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HARMONY DENTAL
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit my dentist?
We strongly recommend you visit us every six months for a dental assessment, including a professional clean. By maintaining regular visits, we can identify any problems before they escalate into bigger issues and ensure your oral hygiene is being well maintained. By visiting regularly, you will save time, money and hassle in the long run.
What really goes on in a dental assessment?
A typical dental appointment involves a careful inspection of your mouth, teeth and gums. We will check for any indications of tooth decay and cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged tooth fillings or gum disease and oral cancer screening. We can also discuss how to clean your teeth properly, and what extra measure you can take at home to maintain your smile.
Why are regular dental assessments so important?
​Maintaining regular assessments is all about preventing problems before they occur – or detecting problems as soon as possible. You could easily save yourself the need for a root canal or tooth extraction later by maintaining regular visits and getting that simple filling at the right time. More complicated and expensive dental procedures can be avoided with a quick and easy biannual check-up.
What are the signs of unhealthy teeth?
Unfortunately most oral disease is symptomless until very late in the disease process, so it is important to maintain six monthly appointments with the dentist for a professional check up so that any signs of unhealthy teeth or mouth can be treated as early as possible. Chipped, cracked or discoloured teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath and tooth or jaw pain are all indicators of unhealthy teeth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have other concerns, we highly recommend you call us to book a dental assessment.
Why do my teeth appear to be yellow?
Poor oral hygiene, smoking and taking certain medications can affect the colour of your teeth, as can what you eat. Coffee, red wine and tea are common culprits found in patients’ everyday diets that slowly work to discolour or yellow teeth. If you’re interesting in getting back a bright and beautiful smile, and would like to explore some teeth whitening options, call us today to arrange a consultation.
​How can I improve my oral hygiene?
It’s essential that you maintain good oral hygiene. As well as brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily, be sure to consume a healthy diet. Limit the consumption of acids, starches and sugars found in food and drinks, and increase your intake of calcium-rich foods, which are great for strong and healthy teeth and bones. Mouthwash is another option for those looking to keep their teeth and gums healthy – and don’t forget to brush your tongue. We will also assess if you are a suitable patient for interdental brushes. These are very popular with many patients.
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
Taking your child to the dentist from an early age is important to prevent dental issues and address any developmental concerns. On or before their first birthday is a great time to book their first appointment . Not only will you form a regular habit of visiting the dentist with your child, it also sets a foundation for your child to understand the importance of oral health. As a parent, you too will learn more about your child’s teeth and pick up new skills to share with them. Each child is different and we will adapt their first visit to suit your individual child, so that it is a happy occasion.
Why is my tooth sore?
Toothaches are the human body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Whether it’s a cracked tooth, a dental cavity, an exposed tooth root or even gum disease, pain will alert you to the problem. If you are experiencing any kind of pain or discomfort in your mouth, teeth or gums, we recommend you schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
What pain-free methods do you offer?
To help anxious patients relax and make lengthier procedures more comfortable, we offer nitrous oxide inhalation (happy gas). We understand that dental treatments can be nerve-wracking and stressful, so we endeavour to make every visit with us as comfortable as possible. We also offer Oraqix , a needle-free anesthetic, administered topically at and below the gum line, that’s effective and efficient for scaling and root planing procedures.
What benefits do dental implants offer?
Improved comfort, clearer speech and greater confidence are just some of the benefits of dental implants. The process involved in dental implants also helps to retain bone structure, which is important to maintain a strong and healthy jaw.
Am I a suitable candidate for dental implants?
Dental implants benefit patients who have one or more missing teeth, are currently wearing dentures, or have endured older methods of tooth replacement and seek a permanent alternative. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for dental implants, so call our friendly team today to book a consultation to assess your suitability and explore your treatment options.
What dental treatment is recommended for a smoker?
If you are a smoker we can offer regular cleans to reduce the discolouration of your teeth due to smoking. Smoking may disguise unhealthy gums so it is important to have a professional assessment.