Why are We Different
We practice a new type of dentistry called Minimal Intervention Dentistry (Minimally invasive). This means we concentrate on detecting early decay (and gum disease) and avoid drilling the teeth where possible. If fillings are needed we use only white adhesive fillings, making these as small as possible to conserve the tooth.
These early white spot lesions can be reversed with the use of modern calcium and fluoride based pastes (GC Tooth Mousse Plus) and improved oral hygiene. Once there are holes (cavitation) in the teeth we need to restore these with composite white fillings.
With these advanced cases, not only are many fillings required but without treating the underlying disease, these cavities can re-occur in other teeth over time.
To prevent disease (Minimal intervention dentistry) we need to analyse the diet and lifestyle of the patient as well as to improve plaque removal with more effective brushing. Saliva is an important part of reversing early decay and replacing calcium. So too many coffees a day (caffeine) can dry your mouth and help decay start.
A 7 day diet sheet is filled out by the patient and as well, the patient’s saliva can be tested. These are all tools to help us to prevent further disease and prevent future cavities.
We can detect these early lesions better with special dyes that show the active decay by the colour overlying the tooth (light blue colour).
Old plaque is shown as purple, new plaque is shown as red-pink.
Many of our patients have eroded their teeth due to poor diet with excessive intake of cola drinks or orange juice (see erosions in picture 4.) and we need to alter their diet and restore the teeth. Of course treating early gum disease is very important to us, and can be reversed with good oral hygiene instruction and cleaning from our very skilled and professional Dental Hygienists.
OUR OVERALL AIM IS TO HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY. PREVENTING DECAY OR GUM DISEASE MEANS YOUR DENTAL COSTS WILL BE LOWER.
Early tooth decay detection is helped by using new electronic detection called a DIAGNOdent (adjacent picture.) The diagram below shows how the DIAGNODent uses fluorescence to detect non-visible decay in the top of the tooth.
Tooth whitening is one of our most successful treatments especially since we began using our new green-light 3 LT whitening system (see above). A new chemical has been developed called ‘Smartbleach’, which gives better whitening results than traditional whitening chemicals. The procedure takes one hour in the chair and is used in conjunction with take-home home bleaching trays.
We use different dental lasers to either remove decay, or for gum surgery. Our large erbium laser can often be used to remove tooth decay without needing a local anaesthetic. Visit YouTube to watch our laser in action. At http://youtu.be/LMHh_I-GNN0 and at http://youtu.be/RbfYYc-ZKfk Red laser beam – to cut teeth This picture shows the red beam of the laser ready to cut teeth.
This machine is used to take special full mouth X-rays for wisdom teeth as well as for orthodontic purposes.
We are preferred providers for HCF and CBHS health funds.
Also we are providers for HBF, HIF,BUPA, Defence health, Medibank, SGIO and all other major health funds.
Blog Posts
Our Contacts
- 1Unit 5,36 Benara Rd,
Noranda WA 6062
Get directions on the map - (08) 9275 3544
- info@norandadental.com.au