(02) 9907 9877
Ground Floor, 394 Sydney Road,
Balgowlah NSW
(02) 9907 9877
Ground Floor, 394 Sydney Road,
Balgowlah NSW
For nervous patients: we have an onsite sedationist at our Balgowlah Smile Office
For patients with pain: we will see you on the same day, call us on 02 9907 9877
For patients with missing teeth: all implant treatment including surgical placement, from start to finish, will be done at our Balgowlah Smile Office
For patients with cosmetic concern: very experienced and capable dental team to provide world class dental care. Call us on 02 9907 9877
Veteran Affairs patients and eligible children with Medicare "The Child Dental Benefits Schedule" are all welcome
When it comes to the health of our teeth, regular check-ups are crucial.
Our teeth never stop working therefore we should make sure we treat them with the care and attention they need to stay with you for life. The Smile Office know that people often think their teeth are clean as when they smile, they look white with little staining however if you look deeper, sometimes there are hidden problems that only a dentist can resolve. Without regular flossing and correct brushing methods, small bits of food can get stuck between your teeth. If the plaque isn’t removed from your teeth it can cause tooth decay and eventually leading to the loss of your natural teeth unless it is addressed. Sometimes, if your teeth are not straight you will be unable to reach all the areas with your own brushing technique, albeit a good technique. This is where the professional examination is essential. With our cameras and specialised equipment, we are able to assess your dental health, check for plaque, cavities and gum disease and even more serious problems and address it before it becomes any more serious. Furthermore, we offer patients the option of ‘sleep dentistry’; that is, dentistry that allows you to undergo treatment whilst under a mild sedation.
Not only will regular examinations keep your dental health from deteriorating, but it will also save you money. Correcting problems caused by not looking after your teeth correctly can be very expensive and unnecessary.
Located in Balgowlah, The Smile Office is ideally located for those in search of a clinic that offers sleep dentistry on the Northern Beaches. If you would like to book for next check-up examination, simply click here to contact us today.
What is sleep dentistry?
Creating a buzz in the world of dental care, sleep dentistry is simply another term for sedation dentistry. Providing a comfortable, low-stress treatment option to patients, it’s favoured by those who find a trip to the dentist a little daunting. Sleep dentistry is also very popular with parents who want to ensure their children receive the best possible dental care. Patients who find dental procedures uncomfortable due to their gag reflex also find that this treatment option often eliminates the problem.
Safe and accompanied by minimal side effects, sleep dentistry has proven popular with a broad range of clients across the Northern Beaches here at The Smile Office in Balgowlah.
Dental radiographs are important in the diagnosis and management of your dental conditions. Using radiographs, we can detect problems that may not be seen during a routine examination and sometime before symptoms appear.
Radiographs are often necessary before procedures such as tooth extraction, fitting of removable prostheses, fitting of braces, placement of crowns and bridges, and root canal treatment or placement of implant fixture or abutment connection. Information from the radiograph assists us in planning the procedure.
The Smile Office has the latest x-ray equipment in the market and fully complies with the Australian Standard. Every precaution is taken to minimise exposure to radiation. Digital films are used to limit exposure time and therefore patients’ exposure to the x-rays. Special filters in the machine also help to reduce radiation.
The radiation you receive from one dental radiograph is less than you receive on any given day from background radiation (radiation from the atmosphere, the sun and the stars). It is also less than you would receive on an interstate airline flight.
There is a known health risk, albeit minimal, associated with radiographs. However, as in all fields of diagnosis and treatment, it is a case of risk versus benefit.
If you have any queries about radiographic examinations, including how many you have had, always feel free to discuss with our dentist at The Smile Office.
Many people clench and grind their teeth which is not part of normal chewing movements. It can lead to excessive wear of the teeth and may cause permanent damage to the teeth and the jaw joints. In some adults and children, clenching and grinding may occur during the day or at night. They typically have no conscious control over this abnormal habit, particularly when it occurs during sleep.
Some signs and symptoms of grinding and clenching include:
The causes of clenching and grinding are still being studied. A combination of physical and psychological factors is believed to contribute to this abnormal habit:
An occlusal splint (also called a night guard) is an option for someone with mild to severe grinding behaviour. Worn at night usually, the splint is made from moulded hard plastic that fits over the upper or lower teeth.
If you would like more information on clenching and grinding, simply contact our office today.
Having a mouth guard will help prevent unnecessary sports injuries in children and adults. With sporting activities such a major part of many Australian’s lives, a simple mouth guard must be an essential part of the sports kit.
There are three different types of mouth guards available.
Standard
This mouth guard is available in retail outlets and is a standard size, small, medium or large. An inexpensive option available to everyone however as it does not fit your teeth exactly, it will not offer very good protection to your teeth and gums.
Boil ‘n’ Bite
Again, available in retail outlets, this provides a better alternative as it fits your mouth more securely. You heat up the mould material and bite into it, creating the mouth guard yourself and to the shape of your teeth and gums. The material hardens and this is your mouth guard. Although a better option, there is still room for error when creating the guard yourself therefore not offering optimum protection.
Custom Fitted
A more expensive option, the custom fitted mouth guard offers you the best protection available. Created and fitted professionally by your dentist, this mouth guard mirrors your mouth exactly and therefore protects your teeth and jaw against direct blows, with the best possible cushioning.
All three options are available for children and adults. If you would like The Smile Office to provide you with more information on how a mouth guard can save your smile, simply click here to contact us.
Regular visits to the Smile Office should start at 12-18 months of age, or earlier if you have any concerns about your child’s teeth. Be aware of the problems that may occur to your child such as:
If your child plays sport or enjoys roller blading or other activities where there is risk that teeth may be chipped or knocked out, it is wise to invest in a custom-fitting mouthguard which are more effective and comfortable than prefabricated mouth-guards sold at sporting stores.
We understand that a trip to the dentist can be daunting for young children. As such, we offer parents the option of sleep dentistry for a relaxed, hassle-free experience.
Sealants are plastic coatings which are applied to the back teeth with deep pits and grooves. It is painless and non-invasive. By covering the pits and grooves of the teeth, sealants provide a barrier against decay. Sealants will give your children’s teeth added protection for years. The best time to apply fissure sealants is immediately after the permanent teeth appear, usually at the age of six or seven.
Fluoride is a mineral which occurs naturally in water and foods. Fluoride helps to build strong, healthy teeth so they are resistant to plaque which causes cavities. Fluoride has contributed to a major decrease in the occurrence of tooth decay.
Water fluoridation remains the most effective and socially equitable measure of achieving community-wide reduction in dental decay.
In addition to dietary intake of fluoride, topical fluoride in toothpaste, gel and mouthwash is effective in protecting teeth. Topical fluoride can arrest very early decay and can sometimes reverse the damage. Please contact the Smile Office for an appointment if you think you need guidance.
Dental decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth, which changes sugar into acid. This acid then attacks teeth, leading to dental decay or what is commonly known as “holes” in the teeth.
The increased consumption of highly processed foods which contain carbohydrates such as sugars and in particular, the regular snacking on these types of foods exposed teeth to an increased risk of dental disease.
Soft drinks often contain a significant amount of sugar-a 600ml bottle can contain the equivalent of up to 13 teaspoons of sugar, as well as high acid levels-both of which can potentially damage teeth. Some also have caffeine, which can dry the mouth. Fruit juices contain a high level of available sugars, as well as being acidic. It is recommended that they be consumed at a mealtime. Additionally, so-called sports drinks also have high sugar content and are quite acidic which is a recipe for dental erosion. This is particularly the case if used in conjunction with heavy exertion.
Water is the best between meal drink.