Necessary Extract Wisdom Teeth

Is It Really Necessary To Extract A Wisdom Tooth?

Did you know that wisdom teeth can erupt even in early adulthood? Many people think the teeth they see when they move into their late teen years are the only teeth they’ll ever get. Please read on to learn more.

Wisdom teeth can break through at any point in time during your adult life. That’s why you need to know more about your wisdom teeth. When you know how the wisdom teeth behave, it’s easier to deal with whatever problem arises because of wisdom teeth.

You might be wondering whether you always have to extract a wisdom tooth. Let’s take a look at the following considerations in this article:

  • Does every person have wisdom teeth?
  • What happens when a wisdom tooth is impacted?
  • How to know if there is a problem with the wisdom teeth?
  • Is it necessary to extract a wisdom tooth?

Does Every Person Have Wisdom Teeth?

Not every person has wisdom teeth. Most people have four wisdom teeth. These teeth will appear from late adolescence to mid-twenties. They are the “third molars” and the last of the teeth to come through.

Some people will have three wisdom teeth while some will have two or one. Some others will have none. The number of wisdom teeth one has is never going to be an issue. However, people can have difficulty when wisdom teeth are coming through.

What Happens When A Wisdom Tooth Is Impacted?

Wisdom teeth are buried completely or partially in the jawbone or soft tissues. They are more susceptible to oral diseases and other problems. That’s why it’s common for most people to have impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth can’t be cleaned properly and can result in decay and gum disease. Cysts and tumours also can develop around the impacted wisdom teeth at times.

Your dentist will evaluate the impacted teeth from time to time to see if it needs to be extracted.

If a wisdom tooth is 100% impacted in the jawbone and it doesn’t come through, as usual, your dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extraction to prevent future problems.

How To Know If There Is A Problem With The Wisdom Teeth?

Pain in the jaw – upper or lower – is the first symptom of a wisdom tooth problem. You may feel some pressure at the back of the mouth.

The gum tissue around the erupting tooth can become swollen, inflamed, and sensitive. However, some people may not feel any pain at all.

Not having any pain doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. That’s why you need to get your wisdom teeth examined by a qualified dentist from time to time to see if extraction is needed.

Is It Necessary To Extract A Wisdom Tooth?

If one or more of your wisdom teeth is impacted, you should consider extracting it for the safety of your oral health. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it will prevent adequate oral hygiene.

A tooth that has erupted in an upright and functional position doesn’t need to be extracted – as long as such a tooth doesn’t cause any pain and isn’t associated with decay or gum disease.

Because wisdom teeth are located so far back in your mouth, they are much more difficult to clean which is a major contributing factor towards wisdom teeth issues.

Even a healthy wisdom tooth can begin to cause problems in the long run. That’s why you need to keep the wisdom teeth clean by brushing and flossing them well. See your dentist regularly to evaluate the wisdom teeth and see if they have to be extracted or not.

If you need to visit a dentist for wisdom tooth extraction, or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

Why Need Regular Dental Checkups

Why Are Dental Health Checkups So Important?

How often do you actually go for a dental checkup? It’s a busy world we live in with work and children demanding all of our time and sometimes we simply run out of hours in the day. Let’s take a look at why you shouldn’t forget to have a regular dental check up.

As cliché as it might sound, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to dental health. Do not visit the dentist only when and if you have dental issues to solve.

You should also schedule a regular dental checkup to prevent disease and other issues from arising. There numerous benefits that come with regular dental check-ups, including:

  • Checking for and dealing with cavities, tartar, and plaque,
  • Screening for oral cancer
  • Receiving professional teeth whitening
  • Dealing with any other diseases
  • Ensuring bad habits do not affect your oral health

Dealing With The Basics During Check-Ups: Preventing Cavities, Plaque, and Tartar From Forming

Even when you follow the recommended daily oral healthcare such as brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, and using mouth wash, there is still a risk of cavities, plaque, and tartar forming.

During regular dental check-ups, the dentist will help prevent any of these oral health issues from occurring by giving you professional dental clean that prevent plaque from forming.

Check-Up Ensure You Screen For Cancer Regularly

Just like any other type of cancer, oral cancer is a severe disease that can be life-threatening, especially when not diagnosed and treated early. It is, therefore, important for you to recognise the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer as early as possible.

Early symptoms recognition allows for early treatment, while the ailment is still in its early stages.

Dentists are trained to recognise the early signs of oral cancer. As such, a regular dental check-up will help you detect early signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Recognising the early sign of cancer makes it easy to treat the ailment successfully.

More importantly, screening for oral cancer is a painless process that takes only a few minutes.

You Get Professional Teeth Whitening Services During Check-Ups

Teeth whitening has become an essential part of oral health for many people. However, many people opt for over-the-counter solutions, which can pose considerable problems in terms of safety.

Dentists are best placed to help you whiten your teeth efficiently and safely. They can develop an intricate understanding of the state of your teeth and the best teeth whitening solution for your particular situation.

Regular Check-Ups Help You Deal With Other Oral Health Issues

While cavities, plaque, and tartar are the most common oral health issues we face, they are not the only oral issues you may encounter. Other issues you can face include gum disease, cracked teeth, and chipped teeth.

All of these issues present a significant risk to your oral health. For instance, cracks, and chips leave your teeth vulnerable to decay. Gum diseases can cause the bone that holds the teeth to decay.

It is crucial for a dentist to thoroughly inspect your mouth every six months to ensure you do not suffer from such issues. A dental check-up that entails an x-ray also helps the dentist understand what is happening underneath the surface.

It Ensures That Bad Habits Do Not Affect Your Oral Health

Sometimes we pick up habits that are detrimental to our oral health — for instance, biting nails, clenching your jaw, grinding your teeth, drinking tooth-decolouring drinks such as red wine and coffee, and smoking.

Without a regular dental check-up, you do not have a means of understanding which habits are bad for you and what these habits do to your oral health. Regular dental check-ups ensure you get educated on habits you should stop to stay healthy.

In Conclusion

Dental check-ups are not a waste of money or time. They are beneficial to your overall oral health. To stay healthy, make a point of scheduling a regular check-up two or more times every year.

It will help you deal with many of the common oral issues before they become problematic. If you need to visit a dentist for a dental check-up or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

dentist treats cavity between molars

How Does A Dentist Treat Cavities Between Molars?

Have you ever wondered how your dentist treats a cavity between molars? Detecting a cavity between molars is hard enough let alone treating them. Let’s take a look at how this is done in the article below.

A cavity between two teeth – whether between two molars or other teeth – is known as an interproximal cavity. If you have ever had a cavity, the chances are you have had an interproximal cavity.

Interproximal cavities form just like any other because of the wearing away of the enamel on one or more teeth. This will let the bacteria stick to the teeth and cause the cavity.

The only issue with cavities between molars is they are hard to prevent and cannot be easily detected. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent such cavities. Let’s now take a look at the following in more detail:

  • Why are cavities between molars harder to prevent?
  • What are the symptoms of cavities between molars?
  • What should you do if you have a cavity between molars?
  • How does a dentist treat a cavity between molars?

Why Are Cavities Between Molars Harder To Prevent?

Cavities between molars or interproximal cavities can form even if you brush your teeth twice a day. No amount of brushing can effectively clean away the bacteria and plaque that can amass between two molars.

When you neglect regular flossing habits, plaque buildup can result in sneaky cavities between two molars. Even if you brush twice a day regularly, cavities can form between molars unless you floss between the teeth daily.

The cracks and crevices between two molars can easily amass plaque and bacteria that results in cavities over time. Regular flossing will clean these areas and prevent sneaky cavities from forming between molars.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cavities Between Molars?

Interproximal cavities or cavities between molars exhibit a few common symptoms. The symptoms can occur only after the cavity has reached the dentin or the second layer of tissue behind the enamel of the tooth.

You may experience tooth sensitivity to hot/cold foods and beverages and sweets. You may also have trouble chewing food because of pain or discomfort in the region. These are some of the most common symptoms of cavities between molars.

What Should You Do If You Have A Cavity Between Molars?

A cavity between two molars is usually diagnosed through bitewing x-rays performed by a qualified dentist. When detected at an early stage, interproximal cavities can be recalcified with fluoride gel – only if the cavity has reached halfway into the enamel of the tooth.

If the interproximal cavity is much deeper than that, your dentist may choose to fill the affected tooth. When a cavity between two molars goes undetected for too long, it can become quite severe over time.

There are many other treatment methods to deal with severe cavities between two molars.

How Does A Dentist Treat A Cavity Between Molars?

When the interproximal cavity is detected at an early stage, your dentist may fill it like any other cavity. A dental filling will prevent the bacteria from further infecting the inside of the molar.

Your dentist will first numb the area and use a dental instrument to remove the decayed part of the tooth. Once the entire decayed area of the tooth is removed, the cavity is cleaned to create space for filling.

A tooth-coloured filling will be used to give the teeth a more natural look. When the decay is severe, your dentist will use a dental crown or a root canal to repair the tooth.

If you need to visit a dentist for cavity treatment or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

Emergency Dentistry How Does It Work

What Is Emergency Dentistry and How Does It Work?

Have you ever needed emergency dental treatment? Depending on the nature of the issue, you probably experienced extreme pain and went through a lot of inconvenience in the process. Let’s take a look in more detail at what you need to do if a dental emergency arises.

Accidents happen all the time. We could even say that they are part and parcel of life. Many people find themselves in situations where their teeth or oral cavity have been injured in one way or the other.

You may have had an accident riding your bike or, you could be a victim of a physical altercation that resulted in some of your teeth being displaced. These scenarios can be described as a dental emergency that needs urgent medical care and attention.

Emergency Dentistry

Most people visit their dentists for regular checkups or scheduled treatments and procedures. However, there are people who visit their dentists without planning it. Unexpected visits to the dentist are quite normal.

When you experience extreme pain in your mouth, excessive bleeding from your gums, a displaced tooth that is stuck in your gums or a tooth that has been accidentally knocked out, it’s crucial that you see your dentist right away regardless of the time of day.

Dental emergencies are very serious and should never be taken lightly. Emergency dentistry is a special service offered by professional dentists that aims to address dental emergencies that occur without any notice or warning.

What Is A Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies vary depending on the person and the severity of the case. Something as simple as a chipped tooth could constitute a dental emergency to someone who really values their facial appearance.

However, if a dental issue is not causing you any pain or discomfort, there’s no need to seek emergency dentistry services.

You would typically seek emergency dentistry services if you have sustained a serious injury to your face or mouth that needs urgent medical attention.

You can always call your dentist and explain your situation so you can determine whether your case is truly a dental emergency or not. Your dentist should arrange to see you as soon as possible if you need urgent care.

Bleeding

Excessive or severe bleeding of the gums may warrant emergency dental care. Patients who may have sustained cuts in their mouths from eating certain foods or being involved in an accident need to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

If both the teeth and gums are affected, a dentist can help to stop the bleeding before other steps can be taken. People who suffer from gingivitis may experience symptoms such as severe bleeding of gums and pain.

These symptoms should be addressed as soon as possible if they get out of control.

Extreme Pain

Cavities are the main cause of extreme pain in the mouth. You may experience a sudden sharp pain in your mouth when eating certain foods or drinks. The pain is a sign that your teeth roots are exposed and vulnerable to infections.

You should seek emergency dentistry services right away to avoid further complications.

Knocked-Out and Displaced Teeth

If you have had a tooth or teeth completely knocked-out or displaced,  you must be looked at by a dentist right away. For the case of knocked out teeth, you need to clean the tooth right away and schedule a dental appointment ASAP.

Make sure to keep the tooth in its pristine if you want your dentist to reattach it. In case one or several teeth have been displaced within your gums, they must be repositioned right away.

Cases of displaced teeth are usually very serious and patients are urged to seek help emergency dental care asap.

It’s good to note that most dental emergency cases occur at night. You should call your dentist to confirm whether they offer emergency dentistry services before seeking their help.

If you need to visit a dentist for emergency treatment or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

dental implant surgery procedure

How Long Does Dental Implant Treatment Take? 

What’s involved with dental implant treatment? How long does the whole process take? Let’s take a look at dental implants in a bit more detail below.

There is no doubt that dental implants have taken the world by storm. Thanks to the natural way they permanently remain intact, why doesn’t everyone consider it for filling missing gaps?

Unanswered questions, like how long does dental implant treatment take, can prevent individuals from indulging this option. However, this should not be a problem for long, because this article answers several important questions you might have.

In fact, this quick guide covers the following questions:

  • How long does dental implant treatment take?
  • Can everyone get dental implants?
  • What does a dental implant consist of?
  • How long does an implant last?
  • Is it really so expensive?

The Treatment Time

When it comes to establishing the treatment time for dental implants, the typical answer is a few months. This is because different elements influence how long treatment is ultimately going to take.

For example, how many implants need to be placed? Or will new mini-implants be used, which are quicker than conventional implants?

Remember that there is a healing process involved after the titanium screw has been placed. And only if the healing process goes well can the procedure be finalised. Overall, a few months seems to be the safest answer.

Most People Qualify For Dental Implants

In most cases, it should not be a problem to qualify for dental implants. Unfortunately, some individuals can face certain complications. These complications might hinder the treatment time.

A good example of this is when bone grafting is necessary. Given that missing teeth eventually lead to bone-density loss in the jaw, it makes it harder to get an implant. This is also why dentists recommend acting quickly once a tooth goes missing.

Then there is the matter of gum health. It is very important that the patient receiving the implants does it with healthy gums.

The Basics Of A Dental Implant

Many people wonder how dental implants work. In basic terms, a titanium screw gets placed underneath the gumline. The purpose of the screw is two-fold.

Firstly, it needs to fuse with the jawbone to make it permanent. Secondly, it serves as a platform for the crown that needs to be placed.

Of course, the procedure for the dentist is much more complicated. However, if there is anything important to take note of, the dentist or cosmetic surgeon will be more than happy to assist.

It Is Permanent

Another common question is how long you can enjoy your implants once they are placed? The reality is that implants last for years and years. The titanium screw is perfectly safe and does not cause any problems down the line.

The crown itself can be filled and fixed like the rest of your teeth. In fact, the crown can even be replaced as the screw stays in place.

In terms of looking for a permanent solution, it does not get more permanent than dental implants. They are natural, convenient, and nobody will be able to tell the difference.

Dental Implants Are Not As Expensive As People Think

It is common for people to associate dental implants with high costs. However, the truth is that implants are cost-effective in the long run.

Coming back to the point of losing bone-density when the root of the tooth is missing, it transforms the jawbone over time. And if you are using dentures, you will constantly have to get them adjusted.

With implants, the initial treatment will also be the final treatment. The maintenance is based on simply practising good oral health. Brush and floss regularly, keep to those annual checkups with your dentist, and basically enjoy your implants for life.

If you need to visit a dentist for advice on dental implants or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

dental crowns procedure

What Does The Process Of Getting A Dental Crown Involve?

Do you need a dental crown? What is the process of getting a dental crown? Let’s take a look in more detail at what’s involved.

A dental crown is effective in restoring a tooth that has been damaged due to an accident, injury or decay.

Dental crowns offer effective solutions to a wide range of dental issues such as supporting damaged or decayed teeth, covering a dental implant, protecting a tooth after a root canal procedure, and holding a cracked or broken tooth together.

You need at least two dental visits to get a dental crown. During the first visit, your dentist will examine the affected tooth and prepare it for the crown. They will take an impression of the tooth to construct the crown.

Your dentist may place a temporary crown during the first visit to protect the damaged tooth. The following explains the process of getting a dental crown including:

  • Taking an impression of the tooth during the first visit
  • Placing the permanent crown during the second visit
  • Same-day dental crowns

Taking An Impression Of The Tooth During The First Visit

The first visit to the dentist involves an inspection of the damaged tooth. Your dentist will take a dental x-ray of the affected tooth and jawbone to examine any sign of decay or injury to the tooth.

The dentist will shape the tooth to allow room for the dental crown to be placed. If you choose a metal crown, minimum reshaping is required because the metal crown is thinner compared to a porcelain crown.

Porcelain crowns need more structure removed to place the crown. Any tooth decay will be treated during the first visit to the dentist. If your tooth is severely decayed, it may have little structure to place the crown.

Your dentist will use a filling material to build up the structure of the tooth for the crown. The next step is to create an impression of the tooth to make the dental crown. An impression is made from a paste that holds the shape of the affected tooth.

A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth until the permanent crown is constructed.

Placing The Permanent Crown During The Second Visit

The impression of the tooth is sent to a dental laboratory to create the dental crown. Creation of the permanent crown will take at least 2-3 weeks. Once the crown is created, your dentist will place it over the reshaped tooth.

The temporary crown will be removed before placing the permanent crown. The colour and fit of the permanent crown should match the colour and fit of the natural tooth. Your dentist will check all this before cementing the new crown on the affected tooth.

Before cementing the crown, a local anaesthetic will be administered to the area to numb it. Dental cement is used to place the crown on the tooth.

Your dentist will check if there are issues with the patient’s bite and make the adjustments before permanently cementing the crown.

Same-Day Dental Crowns

Today, same-day dental crowns have become popular in most dental offices. The crown is created in the dental office without having to send it to a dental laboratory for creation. An impression is needed for this type of crown.

A scanning device (Wand) will be used to take pictures of the affected tooth. The image will be uploaded into computer software to create a 3D model of the affected tooth.

This will be used to create the crown the same day and it will save you a lot of time and money when it comes to placing the permanent dental crown.

If you need to visit a dentist for advice on dental crowns or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

Custom Fitted Mouthguards

What Are The Benefits Of Custom Fitted Mouthguards?

Do you wear a mouthguard for either sport or medical purposes? Have you tried to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard? Let’s take a look at these now on more detail.

Mouthguards play an important part in protecting your teeth and gums while playing sports.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that you wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when participating in sports such as hockey, boxing, basketball, rugby, martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

If you have to choose between a pre-made and custom-fitted mouthguard, you should always opt for the latter. That’s because of the numerous benefits offered by a custom-fitted mouthguard.

This article provides information on what are custom-fitted mouthguards and their benefits.

  • What are custom-fitted mouthguards?
  • Benefits of custom-fitted mouthguards

What Are Custom-Fitted Mouthguards?

Mouthguards come as pre-made and custom-fitted. The mouthguard you buy at the sports shop is pre-made. It’s a one-size-fits-all mouthguard. This type of guard won’t protect your teeth and gums because it isn’t made to precisely fit your mouth.

A pre-made mouthguard is better than not having one at all. The jaw, teeth, and mouth vary is size and shape from person to person. That’s why pre-made guards are not the best for you. However, a custom-fitted guard is specially made to fit your teeth and gums.

That’s why a custom-fitted guard is the best solution for you. Custom-made guards are designed with your dental history in mind. The dental laboratory will also take into consideration the sport you will be participating when making a custom-fitted guard.

Any braces or appliances you are wearing will also be protected with a custom-made guard. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory where the mouthguard will be constructed.

This impression is a near-perfect model of your mouth. The laboratory will mould the material necessary for a proper fit. Once the guard is constructed, your dentist will examine it and make sure you are satisfied with the fit.

That’s why you need a custom-made mouthguard when playing sports.

Benefits Of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Comfort is an important benefit of wearing a custom-made mouthguard while playing sport. The mouthguard will be made from a direct impression of your mouth. There won’t be any bulk or unnecessary material left over.

The mouthguard will stay put in the mouth without having to close your mouth. It will make swallowing, breathing, and talking much easier compared to a pre-made guard. Custom-made mouthguards are more comfortable than any other mouthguard on the market.

Children prefer to wear such a mouthguard because they will find them a very comfortable fit. Custom-made mouthguards are made for the exact sports activity you participate in. It’s not a one-size-fits-all guard which you wear for all sports activities.

Sports activities like boxing and hockey need the right thickness to handle the impact of the activity. The correct thickness of the mouthguard is important when designing it That’s where a custom-made mouthguard comes in handy.

It is made to the correct thickness to protect the teeth and gums of the wearer. A custom-made mouthguard offers the maximum protection for your mouth. It will protect all of the teeth from impact.

It can absorb the shock, distribute the impact, and protect your mouth in the process. It also protects the appliances you may have in your mouth such as braces and retainers.

That’s why you need to invest in a custom-made mouthguard when participating in contact sports. If you need to visit the dentist for advice on custom made mouthguards or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

The Right Teeth Whitening Questions You Should Be Asking

Are you planning to have a teeth whitening procedure performed? Do you have any questions about the procedure that you need answered? Well, here are some of the teeth whitening questions you should be asking and the right answers to such questions.

1. Am I covered by insurance?

No. Dental insurance will not cover your teeth whitening procedure. That’s because teeth whitening is considered as a cosmetic dental procedure. It’s a pertinent question to ask to avoid any payment hassles once the procedure is completed.

2. Should I expect any risks after the teeth whitening procedure is completed?

Teeth whitening has 2 side effects that are temporary. These include mild irritation of the soft tissue of your mouth, especially the gums, and increased tooth sensitivity.

You should expect these side effects to disappear a few days after the treatment is completed. Here are some of the ways you can reduce tooth sensitivity if you experience it once the procedure is completed.

• You should wear the tray for a shorter period such as 2 half-hour sessions rather than an hour.

• Also, you should stop whitening your teeth for 2 to 3 days to allow them to adjust to the process.

• Ask your dentist to prescribe a product with high-fluoride content to remineralise your teeth. Make sure you apply this product to the tray and wear it about 4 minutes prior to or following the whitening agent.

• You should brush your teeth using toothpaste manufactured specifically for sensitive teeth. Most of these kinds of toothpaste have potassium nitrate which can soothe the nerve endings of your tooth.

3. Will my enamel be damaged after teeth whitening?

Most of the teeth whitening products contain 10% carbamide peroxide. Studies have revealed that the compound has no effect on the hardness or the mineral content of the enamel on your teeth.

4. Is there any damage to the existing dental restorations or the nerves on your teeth?

A lot of studies have been conducted to identify if teeth whitening causes damage to the nerves on your teeth. There is no evidence from these studies that provides proof of damage.

On the other hand, studies were also conducted to identify if there is any damage to the existing fillings, veneers, bridges, crowns and other dental restorations. Keep in mind that these restorations don’t lighten together with the rest of the teeth.

Therefore, you might be forced to replace any pre-existing dental work to match the new shade of your teeth.

5. How long does the teeth whitening effect last?

Once you have paid for your first teeth whitening procedure, you should know that it’s not permanent. If you expose your teeth to any beverages or foods that might stain them, this will result in your teeth fading within a month.

If you avoid this, you should be able to wait at least a year or more before you need another whitening procedure or touch-ups.

6. What can I do to maintain my bright smile after completing a whitening procedure?

• Make sure you don’t expose your teeth or consume products that might stain them. If you can’t avoid foods that may stain your teeth, you should use a tray so the liquid bypasses the front part of your teeth.

• You should follow proper hygiene practices. Make sure you brush your teeth at least 2 times every day and floss at least once every day to remove plaque.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic dental procedure. Make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into by asking all the necessary questions before and after the procedure.

If you need to visit the dentist for advice on teeth whitening, or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

wisdom tooth extraction

What To Expect Before, During And After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

What happens when you get a wisdom tooth extracted? What can you expect after such a serious procedure? Let’s take a look in more detail below.

Wisdom teeth normally appear between the ages of 17 and 25, a period that is known as attaining ‘the age of wisdom’ – although they have nothing to do with providing wisdom.

Your local dentist may be the first to break the news during a routine inspection that a wisdom tooth is starting to breakthrough.

Not everyone develops this third set of molars but the average person normally produces four wisdom teeth and according to statistics at least 90% experience one or more impactions.

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space for the tooth to break through the gum causing pain, extreme discomfort, and other dental health risks. The worst thing a person can do is to ignore them.

Do Wisdom Teeth Have a Purpose?

Humans from prehistoric times had stronger, larger jaws and a third set of molars to help them chew through raw meat and tough plant matter.

They also tended to lose their teeth so a third set of molars developed at around 6 years of age ensuring that there was enough room for a second set to grow at age 12.

Fast forward through evolution to today and we find that the modern jaw size now has less space for wisdom teeth to erupt and they have a less functional purpose.

When to Have a Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

One of the main reasons for wisdom tooth extraction is when the tooth has become impacted or has erupted abnormally. The first symptoms are swelling, pain, and limited jaw mobility.

However, most people don’t experience any symptoms but it can still be problematic as wisdom teeth that do not grow in alignment with the rest of the teeth will not only cause tooth and gum problems but can also affect overall health.

Impacted teeth can lead to cysts, infection, and, most importantly, damage to adjacent teeth and proper jaw alignment.

If a wisdom tooth has room to erupt and is disease-free, it may be okay to leave it alone providing regular check-ups are carried out to track if there is any movement that will affect teeth alignment and there is no sign of disease.

The best age to remove wisdom teeth is during the teenage years as they present the least complications while the roots are not yet fully developed. As teeth continue to grow the roots become more established and reposition themselves.

As we get older extraction and related risks like injuring a nerve increases and after the age of thirty to forty and the recovery period tends to get longer.

What to Expect Before, During and After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Examination

It all starts with a proper examination that includes an X-ray to determine how the tooth is positioned and what procedure needs to be followed.

If it is a straightforward procedure the extraction will be carried out by an oral surgeon or you will be referred to a specialist if there is a risk of complications.

Sedation

A form of numbing medication will be applied depending on how difficult the procedure will be and also how nervous you are.

Depending on the type of anaesthesia you may be asked to avoid food and drink for a number of hours before surgery. Sedation includes:

  • Local anaesthesia where you will stay awake and feel a certain amount of pressure but no pain
  • Sedation where you will still be awake but experience lessened consciousness so that you won’t remember much
  • General anaesthesia where you will be completely knocked out.

Removal

The surgeon will make use of special instruments to disconnect the surrounding tissue before removing the tooth. Gauze plugs will be applied to promote blood clotting and help the wound heal faster. If necessary the surgeon will stitch the site up.

Recovery

After the procedure, you will be encouraged to take things easy for a while to allow yourself to heal. Depending on the type of sedation, you may feel a little groggy and need someone to take you home.

You will experience swelling and pain after the procedure and the surgeon will prescribe pain medication.

Your level of pain and discomfort will depend on how many teeth you had removed, whether they were impacted or not, and your personal sensitivity to pain.

Home Care

Barring complications, the pain will get better after a day or two. Ice packs can be applied to help relieve swelling and pain and to reduce the risk of bruising. You may be cautioned to eat only soft foods for a period of time.

Complications

Dry socket is one of the most common complications of wisdom tooth extraction and it is vitally important to follow post-procedure instructions carefully to avoid the excruciating pain from this condition.

You should stay hydrated and using a straw for a week or so may be recommended. However, using a straw for a long period of time may cause ‘dry socket’ to develop which is a very painful condition.

Dryness can cause the clot that formed over the extraction area to become dislodged, exposing nerves and bare bone, so can cleaning your mouth too forcefully or too soon after surgery.

In some cases removing wisdom teeth is essential; however, it is highly recommended to have them removed when you are younger rather than waiting until problems occur. The older the tooth the more difficult it becomes to remove.

Talk to your dentist if you are not sure whether you should have your wisdom teeth removed and why.

If you need to visit the dentist for advice on your wisdom teeth, or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website

regular dental check up

What Happens At A Dental Check-Up And Cleaning?

What actually happens when you go for a dental check-up? Let’s take a look at what happens at a dental check-up and how often you should have one.

Over 80% of Australians visit their dentist at least once a year for a dental check-up and clean. However, most people don’t have an idea about what to expect when they go for a dental check-up and clean.

Having someone work inside your mouth can cause a lot of stress if you don’t know what to expect when you are in the dental chair. This article provides information on what happens at a dental check-up and clean.

  • Say hello to the receptionist at the dental office
  • Meet the dental hygienist
  • Oral examination
  • Dental exams and x-rays
  • Results of the check-up

Say Hello To The Receptionist At The Dental Office

The receptionist is the first person who will greet you during a dental check-up and clean appointment. They will coordinate appointments and payments and make things flow smoothly during the appointment.

Make sure you greet the receptionist as soon as you enter the dental clinic because you should build a good relationship with them to help facilitate your future appointments.

They will notify you when you are supposed to come for the next appointment.

Meet The Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist is the next person to greet you during the dental check-up and clean. You will be spending most of your time with this professional.

Dental hygienists are trained dental professionals who will take care of routine dental check-ups on behalf of patients. They will also assist the dentist in other dental procedures. A hygienist is an integral part of any dental set-up in Australia.

They make up a big part of the dental team that helps keep your oral health at its best.

Oral Examination

The dental hygienist will ask you about your medical history before performing any dental work on you. If you have been to the practice before, they will want to know if there have been any changes to your situation.

You should inform the hygienist if you have diabetes, arthritis, heart conditions or any other condition. They should also know about your mental health – whether you have depression, anxiety or panic attacks.

Once you share your health concerns, the hygienist will start to work on your teeth. They will clean your teeth by scraping off the plaque and tartar from the teeth. They will use teeth polisher to give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish.

Once they examine the teeth, the hygienist will have a look at any problems you may have in your mouth. The hygienist will examine your gums and other tissues in the mouth to see if there are any concerns.

Dental Exams And X-Rays

The dental exam is done by a qualified dentist. A dental x-ray will be taken to see if there are issues below the surface of your gums.

The dentist will use the x-ray to see if there are issues like loss of jawbone, fractures, and other oral abnormalities below the visible gum line. They will also look for problems such as teeth grinding, teeth alignment, and oral cancer.

Once all this has been done, the dentist will have a complete understanding of your oral health. They will prescribe treatments for any dental issue you may have.

Results Of The Check-Up

Once the check-up is complete, your dentist will let you know what exactly is going on in your mouth. They will advise about the next step you need to take. The final step is to let you know when your next dental appointment is going to be.

If you need to visit the dentist for a check-up or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs area to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website