FAQ

Each tooth has canal/s inside the root/s. When tooth decay (bacteria) is left untreated for a prolonged period of time, it will find its way into the canal/s resulting in pain, infection, abscess or swelling. Root canal treatment involves removing all infected pulp after removing decaying sections of the tooth. The empty root canal/s will then be cleaned and shaped to ensure the remaining bacteria are removed. Subsequently the canal/s will be filled and sealed and the tooth will be restored. The dentist may recommend a crown after root canal treatment if the tooth structure has been weakened or compromised. This procedure can take several appointments. Teeth can look and function normally without pulp (nerves, blood vessels), so root canals can be an effective way to save your tooth and avoid needing more costly treatment such as tooth replacement.

While a root canal takes longer than getting a dental filling done, it still doesn’t quite deserve its painful reputation.

Modern dentistry affords us technology and techniques that make the experience a lot more comfortable than it was in the past. While the tooth is carefully and properly managed, any pain or discomfort can be eliminated.

The fear of treatment is often worse than the treatment itself.

There are a wide range of reasons why your tooth or teeth may be discoloured.

This could be due to –

• The tooth or teeth previously having been root canal treated
• Stains from medications
• Poor oral hygiene
• Stains from things such as smoking, coffee or tea

A Crown is used for the same reasons however is used to cover just one individual tooth. Crowns are an important restorative treatment, and act as an artificial cap that is used to improve the strength and appearance of teeth – in modern dentistry these can even match the colour of your existing teeth. They are an invaluable tool, providing long-term durability and protection from every day wear.

A Bridge has two abutments that are cemented onto the teeth either side of a space where a tooth used to be and then to fill the empty space a pontic – (replacement tooth) is placed in the gap in between both abutments. This ensures that the 2 teeth either side of the space are completely protected whilst also filling the space to replace where the tooth used to be.

We advise our patients to wait 14 days for optimal results, this allows time for it to settle. You should find that after this time frame, you will still be able to clench your jaw muscles however not with the same force and pressure as before.

You should expect the effects to last anywhere from 4-6 months. Usually after 2-3 treatments the masseter muscle will begin to relax, which often results in losing the habit of repetitive grinding or clenching.

A denture is a removable appliance that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. These artificial teeth come in either a partial or full denture, a partial denture is supported by the natural remaining teeth and gums, where as a full denture relies on the suction seal to keep it in place. We offer two types of denture materials, acrylic or the additional option of chrome casting for partial dentures. Most newly made dentures will require adjustments for comfort and better fit. Reline might also be required in certain cases (ie. full clearance or extraction cases). Our Dentists will discuss and explain to you thoroughly all treatment options, procedures, and cost involved prior commencement of any treatment.

It is quite common that after the final fitting of your denture that it may need some minor adjustments, these are usually quick appointments, if you feel that your denture needs adjustment we can usually fit you in the same day. You should also continue to see your dentist every six months for a check-up and so they can review your denture’s condition also, if your dentures are no longer fitting as they should, visit your dentist.