How can we help you?
Patient education is an integral part of your dental care at North Shore Dental Practice. We love answering patient questions, and we've gathered some answers to common questions here. If you don't find the information you need, please contact our Gordon dental clinic and speak to one of our helpful team members.
Dental Implants
Absolutely! At North Shore Dental Practice, we offer a range of effective tooth replacement solutions to restore your smile and oral health. Our preferred method is dental implants, which provide a permanent, natural-looking and highly functional alternative to missing teeth.
Dental implants in Gordon are biocompatible titanium posts that we place directly into the jawbone, which then serves as a stable foundation for a custom-made crown. This process typically takes several months to complete, as the implant needs time to integrate with the bone. However, the end result is a replacement tooth that looks, feels and functions just like your natural teeth.
Alternative Tooth Replacement Options
For patients who may not be suitable for implants or prefer a quicker solution, we also offer dental bridges and dentures. Bridges use healthy teeth to support and hold a replacement tooth that fills the gap, while dentures are removable appliances that replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
No matter which tooth replacement option best suits your needs and preferences, our skilled Gordon dentists will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan and guide you through every step of the process. We're here to help restore your confident, complete smile.
Crowns and Bridges
Getting a dental crown at North Shore Dental Practice is a straightforward process that typically takes two appointments over the course of two to three weeks.
What to Expect When You're Getting a Dental Crown in Gordon
At your first appointment, one of our dentists will carefully prepare the tooth that requires the crown. This involves gently reshaping the tooth to allow room for the crown to fit properly. We'll also take impressions of your teeth, which our dental laboratory will use to custom-craft your new crown.
In the meantime, you'll leave our practice with a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. This temporary crown allows you to continue eating and speaking normally while we wait for your permanent crown to be fabricated.
Once our trusted dental laboratory has expertly crafted the crown, you'll return for your second and final appointment. During this visit, the dentist will carefully place and adjust your new, permanent crown, ensuring it fits perfectly and blends seamlessly with your other teeth.
Don't Hesitate to Contact North Shore Dental Practice
With the crown securely in place, you'll be all set to enjoy your newly restored tooth! If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. We're here to help ensure your dental crown experience is a comfortable one from start to finish.
General Dentistry
At North Shore Dental Practice, we recommend that healthy patients visit us every six months for a professional teeth clean and comprehensive oral health examination. These routine check-ups play a vital role in maintaining a bright, healthy smile.
During your bi-annual visit, one of our experienced dental hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any built-up plaque or tartar that daily brushing and flossing may have missed. They'll also provide personalised guidance on your home oral hygiene routine to ensure you're caring for your teeth and gums as effectively as possible between appointments.
Following the cleaning, your Gordon dentist will conduct a thorough examination, checking for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease or other potential problems. This allows us to detect and address any issues in the earliest stages, preventing them from developing into larger, more complex problems down the line.
Customised Dental Care in Gordon, NSW
However, for patients who are managing gum disease or other ongoing oral health conditions, we may recommend additional check-ups and cleans throughout the year. This helps us stay on top of your treatment and provide the tailored care you need to maintain a happy, healthy smile.
Please let us know if you have any other questions about the recommended frequency of dental visits. We're here to help you achieve your optimal oral health.
Cosmetic Dentistry
At North Shore Dental Practice, our team of experienced professionals understands that your smile is integral to your confidence and overall appearance. If you're not entirely happy with your teeth, we offer several cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.
Cosmetic Dentistry at North Shore Dental Practice
Professional teeth whitening is an excellent choice for removing stains and brightening your smile. Our customised take-home kits offer convenience and exceptional results.
For minor imperfections or old silver fillings, tooth-coloured fillings can restore your teeth while maintaining a natural look. These composite materials blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, making them virtually invisible.
Porcelain veneers and crowns are fantastic options for more significant changes. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth, ideal for addressing issues like chips, gaps or misshapen teeth. Crowns, on the other hand, encase the entire tooth and are perfect for badly damaged or discoloured teeth.
Clear aligners offer a discreet and comfortable solution for straightening teeth without traditional braces. These custom-made, removable trays gradually shift teeth into proper alignment.
Would You Like More Information about Cosmetic Dentistry in Gordon, NSW?
During a consultation, we can discuss which options would best suit your needs and desires. Remember, a beautiful smile is just an appointment away!
Emergency Dentistry
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful and happen at inconvenient times. We're committed to providing timely and convenient care when you really need it. If you're experiencing a pressing issue such as severe pain, a knocked-out tooth, or uncontrolled bleeding, we encourage you to call our Gordon dental clinic right away.
We welcome walk-in patients for all dental emergencies during our regular business hours. Our friendly team will do everything we can to see you as soon as possible, often on the same day you call. We'll quickly assess your situation, provide pain relief if needed, and get you the treatment you require to resolve the problem.
Don't Hesitate to Call Us During a Dental Emergency in Gordon
In the event of an emergency outside our normal hours, you can still reach us. Simply call our practice, and you'll receive instructions to contact the on-call dentist. They'll be ready to offer guidance on pain management and, if necessary, arrange for you to be seen as soon as possible.
At North Shore Dental, your comfort and well-being are our top priority. We're here for you when you need us most, so don't hesitate to contact your trusted emergency dentist in Gordon.
Children's Dentistry
Our Gordon dentists recommend bringing your little one in for their first dental visit around the age of two to three years old. This might seem early, but it's crucial to establishing good oral health habits that will last a lifetime.
By this age, most children have all their baby teeth, making it an ideal time for us to check their development and ensure everything is progressing as it should. These early visits also help your child become familiar with the dental environment, reducing anxiety in future appointments.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Dental Visit
During this initial visit, we'll gently examine your child's teeth and gums, looking for any signs of decay or potential issues. We'll also chat with you about proper oral hygiene techniques tailored for young children and offer advice on diet and habits that promote healthy teeth.
Don't worry if your child is a bit nervous — our team is experienced in making dental visits fun and comfortable for our youngest patients!
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By starting early, we can work together to give your child the best possible start in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a modern, aesthetically pleasing way to straighten teeth without traditional metal braces. At North Shore Dental Practice, we're excited to offer this innovative treatment to our patients.
The process begins with thoroughly examining your teeth, including 3-D scans or impressions. Using this information, we create a series of custom-made, transparent plastic aligners that fit snugly over your teeth.
Each set of aligners is designed to gently shift your teeth into a slightly different position. You'll wear each set for about a couple weeks before moving on to the next in the series. Over time, these minor adjustments add up to create your desired smile.
The Advantages of Clear Aligners
One of the great benefits of clear aligners is their removability. You can take them out for eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth. However, for the best results, wearing them for 20-22 hours each day is essential.
Throughout your treatment, you'll have regular check-ups with us. These check-ups are not just to monitor your progress and provide you with your next sets of aligners, but also to ensure that you are comfortable and confident in your journey to a straighter smile.
The total treatment time varies for each individual but typically ranges from six to 18 months.
We Invite You to Contact Us for More Information
Clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable and effective way to achieve a straighter smile. If you're curious about whether they're right for you, we'd be happy to discuss this option further at your next appointment!
Root Canal Treatment
We understand that the thought of root canal treatment can cause some anxiety for patients. However, we're pleased to reassure you that this common procedure is typically less painful than placing a filling.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the soft inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, often due to deep decay or a crack in the tooth. While this can cause significant discomfort, the root canal procedure itself is designed to alleviate your pain by removing the damaged pulp and thoroughly cleaning and sealing the inner tooth.
Comfortable, Stress-Free Root Canals in Gordon, NSW
Thanks to modern dental techniques and anaesthesia, you can expect to feel minimal, if any, pain during the procedure itself. Our experienced dentists will ensure the area is completely numb before beginning work.
Some mild sensitivity is expected in the days following the root canal, but this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. With proper care, your tooth will be restored to full function, and you can look forward to saying goodbye to your toothache for good.
If you have any other concerns about root canal treatment in Gordon, please don't hesitate to discuss them with our team. We're here to provide you with the gentle, personalised care you deserve.
Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction at North Shore Dental Practice, it's essential to be mindful of your diet to promote proper healing and avoid complications. For the first 24 hours following your procedure, we recommend sticking to cool, soft foods and liquids.
Ideal options include:
• Smoothies (without using a straw)
• Yoghurt
• Lukewarm soups or broths
• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Pudding
As you feel more comfortable, you can gradually introduce softer solid foods. Good choices include:
• Pasta
• Flaked fish
• Well-cooked vegetables
• Cottage cheese
• Soft fruits like bananas or stewed apples
Foods to Avoid after Tooth Extraction
It's crucial to avoid hot foods and drinks, alcohol, caffeine and anything crunchy, sticky or spicy for at least a week. These items can irritate the extraction site or dislodge the protective blood clot, potentially leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
Remember to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the extraction site and stay hydrated by sipping water regularly. If you have any questions about your diet after extraction or experience any unexpected discomfort, please don't hesitate to ring your dentist in Gordon. We're here to ensure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Treatment for TMJ and Bruxism
Our Gordon dentists offer several effective treatments for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain, often associated with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). While many use 'TMJ' to refer to the disorder, TMJ actually refers to the joint itself, while TMD describes the condition causing discomfort.
Our primary approach to treating TMD is through custom-made oral appliances. These specially designed mouthguards help to realign your jaw, reduce muscle tension and prevent teeth grinding (bruxism), which can exacerbate TMJ pain.
In addition to oral appliances, we may recommend:
• Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen jaw muscles
• Lifestyle changes, such as stress reduction techniques
• Dietary modifications to avoid hard or chewy foods
• Application of heat or cold packs
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories
Additional Solutions for TMJ Pain
In some cases, we might suggest dental treatments to correct bite issues that could be contributing to your TMD. This might include adjusting fillings or crowns or, in more severe cases, orthodontic treatment.
Every patient's experience with TMD is unique, so we'll work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. If you're experiencing jaw pain, earaches or difficulty chewing, please don't hesitate to book an appointment. We're here to help you find relief and restore comfort to your daily life.