General Dentistry
Root Canal Treatment
Treatment is done when the pulp of tooth is infected due to tooth decay or after trauma of the tooth. When infection spreads to the root canal, an abscess may develop which leads to great discomfort.
A root canal is done in an attempt to save the tooth and avoid an extraction. Under local anaesthetic, the root is cleaned, and nerve of tooth is removed. Once canals are widened, a sterile dressing and temporary filling are then placed. Tooth is left to settle then a follow up visit is made. If all is well, a permanent filling is done at this visit. A few months of root canal is completed it is recommended you come back to crown the tooth to avoid future fractures.
Emergency Dental Care
If you chip or break a tooth due to an accident or injury, you need to see dentist immediately. If you knock a tooth out, sometimes it can be re-implanted so a visit within an hour of injury is recommended. If the tooth is chipped, the dentist may be able to smooth uneven edges and put a tooth coloured filling. In the case of a dental emergency please call our reception and we will attend to you as soon as we can.
Pregnant Women
During pregnancy, the hormonal,changes can affect your oral health. Some pregnant women present with gums which are red, inflamed and sometimes bleed on brushes. Pregnancy gingivitis is common and can start as early as in the 2nd month of pregnancy. This is due to increase in progesterone during pregnancy, which affects the bodyโs response to toxins released in the plaque. Some women experience a growth on gums e.g. pregnancy granuloma. If you are pregnant we recommend you come for check up to ensure your mouth is healthy for the whole nine months.
Extractions
At times, a person presents to the practice with a tooth which cannot be saved anymore but needs to be extracted. The process of a tooth extraction is done while the patient is numb. The dentist will use special instrument to try and expand the socket which encases the root of the tooth. When the tooth is loose enough, they will use forceps to try and gentle lift out the tooth. Once the extraction is complete, bleeding is stopped and you are send home with pain killers and you are given some post operative instructions to follow.
Restorations (Fillings)
When your tooth is damaged due to degenerative tooth decay or breaks, it can sometimes be restored by doing a filling. Various options exist of material which can be used to repair teeth. Materials range from tooth coloured composite material, to fluoride releasing glass ionomers and in some instances the silver amalgam filling material. The dentist will discuss with you the best option of filling material for your particular situation.