Regular dental check ups play an important role in the maintenance of your oral health. They allow your dentist to monitor your teeth over time and catch any small problems before they turn into large ones.

It is recommended that each patient have a check up every 6 to 12 months depending on individual circumstances.

Here at Trigger Dental we encourage visits from a young age and give instruction on brushing and flossing technique to ensure good dental health between appointments.

What to expect

During your check up, your dentist will begin by asking if you have any particular problems or concerns about your oral health. Next they assess the health of your teeth and gums with a thorough oral examination.

As a regular part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums your dentist will then perform a scale and clean on your teeth, this is to remove any tar-tar (calculus) that forms around the base of the gums that can cause gum problems.

On your initial visit (and for adults approx every three years) your dentist will suggest that you have x-rays taken to check for any holes or hidden problems between your teeth.

Lastly the check up finishes with a polish of your teeth to leave your smile feeling clean and bright.

Fillings

Everything wears out and fillings are no exception especially because they have to endure an incredible amount of biting force. As they wear the edges of the fillings break away and a space can open up between the filling and the tooth. When this happens the filling loses its protective seal and no longer protects the tooth from cavities.

When a worn out filling is only small the dentist can usually safely replace it with another filling, however even it can eventually wear out again and have to be replaced. If the filling is quite large and there is only a small amount of tooth structure remaining this poses bigger problems because if the dentist tries to repair it, the remaining tooth may easily crack and/or break off.

Sometimes fillings can also fail by breaking away because of the amount of force on them when chewing, in these cases (and each one is different) other options such as crowns or overlays may have to be explored to restore the tooth.

Some typical types of fillings we use at Trigger Dental are:

• Tooth-Coloured Composite Resin
• Silver or Amalgam Fillings

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the friendly staff at Trigger Dental today.

Cracked Tooth Syndrome

Cracked Tooth Syndrome is an incomplete fracture or crack in a tooth. It is often invisible and may not even show up on an x-ray.

As teeth age they lose strength and continual clenching or grinding can also weaken teeth. If you bite down on a hard object like a piece of ice for example the force can sometimes cause a tooth crack especially if it’s already weakened.

Some common signs of a cracked tooth are:

• Only chewing on one side because the other has become uncomfortable
• Sensitivity to hot and cold or sweet and sour
• Sharp pain when biting
• Intermittent pain rather than constant

Fortunately most cracked teeth can be saved, the key is to find it in the early stages of development and treat it appropriately.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is wise to have them checked by your dentist

What is Root Canal Treatment?

When the nerve of the tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment can save the tooth.

Some symptoms of an infected tooth are:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling or pain
• Bad taste in mouth
• Sometimes no symptoms at all.

Though some teeth without cavities can become infected, deep cavities are the main cause of infection. They allow germs to get into the pulp chamber, these germs cause infection and the pulp dies. The puss from the infection eventually builds up at the tip of the root and makes a hole in the bone this is called an abscess.

A blow or hard knock to a tooth may also cause the pulp to die and then become infected. An infected tooth will not heal on it’s own and as it gets worse it will continue to be a source of infection that drags down your immune system.

These infections can be excruciatingly painful and years ago an infected tooth would just have to be pulled out. But today we can save your tooth with root canal treatment.

What to expect

Root Canal Treatment is a tedious process, it is very important to get it right which can take time. For that reason it is usually performed over two 1 and a half to 2hour appointments.

Your dentist will use a rubber dam during most of the root canal treatment. The idea of the rubber dam is to isolate the tooth to reduce the chances of infection and also prevent any small objects used during treatment from falling into the back of your throat.

There are many reasons why your dentist may decide that the best option for you is to have a tooth removed.

Some of these reasons can be:

• Periodontal Disease
• Severe tooth decay
• Badly broken tooth
• Abscess on the root of the tooth
• Crowding
• Orthodontics

Post Extraction Instructions

Always remember a clean healthy mouth heals more rapidly than a neglected one.

The following steps will help prevent bleeding and relieve soreness:

• Rest for a few hours but you do not have to lie down.
• Strenuous exercise is best avoided for the rest of the day.
• Don’t rinse the mouth for at least 4 hours after extraction.
• Avoid HOT fluids, alcohol, smoking and hard or chewy foods. Choose cold drinks and minced or soft foods instead.
• Should the wound start to bleed, apply a small amount of compression this can be done with the use of the extra gauze provided by your dentist. Place this on the bleeding point and bite firmly on it for 5-10 minutes.
• Any pain or soreness can be relieved by taking a pain relieving medication such as Nurofen (as advised).
• It may be beneficial to use a warm saline mouth rinse to bathe the wound the day after. This may be carried out after each meal until healing is complete. A saline rinse is made by dissolving a level teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. The solution should be held in the mouth for 2-3 minutes to bathe the wound and then discard. Avoid any vigorous swishing and rinsing.
• Continuing mild pain can be treated by taking a pain relieving medication such as Nurofen (as advised).

If you are in any doubt about these details about please contact us for more advice or information.

Dry Socket

Dry socket can occur when the blood clot that forms naturally in a socket after a tooth has been removed is lost. The clot acts just like a scab on the skins surface and without it the underlying nerve and bone become exposed, leaving it open to food and bacteria.

The result is a dull throbbing pain beginning 1-4days after extraction, the pain may even radiate into your ear and it does not respond to normal pain medication. You may also notice a foul odour or taste in your mouth.

Some common causes of dry socket are:

• Smoking
• Forceful spitting or swishing
• Sucking through a straw
• Coughing or sneezing
• Drinking carbonated and alcoholic drinks

Fortunately dry socket can be easily fixed so if you have any of the above symptoms 1-4 days after an extraction please contact us right away.

What are porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are tiny shells of tooth-coloured porcelain that are bonded onto the front of teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of stained, chipped, crooked and worn front teeth. They are a far more conservative alternative to full crowns because only a small amount of enamel has to be taken away.

What are crowns?

A crown, sometimes called a “cap”, is a tooth-like covering placed over the top of a carefully prepared existing tooth.

Crowns cover more tooth structure and are often required when a substantial amount of tooth has been lost or root canal treatment has been performed. The appearance of a porcelain crown is identical to that of a porcelain veneer when viewed in a smile. Crowns strengthen and protect vulnerable teeth and improve their functionality and appearance.

Can I still get cavities on Veneered or Crowned teeth?

Yes. Although a cavity will never come through the crown or the porcelain itself, cavities can still form at the gum line. This is why proper brushing and flossing is still very important on all teeth.

Porcelain Veneers and crowns can also improve:

• Spaces between teeth
• Unsightly fillings
• Cracked or Chipped teeth

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a custom device anchored on to neighbouring teeth that replaces one or more missing teeth with false ones.

When a lost tooth is replaced with bridge-work, the teeth on either side of the missing one/s must be prepared as crowns to serve as abutments or anchors to hold the prosthetic (replacement) tooth or teeth in place. A bridge is a permanent structure and cannot be removed.

Why would I need a bridge?

Tooth loss. Whether it is because of tooth decay, periodontal disease, injury or accident, tooth loss can cause many serious problems for your neighbouring teeth.

Because the support and chewing forces are altered, the remaining teeth begin to shift. The opposing tooth above or below the one that was lost can begin to move up or down and out of the socket which can accelerate periodontal disease and further break down the bone structure.

Dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. This may be required in the event that you have lost your natural teeth from gum disease, tooth decay or injury.

Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Facial muscles sag without support from a denture which makes a person look older. You will also be able to eat and speak normally, things that people often take for granted until they have lost their natural teeth.

What is a denture?

A denture is an appliance which is worn to replace lost or missing teeth. The base of a denture is called a plate and can be made of either acrylic (plastic) or metal. The teeth are normally made of acrylic and can be made to match your natural teeth. A complete or full denture is one which replaces all of the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaws. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by lost or missing teeth and is attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments.

Who needs a denture?

Candidates for complete dentures have lost most or all of their teeth. A partial denture is suitable for those who have some natural teeth remaining. A denture improves chewing ability and speech and provides support for facial muscles. It will greatly enhance the facial appearance and smile.

What will dentures feel like?

New dentures may feel awkward or even uncomfortable for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place.

It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness during this period. You may also find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish. If any problems persist, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.

Will I be able to eat with dentures?

Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the denture from moving. As you become more used to your denture, add other foods until you return to your normal diet. Continue to chew food using both sides of the mouth at the same time. Be cautious with hot or hard foods and sharp-edged bones or shells.

Will dentures change how I speak?

Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating difficult words will help. If you find that your dentures occasionally slip when you laugh, cough or smile, reposition the denture by gently biting down and swallowing. If this continues consult your dentist. If the problem persists you may need to have it adjusted by your dentist.

How long should I wear my dentures?

During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them for most of the time, including while you are asleep. After an initial period of adjustment your dentists may advise that you remove them before going to bed at night.

How do I take care of my dentures?

The general rule is brush, soak, and brush. Always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them so they don’t break. The use of an effervescent denture cleaner will help remove stubborn stains and leave your denture feeling fresher – always follow the manufacturers’ instructions.

Brush your dentures as you would your natural teeth, be careful not to scrub too hard as this may cause grooves in the surface.

Make sure you clean all the surfaces of the dentures including the surface which comes into contact with your gums. This is especially important if you use any kind of denture fixative. If you notice a build up of stains or scale, have your denture cleaned by your dentist

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for the root portion of a missing natural tooth. The implant is placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw and allowed to bond with the bone. It then serves as the foundation for a replacement tooth.

In the situation where several or all teeth have been lost an implant or implants can provide the support for bridgework or a full denture.

What is a dental implant made of?

An implant, which looks like a screw or cylinder, is normally made from pure titanium. The material is ideal for implants because it is completely accepted by the body (bio-compatible). Newer design implants have surfaces that are specially treated to encourage quicker bone growth around the implant after it has been placed, this can reduce healing times.

What is involved?

Sometimes an implant may be placed at the time of extraction of an existing tooth.

However if a tooth has been missing for a period, it will be necessary to do a small operation to prepare the site to take the implant. After the implant has been placed it is usually left undisturbed to allow it to bond with the surrounding bone. Depending on the case, this can range from around 2-6 months.

During the healing phase some form of temporary tooth replacement is used so that there is no embarrassing gap.

Sometimes, at the end of the healing period, a second small operation is required to uncover the implant and place an extension called an abutment. This completes the foundation on which the new tooth crown will be placed.

Sometimes this second step is not required your dentist will advise you which system is best for you. Finally the crown is made and attached to the abutment to complete the implant.

Is it possible to have more than one implant?

Yes. Using the same process as the single tooth implant above, implants can be strategically placed as anchor teeth for bridgework (please see bridges) or a denture (please see dentures).

Anywhere from 2-10 implants can be placed to either support a fixed bridge or denture. One major factor affecting your eligibility and eventual success with implants is the amount of bone present in the jaw.

It is advised, if you are interested in implants and think you may be a good candidate, to see your dentist at Trigger Dental for a comprehensive assessment.

It’s true that you can quickly and easily reverse many of the discolorations in your teeth, home whitening is an easy way to get a beautiful white smile.

At Trigger Dental we use the Pola Advanced Tooth Whitening System.

What causes my teeth to discolour?

There are many causes of tooth discolouration. Some of the most common include consumption of highly coloured foods (beetroot, candy) and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine). Antibiotics at a young age, ageing, smoking and trauma can also result in discolorations.

Is it safe?

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that bleaching with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums.

What if I have restorations in my tooth will this change colour?

No. I f there are any fillings in the smile region of the mouth then they will need to be replaced to match the colour of your whitened teeth 2-4 weeks later.

How does it work?

Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth from which individually made plastic trays (like thin mouthguards) of your mouth will be made. The whitening gel is placed in these well fitting trays which you place over your teeth for a period of 3 hrs per day for 12-14 days.

The whitening gel (either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) is broken down and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth where stains are dissolved.

There may be some tooth sensitivity during the tooth bleaching process. You may need to stop treatment for a few days, then recommence.

It is important to note that not everyone is a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.

See your dentist at Trigger Dental today for a quick assessment to see if your teeth are suitable for the Pola advanced tooth whitening system.