FAQs

The team at Bay Dental is dedicated to helping you understand as much about your oral health and how to care for your mouth as possible. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:

What will I gain from visiting a prosthodontist?

Prosthodontists vary from normal dentists in that, in the areas of restoration and replacement of missing teeth, they possess advanced skills and expertise to help maximise the success of your treatment. Having undergone a period of three years post-graduate study in the specific field of prosthodontics, you can rest assured that all of your restorative and replacement needs will be dealt with in the greatest care and attention to detail through your specialist Prosthodontist treatment.

What are my options in replacing the missing teeth in my mouth?

If you are suffering from the effects of missing teeth then you may have a number of suitable options from which to choose the remedy. For those individuals that support enough healthy gum and underlying bone structure, dental implants can provide the perfect and long lasting answer to a missing tooth or teeth. They are strong and durable, being anchored firmly to your existing jaw bone and can effectively restore the function of natural teeth. In patients that lack the fundamental bone presence needed to support an implant, options exist, either in the creation of a bone graft to stabilise further implants, or alternatively a crown or bridge can take the role of replacing areas of deteriorated or absent teeth.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants are often the preferred option in replacing missing teeth as they provide the strongest level of support and strength in comparison to other methods.

Dental implants can effectively restore the original strength and function of your mouth and prevent the further movement or deterioration of other areas of your mouth and teeth. They can be created in a way that is complementary to your existing teeth and hence look completely natural.

How long will it take for my mouth to feel the benefits of implant surgery?

This can vary from patient to patient, depending on the individual’s state of initial health, amount of available bone and the body’s ability to heal. However, implants are typically conducted over a period of 6 – 8 months from initial consultation to end result. This allows for a number of treatment procedures including the anchoring of the implant anchor, followed by the necessary positioning of a post and replacement tooth. Each of these processes requires a period of time to heal.

Can you make my smile look natural?

Yes, with the advent of new dental materials such as the use of porcelain for crowns and replacement teeth, it is now possible for your restorative dental treatments to effectively mimic the natural look and feel of your true, beautiful smile!

I’m really reluctant to visit the dentist but feel that I need to have my teeth seen to – what should I do?

You are not alone if you experience even a minor level of anxiety at the prospect of a dental visit. Luckily, with the use of sedation dentistry methods, we can effectively rid you of any need for apprehension in your treatment.

Conscious sedation allows you to undergo procedures of varying duration and complexity in complete comfort and in the absence of pain.

After just one visit to our practice, with the use of sedation, we have witnessed a vast change in the attitudes of patients that have previously experienced great anxiety at the thought of the dental chair. Don’t let your fear stop you from receiving the treatment that you need – we can help you overcome your fear.

My wisdom teeth are causing me grief, can you help?

Wisdom teeth can cause a multitude of problems, from overcrowding and shifting of your existing tooth structure, to causing infection and soreness in the gums.

Through the extraction of wisdom teeth you can effectively rid your mouth of the trauma associated with wisdom teeth and restore your sense of full comfort and happiness.

Even if your wisdom teeth only cause you problems on a infrequent basis, if they are present and have only broken part way through your gum, they are prone to harbouring food and subsequently bacteria growth, when left untreated.

Wisdom tooth extraction involves the removal of the tooth and consequent sealing of the remaining gum to leave you with a mouth free from future problems and infection.