Comprehensive Dental Services
General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Care
Teeth Whitening
TEETH WHITENING is a small smile make-over. Tooth whitening or tooth bleaching is the process of lightning the colour of human teeth. Teeth whitening is done for aesthetic reasons. Bleaching will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-coloured fillings. The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person.
Restorations
The procedure of removing caries or replacing broken fillings and replacing it with a white (composite) Some fillings can be done without having an injection whilst a filling on a badly decayed tooth will need to be numbed up. Amalgam removal or “grey filling” removal can be replaced with a white tooth coloured filling (composite). In some situations it is not necessary to replace the whole amalgam filling with a white filling which is cost wise cheaper and only the damaged part are being removed. The suction unit together with a good rinse of water during the procedure will get rid of all the removed amalgam and your dentist will ensure nothing gets down your throat.
Crowns & Bridges
CROWNS AND BRIDGES in dentistry are replacements for damaged or lost teeth. If a tooth is severely damaged or its structure and strength is compromised it can be covered with a crown. It is a cap usually tooth coloured (depending on the material used) that is placed over existing tooth structure like a crown on your head. When you have a missing tooth or some teeth needs to be taken out. That gap can be filled using a bridge. A crown is placed on a stable tooth and fixed to this crown is an artificial tooth that fills the open gap. Your dentist will advise you on the best crown suitable for your mouth, depending on the area of the tooth in the mouth. Once you and your dentist have decided on a specific type of crown. Placing a crown in your mouth is a good option in protecting the tooth to any further damage or the replace a lost tooth with an implant or bridge.
Root Canal Treatment
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth which is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. Many people fear root canal treatment. Yes, you will be injected. Yes, the doctor will check first if you still have pain after the injection. Always remember, a doctor’s job is to take away pain, to treat and to heal. Always to lift your hand or arm to notify your dentist should you experience any pain during any dental procedure. Never close your mouth while your dentist is busy with a procedure. Your dentist will advise root canal treatment on your tooth in the removal of the dead, inflamed pulp of a tooth. Your own teeth are important and that is why dentists prefer root canal treatment Your tooth is a space saver, helps with better chewing and prevent further dental procedures like dentures or other space saver devices. After a root canal treatment has been completed, your dentist may suggest to crown the tooth because the tooth is now a non- vital tooth and will become brittle.
Extractions & Oral Surgery
EXTRACTIONS AND ORAL SURGERY entails removal of teeth from the mouth and surgically managing the bone and gums. Other than normal extractions, a general dentist can also help with wisdom teeth pain and removal. Should you experience wisdom teeth pain/ wisdom teeth symptoms contact your dentist for an appointment. After consultation and X-rays taken, you will be informed whether it will be possible to have your wisdom teeth removed by your dentist or if you need to be referred to an oral surgeon. Not all wisdom teeth extractions land up in hospital. If wisdom teeth infection is present, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection and help ease the pain and swelling. Treat yourself the morning on your appointment and enjoy a good breakfast. Keep your sugar levels up by eating a good healthy and filling breakfast. Adding a bit of sugar to the diet will be good for you. It is always important to tell your dentist about your fears.
Dentures or Partial Lates
DENTURES OR PARTIAL LATES are an alternative way of replacing lost teeth. Different denture types are available. Acrylic (referred to as plastic) are cheaper than the Chrome Cobalt (referred to as a metal plate). Plates and dentures can vary in “size” depending on the amount of teeth lost. It is always advisable to consult in person on what plate you need and never to ask for a telephonic quotation. On consultation, your dentist may advise additional or an alternative treatment plan. Plates can vary from 1 tooth up to 9 teeth and more or full plates. Clasps can be added to partial plates for a better fit. Some people love Bling, and would like a Gold inlay or onlay on their teeth. Additional costs will be involved and ARE NOT covered by medical aids. Different styles and sizes of teeth jewellery are available. Prices are available on request and you will have to visit your dentist to do the necessary preparation on your own teeth. Jewellery fittings on Dentures are normally sent to a dental laboratory to fit the jewellery.
Oral Hygiene
ORAL HYGIENE is the practice of keeping one’s mouth clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth, tongue and pallet and cleaning in between teeth. Special teeth cleaning at dentist is recommended. We use specific instruments to clean and polish hard to reach areas for super shiny clean mouth and teeth. Ask your dentist how to improve oral hygiene at home. This will not necessarily aid in teeth whitening. Not only brushing but flossing in between your teeth are important. Brushing the tongue and pallet is also important. Food and drink change the pH level of saliva. For example, bacteria in your mouth break down the carbohydrates you consume, releasing lactic acid, butyric acid, and aspartic acid. This lowers the pH level of your saliva. Just like the rest of your body, your mouth needs a balanced pH. The pH level of your saliva drops when you’re drinking acidic beverages. When this happens, the acids in your mouth start to demineralize (break down) tooth enamel. If the tooth enamel becomes too thin, the dentin is exposed. This can lead to discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or sugary drinks. At work and have no toothbrush? Always eat salty food after sweet. Rinse your mouth with water after meals. What a good cheap way of preventing tooth decay, teaching your kids to rinse their mouths after they had a meal or a snack.
Paedodontics
PAEDODONTICS in dentistry is dental procedure catering specifically for kids. At our practice, we make your child’s visit exciting, fun, and as stress-free as possible. Treatment can be done at the practice or in the hospital. Utilization of General Anaesthesia in hospital theatre is a great, fast and stress- free way for both dentists and the patient to complete required dental procedures. In hospital procedures is less stressful for the child and all required work can be done in one visit. Your child will be nil per mouth from the previous night before admitted to hospital. No brushing of teeth, eating or drinking the following morning is allowed. A much- loved toy is more than welcome to accompany your child to theatre. The parents are welcome to escort the child to theatre, but are not allowed to take any photos in theatre or stay during the procedure.
Periodontal Treatment
PERIODONTAL TREATMENT The treatment of your gums and bone surrounding your teeth. Preventing plaque build-up is the best preventative protection against periodontitis. Plaque build-up eventually lead to periodontitis. What is periodontitis? Periodontitis also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but largely preventable. It’s usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting regular dental check-ups can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment for periodontitis and can also reduce your chance of developing it. Proper cleaning, done by a dentist, and specific mouth rinse might be necessary as it is not always possible for people to get rid of plaque that has been there for a while. Ask your dentist how to improve oral hygiene at home. You will also need a follow-up appointment. Periodontitis causes tooth loss and so does smoking. In severe cases of periodontitis it could be too late to save the existing teeth and other dental appliances would become an option.
Mouthguards
MOUTHGUARDS Is a soft durable device that is worn over your teeth to protect them from brute force during activities that may cause trauma to the head/jaw/teeth. Why does my dentist advise a mouth guard? Mouth guards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. Not highly expensive, what an excellent way to save on future costs that may arise and cause damage to your loved one’s teeth.