FAQ's
How can I look after my smile?
Looking after your smile
Maintaining dental health has two main components — at-home care and professional care. Simple maintenance of your dental health can prevent complications such as tooth loss, as well as the need for restorative or cosmetic dentistry in the future.
How can I prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Good oral hygiene starts at home we recommend brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristle toothbrush and and a fluoride toothpaste. This helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease. Remember to replace your brush every two to three months.
Proper flossing
Flossing is crucial to the health of your teeth and gums and the prevention of gum disease. Ease the floss between each tooth; then, sweep it up and down several times while curving around the tooth at the gum line. Don’t forget to floss behind your last tooth and to floss bridges and artificial teeth with the appropriate interdental cleaner.
What happens at my examination appointment?
At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment at Clifton Dental Clinic, our dentists will carefully check your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat. A checkup usually includes
A head and neck examination
This includes a cancer exam, facial exam, palpation of chewing muscles, palpation of lymph nodes, and an exam of the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
A clinical dental examination
This includes a periodontal exam and examinations of the mobility of teeth, the mucous membranes, saliva, occlusion (bite), removable appliances, and contact between teeth. If we detect tooth decay or broken fillings, we will discuss appropriate action with you.
A Scale and polish with one of our hygienists
Following the clinical dental exam, your dentist will discuss a detailed treatment plan, if necessary. One of our friendly receptionists will schedule a follow-up visit for you.
How can I look after my gums?
Gum disease,has several stages. The initial stage is called gingivitis and is an infection of the gingival (gum tissue). In this stage, gums become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. The underlying bone is unaffected. In later stages, however, gum disease can lead to bone loss and the loosening or even loss of teeth.
Gum disease treatment varies according to the stage of the disease. At its mildest stages, gingivitis can be treated by clearing plaque and tartar deposits from the gum pockets. Severe gum disease, on the other hand, might require treatment that includes bone and gum grafts. At clifton dental clinic we are lucky to have not only our own hygienists who carry out routine scalings, but also Dr Jessica Taylor who has a special interest in the successful treatment and prevention of gum disease which is also known as periodontal disease.
What causes sensitive teeth?
Sensitive teeth can be caused by a range of factors. The porous part of the tooth, called dentine is the region that registers pain, and dentine can become exposed due to:
Fractured or chipped teeth
Teeth injured by clenching or grinding
Receding gums caused by gum disease or improper brushing
How can I care for my sensitive teeth?
Pain from sensitive teeth often comes and goes, but if you experience constant pain, you may have a more serious problem.
There are many effective treatments for sensitive teeth, including:
A soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent gum irritation
Toothpaste designed to insulate the nerve that registers pain
A fluoride rinse or gel, available at Clifton Dental Clinic
If you have sensitive teeth, visit Clifton Dental Clinic to discuss your symptoms. We can help determine the cause of your pain and develop a course of treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever before, and for good reason. Today's cosmetic dentistry techniques yield impressive, long-lasting results.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Dentist supervised POWER or CHAIRSIDE whitening systems such as our ZOOM2 system are widely considered to provide the safest cosmetic dentistry treatments. Teeth whitening is a conservative method for completely making over your smile.
Chairside teeth whitening procedures are performed with a specially formulated peroxide gel that allows oxygen to permeate your tooth enamel, lifting stains. The structure of your tooth enamel is not affected. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity. The procedure is carried out in surgery and takes around an hour.
We also offer At- home whitening – where the whitening treatment is carried out by filling custom made moulds or trays with the bleaching agent and wearing in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Both treatments are available and many patients who have the chairside power whitening take advantage of our at home system offer to provide “TOP-Ups”
Do you offer tooth coloured fillings to replace my metal fillings?
The placement of tooth coloured or composite fillings is one of the most commonly performed general dentistry procedures at Clifton Dental Clinic. In addition to filling new cavities, these beautiful restorations can replace old metal fillings that have blackened, fractured, popped out, or that simply take away from the beauty of your smile. We also offer the state of the art CEREC 3D system, which enables Dr Pirie to design and construct your new crown/veneer/inlay while you are in the dental chair – in little over an hour.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth is a common complaint among our patients. Luckily, our practice features several cutting-edge methods of filling gaps in a patient's smile.
If I am missing one or more teeth, what are my options?
Patients today have an array of options for replacing missing teeth. Dentures, bridges and Implants all have their advantages and disadvantages, though modern cosmetic and restorative dentistry has come to favor dental implants because they look and function just like real teeth.
If you have lost a tooth or several teeth, we urge you to seek treatment. Adjacent teeth can shift into the gap left by a lost tooth; in addition, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss, hygiene problems, difficulties with speaking and eating, and much more. Today’s dental restorations are better than ever, and they can give you a strong bite and a beautiful smile. Contact Clifton Dental Clinic today for a FREE consultation to discuss the options available to you.
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
Nearly anyone who is missing one or more teeth, and desires a superior, long-lasting aesthetic result is a good candidate for dental implants. However, patients must have enough bone to support and stabilize the implant. Some individuals who have suffered bone loss as a result of gum disease or another condition may need bone grafting before a dental implant can be placed successfully. Dr Pirie is skilled in bone grafting and dental implant procedures and will be glad to work with you to eliminate the gaps in your smile
Comfortable General and Cosmetic Dentistry
Going to the dentist does not have to be associated with anxiety and discomfort! At Clifton Dental Clinic, our dentists take several steps to make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable while receiving the best in modern dental care.
What is sedation dentistry? How can it help me?
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