General Dentistry

Scale and Clean

What is a scale and clean procedure?

Scale and CleanA scale and clean is a procedure that is usually carried out by a dental practitioner like the dentist or an oral health therapist, which removes the build-up of calculus (tartar) and plaque on the teeth.

A scale and clean usually involves removing the calculus with a very fine metal instrument that vibrates at a high (ultrasonic) frequency, followed by smoothening and polishing the tooth surface with a fine gritty paste and a rubber cup.

The dental practitioner will usually apply fluoride, a substance found in most toothpaste, after the dental cleaning procedure to eliminate any post-clean sensitivity and help remineralize any early cavities.

Why do I need teeth scaling?

Build up of calculus or calcified plaque occurs over time and cannot be removed easily with a toothbrush. If the calculus build-up isn’t removed regularly, it can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) or destruction of the underlying bone (periodontitis) in severe cases.

How often should I visit the dentist?

It is recommended to have a dental checkup and clean Sydney or Sydney teeth cleaning done at the dentist once every 6 months for most individuals. But if you have existing problems such as periodontitis, your dentist may require you to return more frequently to monitor your problems.

Can I do it myself at home?

Teeth cleaning or scale and clean procedure must be carried out only by a dental practitioner and should not be attempted at home. If not done correctly, it can lead to adverse consequences like damaging the mouth’s soft tissues like the gums, cheek, and tongue.

In addition, areas of the mouth that cannot be accessed easily by a toothbrush or floss need to be cleaned thoroughly, which can only be done in dental surgery.

Bleeding during scale clean, is it bad for me?

A small amount of bleeding from the gums is generally expected during a scale and clean procedure. However, if the gums bleed excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying issue like gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease). The dental practitioner can determine the presence and the severity of the problem and suggest ways to manage the gum disease, like proper tooth brushing techniques and interdental cleaning using floss or piksters.

How much does it cost to get teeth cleaning Sydney?

At Sydney CBD Dentistry, we have NO GAP Dental offer or NEW PATIENT special on your first appointment includes a comprehensive examination from our dentist Sydney, an OPG, and 2 bitewings X-rays, following scale clean and polishing. (or $219 for teeth cleaning cost if you don’t have a private health fund).

For returning patients, you can enjoy our RETURN PATIENT SPECIAL for a dental cleaning cost of only $199. Gap payment will depend on your health fund rebate.

Dental Emergency

Emergency Dental

Emergency DentalAn emergency dental can constitute a multitude of scenarios. For example, when your teeth or any part of your oral cavity is undergoing severe pain from a deep hole, infection, swelling in the surrounding gum and bone, or even an incident where one or more of the teeth have been knocked and become loose or have fallen out completely.

It is important to quickly seek dental emergency treatment to increase the chances of saving the tooth or preventing infection from spreading into surrounding tissues. It can happen to you or your family member at any time.

Yes, it is frightening, but we are here to help; give us a call, and we will try to fit you in on the day. If our clinic is closed (after hours or on the weekends), it is advisable to head directly to the Emergency Department of your local hospital.

Following are some situations where you may need an emergency dentist appointment and the necessary steps you need to take to minimise the damage and manage pain until you can get in to see one of our dentist Sydney.

A severe toothache that won’t go away

It is usually due to a deep cavity in one of the teeth, an infection surrounding an infected tooth, or a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Swishing with some warm salt water solution in your mouth and taking appropriate pain-relieving medications like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (in some cases) may help to reduce the severity of the pain.

Knocked-out tooth 

Time is critical; you have to see a “dentist near me” or a root canal specialist (Endodontist) within 30 minutes to 1 hour in order to save your tooth.

  • pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, to avoid damaging the root

  • rinse the tooth gently with water if it is dirty, DO NOT scrub or rub the tooth to avoid damage to the root

  • If possible, put the tooth back to the socket. Otherwise, you can store the tooth in cold milk and keep it moist at all times.

Fracture or a cracked tooth

Depending on the severity, extent, and location of the fracture, this condition can cause severe pain, especially if the tooth’s nerve is involved. Taking pain-relieving medication may ease the pain whilst waiting to see your emergency dentist Sydney.

Soft tissue injuries

The soft tissues in your mouth include lips, cheeks, gum, and tongue, and they are generally very sensitive and very well perfused with blood vessels. Injury to them can be very painful and traumatic. It’s important to apply first aid measures to stop bleeding as soon as possible prior to seeing your emergency dentist near me.

  • rinse your mouth with warm saltwater

  • apply pressure on the bleeding area

  • apply an ice pack to control swelling and reduce blood flow.

Abscess or infection

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria from an infected tooth. Symptoms include intense throbbing pain that may spread to your jaw, ear, neck, swelling, bad breath, and fever.

In most cases, this needs to be treated with a root canal treatment followed by antibiotics. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be pulled out.

Whilst you wait to see your emergency dentist in Sydney, pain-relieving medication may help to ease the pain. In addition, try and eat room temperature soft foods on the other side, and rinsing with warm salt water may help.

How to avoid a Dental Emergency?

Prevention is always better than cure, and this is most true in the case of dental emergencies. Here are some tips to prevent you and your family from dealing with dental emergencies:

  • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It is good for your general health and provides the nutrients that your bones, teeth, and gums need to renew tissues and fight infection and disease.

  • Brush at least twice a day, floss regularly

  • Avoid sugary food and soft drink

  • Attend your routine check-up and teeth cleaning with your dentist to prevent and find out problems at an early stage

  • Wearing a mouthguard whilst playing sports can reduce the severity of the injury, prevent chipped, broken, and knocked-out teeth.

  • Try to stop grinding your teeth, or wear a nightguard to prevent sleep grinding.

  • Do not use your teeth as a tool to open objects

  • Do not bite on hard objects

 

Sydney Dentist

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