Dental Emergencies: When should you see a dentist urgently?
Dental problems can develop after an accident, when a restoration breaks or because of infection, decay or gum disease. Some require immediate medical attention, while others can be managed temporarily until a dentist is available. Knowing the difference can help you seek the appropriate level of care. Call 000 or go to an emergency department when necessary Some mouth and facial problems are medical emergencies rather than matters to manage solely at a dental practice. Call triple zero (000) or go to the nearest emergency department if you have: Difficulty breathing Difficulty talking or swallowing Significant swelling of the tongue, mouth, throat or neck Rapidly increasing facial swelling A large amount of blood going down the throat Heavy bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure A serious facial or jaw injury Loss of consciousness or signs of a head injury Severe allergic-reaction symptoms Collapse, confusion or significant difficulty staying awake Do not wait for a dental practice to open when breathing, swallowing, consciousness or uncontrolled bleeding is involved. When should you seek same-day dental care? Contact a dentist urgently if you have: A knocked-out adult tooth A permanent tooth that has been displaced or made very loose by trauma Severe or increasing tooth pain Facial or gum swelling Suspected dental infection or abscess Fever with dental pain or swelling Pus or a persistent unpleasant taste A broken tooth with significant pain or internal tissue visible Bleeding that continues after dental treatment Dental trauma affecting several teeth Severe pain following a recent extraction A crown or filling loss accompanied by significant pain Tell the receptionist what happened, when it occurred...
Sedation Dentistry, Types, Risks and What to Expect
Dental anxiety is common and can range from mild uneasiness to intense fear that makes it difficult to attend appointments or complete treatment. Sedation is one option that may help selected patients undergo dental care. It is not necessary or appropriate for everyone, and the type and depth of sedation must be based on the patient’s health, anxiety, proposed procedure and ability to cooperate. Sedation involves medication and carries risks. An individual assessment, informed consent and appropriate clinical monitoring are required. What is dental anxiety? Dental anxiety can be associated with: A previous difficult dental experience Fear of pain, needles or loss of control Sensitivity to sounds, smells or sensations A strong gag reflex Difficulty becoming numb Embarrassment or fear of judgement Claustrophobia Medical or psychological conditions A history of trauma Uncertainty about what treatment will involve Symptoms may include sweating, nausea, rapid breathing, a racing heartbeat, difficulty sleeping before an appointment or avoiding dental care. People should not be blamed or judged for feeling anxious. Telling the dental team about your concerns allows time to discuss strategies that may make care more manageable. Is sedation the only option? No. Some patients can undergo treatment using non-drug anxiety-management measures alone or in combination with local anaesthetic. Options may include: A preliminary appointment without treatment Shorter appointments Agreeing on a stop signal Step-by-step explanations Additional time for questions Gradual exposure to the dental environment Distraction using music or audiovisual material Topical anaesthetic before injections Local anaesthetic delivered slowly Breathing or grounding techniques Support from a psychologist or medical practitioner Referral to a practitioner experienced in managing complex dental anxiety A...
Can Whitening Help Heavily Stained Teeth?
Teeth naturally occur in a range of shades. Their appearance can also change with age, diet, smoking, dental conditions, trauma, medication and previous dental treatment. If your teeth appear heavily stained, whitening may help—but the result depends on what caused the discolouration and whether it is located on the surface or within the tooth. Before whitening is recommended, a dentist should examine your teeth and gums, identify existing restorations and investigate any unusual colour changes. Tooth decay, cracks, sensitivity or gum disease may need to be managed first. What causes teeth to become stained? Dental discolouration is often divided into two broad categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic or surface staining Extrinsic stains develop on the outside of the tooth. Possible contributors include: Coffee and tea Red wine Tobacco Some strongly coloured foods Plaque and calculus Certain mouthrinses Inadequate oral hygiene Some surface staining can be reduced through professional cleaning. Whitening toothpaste may remove limited surface deposits but cannot substantially change the internal colour of a tooth. Trying to scrub stains away with abrasive toothpaste, charcoal or acidic home remedies may damage enamel or increase sensitivity. Intrinsic or internal discolouration Intrinsic discolouration develops within the enamel or dentine. Possible causes include: Natural changes associated with ageing Dental trauma Previous root canal treatment Developmental enamel conditions Fluorosis Certain medications taken while teeth were developing Changes within the dental pulp The natural colour and thickness of enamel and dentine Internal discolouration may respond differently from ordinary surface staining. Some forms can be lightened, while others may show little change. Can professional whitening remove heavy staining? Whitening uses a peroxide-based bleaching agent to...
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surfaces of selected teeth. Depending on your circumstances, they may be used to change aspects of tooth color, shape, proportion or minor spacing. Although porcelain is resistant to staining and wear, veneers are not indestructible. They can chip, fracture, loosen or develop problems around their margins. The natural teeth supporting them also remain susceptible to decay and gum disease. Daily oral hygiene, sensible habits and dental reviews can help maintain your veneers, but no veneer has a guaranteed lifespan. Brush your teeth twice a day Brush your teeth and veneers twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use gentle, thorough movements around the gumline and the edges of each veneer. Plaque left around these areas can contribute to gum inflammation and decay in the underlying tooth. Some highly abrasive toothpastes may affect the polished surfaces of dental restorations. If you are unsure whether a whitening, charcoal or stain-removing toothpaste is suitable, ask your dentist. Clean between your teeth daily A toothbrush cannot clean every surface between the teeth. Clean these areas each day using dental floss, interdental brushes or another aid recommended by your dentist. Properly performed flossing should not dislodge a securely bonded veneer. However, avoid snapping floss against the gums or forcing an interdental brush into a space that is too small. If you find flossing around your veneers difficult or notice that floss catches or shreds at a margin, arrange an assessment. Can teeth with veneers still develop decay? Yes. Porcelain itself cannot develop tooth decay, but the natural tooth around or beneath a veneer...
All-on-4 Implants: Potential Benefits and Considerations
All-on-4 dental implant treatment is one option for replacing a complete upper or lower arch of teeth. It generally involves placing four implants in the jawbone to support a fixed full-arch dental bridge. The treatment may be considered by people who have lost all their teeth, wear a complete denture or have remaining teeth with a poor prognosis. However, removing teeth is irreversible, and teeth that can reasonably be maintained should not automatically be extracted for implant treatment. All-on-4 treatment involves surgery, is not suitable for everyone and requires long-term professional and at-home maintenance. What are All-on-4 dental implants? “All-on-4” describes a treatment concept in which a full arch of replacement teeth is supported by four dental implants. The treatment has two main components: Dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone A connected full-arch bridge secured to the implants The bridge does not usually consist of an individual implant and crown for every missing tooth. Instead, multiple replacement teeth are joined together as one prosthesis supported by the implants. Depending on the clinical circumstances, a dentist may recommend four implants, more than four implants or a different type of treatment. The number and position of implants should be based on the available bone, anatomy, bite forces and planned restoration rather than assuming four implants will always be appropriate. What are the potential benefits? A fixed replacement for a complete arch The bridge is generally fixed to the implants and is not removed by the patient each night. A dental professional can remove it when maintenance, repair or clinical access is required. Some people prefer a fixed bridge because it...
Dr Vicky Ho will answer any questions you may have about your dental health and care.
Associations & Accreditations
