• To stop the root canal system becoming infected with saliva.
• To stop irrigation fluids getting into the mouth.
• To prevent small files from falling down the throat and being inhaled.
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Q. Do I have to have my wisdom teeth out?
This depends on the following situations and every case needs to be assessed on its merits. If all goes according to natures plan the size of the jaws and teeth match perfectly and you have room for 32 permanent teeth. If you have large teeth and small jaws then there will not be enough room for the last teeth (the wisdom teeth) to erupt correctly or if they are facing the wrong way (impacted) then you will have to get them removed. Sometimes orthodontics in your teens will involve the removal of 4 premolar teeth leaving enough room after the rest of the teeth have been straightened.
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Q. Should an Oral Surgeon remove my wisdom teeth?
This depends on how difficult they are to remove. For most people the idea of being asleep (general anaesthetic) during the procedure is preferable to local anaesthetic in the dental chair. However some people prefer to have their wisdom teeth removed under local because they do not incur the cost of a hospital visit or an anaesthetist’s fee. In all cases your options are explained so you are able to make an informed decision that best suits you.
Q How long does it take to heal after wisdom teeth removal?
Healing time varies as we all differ and factors such as age and the complexity of each case has to be taken into account. What is important is that you follow the aftercare instructions we give you and keep us informed of any concerns that you have.
To assist with healing avoid rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Meticulous oral hygiene is essential during the healing stage. Continue to brush your teeth using a soft brush avoiding the immediate area for the first 24 hours, after that brush with caution. Remember if in doubt call the surgery.
Please note that smoking delays healing.
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Q. Will I end up with dentures like my grand-parents?
A large proportion of Seniors nowadays do not have dentures. This is partly due to advances in implant surgery and the fact that other advances in dentistry can save teeth that could not be saved a few generations ago. Of course scrupulous dental hygiene as well as regular six monthly check-ups guard against tooth loss. Today most people can look forward to retaining healthy teeth for life.
Q.Why is a scale and clean important before tooth whitening?
A scale and clean is necessary before tooth whitening because it removes calculus, plaque and surface stains. Whitening gel is more effective when applied to a clean tooth surface and not on to a layer of plaque.
Q.What is an Oral Health Therapist?
An Oral Health Therapist is a dental professional who possesses qualifications in both Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene.
Oral Health Therapists can provide the following Dental Therapy services to children, adolescents, and young adults (under the age of 25 years):
• Conduct dental examinations and diagnosis, and develop care plans
• Take X-rays of teeth and jaws
• Prepare cavities and restore teeth with fillings
• Extract deciduous teeth (baby teeth) under local anaesthetic when required
Oral Health Therapists also provide Dental Hygiene services for people of all ages. These services include:
• Conduct dental examinations and diagnose periodontal (gum) disease, and develop care plans
• Take X-rays of teeth and jaws
• Scale and clean of teeth, and root planning (with/without local anaesthetic where required).
Prevention and education is key in the role of an Oral Health Therapist, and therefore preventative measures such s fluoride application, fissure sealants, dietary counselling, oral hygiene instruction, and smoking cessation will be provided where necessary.
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Q. Do I need a fluoride tray treatment after having my teeth cleaned?
No. Nowadays people are a lot more widely exposed to fluoride and therefore the need for this type of application has decreased. If you are at high risk of dental caries (decay) or do not have access to fluoride toothpaste or a fluoridated water supply, fluoride application may be considered, but not necessarily via trays.
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Q. Why are baby teeth important?
Many people do not realise the importance of baby teeth. Whilst these teeth fall out to allow the permanent adult teeth to erupt, they are still important for future oral health and development. The baby teeth guide the growth of facial bones and ensure the permanent adult teeth come through in the correct position and alignment. Baby teeth are also important for speech development, and although these teeth fall out naturally, premature childhood tooth loss will have a significant impact on the alignment of adult teeth and speech development. It is for these reasons that your child’s baby teeth should be cared for properly.
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Q. How can I keep my child’s teeth healthy?
Proper brushing, flossing and a healthy diet are critical in maintaining not only baby teeth but adult teeth as well. Many parents feel their child is capable enough of performing these tasks themselves (the child may feel the same way), but help from a parent or carer is critical until the child has developed the manual dexterity to perform these tasks properly themselves.
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Q. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
As a general rule, the first of your child’s teeth should erupt around the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months – 17 months (inclusive) you should clean your child’s teeth without toothpaste. You can either clean their teeth using a small age appropriate toothbrush or with a damp flannel. Prior to the eruption of their teeth, your child’s gums can also be cleaned using a damp flannel.
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Q. What sort of toothpaste should my child use, and when can they start using adult toothpaste?
The Guidelines for Fluoride Use in Australia recommend that:
• From the age that teeth first erupt to 17 months: teeth should be cleaned without toothpaste.
• 18 months -5 years (inclusive): a child specific toothpaste should be used (i.e., Colgate My First Toothpaste) as it contains a low amount of fluoride (0.4 – 0.55 mg/g fluoride). Only a small pea size amount of pea size toothpaste should be used.
• 6+ years: a standard “adult” toothpaste (i.e., Colgate Total) may be used.
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Disclaimer: Information given here is a brief guide only and may not be applicable to every situation. Information is based on current knowledge at the time of posting and will be amended as more accurate or more up to date information comes to hand. Comments of a non dental nature are true as best as we can ascertain, but you are advised to seek confirmation yourself from an appropriately qualified professional. |
