123Dental's Services

Laser Dentistry

Waterlase® is a versatile tool that allows dentists to cut teeth, bone and gum tissue with less trauma than traditional tools such as "the drill and scalpel".

Waterlase® Dentistry uses a patented technology combining YSGG laser energy and a spray of water (this process is called HydroPhotonics™), to perform a wide range of dental procedures more comfortably. Waterlase Dentists use fewer shots and less anaesthesia reducing patient anxiety and providing a more relaxing dental experience. Your Waterlase® dentist will determine what type of treatment is appropriate for your needs.

The Waterlase® is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of hard and soft tissue procedures including decay removal, cavity preparation, root canals, smile design, gum and bone, surgical procedures and many others. Laser dentistry incorporates state-of-the-art technology in various aspects of dental health practice and treatment.

Visit Waterlase® to find out more

Dental Implants

"Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth"

When a tooth is lost the specialised bony process that houses the tooth begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation. This causes a decrease in width and height of the bone in the area where the tooth is lost. Neighbouring teeth and opposing teeth begin to move into the space. This causes food lodgement, subsequent decay and possible gum disease. Loss of teeth can also cause the cheek and lips to collapse giving an aged look.

The consequences of tooth loss can be prevented by replacing the lost tooth in a timely manner. Although there are several options to replace a missing tooth, the number one choice is "dental implants."

Implants are tiny titanium screws or posts that are surgically placed in jaw bone. Once integrated into bone they act like roots onto which small posts are attached which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors to the replacement teeth. Implants maintain the bone height by stimulation and prevent unnecessary trimming of adjoining teeth for bridge placement. Since implants are titanium posts, decay cannot occur and with regular professional cleaning and proper home care, can last for many years.

The most common indications for implant therapy include the replacement of one or more missing teeth, support of a non-removable bridge to replace multiple teeth, or support of a removable full or partial denture. Patients who successfully pass a screening and evaluation can be considered as candidates for implant therapy.

Procedure:
During the surgical appointment the implant site is prepared to receive the implant following strict aseptic procedures. The selected size of the implant is placed in the prepared site. The implant takes at least 12 weeks to fuse with the bone.

During the second appointment, the appropriate post is attached. An impression of the post is taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of the implant crown, bridge or denture.

Visit Straumann to find out more

Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile makeovers involve changing and improving the aesthetic appearance of a patient's teeth using cosmetic dentistry.

If you have discoloured or uneven teeth, it is most likely that we will be able to guide and assist you in creating the perfect smile.

During your consultation, we can show before and after photo from smile makeover cases we have performed, to help you make the right decision.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom made facings used to change the shape and colour of one or multiple teeth. They are widely used to close spaces, reshape crooked and worn teeth.

Veneers are customised to enhance the existing shape and colour and often combined with tooth whitening to create a whole new smile.

Procedure:
Veneering is a two appointment procedure.

At the first appointment, the teeth are shaped, an impression taken and temporary veneers placed over the prepared tooth.

At the second appointment, the temporary veneer is removed and the new veneer is cemented to the tooth. You leave with a great new smile.

Gummy Smiles

Some people reveal an excessive gum line on smiling; creating what is commonly called a gummy smile. Gum contouring can fix the problem by removing the extra gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.

Using the laser, your dentist can accurately sculpt the gum line. The laser removes excess gum tissue, avoiding the use of a scalpel. Gum contouring generates a more balanced smile with an even gum line. When your gums are well-contoured, they look healthy, giving you a more attractive smile.

Crowns, Bridge and Dentures

Porcelain Crowns

Crowning or capping is a method of protecting heavily filled or weakened teeth with a porcelain cover. This improves their appearance and is ideal for people who grind or clench.

Procedure:
Crowning is a two appointment procedure where the tooth is shaped by removing some enamel and dentine. An impression is taken, a temporary crown is prepared and the new crown inserted at the following appointment.

Bridge work

A bridge may be recommended if you are missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting to incorrect bite.

Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing and are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.

Dentures

Dentures are an easy way of replacing missing teeth and are a lot more affordable than implants or bridge work. However, they are removable, meaning that they are not as comfortable as a fixed prosthesis.

We are able to construct dentures for single tooth replacement, partial tooth loss or replacement of all teeth. Dentures are constructed during a few visits to our practice where we take impressions of the mouth and gradually construct a denture to suit each patient's individual need.

Tooth Whitening

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a big, bright, beautiful smile?

You can have your teeth whitened to improve your appearance. Whiter teeth are associated with youth, beauty and a healthier lifestyle. You will find that you tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious.

Whitening toothpaste can remove a stain that is on the outside of the teeth. However, whitening toothpaste and professional dental cleanings will not change the colour or intrinsic staining of the teeth. That is why bleaching is so popular.

Why have teeth lost their whiteness?

There are many causes. The most common include genetics, ageing, consumption of staining substances (smoking, coffee, tea and sweet drinks), tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride and old fillings.

Staining is not the only factor that can affect the colour of an individual's teeth. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. There can also be medical reasons for any change in the colour of your teeth. This may be a side-effect of the medication or in some cases discoloration may be caused by the disease itself. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discolouration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.

How white will the teeth be after treatment?

Some whitening procedures claim they can whiten your teeth by up to nine shades, but that is highly unlikely. However, a change of two or three shades will make a significant difference to anyone's smile. There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth colour. During your first consultation for tooth whitening, your dentist will discuss with you what you can expect for your specific smile. The final outcome will be determined not only by the structure of your teeth but by the type of procedure you and your dentist decide to follow.

Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains. Certain drugs taken in childhood, tetracycline for instance, can leave dark colours that cannot be changed by chemical bleaching.

There are also times when bleaching is not considered the best choice. In cases of severe discolouration veneers or crowns may be the superior choice. Teeth shaded in yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

Types of Bleaching:

In-Surgery Bleaching
The Zoom! In-Surgery Whitening System is a safe, effective and fast method of tooth whitening procedure. In just over an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results.

Home Bleaching
We also offer at-home bleaching, for those patients who prefer to bleach in the comfort of their home and at leisure, for a fraction of the cost. Your dentist will assess your tooth whitening needs and will recommend the correct system for you.

At your first appointment, an impression will be taken to prepare a custom mouth tray. At your next appointment, we will provide you with a supply of whitening gel and your bleach trays and you will be instructed how to achieve your desired shade.

Bite Splint (Occlusal Splint)

A bite splint is essential to wear at night by patients who grind or clench their teeth. This appliance helps to reduce the pressure placed on the jaw and teeth. A bite splint is also useful in treating TMJ (Jaw joint) disorders and provides long term protection of teeth from wear and tear.

Severe TMJ disorders may include headaches, migraines, neck and back pain, clicking or popping jaw joint and pain on opening.

Hygiene

A complete dental examination will be performed by your dentist on your initial visit. At this appointment, we will give you a full treatment proposal.

We are committed to practising "preventative dentistry" therefore we encourage regular check-up examinations, which will include the following:

• Examination with diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)
• Oral cancer screening
• Gum disease evaluation
• Examination of tooth decay
• Examination of existing restorations

Professional Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are performed by our hygienist. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental examination and the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar):
  Calculus is hardened plaque that has built up on the tooth over a period of time. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque:
  Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums causing bleeding. This inflammation is the start of gum disease. Periodontal disease if neglected can affect major organ systems.
• Teeth polishing:
  Removes stains and plaque that are not removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Sedation Dentistry

Many of us are too nervous or too afraid to visit the dentist because we are fearful of dental procedures. By using sedation, we can overcome the traumas of dentistry. If you've been putting off years of dental work, sedation dentistry can change your life!

Following are three types of sedation:

1) Nitrous Oxide + Oxygen Sedation or “happy gas” is the most frequently used sedation method in dentistry. It is simply a gas which you breathe in; it's colourless, sweet-smelling and non-irritating.

2) Premedication is administered by taking prescribed tablets prior to your examination.

3) I.V. Sedation also known as “deep conscious sedation”. With this type of sedation medications are administered directly into the bloodstream by a qualified anaesthetist.

4) General anaesthesia can be performed at a day hospital should the need arise.