What to look for in a family dentist

Are you looking for a dentist who can protect the oral health of your whole family? The right family dentist can look after the teeth of both adults and children, letting every member of the family enjoy good dental health. Here are five things to check for when looking for high-quality family dentistry in your local area.

  1. Experience in providing family dentistry

The best family dentists have years of experience in caring for children and adults. Check the website of the dentist or ask about their experience to find out whether they have the track record you expect. Children’s dental needs can be quite different from those of adults, so check that the dentist has some experience with providing dentistry to all members of the family.

  1. Patience and Sedation facilities

It can be really difficult to establish a bond between a dentist and child which is necessary to overcome fear and anxiety. Make sure that the dentist you choose for your family is not hurried and can listen and establish a rapport with your child. Some longer proceedures can be tedious even for the most patient dentist and young person. Nitrous Oxide sedation can make those longer treatments seem to zoom by quickly for them and should be provided as an essential option for even routine family dental care.

  1. Reasonable prices

Before you register with a dental practice, find out how much treatment will cost. This will allow you to compare prices and work out how much you need to budget for family dentistry.

  1. A welcoming environment

Dental checkups can be scary for children. Minimise their fear by choosing a dental office that has a welcoming environment and a comfortable, child-friendly waiting area. Some family dentists provide toys or books to keep children entertained while they wait to see the dentist.

  1. Recommendations from other families

The best family dentists receive good reviews from their patients. Search online for reviews of the dentists in your area or ask other parents for recommendations. Learning about other patients’ experiences can help you decide whether a dentist is right for your family.

We welcome families into our practice, and we look forward to assisting you and your family with your dental needs. Call our friendly reception staff today to book an appointment.

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Why Should I Get My Dentist To Clean My Teeth?

teeth cleaning

If you brush your teeth twice daily, you may not feel inclined to have them professionally cleaned as often as is recommended. In fact, if you’re like many people, visiting the dentist may be one of those things that you avoid for as long as possible. But having a sparkling white smile is not the only reason for getting regular cleans performed by the dentist. Below are four important reasons to visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning… and they may not be what you expect.

Regular cleaning prevents gum disease

Cleaning teeth is essential to preventing gum disease. While you probably think cavities are your biggest worry when it comes to your teeth, gum disease is actually an even bigger threat. It can lead to both loss of teeth and loss of bone in your jaw and is something that a people can suffer from without even realizing. Regular brushing and flossing is your first line of defence, but a professional cleaning is much more thorough and removes disease-causing bacteria that you simply can’t remove yourself.

Screening for oral cancer

While it may not be as high profile as some other types of cancer, oral cancer does exist. Like other cancers, the earlier it’s detected the better and your dentist can look for early warning signs whilst cleaning teeth. Regularly visiting the dentist makes detection more likely.

Gum disease can lead to heart attack or stroke

There’s a strong link between heart disease and the health of your mouth. Although the relationship isn’t completely understood, it’s believed that the bacteria, which cause gum disease, migrate into the blood vessels and cause inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to cardiovascular disease.

In fact, a growing body of research suggests that poor oral health may play a role in many chronic diseases. Science has shown that inflammation plays a role in both heart disease and diabetes and chronic inflammation is increasingly being tied to poor oral health. Even rheumatoid arthritis may have ties to your mouth. Cleaning teeth regularly could be the key to protecting your heart and preventing serious disease.

Gum disease can cause problems with your joints

As joint replacements have become more common, a link between gum disease and artificial joints is emerging. It appears that in those with gum disease, bacteria from the mouth can end up in the bloodstream—often thanks to gums that bleed during brushing or flossing—and take up residence in the artificial joint, causing an infection.

Although the link is still tentative, preventing gum disease by cleaning teeth may also help protect you from arthritis. The same studies which found oral bacteria in artificial joints also found them in some of the patients’ natural joints which were affected by arthritis.

So, while there are many reasons for professionally cleaning teeth regularly, they’re not all purely cosmetic. Not only will you have a sparkling smile, fewer cavities, and fresher breath — you may also have a healthier body.

Click here to find out more about check up and teeth cleaning at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

 

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Children’s Dentistry – When Should You Schedule Appointments?

children's dentistry

Although dental decay is the most common and widespread childhood disease, parents often overlook the importance of scheduling dental appointment for their children. With cavities at epidemic levels amongst children in Australia, it is important to make children’s dentistry a priority. The first dental visit should take place within six months of the first tooth erupting or by the child’s first birthday.

The first dental exam

The one-year dental examination enables the children’s dentist to teach the parent preventive care as the baby’s new teeth come in. The dentist explains proper cleaning and hygiene so that a dental care routine for the child can be set in motion to promote the growth and maintenance of strong, healthy teeth without cavities. Attention to children’s dentistry can lead to the avoidance of dental problems later in life.

Follow up visits

Baby teeth or ‘primary teeth’ help your child’s development. They help infants with learning to chew and speak properly and they also reserve space in the gums for permanent teeth. The average child has a set of 20 primary teeth by the age of two to three years.

Follow up children’s dentistry visits should be made every six months to ensure each baby tooth comes in properly and there is no crowding. The children’s dentist can alleviate any malformation and provide for the entrance of the permanent teeth.

At age three, if there is a tooth still within the gum and eruption is not assured, the dentist will advise of dental options to fix the problem and prevent pain.

When children have a full set of healthy, white teeth and there is an indication of the need for braces, parents will be advised of options that may be required in the future to straighten teeth. Sometimes early intervention may be possible so regular check-ups can aid in minimizing overall treatment plans long term.

Proper diet and hygiene prevent cavities

During the toddler years when a child is developing the capability to look after their own teeth, parental support in providing a proper diet and a dental hygiene routine at home is important. Attending children’s dentistry appointments for dental cleaning and advice in conjunction with a proper diet and home hygiene routine is the optimal combination for healthy teeth and preventing cavities.

Children’s dentistry in Australia

Children’s dentistry, also referred to as ‘pediatric dentistry’ is concerned with comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for children from birth through to adolescence. The definition also includes the oral health care of patients with special needs beyond the age of adolescence. The Pediatric Dentistry Society of Australia and New Zealand is a specialist organisation committed to the advancement of pediatric dentistry and the promotion of children’s dentistry education within Australia.

Should you wish to schedule a dental appointment for your child, please be in touch with our friendly reception staff.

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That First Visit To The Dentist

first visit to the dentist

Are you Nervous about Your First Visit to the Dentist?

Many people get nervous when they are going to visit a dentist for the first time. Children may have a phobia of going to the dentist and this phobia needs to be eliminated so that it does not stick with them for their whole life. The first visit to the dentist is crucial. If it is your first visit to the dentist or your child’s first visit, there are plenty of tips to make it easier for you.

Prepare Yourself

The basic tip to remain calm is by talking to others who visit the dentist often. This will give you a general idea about what to expect on your first visit to the dentist. Everyone has a different story and perspective so only use it to get an idea and do not believe every single thing they say because if someone is afraid of the dentist they are going to invoke that fear into you. It varies from dentist to dentist, some are more accommodating than the others for the people who are nervous and fearful, some are specialized in dealing with kids etc.

Prepare your Child

If it’s the child’s first visit to dentist than the parent should make sure they do their best to eliminate any fear of the dentist as this will help the child throughout their life. Parents can do so by sharing their own first experience in a positive light and making it feel less intimidating to the child.
Use positive phrases like “You have been so good this week that we can have a special treat by going to see Martin to have your teeth counted”. Don’t use negative phrases that instil doubt like, “It won’t hurt” or “There is no need to get scared” or “You don’t need to worry”. Children are very sensitive to these phrases and they know that if you are saying these things there is reason to worry. If you personally are fearful there is no need to pass this fear on to another generation, is there?

The Best Choice for You

We are very happy to see your child. But if you don’t live near us we would advise you to call around dentist offices to check to see which one would be the best one for you. Or ask your friends who they see. Some dentists specialise in treating patients who have a phobia of dental visits and get too anxious. If you suffer from anxiety you might want to find someone who is well suited so that your fear will lessen instead of heightening. Remember that we do use laughing gas for nervous children or adults.
You may prefer to take your child to a pediatric dentist for their first visit. Phone us and we can let you know who we recommend.

General Steps

In a regular dental check-up, a dentist will usually check your gums and teeth for decay or other infections, clean them, occasionally take x-rays to check the overall health of your gums and teeth. Although sometimes the check-up would be more thorough than usual, this might involve the examination of the area of head and neck too, including the x rays and medical history (most probably on your first visit to that dentist, even if you have been seeing another dentist previously.)

Important Note

If someone has a serious medical situation or health problem it is very important that they mention it to their dentist before the check-up or treatment. It is advised to mention it at the time when they are making an appointment itself. The usual check-up will usually last up to 30 minutes or more. Apart from the regular visits one also has to regularly maintain their dental health for healthy teeth.

Click here to find out more about Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

 

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How To Floss Properly

floss

We are taught about the importance of oral health at an early age. However, while many people do brush on a regular basis, many people do not floss nearly as often as they should. And even if you do floss semi-regularly, you may not be doing it properly! The following are a few tips on how to floss in order to maintain your oral health:

Choosing Your Floss

Don’t be mistaken in thinking that any floss will do. There are a number of different types of floss on the market – the cheaper the floss is, the less effective it will be for your oral health. Some of the floss options available to you include waxed floss, un-waxed floss, tape floss, nylon floss or PTFE floss. Floss that is waxed tends to slide between the teeth more easily, while tape floss is more effective if you have wider gaps between your teeth. PTFE floss, also known as mono-filament floss, will slide between your teeth easier than nylon floss and is less likely to shred as well. You can also choose between flavored and non-flavored floss, but that’s entirely up to your personal taste.

How to Floss Properly

We recommend flossing before you brush. This allows you to remove the plaque from between your teeth to allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to get between your teeth. The following are a few tips to keep in mind for proper flossing form:

  • Holding the floss – You only need around 45 cm of floss every time you floss. Take it and wrap it around your two ring fingers over the last joint so that it fits nice and tightly, you will find that when you bend your fingers it will hold the floss in place. There should be roughly eight to ten cm of floss exposed to floss your teeth with.
  • Using the floss – It doesn’t matter which tooth you start with. Many people choose to begin with their front teeth, whether it’s at the bottom or top. Just make sure that you floss between every tooth – including those hard to reach molars. When sliding the floss between your teeth, make sure that you don’t tear into your gums. You don’t need to be aggressive, just gently rub the floss up and down between the gums and teeth without yanking it around or sawing side to side which can be damaging. Floss in a C-motion down the tooth and below the gum line to remove plaque. This process should be repeated for every tooth. Make sure that when you are flossing that you don’t wrap the floss around the gum of one tooth and then another tooth – this makes flossing less effective.

 

If you notice any blood appearing from your gums, don’t be alarmed. Many people will stop flossing because their gums hurt when they do so – and the appearance of blood can be alarming. However, bleeding gums usually signifies that your teeth need to be flossed more often. The pain and bleeding should diminish the more regularly you floss.

After Flossing

Once you’re done flossing, throw the used floss away and be sure to rinse your mouth with water in order to remove any loose food particles – not to mention it helps give your mouth a fresh feeling.
Flossing is a very important step in maintaining your oral health. You should floss at least once a day for two to three minutes at a time if possible – although even flossing for a minute a day will have a big impact, so be sure to use these tips on how to floss.

Click here to find out more about having a checkup with Dr Martin Jest

 

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Dentures Vs. Implants – Why Would I Choose Them?

denture

Both dentures and implants are common dental appliances that may solve the problem of one or multiple missing teeth. There are pros and cons to both and which one an individual chooses is dependent on several factors. Let’s look at why a person might prefer one to the other.

The advantages of dental implants

Implants are a way to replace teeth so that they look and feel natural. Once the procedure is complete, no one will know the difference between your original teeth and your implants. In addition, with implants, you don’t have to worry about not being able to eat certain foods or biting down on something. Implants are secure and act just as natural teeth do.

These are compelling reasons to choose implants. When done correctly by a reputable, experienced dentist, implants are long-lasting, beautiful and natural. It is important to note that implants require care and excellent oral hygiene, just like your original teeth. It is easy to see why many people would prefer implants to dentures, however, there are downsides to implants.

The downsides of implants

Implants are a complex procedure that requires several steps. Getting implants is a process that takes place over a period of months. Installing the implants is a surgical procedure and there may be additional procedures involved, such as bone grafts. There is a degree of patience required and some discomfort involved with healing from surgery.

The advantages of denture

While dentures may not have the same benefits that implants do, they offer a lower-cost alternative. Today’s dentures are much better quality than those in the past. They come in full and partials sets and do not require any surgery or invasive procedures. For people who don’t have the bone or gum health for implants, dentures are a good alternative.

The downside of dentures

A denture wearer has to be conscious of the fact that dentures can slip out during eating or talking if they are not properly adhered. They can be uncomfortable and they can also promote further gum and bone deterioration.

Choosing between implants and dentures depends on the individual, what they can afford and what their lifestyle and personal preferences are. Either of these dental solutions for missing teeth can be a good choice and as dental technology continues to rapidly advance, each solution gets better with time.

If you have a missing tooth or teeth, we invite you to make an appointment to discuss your particular circumstances and whether implants or dentures would be the most appropriate solution for you.

Click here to find out more about implants at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

Click here to find out more about dentures at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

 

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Porcelain Veneers – What You Need To Know

veneers

Dental veneers are a common solution for people who are not completely happy with their smile. They are very thin (equivalent to a contact lens) shells made either from porcelain or a resin composite that adhere to the front of the tooth. Veneers change the shape, colour and size of the natural tooth. They fix a number of dental problems.

How porcelain veneers can help to create a winning smile

Chipped, broken and worn down teeth are easily repaired and strengthened with veneers. They can also fix tooth discolouration and irregularly shaped teeth with minimal alteration to the original enamel. For people who don’t want to invest time and endure discomfort by wearing braces, veneers are used to make an even, straight smile.

Crowns versus veneers

When deciding between a crown and a veneer, the latter is a more conservative approach to changing the appearance of a tooth. A crown requires extensive shaping of the original tooth, whereas, with porcelain veneers, your dentist removes only half a millimetre of enamel from the front of the tooth. In many cases, the application of a temporary veneer isn’t necessary while awaiting the laboratory’s completion of a patient’s custom veneer.

Veneer colour can be customized

Porcelain veneers also have a natural tooth appearance. Color variation in the casting replicates the dynamic appearance of an original tooth and translucent areas in the porcelain imitate the clear biting edges of enamel teeth. Patients can also custom select the colour of their veneers when using porcelain. This means dark teeth or teeth with uneven colour can be lightened and given a uniform appearance. However, once veneers are applied, teeth can no longer be whitened. Patients planning on whitening should complete their whitening treatment prior to the application of veneers.

Porcelain veneers are bio-compatible and durable

Porcelain veneers comfortably integrate into a patient’s mouth. Gum tissue readily accepts porcelain, as long as there isn’t pre-existing gum disease or decay. Porcelain is also highly durable, though patients should exercise caution and avoid chewing on pencils, ice and other hard objects.

Porcelain veneers are easy to maintain

With veneers, patients can continue to practice their regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing. There are no extra steps required to maintain veneers.

Click here to find out more about veneers at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

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Dental Implants – Hype or Have To Have?

dental implant

Composed of titanium, dentists use dental implants to restore missing teeth. They place these artificial teeth directly into your jawbone, making them permanent. As such, they’re a great option for you if you’ve lost a tooth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Here are some of the key benefits of dental implants. They:

  • are a permanent solution, unlike dentures and bridges which can slip and cause discomfort and embarrassment whilst eating and talking
  • are a stand-alone solution which do not adversely affect neighbouring teeth – this differs from dentures and bridges which rely on your surrounding teeth to hold them in place
  • are fused with the jaw bone making them as strong and reliable as your natural teeth
  • restore your smile so that you can feel confident in social settings
  • are convenient because they do not require a separate cleaning routine and can be cleaned in the same manner as your natural teeth

From an aesthetic standpoint, dental implants look natural. Unless you tell someone, they’ll never know you’re missing a tooth.

The procedure for implants

Most implants are safely inserted within your dentist’s office under local anaesthesia; however, some require hospitalization and IV sedation. It’s important to understand that every procedure is different based on the patient’s preference, the dentist’s experience and the overall oral health of the patient.

This procedure typically involves three steps:

  1. titanium root analogues are surgically attached to the jawbone to serve as an anchor for a false tooth. The patient is then given a number of weeks or months for healing to occur and for the implant to fuse adequately to the bone
  2. your dentist will check the implant to make sure it has successfully integrated into your jawbone and then connect a post to the implant which will be visible above the gum line
  3. a false tooth is fabricated and fixed to the integrated dental implant

If you have a missing tooth and think that dental implants might be the solution to restore your smile, we invite you to make an appointment to discuss your specific circumstances.

Click here to find out more about dental implants at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

 

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Children’s Dental Surgery – Things To Expect When Your Child Has Dental Surgery

dental surgery

Certain dental problems in children might require a surgical procedure. In some cases, dental surgery involves using anaesthesia or sedation. While the thought of your children undergoing surgery might make you anxious, knowing what to expect beforehand can calm your fears. You’ll also be able to better prepare your children for surgery, which can help them feel less nervous about it.

General or localised anaesthesia during surgery

Depending on the type of surgery your child needs, the dentist might use localised or general anaesthesia. Localised anaesthesia numbs only the surgical site, while general anaesthesia puts your child to sleep through sedation. Dentists use general anaesthesia only in cases where it’s needed to ensure the success of the surgery and safety of the child, which is typically for more complex types of dental surgery. Fillings and other minor forms of surgery can usually be done with localised anaesthesia. In either case, your child’s dentist will wait until the anaesthesia has taken effect before beginning the procedure.

Questions and concerns

Remember to address any concerns you have with your child’s dentist before surgery to help ease your mind. The dentist should go over details about the procedure and explain what will be done. You should also receive pre-surgery instructions to ensure your child is prepared for surgery.

Aftercare

Once the procedure is done, your child might have sore gums for several days afterwards. Your dentist may advise the eating of soft foods for a few hours after surgery, especially if your child is feeling dizzy or nauseous. Your child’s mouth might feel numb for up to an hour after surgery, which might make them feel anxious. Explain to your child that this is a normal part of surgery and that the sensation will go away.

Side effects

After undergoing dental surgery, some children experience soreness or sensitivity in the gums. If your child’s gums are sore, an over-the-counter pain reliever for children can ease this discomfort. It’s important to call your dentist if your child has any of the following for one or more days after the procedure:

  • worsening pain
  • vomiting
  • dizziness
  • fever
  • severe bleeding

These symptoms can indicate an infection or other serious side effects of surgery that requires prompt treatment. Keep in mind that these side effects are rare. In most cases, children recover quickly and safely from surgery.

 

Click here to find out more about surgical procedures at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

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Porcelain Veneers – Creating The Smile Of Your Dreams

porcelain veneers

If you’ve always dreamed of having perfectly formed and neatly aligned teeth, you may be interested to know that porcelain veneers can create a perfect smile. Veneers made of exquisite porcelain can tidy up your smile and can be fitted in just three professional appointments.

The veneer procedure is painless and often much less expensive than having dental crowns, orthodontic braces or caps fitted. Here’s what you need to know about veneers.

About porcelain veneers

Dental veneers cleverly and attractively cover ugly stains on teeth from tobacco, foods or medication. They also close unsightly gaps between teeth without the expense of dental braces. Crooked or chipped teeth can be made perfect in appearance with veneers.

The approximate length of durability for veneers is 15 years or more, making them a long-term solution for gaining a perfect smile.

Veneers made of the whitest porcelain have become very popular. Veneers restore attractive smiles to self-conscious patients. The smile of your dreams is three professional appointments away.

How porcelain veneers are created and fitted

The entire procedure for fitting porcelain veneers usually requires three visits with your dentist, as follows:

  • the initial examination and consultation where your goals and needs are thoroughly discussed and your dental options are explored
  • the fitting for any moulds and the selection of the exact colour shade you require
  • the final procedure to bond the porcelain veneers to your existing tooth or teeth

Ready for the smile of your dreams?

If it’s time to create the smile of your dreams, we invite you to come in for a discussion of the type of smile you wish to create. After listening to your goals, we will clearly define a dental plan to achieve your desired outcomes.

If porcelain veneers are an appropriate solution to your requirements, we will use our years of experience performing this procedure to create a winning smile for you.

Click here  to find out more about veneers at Dr Martin Jest Dental Surgery

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