Welcome to the Frequently Asked question section of Robina Village Dental. We have answers below to answer many common questions we receive. If you don’t see the answer to the question you are looking for however, just give us a call! PH (07) 5593 0444.
To browse the FAQ, simply use the “Quick Links” below, or scroll down to find the information you need:
Dan discussing oral hygiene techniques with a patient
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PREVENTION
Why should I get a dental check up?
To prevent oral cancer:
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer, every hour of every day in the United States alone. When you have your dental cleaning, your dentist is also screening you for oral cancer, which is highly curable if diagnosed early.
To prevent gum disease:
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone. It is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. If diagnosed early, it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage of gum disease may follow. Regular dental cleanings and check ups, flossing daily and brushing twice a day are key factors in preventing gum disease.
To help maintain good physical health:
Recent studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease. A dental cleaning every 6 months helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy and could possibly reduce your risk of heart disease and strokes.
To keep your teeth:
Since gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, regular dental check ups and cleanings,brushing and flossing are vital to keeping as many teeth as you can. Keeping your teeth means better chewing function and ultimately, better health.
To detect dental problems early:
Your dentist will be able to detect any early signs of problems with your teeth or gums. Early detection of cavities, broken fillings and gum disease are easily treatable. If these problems go untreated, root canals, gum surgery and removal of teeth could become the only treatment options available.
To maintain good oral health:
Your dentist will help to ensure that you are maintaining your good oral health by visual examination and comparing your previous dental check ups. If you are falling off track with your oral hygiene he / she will help put you back on the right path.
To use your health insurance plan:
Dental insurance plans usually pay for all or most of the cost of dental cleanings and check ups every six months. Take advantage of this and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly dental procedures that can result from poor oral hygiene.
To create a treatment plan:
If your dentist diagnoses any problems in your mouth, he /she will most likely give you a treatment plan. This treatment plan will have the cost of each procedure that you will need. It will also ensure that you treatment is carried out in the correct order and in the most cost-effective way.
To have a bright smile:
Your dentist can remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains. During your cleaning, your dentist will also polish your teeth to a beautiful shine.
To prevent bad breath:
Dental studies show that about 85 percent of people with persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis have a dental problem that is to blame. Good oral hygiene is essential in preventing bad breath. Regular check ups and cleanings are the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
How often should I brush my teeth?
Twice a day is fine in most cases. For some people with specific gum problems we advise brushing more often.
When should I brush?
Last thing before bed and in the morning. It is important not to brush your teeth immediately after consuming anything acidic such as fresh citrus juices, fizzy drinks and red wine. In the 30 minutes after consuming these items your teeth are softer and more prone to tooth wear.
How should I brush?
Ensure that you brush every surface of every tooth – biting surfaces, and all sides. Angle the brush at 45 degrees towards the gums and brush along the gum-line as well as the teeth.
What about electric toothbrushes?
These can be great, particularly if you have problems with dexterity, such as arthritis in the hands. However, ensure that you choose one that can be fully charged by plugging into the wall, rather than a battery operated one, which will only be effective when the battery is new. Replacing a battery every time you brush your teeth is very expensive.
Do I need to floss?
Flossing is a great way to cleanse between your teeth. Unless you have lots of natural spaces in between your teeth which can be reached by the brush, you need to floss.
How should I floss?
Floss in a vertical motion from just below the gum towards the top of the tooth.
How does Fluoride work?
This is split into two categories:
(a): Systemically
This is fluoride that is ingested, such as naturally occurring fluoride, fluoride that is added to water and fluoride tablets. This mainly helps teeth that are still developing, up to around age seven years old. It works by binding to the tooth structure while it is developing, making it stronger and more resistant to tooth decay. Systemic fluoride only helps those whose teeth are still forming, so fluoride in the water is great but it won’t help those who are over seven years old.
(b): Topically
This is fluoride that comes into contact with tooth surfaces, such as fluoride in toothpaste and in mouthwash. This can help all ages and helps to tip the balance from tooth demineralization during the early stages of tooth decay, to remineralization. This only helps with minimal areas of tooth decay – it cannot help once an actual cavity is formed.
Are there any risks with fluoridated water ingestion?
If the concentration of fluoride added to water is controlled, then there is no sound evidence that suggests any risk. Fluoride has been added to the water of many countries for many years and to date there is no sound scientific research suggesting any problems.
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ORTHODONTICS
Can I have clear plastic braces that cannot be seen?
In some cases this type of treatment is a wonderful way to improve your smile. However, in our opinion, it is best used for only minor tooth movements when the dental arches (jaws) are already correctly shaped and positioned.
In the absence of proper jaw alignment, there can be a greater chance of future problems with the jaw-joint,head-aches, excessive tooth-wear, and orthodontic relapse when the teeth revert back to their original positions.
Why do my teeth look so large?
The teeth do not change in size once they are formed. Under normal circumstances, the jaws grow fast enough to keep up with the eruption of the teeth. When this balance is disrupted, orthodontic problems can arise.
Are teeth ever actually too large for a patient’s mouth?
Yes. However, this is a very rare occurrence, called macrodontia. Furthermore, teeth can be too small causing excess spacing, called microdontia.
Is early treatment always best?
Not necessarily. However, if the problem is growth related, usually, the earlier it is treated the better. The majority of problems fall into this category. If the problem is simply “crooked teeth” within normally sized and positioned jaws then the dentist may advise to wait until all the permanent teeth have erupted.
Can I be treated with only removable appliances (orthopaedic therapy)?
Sometimes yes. However, everyone should be prepared to complete the case fully with orthodontic therapy using fixed braces if they want straight teeth.
What will the treatment cost?
In most cases, the dentist will be able to provide an accurate quote. Costs are usually kept to a minimum with early treatment when necessary. This helps to take advantage of the child’s natural growth and can keep treatment more simple.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
As with all other types of insurance, this will vary with individual policies. In most cases, if fixed braces are planned, the insurance company may pay a one-off, life-time orthodontic benefit. Check with your health-insurance provider for details.
Will the appliances make me “talk funny?”
At first they usually will. However, after a couple of weeks of full-time wear speech should return to normal.
When can I take the appliance out?
Only when eating and tooth brushing for most appliances. There are some instances when it is best to eat in the appliance as well. There are some circumstances when it can be taken out for short periods, such as singing in a choir.
Is there an age limit for orthodontics?
The boom in cosmetic dentistry is prompting more adults to consider wearing braces to straighten their teeth, something once thought of as a rite of passage for teens. So if you think you’re too old for braces, think again. Some adults are even opting to get braces at the same time their children do!
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IMPLANTS
What is a dental implant?
This is a way of replacing a missing tooth or teeth. Usually made from titanium, the implant is placed during a simple surgical procedure. Once it has integrated with the jaw bone it can be restored by placing a crown on top of it.
How long have dental implants been around for?
Dental implants have been a “main-stream” dental treatment since the 1980’s with the introduction of the “Titanium-cylinder. However, the history of dental implants goes back as far as the Ancient Egyptians – gold wire has been found in the jaw-bones of mummies.
How successful are dental implants?
Very successful when every part of the treatment is carried out correctly. A 95% success rate is commonly quoted.
What factors increase the chances of implant success?
- If the quality and quantity of bone are both good.
- If the dentist places and restores the implant correctly.
- If the patient is a non-smoker.
- If the patient’s oral hygiene is good.
- If the patient has regular checks and cleans every 6 months.
Are there any medical conditions that can contraindicate implant placement?
Yes, but every individual is different. The most important factor is bone quality and quantity. Some of these conditions are:
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes, blood disorders and bone disorders.
Who can place an implant?
Oral surgeons, periodontists and dentists can place the implant providing they have gone through the relevant training.
Who can restore the implant?
A dentist will place the crown on top of the implant to make it look and function like a tooth.
Is implant surgery painful?
No, an effective local anaesthetic should prevent any pain.
When can I return to work?
Usually the day after surgery. Your implantologist will advise you if this is not the case.
How much will an implant cost?
This can vary considerably. Sometimes bone-grafts, temporary implant crowns and other additional procedures are required. These will all add to the cost. In general, an implant, together with its crown the cost will be between $4500 and $5000.
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CROWNS, BRIDGES AND VENEERS
What is a crown?
This is a restoration that fits over the tooth, like a pen cap fitting over a pen. It is usually made of porcelain or gold, or a combination of precious metal and porcelain.
Why might I need a crown?
Sometimes a large filling is not strong enough to last in the long-term. The crown will increase the strength of a heavily-filled tooth. In addition, a large filling can attract plaque deposits. A crown will be easier to keep clean and so is less likely to get further decay.
How much does a crown cost?
On average it will cost between $1000 and $2000 but costs can vary.
Can anything go wrong with a crown?
Yes, as with all man-made objects crowns can fail. The most common cause of failure is problems with the root of the tooth such as abscess formation. However, this is not usually related to the crown itself. Any tooth that has had a large area of decay or has been very broken down can succumb to pulpitis (inflammation of the nerve). If the nerve has already been removed by root canal treatment (RCT) then a relapse of the RCT can lead to failure.
If a crown is placed properly then it should not break. Occasionally, after a very long time (eg): 20 years the cement which bonds the crown to the tooth can fail. If this happens, the crown can be cleaned and recemented providing the underlying tooth is still healthy.
What is a bridge?
This is similar to a crown, except there is more than one crown on a bridge. One of the crowns acts to replace a missing tooth.
What is a veneer?
This is usually made of porcelain, but can be made of white filling material. It is similar to a crown except it only wraps around the part of the tooth that is visible – usually the front and sometimes the sides as well. It is used for cosmetic reasons rather than to improve strength. Veneers are excellent at disguising chipped, discoloured or broken teeth.
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ROOT CANAL TREATMENT (RCT)
What is an Root Canal?
This is when a dentist removes the nerve from a tooth and then sterilizes the remaining root chamber (canal). After this the canal is sealed so that nothing can get in or out of the root system.
Why might I need a Root Canal?
There are many reasons but the most common is when the tooth nerve is irreversibly inflamed or when there is an abscess. It can also be carried out electively when the tooth root is required to help retain a crown. This only happens when the tooth is very broken down and a post is required to be put into the root to give retention for a crown.
Is a Root Canal painful?
With modern anaesthetics it is very rare to experience pain. However, if the nerve is excessively inflamed it may be tender. In this instance most dentists will stop treatment and place a dressing which will help to settle the nerve for the follow up appointment.
How much does it cost?
This will vary according to how many canals there are in a given tooth. An incisor often only has one canal and so is usually less costly than a molar with three or four canals.
Between $200 and $400 per canal is an average cost.
Are there any extra costs?
Yes, two or three x-rays will be needed in most cases. These may cost around $40 each. In addition, the tooth will need to be filled which may cost around $250 on average.
Furthermore, in many cases, around three to six months later an RCT’d tooth will need a crown to give it strength.
How successful is a RCT?
The evidenced based dentistry journals suggest that if RCT is carried out to a “text-book standard” then it is around 80-85% effective. In most medical and dental studies “success” relates to the five year survival rate.
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Health Funds
Department of Veteran’s Affairs
Government E.P.C. Scheme
Robina Village Dental Care and The Community
Robina Village Dental Care regularly contributes to both local and global charities. Canteen, the cancer charity for young people with cancer and World-Vision are our current nominated charities.
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