| I’m not experiencing any pain or problem with my teeth, why do I need to see a dentist? | Dental diseases such as dental decay and gum disease may not cause any discomfort until the problems are extensive. Quite often by the time pain is felt, the teeth might have suffered widespread damage which may require complex treatment, or worse still, extraction may be the only option. This can be avoided by having regular check-ups, when early problems can be detected and treated more conservatively. Prevention is better than cure! |
| How often should I see a dentist? | Having regular check-ups and your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months will help you maintain your oral health, and ensure that any potential problems are detected and managed before they become more significant. If you require more frequent visits, we will be able to advise you after a thorough assessment. |
| At what age should my children come in for their first dental visits? | By age 3 most children will have 20 baby teeth. It is advisable to start their very first dental check at this age. We can provide advice on dietary habit and brushing technique. This also helps them to familiarise with the dental setting at a very young age. |
| I think I have bad breathe, what can I do? | Bad breathe may be caused by a number of different oral and medical issues. The most common causes are untreated dental decay, gum disease or dry mouth, which we will be able to help you with. |
| Why do I need X-rays? I’m worried about the radiation level from an X-ray. | Diagnostic dental X-rays are usually taken once every two years. These help to detect the presence of dental decay in between the back teeth and under the old fillings, where visual examination is not possible. Dental x-rays also help to detect the presence of infection and gum disease. Early detection of dental problems helps to prevent the spread of the disease and to treat them in a timely manner. Dental X-rays use a very small amount of radiation. It’s about the same amount of radiation you receive by standing in a parking lot in the sun for a few minutes. Our use of the latest digital X-ray technology allows us to reduce this radiation exposure to an even lower level. |
| I have always wanted whiter teeth, what are my options? | Depending on the conditions of your teeth and your expected outcome, whitening, veneers or crowns may be the options to improve the aesthetics of your teeth. As whitening may not be suitable or effective for everyone, it’s important to have a full oral assessment beforehand. If whitening is a suitable option, we provide you with custom-fitted trays and Hydrogen Peroxide gel as part of the take-home whitening treatment. This generally involves wearing these custom-fitted trays for an hour a day for about 10 to 14 days. |
| What is an occlusal splint and why do I need it? | An occlusal splint is an acrylic night-guard that is worn on your upper or lower teeth. This allows your upper and lower jaw to come together without tooth contact, thereby reducing muscle pain and tooth wear. An occlusal splint is generally provided if you grind your teeth excessively or if you have a jaw joint disorder. |
