GENERAL DENTISTRY FAQs

There are many advantages of white fillings including but not limited to their strength, durability and malleability which can be easily moulded to suit any shape. However, the most obvious and compelling advantage of composite or white fillings, is aesthetics. White fillings come in many different shades which can be blended to match the shade of your tooth to give you the most natural look possible.

After receiving a composite or white filling, some patients may experience mild sensitivity. This is completely normal and should subside in time. The colour of the white filling can also change if you smoke, drink excessive amounts of coffee or tea, or consume any other staining foods or beverages.

Ultimately, prevention is better than a cure, so to reduce your risk of tooth decay and the need for a filling, ensure that you brush and floss daily, eat a healthy, balanced diet and visit your local dentist regularly for a scale and clean and check-up.

At your appointment, our dental professionals will clean and prepare your tooth for the white filling before placing the composite in layers into the cavity or hole. We will then harden the composite by shining a special light on the filling and finish by shaping and polishing the tooth to ensure a nice, natural look and feel.

While it may be tempting to explore natural at-home remedies for fixing a broken tooth, it is still important to get your tooth checked by a qualified dental professional to ensure that there is no infection or inflammation. Regular brushing and flossing is also recommended to help remove and prevent any tooth decay along with regular scale and cleans and check-ups.

Not at all. Depending on which part of the tooth is being filled, our dental professionals may need to numb the tooth and surrounding gum using a local anaesthetic before filling the cavity. When the anaesthetic wears off, it is normal to experience some minor sensitivity or discomfort but this will subside. While it is rare that fillings may cause complications or side effects, it is important to notify your dentist if you experience any severe nerve or tooth pain and sensitivity.

There are a few different circumstances where a tooth may need to be removed. This includes when a tooth is damaged beyond repair or if there is crowding, inflammation or increased risk of infection.

When tooth decay infiltrates the centre of the tooth (pulp), bacteria can enter, potentially resulting in infection. Likewise, if your immune system is suppressed due to certain medications, the risk of infection posed by a damaged tooth may warrant an extraction.

Dentists may also need to remove teeth in preparation for orthodontic treatment such as traditionalbraces or teeth aligners. If a tooth cannot break through the gum due to crowding then the tooth may also need to be removed.

Tooth removal or extraction is generally a simple, straightforward and painless process. Before pulling the tooth out, we will numb the tooth and surrounding gum using a local anaesthetic. If you are feeling particularly nervous or having multiple teeth taken out you may wish be placed under IV sedation (also known as sleep dentistry) at an extra cost. During the procedure, we will use special forceps to grasp and loosen the tooth in a circular motion. Sometimes teeth can break as they are being pulled out and will need to be removed in pieces.

Although you won’t be able to feel any pain during the procedure, unfortunately we cannot prevent you from feeling sensation and any sounds associated with the tooth removal. Once the tooth has been removed, we place a sterile gauze pillow in the socket to help enable a blood clot to form.

Sometimes blood clots can become dislodged, leaving the bone exposed to air, food and fluid. This is called dry socket which can be painful. If this occurs, a sedative dressing is placed over the socket for a few days to help protect it and enable a new blood clot to form.

Depending on the size of your jaw and the way your wisdom teeth come through, you may never experience any pain or discomfort with your wisdom teeth. The best way to determine whether you will need your wisdom teeth removed is to come for an evaluation with one of our friendly dental professionals. At your appointment, we will review your dental history, take any necessary photographs or X-rays and examine your mouth and wisdom teeth. If we recommend the removal of some or all of your wisdom teeth, we will then discuss with you the procedure, any risks or complications and what you can expect after they have been removed.

If you are feeling particularly nervous about the procedure, then sedation might be a good option for you. We work closely with an affiliate anaesthetist to offer IV sedation (also known as sleep dentistry) so that you can have your treatment done in comfort.

In many cases, absolutely nothing. If your jaw is large enough to accommodate your wisdom teeth then you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort. However, if your jaw is too small or your wisdom teeth come through on an angle (also known as impacted), it can cause lead to some serious dental issues. Some of the common problems you might experience with your wisdom teeth include:

• Tooth Decay – If your wisdom tooth comes through on an angle (also known as impacted) saliva, bacteria and food can build up around it, causing tooth decay. When this is not removed, it can lead to infection and inflammation not just around the wisdom tooth but it’s neighbouring teeth as well. This can result in another tooth requiring removal or root canal therapy.
• Gum infection – If your wisdom tooth has just started to come through, you might find that food gets stuck beneath the gum which can lead to gum infection. As a result, you may experience pain, swelling in the mouth, cheek or neck and bad breath.
• Pressure Pain – When your wisdom teeth start coming through, they can place pressure on the other surrounding teeth as your jaw expands to make room. This can be quite painful and can result in the erosion of other teeth.
• Cysts – When a wisdom tooth is impacted, it can lead to a cyst formation on the surrounding gum. When left untreated, this can lead to destruction of the bone, jaw expansion and the movement or decay of other teeth. To prevent further bone loss and possible fracturing of the jaw, removal of the tooth may be required.
• Teeth crowding – If your wisdom tooth comes through on an angle, this can place pressure on the surrounding teeth and cause them to move in order to make room for the tooth and jaw to grow. When there isn’t enough room in the mouth, this movement can lead to crooked teeth and crowding, which may require orthodontic treatment such as

Besides common issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, pressure pain, cysts and crowding, you may also find that you require your wisdom teeth removed for orthodontic or prosthetic reasons.

To ensure the best results from your orthodontic treatment, your wisdom teeth may need to be removed before getting braces so that your treatment is not compromised by unnecessary movement of the jaw or other surrounding teeth.

If you require a denture, you may also need your wisdom teeth removed. If a wisdom tooth grows below a denture, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the gum and surrounding tissues. If the wisdom tooth is not removed, you may require a new denture in the future if the teeth or jaw move as a result.

Impacted or wedged wisdom teeth are the very last molars at the back of your mouth which do not have enough room to develop normally. As a result they can erupt through the skin on an angle, causing pain, sensitivity and other serious oral issues until they are removed.

At The Dental Studio Stirling, all of our dental professionals are specially trained to deliver Root Canal treatment.

Root Canal treatment is usually a simple and straightforward process which is completed in two steps delivered over two appointments. At your first appointment, our dental professionals will numb your tooth and create an opening through the top of your tooth to access the disease or damaged pulp. Special cleaning files are then used to clean and shape the canals before antibacterial medicine is inserted into the tooth and sealed with a temporary material.

The tooth is then left anywhere from three weeks to six months to allow time for the infection to completely heal before your second appointment where the root canal treatment is completed.
The tooth is checked to ensure the infection has healed and then given a final clean to remove any further debris. To complete the root canal treatment, the canals are sealed to prevent them from being infiltrated with any bacteria. A white filling or crown is then placed over the access hole to seal the tooth and prevent further infection and inflammation.

Unlike extracting the tooth, Root Canal treatment maintains your existing tooth without the need for complex bridges or dental implants, ensuring that your natural smile, biting force and appearance are all maintained.

Not at all. Before the procedure, our dental professionals will numb your tooth and surrounding gum with a local anaesthetic. Once the local anaesthetic wears off, you may experience a bit of pain and discomfort which can be managed through over the counter pain relief such a Panadol or Nurofen. You should find that within a couple of days, you are feeling much better and able to resume your regular lifestyle.

If you are feeling particularly nervous about your Root Canal treatment, then sedation might be the best option for you. We work closely with an affiliate anaesthetist to offer sedation and monitoring in the comfort of the dentist chair at an additional expense.

To find out more, please give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment with one of our friendly dental professionals to discuss your Root Canal treatment today.

When most people hear the word, ‘root canal’ they usually envision a complex and painful procedure but this is not the case. These days, Root Canal treatment is often a simple and painless procedure that should leave you feeling better not worse afterwards. While a little bit of pain, discomfort and tenderness afterwards is completely normal, this is usually managed through some antibiotics prescribed by your dentist or over the counter pain relief such as Panadol or Nurofen.

In adults, the most common cause of sleep apnoea is obesity, which causes excess fatty tissue to gather in the throat, blocking the airways. Other common causes include a misaligned jaw, weak throat muscles and alcohol and certain drugs have also been known to relax the throat.

In children, sleep apnoea is most often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids which can partially or completely block the airway when infected.

In adults, the most common cause of sleep apnoea is obesity, which causes excess fatty tissue to gather in the throat, blocking the airways. Other common causes include a misaligned jaw, weak throat muscles and alcohol and certain drugs have also been known to relax the throat.

In children, sleep apnoea is most often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids which can partially or completely block the airway when infected.

TMJ disorder has a wide range of overlapping symptoms with other disorders which can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. While most muscular and joint symptoms do get better over time, there are a number of oral health and home remedies which may help to relieve some of the tooth, jaw and ear pain as well as treat the condition:

Eat soft foods – this is an easy one that you can do at home. By eating soft foods such as yoghurt, mashed veggies, soup, scrambled eggs and beans, this will help to minimise your chewing and allow your jaw to heal. Most people find that their symptoms subside after following a strict soft food diet for a few weeks however others may need to continue the diet for a bit longer.

Apply ice packs or warm compresses – Another easy one – simply apply an ice pack or warm compress to the side of your face for five to 10 minutes. Try doing this a couple of times per day depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Medications – There are a number of different medications which may help to relieve or treat your symptoms of TMJ Disorder. This includes over the counter anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or Ibuprofen for easing muscle pain and swelling. Muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety medicines and anti-depressants may also help but are only available with a prescription from your doctor.

Splints – A temporomandibular joint dysfunction splint or appliance is a custom-made removable acrylic device designed to fit the upper and lower arches of your teeth. By guiding your jaw into a neutral position, splints provide an easy and cost-effective way to help relieve pressure off the jaw joints and prevent further damage as a result of grinding and clenching.

Other treatment options – Many people find success with the TMJ splint therapy however If all else fails, our dental professionals may recommend other alternative therapies such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, ultrasound treatment, trigger point injections and/or acupuncture with a specialist orofacial doctor.

The best way to determine the most effective treatment for you is to come in for a chat with one our friendly dental professionals. Simply give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment to have your TemporomandibularJoint checked today.

The healing time for TMJ disorder varies from person to person. While many people find that their TMJ disorder symptoms come and go, or gradually subside over time, some unfortunately do not.

If you are experiencing any ongoing jaw pain or discomfort, the best thing to do is have it checked by your local dentist. Simply give us a call on 08 9440 4455 or request an appointment with one of our friendly dental professionals today.

The symptoms of TMJ disorder can vary widely but the most common signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Pain in the jaw and joints – This is the most common complaint from those living with TMJ disorders and is characterised by a clicking, grinding or popping sound whenever you eat, laugh or yawn. You may experience a dull or sharp pain throughout your face and neck that is constant or sporadic. This pain and tenderness can also extend throughout your shoulder
and back.

Headaches – When the jaw joint is misaligned or inflamed, this places pressure on the muscles and nerves in our face, resulting in headaches and migraines.

Tooth ache – TMJ disorders are common among people who clench or grind their teeth (also known as Bruxism). Over time the extreme pressure on the teeth and jaw joints can erode, crack or fracture the enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity.

Ear pain or ringing – Pain from the jaw can also radiate from the affected joints, nerves and muscles. This can cause a sharp shooting pain or a dull ache and ringing in the ear (also known as tinnitus).

Lock jaw – This occurs when your jaw gets stuck in the open or closed mouth position.

Facial swelling – This might occur on one or both sides of your face as result of the jaw tenderness.