Is it painful having a deep clean at the dentist? 5 hygienist questions answered
Known around the world for being linked to hygienists, a deep clean or scale and polish can be extremely useful to have at least once a year.
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day, avoid sugar and attend biannual check-ups twice a year, you still may have an accumulation of plaque under the gum line. While this may not seem like a worrying issue, unseen plaque can cause issues like gum disease which can become unpleasant.
While your regular dental team will be able to remove some of the visible plaque, if you have recurrent swellings around your teeth, you may need a deep clean to remove the debris that is beneath your gums to resolve the issue.
And this is where our team can help! Our dentist Walkerston has helped numerous patients regain their healthy smiles using a deep clean, and can offer you tips to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. After all, a healthy mouth can be the basis of a healthy body and we take your health seriously!
But some people are wary of having procedures like deep cleans performed. Here, our dentist Walkerston answers the top 5 hygienist questions searched for online.
Do deep cleans hurt?
You may experience some discomfort when you come to our dentist Walkerston for a deep clean.
This will depend on 2 factors; how deep your pocket is (the space between your tooth and the gum) and the irregularities in your tooth’s root surface. However, we will aim to make you as comfortable as possible and can offer you a localised anaesthetic if requested.
How is gum disease treated?
Depending on the severity, our hygienist will use a myriad of techniques to treat it.
Firstly, a scale and polish will remove the plaque that is causing the inflammation. We may prescribe a medicated mouthwash and toothpaste, which will help to destroy any lingering bacteria. If it is a severe case of gum disease, we may also prescribe antibiotics.
My gums bleed when I brush, why is this happening?
While seeing blood when you brush is concerning, it may indicate that you are brushing your teeth too hard.
If you are brushing them lightly, this could point towards the formation of gum disease. Contact our team for more advice if you have concerns.
I have sensitive teeth, what should I do?
If your teeth are reactive to hot and cold stimuli, then you need to book a check-up with our team.
There are many causes of sensitive teeth, the key one being linked to microscopic holes in the enamel. Our team will assess the cause of the sensitivity and will fit a sealant or filling to alleviate the discomfort.
I am having a brace fitted; will I need to see a hygienist?
Having a fitted brace will require hygienist trips. Why? To remove bacteria and plaque that cannot be removed at home. This will reduce your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease while you are wearing the brace.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Need some basic dental care? Procedures our dentist in Walkerston can offer you
With so much emphasis in the dental community surrounding cosmetic procedures, it is easy to overlook or forget about the basics.
And of course, without a solid foundation of general dental health, there is no room for aesthetic improvement.
While you may be familiar with the twice-daily routine of brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, there is far more to general dentistry when it comes to what our team considers as routine treatments. As dental techniques and technologies advance, there is now a differing opinion among dental teams as to what should be included under a basic dental care package.
At Walkerston Dental, our team strongly believes general dental procedures should offer more than just basic functionality. Our dentist in Walkerston is able to offer more cosmetic based procedures as part of general dental care, allowing you to have a smile that is both functional and also looks great! What’s not to like about that?
But what procedures does our general range of treatments include? Read on to find out.
Examinations with scale and polish
The first step in our general dental treatments is biannual check-ups, coupled with a scale and polish.
Our dentist in Walkerston will take a great time and care when it comes to assessing your mouth for signs of gum disease, decay and other issues while removing any stubborn plaque that may be lurking just underneath your gum line.
The end result is a healthy smile, that has a reduced likelihood of succumbing to tooth decay or gum disease. Perfect!
Fillings and crowns
If our dentist in Walkerston does notice that some work is required, then we are able to offer you restorative procedures, such as fillings or crowns.
We will always aim to use porcelain fillings or crowns, so the aesthetic of the restored tooth or teeth is retained.
Extractions
Should your teeth be more damaged due to either injury or decay, our team can offer you an extraction. Extractions are only considered when other restorative procedures, such as crowns, are no longer viable due to the extent of the damage.
If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, we will assess whether they need to be removed and perform the surgery to do so.
Veneers
Yes, you read that right!
As part of our general dental treatments, our team are proud to be able to offer our patients dental veneers in Walkerston.
A slim, porcelain covering that is placed on the front of your teeth, veneers are a fantastic way to conceal cracks, chips, discolouration and to protect sensitive teeth. In fact, if your teeth are sensitive, veneers are a great way to whiten them up to 18 shades without using bleach or oxidising gels.
Dentures and plates
Our team can also provide suitable patients with dentures, bridges and plates, to enable both an aesthetic improvement to your smile, along with restoring function and strength to your bite.
And there you have it! Contact our team for more information about our general treatments.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Cosmetic dental services at a dentist in Walkerston
Not everyone has to live with the teeth they are born with. In fact, even those born with perfect teeth can have unfortunate accidents which affect their smiles and require treatment. Thankfully at our modern practice in Walkerston, we offer a range of cosmetic treatments that can get you smiling once more. So come in and see our dentist in Walkerston, and tell us about the results and smile you want and we’ll find the treatment plan right for you.
Gum Reshaping
A gummy smile can overshadow even the most pretty teeth by covering them up and making them appear too short. By carefully reshaping the gums in a delicate procedure we can expose more of the tooth so that when you smile you can do so knowing that you are showing teeth and not gums.
Gums can also be overexposed when the muscles in the upper lip are overactive thus pulling the lip higher and exposing more teeth and gums than it should, if this is the case then a different treatment is required instead of a gum reshaping treatment, for further diagnosis on your gummy smile you will have to speak to one of our experienced dentists on the best course of action for you.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a proven method to straighten crooked and misaligned teeth long term, orthodontics can also address issues with the bite called malocclusions. Traditionally, the only option for people seeking orthodontic treatment was to get metal braces. However, at a dentist in Walkerston, we can offer you a clear aligner treatments, such as Invisalign, which will straighten your teeth in a short period of time compared to braces and do so with complete discretion.
Clear aligner trays are custom made to fit and gently correct the position of your teeth. They are completely invisible when worn and can be removed for eating, cleaning and sporting activities which means there need be no change in your active lifestyle.
Crowns and Veneers
Crowns and veneers can quickly cover up a multitude of problems with the appearance of your teeth, whether they have been chipped, broken, stained or discoloured, a crown or veneers can be custom made to create a single new tooth or even cover up all the front teeth to give you that Hollywood smile.
Teeth whitening
This is the most simple and widely used procedure to transform the look of your teeth and can subtly renew your entire appearance. Whether you want to gradually lighten and brighten your teeth at home or have an immediate transformation in our practise and get your teeth a few shades lighter in a single session, it is easily done with professional whitening.
Whiter teeth look healthier and may encourage you to take better care of them once you have spent money making them beautiful. A whitening treatment at a dentist in Walkerston is recommended after your orthodontic treatment is complete in order to finish off the look and before a veneer or crown is set in order to choose a porcelain that matches your new white teeth instead of older yellowed ones.
Disclaimer: All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Are you thinking of postponing or skipping your visit to our dentist in Walkerston?
Many patients may overlook their scheduled bi-annual dental check-up at our dentist in Walkerston, despite this however a twice annual check-up at a patient’s local clinic can have a huge impact on the standard of their oral health! At our dentist in Walkerston we place huge emphasis on our patients’ dental hygiene, which is why we strongly encourage them to pay regular visits to our surgery.
Why do many patients overlook their scheduled bi-annual check-up at our clinic?
Many patients may postpone, reschedule, or even cancel their dental appointment altogether! This may however be for a multitude of reasons, a few examples of which consist of the belief that they maintain a high level of oral hygiene, a hectic work or social life, or simply financial concerns. Whatever the reason however, missing a dental hygiene appointment can have a massive effect on the health of a patient’s smile, which is why many individuals may wish to know how a regular dental appointment could benefit them.
What are the benefits of paying a regular visit to your dental clinic?
Many patients may not prioritise their dental health within their life which is why they may feel tempted to postpone or even refrain from attending their bi-annual checkup at our dental surgery altogether! Despite this however, paying a regular visit to your local surgery can have a multitude of health benefits. A few examples of which consists of the prevention of the onset of oral diseases and infections (such as gum disease, to name just one common example), in addition to removing the buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth, whilst checking for painful and sensitive areas of the mouth, which can develop into more severe dental concerns later on down the line!
The benefits don’t stop there
Lastly, regularly attending a bi-annual check-up at your local surgery can also have unexpected benefits for your financial health too. This is due to the fact that leaving oral concerns to the last minute can allow the dental issues to become more severe, therefore bringing unwelcome and therefore hefty dental bills for many patients.
How to book your dental appointment with a member of our highly trained dental team
At our dental clinic in Walkerston we strive to promote a high standard of dental care within the walls of both a modern, comfortable, and therefore friendly dental clinic. Our surgery is known within the local area as a modern and accredited dental surgery which ensures our patients are in great hands, every time. Our team of dental healthcare professionals constantly strive to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements within dental technology, whilst using the best possible materials on the modern dental market.
If our impressive surgery, in addition to our welcoming team of highly trained dentists, looks like they could work for your individual dental case then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our team now!
How to find us
Located on our modern and therefore easily accessible dental clinic website we not only provide our new and pre-registered patients with our direct telephone number, however we also offer our exact geographical location, in addition to an ‘email us’ option which ensures even our busiest of patients can stay on top of their oral health whilst providing our team with a few details regarding their dental case.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How to help improve your oral health
Oral health runs deeper than glistening pearly whites and an attractive smile, because untreated and pervasive dental conditions can have far-reaching negative implications for your life.
From deep cleans to providing advice on dietary habits, our experienced team at Walkerston Dental are ready to assist you with improving your dental health. Read below to find out what the steps are that you can take to help in achieving better oral health!
What you eat matters
Have you been struggling with your teeth or gums despite your conscientious efforts at dental hygiene? If you aren’t eating healthily, steadfast brushing and flossing can only do so much in keeping your pearly whites strong and healthy, and free of cavities and diseases.
Staying away from food with high sugar and acidic content isn’t just recommended for your overall health, but also your oral and digestive health, where constant exposure to these types of food are harmful because they erode the enamel of your teeth.
Our dentist in Walkerston can advise you on your dietary habits if you’re not sure which food groups you should incorporate into your eating programme, and which you should avoid. Generally speaking, some fruit, all vegetables, lean meat, and legumes are some of the most beneficial food groups.
Basic dental hygiene is the cornerstone of oral health
The majority of the poor dental cases we see are preventable, generally caused by neglect and bad habits. Yet, prioritising your oral health by brushing and flossing isn’t especially difficult to achieve, and can save you a lot on dentist bills.
Our dentist in Walkerston surmises that while patients know that brushing and flossing is a crucial part of their oral-cleaning regime, they don’t brush their teeth for the prescribed amount of time, nor is the correct technique employed.
For the best possible results, brush your teeth twice a day for approximately two to three minutes, once in the morning and at night before you sleep. We recommend you brush your teeth twenty minutes after you eat something chewy, sticky or sugary during the day.
The technique you employ also matters, as well as the toothbrush and paste you use. Squeeze a pea-sized blob of fluoridated paste onto a medium-bristled brush, and gently brush the surfaces of your teeth using mini circles, and clean the chewing surfaces of them with light gliding motions.
People often mistake flossing as an optional extra that gets your teeth extra clean, but it’s actually essential, because it removes germs in the crevices of your mouth that your toothbrush is too large to reach.
If you aren’t sure if you’re brushing right or haven’t mastered the art of flossing, ask our friendly dentist in Walkerston for a step-by-step demonstration.
Dental check-ups are absolutely vital
We understand that most patients don’t understand why they need to see dentists twice a year, seeing it as an unnecessary expense.
However, these routine check-ups are vital, because we’re able to diagnose issues in their infancy stage when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. Visiting us frequently means fewer dental health issues in the future!
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Is Walkerston Dental the dental practice for me?
As a dentist in Walkerston, we are committed to helping our patients maintain the health and appearance of their smiles. We are a family owned practice with the ambition and knowledge to provide our patients with the very best dental treatments. We strive to give our patients treatment in a caring and friendly environment.
We will be there for you and your family, whether you need a regular check-up or a root canal. We offer a whole host of different treatments that are designed to give the best results for you and your unique requirements.
We believe in treating all of our patients with dignity and respect. We treat all our patients with the same level of high quality care and ensure that we give our patients the necessary information so they can make an informed decision about their dental options.
We take great pride in our work and are always seeking to offer the best and most reliable treatment options to our patients.
This article will take you through the numerous different treatments that we offer as well as why you should consider us to be your new dentist.
What treatments do you offer?
As a dentist Walkerston we offer a wide range of different treatments to ensure that all dental needs can be met.
Within general dentistry we offer regular examinations, scale and polishes, fillings, crowns, dentures, plates, wisdom tooth removal and general tooth extractions.
We believe that preventive dentistry is very important. This can involve dietary advice, oral hygiene procedures, fissure sealants and mouth guards amongst other things.
We also offer cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers and tooth whitening. Cosmetic dentistry can allow our patients to build the smile that they always wished they had.
Children’s dentistry is something that we are passionate about as creating good habits early allows children to look after their teeth for life.
Root canal therapy, dental implants and orthodontics are also available.
We are pleased to offer a whole range of other side treatments, these include treatment for snoring and sleep apnoea and we can also provide help for jaw and other problems such as TMJ and bruxism.
Why should I consider you for my dental needs?
You should consider us as a dentist Walkerston, who will be there to support you and your family. Patients that come to our practice you can be assured that you will be looked after and made as comfortable as possible. Our practice is warm and welcoming and we utilise relaxing tools such as in-chair entertainment systems to make even the most anxious patients feel calm.
We understand that dentists can be associated with pain and discomfort, but we are working hard to break down these barriers and perceptions. We use our skills and knowledge to best support you and ensure that your treatments take place with the newest technologies.
All team members are dedicated to their work and trained to a very high standard to be certain that all clients receive the best level of care. We ensure that everything that takes place in our practice is done to the highest standard and we prioritise safety in everything that we do.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Is our dentist in Walkerston right for you?
At our dentist in Walkerston we understand how difficult it can be for many of our patients to choose the right dental surgery to cater for their unique dental needs. With this tough decision in mind therefore, at our dentist in Walkerston our team of highly trained dental healthcare professionals strive to offer both our new and existing patients a superior standard of care in our modern, friendly, and comfortable dental clinic.
What can we offer to our patients?
Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life the oral hygiene of many of our patients may be the last thing on their minds, despite this however staying on top of your dental health can hold many benefits, in addition to preventing more serious dental and financial concerns from occurring later on down the line! If our dental surgery looks like the right clinic choice for your smile, then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our specialist team.
How to get in touch with a member of our surgery
At our dental surgery situated within the heart of Walkerston we strive to offer both our new and pre-registered patients a superior standard of care within the walls of our modern and welcoming dental surgery. In addition to the wealth of dental knowledge our team has to offer, we also choose to embrace the latest advancements within dental technology whilst only using the highest quality of dental materials available on the modern dental market. If our clinic looks like it could work for your unique dental case, then you may wish to get in touch with a member of our team.
Many of our patients may be pressed for time which is why we strive to make the contact process as simple as possible for those individuals
At our Waterstone dental clinic we understand that many of our patients may lean more towards a more direct contact approach, with this in mind therefore we offer a variety of contact options for our new and pre-registered patients, such as our direct telephone number, in addition to our exact geographical location.
Despite many individuals preferring a more direct approach however, many patients may be pressed for time, which is why we also offer a ‘request an appointment option’ on our website, in addition to an ‘email us’ form which allows our patients to select the type of dentistry they would like to pursue, in addition to any comments they may wish to make about their individual dental case.
Why is it important to stay on top of your oral health?
At our clinic within Walkerston we place emphasis on preventive dental care, which is why we inform our patients of the true importance of staying on top of their oral health. To expand in further detail therefore, we believe that preventing the onset of oral diseases and infections, whilst reducing the chances of developing cavities and painful oral concerns within the mouth, cannot only help patients within the short term, however it can also help to reduce their dental bills and oral issues in the future.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Looking for a new dentist? We’re here to help
Moving homes can be stressful because lots of things can demand your attention, from finding good schools for your children, through to finding a family oriented dentist in Walkerston. There’s an immense amount of work that needs to be sorted as you settle into your new home and neighbourhood.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and reliable dentist in Walkerston, let us introduce ourselves: we are Walkerston Dental! We’re a highly skilled team dedicated to service excellence and patient outcomes. We provide various types of treatments in a comfortable, patient-friendly environment.
Not in our neighbourhood? No problem! We’re committed to improving the standards of oral health in the country, which is why we’ve provided a list of top tips in finding the best dentist for your loved ones in the article below.
Before settling for the first dentist you find, ensure they’re ADA-certified
All reputable dentists should be certified with the Australian Dental Association, whereby they must abide by a comprehensive code of ethics and conduct. There are directories in place that can help you quickly locate a dentist in your area who’s fully certified.
Ask around or take a look at online testimonials
Ask your neighbours or community members for a recommendation, or if you don’t know many people in your area, read up on social media or dentists’ website. Err on the side of caution by avoiding dentists with no or few publicised Google reviews.
Make consultations
Book to see the dentist in Walkerston to get a feel for the dental clinic. Ask to be given a quick tour and feel free to make enquiries about the procedures and policies in place. Listen to your instincts; if something seems off or you don’t connect well with the oral health practitioner, continue with your search. Finding a new dentist in Walkerston should never be taken lightly, so don’t settle on one who’s mediocre at best.
Put yourself in your family’s shoes
Ask yourself whether potential dentists are equipped to look after you, your children and potentially your parents’ teeth, gums and overall oral health. Do these candidates have the skills, experience, expertise not just to treat all family members, but put their concerns to rest with their friendly chairside assistance?
Remember that one bad experience could have lifelong repercussions for your offspring, so make sure their early exposure to dentists is positive!
Evaluate with a teeth cleaning
You might have carefully selected a dentist and be happy with the decision. However, it’s still essential that you’re 100% satisfied with their levels of service and how they operate. Do this by initially booking for a minor, routine procedure and assess whether you’re a happy patient! During the treatment, pay extra attention to the bedside manner of the dentist and their staff, the tools and techniques that are used and the clinic’s general state of hygiene. Lastly, note how the dentist listens to your queries and concerns; do you feel like a valued patient or not? If it is the latter and any other warning bells go off, reconsider going back in the future!
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Are you considering cosmetic dentistry? Here’s everything you need to know!
Once perceived as an expensive luxury that only the wealthy could afford, cosmetic dentistry is now mainstream and affordable for those who want to change their appearance.
From minor alterations to major procedures, aesthetic treatments in dentistry can have life-changing effects. By enhancing your smile, you could help increase confidence and self-esteem.
Are you self-conscious about having yellowed teeth or a chipped pearly white? Our practice, Walkerston Dental, offers a wide range of procedures that will put a smile back on your face.
How is cosmetic dentistry different from traditional dentistry?
The latter predominantly focuses on oral health while the former addresses the imperfections of your appearance, ranging from whitening dull or discoloured teeth to fixing gummy smiles.
Tell me more about these popular treatments
Various types of procedures are classified as cosmetic. However, treatments that enjoy widespread popularity include teeth whitening, veneers, crown lengthening and complete smile makeovers – our dentist in Walkerston can advise you on what treatment is suitable for your dental issue.
Teeth whitening
Whitening your teeth is the quickest way of transforming your smile. You’ll flaunt a brighter, more dazzling smile in two back-to-back sessions, thanks to our dentist in Walkerston.
How it works
Your teeth are bleached to remove discolouration using trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide. You decide on the number of shades you want to lighten your teeth by. However, we’ll recommend a natural-looking tooth colour that’s right for you.
When will I start seeing results?
You’ll see changes to your teeth immediately if you decide on our professional, in-house teeth whitening. However, if you opt for home whitening, you’ll find that the results are more gradual.
Veneers
Veneers are used to disguise chips and cracks on one’s teeth, and to also bridge spaces between them, sometimes making it a viable alternative for braces and other orthodontic appliances.
Want to know what they are made from? Veneers are commonly made from porcelain, although there are also composite resin veneers.
What does the procedure entail?
The process involves two steps. During the consultation phase, we’ll assess the colour of your teeth and remove a thin layer of enamel where we’ll place the new veneers. Impressions are then sent to a lab to custom-fabricate your new porcelain shells. During your second appointment, we’ll use medical-grade adhesive and a light-curing machine to attach your veneers to the surfaces of your teeth, rendering them impossible to remove.
Are veneers permanent?
While not permanent, these durable materials can last a long time, between ten and twenty years, depending on how well you look after them.
Gum reshaping or contouring
It’s now possible to change your gum line if you’re self-conscious about it, our dentist in Walkerston may even recommend it, because an imperfect gum line can negatively impact your oral health. Therefore, reshaping is dubbed as only having a cosmetic purpose or declared medically necessary if you suffer from periodontitis, which is a severe gum condition that requires urgent care.
Gum reshaping is a surgical procedure that removes or restores gum tissue, and can totally change the aesthetics of your mouth.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Improve your oral health with us
Oral health runs deeper than glistening pearly whites and an attractive smile, because untreated and pervasive dental conditions can have far-reaching negative implications for your life.
From deep cleans to providing advice on dietary habits, our experienced team at Walkerston Dental are ready to assist you with improving your dental health. Read below to find out what the steps are that you can take to help in achieving better oral health!
What you eat matters
Have you been struggling with your teeth or gums despite your conscientious efforts at dental hygiene? If you aren’t eating healthily, steadfast brushing and flossing can only do so much in keeping your pearly whites strong and healthy, and free of cavities and diseases.
Staying away from food with high sugar and acidic content isn’t just recommended for your overall health, but also your oral and digestive health, where constant exposure to these types of food are harmful because they erode the enamel of your teeth.
Our dentist in Walkerston can advise you on your dietary habits if you’re not sure which food groups you should incorporate into your eating programme, and which you should avoid. Generally speaking, some fruit, all vegetables, lean meat, and legumes are some of the most beneficial food groups.
Basic dental hygiene is the cornerstone of oral health
The majority of the poor dental cases we see are preventable, generally caused by neglect and bad habits. Yet, prioritising your oral health by brushing and flossing isn’t especially difficult to achieve, and can save you a lot on dentist bills.
Our dentist in Walkerston surmises that while patients know that brushing and flossing is a crucial part of their oral-cleaning regime, they don’t brush their teeth for the prescribed amount of time, nor is the correct technique employed.
For the best possible results, brush your teeth twice a day for approximately two to three minutes, once in the morning and at night before you sleep. We recommend you brush your teeth twenty minutes after you eat something chewy, sticky or sugary during the day.
The technique you employ also matters, as well as the toothbrush and paste you use. Squeeze a pea-sized blob of fluoridated paste onto a medium-bristled brush, and gently brush the surfaces of your teeth using mini circles, and clean the chewing surfaces of them with light gliding motions.
People often mistake flossing as an optional extra that gets your teeth extra clean, but it’s actually essential, because it removes germs in the crevices of your mouth that your toothbrush is too large to reach.
If you aren’t sure if you’re brushing right or haven’t mastered the art of flossing, ask our friendly dentist in Walkerston for a step-by-step demonstration.
Dental check-ups are absolutely vital
We understand that most patients don’t understand why they need to see dentists twice a year, seeing it as an unnecessary expense.
However, these routine check-ups are vital, because we’re able to diagnose issues in their infancy stage when they’re easier and less expensive to treat. Visiting us frequently means fewer dental health issues in the future!
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
