Dental advice

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Gums can bleed for a number of reasons. However, by far the most common cause is gum or periodontal disease. This is caused by plaque and calculus (bacteria). The Avenues Family Dental can diagnose this and often treat it. Serious cases are sent to a specialist Periodontist.

Can I have my amalgam fillings changed for better aesthetics?

Amalgam fillings have been successfully used for over 100 years. It is a wonderfully strong tooth restoration. The downside with amalgam is it’s appearance. In some cases, it is possible to replace amalgam with other filling materials or crowns. We recommend you come in to The Avenues Family Dental for an assessment.

Why do I need root canal therapy instead of a filling?

Root canal therapy is typically completed in teeth that have irreversible inflammation or infection. Once a tooth nerve is irreversibly inflamed, the tooth will never be completely treated until the nerve and tooth blood supply are removed. In many cases, root canal therapy will save a tooth and give it a great long term prognosis.

Why is my tooth sensitive to hot and cold drinks and food?

There are many causes of tooth sensitivity. The most common are nerve pain, a cracked tooth, root sensitivity and tooth grinding. For a proper diagnosis, please call The Avenues Family Dental.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

There are many causes for tooth sensitivity. A common one is the exposure of the root surface of the tooth. We can simply coat this with a special varnish to reduce the sensitivity and then recommend certain mouth rinses and tooth pastes. For a full diagnosis of tooth sensitivity it is best to come to The Avenues Family Dental for an examination.

Why are my teeth discoloured?

There are numerous reasons why teeth can discolour such as a change in diet, certain medications or the use of a new mouth rinse. Extrinsic stains can be easily cleaned or bleached. If other causes are suspected, such as concerns with the enamel on your teeth or the discolouration of old fillings, treatment options can be discussed with The Avenue’s Family Dental.

What should I do if a tooth breaks?

If a tooth breaks from normal chewing/use, then it is best to come in and see us at The Avenues Family Dental. Even if the tooth is not painful, the tooth is exposed to bacteria in your mouth and can quickly deteriorate.

If a tooth breaks from trauma to the mouth, then best to see us at The Avenues Family Dental as soon as you can. How the tooth is treated in the immediate time after trauma can effect the long term prognosis of the tooth. If you have facial swelling, apply a cold pack as soon as you can to reduce facial swelling.

What should I do if I knock a tooth out?

Knocking out a tooth can be one of the most serious dental injuries. Teeth can be saved if care is taken and professional help is sought immediately. We recommend that you handle the tooth carefully. Avoid touching the root (the part of the tooth that was embedded in the gum) because it can be damaged easily. There are special cells on the root that will help it re-join inside the mouth.

Replace the tooth to where it came from if possible. If the tooth is dirty, hold it by the upper part (the crown) and rinse it off with saline solution or milk. If you don’t have any milk available, then it is best to leave the tooth alone. Wiping it off with a handkerchief or a piece of cloth may cause additional damage. Keep the tooth moist. If possible, drop it into a glass of milk or cup of saliva. If no milk is available, then place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gum. Avoid water as this can damage the cells. Visit The Avenues Family Dental as soon as you can.

Knocking out a baby tooth in a child is less concerning. Typically the child will be ok with the gap until the permanent tooth erupts. If however the tooth is broken or pushed into the gum then we recommend you come into The Avenues Family Dental as soon as possible.

I have pain in my jaw and muscles and have headaches? What is a possible cause of this?

There are many causes of facial and jaw pain. A very common one however is caused by bruxing or grinding/clenching your teeth. The Avenues Family Dental will assess the symptoms and cause and suggest a treatment. Often simply wearing a customised occlusal splint will eliminate the symptoms very quickly.

I have bad breath. What can I do about it?

Bad breath (or halitosis) can have a number of causes. Some can be systemic. Most however, are directly related to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by excess dental plaque and calculus in your mouth. Normally symptoms include bleeding gums, pain and bad breath. At The Avenues Family Dental we will assess your individual case and advise you on a suggested treatment plan.

What tooth whitening system do you use and will it harm my teeth?

We use a take-home bleaching kits made for dentists. You have a customised stent made and you insert the tooth whitening gel into your mouth for 45 min per day for 7 days straight. The success of tooth whitening depends on many factors – age of patient, shade of tooth, straight or crooked, filled or unfilled, oral hygiene etc. Many patients are absolutely thrilled with their tooth whitening results. If used in the controlled recommended amounts, our tooth whitening system will not harm your teeth.

What is the right time for a child’s first check up?

Early visits to the dentist can make sure children grow up confident and happy in a dental setting. We always make sure their first visits are a fun experience. We recommend that your child’s first visit should be before they are 3 years old. We are happy to see children before the age of 3 years old. We can hopefully count their teeth, have a quick look and educate the parents about proper oral hygiene for toddlers. Such early diagnosis can ensure there are no developmental issues with your child’s teeth and gums and this helps set them up with healthy teeth for life.

I am extremely nervous! Is there anything you can do to make me relax?

Many people have had a bad experience at the dentist. At The Avenues Family Dental we strive to make your appointment as relaxed as possible. No surprises! We will communicate clearly what we are doing. We also offer happy gas and oral sedation for those patients who cannot relax without medication.

Can I have a fabulous teeth without going broke?

As you may be aware, there are many options today in modern dentistry. Once our dentists assess your issues, a number of alternative treatment plans can be established. It can be based around improving your dental health, your function or your cosmetics. It can also give you a number of cost alternatives. You may be surprised how reasonable dental treatment costs can be.

How often should I have a check up?

Normally we recommend an examination and clean every 6 months. X-rays are normally taken every 2 years. Some patients require more frequent visits and those with a very stable mouth (low decay risk and no gum problems) may only need a check up every 12 months.