Tel: (08) 8682 3170
Ceramic Crowns
“Strong, beautiful teeth, custom designed using high quality ceramic”
Ceramic crowns or inlays are recommended when a tooth requires a restoration that not only fills a cavity but also is needed to support the remaining tooth structure. The ceramic restoration is custom designed using state of the art Cerec CAD/CAM technology to perfectly match your tooth. This means that Cerec inlays and crowns, using Emax ceramic blocks are able to be completed in a single visit. Emax ceramic blocks are metal free and are three times the strength of commonly used ceramic. We eliminate the need for impressions, temporary crowns and follow up appointments. We also hand shade, glaze and crystallize your ceramic restoration in a porcelain oven. This added feature gives your tooth the look and feel of a natural tooth and increases its strength three fold.
Crowns encase the entire prepared tooth and are commonly used on teeth that have been heavily restored in the past. The crown replaces the very outer enamel surface of a tooth to provide the remainder of the tooth with the strength to remain functional long term. Crowns can also be used on anterior teeth that have been heavily restored or misshapen to achieve a more desirable cosmetic appearance.
Inlays are used when a tooth requires a long term restoration to support and strengthen the remaining tooth structure, whilst leaving as much healthy tooth as possible. The inlay is bonded to the tooth, whereas a typical restoration merely fills the cavity space, leaving the tooth susceptible to further breakage and damage. Ceramic inlays are commonly used to replace old amalgam fillings in back teeth that break down over time or if a large portion of the tooth has been broken.
Consultation
“Decisions relating to your oral health need to be made following an informed discussion”
A consultation appointment is available to patients who seek advice or wish to discuss treatment plan options that had been provided to them from their previous exam appointment. In general a consultation will be in regard to a specific dental or oral condition. Occasionally we are asked for a second opinion by patients who have been provided treatment advice by another practice, this cannot be done over the phone and a consultation can be arranged. However without a complete dental history, including radiographs we are unable to give an informed and accurate treatment plan.
Dentures
“It’s important to have the fit of your dentures checked regularly”
Whilst dentures are slowly disappearing from our society, they will still play an important part of some people lives for some time to come. Dentures can be made to replace teeth when they are all missing or when only some of the teeth are. Where they are worn, it is important to maintain them regularly to make sure they’re not damaging the jawbones or remaining teeth. Regular exam appointments are still necessary to check the soft tissues in your mouth and the fit of your dentures. At Park Terrace Dental we construct your Dentures following digital records, providing strength and a comfortable and accurate fit
More advanced techniques such as bridges and implants often eliminate the need to wear dentures at all.
Endodontic – Root Canal Treatment
“Most people prefer to save a tooth and Endodontic treatment allows us to do this”
Endodontic treatment is carried out on a tooth when it has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury. The health of the pulp is compromised and an infection has resulted. The pulp is the soft tissue deep inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Endodontic treatment or Root Canal treatment is carried out when a tooth can be saved by removing the pulp and the infected tissue from inside the canals of the tooth roots. If an infected tooth is left untreated severe pain and abscesses (infections at the ends of the roots) can occur. If an abscess is left untreated, infection can damage the bone surrounding the root.
Root canal treatment is performed over a few appointments and a full treatment plan and information guide is provided to ensure you understand the treatment in full. Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, and extraction may be the best, or only, option. If this is the case then a review of the extraction area will be scheduled to make arrangements to replace the tooth with an implant.
Examinations
“The best way to maintain your dental health is to schedule regular exam appointments”
During a dental exam an evaluation of all teeth, their supporting tissues and the oral tissues is done. The current condition of these structures is recorded and any treatment that is required is also recorded. Dental radiographs are taken if it is necessary to evaluate the condition of bone and teeth. Often we recommend a set of bitewing radiographs be taken at least every three years to check between the teeth and the level of bone supporting the teeth.
A period of either 6 months or 12 months will be recommended for a periodic exam, this will help us to determine any changes that may have occurred to your dental health. We encourage our patients to keep to regular exams and we're happy to send reminders. Preventative dentistry allows us to detect and correct small problems before they become major ones.
Extractions
Teeth are removed (extracted) when they are unable to be successfully restored, for orthodontic reasons or when a patient requests the removal of a tooth despite treatment being available. Extractions are performed under local anaesthetic in our rooms, including wisdom teeth. Radiographs are generally taken prior to an extraction; these allow us to see the roots of the tooth to be removed, their shape and relationship to adjacent teeth, nerves and the sinus. Postoperative care instructions are provided to ensure the healing of the extraction site. Each deciduous (baby) and permanent (adult) tooth plays a vital part to your oral health and the decision to remove one should not be taken lightly.
Mouthguards
“A professionally fitted mouthguard won’t hinder your ability breathe”
A custom made mouthguard is constructed using an upper model prepared from an impression taken of the upper teeth. A choice of colours are available to match your team colours or for individual preference. Mouth guards are recommended to protect the teeth and their investing tissues during contact sports and hazardous activities. A mouthguard should fit securely and comfortably and not hinder your ability to breathe and swallow. Over the counter mouthguards are generally ill fitting and don’t provide the complete protection required should you receive a knock to the face. By wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard the severity of an injury can be minimised or completely avoided.
Occlusal splints
“If you’re grinding or clenching your teeth you’re at risk of damaging your teeth”
Occlusal splints are individually designed to be worn by patients who have shown the signs and symptoms of Bruxism (tooth grinding and clenching). Often due to stress, anxiety and work / life pressure. Signs and symptoms may include:
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Pain in the teeth and sensitivity to hold & cold
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Chronic facial pain with tension headaches, caused by intense muscle contraction.
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The noise, noticed by partners, friends or relatives, that occurs as the teeth are ground together
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Flattened and worn tooth surfaces, which may reveal the underlying dentine layer
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Micro fractures of the tooth enamel
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Broken or chipped teeth
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Loose teeth
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Stiffness and pain in the jaw joint muscles; this can cause restricted opening and difficult chewing
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Earache or pain in the jaw joint
An Occlusal splint (also called a night guard) is an option for patients who experience mild to severe grinding behaviour. Worn at night, the splint is made from moulded hard plastic that fits over the upper teeth. It prevents further wear of the tooth surfaces.
3D CBCT imaging
“A 3D Cone beam image allows us to see the entire structure of your mouth in a single image”
In our clinic we have digital Cone Beam CT machine which provides us with an instant image of your facial features. A valuable tool in diagnosing dental concerns, oral cancers and our planning of dental implant placement. It clearly demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet surfaced or erupted. It is different from a traditional x-ray, which we take of individual teeth. An 3D CBCT scan can also reveal problems with the jawbone, sinus cavity and the joint which connects the jawbone to the head, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ.
A 2D OPG may be requested for the planning of orthodontic treatment, for initial assessment of wisdom teeth or for a general overview of the teeth and the bone which supports the teeth.
Oral Hygiene / cleans
“A regular appointment to have your teeth professionally cleaned will keep you smiling”
Park Terrace dental strongly believes in a preventative approach to dental care and provides information to each individual to suit their oral hygiene needs. This may depend on your age, whether or not you have had problems with your teeth and gums, or if you have braces, bridges, implants or false teeth. We have a comprehensive range of oral hygiene information and regularly provide the community with oral health care tips through our monthly advertorial in the Port Lincoln Times (see features).
Cleans can vary from a simple polish of your tooth surface using a prophy paste to remove plaque and stains, to a more extensive scale and clean to remove a build up of tartar, also known as calculus.
Once plaque hardens it becomes tartar, which cannot be removed by normal brushing. We can schedule an appointment for you during which we use special cleaning instruments to remove tartar from tooth surfaces. To make this process more comfortable we use an ultrasonic cleaner which easily removes the tartar using a combination of small vibrations and water. Left untreated a build up of tartar can lead to serious gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss.
Orthodontics
We are fortunate in our regional area to have the services of Orthodontists, who consult in their rooms in Port Lincoln and provide services in Adelaide. During a regular dental exam we will discuss with you any needs for orthodontic treatment and arrange a referral letter and consult appointment either in Port Lincoln or Adelaide. Orthodontic treatment is used to realign teeth, correct your bite (occlusion) or to create spaces for implant placement. Often it is necessary to take an initial OPG x-ray which is also forwarded on to the orthodontist prior to your appointment with them. We continue with your regular exams and should you undergo treatment we receive regular updates on your orthodontic progress. While you are wearing braces, it is essential that you take extra care of your teeth and gums.
Periodontics
“Without the support of healthy gums and bones teeth can’t function long term”
This area of dentistry covers the care of gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is important to have regular cleaning of your teeth to prevent gum disease. Lifestyle factors can also play a large part in gum disease occurrence.
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not involve any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
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Bad breath that won’t go away
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Red or swollen gums
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Tender or bleeding gums
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Painful chewing
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Loose teeth
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Sensitive teeth
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Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Radiographs
“What is apparent through one type of X-ray often is not visible on another”
Park Terrace Dental use digital X-rays. To take a digital X-ray, we will place a sensor on the tooth that looks like a piece of film. Once the picture is taken, we can adjust the contrast and brightness of the image to find even the smallest area of decay. Other benefits of digital X-rays are greatly decreased exposure to radiation and a removal of any waiting time for the results.
What is apparent through one type of X-ray often is not visible on another. A panoramic X-ray (OPG) will give us a general and comprehensive view of your entire mouth on a single film, which smaller X-rays cannot show. On the other hand, you might need close-up X- rays to show a highly detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier for your dentist to see decay between your teeth. You can be assured X-rays are not prescribed indiscriminately. Your dentist has a need for the different information that each X-ray can provide to formulate a diagnosis.
Radiographic or X-ray examinations provide your dentist with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumours. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and un erupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible to detect through a visual examination.
Restorative – tooth coloured fillings
A composite filling is a tooth-coloured plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed or broken teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the colour of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. We choose a shade that best matches your natural tooth colour or a shade that will change and improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
Following preparation, the dentist places the composite in layers; each layer is cured, typically using a specialized light to harden each layer. During this process, the dentist will shape the composite to fit the tooth. The dentist then polishes the composite to prevent staining and early wear.
Snore guards
“There are several other factors that could contribute to, or be the cause of your snoring”
We are proud to associate with SomnoMed, www.somonomed.com.au which is the company that supplies us with successful solutions to snoring and sleep apnoea. Snoring occurs when the soft tissues at the back of your throat become too relaxed and vibrate. The vibrations caused by your breathing results in the snoring sound.
There are several other factors that could contribute to, or be the cause of your snoring:
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A narrow airway-due to your natural build
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Weight gain or a large neck-this puts pressure on your airway passage
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Alcohol-relaxes the soft tissues in your airway
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Age-muscle tone decreases as you get older
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Sleep posture-sleeping on your back encourages the muscles at the back of your throat to relax
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Obstructive Sleep Apnoea-which snoring is a symptom of
Initially we arrange an appointment to discuss your concerns and if a device is something which is right for you we will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and other records to send off to the SomnoMed laboratory to have an anti-snore device made for you.
Whitening
“Visibly whiter teeth in 3 – 5 days, easy 30 minutes once a day wear time”
At Park Terrace Dental we recommend and supply Tray-based tooth bleaching systems. With this safe and tooth friendly whitening option, a comfortable, small, mouth guard-like tray is made for your upper and lower teeth for you to use at home. The trays are then filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel and placed over the teeth for 30 minutes once a day for up to four weeks. These custom-fitted trays and a whitening gel kit will have you smiling your brightest smile in no time.
We avoid the use of highly concentrated in-clinic bleaching systems as we deem them to be unnecessarily aggressive on teeth.
