How does a dentist whiten your teeth?
Walkerston Dental, located at the Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland are able to provide you with a range of cosmetic dentistry options that can brighten and whiten your smile. We can remove stains or hide chipped and stubborn stains with a range of options that will suit your lifestyle.
When you come in to see your dentist in Mackay regarding whitening your teeth, we will sit down and discuss what your expected results are. This way we can work together to create a realistic treatment plan aligned to your needs.
We will also test your suitability for the procedures, as some patients with overly sensitive teeth or ongoing dental issues may find that other options need to be looked at or are more suitable.
It is important to us that you are happy with the results, so we aim to please by more than simply providing you with a brighter, and whiter shade of teeth.
Most patients are suitable to have the whitening treatment and are really pleased with the results.
What are some of the procedures that are available?
The first, and most common, procedure is a simple whitening procedure using a dental mouth device to hold a gel that contains a bleaching agent that removes stains in order to whiten teeth.
This works in many cases to remove stubborn coffee or smoking stains that brushing alone cannot do. Our solution can only be provided by professional dental practices due to its strength and the considerations required to apply it appropriately.
There are also take home kits that are available. By following the instructions, they are a suitable alternative for those of you who find it hard to put the time aside to have the procedure done at our practice by your dentist in Mackay.
Another treatment that is growing in popularity is porcelain veneers. These not only completely cover stains, but can also hide the appearance of a chipped tooth and give the appearance of straight teeth when in reality you might have a slightly crossed or gappy teeth.
Porcelain veneers work a bit like a crown by covering and protecting the tooth from further damage. They can last for around ten years if treated properly. They are a thin shell of ceramic in the shape and colour of a natural tooth. The veneers are placed over visible teeth much like a false nail is glued onto finger tips.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How does a dentist perform a root canal treatment?
In restorative dentistry, a root canal is one of the more common procedures performed in a dental practice. Root canals can be helpful in allowing you to avoid losing your tooth altogether.
Perhaps you have heard about someone recently having a root canal done or have just been told by your dentist in Mackay that you yourself need to have a root canal treatment in order to save your tooth? At Walkerston Dental in Walkerston, we are open and honest and will provide you with all the information regarding what a root canal procedure entails and why they are necessary.
By doing this, we can answer any questions that you may have regarding your personal condition and help alleviate potential fears or concerns you may have prior to the treatment. Your dentist will explain how root canals are performed in as much detail as you’d like.
We encourage you to discuss with your dentist in Mackay any thoughts, either positive or negative, that you may have so that we can work together comfortably throughout the treatment plan and stages so that you feel in control and aware of what is happening.
What are some of the symptoms that I may have which may indicate the need for a root canal?
There are a range of symptoms that dentists consider to be ‘red flags’ if you come in to visit with certain complaints or concerns. As always, we will take a thorough inspection of your mouth and the tooth in question in order to determine what exactly is the cause of your symptoms before diagnosing the complaint.
Should you present with a severely sensitive and sore tooth or pain whilst chewing, you may find that you have some kind of trauma to the tooth that goes beyond an ordinary cavity.
You may find you need a root canal treatment if you have deep fillings or deep tooth decay or have experienced some kind of deep trauma to one or many of your teeth. Those of you with ongoing gum disease may also find that you are more at risk of needing to have this treatment done.
What exactly is the problem?
You need to have a root canal treatment when the nerve tissue within a tooth becomes infected or very inflamed. This is a painful condition that may result in the loss of the tooth if it is not treated as quickly as possible.
Once we have diagnosed the condition and have provided you with treatment, the pain should lessen. With the use of local anaesthesia, we numb the tooth in question so you should not feel discomfort during the procedure.
By clearing away the infected nerve and pulp from within the tooth and cleaning it before sealing it off from to avoid any further infection to start, we are usually able to save the tooth and remove the cause of your symptoms.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
What is some preventive information that a dentist can provide me with?
As dentists we are keen to avoid having to resort to restorative treatments for their patients. This is because although we have a lot of technology, experience and successful techniques available to us, a tooth is always best when it is as how nature made it to be in the first place.
As we progress and advance our knowledge and use of technology, it is more and more obvious that preventive dental care is more important than simply being able to ‘drill and fill’. As your dentist in Mackay we are able to educate you on not only the importance of proper oral hygiene but to provide you with useful tools and tips to allow you to make use of that information. By doing this, you are able to take steps in preventing the need for any restorative treatment to our teeth and gums.
At Walkerston Dental, in the Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland we are able to take advantage of modern research and invest in new technology and ideas that allow us to apply preventive treatments to your teeth and gums. These can assist you in maintaining good oral health.
What are some preventive treatments that a dentist can provide?
Fissure sealants are a common and useful treatment can be used for both children and adults to repel the buildup of plaque on hard to reach places. This buildup can eventually cause severe tooth decay and long lasting complications.
Cavities are common on the large flat surfaces of your back teeth as food can get trapped in the grooves and can be hard to remove, even when you brush twice a day.
Your dentist in Mackay can treat healthy, cavity free teeth with a fissure sealant that is fast, cost effective and non-invasive. It is ideal for children who have pristine teeth and for parents who want to keep them that way for as long as possible. Children can sometimes forget to brush their teeth thoroughly and cavities in young adult teeth can be with them for life.
Adults are more than welcome to have this treatment as well. It is designed to last for many years and can be replaced if it begins to wear down or chip away. The sealant solution fills in the grooves with a protective layer that allows for easier brushing and doesn’t allow for food to trap and bacteria to grow.
We like to discuss all of the preventive solutions that are available to you when you come in for a regular check up. This includes dietary advice as what we eat plays a massive role n the health of our mouth.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
What to look for in a good children’s dentist?
When it comes to finding a dentist that is suitable for the whole family, you need to ensure that your dentist in Mackay has an all round approach to dental care.
At Walkerston Dental, located in the Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland, we do not compromise on our care for children and all other members of your family.
We understand that by being an interesting, entertaining, informative, welcoming and friendly place for your child, we help setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. This is because children with positive experiences of visiting the dentist are more likely to return as a regular patient for frequent checkups throughout their lives.
We also find that by establishing good habits as early as possible, that these habits can stick with an individual for life. If your child knows to brush their teeth twice a day, floss and rinse, then they will have reduced likelihood of problematic oral health in their future.
By keeping ideal oral hygiene habits, there will be less bad bacteria growing in the mouth and which is the leading cause of bad breath. If you are unable to remove this bad bacteria, it can then build up as plaque on your teeth. As plaque sits in hard to reach places for a long amount of time, it hardens and becomes tartar. Tartar can only be removed by the use of professional dental tools.
Plaque and tartar are the leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Not only can this cause you pain, you can lose teeth as a result and it can even negatively affect your health. Heart conditions have been linked in some cases to poor oral health as the whole body is connected in many ways. It may be possible that other issues within your body can be caused l if you do not look after your teeth and gums.
How often should your child visit the dentist in Mackay?
As soon as the first teeth begin to erupt, then it is time to visit your local dentist in Mackay. We will not need to overwhelm your baby at this time, we simply want to get to know you and your little one, answer any questions you may have and check the new teeth to ensure they are healthy and in the correct position.
As your little one rapidly grows, plenty of changes in the mouth are happening too. It is important that we monitor changes so that we can identify any potential issues early. With early diagnosis, we are able to treat issues as soon as possible and give your little one the best chance of continuing growth normally and happily.
In most cases, a routine check up to ensure the health and strength of teeth is important. We can check to make sure that their diets aren’t negatively impacting their oral health and give parent’s advice on how to give their children the best start they possibly can for their future.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How can I overcome my fear of going to the dentist in Mackay?
Fear of the dentist is an extremely common fear that many people have. It is up there with fears such as being afraid of spiders and public speaking. It can get so bad that some people will never visit a dentist even if they are in immense pain.
The underlying reasons for someone to be afraid of going to the dentist can be varied.
At Walkerston Dental, we want you to feel comfortable and welcomed from the minute you meet us. It is important that you let us know if you are uncomfortable in any way about seeing us. By doing so we adopt the right approach for you and can do all that we can to ensure your appointment goes smoothly and as anxiety free as possible for you.
Your local dentist in Mackay is understanding and non-judgemental. There is no need to feel guilty about not visiting the dentist for a long period of time or ashamed about the condition of your oral health. We are healthcare professionals who are trained to ensure we provide you with the best possible care and to leave you with a smile that you are happy and comfortable with.
Nobody should have to endure pain and we want to rectify any issues that you may have. Perhaps you have had a bad experience elsewhere before, resulting in your avoidance of further visits to a dentist. If that’s the case, rest assured that we have a range of techniques and solutions to help. This includes the ability to provide range of sedatives that result in you feeling relaxed calm and with minimal pain.
Your comfort is important to us and we like to think the atmosphere at your dentist in Mackay is a peaceful, professional and welcoming one.
What can you provide me to help me with my fears?
Communication is key. Speaking to one of our friendly team members and we will endeavor to provide you with as much information as possible so that we can help alleviate fears that you have. With knowledge comes power and we aim to provide you with the power to move beyond irrational fears and help yourself emotionally and physically.
We take our time during a consultation to ensure that you are feeling comfortable and you feel in complete control of the situation. During a check up or initial consultation, be honest with us about how you are feeling. Discuss with your dentist your concerns, so that they are aware of your feelings and can give you the information that you need so that you can make an informed decision about whether sedation options are suitable for you.
You should be proud of your smile and want to share it with the world. All we want to do is help you to bring that smile into reality.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How can a dentist in Mackay diagnose my toothache?
Diagnosing dental issues at Walkerston Dental, located in the Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland is becoming more accurate and faster than ever before thanks to your dentist in Mackay investing in quality tools that use the latest technology.
By using new and exciting technologies, we are able to accurately diagnose most dental issues. This avoids any potential delays that you may have during your treatment, meaning that you can get on with your life quicker and have a better chance of healing without the chance of infection or further complications.
Various new technologies are being used everyday for dental care in our practice, and these help us to provide the highest standard of care.
Technologies such as magnifying loupes allow us to view your gums and teeth in much greater detail than normal. This allows us to reach any infection or plaque that we are aiming to remove in a single session. This greatly reduces the chance of needing to return again for further work and allows your body to heal.
What are some other tools that we have in our practice?
With new technology, X-rays are becoming faster, emit far less radiation than previously as well as providing us with a clearer picture. Low radiation emitting digital x-rays not only expose us and our patients to less radiation, they also provide a higher resolution picture which in turn gives us a clearer image with which to work with. This win-win situation will only improve as the technology further advances, and we are actively watching for future developments.
It is not uncommon for us to use intraoral camera to view inside the mouth and to take close up images of teeth and gums. This means that both you and your dentist in Mackay and can see clear images of your mouth. The benefit of this allows us to take clear and uninhibited views of certain angles of your teeth as well as being able to better explain to you with visual aids any areas of concern and what we can do about them.
By having visual cues, you are more readily able to understand the nature of your condition. This can alleviate fears as well as assist your understanding about your personal oral health. As technology advances in this manner, we believe that this will inspire our patients to take further steps to improve their own oral health.
Knowledge is power and by providing our patients with as much knowledge as we can, in a variety of different ways, we are excited to see how we can progress towards a community of better oral health and ideal health in general.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
What is a modern-day dentist in Mackay like?
The sky really is the limit when we talk about the options that your dentist in Mackay has to help create the smile of your dreams.
At Walkerston Dental, located at the Walkerston GP Superclinic Queensland, we invite you to experience a compassionate and caring community of dental care professionals who have your best interests at heart. We make sure that you feel properly cared for and considered. All questions are welcomed: we want you to feel like you are in control of your oral health and are making decisions that best suit you and your personal needs.
We provide you with a range of options, as well as financial options so that you do not need to compromise on the health of your teeth and gums. Contact us for more information on financing options available.
What can a modern-day dentist do for my smile?
If you have lost a tooth due to an accident or because you are suffering from some form of decay or gum disease, it is important to repair or replace the tooth as quickly as possible in order to potentially reduce future complications.
Such complications include weakening of the surrounding teeth as they are further exposed to harm. Infection and pain can wear you down, especially at the site where the tooth is missing. You may also be aware that the jaw bone gradually recedes over time at the site of missing teeth and can cause issues with surrounding teeth as well. This natural occurrence is the leading cause of slipping dentures for those who have replaced all of their teeth.
Thankfully, dental implants are a proven method to secure the jaw bone in place and provide you with extremely realistic crowns or bridges that are fixed permanently into your mouth. Having a dental implant sooner, rather than later, improves the chances of success as well as allowing your body to respond and repair.
There are many cosmetic procedures that your dentist in Mackay can offer you. We always welcome you to come and speak to us about your smile concerns so that we can show you what options are available in order to make your dreams a reality.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
Advice from a dentist in Mackay on prevention
It is said that prevention is the best medicine. This certainly holds true in modern dentistry. Walkerston Dental, located in the Walkerston GP Superclinic, Queensland are modern, forward looking and proactive dentists in Mackay.
By giving you personalised information regarding your oral health, and what you can do to maintain and improve it, we are dedicated to helping you to help yourself and prevent the need for restorative treatments wherever possible.
We have all heard that by brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing that we are doing what is recommended to help beat bacteria that leads to unsightly plaque build up, bad breath, stains, decay and disease.
However, a lot of the time we have never been taught exactly how to brush, and what toothbrush to use for and what ingredients your toothpaste should have to have the most positive impact on your teeth and gums.
At your dentist in Mackay, we will share with you as much information as you want to hear. Including all about your health, advice on diet and improvements in your overall health, brushing techniques, toothpaste & toothbrush tips and more. We want to help you to keep your natural teeth in tip top shape for as long as you possibly can.
What else can I do in order to keep my mouth healthy?
There are many small, daily things you can do that not only improve your oral health, but potentially your overall health as well.
It is important for you to understand that oral health does not just start and end with your mouth. Your whole body is connected and by viewing yourself in a holistic (whole) way, you are able to see links between issues or concerns that you may have and find common solutions to these problems.
An example is drinking water. By drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks as often as you can, you can help wash away the bacteria in your mouth frequently, allowing trapped food to be removed and helping with bad breath.
Drinking water also reduces dehydration, which can cause headaches, lethargy and confusion. By avoiding gum disease, you can potentially help you blood pressure down which in turn provides relief to your heart. Gum disease is sometimes linked to heart conditions due to the inflammatory response that occurs throughout your body as a result.
When you visit your dentist every six months, talk to them about any changes that you have had in your life that may have an impact on your oral health. Stress can lead to involuntary grinding of the teeth, often during the night, and this can wear down teeth and cause issues with your gums.
Pregnancy and menopause in women can cause hormonal imbalances that can have a negative impact on teeth and oral health if not closely monitored.
It’s recommended that you get your teeth professionally cleaned by a hygienist twice a year. Not only is it a great confidence boost to have that great clean feeling and removal of plaque and tartar buildup, you are also helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How do dentists in Mackay provide cosmetic procedures?
Maybe you want to change your smile to reflect how you have always wanted it to look. This could be by reshaping your gums to show more of your teeth and less of your gums when you smile, or closing a gap or straightening a wonky tooth.
Or perhaps you want to get the smile back that you once had, before an accident left you with fewer teeth, or you have had metal fillings that are visible or you have developed stains on your teeth over time.
Whatever the reason, your dentist in Mackay is able to provide you with the information that you need to make an informed decision about what procedure is best suited to allow you to gain the results that you desire.
During an initial consultation at Walkerston Dental, we will allow you to explain to us what your oral health goals are. Together we will come up with a treatment plan for you that helps you to achieve that goal.
With the latest, high quality equipment that allows us to scan your teeth and pinpoint exact locations of implants or present to you a realistic visual representation of what you can expect as a final result, we have made it easier than ever to provide the best outcomes possible.
What are some of the available treatments?
There are a varied array of treatments that are available, depending on what you are looking for. Your dentist in Mackay can provide you with a series of different, suitable options to help you.
Veneers are an option for some who want a quick and very noticeable positive result. If you have a slight gap or a crooked visible tooth when you smile, or if you have stubborn stains that have you shy to smile, veneers can provide a great solution.
By applying a thin shell over the existing tooth, a veneer provides a perfect white and straight tooth in its place. Popular with celebrities, they are what you commonly see as a picture perfect smile.
Clear aligners allow you to move your visible teeth quickly whilst still enjoying the benefits of not disrupting your lifestyle. Worn a minimum of 22 hours a day, but removable to eat and clean, these aligners are upgraded every two weeks to help gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
This treatment usually takes around a year and you will need to come and visit us every six weeks or so to ensure the treatment is going as planned.
By protecting fragile teeth with a crown, you can mask discoloured, chipped or broken teeth in a cosmetic procedure that doubles as a restorative one as well. Crowns protect damaged teeth and help you to avoid the need for an extraction.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
How to look after your dental health
Brushing your teeth can sometimes become a boring and monotonous routine that you may not always feel like doing. However, doesn’t it always feel good when you do? The fresh taste of all that minty toothpaste round your teeth, the smooth and clean feeling over your gums. The amazing way they feel afterwards is a sign that your teeth and gums are clean, healthy and strong. It’s worth it and you shouldn’t miss out on brushing your teeth. Looking after your dental health, though, is about more than just your daily brushing routine.
Long-term dental health
To maintain your dental health, it’s about more than regular brushing. It’s about minimising your consumption of unhealthy foods, including those containing sugar, limiting teeth-staining drinks, such as coffee, and quitting smoking if you do have the habit. If you’re looking for assistance around this from a dentist in Mackay, we can help.
What does a good dentist do?
A good dentist will listen to patient concerns without judgement, providing guidance about possible problems and how to take care of teeth to minimise an issue. A good dentist will take the time to get to know their patients and go out of their way to ensure patients are comfortable and secure about coming to their dentist about any concerns. It’s in our interest to ensure our patients leave feeling satisfied that their issue has been resolved and content with their treatment.
About our dentist in Mackay
Walkerston Dental in Walkerston is a modern practice that can offer its patients personalised care and treatment and has been succeeding in this for a long time. We provide a range of treatments in the areas of general, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry and can treat longer-term problems, such as gum disease. As well as this, we can provide guidance around smoking cessation and oral cancer screening, too.
Check-ups for children
Whether it’s their first tooth coming through or their milk teeth are starting to fall out, we provide quality care for your children’s check-ups. We understand children can feel nervous about coming to their dentist in Mackay and we can help to reassure them to make your child feel comfortable and at ease about their appointment.
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with
one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you .
