It is recommended to have a general check-up and clean every six months to assess if there is any decay or dental issues. Early detection means better prognosis of a tooth. The regular check-up is particularly essential for smokers as there is the first assessment for any oral cancers.
A radiograph (x-ray) or an OPG may be taken to assess for any decay that may not be visible clinically.
Fissure seals are a thin resin like tooth coloured dental material that is used to cover up deep grooves in the teeth. Fissure seals are only a preventive effort that forms a protective layer to keep food and plaque from entering the grooves. A fissure seal is only valid as long as it is retained on the tooth; it does not replace good oral hygiene.
Fluoride may be used to help remineralise the tooth structure and may help with dental sensitivity.
Good oral health and a healthy diet is the best method for the prevention of tooth decay and periodontal disease (gum disease).
Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums, which may spread into the bone that supports the teeth. It occurs when there is a build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth. This build-up can harden and turn into calculus/tartar. Periodontal disease can be caused by several factors, which include: Poor oral hygiene and genetic factors.
If periodontal disease remained untreated, it might cause bleeding gum and loose teeth which may be lost permanently in the future. The regular deep cleans are required to prevent your periodontal disease from recurrence.
A periodontal charting must be conducted to assess and diagnose the level of periodontal disease. Periodontal charting is carried out by measuring the pockets between the tooth and the gum. The charting allows the monitoring and management of the periodontal disease. If it has worsened, it may need a referral to see a specialist Periodontist. Periodontal charting is done once a year.
Depending on the extent of your periodontal disease, it may take additional appointments to clean your teeth. Each appointment may take up to 1 hour. This process is longer than the regular clean as this goes deeper into the gums and may require a local anaesthetic.
Fillings may be required to restore decayed teeth. Demineralisation is caused by acid-producing bacteria that attack the tooth surface and over prolong periods it may cause a breakdown of the tooth and more bacteria can enter and cause decay. The decay removed, and the filling replaces the lost tooth structure to maintain tooth integrity. We often use tooth coloured restorative materials, but metallic materials may also use as an option. This procedure can be discussed with our dentists as the best material to suit your dental needs.
Often dental caries is caused by inadequate brushing and not cleaning all areas in the mouth. Sometimes fillings may be required if you have an old broken down filling or leaking restoration. White or tooth coloured fillings frequently used as they look aesthetic and are a durable material.
The process involves removing decay and replaces the lost tooth structure with the filling material.
To prevent tooth decay, it is imperative to:
Dentures are an excellent alternative to replace multiple missing teeth. It is beneficial as it helps with aesthetic and function (chewing, swallowing and speaking). Full and partial dentures are a removable plate that replaces some or all missing teeth. It may also replace absent supporting structures, such as gums.
There are many different types of dentures;
A patient may have a combination of both. It may take several appointments for fittings, so your dentures are comfortable for use.
It is best to discuss with the dentist which denture is most suited to your needs.
Root canal therapy (RCT) is a treatment procedure that we do to try to save the affected tooth by replacing a tooth’s damaged or infected pulp with a filling. When the nerve or root canal system of your tooth becomes infected with bacteria, causing your tooth to exhibit an ache and a dull pain (a toothache).
In the centre of the tooth, there is a root canal system that consists of nerves and blood supply. It can become infected from a long decay, cracked tooth or trauma.
The therapy consists of cleaning out the infected root canal system, then shaped, and a dressing placed inside. Once the infection is gone, the void filled up with a root filling material. After completion of root canal therapy, you will need to restore that tooth with either a full cusp cap filling or a crown because the tooth is not as strong as it previously was before and prone to breakage.
Cosmetic dentistry involves several dental procedures to improve and enhance the overall appearance of your mouth and smile. The process can include the appearance of the teeth, gums and occlusion. Cosmetic dentistry can include the use of dental materials to adjust the look of your smile to one that is most natural and aesthetic. The process may also involve the use of ceramic veneers and composite veneers to build up teeth. It can include restoring a chip on a tooth, alignment of teeth and shape of teeth.
At Leichhardt Dental Surgery, we offer several different procedures from non-invasive to minimal intervention procedures. Depending on what your needs are and what is most suitable for you in terms of aesthetics.
Crowns and bridges may be an option to replace missing teeth or placed when a tooth has previously had extensive dental treatment. Crowns completely cover the tooth, and many types of crowns materials can be used, such as ceramic, gold, metal or in combination.
There are different types of procedures that include:
Teeth whitening is used to treat mild to moderate surface stains. It can help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile. Teeth whitening is only suitable for some stains, and it is best to have a consultation to see which method is best suited for you.
Some stains cannot be eliminated by teeth whitening, but there are alternative methods to improve your smile. If you are concerned about the discolouration of your teeth, please make a consultation appointment.
Here at Leichhardt Dental Surgery, we offer various whitening methods.
It is a 2-hour treatment that gives you instant results. Included is also an individualised take-home kit to complete and maintain your results.
Individualised trays are made for your upper and lower teeth to take home. The tray is used to contain the gel-like substance and then applied to your teeth. The tray is worn for a set amount of time over a maximum period of 2 weeks, or until desired results are achieved.
If you have undergone root canal therapy and your tooth has turned a dark colour, then internal whitening may be an option for you. The internal bleaching is only after completion of your treatment and is dependent on your tooth integrity. Please discuss further with our dentists as this may not be a suitable option.
Polish may be required to remove superficial stains.
Please Note
Bleaching does not whiten:
Orthodontics deals primarily with malpositioned teeth and the jaws through aligning teeth with gentle forces with braces to achieve the most aesthetic smile possible for you.
Treatment can include the use of:
There are no age limits to orthodontic treatment.
It should be noted that some patients may need early intervention and require the use of plates/removable appliances prior. The treatment should be discussed thoroughly with your dentist. Please make a consultation appointment if you wish to discuss this matter with Dr Susan.
Each individual’s teeth are different, and the time taken to achieve your best smile is dependent on you and your compliance.
Occasionally extractions are the best treatments option. We aim to achieve the best outcome and provide you with the most pleasing appearance and function of your mouth — careful consideration and discussion about other treatments option with the dentist before opting for an extraction. Local anaesthesia provided, and we also have laughing gas for the anxious patient.
A radiograph (x-ray) may be required to assess the tooth prognosis and assess the roots.
Reasons for extraction may include:
If you are suffering from snoring and wake up feeling tired and lethargic, it may be because you are not getting enough oxygen while sleeping. If you have sleep apnoea, during your sleep, the airway in your throat that leads from the nose and mouth to the lungs collapses as the muscle relax. If the collapse is severe, it causes an apnea (loss of breath).
There are long-term health consequences with untreated sleep apnoea such as high blood pressure and increased risk of heart attack, stroke and sleepiness during the day.
Sleep apnoea treatment can include using a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device or an oral appliance (Mandibular advancement splint or device). It is similar to a customised hard mouth guard that covers both your upper and lower tops of your teeth. The oral appliance enables the jaw to be pushed forward to open up the airways. Please note, it is best to have a sleeping test performed, and a discussion with your dentist as these methods may not work for you.
For more information, please visit the Sleep Health Foundation
www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
We do make customised night guard and sports guards of various thicknesses.
Customised night guards might suitable if there is significant tooth wear from grinding and clenching.
It is vital to building on good healthy habits from a young age, especially good oral care habits such as brushing two times a day, flossing and rising out sugary substances. Regular checkups clean, fluoride treatments and fissure seals help protect these baby teeth from decay and cavities.
Baby teeth/milk teeth are not as strong as the adult/permanent teeth, and decay can spread faster.
Mums and dads also play a pivotal role in the maintenance and care of their young children’s teeth. Early detection of small holes/decay can make a world of difference in the child’s oral and emotional development. Checking your child’s facial and jaw development is imperative to assess the further need for possible preventive or future orthodontic appliances that may be required.
Dental implants are a surgical operation and only after careful consideration. A dental implant is a medical-grade titanium implanted tooth embedded into the jaw bone. It is a surgical procedure that allows you to have a fixed prosthetic tooth. The implants look and feels exactly like a real tooth and can last for many years with the proper maintenance. Dental implants are an excellent method to replace a lost tooth, given the right conditions. Having a dental implant is beneficial as it closely mimics a real tooth and does not need to affect the adjacent teeth.
However, dental implants may not be the only option available to you. Please discuss further with our dentist.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
At your dental appointment, please ensure you bring your identification, your Medicare card and also your private health insurance card (if applicable). You will be required to fill in a new patient acquaintance form that will detail your most recent medical history. Please also inform us of any allergies and illness. We will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Yes, we are a preferred provider for Medibank Private and Bupa.
However, if you are not with Medibank Private or Bupa, we do accept all private health insurance companies. Please be sure to bring your private health insurance card to every appointment.
Currently, we only accept Medicare on selected children that are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CBDS). Children aged between 2- 17 years old and get a total benefit of $1000 per every two calendar year.
Services can include:
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover orthodontic and cosmetic dental works.
To find out if you are eligible, please contact us or contact the
(https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule)
Yes, we do. Please inform the Receptionist when arriving and present your DVA card.
Yes, we do claims on the spot using HICAPS. However, you may be required to pay a gap on the day, depending on your treatment needs and level of your private health insurance coverage. Please be sure to bring your current private health insurance card.
