Appointment times can vary, but we recommend you allow 40-60 minutes for a thorough check up at South Fremantle Family Dental.
Yes you can, however we can also recommend other options such as penthrox and IV sedation. We recommend a consultation to discuss your needs and concerns with our friendly dentists.
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The cost of a filling can vary depending on the size, tooth surfaces involved and type of material used. As a rough guide we usually advise to budget between $72 (temporary filling) and $400 (more complex composite buildup).
Our dentists are happy to provide a more detailed treatment plan outlining costs, materials recommended and time needed to treat your dental requirements when you visit us for your check up. We are happy to submit quotes to your health fund on your behalf to determine what your gap will be.
Yes, we do. All our dental laboratory work is made using local regulated West Australian dental laboratories. We never use unregulated overseas laboratories or laboratories that outsource overseas.
Periodontal Disease, also known as gum disease is a common cause of tooth loss. Gum disease can destroy the tissues, ligaments and bone supporting your teeth.
It often affects people who are unaware of any symptoms.
Gum disease can affect general health too if left untreated. There is evidence that gum disease can affect the heart and can worsen cardiovascular health. There is also evidence that gum disease can worsen the symptoms of diabetes.
There are two stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis
The first stage is gingivitis – this is a reversible condition. A person with gingivitis will have inflamed gums. Their gums may bleed when they brush. If gingivitis is not detected early enough it may progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease that causes irreversible damage to teeth and gums. A person with periodontitis will have deeper inflammation and bone loss. Periodontitis may cause teeth to become loose and can also cause bad breath (halitosis). Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis causes permanent damage that cannot be reversed. Early detection is important, so regular dental checks are essential as gum disease is often painless.
If you believe you may have gum disease (Periodontitis) make an appointment with one of our dentists at South Fremantle Family Dental.
Most of us have fillings in our mouths that date back many years and some may have even been placed during our childhood. These fillings may now be old, dark, and unattractive, making us feel self-conscious when we smile, laugh, and talk. Old fillings are not only unattractive, they may also be defective. When a filling is old, the margins (space between the tooth and filling) may eventually open and allow bacteria and food debris to enter, potentially causing dental decay. Your dentist can check your fillings and evaluate if they are defective and need replacement.
Also, if you simply want to replace fillings that are unattractive, you and your dentist can decide which ones should be replaced first and what replacement options would best suit you. There are many state-of-the-art dental filling materials and procedures available today that are quick, painless, and cost effective for replacing old, unattractive or defective fillings.
Since teeth whitening has now become the number one aesthetic concern of many patients, there are many products and methods available to achieve a brighter smile.
Professional teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the colour of natural tooth enamel, and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Over-the-counter products are also available, but they are much less effective than professional treatments.
As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel wears away, eventually revealing a darker or yellow shade. The color of our teeth also comes from the inside of the tooth, which may become darker over time. Smoking, drinking coffee, tea and wine may also contribute to tooth discolouration, making our teeth yellow and dull. Sometimes, teeth can become discoloured from taking certain medications as a child, such as tetracycline. Excessive fluoridation (fluorosis) during tooth development can also cause teeth to become discoloured.
It’s important to have your teeth evaluated by your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for bleaching.
Occasionally, tetracycline and fluorosis stains are difficult to bleach and your dentist may offer other options, such as veneers or crowns to cover up such stains. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is also important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. before bleaching begins. Once the bleaching is done, your dentist can match the new restorations to the shade of the newly whitened teeth. Since teeth whitening is not permanent, a touch-up may be needed every several years to keep your smile looking bright.
Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after having their teeth whitened. This sensation is temporary and subsides shortly after you complete the bleaching process, usually within a few days to one week.
Teeth whitening can be very effective and can give you a brighter, whiter, more confident smile!
It depends on the state of your mouth and your individual risk of dental problems. Quite often this means having them checked and cleaned twice a year, though your dentist may recommend different frequency of visits.
Regular dental exams and cleaning visits are essential in preventing dental problems and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.
At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and checked for cavities. Additionally, there are many other things that are checked and monitored to help detect, prevent, and maintain your dental health.
Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease, which are the main causes of bad breath.
Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.
Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.Here is how you can help yourself reduce bad breath.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with soft bristle brush and toothpaste
- Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
- Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
- Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
- Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Always rinse! It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.
- Floss daily to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.
How to floss your teeth:
- Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
- Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
- Use floss holders if you have difficulty using conventional floss.