General Dentistry

General dentistry

Check-ups, cleaning and preventative care to keep you smiling for life

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Totally Smiles Services

General Dentistry

General dentistry is a wide category that makes up most of the reasons you would tend to send a local dentist. From fillings to check-ups, mouthguards to root canals, even emergencies such as cracking a tooth or sudden pain, general dentistry takes care of diagnosing, treating and management of overall oral health.

 

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  • Bridges

    You deserve to be the best version of yourself. That is why at Totally Smiles, we offer solutions such as dental bridges to give you a smile that is like new again.


    What is a dental bridge?

    A dental bridge is a way of restoring your
    smile when a tooth is missing.

    We often recommend a bridge for patients who have lost a tooth, leaving a space with teeth on either side. Our experienced team place dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap and then connect a false tooth to the crowns to bridge this gap.

    A dental bridge can:

    • close the gap created by a missing tooth.
    • improve your biting function so you can enjoy the foods you love.
    • prevent neighbouring teeth from moving.
    • produce a natural-looking result.
    • give you the confidence that comes with a great-looking smile.

    Dental bridges are one of a few ways to replace missing teeth. We at Totally Smiles take a “no surprises” approach and our trustworthy team will always give you clear explanations about your options before drawing up a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to discuss options for a dental bridge.

  • Cracked Tooth Syndrome

    At Totally Smiles, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve the dental health and winning smile they deserve. We firmly believe that prevention and early detection are better than cure, so we encourage our customers to go for regular check-ups to increase the chances of detecting potential problems such as Cracked Tooth Syndrome.


    What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

    Whether your tooth cracks from an injury or general wear and tear, you can experience a variety of symptoms ranging from erratic pain when you chew your food to sudden pain when your tooth is exposed to very hot or cold temperatures.

    How can I get Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

    Cracking a tooth can happen in the blink of an eye or over a period of time. Potential causes include:

    • Chewing on hard foods such as candy, nuts, or ice
    • Daily wear and tear
    • Injury to the mouth
    • Teeth grinding
    • Large cavities or fillings
    • Previous root canal therapy

    What are the symptoms?

    Aside from being challenging to detect, Cracked Tooth Syndrome exhibits symptoms that come and go, making it one of the most difficult dental issues to diagnose. Some of these are:

    • Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks
    • Pain when biting or chewing
    • Pain that is not constant
    • Gum infection

    What can be done about it?

    Because the symptoms come and go, it will be useful to note when these occur so that you can relay this information to our dedicated team, who may then recommend:

    • A filling to repair the tooth
    • A crown to protect the tooth
    • Root canal therapy if the pulp is damaged
    • An occlusal splint to reduce wear and tear caused by teeth grinding
    • Tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved

     


    Treatment will depend on a few factors such as the location of the crack, how deep it is, and how large it is. We at Totally Smiles take a “no surprises” approach and our trustworthy team will always give you clear explanations about your options before drawing up a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice if you have any concerns about cracked tooth syndrome, or book online now.

  • Crowns

    At Totally Smiles, we care about maximum quality and offer the latest in dental crowns to give you a smile that is like new again.


    What is a dental crown?

    A full coverage dental crown is one way of restoring a badly damaged tooth by protecting the entire structure of the tooth.

    Our dental crowns look and feel like natural teeth. They are durable and strong and designed to last you for many years.

    Why would I need a dental crown?

    Sometimes a tooth can be damaged to the extent that its strength is compromised, such as when there is a large filling in the tooth. This can cause deflection and stresses on the remaining tooth structure as the filling expands and contracts due to biting forces.

    If you have had a root canal treatment, this may lead to drying of the tooth because the nerve is removed. This causes the tooth to lose strength and become more brittle.

    Another reason that your dentist may recommend a crown is when a tooth is fractured or cracked and you need a crown to hold it together and prevent further tooth loss.

    A crown may also be your best option if you are unable to achieve the look you desire with other methods.

    Types of dental crowns

    Dental crowns can be made of ceramic/porcelain, resin, gold, base metal alloys, and other materials. In some cases, a temporary crown is needed while waiting for the permanent crown. Computer-generated crowns are now also possible using CEREC technology, allowing you to have your crown in one visit.

    We are proud of our dentists who are ethical and honest. You can rely on us to provide you with clear explanations about your options so that you can make informed decisions that are right for you and your oral health.


    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to discuss your dental crown options, or book online now.

  • Dental Urgencies

    Emergencies

    Dental emergencies can occur at any time and because of this, we at Totally Smiles offer evening and weekend appointments across our more than 50 practices nationwide.

    Emergencies can be distressing and we aim to help you be prepared so that you know what to do if an emergency happens. How you react in the minutes following a dental emergency may determine if you keep or lose your tooth.

    Here are some of the top dental emergencies and urgencies that we see and what you should do about them:


    Toothache

    A toothache may not sound like a dental emergency until you have one. Pain associated with a toothache can be quite intense. It is important to clean out the area where the pain is coming from as soon as possible. Use a combination of brushing, rinsing with mouthwash, and flossing to remove any debris from around your teeth and gums that may be causing the problem. Contact us immediately.

    Chipped or Cracked Tooth

    If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth out with warm water. If there is any bleeding, apply pressure using a clean gauze or cloth. An ice pack to the affected area may also be used to reduce swelling. See the dentist as soon as possible for an examination, especially if you chipped or cracked your tooth through an injury.

    Knocked Out Tooth

    It may be possible to restore a knocked out tooth if you can keep the tooth in good condition and get to a dental office within 60 minutes. You should rinse your mouth out with warm water. If possible, try to place the tooth back into your mouth in the right direction and hold it there until you can get to the dentist. If you cannot get your tooth to fit back into the space, then place the tooth in a cup of milk or warm water with salt in it to preserve it. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling.

    Tooth Abscess

    An abscessed tooth is a sign of a serious infection in your mouth. If you have severe swelling of your gums or cheek, it is important to contact us immediately or seek treatment at the local hospital emergency room. A medical professional can give you a shot or prescribe medication to fight the infection.

    Emergency Appointments

    Emergency appointments are available and we are dedicated to seeing you as soon as possible. Whether you are at home or on holiday when your emergency arises, you can rest assured that you will receive the same exceptional experience from one Totally Smiles centre to another.


    If you have a dental emergency contact your local Totally Smiles practice, or book online now.

  • Dental Anxiety

    Important to our team

    We know not everyone likes visiting the dentist — it’s our job to listen and put you at ease. If you suffer from dental anxiety, we offer a full range of treatments and options to help make it easy for you to relax, with plush recliners and in-chair entertainment. We care about maximum quality and minimum stress when visiting the dentist.


    If you believe you have dental anxiety or phobia, please don’t hesitate to contact your local Totally Smiles practice for more information or to book an appointment.

  • Extractions

    It’s Totally Smiles mission to save teeth from damage. However, sometimes a tooth may need to be removed due to decay, extensive tooth cracks, disease, or poor positioning or functionality.

    Our dentists only perform extractions when restorative treatments aren’t enough to save a tooth. Most tooth extractions can be completed in the dental chair using local anaesthetic.

    Once a tooth has been removed, we will advise you of available options for replacing the lost tooth such as implants, fixed bridges or dentures.


    For more information about tooth extraction or to make an appointment, contact your local Totally Smiles practice, or book your online appointment now.

  • Fillings

    At Totally Smiles, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve the dental health and winning smile they deserve. From prevention to restoration, we will go the extra mile to provide excellent dental care.


    What are fillings?

    Fillings are the most common dental restoration for rebuilding a broken tooth or removing decay.

    Types of fillings

    Composite fillings (also called white or tooth-coloured fillings) are the latest technology for filling a tooth. They use a strong composite bond that binds to your teeth, resulting in a strong but natural-looking restoration, which can be colour-matched to your teeth. These fillings provide long-term strength without the risk of fracturing the tooth, resulting in an aesthetically-pleasing tooth that is free from mercury and less susceptible to hot and cold sensitivities.

    Composite fillings may not always be suitable. For example, a large filling in a back tooth may require dental amalgam because molars get a lot more wear and tear. Amalgam is made up of a mixture of metals, usually including silver, tin, copper, zinc, and mercury.

    Some people are worried about the use of dental amalgam because it contains mercury. While high levels of mercury are harmful to human health, the level of “free” mercury (mercury that could get into the body) in set amalgam fillings is so tiny that it has no effect on health.

    What happens during the procedure?

    For tooth decay, we will give you pain relief to numb the area and make sure you don’t feel a thing. We will then remove the decay using a drill and other tools. We will clean and dry the cavity and then fill it to return it to its original shape and appearance.

    What if a filling isn’t enough?

    Our innovative and modern technology, partnered with our understanding of your unique needs, work hand in hand to give you back your confident smile. Apart from fillings, we offer other restorative solutions such as:

    • Inlays or onlays
    • Dental crowns, bridges, or dentures
    • Dental implants
    • Root canal treatment

    We are proud of our dentists who are ethical and honest. You can rely on us to provide you with clear explanations about your options so that you can make informed decisions that are right for you and your oral health. For more information about fillings, contact your local Totally Smiles practice today, or book an appointment online now.

  • Gum Disease

    At Totally Smiles, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, and we know that long-term dental management feels a whole lot better than treatments. That is why we are passionate about educating Australians on all aspects of dental health, including gum disease and how to spot it.


    What is gum disease?

    Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can also affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth if left untreated. There are three stages of the disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

    What are the symptoms?

    Without regular check-ups, you probably won’t know that you have a problem until it’s in the more advanced stages. Gum disease can be painless, so it is important to keep an eye on the following symptoms:

    • Bleeding gums, especially when brushing your teeth
    • Any swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums
    • Gums that recede or move away from the tooth
    • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
    • Pain when chewing
    • Loose teeth
    • Visible pus surrounding the teeth and gums

    What should I do about it?

    If left untreated, gum disease can become a serious problem and result in tooth loss or increased risk of other health problems such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Once it is past the earliest stages, professional treatment from your dentist or hygienist is the only way to cure it. If you notice any of these symptoms, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of saving your teeth and health.

    Who can get gum disease?

    Anyone at any age can be affected, especially if you have not been making oral hygiene a priority. However, it is most common in people over the age of 30. There are some groups in the population who are at increased risk, including diabetics, pregnant women, anyone with a poor diet, and those taking illicit drugs.

    What can I do to prevent gum disease?

    Brush your teeth and floss at least twice a day to reduce the build-up of plaque, which is usually the cause of gum disease. Rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash that’s used to treat gingivitis can also be helpful. In addition, avoid sugary foods and drinks. Just as importantly, have regular check-ups so that we can help you monitor your oral health.


    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice if you have any concerns about gum disease, or book an appointment online now.

  • Inlays and Onlays

    When a tooth has suffered from decay or a fracture, an inlay or onlay may be recommended to restore the tooth.

    Similar to fillings, inlays and onlays take care of the cavity but also hold together the tooth, making it stronger and more durable. Inlays and onlays are made out of porcelain or composite materials and fit directly onto the tooth.


    For more information about inlays and onlays, contact your local Totally Smiles practice today, or book an appointment online now.

  • Mouthguards

    We all know Australians are sports mad, but a downside of this is we at Totally Smiles see too many broken and missing teeth from sports, even those considered to be non-contact. We are passionate about prevention and would rather help you protect your teeth than go through the pain and expense associated with a knocked out tooth; hence, we offer custom-fitted mouthguards so you can focus on playing without any worries.


    What is a mouthguard?

    A mouthguard is a clear or coloured plastic device that fits over your teeth to protect them from any type of impact. If you or your child plays sport, a mouthguard may be a compulsory requirement before stepping up to play. If a mouthguard is not compulsory, you should still consider whether the use of one would be in the best interests of you and your family’s health and safety.

    Who needs a mouthguard?

    Mouthguards are typically required when playing contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, basketball, boxing, and lacrosse. However, experts are now suggesting that mouthguards be worn even by athletes playing non-contact sports such as tennis and gymnastics. This is because playing sports puts you at a higher risk of damaging your teeth. Whether another player hits you, you fall, or a ball or piece of equipment hits you in the face, just one small accident can cause major tooth damage or even knock out one or more teeth. Using a mouthguard can prevent these types of injuries.

    Types of mouthguards

    There are several types of mouthguards available on the market today, including:

    • boil-and-bite
    • ready-made
    • custom-made

    Boil-and-bite mouthguards are the cheapest style available. They can be found in chemists or sporting goods stores and they only take a few minutes to form. The ready-made types are ready to be used as soon as you purchase them, but may need to be cut to fit your mouth size. Both styles of mouthguard can be extremely uncomfortable to wear and often players will discard them during play.

    Custom-fitted mouthguards

    Custom-made mouthguards offer the most comfort and protection because we mould them to fit the specific contours of your mouth.

    The safety provided by custom-fitted guards precisely made for a player’s unique mouth is superior to any off-the-shelf sports mouthguard.


    For more information about mouthguard options, contact your local Totally Smiles practice today, or book an appointment online now.

  • Fluoride Treatment

    Fluoride treatment is a quick and simple process administered by our dentists or hygiene team, to help prevent tooth decay.


    Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents tooth decay. It’s been an essential oral health treatment for decades, which supports healthy tooth enamel and fights harmful bacteria to teeth and gums.

    If you’re at high risk of developing cavities we recommend a fluoride treatment at your regular dental visit.


    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to learn about fluoride treatment and how to better protect your teeth, or book an appointment online now.

  • Oral Hygiene

    Totally Smiles is committed to providing exceptional dental care to all Australians, and that often begins with maintaining good dental habits. Our hygienists will advise you on the latest techniques for caring for your teeth and gums and will help you develop a daily routine to keep your oral health at the highest standards.


    What does a hygienist do?

    Your dental hygienist and oral health therapist are essential members of your dental health team. They are specialists in the general maintenance of your mouth, teeth and gums, including:

    • examinations
    • scale and cleans
    • x-rays
    • assessment and treatment of gum disease

    From your first visit, our dedicated team will spend time discussing your oral hygiene needs, recommending products, and developing a personal program to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

    Oral hygiene at home

    There are many things that you can do yourself for a life-long healthy smile and great oral hygiene. Here are our recommendations:

    • Brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
    • Use fluoride toothpaste.
    • Floss twice a day.
    • See your dentist for regular check-ups so that any early problems can be treated before major, expensive treatments are needed.
    • Don’t snack before bedtime. Food left on the teeth overnight is more likely to cause cavities.
    • Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially soft drinks, sweet cereal, desserts, and sticky foods.

    Why is oral hygiene important?

    If you look after your oral hygiene you can help avoid problems such as:

    • tooth decay
    • gum disease
    • serious problems with your general health

    Tooth decay

    Tooth decay is the general name we give the damage that is done when the bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth create acid that erodes your tooth. This can lead to pain, infection, and even the loss of the tooth.

    If the bacteria are not cleaned and flossed away effectively, they produce acids that erode your tooth enamel over time, causing decay. Regular visits to your hygienist and dentist can help avoid this and catch any damage from decay before further treatment is needed.

    Gum disease

    Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can also affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth if left untreated. There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

    Gum disease can be painless, so it is important to keep an eye on symptoms such as bleeding or inflamed gums, bad breath, pain when chewing, or loose teeth. Without regular visits to your dentist or hygienist, you may not know that you have gum disease until it’s in the more advanced stages. Once it is past the earliest stages, professional treatment from your dentist or hygienist is the only way to cure gum disease.

    Healthy mouth, healthy body

    There is a link between good oral hygiene and other health factors. Oral cancer may be detected while it is still treatable. The health of your teeth and gums can also reduce the risk of suffering a stroke, heart disease, and cancer.


    We would rather help you avoid issues with your health than treat them; this is why, at Totally Smiles, we are passionate about prevention and educating Australians on how to take control of their oral health.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice today to book your hygienist appointment, or book an appointment online now.

  • Preventative Care

    At Totally Smiles we’re passionate about prevention, empowering Australians with the knowledge to take care of their smile.

    Preventative care is vital in ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for life. Alongside good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing daily, Totally Smiles’ expert dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist every six months.

    A professional clean involves removing any plaque and tartar on the teeth that is unable to be removed by daily brushing and flossing.

    Buying the correct toothbrush and using quality toothpaste is also vital in keeping your smile healthy.


    For more information on preventative care and how you can ensure a winning smile for life, book an appointment at your local Totally Smiles practice.

  • Tooth Polishing

    Tooth polishing involves using slightly abrasive products to gently smooth the surface of your teeth.

    Polishing can remove surface stains on the teeth and build-ups of plaque that may lead to tooth decay, leaving you with a clean and healthy smile.


    For more information on tooth polishing, contact your nearest Totally Smiles practice, or book an appointment online now.

  • Tooth Decay

    At Totally Smiles, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, and we know that long-term dental management feels a whole lot better than treatments. That is why we are passionate about educating Australians on all aspects of dental health, including tooth decay prevention and how to spot it.


    What is tooth decay?

    Tooth decay is the general name for the damage that is done when the bacteria that occur naturally in the mouth create acid that erodes teeth. This can lead to pain, infection, and even the loss of the tooth.

    Every tooth has three layers:

    • The hard enamel on the outside
    • The middle layer of dentin
    • The pulp at the centre of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels

    The longer tooth decay is left untreated, the more layers are affected and the worse the damage will be.

    What causes tooth decay?

    Dry mouth causes 30% of all tooth decay. This is because saliva helps to wash away food debris and reduce plaque, which forms on teeth and gums. Plaque contains the bacteria that feed on sugars from food that remain on teeth. As the bacteria feed, they produce acids that erode tooth enamel over time, causing decay.

    How do I know if I have tooth decay?

    Unless you visit the dentist for regular six-monthly check-ups, you may not know you have tooth decay until you have a cavity or even an infected tooth. If this happens, you may experience:

    • A toothache
    • Swelling in your gums near a painful tooth
    • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
    • White, grey, brown, or black spots on your teeth

    How is it treated?

    Regular check-ups help detect decay before a cavity forms and fluoride treatments may be sufficient. However, if the decay has eaten through the enamel, you may need:

    • A filling, when the dentist will fill the hole and restore the tooth to its original shape.
    • A crown if the decay has been left longer and you need a replacement for part of a tooth.
    • Root canal therapy if the pulp of the tooth becomes infected.
    • Extraction if the root of the tooth is severely damaged. The tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a bridge or an implant.

    How to prevent tooth decay

    At Totally Smiles, we want to help you prevent tooth decay before it starts. Here’s how:

    • Brush your teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
    • Use fluoride toothpaste.
    • Floss twice a day.
    • Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially soft drinks, sweet cereal, desserts, and sticky foods.
    • Don’t snack before bedtime. Food left on the teeth overnight is more likely to cause cavities.
    • See us for regular check-ups so that any early problems can be treated before major, expensive treatments are needed.

    However, if you do get a toothache, don’t delay and visit one of our more than 50 practices nationwide before it gets worse.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to book in your next dental examination and clean, or book an appointment online now.

  • T-Scan™ dentistry

    T-Scan™ is a digital bite analysis system that allows your dentist to determine if the way your upper and lower teeth come together is healthy and functional.

    After undertaking the analysis, treatment can be prescribed to correct any problems with your bite.

    T-Scan™ analysis and treatment can help reduce:

    • tooth wearing
    • tooth decay caused by wear
    • jaw pain.

    For more information on T-Scan™ dentistry, contact your local Totally Smiles practice, or book an appointment online now.

  • Dental X-Rays

    At Totally Smiles, we take a pioneering stance and are always challenging the status quo to continually find ways to deliver exceptional dental care to all Australians. To this end, we offer our customers the latest in dental technology including digital x-rays.


    Better diagnosis

    Unlike traditional film, digital x-ray images can be enhanced to allow us to make an extremely accurate diagnosis. We can magnify images, sharpen them, or colour them to help us see exactly what’s going on. This means that your treatment is going to be more precise than ever. We can store images on your digital file and bring them up quickly and easily at a later appointment. It’s also possible to superimpose images taken at different times, making it easy to monitor any changes. Digital x-rays are also much faster to produce so we can diagnose and treat you in much less time.

    Less radiation

    Digital x-rays reduce exposure to radiation by up to 80% compared with traditional film-based X-rays. Although today’s film-based radiography is safe, we are always looking for ways to improve and digital x-rays allow us to minimise exposure to both patients and operators.

    Better for the environment

    We take pride in looking after the environment. Digital x-ray technology allows us to be more environmentally responsible because it does not use the harsh chemicals needed for traditional x-rays. We also no longer need to take up as much space for storing film x-rays, with all the heating and lighting associated with it, further reducing our environmental footprint.

    Technology because we care

    Digital x-rays help us provide you with the highest possible levels of service and care. You can rest assured that when you visit any of our more than 50 practices nationwide, we have invested in the latest technology. This is because we are invested in you and making sure we are properly equipped to give you the dental health you deserve.


    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to book in your next dental examination and clean, or book online now.

  • Wisdom Teeth

    Common enquiry

    At Totally Smiles, we help you achieve the best dental health possible, no matter your stage in life. One such inevitable phase is the eruption of wisdom teeth.


    What are wisdom teeth?

    Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to go through, the final molars on each side of the upper and lower jaws. They usually emerge from age 16 to 25 and, for many people, require removal.

    Impacted wisdom teeth

    When one of these teeth doesn’t have enough room to come in normally, it is considered impacted. Teeth may become twisted, tilted, or displaced as they try to emerge.

    Regular dental appointments and x-rays can catch impacted teeth early before you experience any symptoms:

    • Pain
    • Swollen and bleeding gums
    • Swelling around the jaw
    • Bad breath
    • Headache or jaw ache
    • Unpleasant taste when eating
    • Stiffness of the jaw

    Impacted wisdom teeth that are left untreated can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. You may also experience damage to your other teeth, including infection and overcrowding of teeth, so it is important to see us as soon as any of these symptoms emerge.

    Wisdom tooth extraction

    Infection from wisdom teeth may be treated with improving oral hygiene, having the area cleaned by the dentist, or antibiotics. However, the infection may keep coming back if the wisdom teeth are not removed.

    When extraction is necessary, a local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area. Our understanding team are always sensitive to our customers’ needs and a sedative may also be offered to alleviate anxiety.

    If the tooth has broken through the gum, a simple extraction can be performed. If it is still below the gum line, however, the dentist or oral surgeon will cut through the gum to remove a portion of the bone to get to the root. In most cases, the tooth will be cut into small pieces instead of as a whole to minimise the size of the hole, which may then be stitched up.

     

    Support your recovery

    After a wisdom tooth extraction, you may experience some bleeding, soreness, and swelling. To help aid your recovery, keep these tips in mind:

    • Take time to relax after the procedure to allow your body to heal more effectively. Take a few days off from work or school and don’t overexert yourself.
    • The day after your extraction, you may find relief by placing an ice pack on your jaw and alternating sides every 15 minutes. This will prevent your jaw and cheeks from swelling up and may even help to numb the pain. After a couple of days, you can try a heat pack to assist in healing.
    • Manage your pain levels with any prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers. It is a good idea to take them as soon as possible to prevent the onset of pain. If you do not receive a prescription, over-the-counter medicines can be taken but be sure to follow the instructions on the medications.
    • Keep your mouth clean, regularly rinsing your mouth with warm water or a salt solution.
    • Stick to soft foods such as yoghurt, smoothies, broth, and jelly for the first day or two. Gradually introduce solid foods back into your diet.
    • When you sleep, prop up your head with a stack of pillows. This will not only prevent swelling; it will also help prevent excessive blood flow in your mouth.

    If you take the proper steps to alleviate pain and swelling, you can recover quickly and be back to normal within a few days.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice if you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, or book an appointment online now.

  • Dental Examinations

    At Totally Smiles, we are dedicated to helping our customers achieve the dental health and winning smile they deserve. We firmly believe that prevention and early detection are better than cure, so we encourage our customers to go for regular dental examinations.


    Why do I need to undergo a dental examination?

    Even if you are conscientious about brushing and flossing your teeth, it is still important to go for regular dental exams. This way, we can identify issues before they become serious.

    What happens during a dental examination?

    Before anything else, we will ask you about your overall health history including past dental issues, any medications you are taking, and any other illnesses you may have. All these may have an impact on your oral health so it is important to disclose them.

    Our approachable team of dentists, hygienists, and oral health therapists will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to look for potential signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. We evaluate if there is a need for any further treatments such as fillings or root canal therapy. We also check your bite and jaw for any problems. We may take some dental x-rays to check for hidden conditions.

    We then conduct a professional clean to get rid of tartar, which can build up in hard-to-reach places despite regular brushing and flossing.  A polish is next to make the tooth surfaces smoother, which makes it difficult for plaque to accumulate.

    Lastly but just as importantly, we will talk about how to maintain good oral hygiene. We will demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques, share tips on how to care for your teeth and gums, and discuss lifestyle factors that may affect your oral health, such as diet and smoking.

    We make it easy for you

    We know many people dread visiting the dentist so we work hard to make it easy for you to make that appointment. We’re available at your convenience, with evening and weekend appointments. We make sure you are physically comfortable with our plush recliners and in-chair entertainment. We strive to put your mind at ease, always providing clear explanations about your procedure and ready to answer any questions you may have at any stage to assure you that you are in safe hands.


     

    We generally recommend a visit every six months but we may recommend more frequent check-ups depending on your unique situation.

    Contact your local Totally Smiles practice to book in your next dental examination and clean, or book online now.

     

  • Fissure Seals

    Fissure sealants are a safe and comfortable way of protecting teeth against decay. Pits and fissures are the deep grooves that make up the chewing surface of your teeth.

    Sometimes, grooves are so deep that it’s impossible for the bristles of a toothbrush to keep the surface clean. In these cases we may apply a dental sealant, commonly known as a fissure seal, to fill the pits and fissures and act as a barrier to plaque, bacteria and food debris.


    For more information about fissure sealants, contact your local Totally Smiles practice today, or book an appointment online now.

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