FAQs aim to cover everything from your initial visit through to the ultimate goal of your dental care.
What should I expect at my first dental visit?
At your first dental visit, you will undergo a clinical examination, radiographic imaging and predictive-intelligence scanning to allow the dentist to provide a comprehensive diagnostic foundation for your dental treatment.
Can I undergo diagnostic treatment only?
If you present to our clinic with no tooth-related pain, have a specific dental-treatment goal, want a general oral diagnosis for future treatment or you’ve been referred by a registered doctor, you can choose one of our diagnostic, pre-treatment solutions.
Do I need an x-ray if I simply want a 'regular' cleaning?
Though radiographs cannot be mandated for cleanings, they serve as our routine diagnostic baseline to provide the foundation for future dental treatment. Hence, should it be your first dental visit or an overdue revisit, you will be required to undergo clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging.
Is CBCT the same as a CT scan?
No. CBCT scans use a smaller, cone shaped radiographic source that targets the specific area of the body, in this case, the jaw. This equates to lower radiation dosage and exposure. A CT scan, on the other hand, uses a much larger field of view and has its application.
What are the steps for dental implant treatment?
Conventional dental implant treatment begins with our implant diagnostic and pre-treatment package. This assesses your oral health, including the quality of your jawbone and its readiness for dental implantation. If you do not have adequate alveolar bone to support an implant, you may need to undergo bone-grafting, either solely, or in conjunction with a sinus-lift. Once all preparatory procedures are complete and adequate bone regeneration is achieved, the next step is the surgical placement of the implant fixture. Once there is successful fusion of the bone with the implant fixture (i.e. osseointegration), a healing abutment will be placed. A stock or custom final abutment can then be utilised and an impression made for a final crown. The preferred method, however, using a digital workflow, would be to take a digital impression of a scan body (i.e. transfer coping), which will allow for a more precisely fitting implant abutment or screw retained implant crown.
What is bone-grafting?
Bone grafting is the addition of bone in deficient areas to facilitate the successful placement of a dental implant.
What is a sinus-lift?
A sinus-lift involves lifting the floor of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw to add bone in the deficient areas for the successful placement of a dental implant.
How long does dental implant treatment take?
Although the placement of the implant fixture alone can be done at a single visit, the entire process for conventional dental implant treatment (i.e. from implant fixture to final crown) can usually be completed in 3-6 months. Patients who may take a longer time to heal, however, may require an extended period of 7-12 months. Other types of implants like mini-implants require a much shorter period.
Do I need dental implants?
Dental implants are the only method of tooth replacement that helps to reduce the rate of bone resorption in the jawbone, thereby, preserving the youthful appearance of your face. This is not the case with dental bridges which do not prevent bone loss. Furthermore, dentures, if not stabilised with implants, can further accelerate the rate of bone loss. Considering the above, implants are highly recommended as the best treatment option for missing teeth. This does not mean that bridges and dentures are not viable options.
What type of implant solutions do you provide?
At Pro Oral Family Dentistry Limited, we provide conventional, mini/nano and short implant solutions. Identifying the appropriate type necessary for your unique case is important and can only be identified through diagnostic pre-treatment.
Do I need to crown my tooth?
A crown is designed to protect a severely decayed or root treated tooth from biting forces. It also restores form and function. If your anterior tooth is not severely decayed, but requires root canal treatment, a crown may not be necessary afterward. However, crowns are highly recommended for most, if not all posterior root treated teeth after root canal treatment.
Should I sleep with my dentures?
No. It is not recommended that you sleep with your dentures, since dentures can cause the soft tissues to become red and swollen particularly at nighttime when salivary flow decreases. This can give rise to gum disease and thrush. Dentures, though made to look like your natural teeth, are not your natural teeth.
If I use a Water-flosser, do I need to use regular floss?
Yes. Water-flossers or water-picks act as an adjunct. They clean the inter-proximal spaces of your teeth, especially if you wear braces, have bridgework or any other dental appliance that would hinder the use of regular floss. If you do not wear such appliances, using a water-flosser in conjunction with regular flossing can produce remarkable results.
How often should I floss and use mouthwash?
After every meal
When is 2D radiographic imaging and 3D CBCT imaging required?
2D radiographic imaging is a routine diagnostic tool used for the assessment of dental caries, gum disease and other oral pathologies. 3D CBCT imaging provides a more precise and comprehensive view of your orofacial anatomy; necessary for planning the safe and accurate placement of dental implants and/or identifying orofacial anomalies.
I have a gag reflex. Will this affect my dental examination?
No. Our patients experience comfortable dental examinations because they are exposed to new technology and basic techniques to avoid stimulating the base of the tongue, the uvula or the tonsil area; thus, limiting the triggers to gag responses.
I have a pacemaker; can I still receive treatment?
For your safety, if you have a pacemaker or any other type of cardiac implantable device, inform the first point of contact, usually the front-desk receptionist; and your attending dentist; and state it on the medical history form. It is also advisable to wear your medical jewelry or produce your medical card, if you have it. You must provide contact details for the cardiologist or electrophysiologist responsible for the surgery. The device’s manufacturer’s information is also required where possible. You will need to have information from your cardiologist/ electrophysiologist as to whether your device is shielded or unshielded. This information must be conveyed to the dentist before any dental examinations and/or treatment can commence. Dental treatment is still possible, even with a pacemaker.
What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
A soft toothbrush and any toothpaste that contains fluoride as its active ingredient is recommended for use. Note, however, that [nano-] hydroxyapatite toothpastes are fast becoming a viable substitute for fluoride.
Can I simply have my teeth whitened at my first dental visit?
No. At your first dental visit your oral hygiene will be assessed and any preparatory treatment such as a general cleaning or fillings will have to be completed in advance.
Should I consult the internet for dental advice?
The internet is a free and open platform. Therefore, information on it will not always come from legitimate sources. In-person advice from your attending dentist is highly recommended.
What’s the difference between restorative and cosmetic dentistry?
At our clinic, restorative dentistry focuses on the repairing and the replacing of damaged or missing teeth, whereas cosmetic dentistry deals with modifying the look of your teeth: making it brighter, whiter, properly aligned (i.e. evenly spaced and/or straighter) to improve appearance. Clinical observations have shown that proper alignment of one’s teeth can have restorative benefits. Both categories contain treatments that enhance your smile and are, therefore, inextricably linked.
What type of clear aligner treatment do you offer?
Not only do we offer the premium traditional brand of clear aligners, INVISALIGN®, we also offer the premium next generation brand of clear aligners known as ORTHO FX™. Our doctors are registered and authorised providers. See more on our premium dental solutions page.
Does clear aligner treatment offer cosmetic value only?
No. Proper alignment of one’s teeth using premium clear aligners, not only offers cosmetic value, but a balanced bite. Hence, offering hygienic and restorative value; preventing future functional and structural dental issues.
I snore. How can your dental practice assist me?
To treat with snoring, custom-made oral appliances can be fabricated. We also recommend that you consult an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor to ascertain the severity of your condition.
I grind my teeth, especially during sleep. What can your clinic do for me?
Bruxing and clenching are typical symptoms of underlying factors, one of which may be stress. Our clinic can fabricate dental appliances to prevent further tooth-wear caused by bruxing and clenching and if necessary, conduct further root cause assessments. Investing in quality stress therapy is also recommended.
Should I purchase an over-the-counter sport mouthguard?
No. An over-the-counter sport mouthguard can prove to be very uncomfortable, and in some cases, more harmful because of its generic design, cheap materials and short lifespans. On the other hand, a custom-fit sport mouthguard made with quality engineered materials and designed by your dental practitioner can ensure a snug-contoured fit, greater durability, longevity and comfort; resulting in additional protection, so you can focus on your sport and not your mouthguard.
What is the process for fabricating my custom-fit sport mouthguard?
Your overall oral hygiene will first be assessed and necessary restorative work will have to be completed in advance. This ensures your fabricated, custom-fit sport mouthguard fits perfectly and provides maximum protection.
How long is the process for fabricating my custom-fit sport mouthguard?
You can have your custom-fit sport mouthguard within 24 hours. However, if you require restorative work in advance, the time to receive your sport mouthguard can take between 1 – 2 weeks depending on the type and amount of restorative work you may need.
What is the ultimate objective of my dental treatment?
The ultimate objective of your dental treatment at Pro Oral Family Dentistry Limited is to create, implement and thoroughly execute a unique and optimal dental treatment plan focused on your full dental-restorative state. This restorative state afterward requires minimal visits for preventative treatment and monitoring of your teeth. Your commitment plays a vital role in whether or not the ultimate objective is successfully achieved.
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