How often should I visit the dentist?

Your dentist or oral health therapist will guide you on how often you should have your teeth checked, scaled and cleaned, with twice a year being a typical recommendation.

What are fissure sealants, who should get them, and how long do they last?

Fissure sealants, also known as dental sealants, are the special plastic coatings dentists apply to the grooved surfaces (fissures) of the back teeth. The coatings help smooth out these fissures, making the teeth easier to clean and less likely to decay. The materials used in sealants are safe and painless to apply.

Kids and teenagers are often given fissure sealants as they tend to be at higher risk of developing tooth decay. However, sealants are suitable for people of any age, especially those with teeth prone to decay and cavities.

Fissure sealants can last up to five to ten years, depending on the individual. Even so, they should be checked regularly by a dental professional and reapplied when necessary.

What are dental veneers, and how can they improve my smile?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin coverings placed over the front surfaces of the teeth to restore or enhance their shape and colour. Veneers can be made of either porcelain (ceramic) or composite resin (plastic/ glass mixture). At Tweed District Dental, we offer both types of veneers depending on your individual needs and budget.

Well cared for, composite veneers can last up to 5–10 years, with porcelain veneers lasting as long as 10–15 years.

Are you a preferred provider for any health fund?

Yes, we are a preferred provider for BUPA and nib. This means that we can get the maximum rebate back for you if you are a member of either of these funds, according to your level of cover.

We also accept all other major private health funds. This enables us to provide all our patients with the service they need, without the hassle. 

With HICAPS, we can process your insurance claims on the spot, speeding up the time it takes for you to receive your rebate.

Does whitening your teeth cause any harm?

Scientific studies show that teeth-whitening gels do not harm your teeth when obtained from a trusted source, applied correctly, and only used after a proper dental exam. Our trained dental professionals know which are the best tooth-whitening products and how to use them safely.  

Also, if you have sensitive teeth, there are a few things we can offer you before whitening begins that will help to reduce the likelihood of any irritation. We will talk you through your treatment, outlining your best options. Most of our patients achieve fantastic results from having their teeth whitened with few, if any, side effects. 

Can I eat after a filling?

In most cases, yes. The types of materials used in modern fillings don’t need time to harden. They are cured at the time of treatment, and you can eat immediately afterwards. But, if you’ve had a local anaesthetic, it is important to take care not to bite your tongue, cheek and lips as they may still be numb. 

Are my kids eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule?

The Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule provides basic dental services to eligible children. The Schedule is means-tested, with Medicare deciding your eligibility. We can check if your child is eligible on your behalf. All you need to do is provide us with your Medicare number. 

How much will my treatment cost?

Our goal is to make sure that our fees are as reasonable as possible. We will provide you with a detailed treatment plan with item numbers and fees so that you can check with your health fund before treatment starts. If you do not have private dental health cover, we are happy to spread your treatment over time, where possible, so that you can budget for your dental care.

 What can I do about a toothache?

Lots of things can cause your teeth to ache other than a cavity. While you can try treating it by taking pain relievers and avoiding triggers such as cold and heat, it’s best to visit your dentist as soon as possible. This is because pain medications do not always work and rarely tackle the cause of your discomfort. At Tweed District Dental, we’ll give you a thorough exam and treat your toothache, accordingly, getting you out of pain and back to enjoying life. 

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Time is critical for saving a lost tooth, and there are a few things you can do before you reach a dentist to increase your chances of success. 

In the case of your child, do not try to replant the tooth in its socket as this could result in infection or harm to their underlying permanent (adult) teeth. Just place the baby tooth in milk or saliva, making sure you only hold it by the crown (smooth white part) and not the roots. Next, make your way to the dentist with your child and the knocked-out tooth as soon as possible. 

If the tooth is an adult tooth, you can try placing it back in the socket, but make sure the tooth is clean first. If it is dirty, either gently suck on it or rinse it in milk or other saline solution for a few seconds—don’t use water or scrub. Hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a clean handkerchief or tissue, again, making sure you handle the tooth only by its crown, not its roots.  If you are unable to replant the tooth, keep it moist by placing it safely in your mouth next to your cheek and make your way to a dentist immediately. 

For further information, please visit the Australian Dental Association’s Dental Trauma and First Aid website.

What care should I take after having a tooth removed?

It is normal to have some bleeding after having a tooth removed. This can be managed by putting a clean gauze pack (dressing) over the wound site and biting down firmly for around 10-15 minutes, repeating the step as needed. But, if bleeding continues for more than an hour or two after your appointment, contact us directly for further advice.  

We recommend that you take things easy for 24 hours following your tooth’s removal. Do as little heavy exercise as possible or anything else likely to trigger bleeding or delay healing. Other things to avoid during this time include sucking on a straw, brushing (the area), rinsing and spitting. Try also not to smoke, drink fizzy or alcoholic beverages or eat hot and spicy foods. 

After the first day, you can gently rinse with a warm salt-water rinse, made up of roughly half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, three times a day. 

Any stitches used will dissolve in 7-10 days. Returning to the dentist to have your stitches removed is not necessary unless you were told you had silk stitches, in which case, a follow-up appointment will have been made for you.  

Always supervise children following a tooth removal to make sure they do not bite on their tongue or lips. This can cause serious injury to their soft tissue. 

If you are taking anything other than an over-the-counter medicine like paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) for pain relief, do not drive, operate heavy equipment, work around machinery or tools or do anything that may be unsafe to do when groggy. This is because your reflexes and judgment will be affected by such medication. If you are on antibiotics, take them as directed.  Antibiotics may be given to you to help prevent infection. 

Swelling around the face, eyes and area where the tooth was taken is not uncommon. This swelling may not appear until the day following the tooth’s removal and may become more noticeable two to three days after. 

Again, please call us if you experience heavy bleeding, bad pain, or swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 000 or visit the nearest emergency department of a hospital near you, without delay. 

Can broken teeth be fixed?

Sadly, not all broken or badly decayed teeth can be filled. An oral exam and x-ray are needed to work out the best treatment. A lot of factors can prevent treating a broken or decayed tooth with a simple filling. If the nerve to the tooth is decayed, the tooth is broken under the gum line, or the roots of the tooth are damaged, you may need other surgery first. Sometimes, the damage can be so great that the tooth will need removing.  

Fortunately, there are many options for replacing missing teeth nowadays that your dental professional can discuss with you. 

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a broad term covering two types of infections involving the gums.  

The first and mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. It causes the gums to often become swollen and red. People with this condition may also find that their gums tend to bleed easily, especially when brushing, flossing or eating hard foods. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. By practising better oral hygiene at home and regularly going to the dentist, gingivitis can be reversed. 

Gingivitis left untreated, can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease). This is a more serious condition. It happens when the bacteria in plaque (that clear sticky substance that forms on your teeth each day) start releasing so much toxin, they cause your gums to always be inflamed. Over time, this can destroy the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, making them loose and, sometimes, even fall out. Periodontitis cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. 

Things that can raise your chances of getting periodontal disease include smoking, genetic factors, aging, poor oral hygiene and diet, diabetes, crooked teeth and some medicines.  

At Tweed District Dental, our highly trained dental professionals will check for periodontal disease each time you visit and treat it as needed using the best available methods. 

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are another option for permanently replacing missing teeth. An implant is an artificial root that is inserted into your jawbone. It provides a sturdy post upon which a replacement tooth (crown), bridge or a full set of dentures can be placed.  Implants are made from a special type of metal known as titanium. As well as being durable, bone easily fuses with titanium over time, making the implant very secure.  

Implants can be a reliable, long-lasting and relatively affordable option for permanently replacing missing teeth. 

When should I start brushing my kid’s teeth? 

You can safely clean your child’s teeth as soon as they appear twice daily, with the gentle use of a very soft toothbrush. Toothpaste is unnecessary until about the age of two—just wet the brush with water. You can start using a kid’s toothpaste from about two through to six years of age. Kids do not have the hand skills to clean their teeth properly until about the age of nine. So, we recommend parents should try to help them with their brushing once a day up until at least the age of eight. 

Why should we floss our teeth?

Brushing alone does not remove all decay-causing plaque left on our teeth after eating. A common site for tooth decay and gum disease is in between the teeth. That’s why flossing in this area is important. If you have trouble using dental floss, there are other ways to clean properly between your teeth. Just ask us about them at your next dental appointment. 

Why is it important to choose the right mouthguard?

The Australian Dental Association recommends anyone who plays a contact sport should wear a professional, custom-fitted mouthguard to prevent dental injuries or at least reduce their severity.

Although mouthguards are becoming more popular, injuries still happen. This is because many people choose to wear poor-fitting mouthguards (‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards) bought over-the-counter. Although these mouthguards may be cheaper, they are less effective in protecting your teeth, lips and jaw. Please don’t get caught out, always choose a custom-made and professionally-fitted mouthguard such as we offer at Tweed District Dental.