Magee Dental Surgery: Camberwell, Victoria 3124
Genetics testing for gum health
Setp 2010
Largest study ever using genetic testing to help with gum health
+ READ MORE
ADA DENTAL HEALTH WEEK
Aug 2010
Diet and erosion: cause and combating!
+ READ MORE
Accidents
What do you do if a tooth is knocked out?
Anorexia
Eating disorders can have serious dental consequences. Dentists can be part of the team who helps with your health while you deal with the eating disorder.
Arthritis
Is there anything that would help me?
Bad breath
Read some odd research on this common problem
Bisphosphonates
These medications used in cancer and osteoporosis treatment are a real concern to dentists. Find out why and let the dentist know if you are taking these drugs.
Bleeding gums
When you clean your teeth and your gums bleed should you be concerned?
Boot camp for kids
Are your kids ready for a fun challenge? The ADA has a web site just of them. You can start your kid's Bootcamp program anytime-just click on the first day and get them started with Day One's Basic Training.
Braces
Orthodontics seems so common today. When should I have my child checked out for braces?
Bruxism
Bruxism or wearing down your teeth from grinding is not uncommon. Other symptoms are more common in bruxers. What?
Burning mouth & tongue
Burning mouth: You should be confused because we are !
Burning mouth & tongue
A tongue or mouth with burning sensation is not uncommon. This condition is linked to certain ages and stages in life.
Cancer treatment
Remembering to keep your mouth and gums healthy before and during treatment for cancer is very important
Caries
Caries or decay is a disease caused by bacteria. Diet and prevention are linked to successfully managing this disease.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum can help prevent and heal teeth - if you make the right choice.
Cleaning kids teeth
Help avoid the 'bathroom' fights morning and night!
Crowns
Should you have a filling or a crown? What is involved and how will you benefit?
Decay
Getting holes in your teeth is preventable. Become informed so you can make a difference.
Dentures
How do you live well with new dentures? Hints and suggestions for success
Diabetes
What should you do 'dentally' if you have diabetes? What about the gums and diabetes?
Diet and Acid erosion
Diet and erosion: cause and combating!
Drinks
Acid and sugar content of drinks is a great concern in looking after your teeth for a long life. Find out what sort of damage may occur - even with diet drinks.
Dry mouth
Medications and illness can dry our mouths. Find out our hints for relief.
Dummies
Sucking is natural for babies and it is comforting. Will that dummy affect my babies teeth later in life?
Eating disorders
Anorexia and bulimia may be seen by a dentist before any other health professional. Find out why the teeth are affected.
Endodontic treatment
A 'dead' tooth causes pain and needs to have endodontic treatment. It sounds very complex. Find out what and why the inside of the tooth is treated.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Eruption dates
When should teeth start to grow? Is it better for teeth to be early or late?
Fluoride
This is added to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Why shouldn't you remove it with your water filter?
Genetics and gums
Largest study ever using genetic testing to help with gum health
Geographic tongue
Do you have a 'road map' in your mouth? Geographic tongue affects up to 4% of the population.
Gingivitis
The most common infection dentists see is gingivitis. It is preventable and treatable.
Grinding
Don't wear away your teeth. Night grinding is a real problem.
Heart Risks
Research is becoming clearer and showing gum disease is linked to heart attacks.
Hormones
At different stages of life different hormones affect our gums.
Implants
The newest major change to dentistry has been the ability to replace teeth. Dental implants may be an option if you have a missing tooth or dentures that are always loose.
Infection control
You need to know that the dental surgery is concerned with your general health and safety. Infection control is how we make sure we don't share 'bugs'.
Jaw pain
My teeth don't ache but my face does. Should I see a doctor or a dentist?
Joint pain
Does it 'click' when you open your jaw. Find out why.
Knocked out tooth
Emergency help - you need to act quickly.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a common disease of the skin and mouth. Why, how and what?
Morning sickness
If you suffer from this it is important to take our advice so you don't cause long term tooth damage.
Mouthguard Info
New ADA information resources for sports clubs
Mouthguards
Be safe when you play sport. A mouthguard can save 1,000's of dollars.
Musican's mouths
Did you know that people who play musical instruments and sing are prone to certain types of mouth and face pain?
Oral health rating
New studies rank Aussies 1st or 2nd in nine different oral health indicators when compared to UK, USA and Germany
Orthodontics
When should my child have orthodontics, why and what?
Osteonecrosis
This is a rare but serious condition of the jaw bone. The symptoms and risk factors are discussed.
Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis you may be taking medications which the dentist needs to know about. Find out why.
Periodontal disease
80% of Australians have this disease in some form. Be informed to reduce its impact in your mouth
Porcelain veneers
Fine coatings of porcelain can cover defects in teeth and make them look stunning and perfect again.
Pregnancy advice
Cravings, morning sickness, bleeding gums and how do I have a healthy baby?
Radiation therapy
How can I maintain the health of my teeth and gums while I have radiation therapy? Loss of appetite, dry mouth and nausea!
Radiographs
Why do dentists want to take radiographs of teeth? Can't they just look around your mouth for holes?
Research pain paper
German brain scan research gives new insight into dental pain
Research to help gaggers
Having pressure applied to the palm of the hand can reduce gagging
Root canal treatment
The inside of the tooth root is treated by dentists. Find out what and why and how of root canal treatment.
Scaling and cleaning
Removing buildup around the teeth may not be a favorite part of the dental visit. Why does it matter and what causes the buildup?
Sensitive teeth
Ice-cream -ouch. Cold water -ouch. Find relief from sensitive teeth.
Smoking
You know it affects your lungs but why is your dentist talking about gum damage and smoking?
Sports drinks
Sports drinks are great for rehydrating but terrible for teeth. Find the sensible balance.
Sterilization
Your health is important so we take extra special precautions to keep you safe.
Stroke Risks
Gum health and strokes have been linked. Prevent the risk of strokes with healthy gums?
Teething (babies)
What is normal? When should teeth come through? How can I survive as a parent?
Thumb sucking
What is worse - thumb or dummy? Will they ruin my childs teeth and mean we will need braces later in life?
TMJ
My dentist said I have TMJ problems. What does that mean and how can it be fixed?
TMJ pain
My face aches and my teeth ache on BOTH sides of my face. Why?
Tongue piercing
Is tongue piercing dangerous to teeth or is it all a rumor spread by old people?
Tooth brushes
Which toothbrush do I need? Soft? Hard? Electric? Some hints on what to look for and how to decide what you should do.
Tooth mousse
Prevention of dental caries is important to Aussie's
Toothpaste
Low dose children's toothpaste does little to protect against decay
Trauma
Find out what to do if you have a tooth accident. Quick and correct action is very important.
Trigeminal neuralgia
What is trigeminal neuralgia? What is the cause and how is it treated?
Unreal pain
It's not a 'normal' toothache. What is it and how can we make it go away.
Veneers
Appearance is important and veneers are an option for making your teeth look better.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not just good to stop colds and flu.
When teeth grow
When should teeth come through? What is 'normal'?
Whitening teeth
Please make my teeth whiter! How do you do that?
Wisdom teeth
Everyone seems to be getting their wisdom teeth out and you want to know what's going on! Do you have any wisdom teeth and will they need to be removed?
Xerostomia
A dry mouth is uncomfortable and causes tooth decay. The things you need to know.
X-rays
Is taking xrays really necessary in your mouth if you don't have any pain or discomfort?
What do you do if a tooth is knocked out?
Anorexia
Eating disorders can have serious dental consequences. Dentists can be part of the team who helps with your health while you deal with the eating disorder.
Arthritis
Is there anything that would help me?
Bad breath
Read some odd research on this common problem
Bisphosphonates
These medications used in cancer and osteoporosis treatment are a real concern to dentists. Find out why and let the dentist know if you are taking these drugs.
Bleeding gums
When you clean your teeth and your gums bleed should you be concerned?
Boot camp for kids
Are your kids ready for a fun challenge? The ADA has a web site just of them. You can start your kid's Bootcamp program anytime-just click on the first day and get them started with Day One's Basic Training.
Braces
Orthodontics seems so common today. When should I have my child checked out for braces?
Bruxism
Bruxism or wearing down your teeth from grinding is not uncommon. Other symptoms are more common in bruxers. What?
Burning mouth & tongue
Burning mouth: You should be confused because we are !
Burning mouth & tongue
A tongue or mouth with burning sensation is not uncommon. This condition is linked to certain ages and stages in life.
Cancer treatment
Remembering to keep your mouth and gums healthy before and during treatment for cancer is very important
Caries
Caries or decay is a disease caused by bacteria. Diet and prevention are linked to successfully managing this disease.
Chewing gum
Chewing gum can help prevent and heal teeth - if you make the right choice.
Cleaning kids teeth
Help avoid the 'bathroom' fights morning and night!
Crowns
Should you have a filling or a crown? What is involved and how will you benefit?
Decay
Getting holes in your teeth is preventable. Become informed so you can make a difference.
Dentures
How do you live well with new dentures? Hints and suggestions for success
Diabetes
What should you do 'dentally' if you have diabetes? What about the gums and diabetes?
Diet and Acid erosion
Diet and erosion: cause and combating!
Drinks
Acid and sugar content of drinks is a great concern in looking after your teeth for a long life. Find out what sort of damage may occur - even with diet drinks.
Dry mouth
Medications and illness can dry our mouths. Find out our hints for relief.
Dummies
Sucking is natural for babies and it is comforting. Will that dummy affect my babies teeth later in life?
Eating disorders
Anorexia and bulimia may be seen by a dentist before any other health professional. Find out why the teeth are affected.
Endodontic treatment
A 'dead' tooth causes pain and needs to have endodontic treatment. It sounds very complex. Find out what and why the inside of the tooth is treated.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Erosion
Are you wearing your teeth down or out! What causes erosion and how do you make sure this insidious condition doesn't cost you money.
Eruption dates
When should teeth start to grow? Is it better for teeth to be early or late?
Fluoride
This is added to water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Why shouldn't you remove it with your water filter?
Genetics and gums
Largest study ever using genetic testing to help with gum health
Geographic tongue
Do you have a 'road map' in your mouth? Geographic tongue affects up to 4% of the population.
Gingivitis
The most common infection dentists see is gingivitis. It is preventable and treatable.
Grinding
Don't wear away your teeth. Night grinding is a real problem.
Heart Risks
Research is becoming clearer and showing gum disease is linked to heart attacks.
Hormones
At different stages of life different hormones affect our gums.
Implants
The newest major change to dentistry has been the ability to replace teeth. Dental implants may be an option if you have a missing tooth or dentures that are always loose.
Infection control
You need to know that the dental surgery is concerned with your general health and safety. Infection control is how we make sure we don't share 'bugs'.
Jaw pain
My teeth don't ache but my face does. Should I see a doctor or a dentist?
Joint pain
Does it 'click' when you open your jaw. Find out why.
Knocked out tooth
Emergency help - you need to act quickly.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is a common disease of the skin and mouth. Why, how and what?
Morning sickness
If you suffer from this it is important to take our advice so you don't cause long term tooth damage.
Mouthguard Info
New ADA information resources for sports clubs
Mouthguards
Be safe when you play sport. A mouthguard can save 1,000's of dollars.
Musican's mouths
Did you know that people who play musical instruments and sing are prone to certain types of mouth and face pain?
Oral health rating
New studies rank Aussies 1st or 2nd in nine different oral health indicators when compared to UK, USA and Germany
Orthodontics
When should my child have orthodontics, why and what?
Osteonecrosis
This is a rare but serious condition of the jaw bone. The symptoms and risk factors are discussed.
Osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis you may be taking medications which the dentist needs to know about. Find out why.
Periodontal disease
80% of Australians have this disease in some form. Be informed to reduce its impact in your mouth
Porcelain veneers
Fine coatings of porcelain can cover defects in teeth and make them look stunning and perfect again.
Pregnancy advice
Cravings, morning sickness, bleeding gums and how do I have a healthy baby?
Radiation therapy
How can I maintain the health of my teeth and gums while I have radiation therapy? Loss of appetite, dry mouth and nausea!
Radiographs
Why do dentists want to take radiographs of teeth? Can't they just look around your mouth for holes?
Research pain paper
German brain scan research gives new insight into dental pain
Research to help gaggers
Having pressure applied to the palm of the hand can reduce gagging
Root canal treatment
The inside of the tooth root is treated by dentists. Find out what and why and how of root canal treatment.
Scaling and cleaning
Removing buildup around the teeth may not be a favorite part of the dental visit. Why does it matter and what causes the buildup?
Sensitive teeth
Ice-cream -ouch. Cold water -ouch. Find relief from sensitive teeth.
Smoking
You know it affects your lungs but why is your dentist talking about gum damage and smoking?
Sports drinks
Sports drinks are great for rehydrating but terrible for teeth. Find the sensible balance.
Sterilization
Your health is important so we take extra special precautions to keep you safe.
Stroke Risks
Gum health and strokes have been linked. Prevent the risk of strokes with healthy gums?
Teething (babies)
What is normal? When should teeth come through? How can I survive as a parent?
Thumb sucking
What is worse - thumb or dummy? Will they ruin my childs teeth and mean we will need braces later in life?
TMJ
My dentist said I have TMJ problems. What does that mean and how can it be fixed?
TMJ pain
My face aches and my teeth ache on BOTH sides of my face. Why?
Tongue piercing
Is tongue piercing dangerous to teeth or is it all a rumor spread by old people?
Tooth brushes
Which toothbrush do I need? Soft? Hard? Electric? Some hints on what to look for and how to decide what you should do.
Tooth mousse
Prevention of dental caries is important to Aussie's
Toothpaste
Low dose children's toothpaste does little to protect against decay
Trauma
Find out what to do if you have a tooth accident. Quick and correct action is very important.
Trigeminal neuralgia
What is trigeminal neuralgia? What is the cause and how is it treated?
Unreal pain
It's not a 'normal' toothache. What is it and how can we make it go away.
Veneers
Appearance is important and veneers are an option for making your teeth look better.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not just good to stop colds and flu.
When teeth grow
When should teeth come through? What is 'normal'?
Whitening teeth
Please make my teeth whiter! How do you do that?
Wisdom teeth
Everyone seems to be getting their wisdom teeth out and you want to know what's going on! Do you have any wisdom teeth and will they need to be removed?
Xerostomia
A dry mouth is uncomfortable and causes tooth decay. The things you need to know.
X-rays
Is taking xrays really necessary in your mouth if you don't have any pain or discomfort?
Magee Dental Care
575 Riversdale Rd
Camberwell 3124
Ph 9882 4444
Information sheet from www.mageedentalcare.com
Crown
What is
a crown?
Benefits of a crown?
What's involved on getting a crown
Types of crowns
Possible problems
Costs of crowns
What is a crown?
A crown is an artifical covering for a tooth. When a dentist makes a crown for a tooth the majority of the natural crown
of the tooth is replaced.
The term
"cap" may be used instead of a crown.
- Appearnce improvement: Badly discolored teeth and misshapen teeth can be regevenated with a crown.
- Normal restorations(fillings) cant work in some situations: Sometimes the mechanics of getting a restoration(filling) to stay in a tooth is virtually impossible and a crown or full coverage material is the only option for maintaining the tooth within the mouth.
- Relieve the sensitivity of a cracked tooth: Teeth may have microcracks that cause sensitivity to cold, hot and biting. Holding the tooth together with a crown may relieve these problems
- Strengthen a cracked tooth: A tooth may have cracks that are obvious to the dentist without you being aware of any problems. Training and experience may tell the dentist that it is best to suggest a crown before problems occur.
What's involved on getting a crown
Making a crown may involve the following:
- Radiographs to check the roots of the teeth and see that no bone problem is detected
- Numbing the tooth
- Shaping the tooth: Generally a layer is removed off the chewing surface and the sides of the tooth (all around the tooth really!) . The amount removed depends on the requirements for the different types (material) of crown.
- A mold (or impression) of the teeth is made. A soft material is place into your mouth via a 'tray' and it hardens fairly quickly so it can be removed and then an accurate reproduction of your prepared tooth is available. The crown is made using the impression.
- For a tooth coloured crown a color is selected.
- A temporary crown is made to cover the tooth while we wait for the crown to be made. This will not be as strong as the permanent crown. It is attached with a temporary cement so we can remove it to place on the crown. Please try and avoid chewing on the temporary crown and particularly stay away from sticky or hard food. If the temporary crown becomes loose please contact us.
- Final visit
- The temporary crown is removed and the new crown ispositioned to see it fits, the bite is OK and the color is matched correctly. The new crown is then cemented into place with a permanent cement
Types of crowns
There are many different types of crowns. Professional skill and experience mean the correct crown is available for your individual tooth requirements.
- Gold crowns: for situations where appearence isn't important. Advantages include a strong crown with similar hardness and wear property as a natural tooth.
- Porcelain -over-metal crowns: for situations where color and strenght are important. These are harder than normal teeth
- All ceramic crowns: for situations where color properties are the highest priority. Traditionally subject to slightly higher risk of fracture than porcelain-metal crowns.
- Metal crowns - prefabricated: these are crowns adapted for deciduous(baby) teeth and are applied in a single visit.
Possible problems
During any medical or dental or health treatments it is possible that
unplanned complications can occur.
- Breakage of the tooth
While very effort is made to evaluate teeth before the crown preparation is undertaken it is not possible to detect cracks with radiographs and they may not be seen either. A tooth may crack during crown preparation or can crack later. If a crack occurs during crown preparation the treatment of the tooth may be modified depending on how severe the problem - Pain or discomfort
After preparing a tooth for a crown it may feel tender as the anesthetic wears off. If this discomfort persists for more than 24 hours please let us know. Sometimes a very slight variation to your 'bite' can cause ongoing pain. This may be simply relieved by making your restored tooth 'less high'. - Nerve dies
Usually teeth that are crowned have had large or deep fillings (restorations) within them. These teeth are more likely to require root canal treatment (endodontics). If pain persists after preparation for a crown or after a crown is put in place please let us know. The cost of root canal treatment will be additional to the cost of the crown. - Loose crown
If your crown or temporary crown feels loose please let us know. When a crown is loose extensive decay of the remaining tooth can occur quite quickly. If the crown is loose we may be able to clean it and re-cement it into place. - Allergic responses
Being allergic to gold or porcelain would be very rare. Usually the metal used inside a metal/porcelain crown is a mixture of metals including gold. Sometimes non-precious metals are used in crowns. If you are allergic to any jewelry then please tell us BEFORE we do a crown so we can determine the material of least risk. Allergic response to crowns may take some time to be seen or may develop after a crown has been put in place. It may be seen with increased inflammation or the discoloration of the gingival tissue around the crowns only.
Costs of treatment
Crowns are an investment in time and expensive technology and materials.
Extra costs will generally occur if complications happen.
Notes: