Looking for a dentist Mackay? Head to Northern Beaches Dental!
At our practice, our aim is to provide dental care for everyone. It is designed to be a welcoming and calming environment, so that you are comfortable from the moment you walk into it. And, advancing from reception, we have the latest technologies and treatments to suit your individual needs. When you meet our dentist Mackay, we want you to be able to discuss your requirements freely and we will help you make an informed decision about your treatment plan, once we have examined you and identified which procedures may be suitable for you. With up-to-date training and technology, Northern Beaches Dental aims to treat all patients, no matter what their requirements, so you won’t need to go anywhere else. An example of one of our treatments that patients love is Invisalign.
Invisalign: what is it?
Invisalign is a treatment that is composed of plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth which are transparent, so only your teeth should be visible to other people. The aligners apply pressure to the teeth to gradually push them into their targeted positions. You will need to change between the aligners you will be given on a regular basis. We give you 6 weeks’ worth, so you only need to come and see us every 6 weeks for a check-up and to get your next supply of aligners to last until your next appointment with our dentist Mackay. Patients typically feel empowered knowing that they can wear their aligners and other people won’t realise they have anything in their mouth at all.
What are the other benefits of Invisalign?
By choosing Invisalign, we know that patients are pleased to hear that mild to moderate alignment issues may be treated in just 6 to 18 months on average. If you have crossbite or crowded teeth, for example, Invisalign could be the treatment you need to address these problems. What’s more, you can celebrate the fact that you may remove the aligners for up to 2 hours each day, allowing you to eat without them in your mouth, so you won’t need to restrict your diet in any way, and you can clean your teeth without trying to work around anything else obstructing them.
Another benefit of Invisalign is the fact that the aligners should be comfortable to wear because they are made to measure for your mouth, and your mouth alone. We use iTero technology to scan your mouth and take the precise measurements required for the aligners to be manufactured to. From this scan, we can also produce a 3D animation of what your teeth will look like after your treatment is completed. This can be a really motivational thing to see, before you have even started your treatment. Invisalign is the treatment that will lead you to a new smile and you could find the convenience and flexibility of the treatment is pretty enjoyable too.
Initial consultation
To find out more about Invisalign, or any of the treatments that we offer, come and book in for an initial consultation, where we can discuss your requirements and examine your mouth. We will be able to present you with the treatment options and answer any questions you have to ensure that you can make an informed decision about the treatment plan that is right for you moving forward.
We know it takes time to find a dentist Mackay and once you’ve found us, we don’t want you to have to search again and we will keep innovating at our practice to ensure you won’t have to.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Advantages of veneers from our dentist
When you head to your local dental surgery to have cosmetic treatment performed, you may be concerned that you will need to have multiple treatments. Especially if you are looking to resolve issues such as spacing, cracks or chips in your teeth or even discolouration.
Luckily, there is now a way that we can oversee the treatment of all of these issues with one exceedingly versatile dental procedure known as veneers or porcelain laminates. You may or may not be suitable for them, depending on the issues that you are having treated.
At Northern Beaches Dental, we will always aim to provide our patients with the highest level of dental cosmetic care. Our dentist Mackay will work with you to ensure that your aesthetic needs are met and that you leave our surgery post-procedure feeling better about your smile.
In this article, we will discuss some of the benefits of having porcelain veneers fitted, so you can ascertain whether or not you want to contact our dentist Mackay to have this performed.
Sensitivity
Dental sensitivity is a common complaint that many of our patients have and while our dentist Mackay would usually try to resolve oral sensitivity using fluoride sealants or even root canals, veneers can be a viable option too. If the sensitivity in your teeth is caused by a crack, a chip, erosion of the enamel, or even dentine exposure, veneers can be beneficial. They will act as a protective covering between the dentine and the external stimuli of the mouth, thereby preventing them from accessing the pulp.
Gaps
This will depend on the severity of the gaps that you have, but if you have minor spacing between your teeth that you do not want to undertake orthodontic treatments for, veneers can be a viable option, especially when relating to the front teeth. We will simply create veneers that are wider than your tooth.
Cracks and chips
As mentioned before, veneers can help to conceal cracks and chips and will prevent sensitivity from forming as well as decay. But they can also act as a strengthening agent for teeth which are damaged due to these imperfections in the enamel, so they are well worth discussing with our team. In some instances, our team may choose to use veneers alongside other treatments such as root canals or crowns to prevent cracks or chips from forming in the enamel.
Discolouration
One of the main reasons why our patients come to us to have veneers fitted is to resolve issues with discolouration in their teeth, without using whitening gels or bleaches. Veneers can be created in any shade or hue that you prefer and can act as an instant boost to the appearance of your smile. In fact, they can whiten your teeth up to 18 shades in a single visit.
Aesthetics
Of course, with all of these advantages, the aesthetics of your smile will undoubtedly improve. When you have veneers fitted, they can whiten and straighten your teeth and can create better overall symmetry too, whilst closing gaps and concealing cracks. Thereby allowing you to feel better about how your smile looks.
DISCLAIMER
All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Tips for preventing oral cancer from our dentist
Oral cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. This is because it is usually easily detected. Regular check-ups with your dentist can help with this.
However, unfortunately it is also on the rise in the Western world, due in part to people engaging in behaviours which may not be in their best interests or those of their health. Not to mention the good old fashioned fear of attending dental check-ups!
At Northern Beaches Dental, our team believes heavily in prevention being better than cure. So, our dentist Mackay is always eager to see our patients for routine check-ups to assess their overall health and wellbeing. If it’s been a while since you got into the dental chair, be sure to book your next check-up soon!
So, what are some of the steps that can be taken to minimise your risk of developing oral cancer? Read on to find out!
Stop smoking
Our dentist Mackay knows that the number one way that you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer is to stop smoking.
The chemicals which come into contact with your inner cheeks, tongue and gums from smoking are full of carcinogens. Which increases the risk of you developing cancer. Not to mention depriving your blood cells of oxygen. If you need help with smoking cessation, our dentist Mackay will always be happy to offer you smoking cessation options.
Limit your drinking
Alcohol, much like smoking, allows carcinogenic material to come into contact with the soft tissues in your mouth. Once again, increasing the chance of cancerous cells developing. However, we are aware that if you are alcohol dependent, you won’t be able to simply quit altogether, and will need medical assistance. But we are more than happy to work with patients at every stage of this journey and will advise you on how best to look after your teeth in the process.
Attend check-ups
It sounds simple, but one of the easiest ways to prevent oral cancer is to attend check-ups as often as possible.
This is because they allow our dental team to assess the health of your mouth and look for signs of oral cancer regularly. It also enables us to quickly refer you for testing if we notice anything of concern. Thus, increasing the chances of a complete recovery.
Minimise sun exposure
This may seem odd, but oral cancer can begin on the lips and spread into the mouth. If you are a sun worshipper, this can increase the likelihood of you developing oral cancer.
So, be sure to check that your lips are protected when you step out on a sunny day. There are lip balms that can provide UV protection. Alternatively, you can wear a large hat!
Keep an eye out for signs
There are many different signs of oral cancer to look out for.
One of which is the obvious lump or bump in your mouth. Others can include ulcers which are larger than a small coin. Or ulcers that bleed or recur in the same part of the mouth. Or, you may simply notice that there is a patch of skin in your mouth that physically feels different, so this is worth checking out with our team.
DISCLAIMER
All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Root canals; FAQs answered by our dentist
It is something of a common occurrence that is set into the minds of many dental patients. If you have ever suffered from a dental abscess, the chances are that you’ll never want to experience a sensation like that again!
In years gone by, the only real way to ensure that a dental abscess or pulp infection in the tooth would never recur was to remove the tooth. This created issues with aesthetics, especially if the tooth was located at the front of the mouth. Root canals are now the common practice for resolving abscesses, but they are somewhat disliked by the majority of dental patients. Quite unfairly so!
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay has performed thousands of root canals and can attest to how useful this procedure is at not only preventing abscesses but also maintaining the aesthetic of your smile with minimal effort or trauma. Great stuff!
But you may remain unconvinced that a root canal is for you. Therefore, our dentist Mackay has answered 5 common questions that we receive about root canals, so you can get a better idea of what this treatment is and how it can help you.
Does it cause discomfort?
In a word, no. Root canals do not cause discomfort, rather they alleviate it. Our dentist Mackay is certain that this myth comes from the discomfort of the problem that the root canal is trying to fix; a dental abscess is an exceedingly uncomfortable condition, so this link has formed. Once you are at home after the local anaesthetic and root canal, the area may feel slightly bruised or sensitive for a few days; this is completely normal and should be manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Will the tooth die afterwards?
This is a bit of a yes-and-no answer; the tooth will be able to continue with its function, but as the pulp has been removed, the tooth is technically dead; this does not mean that it will turn black. One of the key advantages of having a root canal performed is that it does not create an aesthetic issue with your teeth.
Will the abscess reoccur?
It is statistically unlikely that an abscess will reoccur under a tooth where a root canal has been performed. However, if the roots of your teeth were curled or misshapen (which is very common), this can create a complication that can enhance the chances of an abscess reoccurring. Our team will make every effort to ensure that the root canal is performed correctly to minimise the occurrence of any dental infection.
How long will it last?
With the correct aftercare, such as brushing and attending biannual check-ups with our team, the results of a root canal should last for the rest of your life without issue. But if you do notice sensitivity occurring with a tooth that has had a root canal, then you need to see our team promptly.
Isn’t extraction better?
In some instances, extraction is better, but this is only the case if the tooth has been damaged by severe decay. Root canals are usually better as they do not require a tooth to be extracted, which can otherwise create an obvious aesthetic and functional issue with your teeth.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
What to expect at an emergency appointment with our dentist
If you wake up in the middle of the night with a toothache, chances are you are going to need to seek out emergency care.
And, if this is your first time doing so, you may feel slightly concerned about what this kind of appointment may entail. Is it similar to triage at an emergency room in a hospital? Or is it more like a standard dental appointment?
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay will always aim to resolve any emergency dental issue as soon as possible and to eradicate any dental discomfort you may be having calmly and professionally.
We know how distressing a dental emergency can be and so, we will always aim to provide a welcoming and non-judgemental approach to all of our emergency patients. In this brief guide, we discuss what you can expect when you come to our dentist Mackay for an emergency appointment. So, enjoy!
Assessment
First things first, when you come to see our emergency dentist Mackay, we will look in your mouth to ascertain the cause of the emergency.
Don’t worry; we will be gentle and if opening your mouth is difficult, we will aim to diagnose the issue with x-rays, which can be common if you have a dental infection that is near the back of the mouth and causing pressure.
The diagnostic process will be fast and we will discuss the next steps that we are going to take with you.
Pain relief
If you have come to see our emergency team first thing in the morning, chances are you are in a bit of discomfort.
So, if you are suffering, please tell us and we will provide a gentle injection of a local anaesthetic to resolve the underlying discomfort. This may also make the examination and treatment easier, so please tell us if you have been in discomfort.
Treatment
Now, on to treatment!
The majority of patients that we see in our emergency setting have a dental abscess, which is causing pressure and discomfort.
So, assuming you have an abscess, we will take x-rays, provide mediation, and will discuss the most suitable course of action. If you have another dental emergency, such as a lost filling, crown, or a crack in your tooth, we will aim to restore the lost restoratives and fit a composite filling or crown to fix the damaged tooth.
Medication
We briefly touched on this before and concerning dental abscesses, the most common medication we prescribe at the emergency appointment stage is antibiotics.
This will help to get the infection under control and will also help to reduce the swelling, before the next stage of treatment is due. It will also help to resolve discomfort too!
Follow-up
With some dental emergencies, you will need a follow-up appointment.
In the case of a dental infection, you will need to see our general team to discuss the next stage in the treatment, such as an extraction of the infected tooth or a root canal. This will prevent the infection from recurring and, in the case of the root canal, will ensure that the tooth remains in your mouth.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Myths about root canals debunked by our dentist
There are few dental procedures that are as disliked as endodontics or, street name, the root canal.
And our team (along with many other dental teams) simply don’t understand why. After all, the root canal has been around for over 100 years in dental care and has proven itself time and time again to dental teams and patients alike that it is a procedure that can save a smile and a tooth without extensive discomfort.
But we feel we know why the root canal is so despised by patients, and it is due to myths and mistruths that surround it.
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay has performed many root canals over the years and can assure any patients who are worried about this procedure that we are well experienced in this procedure and that the results should last a long time without any aesthetic issues. Great!
Going back to our original point in this article, our dentist Mackay looks at some of the mistruths that surround root canals in order to debunk them, so you as our patient realise the benefits of this procedure.
Root canals kill the tooth
Many people worry that a root canal will kill the tooth and as a result, the tooth will turn either grey or black and will be a bit of an eyesore.
But our dentist Mackay assures you that in actuality, a root canal is a perfect way to maintain a smile and that having one performed will not change the colour of your tooth. Though you may experience less sensation within the tooth, depending on how much the pulp was infected and needed to be removed. But don’t worry! You will be able to retain your bite strength!
The procedure is uncomfortable
This myth undoubtedly came from patients who needed a root canal when they had a dental infection, which is an extremely uncomfortable condition to have. But before we perform the root canal, we will ensure that your tooth and gums are numbed and once we have removed the source of the infection, it is highly likely that you will feel better and will be in less discomfort.
But if you notice over the coming days that the sensation in the tooth has not resolved, then you need to see our team promptly.
It just delays an extraction
A root canal does not delay extraction and actually seeks to restore the tooth to its former strength. In order to ensure that the tooth the root canal was performed on will not require extraction in the future, you will need to keep up-to-date with your dental check-ups to ensure that no further decay sets in.
An extraction is better
In some cases, extraction may be preferable to a root canal. But if our team suggests a root canal it is most likely the best course of action. An extraction can become infected, leaves an obvious gap in your smile, which then causes the jaw to shrink down and can attract plaque.
So, of the two procedures, in 99% of cases, a root canal is better.
The results don’t last very long
With correct aftercare surrounding hygiene and dental check-ups, a root canal should easily last the rest of your life without a recurrence of the infection. Now that’s a long-lasting procedure!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is require d with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Advantages of dentures from our dentist
In the age of dental implants, it is all too easy to overlook the original treatments that paved the way for these procedures. In restorative dentistry, that is the ever-popular false teeth or denture.
Dentures have existed across cultures for centuries and there is a reason why they remain popular with dental patients today.
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay is happy and able to create a set of dentures and fit them for our patients, restoring your smile and ensuring that you regain the functionality of your teeth. Great!
But what are some of the overlooked advantages of having dentures? Our dentist Mackay answers that question below, so enjoy!
Improve your smile
The main advantage of having our dentist Mackay fit a set of dentures if you have missing teeth is, of course, the cosmetic advantage it creates.
They can close gaps, improve facial symmetry and allow you to feel better about your smile, all without invasive surgeries. What’s not to like about that?
Customised
Dentures are custom-fitted to your mouth and thus, when you are wearing them, they will be comfortable.
Our team will use either an intraoral scanner or a dental mould to take an impression of where the denture is going to sit, ensuring that the inner part of the denture is properly aligned and fits snugly over the gum. This will reduce rubbing, sores and will allow you to feel as though they truly are part of your mouth. Great!
Easy to clean
Most people have seen the image of dentures soaking in a glass of water overnight. And yes, it really is that simple!
Well, you may need something a bit tougher than plain water, such as a denture cleaning solution, but caring for dentures is easy. You can brush them with a toothbrush each day to ensure they stay clean, but soaking is required to remove bacteria on the back of the dentures, which can come into contact with your gums and cause sores.
Reduces secondary dental issues
While in this article we are talking about a full set of dentures, there are many instances where you may only require a partial denture. And it is worth noting that both are beneficial at preventing secondary issues.
For one thing, if you have a large gap between 2 teeth, it is unlikely that you are brushing that area correctly when you clean your teeth. And so, this can increase the risk of gum disease and may also put the 2 teeth in jeopardy of tooth decay. It is all too easy to forget about brushing a newly exposed area (such as the back of a tooth) and that in turn can lead to an accumulation of plaque and the formation of a cavity.
Affordable
OK, so while they may seem expensive, when compared to other restorative procedures, dentures are more in the price range of many patients.
If you are looking to merge restorative procedures, such as dental implants which can support a set of dentures, then the price will increase.
If you think it may be time to have a set of dentures fitted, please call our team at Northern Beaches Dental today for a consultation.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Extractions explained by our dentist at Northern Beaches
Do you need to have a tooth pulled and have questions?
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay will always endeavour to answer any queries you have about any dental procedure in jargon-free language, so you can make the best-informed decisions about your healthcare.
In the following article, our dentist Mackay answers common questions about dental extraction.
When is dental extraction recommended?
There are a few reasons why our dentist Mackay may recommend a dental extraction.
The first, and most obvious, is if the tooth is decayed beyond repair, which is more likely if you have missed a few dental check-ups. Related to this is if you have a dental infection or abscess and not just a large cavity; this can cause you to need an extraction, but this will usually only be performed after the infection has been treated.
If you are having orthodontic work performed, we may also recommend removing a tooth or teeth, especially if we are treating overcrowding in the mouth. This will make room for the teeth to move as the brace or aligner pushes them.
We may remove wisdom teeth if they are pressing against surrounding teeth as they erupt; this is called impaction and can be very uncomfortable, so we extract the tooth.
What does it involve?
There are 2 types of dental extraction; simple and surgical.
Simple extraction occurs in cases where the crown and root of the tooth are intact and will usually be attempted if a tooth needs to be removed to make room for orthodontic work. This involves the gum being numbed and a bit of wiggling to remove the tooth from the socket.
A surgical extraction is a bit more complicated; if the tooth has broken down due to decay, damage or is impacted, then we will need to numb the area and make some incisions to get it out.
How long does it take the gum to heal?
This depends on the type of extraction you had, your lifestyle, your age and your general health.
In most cases of a simple extraction, the gum should heal just fine on its own within around 2 weeks, assuming there is no issue with infection. In cases of surgical extraction, it can take up to a month and may also involve the removal of stitches.
If you smoke, have a poor diet, are ill or generally discard dental hygiene during this period, it can take longer to recover from extraction.
How can you promote faster healing?
Firstly, don’t poke (or try not to poke!) the extraction site with your tongue or a toothbrush.
This can irritate the gum, cause bleeding and can even introduce bacteria if done regularly enough. Brush around the site gently and keep it free from debris by rinsing it with saltwater.
You mustn’t apply pressure to the extraction site until at least a week post-extraction, so eat softer foods and stay hydrated.
What is dry socket?
When you have an adult tooth removed, there is a gap in which your jaw is now exposed. To prevent issues, your body will attempt to form a clot in the gap. Should this clot fail to form or be dislodged, you will probably develop dry socket, which is where the bone and surrounding nerves are exposed to the air, which is as uncomfortable as it sounds!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Technology and technique at our dentist in Mackay
At our dentist Mackay we have invested heavily in our equipment and keeping up to date with the latest techniques, to help give you the best treatment available at any given time. Advances in dental science and technology mean we have equipment designed to allow for faster diagnosis and more comfortable treatments. We regularly attend seminars and professional training to stay abreast of the latest developments in dentistry.
For example we use intraoral cameras to be able to produce detailed digital pictures of the inside of your mouth. These are displayed immediately and allow us to show you the areas that we have highlighted as problem regions. Keeping you informed all the time is an important part of our personal treatment process. Our digital X-ray machines produce clearer pictures than a normal X-ray, and allow us to recognise things like the early onset of tooth decay so we can then introduce treatment in a timely manner.
Taking anxiety out of equation
Our dentist Mackay understands that you may suffer from nervousness or anxiety about visiting a dentist. Rest assured, all our staff are trained to make your visit as stress free as possible and our equipment helps by allowing us to make a diagnosis quicker and administer the relevant treatment faster. Anxiety is usually born from a previous experience or minimal understanding of what a condition is and lack of detail about the proposed treatment. Our equipment allows us to explain and show you exactly what your condition is and how we propose to treat you, and this helps to alleviate tension and doubt. We also spend time getting to know you as we build a relationship and understanding of who you are and your trepidations. We believe open, two-way communication is key.
Helping you to help your children
Our dentist Mackay has a system of preventive dentistry which starts with your children. We believe that it is a wonderful gift to be able to give your children lasting dental health. We suggest that you bring your children from as old as one year with you on some of your dental visits. This will give your children the opportunity to experience the environment of our surgery and friendliness of our staff. We will also be able to start building that all-important relationship which will grow as they mature. When the time comes for their first examination we will have the opportunity to identify any problems existing or that may manifest later. We can educate them as to the correct dental cleaning and maintenance procedures and impress upon them the importance of regular six-monthly visits.
A radiant smile for today’s world
As dentists our priority is to ensure that you have the full function of your teeth, gums and jaw so that you can eat and chew your food properly, which in turn helps your stomach to digest your food. Of course in today’s technological world having a radiant smile is more important than ever and we will work hard to ensure that you can get the smile you’ve always wanted. We believe that by discussion and mutual understanding we can satisfy all your dental aspirations and requirements.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Our dentist talks extractions; what you need to know
Do you need to have a tooth extracted?
At Northern Beaches Dental, our dentist Mackay will always aim to make your visit with us as pleasant as possible, and if you need a tooth extraction, we will endeavour to make it straightforward.
Here, our dentist Mackay discusses what is involved in dental extractions.
Why a dental extraction might be needed?
As our dentist Mackay will tell you, extractions are usually the last resort concerning tooth decay.
We will usually aim to restore a tooth with a filling or crown, but if the decay is extensive or the tooth is damaged beyond repair, we will remove it. You may also need an extraction if you have overcrowded teeth and are about to undertake orthodontic work or if we detect that there is an issue with your wisdom teeth.
Different types of extraction
What you may not know is that there are two different types of dental extraction; simple and surgical.
With a simple extraction, the tooth is simply loosened with a tool known as an elevator and removed from the jaw after an anaesthetic has been applied.
With surgical extraction, the tooth may be degenerated or broken and our team will need to make surgical incisions to remove it.
Procedure
When you come to our team at Northern Beaches Dental for an extraction, we will always aim to make you feel comfortable by applying a local anaesthetic before the procedure; if you are nervous, we can offer sedative options to help you relax.
The extraction may be between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and the position of the tooth. We may need to apply stitches if the work was extensive, but this will also be performed under local anaesthetic.
Aftercare
Once your tooth has been extracted, the sensation around the extraction site is likely to feel sore and bruised for a few days; this is entirely normal.
You should avoid brushing near the site until the swelling recedes, but you can keep it clean using salt water rinses. If you have stitches, take extra care when eating, and stick to eating softer foods until you feel physically able to consume harder ones.
Also, keep an eye out for infection; prolonged discomfort, abnormal swelling, a blue tint to the gum or fever are all indicators of this. Should you have these symptoms, contact our team immediately.
Without such issues, the extraction site will usually heal on its own within two weeks.
Prevention
In some instances, such as orthodontics, extractions cannot be prevented. Similarly, if your wisdom teeth have been removed, it would be very odd if you needed to have the same teeth extracted again!
With decay, however, you can prevent further extractions by attending dental checkups regularly, using high-fluoride toothpaste at home and cutting back on sugary foods. You may also want to book yourself in for annual checkups with our hygienist; after all, we want your teeth to stay where they need to be: in your mouth!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
