Dental care is key to overall health and wellbeing. With oral health services in Australia so available, you can get a range of dental procedures to suit your needs. From routine preventive care to complex restorative work, Australian dental clinics will do as much as possible to care for you. With public and private dental care, dentistry is available for minor and major problems. Here are some of the most common dental procedures in Australia.
Check-Ups and Clean
Regular dental exams and treatments are the key to maintaining healthy oral health. Dentists in Australia recommend you visit at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. At these appointments, the dentist will check the general health of your teeth and gums for decay, gum disease or other oral conditions. Brighter Smile Dental provides comprehensive care, ensuring your teeth and gums remain in top condition. Cleanings remove plaque and calculus that can cause caries and periodontal issues if left untreated. Fluoride treatments may also be applied to strengthen the enamel and prevent decay. Most clinics will also give you personalized oral hygiene advice to keep you in good oral health between visits.
Fillings and Restorations
Tooth decay is a common problem in Australia and usually occurs after a cavity has formed that needs to be treated urgently. Fillings are one of the most common restorative procedures to repair teeth with caries. Dentists will remove the loose part of the tooth and replace it with a fitting material (composite resin, amalgam or porcelain). Composite resin fillings are most used as they can provide a natural tooth colour that covers the preparation completely and a natural filling appearance. Inlays, on-lays or crowns may be used if the decay is extensive to regain the strength and function of the tooth. With advancing dental technology, the strength and appearance of these restorations have improved and you can smile with confidence.
Root Canal
Root canal therapy is a basic dental treatment for infections of the inner pulp of the tooth. This treatment is required when a tooth is severely decalcified or traumatized so the pulp is open to bacteria. The process is to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canal system and seal it to prevent new infection. Traditionally a crown is placed over the restored tooth to regain its strength and appearance. Despite the image of painful root canal therapy, modern approaches and anaesthesia in the treatment means most of it is painless. It is a very effective treatment when done can save a patient’s natural tooth.
Tooth Extractions and Wisdom Tooth Removal
Tooth extraction is done when a tooth is too damaged to be saved or is a risk to oral health. Common causes of extractions are caries, periodontal disease, crowding or trauma. Wisdom tooth extraction is a type of extraction that many Australians still have, especially as young adults. Third molars also known as wisdom teeth lack enough space to erupt fully and thus are subject to impaction, pain or infection. Dentists can advise and/or recommend removal to avoid complications (e.g. crowding, cysts or gum disease). The procedure can be done under local and/or general anaesthetic depending on the complexity of the extraction to avoid patient discomfort.
Dental Implants and Prosthetic Solutions
Dental implants have changed the way of tooth restoration by offering a permanent solution for missing teeth. In Australia implants are the first line of treatment for patients wanting a stable, non-noticeable replacement. The procedure involves placing a titanium peg into the hard tissue of the jawbone which serves as the substitute root. An implant crown is fitted onto the implant to restore both function and appearance of the missing tooth. Replacement tooth solutions including dentures and bridges are also widely used for tooth replacement. Today’s dentures and bridges are designed to be comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing so patients can feel good about their smile again. The choice between implant, bridge and denture depends on the condition of the bones, cost and personal preference.
