Commonly asked Questions

Here at Greenacre Dental we get asked certain questions regularly.  Here are some of the most common.  Of course, if you're curious about something and don't see the answer here, don't hesitate to contact us.

My gums bleed when I brush, is this healthy?

No, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. You should make an appointment to visit us so that we can assess your particular situation. Smokers and diabetics are particularly at risk.

What should I do when I have toothache?

If you are suffering from a persistent tooth ache you should schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible. In the meantime make sure your teeth are clean and debris free, floss between your teeth to remove any left over food particles. If you have a facial swelling antibiotics may be needed to be prescribed.

Will whitening harm my teeth and gums?

No, teeth whitening has been around for many years now and the research carried out has proven that it is safe for your teeth and gums as long as the procedure is carried out as directed. Special custom made stents will be made which facilitates the whitening process.

Should I have teeth whitening before or after my crown, bridge or implant?

If you are considering teeth whitening, then you should discuss this with us before we proceed with any major dental work. We suggest that whitening is carried out first, so that any restorative work can match the shade your teeth will be after your whitening procedure.

What do I do if I have an accident and knock out a tooth?

Make sure you only handle the crown (the top part) and not the root, gently rinse in milk or hold in your mouth next to your cheek. Every minute the tooth is out of your mouth, means there is less chance that it will live –if you are brave try to replace it in the socket otherwise get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

What is root canal treatment?

When the pulp (the inner living part of the tooth) is diseased or injured and unable to repair itself, it becomes inflamed. If left untreated, the pulp(nerve) will die and become gangrenous, forming an abscess that can destroy the bone surrounding the tooth root.

Root canal treatment is the removal of the diseased pulp tissue, which will enable the body's defence system to repair the damage caused by the infection and allowing the tooth to be saved from extraction. Root canal treatment is performed commonly over several appointments .Once treatment is complete it is advisable to place a crown to prevent any future fractures.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?

If you are brushing incorrectly, it doesn’t matter what kind of toothbrush you use. Using a manual toothbrush with the correct technique can be just as good as the electric version. In reality most people, despite their best efforts, do not brush with the perfect technique needed for manual brushing. For this reason, we recommend electric brushes, as technique is not quite as critical.

I have recently cracked my tooth but do not know why as I have healthy gums and look after my teeth.

A toothache caused by a cracked tooth without associated cavities or gum disease can cause severe sharp pains.

A broken tooth can be caused by chewing or biting hard objects such as lollies, nuts, ice or chewing on your pen, or heavy teeth grinding (bruxism). You are especially prone if you already have a heavily filled tooth.

Old amalgam (mercury) fillings predispose teeth to cracking. A tooth filled with amalgam stands a much higher chance of cracking than an unfilled tooth or a tooth filled with today’s modern resin or ceramic materials.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is the newest technology in correcting crowded or misplaced teeth without the need of conventional orthodontic brackets and wires (braces). A series of clear (invisible) aligners are worn which slowly corrects and straightens your teeth. Only an invisalign accredited dentist can provide such treatment.

I often get headaches and jaw pain. Should I see a dentist ?

Often headaches and jaw pain are caused from bruxing. Bruxing is the clenching and grinding of teeth. Typically done at night, it’s often related to stress. Missing teeth and an unbalanced bite can also contribute to the problem. Often a night guard (splint) can relieve the pain and headaches by retraining your jaw muscles and preventing you from bruxing.

If you have any other questions, please call our surgery on 9750 2080