General Services
While our general dental services encompass a full range of patient treatments, we’ve listed just a few here. That’s because we know for patients sometimes too much information can lead to confusion
Every member of our team is helpful and it’s why we’d prefer to speak with you in person about your specific dental needs, either at a preventative care appointment or an examination booked with one of our dentists.
Fixing fillings
Our practice is well-equipped to undertake new and replacement filings of all kinds.
In our treatment, we use composite fillings, which are often referred to as tooth-colored or white fillings because they mimic the colour of your real teeth.
The latest composite resin filling materials are not only extremely strong but also look natural. They contain no harmful metals, such as the mercury found in amalgam fillings that have been used for this purpose traditionally.
In terms of pain management – and in the interests of managing patients’ concerns – we offer a range of options to our patients. While there are a few who require no pain management, most patients elect to apply anesthetic. Our dentists will talk with you about how to best manage your fears and concerns about pain during your treatment.
Want to know the best way to avoid a filling? It’s simple! Stick to your schedule of regular preventative care visits and we can often catch tooth decay before it becomes a cavity.
Tooth extractions
Extracting a tooth is the least preferred choice for the patient and the dentist. At Dentists at Southport, we feel it is always a last resort to be considered only when all other options are ruled out.
So when is an extraction the right choice?
A tooth extraction is the right choice only when the tooth is too badly decayed and deemed by your dentist as not able to be restored.
In all cases, our dentists will talk you through the extraction process to ensure you fully understand what is involved.
In the extraction process, we apply the techniques aimed at keeping patients comfortable throughout the procedure, frequently making the process painless, or near painless.
Got a tooth that’s causing you grief?
Wisdom teeth
Did you know that failing to monitor your wisdom teeth can lead to all kinds of oral health problems, including pain, swelling, bad breath, gum disease, infection, and decay in adjacent teeth?
This is why checking wisdom teeth is part of any preventative care visit to our practice. A simple check is all it takes for us to identify problems before they develop into more serious conditions. During your visit, the dentist will examine the position and health of your wisdom teeth, taking into consideration the overall condition of your mouth.
Depending on a range of factors – teeth size relative to jaw size, whether the teeth emerge from the jaw crooked, or if they are impacted and don’t come down through the gum – the dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment pathway, including whether your wisdom teeth need to come out. In some cases, extracting wisdom teeth may be the best course of action.
Technology is also very valuable in the diagnostic process and we use a 3D imaging system to identify the best course of action for high-risk cases. By using technology in this way, it is possible to avoid long-term complications from undertaking a procedure that may have been more difficult otherwise.
Depending on the complexity of the case, some patients may have their wisdom teeth removed by the dentist. For others, it may be necessary to engage a special oral surgeon. We have a strong referral network and will work closely with you and your specialist to reach the best outcome for you.
Your preventative dental care is our highest priority. We can deliver that best through your regular preventative care appointments, which allows us to monitor the condition of your mouth as it changes over time. Wisdom teeth, like all other teeth, should be checked regularly, regardless of the patient’s age.
Root canals
There are few things dental that strike as much fear in patients as root canal therapy, but we’re pleased to say treatment techniques have improved such that patients can feel relieved if this is their recommended treatment pathway.
On the upside, root canal therapy provides a way for an infected tooth to be saved. In most cases, especially those caught early, all or part of the infected tooth can be retained.
The treatment involves removing the pulp from around the tooth, and then cleaning out and sealing the canal to protect the remaining tooth material. A filling is then placed to restore the space, or if too much of the tooth is gone, a crown will be used.
The procedure we use at Dentists at Southport is relatively simple and routine, with little or no patient discomfort. It is generally completed within one to three visits, making payment manageable.
Are you experiencing inflammation in your mouth?
Gingivitis leading to periodontitis, are conditions that present as inflammation affecting the tissues (gums) that surround and support teeth.
One easily recognisable and common sign is bleeding gums when brushing.
The good news is that if periodontitis is identified early enough, it can be treated with scaling procedures.
However, if left untreated, periodontitis can eventually cause a loss of bone around the teeth, causing them to loosen and become sore.
If your dentist recommends treatment, the approach taken will depend on how far the condition has advanced. The dentist or oral health therapist will mechanically remove the bacterial load on the gums thereby allowing them to heal.
Additional in-chair and at-home treatments are available and these can be discussed with your treating dentist or oral health therapist on your visit.
Want to avoid gum disease?
Prevention is key.
By following a regimen of good oral hygiene that includes correct brushing, regular flossing, and visiting your dentist or oral health therapist every six months for long-term monitoring, you give yourself the best chance of keeping gum disease at bay.
