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Dentalcare West

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General Family Dentistry

Orthodontics

Dental Implants

Cosmetic Dentistry

Emergency Care

Sleep Dentistry

Dentures

High-Tech Dentistry

Before you go to Thailand

Dental examinations, unlike many other cancer screening procedures, are not invasive and are important for the diagnosis and treatment of the problem. There is no discomfort or pain involved with the screening, but it could save your life!

Our oral cancer examination involves a simple and quick screening of the oral cavity as a whole, not just your teeth. We will also check the mouth for white patches, red patches, ulcerations, lumps, loose teeth and review your dental x-rays for abnormalities.

Other symptoms of oral cancer may include chronic hoarseness, numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth and sores or lesions that are taking a long time to heal. Do not hesitate to tell us if you see white or red patch in your mouth, if you feel that something is caught in your throat or are facing difficulties in chewing or swallowing.

At your annual check-up and examination, your dentist will perform an oral cancer check. If you have specific concerns about something that isn’t healing, please let them know so they can check it out.

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Oral Cancer Screening

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At Dentalcare West, we offer a comprehensive range of dental treatments, from annual check-ups to orthodontic procedures and cosmetic makeovers. We focus on your long term health goals. That's why our general dentistry appointments are based on preventative care coupled with education. 

With a highly experienced, skilled team and the very latest technology and techniques at our fingertips, you can be sure of receiving a high standard of care – from minor check-ups to complex cosmetic dentistry. 

We cater to every age and stage, including those who haven't visited a dentist in years, those who feel nervous or concerned about pain, and those who may need help with payment plans.

Veneers

Porcelain Crowns

Root Canals

Teeth Whitening

Tooth Extractions

Mouth Guards

Wisdom Teeth

Dental Bridges

Dental Hygienists

Examinations and x-rays

Fillings

Free Dental Care for Teenagers

If you have broken, chipped, damaged or stained teeth, a dental veneer can completely restore your smile – and your confidence! There are two types of dental veneers – ceramic/porcelain veneers and direct resin veneers. 

At Dental Care West we invest heavily in our technology. For large or complex cases we are able to scan teeth, create a 3D printed model of how your new smile will look. This allows you to feel extra confident heading into your smile make over.


Porcelain veneers are constructed from a thin, strong shell of porcelain which is made to fit over the visible surface of your tooth. Here at Dentalcare West, we use the highest quality of porcelain material. Reasons to get porcelain veneers for your teeth include:
- Family inherited appearances: You may have slight crowding in your front teeth and may not want braces. Alternatively, you may have gaps or discoloured spots or unusually shaped teeth.
- Trauma: You may have had an accident at some point, and may have chipped or cracked your front teeth or your tooth may have gone grey. 
- Childhood antibiotics: Although not as common these days, certain antibiotics given in childhood may have left horizontal stains on your front teeth. In most cases, bleaching is ineffective. Porcelain veneers have been found to be very effective in improving such smiles.
- Wear and tear: Our teeth naturally wear down with age. This can deteriorate your smile and self-confidence. In such cases, veneers are a great option to improve your smile. 

**How long do porcelain veneers last?** 
Porcelain veneers typically last between 8 and 15 years, so they will eventually need to be replaced. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and make sure you have regular hygiene appointments. We'll also provide you with handy hints to ensure that your veneers last longer. 

At Dentalcare West, our veneers are made in New Zealand from the highest quality of porcelain available. 

**How long does it take?**
This procedure usually takes two to three visits to complete, over a period of two to three weeks. Because our veneers are made in New Zealand, we are able to offer a quick turn-around time. 

Porcelain Veneers

If ceramic veneers don't fit into your budget or timeline, a direct veneer could be the perfect solution. 

The advantage of direct veneers is that only minimal tooth structure is removed, and unlike porcelain veneers, they are prepared and completed in one single appointment. Direct veneers are made entirely by the dentist, using a specific layering technique and a range of modern composite resin materials that vary in tints and shades to create a perfect aesthetic outcome. 

Multiple veneers can be prepared at the same time and they can be altered in shape and colour at any stage in the future. They require no impressions or laboratory visits and are quite often less expensive than porcelain veneers.

Not sure if veneers are right for you? Why not book in for a Smile Consultation? During this consultation we can discuss the features and benefits of veneers for your teeth, and answer any questions you may have.

To find out more about veneers or to book an appointment, contact our friendly reception team on (09) 818 8855 today.

Direct Veneers

A crown can help protect a weak tooth from breaking and can also be used to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. There are a few other situations in which a dental crown may be needed including:
- To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
- To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
- To cover severely discoloured teeth
- To restore a dental implant
- To make a cosmetic improvement to a tooths colour or shape.

**What types of crowns are available?**
Permanent crowns can be made from all-metal (such as gold or another alloy), porcelain-fused-to-metal, or all-ceramic.

- All-ceramic or all-porcelain dental crowns provide better natural colour match than any other crown type. They require less tooth to be drilled away, which helps keep the tooth strong. These crowns are a good choice for front and back teeth.
- Gold crowns are very strong and long-lasting. They are more resistant in people who grind or clench their teeth. Gold crowns are most often used on the back teeth where they are less noticeable. 
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns were the old fashioned way of making crowns look white. They were used before the ceramics and porcelains became strong enough. Now they are not often used.

**What is involved in getting a crown?**
The procedure of having a crown placed usually involves two appointments. At the first appointment, one of our dentists will examine your tooth and prepare it to receive the crown. This usually involves filing down and sometimes filling the tooth. At this appointment, we also take an impression or 3D scan of your tooth, and those surrounding it. This is then sent off to our lab and used to make your permanent crown. Once this is ready, we'll see you again for your second appointment and place the crown. We make a temporary crown to get you through the few weeks it takes to get the new one ready.

**How long do dental crowns last?**
On average, dental crowns last between 5 and 15 years. The life span of a crown depends on the amount of wear and tear the crown is exposed to and how well you follow good oral hygiene practices. It's also helpful to avoid such habits as grinding or clenching your teeth, chewing ice, biting fingernails, and using your teeth to open packaging.

**Does a crowned tooth require special care?**
While a crowned tooth does not require any special care, remember that simply because a tooth is crowned does not mean the underlying tooth is protected from decay or gum disease.

Therefore, continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day – especially around the crown area where the gum meets the tooth. Antibacterial mouth rinse can also help. Your regular dental hygienist appointments also provide a good opportunity for your crown to be checked and thoroughly cleaned.

**To find out more about having a crown or to book an appointment, contact our friendly reception team on (09) 818 8855 today.**

If a tooth is badly infected or if the nerve is starting to die, your dentist may recommend that a root canal treatment is performed as an alternative to removing the tooth altogether. Serious infections are when the nerve inside a tooth has become infected with bacteria, resulting from an untreated cavity, previous filling, injury or a crack in the tooth.

Generally speaking, where possible a root canal is preferable to tooth extraction as it allows the natural tooth to stay in place. Unfortunately in some cases the tooth may be too damaged to save and therefore it will be necessary to have a tooth extraction followed by a plate, bridge or dental implant to replace it.

Despite the rumours surrounding root canals, they are a safe and common procedure, and a relatively painless way of treating an infected tooth.

As with all dental procedures, pain management is an important part of the treatment for root canal procedures. Before your root canal procedure beings, the tooth and gum is anesthetised similar to as if you were having a filling. 

During the first visit of a root canal, the dentist will remove bacteria and the damaged nerve and pulp from inside the tooth. Once all of the damaged and infected material has been removed, the chamber will be thoroughly cleaned and dried to reduce the risk of any further infection occurring. The final step is to fill the empty root space with medicine and seal the tooth with a temporary filling. The tooth is then normally left for between 2 and 4 weeks to settle before the second stage is completed.

At the second visit the dentist will clean out the medicine, confirm the tooth has settled down, and then fill inside the roots of the tooth. A filling is then placed in the tooth to restore the shape. 

In some cases, a crown may be necessary for the top of the tooth to strengthen it and avoid the tooth from breaking. The dentist will normally inform you of what time frame this should be completed in. Sometimes it is recommended almost straight away, other times leaving the tooth 6-12 months to settle is advised.

Your mouth is likely to stay numb for a couple of hours following your appointment, so for your safety eating is not recommended until the numbness has worn off. You may experience some sensitivity or mild pain around the area but this should not last longer than a few days. Part of your post-treatment care may include to avoid biting on hard foods until the permanent crown is in place.

If you feel you need a root canal, or would like to know more, please contact our friendly reception team on 09 818 8855.

If you would like your teeth whitened rather than just the surface staining removed, you may like to have your teeth whitened professionally. Our Hygienists are experienced in teeth whitening processes using gels and laser lights. For more information please go to our Teeth Whitening page.

**While you’re here:**

We all know it’s important to brush and floss daily, but to get the best results you need to make sure you’ve got the right technique. Here are a few tips that well help keep that smile healthy and gleaming!

**5 tips for effective brushing:**
1. Brush after breakfast to remove any food particles as well as plaque that has built up after your sleep. We also suggest you brush before bed, as sleeping decreases your saliva leaving your teeth more vulnerable to bacterial acids.
2. Brush lightly – brushing too hard can cause gums to recede. Plaque attaches to teeth and can't be totally removed by rinsing, but just a light brushing will do the trick. Try holding your toothbrush the same way you hold a pen. This encourages a lighter stroke.
3. Brush for at least two minutes. Set a timer if you have to, but don't skimp on brushing time. Longer is fine, but two minutes is the minimum time needed to adequately clean all your teeth.
4. Always use a toothbrush with "soft" or "extra soft" bristles. The harder the brush, the greater the risk of harming your gum tissues and causing recession.
5. Change your toothbrush regularly. As soon as the bristles begin to splay, the toothbrush loses its ability to clean properly. Throw away your old toothbrush after three months or when the bristles flare, whichever comes first. If you find your bristles flaring much sooner than three months, you may be brushing too hard. Try easing up.

**5 tips for effective flossing:**
1. Although there is no research to recommend an optimum number of times to floss, most dentists recommend a thorough flossing at least once a day.
2. Take your time. Flossing requires a certain amount of dexterity and thought. Don't rush.
3. Choose your own time. Although most people find that just before bed is an ideal time, many oral health professionals recommend flossing any time that is most convenient to ensure that you will continue to floss regularly.
4. Don't skimp on the floss. Use as much as you need to clean both sides of every tooth with a fresh section of floss. In fact, you may need to floss one tooth several times (using fresh sections of floss) to remove all the food debris.
5. Choose the type that works best for you. There are many different types of floss: waxed and unwaxed, flavoured and unflavoured, ribbon and thread. Try different varieties before settling on one. There are tougher shred-resistant varieties that work well for people with rough edges that tend to catch and rip floss.


At Dental Care West we are aware that no one really wants to get a tooth removed. We will work with you to make sure it is either what you really want, or that there is no other option available. Generally, a tooth extraction is performed mainly if there is extreme tooth decay or trauma. Tooth extractions can also be a part of a larger dental procedure including the extraction of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic or Invisalign treatment, however we emphasise we only take this option if absolutely necessary.

Our aim during this procedure is to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. Most people with have their extraction under local anaesthetic, where we numb the gum, tooth and bone so you feel no pain. Some patients may wish to be sedated with our Sleep Dentistry option where you are asleep.

To arrange a consult please call (09) 818 8855 or [click here](/contact-us).

Sports such as basketball, gymnastics, hockey and rugby all present a risk of injury to your gum tissues and your teeth. If you or your children play sport, we recommend a custom-made mouth protector, known as a mouthguard. 

Unlike non-customised shop-bought mouthguards, a professionally fitted mouthguard will protect your entire mouth as it cushions any blows or falls by distributing the force of the impact. We suggest avoiding non-customised mouthguards as they are generally ill-fitting and offer less protection. Only a dentist can custom fit a mouthguard to your teeth.

Professionally fitted mouthguards can also help prevent concussions and some incidents of unconsciousness. Jaw fractures and neck injuries can also be reduced because the mouthguard prevents complications arising from the lower jaw jamming into the upper jaw. 

A mouthguard also reduces the risk of bruising to the cheeks and lips, especially if you wear braces. A properly fitted mouthguard can prevent damage to the bracket of your braces. Although mouthguards typically only cover the upper teeth, we may suggest that you use one on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. 

[Contact us](/contact-us) today to book an appointment to have a custom-made mouthguard made.

Most people have four wisdom teeth, two in the upper and two in the lower jaw. It is not uncommon for these teeth to become impacted. This is when the tooth doesn't grow through the gum into the mouth or only grows part way through and is in an abnormal position. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and cause a variety of problems including serious infections. Symptoms of wisdom tooth infection include: 

- Reddened, inflamed gums alongside the wisdom tooth
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Pain
- Pus from the gum line
- Difficulties with opening your mouth and swallowing
- Fever

The best course of action for problematic wisdom teeth is to have them removed. Many people worry about the pain of having a wisdom tooth extracted. Your dentist will discuss pain relief options which vary between a simple local anaesthetic, through to sedation. You'll also be prescribed pain relief to help with any pain after the procedure. 

At Dental Care West we have a full operating theatre and can offer general anaesthesia for having your wisdom teeth removed, and all other aspects of dentistry. This means it can all happen when you are asleep so you feel no pain, pressure, and don’t have to hear any of the sounds.

If you have any of these symptoms, or are concerned about your wisdom teeth, [contact us](/contact-us/) for an appointment.

A missing tooth can negatively affect your confidence and impact the function of your bite. Neighbouring teeth can be compromised and may shift position or become vulnerable to decay, chipping and cracking.

Bridges replace missing teeth by utilising the two teeth either side as support. Because the bridge is permanently attached, it also strengthens the supporting teeth. If you have a missing tooth and are considering replacement options, a bridge can be a cost-effective alternative to dental implants.

**What's involved?**
The process of getting a bridge involves two appointments. In the first, the surrounding teeth are gently reshaped to allow room for a crown to be fitted over them. Next, impressions of your teeth are made. These are sent to our lab and used to create the new high-quality bridge. Once this is done, we'll call you back in for your second appointment to fit your bridge and teach you how to look after it.

To assess your specific needs, and help determine if a bridge is a suitable option for you we recommend coming and seeing us for a check up and chat. During the consultation we can answer any questions you may have regarding the treatment and can highlight the advantages a bridge may offer you.

To find out more about bridges or to book an appointment, contact our friendly reception team today on (09) 818 8855 today.

Looking after your mouth involves more than just healthy teeth. The gums and bone that support your teeth are equally as important. At Dental Care West, our Dental Hygienists can help you to keep your smile and oral health in great shape. They are trained in preventative oral health measures, and work to ensure that your teeth and gums are kept clean and healthy.

Regular visits to our Dental Hygienists are the most cost-effective way of looking after your teeth and gums. Prevention is easier, less painful and cheaper than a cure!

Our hygiene appointments will begin with a full examination of your gums so we can thoroughly assess your oral health.

The hygienist will remove plaque and hardened calculus from around your teeth and gums using special ultrasonic instruments. It is a gentle process sometimes referred to as ‘cleaning’ or ‘a clean’. The cleaning process is also useful for removing stains from teeth for a whiter smile. If your teeth are particularly sensitive, or there are some deeper areas which require attention, we can apply a local anaesthetic to numb the areas and keep you comfortable and pain-free.

Most patients should see the hygienist every 6 months to maintain a healthy mouth. But we all know that sometimes people fall behind with regular visits, or may not have seen a hygienist before. In these cases your gums may need a little more help to regain their health and then more initial visits may be required. Your dentist or hygienist will help advise on this point prior to starting.

We will also advise you on all of the ways you can keep your smile healthy at home in-between your hygiene appointments, for example:
- Which type of toothbrush you should be using
- How, when and for how long to correctly brush your teeth
- How to floss correctly, and how often you should be flossing
- How to specifically clean around hard to access teeth like bridges or implants
- Any signs which may be a cause for concern

If your we feel your oral health isn’t responding well or not getting better, we may recommend referring you to see a gum specialist called a periodontist.

At Your Dental Hygiene Appointment

At Dental Care West we believe that the health of your mouth and your teeth have a greater effect on the overall health of your body. It also greatly affects your self confidence and how happy you are to smile.

Routine dental examinations and x-rays are necessary to identify potential dental problems that might be completely hidden from the naked eye. Dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay might go unnoticed, and can get quite serious even before they cause pain.

Untreated dental problems can lead to much more serious infections that have a large impact on your overall health and wellbeing. 

We normally recommend our patients have a check-up every 12 months. We routinely take x-rays using our low-dose digital x-ray system to ensure you are exposed to the least radiation possible. If your oral health isn’t stable, or if it is changing quickly, we may periodically recommend more frequent checks. Your dentist will discuss this with you so together you can decide what is best for your situation. 

If you require a restoration, or wish to replace your existing silver restorations, you may be pleased to discover that at Dentalcare West we only use white coloured, high quality materials. This ensures your teeth do not have that 'silver look' when you laugh or smile and your restorations enjoy a long life span. White fillings do not contain mercury and are ideal in achieving long term strength in filled teeth. 

There are a few options available, each with its own advantages. 

**Composite fillings**  
At Dentalcare West, we usually recommend composite resin fillings for the front teeth. Before the composite filling is placed, the decay is removed and the tooth is cleaned. The composite is then placed in increments and set with a blue light. Once it is set, the filling can be polished. Some advantages of having white fillings include:
- The composite filling material does not contain any mercury, but rather acrylic and glass.
- The filling material can be coloured to match the tooth.
- Composite filling material is hard at the completion of the procedure, so it can be chewed upon immediately.
- A smaller preparation area is required, meaning less of the tooth structure is lost. 

**Glass ionomer fillings**
Glass ionomer cement is a tooth-coloured filling material that bonds to enamel and dentine. 

After the decay is removed and the tooth cleaned, this material is injected into the cavity and allowed to set. Once set, the material can be polished. Glass ionomer cement is usually placed on areas to protect them, rather than make teeth strong. Some advantages include:
- Glass ionomer releases a small amount of fluoride over time preventing decay under and around the filling.
- The material chemically bonds with tooth tissue.
- Can be coloured to match your existing teeth.
- Can be used in conjunction with composite to form a strong tooth-coloured filling.

White fillings are not always appropriate for teeth with large cavities. An alternative would be to place porcelain restorations such as inlays or crowns. The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite. 

To find out more about white fillings or to book an appointment, contact our friendly reception team on 09)818 8855 today.

Fillings - White Fillings

At Dental Care West, we are proud to partner with the Ministry of Health in providing thorough dental care for teens from Year 9 at school, until they turn 18 years old. 

We’ve been looking after our patients for over 50 years, and many of our patients started as teenagers and keep coming back year after year. As their families grow, we keep expanding to offer our suburb care to everyone.

Teenagers are expensive, but we are lucky in New Zealand that the government helps fund keeping their teeth and mouths healthy. Its important that they get a great start with their oral health, so that the years following that are as easy as they can be.

Our free basic dental services not only ensure your teen’s teeth are clean and healthy, but just as importantly we teach them how to look after their teeth and gums at home. Establishing good habits in these teenage years can make all the difference to maintaining great smiles in adulthood.

As part of New Zealand’s free dental care scheme, your teen is entitled to one free dental examination per year. If you notice a problem between visits, such as a tooth ache, you can make additional dental appointments free of charge.

Our free dental services for teens include:
- Annual dental check-ups
- Teeth cleaning and polishing
- Dental x-rays
- Fillings
- Preventative treatments including fissure sealants or fluoride treatment
- Tooth extractions (non-orthodontic)
- Root canals and crowns

Orthodontic treatments such as braces and other teeth alignment treatments are also not included under the free dental care for teens but we offer free of charge orthodontic consultation and x-rays to you find out more if you are interested.

Don’t miss out of this **free** dental care, call our friendly reception team on 09 818 8855 to get them booked in today.