excellent outcomes and longer treatment times are generally worth it. Also, many dentist clinics provide discounts, so check your options and inquire about them. Dentist Gosford offers these options and can help you achieve a bright smile at a manageable cost.

Selecting a Dentist

Choosing the appropriate specialist for teeth cleaning is crucial for optimal outcomes. People need experienced, well-respected dentists. It is best to discover cosmetic dentists. Reading reviews, asking for advice, and scheduling meetings might help you decide.Dentist Gosford is a great choice for those seeking professional teeth cleaning services.Ask the doctor about their teeth whitening experience, look at before-and-after images, and discuss their aims and concerns during the appointment. A qualified dentist will carefully explain your options, predictions, and any hazards. Get along with the doctor for a positive encounter and feel comfortable with their methods.

Teeth-whitening appointment preparation

It is crucial to do the proper things before whitening your teeth. See the dentist to check for cavities or gum disease. Addressing these difficulties beforehand helps ensure the bleaching procedure goes well.

Patients should discuss their goals with the dentist to ensure they are achievable. Knowing the treatment’s limitations might help you establish goals and prevent failure. Before the treatment, the dentist may advise you to avoid staining foods and drinks or use a less sensitive toothbrush. Take these measures to maximise your teeth whitening Central Coast results and get the dazzling smile you want.

Aftercare and Bright Smile Maintenance

To maintain the benefits of teeth whitening, you must take care of them. Avoid tooth-damaging coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Regularly brush, floss, and use mouthwash to maintain your teeth.

Maintaining whiter teeth may need periodic touch-ups from dentists. You may do these touch-ups at home with specific trays and a lighter gel or in the clinic in a brief consultation.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

Although tooth whitening is generally safe, there are dangers and adverse effects. Some individuals develop sensitive teeth or gums after using high-dose bleaching treatments. Using sensitive tooth products or modifying therapy might reduce these adverse effects, usually lasting a short period.

Overusing or improperly applying whitening treatments can harm enamel or whiten teeth unevenly. Be careful and notify the dentist immediately if any adverse effects persist or worsen.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is a popular and practical approach to improving your smile and self-esteem on the Central Coast. If people understand the advantages and downsides, costs, and importance of tooth care, they can make sensible oral health decisions. Whether you pick an in-office or take-home kit, the correct doctor and adequate tooth care are the keys to a healthier smile. Teeth whitening Central Coast residents may get and maintain a beautiful smile with the appropriate actions.

What Services Does a General Dentist Provide?

The majority of general dentists focus on oral hygiene. They treat oral health needs of all ages and learn a variety of procedures rather than just one. Like a family doctor, a general Dentist Central Coast treats all family members’ teeth, starting with the youngest. Keep on reading to know about the details of the services they provide.

General Dentist Services Offered

Keeping Up with Dental Hygiene

In general, dentists provide checkups and cleanings. They teach patients how to practise good dental hygiene and eat well to maintain long-term oral health. They also recommend twice-yearly checkups. They can monitor oral health and remove plaque accumulation, which prevents serious issues that require costly treatment.

Diseases of the Gums and Teeth

Oral health reflects overall health. Gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and premature birth. Most people see a general Dentist Gosford for cavities and gum disease. Simple cavity fillings and root canal therapy for pulp-infected patients are examples. A root canal is the only option to remove diseased pulp without losing the tooth.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Although dental cleanliness is essential, a general dentist recognises that a person’s smile and attractiveness significantly affect their self-esteem. Despite your joy at having that cavity filled or gum disease treated, you may still dislike your teeth, especially when you grin. Crooked, misaligned, or discoloured teeth lower self-esteem. Give yourself a beautiful, radiant smile by having your teeth whitened, shaped, and magnified using one of many methods. For instance,

Whitening:Teeth whitening helps brighten discoloured teeth. This includes tobacco, red wine, coffee, tea, and drug-colored teeth.

All-Onlay, Bonding, and Crowns: A custom-made ultra-thin porcelain or composite resin shell can change a tooth’s shape, size, or length. “Bonding” is a distinct procedure wherein a substance that mimics enamel is introduced into the tooth, contoured to fit, then hardened and polished. As a bonus, teeth can look great with crowns, like tooth-shaped “caps” covering the visible section of the tooth, either whole or partially.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are fantastic cosmetic alternatives to bridges, partial dentures, and crowns. They look and feel like natural teeth, and compared to more conventional methods, they often provide a greater sense of assurance. Dental implants provide essential support and stability without harming the teeth or the tissues around them and are also resistant to movement.

Dentures, Full or Partial

Conventional dentists can fit you with dentures that match your gums and teeth if you lose teeth to decay or gum disease. This can save your life in the worst instance. Partial dentures typically include anchoring them to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, only replacing a few missing teeth. In contrast, complete dentures replace all teeth in your upper or lower jaw.

Root Canal Therapy

A general Dentist Central Coast may suggest a root canal procedure to treat an abscessed tooth or infection. This operation preserves the tooth and forestalls additional harm. During this process, the dentist cleans out the root canals and extracts the diseased pulp. To avoid further damage, a crown covers and seals the tooth. Many tooth patients can avoid extraction with root canal therapy.

Orthodontic Services

In addition to conventional dentistry, many family dentists offer braces and invisible aligners. Braces use wires and brackets to align teeth. Patients can straighten their teeth without braces and wires with removable clear aligners. Oral health and smile quality can improve with either orthodontic treatment.

Emergency Dental Care

General Dentist Gosford can treat severe dental discomfort as an emergency. They can also treat toothaches, damaged teeth, and other dental emergencies. Emergency dental care may include fillings, extractions, and more.

When To See General Dentist?

Regular dental checkups (at least every six months) are crucial for optimal oral health and should be a priority if issues emerge. Toothache or bleeding gums may require treatment. Cosmetic surgery is something you might research. In any case, don’t hesitate to contact the dentist’s office.

Conclusion

Kariong Dental Care provides reliable, high-quality, affordable dental care to meet our mission. For almost 25 years, we have proudly served Central Coast patients and their families. We prioritise pain-free treatments, long-term dental health, and prevention at Kariong Dental Care because we put our patients first.

Wondering When to Go For Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment? Signs That You Might Need Cosmetic Dentistry

Dentist Central Coast

There are multiple benefits to making a good impression. People who meet you notice your smile right away. The most effective method of introducing oneself is to smile. Always put your best foot forward, and don’t be afraid to let other people see the best in you.

If you feel self-conscious about your smile, cosmetic dentistry may be an option to explore. Smile makeovers are the speciality of cosmetic Dentist Central Coast. In general, they make your teeth healthier and more functioning. The following are some of the most telling indicators that you should seek out cosmetic dentistry.

Discolored Teeth

Your teeth can change colour. If they aren’t perfectly white, they could appear boring. Changing the colour of your teeth is possible, as is their darkening or the formation of spots in certain areas. Discoloration of the teeth is a cosmetic issue. Your teeth can change colour for a variety of causes, some of which are listed below:

  • Extrinsic stains occur when an outside factor comes into contact with your teeth.
  • Consumption of red wine or coffee is one example.
  • Intrinsic — Originating within the body or at the dental pulp.
  • Discolouration of the teeth is a common side effect of ageing.

Expert tooth whitening services are available from your dentists. If done by a certified Dentist Gosford, the results will be impressive. Additionally, customised therapies have effects that last.

Teeth those are chipped or cracked

Chipped or cracked teeth can be aesthetically unpleasing. Gum disease and cavities, among other dental issues, are more likely to affect you. After looking at your teeth, your Dentist Central Coast can tell you what’s wrong and how to fix it.

Most of the time, dentists suggest getting crowns placed over the damaged teeth. The material that is used to make crowns is ceramic or porcelain. To further improve your smile, your dentist may suggest getting porcelain veneers built to order. Composite material, which is used in bonding, can also enhance your smile.

If you have a professionalcosmetic dentist central coast fix your chipped or cracked tooth, it won’t take long. For a stunning smile, see a cosmetic dentist. They have the education and expertise to make it happen.

Tooth Loss

Disfiguring spaces form as teeth fall out. You might feel a shifting of your teeth. This causes the remaining teeth to become crooked and opens up new spaces in the mouth. Dental implants are a viable option that your dentist can suggest.

After a dental implant replaces a tooth’s root and crown, it can look and feel like a real tooth. A cosmetic dentist central coastmay suggest a bridge as a solution. As a cosmetic dental procedure, a bridge can bridge the space between your teeth. Which operation you have depends on your preferences, your budget, and other personal factors.

Discomforts with the Stomach and Chronic Headaches

Headaches and jaw pains are symptoms of misaligned teeth. When you have an irregular bite, your muscles struggle to pull your teeth together. This occurs because of TMJ pain. Inflammation of the ear canal or jaw discomfort are symptoms that may accompany this pain. If you feel any discomfort, you must notify your cosmetic dentist.

Improper chewing might also lead to digestive problems. Make an appointment with your cosmetic Dentist Gosford to correct your bite if you experience chronic issues such as acid reflux, heartburn, or ulcers.

Embarrassed About Your Smile

Your sense of self-worth can take a hit if you’re self-conscious about your grin. Taking pictures or engaging in close-quarters chats with people is out of the question. A smile has the power to seal the deal. You might be trying to hide your ugly smile from the world. A trip to the cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening central coast is in order when your smile makes you self-conscious in social situations.

Conclusion

Your self-esteem could be hit if your teeth are discoloured, crooked, rotting, broken, or missing. Even though you might think you require a lot of dental work to fix things, you might be pleasantly surprised. A cosmetic dentist can typically suggest a few cosmetic adjustments to address your concerns and achieve the dream of a million-dollar smile. Our skilled technicians will use In-Chair bleaching products designed for dental use to give you a beautiful new smile. Enlarging the whiteness of your teeth by three to ten shades.

Gosford and Central Coast Dentists’ Vital Role in Dental Health

Introduction:

Dentists play a crucial role in improving people’s dental and general health, making them an essential part of the healthcare system. Dentist Central Coast, which includes Gosford and the neighbouring districts, ensure the health of their patient’s teeth and gums. This article will discuss the relevance of dentists on the Central Coast and in the nearby city of Gosford, pointing out the many benefits of seeing the dentist regularly.

Comprehensive Dental Services:

The dentists on the Central Coast, and especially in the city of Gosford, provide a full menu of dental care options for patients with a wide variety of dental needs. These options include anything from routine cleanings to full-mouth reconstructions to purely aesthetic procedures.

  • Checkups, cleanings, and instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene are all part of what dentists call “preventive care,” which is the cornerstone of dental health. Dentists can stave off more extensive and expensive procedures by detecting and treating abnormalities at an early stage.
  • In addition to general dentistry, practitioners in Central Coast and Gosford are highly skilled in restorative dentistry. Their cosmetic dentistry knowledge enables them to improve patients’ smiles using methods including bleaching, veneers, and implants.

Patient-Centered Approach: 

Dentist Gosford, emphasizes providing treatment that is tailored to each patient. They understand the value of establishing a good relationship with their patients and working to make each visit as pleasant as possible for them.

Dentists may reduce their patients’ fear of the dentist and increase the frequency of their checkups by creating an inviting and comfortable office. They care about their patients and their dental health, therefore they take the time to hear them out, create unique treatment programs, and educate their patients. Involving patients in making choices about their dental care increases the likelihood of successful treatment.

Advanced Technology and Expertise:

Central Coast and Gosford dentists use cutting-edge technology and are highly skilled. They provide efficient and successful treatments by keeping up with the newest developments in dental science.

Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras are two examples of state-of-the-art diagnostic instruments that let dentists make precise assessments of their patient’s oral health and spot problems in their infancy. This enables prompt intervention, which in turn stops oral health issues from becoming worse.

  • Furthermore, their proficiency in a wide range of dental operations guarantees the best possible outcomes. Dentists in Central Coast and Gosford are known for their expert accuracy and care no matter what kind of dental work has to be done, from simple fillings to sophisticated root canal treatments to orthodontic work.
  • Dentists in the Central Coast area, including Gosford, play an essential role in patient care by protecting both oral and general health. The region’s dental health relies heavily on its extensive offerings, focus on individual patients, and use of cutting-edge technologies. If people in the Central Coast and Gosford areas are serious about maintaining good oral health and a beautiful smile, they should make frequent trips to the dentist a top priority.

The Relationship Between Oral and General Health:

When a person’s teeth and gums are healthy, it may have a positive effect on their general health. Damage to teeth and gums may lead to more serious health problems elsewhere in the body, such as heart disease, diabetes, and pneumonia. When it comes to identifying oral health disorders that may be suggestive of underlying medical conditions, dentists in Costa and Gosford play a vital role. They help patients as a whole by spotting problems early and connecting them with the right specialists.

  • In addition, dentists coordinate care with other medical professionals to provide patients with the best possible treatment. They collaborate with specialists like orthodontists, periodontists, and oral surgeons to treat difficult dental situations and improve patient results via multidisciplinary approaches. The value of dentists in the Costa healthcare system is shown by this interdisciplinary strategy, which also serves to improve patients’ general health.

Conclusion:

Dentists play a crucial role in Costa and Gosford society. They are crucial to the health of the populace because of the role they play in preventative care, restorative and aesthetic dentistry, and general health. At Kariong Dental Care, will improve your oral health and overall well-being by making frequent visits to their dentists and taking advantage of the services they provide. If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile bright while visiting us, it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups with us.

Kariong Dental Care: No Gap Billing Dental Services for Central Coast and Gosford

We know the importance of having regular check-ups to make sure your teeth are in tip-top shape. However, we also understand that is it probably at the bottom of everyone’s to-do list! Here at Kariong Dental Care, we try to make looking after your teeth as easy and affordable as possible, so we are proud to offer no Gap Dental Check-ups if you are registered with the Health Fund.

We specialize in delivering a gentle and caring dental service to our customers. Above all, we are a family dentist. That’s why we invite you to take advantage of our comprehensive No Gap scheme that includes dental exams, fluoride treatment, scale and cleaning services, and x-rays (including OPG) for you and your children.

What is No Gap Billing?

The health fund offers different levels of cover. For the most part, you are required to have the health fund extras cover to ensure that you can access the treatments you need in full without extra cost.

Gosford Dentist at Kariong Dental Care No Gap Billing offer for check-ups and cleansyou will not be out of pocket no matter your level of cover. This means that your 6-month check-ups remain affordable. Our No Gap Billing policy for check-ups includes a full scale and clean, x-rays, fluoride treatment, and dental exams, so we can help you and your family retain good oral health at no extra cost.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

Family dental care can quickly become expensive, especially for growing families with children who have complex dental care needs.

Kariong Dental Care wants to do its part to make sure no child is left behind, so we subscribe to the Child Dental Benefits schedule as set out by the Australian Government to support children whose families receive Family Tax Benefit or any other relevant Australian Government payment. The scheme provides funding for dental care for every child who receives this scheme. The fund is usually $1000 for consecutive 2-year periods.

Children aged 2-17 years old qualify for the schedule, they will receive the same high-quality dental work that we would give to our privately funded patients.

Our expert dentists are experienced in providing dental care to children and treat each child who comes to our service with delicate care and attention.

How Do I Register?

Organizing health check-ups for the whole family is complicated enough. Therefore, if you receive government payments you don’t have to do anything. You and your children will be automatically enrolled for the No Gaps Billing and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

To make things even simpler you can contact the Department of Human Services and they will let you know if you qualify for the scheme and to what extent. Alternatively, you can check your child’s CDBS eligibility through your Medicare online account. All you will have to do when you arrive is fill out a form.

Kariong Dental Care, on the Central Coast, cares about your oral health and general wellbeing. We are proud to be a No Gaps Billing for check-ups and cleans and a CDBS provider. We are happy to provide your family with full dental check-up cover at no extra cost.  We want to make dental care as affordable as possible and guarantee a perfect smile for every family member. For more information about the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, please visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

For all other dental treatment needs, we offer many interest-free payment plans. Please contact our friendly staff today on (02) 4340 2022 to find out more.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Family dental care can quickly become expensive, especially for growing families with children who have complex dental care needs.

Kariong Dental Care wants to do its part to make sure no child is left behind, so we subscribe to the Child Dental Benefits schedule as set out by the Australian Government to support children whose families receive Family Tax Benefit or any other relevant Australian Government payment. The scheme provides funding for dental care for every child who receives this scheme. The fund is usually $1000 for consecutive 2-year periods.

Children aged 2-17 years old qualify for the schedule, they will receive the same high-quality dental work that we would give to our privately funded patients.

Our Gosford dentist are experienced in providing dental care to children and treat each child who comes to our service with delicate care and attention.

How Do I Register?

Organizing health check-ups for the whole family is complicated enough. Therefore, if you receive government payments you don’t have to do anything. You and your children will be automatically enrolled for the No Gaps Billing and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

To make things even simpler you can contact the Department of Human Services and they will let you know if you qualify for the scheme and to what extent. Alternatively, you can check your child’s CDBS eligibility through your Medicare online account. All you will have to do when you arrive is fill out a form.

Kariong Dental Care, on the Central Coast, cares about your oral health and general wellbeing. We are proud to be a No Gaps Billing for check-ups and cleans and a CDBS provider. We are happy to provide your family with full dental check-up cover at no extra cost.  We want to make dental care as affordable as possible and guarantee a perfect smile for every family member. For more information about the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, please visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

For all other dental treatment needs, we offer many interest-free payment plans. Please contact our friendly staff today on (02) 4340 2022 to find out more.

Dental Crowns and Bridges: Everything You should Need to Know

Introduction

Are you missing a tooth? or do you have a damaged tooth? If you do, you may want to consider taking a visiting your nearest dentist.

For anyone with a need for dental crowns or bridges, you can visit Kariong Dental Care today especially if you are residing in the Gosford region of Australia. This post will give you an insight into what dental crowns and bridges are and what to expect from your dentist.

What exactly are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and tooth Bridges are both permanent prosthetic dental care devices. They are permanent because they are not like dentures that are removable in nature. 

Dental crowns and tooth Bridges are actually cemented either on a preexisting tooth/teeth or on tooth root implants. Once crowns and bridges are done, they cannot be removed except by a qualified dentist.

So how does the dental crowns actually work?

As mentioned before, dental crowns basically cap or cover a damaged tooth in its entirety to improve both the aesthetics and functions of the tooth/teeth. 

With the crown the tooth regains its original shape, appearance, alignment, and usefulness. Apart from having a crown placed over a damaged tooth, it can equally be fitted on tooth root implants. 

Crowns are usually made from either ceramic or porcelain and a qualified dentist like those in Kariong Dental Care can ensure that the colour of your natural teeth and the colour of the crowns fitted are a perfect match. 

While ceramic and porcelain are the most commonly used materials for crowns, they are by no means the only materials that can be used. It is possible to have crowns made from acrylic, metal alloys, and even pure gold fitted to implants or damaged tooth/teeth.

The truth is, metal alloys are more durable than your regular porcelain and because of their strength these alloys are best suited for damaged back teeth or implants.

However, a crown made from a combination of porcelain and a metal alloy is also a preferred option as it showcases the best of both worlds, it is attractive as well as as strong.

Why do you need a Crown fitted?

You may need a crown fitted for the following reasons; 

  • You can fit a crown to cover up a dental implant.
  • A crown can be fitted if you want to have a bridge attached.
  • Where you have undergone a treatment for the root canal of your tooth or teeth, you can cap the tooth or teeth with crowns.
  • Crowns are needed if you have weak teeth and you want to protect them from chipping or fracturing.
  • Crowns are needed to restore tooth or teeth that have fractured.
  • If the filling in your tooth/teeth is large and needs to be replaced, but what remains of the tooth/teeth itself is not much, you can have crowns fitted.
  • If your tooth or teeth is not well aligned or shaped, you can have dental crowns done.
  • You can also go for crowns if you want to cap a discoloured tooth.

What are Bridges?

If you have a gap or gaps in your dentition caused by a missing tooth or teeth, it is recommended that you have bridges done.

As the name implies, a bridge helps to fill in or bridge the gap between your natural teeth. With gaps in your dentition, the teeth remaining may shift or even rotate into the gap or gaps created by the missing tooth/teeth. This can eventually lead to a temporomandibular joint disorders or TMJ, gum disease, and also a bad bite.

Bridges will be cemented either to Implants or your natural teeth closest to the gap or gaps. The bridge replaces the missing tooth or teeth. First, abutments are fitted which will help to firmly hold the bridges. Next, the pontic which is the prosthetic replacement tooth is then fitted to the crowns which cap the abutments. Just like crowns, bridges are also made from a host of materials.

 Gosford Dentists at Kariong Dental Care will advise you on which bridge material is best suited for use. What is considered is the tooth location, the function of the tooth or teeth, and its overall appearance. 

Paediatric Dentist

A paediatric dentist is a well trained dental professional who is committed to ensuring that infants, toddlers, preteens, and teenagers have excellent oral health.

Paediatric dentists care for the health of the mouth, gums, and teeth of children. It is expected that to qualify as a paediatric dentist a person would have completed dental school which takes a minimum of four years to conclude. In addition to this, the person would also be expected to have spent a couple of years as a resident trainee dentist.

It is expected that during their time as a resident trainee they would have received sufficient training in paediatric dentistry. Their focus would have also been on meeting the dental needs of children with special needs along with providing infants, toddlers, preteens, and teenagers with the best possible dental care available.

Dental Care for Children 

Typically, baby teeth will be seen in infants within 6 months of their birth. When a child gets to the age of between 6 and 7 years, they begin to lose their baby teeth. The baby teeth are then replaced with a set of permanent, secondary teeth. 

Dental care at an early stage in a child’s life is important. A paediatric dentist will ensure that the risk of oral disease and tooth decay in children is reduced to the barest minimum.

In children oral disease and tooth decay can be very painful and leave long lasting psychological scars. As a matter of fact, the highly infectious oral disease known as dental caries is believed to be five times more prevalent in preteens than an asthmatic condition. Also, dental caries, is believed to be seven times more prevalent in children than a common hay fever.

Types of Paediatric Dental Treatment

Paediatric dentists are well trained in the following;

Performing Oral examinations on Infants

Paediatric dentists are trained to carry out comprehensive oral health check ups on infants. They are trained to look for and detect caries in both the mother and infant. They assess the risk of possible caries to the infant. 

Preventive Dental Care

They also carry out preventive dental care which include oral cleaning as well as fluoride based treatment. Paediatric dentists also recommend proper diet and nutrition for a perfect oral health in children.

Counseling on Habits

A Paediatric dentist also helps with counseling mothers on how to get their children to quit  certain habits that are deemed detrimental to their oral health. Such habits include; thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and nail biting. 

Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics is a term used to describe a condition where a person’s bite angles are NOT normal. Paediatric dentists will assess the child and recommend the right treatment to help straighten out the child’s teeth.

Cavity repair and the detection of other ailments

Apart from repairing cavities, Paediatric dentists also help in diagnosing a myriad of oral conditions in children. Some symptoms of more serious health conditions manifest themselves in oral conditions. Ailments such as hay fever, asthma, congenital heart defects, and diabetes can be detected early through an assessment of a child’s oral health by a paediatric dentist.

Paediatric dentists also help in managing gum disease in children as well as treating conditions such as mucoceles, short frenulae, pediatric periodontal disease, and mouth ulcers. Dental injuries like teeth that have been knocked out, displaced, or fractured would also be cared for by a qualified paediatric dentist.

If you are located in Gosford and you need a paediatric dentist, you can visit Kariong Dental Care on the Central Coast today.

Dental Fillings

During the treatment of cavities by your dental professional, that portion of your tooth that is decayed will first be removed. Next, the dentist will fill out the decayed area of your tooth using a specialised filling material (more on this a bit later).

Your dental professional may also make use of fillings in repairing broken, chipped or cracked portions of your teeth. Fillings can also be used in repairing worn down teeth, as a result of misuse and bad habits like tooth grinding and nail-biting.

How is Tooth Filling Done?

In carrying out a tooth filling procedure your dentist would first of all place you on a local anesthetic. This will help to keep the surrounding region around the targeted tooth numb and make the procedure a painless one. 

The next step after applying local anesthetic is to have the decayed portion removed. This is done using any of; laser, a hand-held air abrasion, or a specialised drill Instrument. 

Whatever instrument is used to take out the decayed portion of the tooth rests entirely on the discretion of the dentist carrying out the procedure.

A test or probe of the decayed portion is conducted by the dentist as a way of checking to see if every part of the decayed area has been successfully removed. 

If all the decayed portions of the tooth are removed, the gap created is then prepared for the filling. Preparation of the area involves cleaning out the cavity of both debris and bacteria.

Note that in a situation where the tooth decay occurs close to the root, a liner may be placed by the dentist in order to keep the nerve safe and well protected. The liner used may be made from a number of materials, such as; composite resin or glass ionomer. Once the dentist puts the filling in the tooth, he/she will finish off by polishing it. 

Types of Tooth Filling

There are quite a number of tooth fillings available today. Some of these materials include;

  • Porcelain,
  • Composite resin (this consists of glass and plastic materials),
  • Silver amalgam (comprises of mercury, tin, silver, copper, and zinc), and
  • Gold.

The type of filling that would be used vary from case to case and all depends on the following;

  • the degree of severity of the tooth decay,
  • the location of the tooth decay,
  • the cost of the tooth filling material, 
  • the insurance coverage of the patient, and the discretion of the dentist.

Merits and Demerits of Silver & Gold Dental Filling Materials

Gold Fillings:

Gold fillings are highly durable and can actually last for between a decade and 15 years. In addition, gold fillings DO NOT corrode and they have very good strength. This type of filling can withstand the force generated during biting and chewing. Also, some patients actually prefer gold fillings because it looks cool. 

The major drawback to gold filling is its cost, it is pretty expensive and may cost as much as ten times the cost of other fillings like a silver amalgam filling. You may also need to visit the dentist office a couple of times before the filling can be fitted.

Another drawback with gold filling is “galvanic shock”. This is a sharp pain that a patient feels when the filling is placed besides a silver amalgam filling.

Silver Amalgam Fillings:

Just like gold fillings, silver amalgam fillings also last for about 15 years. It is strong and can equally withstand chewing and biting forces. In terms of cost, silver amalgam costs less than composite resin fillings.

However, if you are looking for a filling that will match the natural colour of your teeth, silver amalgam is NOT for you. Silver Amalgam also has the tendency to cause the other portions of the tooth to develop a greyish colour. Before you use silver amalgam fillings, make sure that you are not allergic to the mercury which is present in the amalgam.

Dental Clean and Check Up

If you are finicky about keeping your gums and teeth as healthy as possible, then regular dental check-ups is a MUST.

On average, it is advisable to see your dentist at least twice a year. A check-up can be done once in six (6) months. Alternatively, a comprehensive dental clean and check-up schedule can be drawn up by your dentist.

This is what you get when you pay Kariong Dental Care on the Central Coast a visit today. Our dental professionals will draw up a flexible dental clean and check-up schedule that works for you. One that takes into consideration…

  • the current health of your gums and teeth,
  • your present location or predicted future location, 
  • your profession and work schedule, and 
  • The overall cost implication of the drawn out regular dental cleaning and check-up schedule. 

What you should expect from a scheduled visit to your dentist  

On a typical scheduled visit to your dentist, there are basically two things that happen. The first is an examination or check-up while the second is an oral prophylaxis or a dental cleaning.

Examination of your Teeth

The dentist will carry out a hands-on examination of your teeth looking for any cavities. In order to detect cavities even if they are hidden between teeth, the dental professional will carry out x-rays of your mouth. Apart from cavities, the dental professional will also examine your teeth for signs of plaque and tartar.

When bacteria on your teeth has not hardened, they are clear and have a sticky viscosity. This bacteria is known as plaque. However, when this plaque solidifies it will turn into tartar. Sadly, tartar cannot be removed by simply flossing or brushing your teeth. Only by dental cleaning can tartar be effectively removed. If unchecked, both plaque and tartar can lead to a host of oral diseases in a patient.

Examination of your Gums

A dental professional will then examine your gums using a specialised instrument that is able to accurately measure out the depth of the gaps that exist between your gums and teeth. 

If your gums are healthy, those gaps will be shallow. However, if you are suffering from gum disease, then the gaps would be much deeper.

The dentist will also examine your head, face, neck, throat, and tongue. The purpose of this check-up is to detect possible symptoms of an underlying ailment like cancer. 

Scaling of your Teeth

To remove any tartar from your teeth, the dentist will have to carry out a procedure known as “Scaling”. 

Scaling basically scrapes out the tartar from your teeth. Once this is done, the dentist may polish your teeth with the use of a coarse textured paste. This paste will help in taking out any noticeable stains on the surface of your teeth. 

Flossing

After a thorough oral examination, scaling, and polishing, the dentist would conclude the dental cleaning and check-up session with flossing. 

The space that exists between your teeth is thoroughly cleaned out with the use of floss. Once this is done, the scheduled dental cleaning and check-up session comes to an end.

Quick Tips:

Before your next scheduled dental clean and check-up appointment make sure to diligently observe the following;

  • Make sure to brush your teeth using fluoride based toothpaste at least two times daily.
  • Make sure to floss every day.
  • Control plaque buildup by using mouthwash. Mouthwash will also help to prevent unpleasant mouth odour while keeping your mouth fresh at the same time.

COVID-19 Message

Dear Patients, Families & Friends,

It’s official! We are now on Level 1 restrictions for dentistry.

Which means, as long as you have not been in a COVID-19 risk situation and don’t have a cold or flu symptoms we can provide all your regular dental treatments.

This includes examinations, checkup and cleans, restorative procedures such as replacing missing or damaged teeth, crowns, bridges, dentures and implants, orthodontic treatment, fillings, cosmetic veneers, extractions and preventative procedures.

We will continue to provide you with the safe, high-quality dental care you can trust. We are fully equipped to offer this crucial service with full compliance with Government sanctions in dealing with the Coronavirus.

Here is how we will take additional steps to keep you safe:

  • Upon arrival at your appointment you will notify us you have arrived and we will notify you when you can enter the practice safely avoiding all waiting room contact.
  • The practice will continue to be fully sanitised to ensure your safety.

Good oral health is closely linked to good overall health, so if you have not seen us for a while, then now is a perfect time. Plus, it’s always nice to have that clean mouth feeling.