Dentists

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X-Ray/OPG

Bitewings (X-Rays) are taken in the surgery to help the dentist carry out a full dental check-up. Bitewings are recommended by your dentist either as needed or every two years.

While dentists can probe around many surfaces of the teeth, they cannot see what's happening on the inside of the tooth or where two teeth sit together. Most decay is not felt until the nerve is badly affected by the trauma of decay and if it is left until this stage a great number of teeth would require expensive endodontic treatment or extraction.
Different x-rays show different things.

Bitewings are used to detect problems that you can't normally see. Finding problems early may save money and pain later. Dentists are looking out for

• Decay or caries
• Unerupted teeth (those not in the mouth yet) especially wisdom teeth
• Health of bone around teeth (mainly the height)
• Absence of pain free abscesses and bone loss relating to infection
• Root shape
• Position of cysts and abscesses
• Broken roots or trauma to the jaws

Occasionally we will need to refer patients off to get an X-Ray called an Orthopantomogram (OPG) also known as an "orthopantogram" or "panorex".

An OPG is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It shows a two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear. This x-ray scan shows the entire upper and lower teeth including the roots and including the "wisdom teeth," the frontal, nasal and maxillary sinus air spaces and the temporomandibular joint complex or "TMJ". These x-rays are not as clear as bitewings so they are not used to look for decay. 

In regards to radiation, new technology has meant that we are able to limit exposure to radiographs. The radiation received from one dental x-ray is less than that received from an interstate airline flight.

If you have any concerns with this please discuss it with the dentist.

OPG Centres

 

Orthodontics

This branch of dentistry concerns the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment helps with the correction of the teeth positions, improving the occlusion (bite) of teeth as well as the appearance of the jaw and face. In most cases, orthodontic treatment involves braces on the upper and lower teeth. Individuals with poor alignment of the jaws may require extra treatment in the form of orthopaedic appliances or jaw surgery.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons with regards to improving the general appearance of patients' teeth. However, there are Orthodontists, who work on reconstructing the entire face, rather than focusing exclusively on teeth. Nonetheless, treatment is most often prescribed for practical reasons such as providing the patient with a functionally improved bite (occlusion).

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

• A great smile
• More self confidence
• Straight and correctly positioned teeth are easier to clean – this means less risk of tooth and gum disease later in life.
• Straight teeth are less prone to injury during contact sports or physical activities
• Less risk of excessive tooth wear and problems with the jaw later in life
• Better chewing actions and speech in some people.

At Cardinia Dental, Dr Shireen Hamid offers fixed appliances for both adults and children in selected cases.
If required, we will refer you to an orthodontist.

Orthodontists we may refer you to

 

Periodontist

A periodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the treatment of periodontal (gum) disease and other oral conditions affecting the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Periodontal disease affects the support around teeth including the jawbones and gum. After five years of dental school and years in general dental practice, the periodontist completes an additional 3 years of university based training
The periodontist provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic, non-surgical and surgical services aimed at improving the periodontal health. Pre-prosthetic surgery can be provided to improve aesthetics and function of restorations such as crowns and bridges. The placement of dental implants is frequently undertaken by periodontists especially when aesthetics are paramount. Periodontists work closely with other members of the dental team, particularly dentists, hygienists and other dental specialists.

Periodontists we may refer you to

 

 

Endodontist

The aim of root canal treatment (also called "endodontic" treatment) is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay disease or injury.
Any millions of teeth each year are saved from extraction by having root canal treatment.
Most people prefer to safe their tooth because it generally will function better than an artificial tooth.
Your own tooth is usually stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing. Cleaning and maintenance of a natural tooth are much easier. However good an artificial tooth can be, it will never be more than just a substitute for a real tooth.

Problems with bitting, chewing and oral health are associated with losing a tooth.

For example, nearby teeth can move out of their normal position and tilt into the space left by missing tooth. This can make chewing and bitting difficult, and can lead to further decay and gum disease around the tilted teeth.

Root canal treatment is successful in most cases. If you take good care of the treated tooth, it may last for many years and possibly for the rest of your life.

Your tooth will not be treated unless the treatment is likely to succeed. Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, and extraction may be the best, or only, option.

Why is there a need for endodontic treatment?
Sometimes the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or a blow to the tooth.

Who performs endodontic treatment?
All general dental practitioners are trained to perform root canal treatment. Some patient may be referred by their dentist to an Endodontist who has special qualifications in root canal treatment. This would happen when a tooth is not responding to treatment at the surgery.

What is an "endodontist"?
Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating the soft inner tissue of your tooths roots. After they complete dental school, they attend another dental school program for two or three more years. This program is called an advanced specialty education program. They study only endodontic treatment and learn advanced techniques so they can give you the very best care.
Endodontists are specialists. In their offices, they perform only endodontic procedures, both routine and complex. They are also experienced at finding the cause of oral and facial pain that is difficult to diagnose.

Endodontists we may refer you to

 

 

Crown and Bridge

Crown and bridge

Crown and Bridge specialist

 

 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are surgical specialists who treat conditions, defects, injuries, and aesthetic aspects of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and face, treating the entire craniomaxillofacial complex: anatomical area of the mouth, jaws, face, skull, as well as associated structures.
They care for patients who have problem wisdom teeth, facial pain, and misaligned jaws.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons also treat accident victims suffering facial injuries, offer reconstructive and dental implant surgery, and care for patients with tumours and cysts of the jaws.

Treatments may be performed on the craniomaxillofacial complex: mouth, jaws, neck, face, skull, and include:

• Dentoalveolar surgery (surgery to remove impacted teeth, difficult tooth extractions, extractions on medically compromised patients, bone grafting or preprosthetic surgery to provide better anatomy for the placement of implants dentures, or other dental prostheses)
• Diagnosis and treatment of benign pathology (cysts, tumours etc.)
• Diagnosis and treatment (ablative and reconstructive surgery, microsurgery) of malignant pathology (oral & head and neck cancer).
• Diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous malignancy (skin cancer), lip reconstruction
• Diagnosis and treatment of congenital craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate and cranial vault malformations such as craniosynostosis, (craniofacial surgery)
• Diagnosis and treatment of chronic facial pain disorders
• Diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Diagnosis and treatment of dysgnathia (incorrect bite), and orthognathic (literally "straight bite") reconstructive surgery, orthognathic surgery, maxillomandibular advancement, surgical correction of facial asymmetry.
• Diagnosis and treatment of soft and hard tissue trauma of the oral and maxillofacial region (jaw fractures, cheek bone fractures, nasal fractures, LeFort fracture, skull fractures and eye socket fractures.
• Splint and surgical treatment of sleep apnoea, maxillomandibular advancement and genioplasty (in conjunction with sleep labs or physicians)
• Surgery to insert osseointegrated (bone fused) dental implants and Maxillofacial implants for attaching craniofacial prostheses and bone anchored hearing aids.
• Cosmetic surgery limited to the head and neck: (rhytidectomy/facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty/Asian blepharoplasty, otoplasty, rhinoplasty, septoplasty, cheek augmentation, chin augmentation, genioplasty, oculoplastics, neck liposuction, lip enhancement, injectable cosmetic treatments, botox, chemical peel etc.)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons we may refer you to

 

 

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists are dental specialists who undertake many different and complex technical procedures related to the replacement or missing teeth and restoration of natural teeth and may include dentures, partial dentures, fixed bridges, crowns, implants, veneers and more. They have advanced diagnostic and analytical capabilities which ensure they identify and solve the cause of dental problems before restoring a mouth to full function and aesthetics. Their experience and restorative technical skills allow them to successfully co-ordinate with the referring dentist, and if necessary other specialists, and then carry out treatment to deliver outcomes which best meet their patients’ needs.
Prosthodontics is one of the six recognised specialties within dentistry and is recognised by the Dental Board of NSW. It currently takes 3 years of full time study, in addition to the 5 years to become a dentist, to obtain a Master of Dental Science, the usual qualification to be registered as a Prosthodontist.

What services do prosthodontists provide?
There are many causes of tooth loss and Prosthodontists offer their patients a wide range of options to replace these missing teeth. One or two anterior teeth are commonly lost as a result of trauma. These may be replaced using dental implants, fixed bridgework or a removable partial denture. Similar options are also available when several teeth have been lost. Patients who have lost all their teeth previously only had the option of complete dentures. In many cases dental implants will allow the prosthodontist to provide a firm anchor for the patient's denture. Alternatively the denture may be replaced with an implant supported fixed bridge.

Restoration of damaged or worn teeth:
Teeth may be damaged through trauma such as sports injuries or may wear down over many years, for example due to acidic erosion, bruxism or clenching. There are many ways to manage these problems such as veneers or crowns. In cases involving tooth surface loss due to wear or erosion an accurate diagnosis is imperative. Prosthodontists have received specialised training in the management of these situations.

Temporomandibular Joint and Masticatory Muscle Disorders:
The temporomandibular joints may be injured as a result of extrinsic trauma or may receive intrinsic damage through bruxism (tooth grinding and clenching). Bruxism may also lead to pain in the muscles of mastication and in turn headaches. Where appropriate, prosthodontic treatment will include counselling, guidance in physiotherapy and provision of occclusal (bite) splints.

Aesthetic (cosmetic) dentistry:
Prosthodontics play a key role in "smile rehabilitation". Since people are living longer and retaining more of their natural teeth prosthodontic treatment may be instrumental in helping patients maintain a healthy, attractive appearance. Prosthodontists have specialist expertise in whitening and bonding techniques; colour matching and tooth recontouring; the use of veneers to reshape teeth and enhance appearance; and the incorporation of crowns, bridges and implant supported restorations.

Prosthodontists we may refer you to

 

 

Paediatric Dentist

Paediatric dentistry is a special discipline within the general practice of dentistry. Its focus is the provision of both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. Paediatric dentists are trained in child psychology, growth, and development.

Paediatric Dentist we may refer you to

 

 

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