FAQs

Dental Emergencies & FAQs

Do you know what to do in a dental emergency?

We hope you never experience the need to deal with a dental emergency, however if you do find yourself in this position, would you know what to do in order to help the injuried, possibly even increase the sucess rate in saving their teeth?

Check out the file linked below and review the ADA’s guide on managing emergency dental care; you just never know when you might find this information really useful.

What does General Dentistry cover?

General Dentistry involves incorporating a good oral health routine at home and having regular check-ups to ensure the health of your teeth.

Maintaining your dental health involves cleaning including flossing, fluoride treatments and extensive check-ups to ensure your teeth are protected against decay, cavities and infection. Our dental professionals will also provide you with brushing and flossing techniques to keep your personal dental health at optimal levels.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventative Dentistry is closely linked with General Dentistry to prevent the occurrence of cavities, decay and infection.

We provide patients with proper hygiene techniques and feel it is important to educate our patients on how to prevent plaque build-up and, in turn the accumulation of harmful bacteria. These harmful bacteria can eat away at your tooth enamel, causing dental issues such as tooth decay or periodontal (gum) disease.

Our sole focus through preventive dentistry is to help our patients understand how to prevent oral health issues. Our lessons start in the chair and lead to optimal healthy routines for cleaning teeth at home.

I have a cracked and chipped front tooth, how can I smile without feeling embarrassed?

If you have damaged front teeth and are after an aesthetic solution, porcelain veneers may be the perfect choice for you.

Veneers are durable porcelain shells that cover the surface of the tooth, helping to conceal any chips, cracks, gaps, or discolouration that may be causing you embarrassment. Veneers are custom-made, so they fit the natural shape of your tooth and are virtually undetectable.

What can new technology such as lasers do?

Advanced dental technologies can help alleviate pain, help with recovery periods, and even shorten treatment times!

In particular, lasers are an advanced and virtually pain-free tool that can help with surgical procedures including root canal treatment or teeth whitening. Lasers are highly proficient tools that can also be used to remove enamel, dentine, tooth decay, gum disease, and dental cavities. Lasers can also help teeth and gums heal at a faster rate.

What do CEREC single appointment Crowns and Inlays involve?

In the past Crowns and Inlays took a series of appointments to retrieve a mould and place the fixture.

Now with special digital technology, a mould can be created using advanced computer software and the mould can be measured from these specifications in the one appointment! Patients can leave the surgery with renewed teeth and restored confidence with this advanced dental treatment.

What is an implant and how can it benefit me?

A Dental Implant is composed of a surgically secure titanium rod that is implanted into the jaw bone to ensure gum and bone stability.

A dental crown is usually then fixed to the dental rod to ensure the appearance of a natural and healthy-looking tooth. Not only will an implant improve your smile aesthetically, but it will also ensure the stability of your remaining teeth and boost the performance of your mouth.

What does OPG imaging do?

An Orthopantomogram (OPG) is a rotational panoramic plain film dental X-ray, which portrays a two-dimensional representation of your entire jaw as a single, long flat image.

This image helps us see your entire mouth and what growth stage your teeth are at. We use these X-rays if you are having any concerns with your wisdom teeth, orthodontic concerns, or tooth decay.

What is SmartBleach laser?

SmartBleach Laser is an innovative teeth whitening system that uses a special green sun spectrum light and a patented red gel to create a photodynamic whitening treatment.

The complementary colours and light of the laser helps stabilise the small molecules on the tooth, stopping them from forming into larger ones. SmartBleach laser treatment is long-lasting to ensure your teeth stay whiter for longer.

I have a broken tooth in the back of my mouth, how can this be fixed?

Damaged or broken teeth at the back of the mouth can be solved with dental Crowns or bridges.

If your tooth is cracked and broken beyond repair, a crown can usually be fitted over the damaged area, and will restore the strength and appearance of the original tooth. If you have more than one tooth missing, bridges may be the solution to your tooth loss. Bridges are an artificial tooth fixed with two Crowns beside it to fill the void created by tooth loss.

Can’t I just whiten my teeth professionally at home?

Yes, we also provide our patients with a unique take-home tray system and a bleaching gel so our patients can whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home.

The tray can be used nightly, for 40 minutes to an hour, so patients are in full control of their treatments and can achieve the result they desire.

I have pain in my tooth and swelling on my face, what is this?

You may have an infected tooth and require emergency endodontic (root canal) treatment. It is vital that you contact your dentist immediately if you have any facial swelling that you feel may be related to a tooth as these sorts of swellings can be very dangerous.

With our latest technology and treatments in Root Canal Therapy, we can clean and seal the root canal without the use of drills. A laser employing a high-pressure water system can ‘melt’ away the infection and proves to be a fast and virtually pain-free experience!

I need X-rays, is there any easier way than going to a radiologist?

Yes! At our Cairns dental surgery we provide Digital X-rays that are much safer and can be taken with us while you are in the dental chair.

With the click of a button, we can zoom in and show you the state of your teeth and easily explain your treatment with the ease of digital imagery! The digital system emits little radiation compared to traditional bulky machines, so it is more efficient and much safer than conventional x-rays.

I’m scared of the dentist, what can I do?

We understand some patients can have anxiety about taking a trip to the dentist, that’s why at our surgery we provide anaesthesia and sedative options to ensure our patients are relaxed.

‘Happy Gas’ is one of the sedative options we provide to our patients to relieve any pain and induce a pleasurable feeling during treatment. Now you can receive anxiety-free dental treatment with us at Cairns Family and Cosmetic Dental Group!

What is Veterans Affairs?

Veterans Affairs is a Government Help program that offers dental care for Gold Card Patients who are ill or at risk of requiring emergency treatment.

Gold Card holders can include veterans, war widowers, and dependants. To learn more about this service see the Australian Government Department of Veterans Affairs website.