Routine Dentistry in Coorparoo

Routine dental appointments are essential to maintain good oral health and a happy smile. A standard dental check-up is carried out by an experienced, qualified dentist and is the best way to spot any problems with your mouth before they become serious. Both adults and children require routine dental appointments on a regular basis because preventative dentistry is the key to keeping your mouth healthy.

Routine dental appointments are usually carried out every six months, although some patients may require more frequent visits, while others may need to come into the practice less often. Your dentist will advise you on how often you need to come in for a check-up.

What happens at a routine dental check-up? If it is your first appointment at the practice, your dentist will take a full dental and medical history. They will also:

1. Thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth.
2. Take x-rays if necessary.
3. Discuss any dental problems you may have had in the past.
4. Discuss general health and dietary issues that can affect your teeth and gums, such as alcohol consumption or smoking.
5. Discuss your teeth-cleaning habits, such as your brushing technique, and recommend any improvements if required.
6. Explain any further treatment you may need, such as fillings, root canal treatment or hygienist appointments.
7. Provide you with a full treatment plan if required.
8. Answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment and what options are available.
9. If you require no other treatment, your dentist will let you know when you should come for your next routine check-up.

• Helps to maintain good oral health
• Early detection of problems
• Routine dentistry can, in many cases, help prevent problems before they start

Your gums are like cushions for your teeth; they surround the tooth from its crown to its root in the jaw. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth, and without routine cleaning gum disease can occur.

The common signs and stages of gum disease are:

1. Red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush them are a sign of a type of gum disease called gingivitis.
2. When gingivitis is left untreated it can develop into a type of infection known as periodontitis, which affects the entire area surrounding a tooth, causing discomfort and difficulty when eating.
3. Eventually this kind of infection can lead to tooth-loss and may require invasive procedures to replace the missing tooth.

Gum disease can be avoided by attending regular hygiene check-ups at the practice and maintaining a good daily hygiene routine. Brushing between the teeth, flossing and replacing your toothbrush every three months can benefit your gum health.

• Minimise the risk of tooth loss.
• Reduces the risk of developing tooth decay and need for fillings.
• Helps with avoiding bad breath