Gorokan Dental & Cosmetic Centre

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by the bacteria found in plaque. If plaque is not regularly removed, it calcifies into a rough, porous deposit called calculus, or tartar. By products of bacterial metabolism irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and more prone to bleed. Eventually, the supporting periodontal structures begin to breakdown. The result of this slow process is tissue loss, bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

I have a number of silvery black colour fillings, what should I do to improve this?

The black filling material use in your teeth is amalgam. It has been used as a filling material for over a hundred years; it's still one of the strongest materials available. However, it's about as unattractive a filling material as you can get. There are a number of other tooth-colour restorative materials currently available that can be used to replace old amalgams.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the earlier states of gum disease (mild to moderate periodontitis), most treatment involves scaling and root planning. The procedure aims at removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth adjacent to gum tissue. In the majority of early gum disease cases, treatment entails improved home care techniques and scaling and root planning. Advanced cases may require surgical treatment.

While biting hard food I broke one of my teeth, what should I do?

If you are not in any pain then ring the dentist as soon as possible and make an appointment, but try and keep the tooth as clean as possible and avoid biting hard on that tooth. If you have pain, then you will need to go to your dentist ASAP as an emergency.

What can gum disease mean to a diabetic and is it dangerous?

Gingivitis is an infection within the gums caused by bacteria found in plaque. A diabetic¿s body doesn¿t respond as quickly to infection as a non-diabetic. If the infection persists, it can spread to the underlying bone that supports and anchors the teeth. It has been shown that diabetics who keep their condition under control and maintain good oral hygiene have a far better chance of combating infections than those who are poorly controlled.

When should my child first see a dentist?

The ideal time for your child to meet the dentist is six months after their first (primary) teeth erupt. This gives your dentist a perfect opportunity to carefully examine the development of their mouth and catch problems such as baby bottle tooth decay, teething irritations and prolonged thumb-sucking early.

What happens if I ignore getting my teeth-cleaned?

As the plaque and calculus accumulate, the periodontal disease continues. Supporting tissues around the teeth (gums, periodontal ligaments, bone) are lost. Periodontal pockets form which trap additional plaque. Bad breath often accompanies this condition. Once the bone that supports the teeth is lost, it will not grow again without surgical involvement.

What needs to be done if a tooth is pushed out of its position?

Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth. Bite down to keep the tooth from moving. Your dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth next to the loose tooth.

What's the best way to prevent gum disease?

Conscientious removal of plaque by flossing, brushing and regular professional cleanings will minimise your risk of gum disease. However, there are other factors that can affect the health of your gums, such as stress, diabetes, genetics and pregnancy.

What is fluoride and is it good for me?

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in many foods and some water supplies. It is also used in many consumer dental products like some of the toothpastes. Fluoride strengthens teeth making it more resistant to decay. It is important to use fluoride containing toothpastes, mouth rinses, and gels topically to gain the added benefit of preventing sensitivity and tooth decay.