At your initial consultation, we will check for tooth decay and gum health and also examine your entire mouth, head, and neck area.

X-rays are used to look for signs of tooth decay, as well as for gum disease and other oral health problems. X-rays may be taken during your check up but not every time. Your dentist will consider your clinical examination, dental history, and risk for developing cavities in determining the frequency for X-rays.

We may recommend a visit to one of our hygienists.

Only a professional cleaning provided by a dental hygienist (or dentist) can thoroughly clean your teeth and remove the hardened deposit (called calculus or tartar) that builds up on teeth.

Your hygienist will offer advice on how to keep your mouth healthy.

Types of filling
Various materials are used for fillings today: gold; porcelain; silver amalgam and tooth-coloured materials called composite resin.
Some fillings are placed directly into the tooth. Others require an impression and a second visit.

How do we choose which to use?
The location and extent of the decay or fracture, cost of filling material, patients’ preference, and your dentist’s recommendation assist in determining the type of filling that will be best for your tooth.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your smile talk to us about cosmetic dental treatment.

Root treatment

Root treatment, or endodontics, can save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected.
The nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
What are the signs that a root canal is needed? Sometimes there are no symptoms but there may be:

• severe pain on chewing or even touching the tooth
• prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures (after the hot or cold has been removed
• darkening of the tooth
• swelling and tenderness in the gums around the tooth
• a persistent or recurring gum boil

How successful is root treatment?

Root canal treatment can have more than a 95% success rate. Many root treated teeth can last a lifetime.

Crowns

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a tooth.

A crown may be needed to:

1. protect a weak tooth
2. restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
3. restore a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth left
4. support a bridge
5. restore misshapen or severely discoloured teeth
6. cover a dental implant

Bridges

One or sometimes more missing teeth can often be replaced by a bridge. Unlike a denture, a bridge is fixed and cannot be removed by the patient.

Why might you want to replace a missing tooth?

1. Losing a front tooth will usually affect your appearance and may also affect your speech
2. A gap in the back teeth can alter the way you chew your food
3. The tooth in the jaw opposite to the gap may begin to over-erupt (grow) into the empty space
4. A missing tooth can allow nearby teeth to drift or tip into the open space