1. Teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning, or dental prophylaxis, is a fundamental dental procedure that helps maintain good oral hygiene and prevent gum diseases. This includes a full-mouth examination of your teeth and gums and cleaning and preventative measures for a healthy smile. During this procedure, a dental hygienist or dentist will use specialised tools to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth.  It also involves scaling and polishing the teeth to ensure they are clean and smooth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.

What to expect during your teeth cleaning appointment

When you visit your dentist for a clean and check-up, they will often: 

• Examine your mouth and teeth for signs of problems
• Use X-rays to discover potential oral health problems (like cavities) that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
• Use special instruments to check for signs of gum disease. 
• Remove plaque buildup. 
• Check the tongue, jaw and neck for signs of mouth cancer.

Regular teeth cleaning is typically recommended at least every six months to maintain optimal oral health. It helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath and gives your teeth a fresh and polished appearance.

2. Fillings

Dental fillings are a standard procedure for treating cavities and restoring damaged teeth. Cavities occur when acids produced by bacteria erode the tooth’s enamel. During a filling procedure, the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth and fills the space with a suitable filling material, such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain.

What to expect during your dental filling procedure

• You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. This can take about ten minutes to kick in.  
• Once you’re numb around the area of the required filling, your dentist will use certain tools to clean out the area where the cavity or old filling is. It’s crucial that this area is thoroughly cleaned out – especially if an old filling is being removed. 
• From here, your dentist will shape and insert your new filling based on your desired filling material. 
• Lastly, your dentist will conduct a polish and bite check to ensure the filling is shaped correctly to fit in with the teeth around it. If your filling isn’t shaped properly, you can end up with tooth pain from improperly touching teeth when you chew.

Fillings not only restore the tooth’s structure and function but also prevent further decay and damage. It’s crucial to address cavities promptly to prevent the need for more extensive treatments like root canals or extractions.

3. Whitening

Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the colour of teeth and improve their appearance. Over time, teeth can become discoloured due to various factors such as food and drinks, smoking, aging, and certain medications.

Professional teeth whitening involves the application of a bleaching agent to the teeth, either in the office or with a take-home kit provided by the dentist. This process can help remove stains and lighten the shade of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more attractive smile.

What to expect during your teeth whitening session

• Teeth whitening done by your dental professional is quick, easy and painless. 
• Your dentist will first take impressions to have custom trays made that fit your mouth perfectly.
• A second visit is required to show you how to use the trays and the whitening system.
• You take the whitening trays and kit home and use as described by the dentist, typically for 2-3 weeks or until you are happy with the result.
• Treatment times vary, but generally, the trays are worn for between 30-60 minutes a day.

4. Fissure Seals

Fissure seals are a preventive dental treatment to protect the vulnerable grooves and pits on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. These areas are prone to trapping food particles and bacteria, making them susceptible to decay. Fissure sealants are thin coatings applied to these surfaces to create a smooth and easy-to-clean surface, preventing the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.

This procedure mainly benefits children and teenagers whose permanent teeth have recently erupted. It helps maintain good oral hygiene and reduces the risk of cavities in the molars and premolars.

What to expect when getting fissure seals

• Fissure seals are quick, painless procedures requiring no anaesthetic and no drilling. 
• Your dental practitioner will first clean and dry the tooth, preparing the tooth surface so that the sealant bonds well. 
• Next, they will paint on the liquid sealant, which will flow into the deep groves and pits of your teeth. 
• A strong light will then harden the sealant. 
• Finally, your dentist will check your bite and polish off any excess sealant.  

5. Extractions

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket in the jawbone. This is usually a last resort when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, infected, or impacted (unable to fully emerge). Extractions may also be necessary for orthodontic reasons or to create space for dentures.

Although tooth extraction is generally straightforward, the dentist will take appropriate measures to ensure the patient’s comfort and may provide post-operative care instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery.

What to expect during a tooth extraction

• Before the extraction, your dentist will look at your mouth, surrounding gums, medical history and dental x-rays. 
• The extraction is done either under local anaesthetic at the dentist or general anaesthetic at the hospital. 
• A special tool will be used to loosen the damaged tooth within your gum.
• Once it is loose enough, the dentist will use forceps to remove the tooth. 
• Once removed, they will clean the tooth socket and stitch it up if required. 

Come visit the team at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic

Understanding these common dental procedures can help relieve anxiety and ensure a positive dental experience. Regular dental check-ups and timely treatments are vital for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Don’t hesitate to contact the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic team for any concerns or questions about these procedures. Your dental health is an essential part of your overall health, so make it a priority!

The post Visiting The Dentist: Read The 5 Most Common Dental Procedures Explained appeared first on Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic.

So, it’s time to take a closer look at the exciting world of teeth whitening.

The quest for the perfect smile

Teeth whitening is a dental process that whitens the colour of your teeth. It’s used to target teeth that appear dark or discoloured, whether that be from staining or another underlying cause. And while plenty of DIY teeth whitening kits are on the market, it’s preferable to consult your dental professional before trying anything yourself so that you’re aware of any risk factors.

Unveiling the culprits of teeth stains

Before we jump into the teeth whitening magic, let’s uncover the mischievous villains behind those stubborn stains. These stains or discolouration can come from anywhere, but there are a few common denominators. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and even certain fruits that sneakily leave their mark on our teeth. Smoking, poor oral hygiene, some medications, and ageing can also contribute to discolouration. Intense colour pigments of these drinks are called chromogens. These chromogens attach to the white tooth enamel causing it to appear darker.

However, while tooth discolouration often comes from staining, other causes, such as tooth injury, can cause the affected tooth to become darker over time. At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our team of professionals work to understand the root causes and empowers us to combat them effectively.

The benefits of professional teeth whitening

Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefits, teeth whitening goes beyond just enhancing your appearance. It boosts your self-confidence, making you feel more comfortable in social situations and professional settings. A whiter smile can also make you appear younger and more vibrant.

Some other benefits of seeing a dental professional for teeth whitening include: 

• Diagnosing the cause of discolouration and any other oral problems
• Checking if teeth whitening is a suitable option for you
• Offering you a range of teeth whitening options, including custom home-whitening trays
• Tailoring a plan to your needs

When you choose Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, you’ll get a take-home tooth whitening kit to use in the comfort of your own home! It may seem daunting, but the benefits of your own teeth-whitening kit include:

• Custom-fitted mouth trays made from impressions taken by your dentist. These ensure maximum contact with the whitening product to optimise results.
• Custom-fitted mouth trays minimise contact of the gel with the gum tissue.
• The whitening product is milder than products used in dental surgeries, leading to less sensitivity.
• You have more control over the shade of white you achieve.
• Take-home teeth whitening is more affordable than in-chair teeth whitening performed in dental surgeries.

Are there any risks or considerations when whitening your teeth?

Like with anything, care must be taken when it comes to teeth whitening. Often, the ingredient in your teeth whitening treatment is a strong hydrogen peroxide gel. This substance can cause chemical burns if it goes on the surface of the soft tissues (such as the lips, gums and tongue). These burns can turn into ulcers before healing. 

Whitening your teeth can also cause the teeth to become more sensitive to things like cold temperatures and foods. If teeth whitening gels are used incorrectly, the sensitivity can be extremely severe to the point where even breathing can be painful on your teeth. Seeing a dentist before undergoing any treatment is essential. 

Can I whiten my teeth while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? 

While there isn’t any evidence that teeth whitening is dangerous for pregnant or breastfeeding women, there’s also no evidence to suggest that it’s safe. Therefore, it’s recommended to avoid it. If you’d like to have your teeth whitened, speak with your dentist, who may be able to offer alternatives.

Can I whiten my porcelain crowns or veneers and white fillings? 

Teeth whitening gel is made to lighten the colour of your tooth enamel, meaning that it won’t change the colour of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite resin (white) fillings. If you choose to whiten your teeth and they no longer match in colour, your dentist may need to replace them.

Can I DIY my own teeth whitening or use a teeth whitening kit from the supermarket?

There is plenty of information – and even more misinformation – online about at-home teeth whitening methods. Some suggest that baking soda mixed with water creates a teeth whitening paste you can brush with. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and can help to manage light stains on the outside surface of your teeth, but can also cause wear to your teeth. However, brushing with baking soda will not affect the deeper staining of the tooth. This method is not recommended as part of your regular brushing routine.

Teeth whitening kits are available at various supermarkets and pharmacies for purchase. However, as with the baking soda paste, there are risks associated with these treatments, and they are best done under the supervision of a dental professional.

Maintaining your bright smile

Once the whitening process is complete, it’s time to keep that radiant smile shining bright! Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, are essential. Avoiding stain-causing habits and scheduling routine dental check-ups will ensure your smile stays as vibrant as ever. 

A bright, white smile is just a dental visit away! At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our expertise and friendly team will make your teeth whitening experience a breeze. So, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us work our magic on your pearly whites. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional dental advice. Consult your dentist for personalised recommendations and treatments.

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