Frequently asked questions:
- Should I use an electric toothbrush?
- How are my headaches related to my teeth?
- How can I get my teeth whitened?
- I am scared of dental treatment. Can you help?
- Why take X-rays? Are they safe?
- How often should I come in for checkups and a clean?
- What is a cavity?
- When should I bring my children to the dentist for their first visit?
- Can I replace my missing teeth?
- Do you make white fillings?
- What is a dental hygienist?
- Why do I need to see a dentist and a hygienist?
- Do you see patients who live outside of your local area?
Should I use an electric toothbrush?
Many dentists believe electric toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque from those hard to reach places that ordinary manual toothbrushes would miss. Before you buy, properly evaluate ease of use, battery life and cost of replacement brushes. Always remember that you still need to include daily flossing as part of your dental care routine.
How are my headaches related to my teeth?
Teeth should only touch each other when you chew, swallow or talk. Studies have shown that this occurs for 15-30 minutes per day. Clenching and grinding teeth is known as bruxism, and commonly occur during sleep. Headaches and jaw pain often result from tired and clenching muscles that are working when they should be resting. Over time, bruxism can cause damage to teeth and dental work such as crowns, veneers, fillings etc. We use a non-drug approach to relaxing the muscles by fitting a simple appliance for night-time use only.
How can I get my teeth whitened?
There are a number of techniques that can be used by our dentists to help you achieve that whiter, brighter smile. This may include home teeth whitening kits, in-office teeth whitening, bonding or porcelain veneers.
I am scared of dental treatment. Can you help?
There are lots of people who are anxious, scared or even terrified of dental treatment. There are lots of things that we can do to help including - a calm, supportive team approach, use of local anaesthetic in conjunction with topical anaesthetic gel, nitrous oxide (sometimes called “laughing gas”) which is a gentle way of relaxing you. If you are unable to overcome your fears, we can provide you with dental treatment under a general anaesthetic and are happy to discuss this alternative with you.
Why take x-rays? Are they safe?
X-rays are sometimes a necessary aid to check between the teeth, underneath fillings and crowns, and supporting jawbone. At Cairns Precision Dental, we use the latest digital x-ray equipment to minimise your exposure to x-rays. We follow all the safety requirements and our equipment is constantly calibrated and maintained to ensure your safety. We use a protective lead shield and lead cones to limit x-ray spread and we feel that our system gives maximum diagnostic value and safety levels.
How often should I come in for checkups and a clean?
We recommend that patients visit us on a regular six monthly basis for an examination and “scale and clean”. The earlier our dentist identifies problems, the less difficult and expensive they are to treat. Even though you may feel that nothing hurts in your mouth, pain is a really poor indicator as to whether there is a problem.
What is a cavity?
The bacteria present in plaque (a sticky layer found on teeth and gums) ferments the sugars present in our diet producing acid, which demineralizes the tooth and creates a hole or area of decay known as a cavity.
When should I bring my children to the dentist for their first visit?
Oral care for children should begin as soon as their first teeth begin to erupt, with their first trip to the dentist occurring once all the deciduous (baby teeth) have erupted into their mouth (usually at around 24-30 months of age). Early diagnosis can ensure there are no developmental issues with your child’s teeth and gums and this helps set them up with healthy teeth for life.
Can I replace my missing teeth?
Missing teeth can cause loss of function, loss of gum and bone, and compromised aesthetics. They can be replaced by—removable partial dentures, tooth supported fixed bridge, implant supported fixed or removable prosthetics.
Do you make white fillings?
Our practice is an amalgam free dental practice. This means we only restore teeth using tooth-coloured restorations. These include composite resin, glass ionomer cements and porcelain.
What is a Dental Hygienist?
Dental Hygienists are specially trained members of the dental team who work together with your dentist to provide fully integrated dental care. They play an important role in dental health, preventing dental disease by providing individual oral hygiene care and education to patients.
Why do I need to see a dentist and a hygienist?
The Hygienist has been specially trained in the cleaning and maintenance of the mouth, teeth and gums. A dentist will refer a patient to a hygienist for more specialized oral care, while the dentist provides complex restorative care.
Do you see patients who live outside of your local area?
Yes - we have patients who come from Cape York, the Atherton Tablelands region, Port Douglas, and overseas. So where ever you live you are more than welcome at Cairns Precision Dental Group.