Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Regular dental visits can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place. Most people should schedule their regular checkups between six to twelve months depending on their dental health. Your dentist will discuss with you the appropriate interval for you.
Is there bulk-billing dentist in Rockhampton?
There are no bulk-billing dentists in Rockhampton for adults. However, some children might be eligible to received dental treatment privately through the Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS). If your child is eligible under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), we will bulk bill all procedures covered under the scheme up to $1000. We will inform you prior if there is any gap payment needed. Our friendly receptionist can help you find out about your child’s eligibility for this scheme.
Is there payment plan available?
Although there is no bulk-billing private dentist in Rockhampton, we do provide a very affordable payment option through ZipMoney. In most cases Zipmoney will provide you with a six-month interest free line of credit to cover the cost of your treatment. Please discuss this with your dentist before your appointment.
What is fluoride, and why is it important for dental health?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens the enamel. It hardens the growing teeth as well as preventing decay in the adult teeth.
Is there fluoride in Rockhampton’s water supply?
There is no added fluoride in Rockhampton’s water supply. While there are other sources of fluoride in food, it is no enough to prevent dental decay. Your dentist can discuss the impact of un-fluoridated in Rockhampton with you. They can also explore the appropriate supplement method with you.
Why should I floss, isn’t brushing enough?
While regular brushing does a good job cleaning away food residues from the teeth surface, it does not remove food trapped in-between the teeth. You should floss those hard to get to areas before your brushing at least once a day.
What exactly is a cavity?
Tooth cavity is also known as tooth decay or dental caries. It is caused by specific types of bacteria. They produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and the layer under it, the dentin.
The bacteria turn sugar and carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. The acids dissolve minerals in the hard enamel that covers the tooth’s crown (the part you can see). The enamel erodes or develops pits which starts out as small cavities but gets larger over time. Acid also can seep through pores in the enamel. This is how decay begins in the softer dentin layer, the main body of the tooth. As the dentin and enamel break down, a cavity is created.
Early caries may not have any symptoms. Later, when the decay has eaten through the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet, hot or cold foods or drinks.
How can I prevent cavities?
You can prevent cavities by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth. The best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. We recommend brushing your teeth two times a day (morning and night) and flossing at least once a day before brushing at night time.
You can reduce the amount of tooth-damaging acid in your mouth by eating sugary or starchy foods less often during the day. Your mouth will remain acidic for several hours after you eat. Therefore, you are more likely to prevent caries if you avoid between-meal snacks.
Another way to reduce your risk of cavities is through the use of fluoride, which strengthens teeth. Make sure that the toothpaste you are using is fluoridated. Dentist can evaluate your risk of caries and then suggest appropriate fluoride treatments as well.
Molars in permanent dentition can also be protected with sealants in both children and adults.
The early stages of tooth decay are usually painless. Only regular dental examinations and X-rays can detect any problems early.
Why does dentist take x-rays? Are x-rays safe?
Visual examination doesn’t tell the dentist everything they need to know. Dental X-rays can help dentist accurately diagnose and treat dental problems early before they become more serious.
Dental X-rays give your dentist the ability to see between and inside your teeth. He can also view the tip of your roots and bone underneath your gums – places not normally visible to the naked eye. Although they are used as part of a routine examination to rule out dental disease, X-rays also aid your dentist in diagnosing any specific or isolated dental problems you might be experiencing.
The machines used for dental X-rays do involve radiation, but the amount of exposure is extremely small, which is why studies have shown that dental X-rays are safe for most people in most situations.
At Faith Dental, we use digital x-rays with image plate technology which reduce your radiation exposure by 50% to 70% compared to traditional dental x-rays.
Although the amount of radiation in dental X-rays is quite low and the procedure is safe, pregnant women should refrain from dental X-rays unless they are necessary.