X-rays

Radiographic examinations (X-rays) of the mouth and teeth are important to diagnose and manage many different dental problems.  Using X-rays, we can identify issues that may not be seen during a routine examination and sometimes even before your symptoms occur.

X-rays are also necessary after trauma to the teeth and jaw as they help your dentist diagnose the full extent of any damage.

Why do I need different types of X-rays?

When it comes to your mouth, you’d be surprised at how many types of X–rays there are! Dentists use different sorts, as each gives us different kinds of information. 

We’ve listed some of the most common below. 

Bitewings 

Bitewings are the most common dental X-ray and are usually used to detect or confirm decay in your teeth and assess the bone level between them. These radiographs also show the crowns of the upper and lower teeth.

Periapical film  

These X-rays show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. They are used for examining the root shape and the area around the root tip, diagnosing bone loss, abscesses and defecting inflammation in the bone due to infections within the root canal of teeth. They are commonly used during root canal treatment, before extractions, and before crowns are prepared.

Panoramic films (OPGs)  

OPGs give a 2D view of the entire upper and lower jaws. They give dentists an overall view of your mouth and are particularly useful for identifying the presence of unerupted teeth, wisdom teeth, trauma, and abnormal growths in the jawbone.  They have less detail than a periapical or a bitewing and are often required in addition to these. They can also be used to give an overview of developing teeth in children.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

This type of X-ray produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, soft tissues and jaw bones in a single scan. It is used when regular dental X-rays are insufficient and is commonly used for locating the origin of pain or pathology, root canal treatment, surgical planning for impacted teeth, dental implant planning, and orthodontics.

What X-ray machine do Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic use?

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, we use Intraoral X-ray units that take Periapicals and BWs and an extraoral unit that takes CBCTs and OPGs.

How does a dental professional read an x-ray?

The term “X-ray” refers to the radiation used to create an image – these days read on a computer screen. Tooth decay changes the composition of the hard tooth structures (enamel and dentine) and allows the X-rays to pass through them more.  Therefore, a decayed area will appear darker on the images than healthy enamel and dentine.  Similarly, inflammation around the root tip of a tooth may destroy bone and appear as a darker area in the image.

Are X-rays safe?

Modern techniques have significantly reduced the risks once associated with X-rays.  X-ray equipment must comply with an Australian standard, and dentists must follow strict guidelines. The radiation from an intraoral dental radiograph is less than you receive on any given day from background radiation (radiation from the atmosphere, sun, etc). It is also less than you would receive on an interstate airline flight.  There is a known health risk, albeit minimal, associated with all radiographs. However, as in all fields of diagnosis and treatment, it is a case of risk vs benefit.

Dental radiographs and pregnancy

If your dental problems require a radiographic examination, being anxious about any potential harm to you and your baby is understandable. However, the radiation dose and the risks to the unborn child are extremely low. In fact, the failure to treat oral disease may do more harm.  According to the National Health and Medical Council, dental radiographic examinations can be done during pregnancy, provided precautions are taken to limit foetal exposure to X-rays by using a lead apron.

If you are thinking of having a baby, having a dental examination before you become pregnant is a good idea. This way, you’ll reduce or avoid needing a dental X-ray examination during your pregnancy.

Tools

What are the most commonly used tools at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic? 

Intraoral scanner

Intraoral scanners are small wand-like devices that digitally reproduce the three-dimensional (3D) structure of both soft and hard tissues (gums and teeth, respectively) inside the mouth. They project a light source onto the surfaces being scanned, and imaging sensors capture the video or images being scanned by the device and produce a 3D model on a computer. Since their induction in 1985, intraoral scanners have continued to develop and have revolutionised dentistry as an alternative to conventional impression methods and have continually gotten faster, more accurate and smaller.

Intraoral scanners have become suitable for a number of clinical applications and include:

• Treatment planning.
• Diagnostics, patient education and health monitoring. E.g. showing areas of concern, orthodontic relapse, teeth movement and the assessment of tooth wear. 
• Tooth and implant-supported crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and bridges.
• Implant planning.
• Orthodontics (braces).
• Removable prosthesis – full or partial dentures.
• Occlusal splints.
• Mouthguards.

One significant benefit of using an Intraoral scanner is the ability to engage patients during an examination. You can show a 3D scan on the computer screen to assist in visualising the current state, potential treatment options and mock-ups and, more importantly, communicate and educate more effectively with the patient.  

Numerous studies have shown digital scanning with intraoral scanners to be more favoured by patients in terms of patient-centred outcomes compared to conventional impressions, as they can capture immense detail without using traditional impression techniques, which can sometimes have an unpleasant taste and cause patient gagging.

Check-up and clean tools

Mirror

Typically, a check-up and clean will always include the dentist’s trusty mirror so we can see all areas of the teeth and mouth. We don’t just check the teeth. We check all the structures in the mouth, e.g. tongue, gums, palate, cheeks, and floor of the mouth, to ensure they are healthy. The mirror not only helps us see around corners, but it also helps move tissues and hold them out of the way so we can examine everything properly.

Explorer or “probe”  

This is our instrument that has a curved end and comes to a very fine point. It helps us feel around teeth and restorations such as fillings and crowns to make sure they are healthy, and there is no decay, fractures or areas that can catch plaque.

Periodontal probe  

This probe with a little ball on the end helps us check your gums. It is run around the gums with very gentle pressure to check for signs of gum disease.

Ultrasonic scaler  

This scaler uses ultrasonic vibrations and water to clean the plaque and calculus (tartar) from your teeth. It is a great instrument to get your teeth and gums clean, helping remove stains and preventing and treating gum disease.

Hand scaler  

This instrument helps the dentist refine the clean, helping remove any fine bits of plaque and calculus. It has a very fine tip and scrapes along the teeth to remove any remaining plaque and calculus.

Polishing handpiece  

This is used along with a brush or rubber cup and fluoride paste after the scaling. It helps remove any biofilm (the first layer of plaque) and any stains and leaves the teeth feeling super smooth and much cleaner.

Camera  

The dentists will often take photos of your teeth and mouth to discuss findings with you or to monitor conditions so they can check if they are changing over time.

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, your comfort is paramount. We know coming to the dentist can bring up a lot of emotions and fears, which is why our team are here to answer any questions you may have about our tools or processes. If you have any questions about your next appointment or to book with one of our team, get in touch today. 

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What is children’s dentistry? 

First things first – what exactly is children’s dentistry? Well, let’s just say it’s more than simply cleaning your child’s teeth! Children’s dentistry covers various aspects of the teeth, jaw and mouth as a whole. 

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, the children’s dentist services we provide include the following

• Check-ups and x-rays
• Teeth cleaning and fluoride treatments
• Fissure sealant
• Oral health education
• Orthodontic monitoring & referral
• Growth monitoring
• Sports mouthguards

Booking a visit with our friendly team is also a great starting point to discuss any concerns or questions about your child’s teeth, and we can refer you to the correct specialist if necessary 

When should I take my kids to the dentist?

Some ‘advice’ circling states that you don’t need to take your child to the dentist until they have a complete set of baby teeth. However, children’s dentistry is about so much more than teeth! Oral hygiene covers all aspects of your child’s mouth, including their gums, lips, mouths, and jaws.

When it comes to your child’s teeth, our experts recommend that you bring them in when their first teeth appear or by the time they turn one year old. However, we welcome kids (and parents!) earlier if you have any questions or concerns.

Often, young children only need to visit the dentist every 6-12 months (or as otherwise discussed with your dental practitioner). During your appointment, our dentists will advise on a suitable time frame for your child’s next visit.  

What can I expect at my child’s first dental appointment?

So, you’ve got your child – somewhat begrudgingly – through the dental doors of doom. Now what? The friendly team at Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic ensures your child feels safe and comfortable the moment they step inside the clinic. Our waiting room is bright, airy and surrounded by lush trees to help you relax before your appointment.

At their first appointment, we give your child a thorough check-up and discuss with you your child’s teething and habits (such as thumb sucking), nutritional advice, your child’s bite and much more. We’ll monitor their facial and dental development as they grow to help avoid teeth crowding and jaw issues. We can also address factors such as large tonsils, sleep apnoea or snoring, and mouth breathing. 

We know it’s vital for children to see a dentist when they are young, so we make child comfort our number one priority. This will help them form positive associations with dental visits and decrease fear or negative stigma.

How can I help my child with oral health at home?

Good dental hygiene should never stop at your six-monthly check-up – it should be carried through to daily life. From teeth brushing to flossing to everything in between, our team ensures that you and your child are equipped with the most up-to-date advice on oral health. We’re here to answer any questions or concerns you or your child may have, and we work to make oral hygiene fun! We want to ensure your child learns good oral health habits early on to ensure they’re set up for a good daily routine.

Some tips we like to give to our parents and kids:

• If you can, invest in a child’s soft-bristled electric toothbrush. These are much more effective than manual brushes.
• Don’t worry about toothpaste for kids under 18 months – water on a soft toothbrush works fine.
• Floss your child’s teeth for them up until ages 7-8.
• Make oral hygiene fun! Pump their favourite songs or turn teeth brushing time into a game!
• Encourage your child to brush their tongue gently.
• Even when your child can brush their own teeth, keep checking to ensure that any food and plaque have been removed until you’re confident that they are brushing thoroughly.

Should my child wear a mouthguard when playing sports?

If your child plays a contact sport, a fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection and keeps dental trauma to a minimum. Although the DIY ‘boil and fit’ mouthguards from the chemist and sporting stores are a quick and cost-effective solution, they are unlikely to provide effective protection, are uncomfortable and can make breathing hard.

At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our custom-fitted mouthguards are comfortable, easy to speak and breathe with, and custom-fit to your child’s teeth. It is recommended that your child wears a mouthguard for both training and games.

Why should I see Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic for children’s dentistry?

Choosing a dentist for your child is a significant decision. You’re not just choosing someone to clean your child’s teeth every six months. Rather, you’re choosing a practitioner who will monitor your child as they grow and will watch their development over time. At Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic, our team of specialists know that visiting the dentist can be intimidating. That’s why we work hard to ensure your child feels safe in our care and make a trip to see us as enjoyable as possible. 

Our practice also supports the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), and we bulk bill all eligible children. The government-funded CDBS is now available for families with children aged 2-17 years. Families must receive government benefits. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian government payment. If children are eligible, they receive up to $1,000 over two calendar years for preventative and restorative dentistry.

Is it time you booked your child in for their first (or next!) dental visit? We’ve got you covered. Contact the Mornington Peninsula Dental Clinic today and become part of our family.

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