The Importance Of A Regular Check-Up And Clean

Why is it so important to see the dentist regularly?

While we might think our lives are simply too busy to pop into the dentist every six months, slacking off on your dental care may lead to painful conditions going undetected resulting in more hours in the dentist’s chair at a later stage.

Dentists focus primarily on corrective processes, fixing problems as they occur. These days, much of a dentist’s job is to try and prevent potentially painful issues, such as cavities and gum disease, treating them while they are still manageable.

For most people, a periodic dental check-up twice a year is sufficient to keep on top of their oral health. There are some, however, that benefit from more frequent visits, particularly those in the following high-risk categories:

Teeth that bite back

If any of the following categories apply to you, you’re considered to be a high risk from developing a painful oral condition, and it is recommended that you visit the dentist every three to four months to reduce the possibility of common dental problems:

·       Smokers: Smoking cigarettes can cause discolouration to your teeth, bad breath and increases the probably of gum disease.

·       Pregnant women: For some pregnant women, it’s not swollen ankles that’s the problem but swollen gums which can lead to periodontal disease. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to gingivitis (mild gum disease) and the development of cavities.

·       People with diabetes: If you’ve been diagnosed as a diabetic, it’s important to stay on top of your oral health as diabetes increases the risk of gum disease.

·       People with pre-existing conditions: If you already have gum disease or if you’ve been told your immune system is not effective against infection, your dentist can help you manage the problem, but only if you commit to a periodic dental check-up regime. The same applies for those who have problems with excess plaque build-up and cavities.

Long in the tooth

Give your dentist a helping hand by making an appointment with Aperture Dental. In terms of maintaining your oral health, brushing twice a day just isn’t going to cut it. A routine appointment with the dentist usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour and involves a two-step process:

Examination

The first phase of any dental check-up is the examination of your teeth and gums. During this process, the dentist will check for cavities, bacteria and the build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth. It’s as harmless as it is painless but also extremely effective in preventing further complications and conditions. For example, tartar can’t be removed simply by brushing and flossing your teeth, and, if it’s allowed to accumulate, can lead to oral diseases. Your dentist will also check your gums for any irregularities that may indicate the onset of gum disease. The dentist doesn’t just look inside your mouth for clues, but checks your jaw, neck, tongue and head for any inflammation or indications of cancer.

Cleaning

Once you’ve been given a thorough once-over, your dentist will give your teeth a little spa treatment, starting off with scaling, which is done to remove tartar. In many instances, this will be followed up with a polishing and then the final flossing stage. By using specialist equipment, oral hygiene experts can achieve a much higher standard of oral cleanliness than your toothbrush can accomplish.

When was your last check-up and clean?

Even if you have a strict regime of brushing and flossing at home, you can’t achieve the same results as a professional, so why not book you periodic dental check-up with Aperture Dental today and give yourself something to smile about.

Tips For Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery

The wisdom of letting go

If your dental practitioner has recommended you should have your wisdom teeth removed, it’s probably for good reason. While any kind of surgery can be a bit daunting, it’s obvious that this is a safe and usually straightforward procedure.

Although most people experience some inflammation and pain in the first few days after having their wisdom teeth removed, a quick and full recovery is generally the order of the day.

Advice from the tooth fairy

You might be wondering why these offending molars must go, so here some of the most common reasons:

A tight squeeze
In many instances, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for an additional set of teeth and the subsequent over-crowding can be painful and potentially cause additional problems

It’s a trap
Not all wisdom teeth have an easy path, and many become impacted, meaning they get trapped in the jaw bone or gums, causing considerable pain.

Out of line
Wisdom teeth emerge some years after the rest of the adult teeth have already established themselves, they have less room for manoeuvre and often come out misaligned. If they’re angled towards the other teeth or into the mouth, this can cause discomfort and trouble chewing properly.

Shut your mouth
For people who are already battling with dental problems, such as gum disease and cavities, cleaning wisdom teeth effectively is almost impossible. Situated far back in the mouth, any areas of discomfort in front of the wisdom teeth can make brushing them awkward and painful.

Fortunately, getting wisdom teeth removed is an uncomplicated procedure.

Take that tooth out

A wisdom tooth that has grown normally and is fully visible above the gums and jawbone can be removed in the same way as any other tooth. Where the wisdom tooth is only partly erupted, a different method is used. In these instances, the tooth is removed bit by bit to limit disruption to the jawbone.

No Pain, No Gain?

Fortunately, anaesthesiology is developing in leaps and bounds, meaning there are more options available to those who need to have their wisdom teeth removed. The extraction process takes around 45 minutes and patients are offered one of the following types of anaesthesia:

Local
A local anaesthetic targets the area around the tooth that’s going to be removed. Dental professionals usually give a shot of local anaesthetic into the gum. They may recommend this option when giving you tips for wisdom tooth extraction recovery as you will feel alert again as soon as the operation is over.

Sedation
This type of anaesthetic is injected into the vein. This will help you to relax and even sleep during the operation while a local anaesthetic to the mouth will numb any pain.

General
Depending on the complexity of the extraction and the level of anxiety experienced by the patient, a general anaesthetic is sometimes used. While this is effective for the duration of the operation, it may take you an hour or so to wake up afterwards.

The Road to Recovery

Once the offending molars have gone, you’ll probably feel a little sore and bruised which is why we’ve decided to share these useful tips for wisdom tooth extraction recovery:

1.     Reduce swelling – apply ice to the outside of your mouth for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes. Repeat as required to combat bruising and inflammation.

2.     Minimise bleeding – some bleeding is normal after a wisdom tooth extraction and keeping a gauze pad over the affected area for the first half hour after surgery can prevent bleeding. A moistened tea bag can also be used should the bleeding start up again.

3.     Caring for your mouth – while this may be difficult, limiting the amount you eat, drink and speak during the first couple of hours after the operation can seriously improve your recovery, both in terms of time and discomfort.

If you’re concerned about your wisdom teeth or are experiencing pain or discomfort because of their emergence, contact Aperture Dental for more expert advice and tips forwisdom tooth extraction recovery.

Using Dental Fillings For Teeth Restoration

How getting a dental filling helps restore your tooth and can prevent further tooth decay.

Tooth decay can negatively affect your smile and if left untreated, it can lead to much more serious health issues like gum disease and infections. Here at Aperture Dental, we take your oral health very seriously by providing thorough examinations, the most effective solutions to tooth decay and cavities. This assists in adding the most value to your beautiful smile, oral health and general wellbeing.

What are dental fillings and how do they work? 

Dental fillings are the most effective way to restore your tooth to its original health and prime functionality. Here at Aperture Dental, we offer a variety of   dental restorative services to optimise your dental health and satisfaction, ensuring a long lasting impressive smile. 

In order to treat cavities, tooth decay and prevent the damage from spreading, the decayed portion of your tooth can be removed and a filler is used to replace the decayed material. Fillings can be used to repair cracked, broken and worn out teeth that occur from misuse (from activities such as teeth grinding or nail biting.)  

Dental fillings can also help strengthen the underlying tooth, giving it the support it needs to heal while preventing further damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.  Fillings vary in complexity and can be directly placed in the cavity or indirectly placed at a later stage. Indirect restoration occurs when the tooth has too much damage and a crown that fits over the tooth is required. An impression of the shape of the tooth being repaired is made, this will then be used to create a custom filling to “fill” around your tooth, whilst a temporary filling is placed in the meantime.

What steps are involved in filling a tooth?

Firstly, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the tooth to be filled. The decayed area will then be removed. Having a dental filling or a cavity filled is generally a two- step process. Firstly, we remove the decayed matter within the tooth. This decay is caused by a build-up of bacteria that creates cavities. This is then followed by applying a filler material to the portion of tooth that was removed.

Options for dental fillings

There are different materials that can be used as a filler such as;

• Amalgam/ Silver

Amalgam is comprised of metal mixed with mercury. This filler has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive. It is made up of durable amalgam so they are resistant to wear and tear, typically lasts about 10-15 years. It is well known for its functionality.  

However, it is more noticeable in the mouth due to the dark colour that tends to darken with time. Some patients display hesitance towards amalgam fillings because of the presence of mercury. High levels of mercury are harmful to human health but the level of mercury that is absorbable to the body and used in amalgam fillings is so low it is said to have no effect on health.

• Composite/ Tooth-Coloured Fillings

A composite filling is typically made up of powdered glass and acrylic resin. A composite filling is a popular choice amongst patients because it can be shaded to match the colour of your teeth, making it less conspicuous and more natural-looking. This can be especially significant to anyone that struggles with easily seen or a large amount of dental damage and cavities. Composite fillings can be bonded directly to the tooth, making the tooth stronger. 

However, the material the filling is made from isn’t as durable as the other options and lasts, on average, only 7-10 years, making multiple future replacements a need.

• Gold

A gold filling is known for its high level of durability lasting up to 30 years. It is considered if you prefer a very durable filling for your tooth that is tarnish resistant and corrosion resistant that doesn’t let saliva, bacteria and microscopic bits of food seep through into the cavity. Additionally, the gold fillings are said to blend in to the tooth structure more easily than silver fillings. Gold fillings are the most expensive option available. Aesthetically speaking, some patients find gold to be more attractive and eye-pleasing while others disagree.

It is easy to be in the process of tooth decay and needing fillings without evening knowing it. That is why it important to have regular check-ups and examinations!

Dental Fillings | Sunnybank, Brisbane

To find out more about dental fillers or to book an appointment, please contact our friendly team today!

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process, Recovery And Tips

Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars – it is very common to have these removed at some point in your life.

At Aperture Dental, we understand having your wisdom teeth removed may be a daunting, scary experience. This is why we are preparing our patients with a few tips to recovery and what to expect during the procedure. 

Understanding your wisdom teeth  

So, what are wisdom teeth? They are your third set of molars in the back of your mouth and are the last permanent teeth to erupt. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. However they can continue to erupt until the age of 30. The decision to extract your wisdom teeth is usually due to a number of factors:

·      They have impacted, grown in at an angle at which it is colliding with or jammed against another structure causing pain

·      They have come in at an angle that is causing damage to nearby teeth

·      Your mouth simply isn’t big enough to handle extra set of molars

·      Repeated cavities or gum disease when you cannot reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss leading to pericoronitis

At Aperture Dental, we recognise the need for a quick and less painful healing process after your wisdom tooth extraction, for us, your good oral and overall health comes first.

How do wisdom teeth extractions work?

Your wisdom tooth extraction surgery is estimated to take around 45 minutes or less.

Before the procedure

Before the extraction, we make sure we have a detailed patient history and a clear understanding of your dental situation. This includes what types of procedures you’ve had done previously and what medication you’re currently on.

This is also the time to think about what information and questions you might have for your dentist to help ease your mind before your procedure.

Once you have confirmed your appointment with us, it is advised to plan ahead for your day of extraction and thereafter. Make the necessary arrangements for someone to drive you home after the operation. We also suggest to make plans to free up a few days post-op to ensure enough rest time and minimal movement to allow proper healing.

You will receive an anaesthetic prior to your surgery so you don’t feel pain during the extraction procedure. There are a number of anaesthesia options depending on the expected level of complexity of your procedure including:

·      Local anaesthesia: When you’re awake and may feel some pressure but shouldn’t feel pain

·      Sedation: You are awake but semi-conscious

·      General anaesthesia You’re unconscious and unaware of any pain during the procedure

During the wisdom tooth extraction

Your dentist or oral surgeon generally carries out the following:

·      Makes an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone

·      Removes the bone to gain access to the tooth root

·      Determines the best method to remove the tooth; whether or not it would be easier to remove in pieces

·      Removes the tooth

·      Cleaning of the site of extraction of any debris from the bone or tooth

·      The surgeon could decide to suture the wound to assist in the formation of a blood clot, and to aid the healing process

·      Gauze is placed over the wound after the tooth is extracted. This causes pressure on the wound area and helps reduce the bleeding 

After the procedure

After your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room if you have received sedation or general anaesthesia.  However, if you have local anaesthesia, your brief recovery time is most likely in the dental chair.  

Taking precaution after your procedure will aid your healing and recovery process, especially taking care to control post-surgery side effects namely, bleeding and swelling.

There are actions you could take to minimise your pain and swelling such as;

·      Using cold packs and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to minimise swelling. It helps to hold the ice pack near the affected area for about 3 hours - 20 minutes at a time.

·      Take painkillers if needed and as prescribed. Painkillers such as aspirin are not recommended, and they can lead to prolonged bleeding.

·      Stay elevated - Use extra pillows to lift your head when you lie down. This will assist in reducing bleeding as well as swelling.

·      Drink lots of water – make sure it’s lukewarm. Keeping hydrated is essential to the recovery process

·      No solid foods for the first 48 hours, eat or drink cooled-down food and drinks that do not require chewing, such as yoghurt and thin soup

·      Limit all general activity

·      Even the mildest of strenuous activity can dislodge the blood clot in the wound, exposing bone and creating a painful dry socket

·      Avoid touching or poking at the surgery area, especially if you have stitches

·      Avoid swishing, blowing, spitting or sucking movements (whether at cigarettes or drinks) especially within the first 8 hours to not interrupt the blood clotting and healing process

·      You should get as much rest as possible

When to call your dentist or surgeon

Make sure you contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately if you display the following symptoms in order to detect early what could be a serious complication from the procedure:

·      Difficulty in breathing or swallowing

·      Pus in or around the extraction site

·      Blood or pus in nasal discharge

·      Any tingling or loss of sensation

·      Excessive bleeding

·      Fever

·      Unbearable pain that can’t seem to improve with the prescription pain relief medication

·      Swelling that is getting progressively worse as days pass

Wisdom tooth extraction| Sunnybank

To book an appointment with us or to find out more about wisdom tooth extraction, contact us today!

How Often Should You Get a Check-up?

At Aperture Dental, we firmly believe in the importance of regular dental check-ups for all our Sunnybank Hills patients.

It goes without saying that the best way to deal with any dental concerns is as soon as possible. Diagnosing any issues early is key in treating them effectively. Some people brush and floss every day and think ‘why see a dentist?’ and the answer is a simple one, you are not a dentist. Nobody is qualified to diagnose themselves, especially in a field as specialised as dentistry. Periodic dental check-ups are the sure-fire way to ensure you maintain your oral health and we are passionate about providing you with the very highest standards of care and treatment to help you achieve that.

By coming in regularly we can not only help to correct common dental problems but also ones that may otherwise go under the radar. Gum disease, for example, has very mild symptoms and patients may only become aware of its effects once it’s too far down the line to treat. At Aperture Dental we will give you a thorough examination and stop any problems at their source.

Your Comprehensive Dental Examination

Your comprehensive dental check-up will start with us getting to know you and your dental history, so we can gather enough information in order to tailor a treatment plan that will best suit your needs. Upon registration, you may be asked about your medical history and some personal details as well as any allergies, conditions or medications you may be taking. As part of your comprehensive dental check-up, we will investigate not only your teeth but everything that pertains to your oral health including

·       gums

·       jaw joints and muscles

·       tongue

·       cheeks

·       palate

·       signs of disease or infection

Additionally, we will also observe your tooth’s shape, size and shade as well as your smile line and gingival biotype. We might take a few photos and x-rays for our records and to properly examine the details of your smile. We will then discuss the nature of your treatment plan and set-up any future appointments that may be needed, as well as the cost of the treatments that you’ll receive from Aperture Dental.

We will provide you with scaling and polishing, fluoride treatment, fillings or impressions. If not, we will simply make another appointment and begin your treatment.

Scaling and Polishing Treatment

When you visit us for your routine six-monthly dental check-ups and as part of your initial examination, chances are you’re going to need a professional cleaning. This includes a scaling and polishing treatment that will have your teeth looking and feeling as clean as they can be.

Scaling is usually required when there is a build-up of calculus which is a hardened form of plaque that stubbornly sticks to your teeth and under your gums. It’s not easily removed by brushing if at all and is normally found on the inside of your lower-front incisors and upper-back molars. If this is your first dental check-up for a while, the session may take a little longer than usual but once it’s done we can clean your teeth relatively easily. After your scaling is done we can move onto polishing your precious pearly whites and we do this to remove any remaining plaque. Teeth polishing can also be used to remove any stains and is done by using an instrument very similar to an electric toothbrush.

When you come to the practice for your check-up we will make sure that you are as comfortable as possible and will take the time to listen to any other questions or concerns you may have. Click here to book in your dental check-up and clean with our team today!