RESTORATIVE SERVICES

Composite fillings are a popular and natural-looking solution made of resin. Composite resin is shade matched to the tooth and shaped to fit the cavity. A blue light is then used to harden or set it. The finished result is durable, and is coloured to match natural teeth.

What is a filling?

Once decay has taken hold in a tooth, it will continue to damage more and more of the tooth, becoming more painful until treated by a dentist. A filling repairs the damage caused by decay. Fillings can be made of a number of different materials and can be used to repair any tooth in the mouth. Our filling materials are all BPA Free.

If the decay has gone too deep, into the nerve tissues, the pulp of the tooth, you may start experience symptoms of pain. Once this occurs, a more expensive procedure called Root Canal Treatment is required to try and save the tooth.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

Inflammation and infection of the pulp may occur; reasons can include dental decay, large deep fillings, cracks, trauma, gum disease or damage from teeth grinding (Bruxism).

If the pulp experiences damage or disease, a tooth may become sensitive to heat or cold, this can be extremely  painful in some cases, soreness and swelling in nearby gums, tooth may become discoloured, or, occasionally, give no pain at all.

Sometimes a problem may be identified on a routine dental radiograph before symptoms have developed.

Options/Alternatives?

The effects of irreversible pulp damage can be treated by one of two ways – removing the dead or diseased pulp tissue with root canal therapy, or, alternatively, extracting the whole tooth.

Root canal treatment, where possible, is far superior to tooth removal as it is often able to preserve a natural tooth for many years. It has a high rate of healing if the tooth is restored, as recommended, directly after treatment.

What’s involved in Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment involves creating a hole thorough the top of the tooth to access the canal space. The dead or diseased pulp tissue is then removed from the tooth’s root canals, of which there may be more than one root. The inside of the tooth then needs to be disinfected before being sealed with a biocompatible filling material and the access hole filled.

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This process is complex and may require multiple appointments to complete over a number of weeks. Local anaesthesia is often used and the tooth is isolated from the mouth with a non-latex barrier called a dental dam. Dental dam is required to both prevent recontamination of the root canal by mouth bacteria and saliva and for your safety.

After root canal treatment is completed, a crown may be recommended to preserve the seal over the root filling and protect the remaining tooth structure to prevent tooth fracture

A Denture is a custom made prosthesis that replaces missing teeth

It consists of a set of artificial (usually acrylic) teeth bonded to a plastic or metal base dependant on what suits you best. Dentures are designed to be a removable tooth replacement option. They can usually be removed from the mouth by the wearer when they wish to do so, for example, for cleaning and or sleeping.

Technological advances have enabled modern dentures to look more natural and fit better than they ever have before.

Dentures are a good restorative option in circumstances when both missing teeth and significant deficiencies of tooth supporting tissues need to be replaced. The dimensions of a denture can successfully replace missing teeth, gum tissue and jaw bulk, while simultaneously filling out the shape, profile and volume of the face, lips and smile.

We only use local laboratories’ for manufacturing of your dentures.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. There is one on each side of your face, in front of each ear. These joints allow the movements needed for speaking, eating and facial expression.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can cause pain, abnormal jaw movements and joint noises. They are quite common.

Treatment options

Assessment is key! Our Dentists can diagnose and offer treatment solutions of which may include-

• Devices
• Therapy
• Medications

What are Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges?
Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices made by a local Brisbane based labaroatory. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are fixed or cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

How do Crowns Work?
A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

Your dentist may recommend a crown to:

• Replace a large filling when there isn’t enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Restoring  a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

How do Bridges Work?
A bridge may be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.