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  • Is ultrasonic teeth cleaning safe?

    Is ultrasonic teeth cleaning safe?

    With the advancement in dental technology and treatments, many teeth cleaning technologies are equally coming up. One such technology is ultrasonic teeth cleaning. Sometimes, plaque and tartar can build up and harden on the gum line forming pockets of calculus that can cause periodontal disease or decay with time. This is where teeth cleaning comes in. While daily brushing and flossing can help maintain hygiene in this area, sometimes the normal brush cannot reach the hidden pockets of calculus and they harden with time. Manual teeth polishing has always been the option for cleaning calculus but modern dentists like to use ultrasonic teeth cleaning because it is much easier and cleans out most of the tartar without being too invasive.

    What is ultrasonic teeth cleaning?

    Ultrasonic teeth cleaning employs the use of ultrasonic power scalers which use ultrasonic vibrations to break down and clean hardened calculus from your gum pockets. These ultrasonic instruments are known to have the same and even more effective as handheld scaling instruments.

    Is ultrasonic teeth cleaning safe?

    There are no known adverse effects of ultrasonic teeth cleaning at the moment. Many dentists prefer ultrasonic teeth cleaning over manual teeth cleaning because it is a less invasive and less damaging process than the traditional teeth scaling process.
    To find out if ultrasonic teeth cleaning is safe, you need to know the pros and cons so you can decide whether it is safe for you or not. Here are the pros and cons of ultrasonic teeth cleaning:

    Pros

    • The instruments are easier to use than hand-held scaling instruments.
    • The instruments use ultrasonic vibrations so they easily break down tartar and dislodge them from the gum pockets.
    • The instruments go deeper towards the roots making sure to clean out every bit of tartar from the gum pocket. This is because the tips of the tools are small enough to penetrate the deeper gum pockets.
    • The process releases shockwaves that break down bacteria cells minimizing the chances of infections.
    • The whole process takes less time than when using hand-held scaling instruments.

    Cons

    • The instruments may disrupt the function of some heart pacemakers.
    • It is difficult to tell when the tooth surface has been completely ridden of the calculus.
    • During the process, a mist that is contaminated may form prompting the hygienist to wear protective gear when performing the procedure.

    In general, ultrasonic teeth cleaning has made teeth cleaning easier and faster. Besides affecting heart pacemakers, there are no known side effects of using ultrasonic power scalers. Unlike manual teeth scalers, ultrasonic teeth scalers leave less damage on the enamel, making it a safer tooth cleaning option even for the elderly or people with weaker teeth. This means that ultrasonic teeth cleaning is completely safe.

    Conclusion

    Carrum Downs Dental Clinic offers a variety of teeth cleaning options including ultrasonic teeth cleaning. Come in any time to get your teeth cleaning or book an appointment. We use the latest teeth-cleaning technology to make teeth cleaning as comfortable and less invasive as possible.

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  • Getting A Tooth Pulled – What to expect during and after tooth extraction?

    Getting A Tooth Pulled – What to expect during and after tooth extraction?

    Tooth pulling or extraction is one of the most common dental procedures in a dentist’s office. Tooth extraction is usually the last resort for an infected or damaged tooth. Your dentist will recommend extraction if any of the dental restorative procedures cannot save the tooth. However, some patients simply prefer extraction over dental restoration. Additionally, a tooth can be extracted for orthodontic treatment such as alignment to leave room for other teeth. Read on to find out what happens during tooth extraction and what to expect after the procedure.

    What to expect?

    There are two types of tooth extraction. Simple extraction and surgical extraction.

    Simple extraction

    A simple extraction is conducted on teeth which can be seen on the surface inside the mouth. During a simple extraction, the dentist will first numb the affected tooth area/gum and then use a special tool called an elevator to wiggle the tooth in a bid to loosen it from the socket. When the tooth is loose enough to pull out, the dentist will then use a pair of forceps to pull out the tooth.
    Once the tooth has been pulled out, the gaping socket is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent infections and to ensure that no teeth fragments have remained in the socket. Depending on the extent of the extraction, a dentist may stitch up the hole to close it up. Otherwise, on a normal extraction, the dentist will insert a gauze inside the hole and ask you to bite down on it to allow for clotting to take place.

    Surgical extraction

    A surgical extraction on the other hand is a more complicated procedure that involves extracting teeth that are somewhat hidden underneath the gum or jawbone or a tooth that has broken beyond the gum line. During a surgical extraction, an oral surgeon will use appropriate anesthesia and then make an incision/cut in your gum to expose the tooth that needs to be pulled out. The tooth can then be pulled out using dental tools such as forceps. Sometimes, the dentist may split the tooth in half in order to pull it out easily. The remaining whole may be stitched up or left to heal on its own as in a simple extraction.

    After extraction

    After a successful extraction at the dentist’s office, there are certain precautions that you will be asked to take to allow the extraction site to heal properly and to prevent infection. The dentist will also prescribe some painkillers to help you with the pain after the anesthesia wears off as well as antibiotics to prevent infection from occurring in the extraction site. Here’s what you need to avoid after the extraction;
    • Avoid smoking as the pulling action may dislodge the blood clot in the hole
    • Avoid using straws
    • Avoid solid food while the extraction site is still healing

    Bottom Line
    It is very important to follow the instructions given by the dentist to the letter to enable you to heal properly. Carrum downs dental clinic offers excellent tooth extraction procedure. Visit us for the best tooth extraction experience whether it is an infected tooth extraction or wisdom teeth extraction.

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  • Can I have orthodontic treatment if I have a root canal in my tooth?

    Can I have orthodontic treatment if I have a root canal in my tooth?

    Most people get braces for corrective cosmetic and functional reasons. Orthodontic treatment should be done under ideal conditions for you to maximize the benefits. Placing braces on teeth that have had work done can be complicated and challenging. For this reason, it is important to seek the advice of a specialist before getting braces.

    What is orthodontic treatment?

    Orthodontic treatment is a way of moving or straightening crooked teeth and jaws to improve how they appear and function. People who have front teeth that stick out can use orthodontic treatment to move them back into line. Besides, if your teeth don’t fit together correctly, it becomes difficult to keep them clean. This kind of treatment looks at the health of your teeth in the long term by helping you bite more evenly. Teeth that don’t align perfectly can put unnecessary pressure on your jaw’s muscles, causing dental issues and headaches. Orthodontic treatments can help you correct dental problems such as alignment irregularities, thereby improving your teeth’ appearance and incorrect biting.
    Your dentist may perform this kind of treatment or send you to a specialist called an orthodontist. There are different sorts of appliances that can be used for this treatment, such as removable braces, fixed braces, headgear, or invisible braces.

    What happens during the root canal procedure?

    Root canal treatment is used to save and repair a tooth that is decayed or infected. This procedure is recommended as a way of eliminating your tooth’s diseased nerve. The procedure requires removing the nerve and pulp and cleaning the tooth, before sealing the tooth with a synthetic filling material. Failure to receive treatment, the surrounding tooth could become infected, which could lead to the formation of abscesses. This treatment also allows you to keep the tooth instead of removing it. Keeping the tooth can be generally less expensive and safer than replacing it with implants or bridges. In addition, failing to replace the tooth can disrupt the functioning and appearance of your jaws. What’s more, root canal treatment is a simple routine procedure with a very high success rate presently.

    Can I have braces if I have root canal work?

    The simple answer to this frequently asked question is yes. It is perfectly safe to get braces if you have had root canal work done on your tooth provided that the procedure was successful, which can only be determined if enough time has passed.
    Your orthodontist will use his knowledge and expertise to install a system that corrects your teeth alignment without interfering with the integrity of your root canal procedure. Braces are designed to work around the teeth and preserve the work that has been done inside the tooth. Your orthodontist may choose to design braces that move your teeth at a gradual rate as he or she monitors your root canal work to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

    Carrum Downs Dental Group

    Carrum Downs Dental Group is a dental facility that provides root canal treatment. However, it does not offer orthodontic treatment, but they can refer you to a specialist. Our dental facility provides you with a wide range of dental services. Our highly qualified practitioners have the knowledge and expertise to care for you from the preventative phase through to root canal procedures and orthodontics treatment. Our procedures are reasonably priced. We strive to make sure that you receive the value for your money by educating you on how to improve your oral health.
    Could you require orthodontic treatment or need a root canal procedure? Make an appointment with us today, and we will connect you to one of our specialists.

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  • Treatment to Deal with Dental Nerve Damage

    Treatment to Deal with Dental Nerve Damage

    In medical terms, dental nerve damage is an injury that occurs in the trigeminal nerves in the oral cavity during an invasive dental procedure such as tooth extraction, root canal treatment, and dental implants, among other dental procedures. While most nerve damage is always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage. Depending on the cause of injury, various treatments may be applied to treat dental nerve damage.

    Prescription Drugs

    Prescription drugs can be administered to treat dental nerve damage. Some of the drugs that can be used are antiepileptics, antidepressants, and painkillers. These will help with restoring the normal functioning of the nerves and relieve pain caused by the damaged nerves.

    Surgery

    There are several surgical procedures that can be done to treat dental nerve damage. Most of these surgical procedures work by reducing pressure on the pain, causing nerves, or by cutting pain signals that are relayed to the brain. One such procedure is necrolysis, which can be done internally or externally. Microvascular decompression is another minimal surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a sponge between the artery sending the pain signals and the affected nerve.

    Counselling

    Counselling sessions involving relaxation therapy and/or hypnosis may also be employed. This is to help with nerve relaxation with the hope of the effects being permanent.

    Laser treatment

    Laser treatment can also be used to help restore sensation in the chin and jaw areas. Laser treatments such as radio frequency rhizotomy which involve the use of heat to help reduce or stop the transmission of pain signals to the brain.

    Other Treatments

    Other treatments used in the treatment of dental nerve damage are glycerol rhizotomy, stereotactic radio-surgery, and balloon rhizotomy. Stereotactic radio-surgery involves the use of radiation beams that target specific areas of the brain without damaging or injuring the surrounding parts of the brain. Balloon rhizotomy, on the other hand, is a procedure that involves the insertion of an inflated balloon on the trigeminal ganglion hence relieving pain and blocking pain signals from being transmitted.

    All these treatments respond differently to different nerve damage conditions. That is why a proper diagnosis has to be done before recommending any of these procedures on a patient. Dental nerve damage can have adverse side effects on the proper nerve function and sensation in different affected parts. As a result, treatment is highly recommended, as it can also come with severe pain for the affected individuals.

    Conclusion

    Since root canal treatments are the most common culprits of dental nerve damage, it is always best to have the procedure professionally done by expert dentists.

     

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  • Teeth Whitening Facts and Myths

    Teeth Whitening Facts and Myths

    Teeth whitening is a process that cleanses your teeth and gives them a pearly and bright appearance. It is one of the most popular oral treatment among a majority of people. Also, it is an ideal procedure for those who have sensitive teeth. However, there are so many myths surrounding teeth whitening and the entire process.
    Here, at Carrum Downs Dental Group, our dentists have tried to clarify some myths and facts that most people believe in while getting teeth whitening. Read on to know how these myths and facts affect the treatment procedure as a whole.

    Facts about Teeth Whitening

    • You cannot whiten a Dental Implant or a Crown
      According to the Australian Dental Association, synthetic teeth cannot be whitened. Therefore, the only way to address the discoloration or staining is to have the tooth replaced. So, if you are considering getting veneers or implants, you should whiten your teeth first, since it will be challenging to address discoloration once your procedure is done.
    • Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening is Normal
      Approximately 60% of Australian adults have naturally sensitive teeth, and usually, this is caused by genetics, damaged teeth, or thin enamel. During the treatment procedure, it is totally normal for the patient to experience some sensitivity. Luckily, the sensitivity disappears 12-48 hours after the treatment.
    • Teeth Whitening Can Last for Several Years
      If you have your teeth whitened by a professional, and if you take proper care of them by not smoking and drinking beverages such as wine, tea, coffee, and soda, the whitening effect can last up to three years.

    Myths about Teeth Whitening

    • It is too Costly
      The truth is that teeth whitening does not have to be too expensive. There are at-home tooth whitening kits that are usually more affordable than professional whitening. However, this does not mean that all professional whitening done by dentists is out of your budget.
    • The Procedure is Painful
      Teeth whitening is not painful. If you experience any irritation like a burning sensation or stinging, it is advisable that you cease the treatment immediately and seek medical attention. However, do not be worried if you experience slight tooth sensitivity as this is common.
    • Teeth Whitening Destroys Your Enamel
      Professional teeth whitening treatment is completely safe. Therefore, if it is administered properly, it cannot harm your enamel. Teeth whitening is a dental procedure, and that is why you should visit your dentist to have it performed to ensure that you are getting a safe and quality treatment.

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  • The Connection between Sinus Infection and Tooth Pain

    The Connection between Sinus Infection and Tooth Pain

    A toothache is often synonymous with a dental problem, but did you know that a toothache can be a symptom of a sinus infection? If you experience a toothache, the first step is always to see a dentist to determine what is causing the toothache. If the dentist rules out any dental problem, then you might be having a sinus infection. If this is the case, then your dentist may recommend you see a physician for further diagnosis. So what is the relationship between a sinus infection and tooth pain? Why does a sinus infection cause tooth pain?

    Sinus infection and tooth pain

    First and foremost, a sinus infection often causes pain in the upper teeth, so this should be the first sign that your toothache is actually not from a dental problem. The connection between sinus infection and tooth pain lies in the location of the maxillary teeth and the maxillary sinuses located on each side of your nose. The roots of your maxillary teeth are situated right at the base of the maxillary sinuses. This means that when these sinuses have an infection, the inflammation or swelling of their cavity walls causes pressure on the roots of the maxillary teeth, resulting in tooth pain.

    How to identify sinus-related tooth pain

    While it is still important to see a dentist when you experience any kind of tooth pain, you can always identify a pain caused by sinusitis by the type of pain you feel and some accompanying symptoms. The pain can be distinguished from a dental toothache by the fact that it feels like a pressure in the surrounding teeth as opposed to a sharp pain and sensitivity typical with cavity toothaches. You may also experience a bad headache and pain in your ear. If you experience nasal congestion on the same side as the tooth pain, then that may also be an indication that the pain is caused by a sinus infection.

    Sinus infection or sinusitis can be caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections or by allergies. When sinusitis manifests as a common cold, it will most likely be gone in a week or two. However, if it is as a result of a bacterial or viral infection, then you might need some treatments of sorts like antibiotics to deal with the infection. If a sinus infection affecting your maxillary teeth is left untreated, the tooth pain might spread to the lower teeth. This is why it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.

    Other relations

    A sinus infection can also cause cavities to develop in your teeth because you can develop a dry mouth from breathing through your mouth. A dry mouth is known to be conducive for tooth decay, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene at all times.

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  • Delaying Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can Lead To…

    Delaying Wisdom Tooth Extraction Can Lead To…

    Statistics show that over 5 million people have their wisdom teeth extracted every year. Even though this is a staggering number, there are still quite a number of people who prefer not to have their wisdom teeth removed. The question still remains, is it really necessary to have wisdom teeth removed? And if so, what happens if you delay having your wisdom teeth pulled out? Is it dangerous to delay wisdom teeth extraction? Below is a summary of some of the possibilities that may occur if you delay wisdom teeth extraction.

    Why Delaying Wisdom Teeth Extraction Can Be Risky

    Delaying extraction can lead to serious dental issues such as pain, infections, and alignment problems.

    Impaction

    Impaction is a common complication that arises from wisdom teeth and is the number one reason for most wisdom teeth extractions. For wisdom teeth to fully erupt, there needs to be enough space in the jawbone. Limited space in the jawbone may lead to the tooth ending up partially erupted or completely concealed inside the gum and this can lead to a series of other dental complications such as cavity and infections. Therefore, to avoid impaction, the dentist may recommend extraction of the wisdom teeth to eliminate these possibilities.

    Malocclusion

    Wisdom teeth can sometimes erupt fully, but affect the adjacent teeth in the process. Due to limited space in the jawbone, the wisdom teeth squeeze themselves to fit in and in the process pushes the adjacent teeth out of their normal position. This in turn causes misalignment and may affect one’s bite drastically warranting orthodontic treatment which is a more expensive and tedious process while you could have just had wisdom teeth extracted.

    Pericoronitis

    Pericoronitis occurs when a wisdom tooth partially erupts causing inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding it. This can cause extreme pain in the jaw if left untreated. Therefore, it is advisable to have your wisdom teeth extracted when recommended by the dentist to avoid this happening.

    Infections

    The fact that wisdom teeth are located at the far back end of your mouth makes it difficult to properly clean them. Lack of proper hygiene in that area for a prolonged period of time may lead to bacteria starting to breed in that area causing cavities and infection in the gum tissue. Infections can spread inside the wisdom tooth sac resulting in a jaw cyst. Besides being very painful, jaw cysts can infect the surrounding bone and tissue and even nerves. Once it reaches this point, the only treatment would be oral surgery to remove the damaged bone and tissue to avoid spreading the infection. You can also develop other periodontal infections such as gingivitis.

    Nerve damage

    If you remove your wisdom teeth at a much later age than recommended, you run the risk of damaging the mandibular nerve. The delay in the removal of wisdom teeth only makes the process more complicated, putting you at risk of other complications. Nerve damage has been known to cause loss of sensation in some patients.

    Conclusion

    Delaying wisdom teeth extraction can lead to serious dental issues such as impaction, infections, gum inflammation, misalignment, and even nerve damage. These problems often become more complicated and painful the longer treatment is postponed. If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, it’s best to act early to avoid unnecessary discomfort and costly procedures.

    For safe, gentle, and professional wisdom teeth extraction, Carrum Downs Dental Group is here to help you protect your long-term oral health and ensure a smooth recovery.

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  • How Dentist Treat the Longitudinal Tooth Cracks and Fracture Issues

    How Dentist Treat the Longitudinal Tooth Cracks and Fracture Issues

    A longitudinal tooth fracture is a fracture that occurs along the vertical lines of a tooth from the crown towards the root or vice versa. Longitudinal fractures are classified into five different types which dictate the severity of the fracture from the mildest to the most extensive type.
    There are different methods to detect or diagnose a longitudinal tooth fracture, and they include, trans-illumination, wedging, staining, dental history and radiography. The five types of longitudinal fractures in order of severity and their possible treatment options are as follows:

    Craze lines

    Craze lines are the least severe type of longitudinal fractures and are also quite common as people age. They are mere cracks that occur on the surface of the crown enamel due to abrasion or deterioration over time. Also known as hairline cracks, craze lines are hardly ever noticed and may not need any sort of treatment if proper oral hygiene is observed. If you are, however, bothered by them, you can opt for professional whitening or at-home whitening kits to improve their appearance.

    Fractured Cusp

    This is a fracture which occurs on the cusp of the tooth and is also a common type of longitudinal fracture. It does not extend to the dentine and might not cause any pain if treated well. Like craze lines, a fractured cusp may only need mild treatment such as whitening but treatment is not really necessary. For prevention, avoid invasive habits such as nail-biting, eating hard ice and teeth grinding as these are likely to extend the fracture and cause a cracked tooth, which is the third type of fracture.

    Cracked Tooth

    A cracked tooth will need immediate dental care because it extends to the gum line. A dentist will need to examine the tooth to determine the extent of the fracture and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the crack. For a minor crack, a minor dental restoration can be done while for a severe crack, crowns, implants, root canal or even extraction is applied.

    Split Tooth

    In this type of fracture, the crack extends beyond the gum line towards the root of the tooth and may divide your tooth into two parts, thus the name ‘split’ fracture. This type of fracture is usually painful and full dental restoration may be futile. Instead only a section of the tooth may be restored and a crown applied to restore the appearance of the tooth. In most cases, if the tooth is not visible, the dentist will recommend extraction.

    Vertical Root Fracture

    Classified as the most severe kind of fracture, a vertical root fracture occurs from below the gum line towards the crown. This kind of fracture is likely to cause an infection if not detected early enough. For vertical root fracture, extraction is usually the only treatment option but more research is still being done to find possible restoration options.

    Bottom Line

    Visit Carrum Downs Dental Clinic to learn more about longitudinal tooth cracks and fractures and get the most suitable treatment options for your longitudinal tooth fracture issues.

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  • Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

    Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

    It is always essential to know what types of dental injuries require emergency dental care so that you can ensure that you and your loved one’s teeth are well taken care of while avoiding numerous visits to the emergency room. Emergencies can occur at any time of the day or night. Some dental injuries may require immediate care, while others can wait until the dental office is open for its normal business hours. Here are some reasons you may need emergency dental care.

    Large Tooth Fractures

    A tooth with tiny cracks and chips can wait for regular dental office hours. However, a tooth that is severely fractured and causes a lot of pain will need to be checked immediately. A large tooth fracture can mean that the tooth is damaged both inside and outside. If such a tooth is not treated immediately, it could result in more complicated issues.

    Knocked – Out or Broken Tooth

    It is important that you seek immediate medical attention in case you have a knocked-out or a broken tooth. Getting emergency dental care within 30 minutes of the accident could potentially save your tooth. If your tooth gets knocked out, remain calm, find the tooth, place it in a cup of warm milk or your own saliva and take it with you to the dentist.

    Lost Dental Fillings

    Losing dental fillings can become an emergency if it causes throbbing pain and inflammation. Inflammation can occur when the exposed tooth tissues get infected with bacteria.

    Severe Tooth Pain

    There are several causes of a severe toothache. Certain dental procedures can cause serious toothache that can last for a day or two. In some cases, gum abscess and pulpal can lead to a lot of discomfort and pain, which could affect your biting and chewing. All of these cases need immediate dental attention; therefore, expect your dentist to examine your tooth and prescribe you with some pain medications. After the pain has been dealt with, the dentist will explain your condition and the available treatment options.

    Bleeding Gums

    Bleeding gums may not seem like an issue that requires immediate medical attention, but they are actually dental emergencies that can be a sign of a more serious issue. Therefore, it is advisable to seek emergency dental treatment to get to the root of the problem.

    Swollen Jaw

    A swollen jaw can be an indication of a serious sign of infection. If you are experiencing a swollen jaw, coupled with fever, bad taste in your mouth, difficulty swallowing or breathing, you should seek immediate dental care. Such symptoms can be a sign of salivary gland infection, which is caused by a blockage in your salivary glands.

    Conclusion

    Emergency dental care means much more than a mere toothache. As a patient, you should pay close attention to what is going on in your mouth. Any minor changes could be an indication of a more complicated issue. If you are experiencing tooth pain or any discomfort in your mouth, emergency dental care is always a good idea. If you have noticed any of the mentioned signs, feel free to give us a call or schedule an appointment with us at Carrum Downs Dental Group today.

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  • What To Do with Decayed Wisdom Tooth?

    What To Do with Decayed Wisdom Tooth?

    It goes without saying that most people do not have their wisdom teeth because they have had them extracted. However, the few who have their wisdom teeth can actually get tooth decay in their wisdom teeth just like on any other tooth. Wisdom teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay due to their location at the back of the mouth, which makes it difficult to clean them properly. As a result, it is easy for food particles to build up and create a conducive environment for bacteria that can cause tooth decay over time. Just like any other tooth decay, wisdom teeth need prompt treatment before they get worse and cause other complicated dental problems.

    What to do if you have a wisdom tooth cavity

    Cavities can occur at any time, and that is why it is recommended that you visit a dentist regularly for a check-up to detect any cavities before they become severe. With early detection, cavities can be stopped on their tracks before they become complicated or cause tooth loss. However, if you find yourself developing a cavity, it is best practice to visit a dentist as soon as possible for them to examine its extent and recommend the most suitable treatment. A decayed wisdom tooth can be the beginning of a host of other problems like gum disease and eventually tooth loss. Therefore, the sooner it is treated, the better for you and your oral health. Carrum Downs Dental Clinic is always open if you want to have regular check-ups in order to keep up with your oral health.

    Wisdom tooth cavity treatment

    The treatment of any kind of tooth decay will differ from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the cavity and other factors. The same applies to wisdom tooth cavities. The treatment differs on a case by case basis. While most dentists always recommend extraction of wisdom teeth because of the problems that they may pose for your oral health, wisdom teeth can still be treated normally and left intact if they do not pose any danger to your oral health.
    Depending on the severity of tooth decay, a dentist would normally recommend dental fillings or a root canal treatment. However, with wisdom teeth, most dentists will recommend an extraction, especially if the wisdom tooth is impacted. The location and position of the tooth may also warrant an extraction after examination by a dentist. On rare occasions, some wisdom teeth are fully erupted and do not pose any potential problems in the mouth. In this case, the dentist may recommend having it filled and restored, just like any other tooth decay. A root canal treatment can also be performed on a wisdom tooth if the cavity extends to the nerves. The process of filling and restoration is pretty much the same as any other cavity on other teeth.

    Conclusion

    Carrum Downs Dental Clinic is the best place to have your wisdom tooth cavity diagnosed and treated by the best dentists in town. We offer exclusive special wisdom teeth treatment options for our patients to ensure that each patient gets exactly what they need during their visits.

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  • Do Cavities Cause Bad Breath? Causes and Treatment

    Do Cavities Cause Bad Breath? Causes and Treatment

    Bad breath or halitosis is a common oral problem faced by many people all over the world. Bad breath can be caused by a number of things like cavities, tonsil stones, and poor oral hygiene. If you are experiencing bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away with proper oral hygiene, you might want to consider paying a visit to your dentist to check for cavities. Cavities are a common cause of bad breath.

    How cavities cause bad breath

    Cavities are formed when bacteria that live between and on the surface of your teeth start producing acids that eat away on the enamel and dentine of the tooth. These bacteria live on food remnants that are stuck in the crannies and nooks of your teeth when you don’t brush and floss well. The presence of these bacteria is what can cause bad breath even after thoroughly brushing because your brush may not reach the holes created by the bacteria on your tooth. Fortunately, bad breath from cavities can easily be rectified with a visit to the dentist.
    If you have cavities, the dentist will recommend that you have it removed and treated well to avoid further damage to the tooth and the adjacent teeth. Common treatments for cavities are dental fillings and root canal treatment. These treatments will not only stop the cavity from developing further but also restore the structure of your tooth and, of course, your bad breath.

    What to do to avoid bad breath caused by cavities

    The good thing is that bad breath caused by cavities can often be treated professionally by a dentist. Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, for instance, offers specialized dental services such as treating cavities, among other dental problems. The only way to treat bad breath caused by cavities is by having the cavity treated by a dentist. The dentist will remove the bad bacteria affecting your tooth and fill the tooth afresh to prevent further decay. However, there is more you can do to avoid getting cavities in the future.
    After having your cavity treated, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene because poor oral hygiene is what causes cavities in the first place. This means that if you take good care of your oral health, you keep cavities at bay, and, in turn, bad breath has no chance in your mouth. Here are some good oral hygiene practices that you can observe to keep bad breath at bay.

    • Brush twice a day but especially at night to keep your teeth surfaces clean
    • Floss every night before you go to bed to prevent food particle from building up between your teeth
    • Scrap your tongue from time to time
    • Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular check-up and professional cleaning
    • Eat healthy and avoid food that contains processed sugar

    Conclusion

    All these healthy oral practices will help you prevent the development of cavities and also bad breath. If cavities are not the cause of your bad breath, then your dentist should probe further on what is causing your bad breath. It could be from other causes of bad breath like tonsil stones. Visit Carrum Downs Dental Clinic for more information on how you can prevent bad breath and for cavity treatments.

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  • Bulimia’s Effect on Teeth

    Bulimia’s Effect on Teeth

    Whereas the harmful effects of eating disorders on the human body are well documented, it is often overlooked that bulimia can also have a major effect on oral health. Bulimia is a psychological and physical disease which involves discrete periods of binge eating that may happen several times a week and on worse case scenarios, several times a day. After binge eating, the patient turns to repeated, self-induced vomiting, which is designed to compensate for overeating and reduce the amount of calories consumed. What most people do not know is that self-induced vomiting affects not only your overall body health but also your dental health. Here are some of the effects that bulimia has on your teeth.

    Enamel Erosion

    Constant purging regularly exposes your teeth to stomach acids. These acids are essential in digesting food. However, when they are pushed into your mouth due to vomiting, dental problems arise. The acids start to erode the protective layer of the teeth, and in due time cavities can start developing on your teeth.

    Colour, Texture, and Shape of Teeth Changes

    As the erosion worsens, the colour and texture of your teeth can start to change. Your teeth may become weaker and more brittle than normal. They can easily chip and look uneven at the bottom. In some cases, they will turn yellow, and the length or shape of your teeth may change.

    Bleeding Gums

    Periodontal disease and gingivitis are almost inevitable. Acids that are forced up from the stomach during vomiting repeatedly washes against the gums, thus causing gum inflammation and damage. Also, as the gums become weak, the teeth can become loose or even fall out.

    Dry Mouth

    Lack of saliva can make your mouth feel constantly dry. And not only is a dry mouth a nuisance, but it can also affect the way you eat by changing the flavour of your food. Additionally, a dry mouth can damage your teeth since there is insufficient saliva to wash away the bacteria that cause decay.

    Mouth Sores

    Similar to how the stomach acids corrode your enamel, it can also wear away your inner cheeks and roof of your mouth, leaving painful sores. The sores can even swell up and become infected.

    Tooth Pain

    Bulimia can lead to tooth pain once it affects the sensitive inner layer of the teeth. It is common for people who have bulimia to suffer from tooth sensitivity and have a major issue while eating hot or cold foods.

    Bottom Line
    Intervention by family and the dentist can spur someone to seek treatment for their eating disorder. Early diagnosis can ensure a successful recovery period for the teeth and body. At Carrum Downs Dental Group, we offer most dental services, and we have treated patients with eating disorders for a long time. Recovery from an eating disorder is possible, and the majority of our patients remain committed to a life full of health and purpose. We also treat oral complications brought about by bulimia’s effect.
    Patient satisfaction is our topmost priority, and we strive to offer exceptional and affordable oral care that will lead to lasting relationships. Contact or schedule an appointment with us for all your dental needs.