Frequently Asked Questions

The Waterlase replaces the drill in many instances and can be used for general dentistry, cavity preparation, decay removal, root canal sterilisation and some procedures to gum tissue. The Waterlase eliminates the whine and vibration associated with the drill and since there's no heat or vibration, this reduces the need for needles and anaesthetic in most cases. It's fast, effective and safe, for children and adults.

Painful injections have now become unnecessary, thanks to the Injex system of needle-free anaesthetic delivery.  The Injex delivers local anaesthetic via a tiny, high pressure infusion, which is pushed through the gum, using compressed air.  'Numbness' is achieved quickly and efficiently, with a lower doseage, saving time and anxiety.  This is especially valuable when treating children and adults who have a phobia of needles, as less numbness after treatment means less fear of going to the dentist. 

Many adults experience occasional sensitivity to cold, sweet, or hot food and drinks.  Sensitivity is mainly caused by receding gums, tooth wear due to hard/incorrect brushing, grinding, gum disease and dietary acid. Pain from dentine hypersensitivity is not always continuous.  We recommend that you brush your teeth with a desensitising toothpaste twice daily and avoid or minimise acidic foods or drinks.  Rinse the mouth with water and avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes after consuming acidic food or drinks. Use a soft toothbrush and the correct brushing technique, as advised by your dentist.

A dental check-up between the 3rd to 6th month is the best time for both you and your baby.  Be sure to tell the dentist if you are, or think you may be pregnant, as X-Rays will not be taken while you are pregnant. You may experience swollen red gums that bleed easily when brushing, and increased tooth decay due to morning sickness/vomiting.  It is important to brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush. Maintaining good oral health during pregnancy will help prevent the development of gum disease and decay-causing bacteria in your mouth.  You will be less likely to pass on these bacteria to your child and your child will be less likely to suffer early childhood decay.  Additional fluoride SUPPLEMENTS are not recommended in pregnancy.

If you have diabetes, you need to take extra care of your mouth.  Dental problems linked with diabetes include, gum disease, fungal infections such as thrush especially for denture wearers, and dry mouth and taste impairment.  Careful cleaning of teeth to remove plaque is very important.  If you have good control of your blood sugar level and good oral care, you should have very few problems.  If your diabetes has been poorly controlled, you are likely to have more gum disease, and healing may be slow after extractions or oral surgery. 

Yes, children can start losing these baby teeth anytime from about 6-10 years of age.  These primary teeth will gradually be replaced with permanent teeth between 10-13 years old.  Wisdom teeth (3rd molars), if present, may appear fully or partially, from 16-21yrs.

No, we would usually recommend using a training orthodontic appliance, to correct alignment earlier rather than later. Crowding and jaw discrepancies may occur as the second teeth are erupting in developing children.  Mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting contribute to these problems.  A pre-orthodontic appliance is pre-fabricated, removable, and ready to use.  It is specifically designed for treatment in the mixed dentition stage and can be applied to children from 6years of age.  Minimum use is regularly, one hour daily, plus overnight.

Healthy gums are pink and firm and do not bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.  Inflamed gums are red, swollen and often shiny in appearance.  You may experience persistent bad breath and/or bad taste in the mouth.  If left untreated, this inflammation may lead to the destruction of the bone and fibres that hold the tooth in place. The main cause of bleeding gums is the accumulation of plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on the teeth and in the crevice between the gums and the teeth.  It contains millions of bacteria.  Plaque has to be removed thoroughly from all tooth surfaces by brushing for 2 minutes, twice daily and flossing at least once a day.  We can show you the correct brushing and flossing techniques to help you clean the plaque from your teeth, which will significantly reduce or stop bleeding gums.  A power toothbrush and alcohol-free mouthwashes may also be advisable.  Bleeding gums can also be associated with pregnancy and some chronic medical conditions.

If you show signs of advanced gum disease we may recommend you to see a gum specialist (Periodontist), for treatment.