Category: Uncategorized

Often, when the words “Root Canal” is mentioned to patients, unpleasant images instantly flash through their minds. But what it comes down to is simply, a lack of understanding of what root canal treatment actually entails. Let’s discuss this further…

1. What is a Root Canal treatment?

Firstly, what patient’s don’t realise is that if I am to offer a root canal as a treatment option, it means that I am suggesting that this tooth CAN BE SAVED! Often fillings are needed when the cavity only “outside layers” of your teeth (ie. your enamel and dentine). However, once the bacteria continues to progress deeper, it gets closer to the pulp (the nerve tissue). Once inside, the nerve becomes infected and can cause severe tooth ache.

A root canal would simply be removing that infected nerve tissue, cleaning it thoroughly and sealed so no further bacteria can enter the tooth.

Continue reading

Many patients have asked us about this so I’ll make a quick note of it here.

Underwood dental care’s current promotion is that if you are a new patient to our clinic, we would like to welcome you by offering a free dental check and clean. The offer applies to all new patients who have private health insurance with our preferred providers. They are- Commonwealth Bank Health Insurance, MBF, Manchester Unity, HCF and HBA.

What that means to you is that you will not pay a gap fee for your check up and clean.

If you’d like to know further details about this offer, please feel free to contact us.

Let’s face it… many of us know we need to floss, but many of us do not floss.

Why is that the case? Is it because we don’t know how? It’s too hard to reach the back areas? Or is it because we just don’t think we need to as mouthwash will “blast away” all the plaque like “dynamite against germs”?

Why do we floss?

Firstly, we floss because it enables us to remove plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gumline and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.

One of my university lecturers once told me “you don’t have to floss… you just floss the teeth you want to keep!”

Do yourself a favour and let’s get flossing! brushing alone is only doing half the job!

Continue reading

Due to the overwhelming amount of phone calls I’ve received about my mother in law’s veneers, I thought I’d also explain some other cases which you might be able to relate to.

Some patients have called and asked whether I could be able to “fix their teeth” even if they’re “crooked and dark”. The answer in short, most likely… yes.

Below is another case of veneers, this time on a much younger patient.

She presented complaining of having “gappy teeth”.

Continue reading

Before I continue on with my veneers post of my mother-in-law, I thought it’d be good for me to identify an issue that keeps arising amongst my patients.

“How do I get rid of fluoride from our water system?”

…Firstly, why would you want to get rid of the fluoride from the water? Time and time again I’ve seen people from interstate and overseas with not a filling in their mouth… is it because they are great brushers, flossers, and mouthrinsers? Probably… but it’s also due to the fluoride exposure as their teeth were forming!

Continue reading