Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are aware that the cost of dental care in Dunedin can be expensive and unexpected, and at Bell Hill Dental, we don't want costs to be a barrier to getting you the treatment you need. This fact is why we prepare such a comprehensive initial assessment that includes your treatment plan with each option itemised.

Then, we consult with you, emphasising that you decide what care and plan to include in the process. Some decisions are complicated, and we will work with you until you are comfortable with your treatment path along the way to your smile goals.

Dental Checkups and Cleans in Dunedin Are Cost-Effective

While it seems understandable that your regular check-ups and cleans will be affordable, their value in prevention is many times their costs. Cleans are vital in reducing the build-up of plaque and tartar residues that your at-home care leaves behind. But also, at these appointments, the Bell Hill Dental team can discover any potential dental problems at their earliest stages so that they require the least invasive treatments possible. 

We Offer Payment Options

We have partnered with Zip and QCard to help spread treatment costs and are happy to discuss treatment plans and phasing treatment to suit your needs. Please don't hesitate to contact our practice and ask about your options.

Bell Hill Dental is conveniently located at 109 Princes Street between The Octagon and The Exchange. Our dental practice is south of Dunedin Hospital above the Black Dog Cafe and Bar. Patients and visitors are welcome to our convenient on-street parking. 

Bell Hill Dental is easily accessible from State Highway 1 by The Octagon, Queens Gardens and The Exchange. Our family-friendly dental practice welcomes people from Dunedin CBD and surrounding areas, including Southland and South and Central Otago. 

Our caring and experienced team are always ready to greet familiar faces and welcome new patients to Bell Hill Dental. We offer a wide range of dentistry services to patients of all ages, and we are available to take your call Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

If you experience a dental emergency, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Our dental team aims to relieve pain and discomfort and treat your specific situation promptly and with great care.

Excellent Dental Care in Dunedin, Otago

Are you ready to arrange your dental appointment in Dunedin? Our team at Bell Hill Dental welcomes you to call us on 03 477 8364 or via our online form.

We look forward to welcoming you to our dental practice! 

How important is a bright smile? Some patients may experience stains or yellowing on their teeth and seek professional cosmetic treatment despite diligent brushing and oral upkeep. In many cases, teeth whitening procedures can help reflect patients' hard work in keeping their smiles clean! 

At-Home Kits & Professional Teeth Whitening at Bell Hill Dental

Professional teeth whitening can do the trick if you'd like to achieve an excellent cosmetic appearance for your smile! At Bell Hill Dental, we offer our patients two different teeth whitening procedures that yield fantastic results.

• Take-home kits: Patients can whiten their teeth over a predetermined length of time by wearing whitening trays (usually before bedtime). Although this option brightens teeth gradually, patients can whiten their teeth from the comfort of their homes on their own schedules.
• In-house 'boost' whitening: With a quick 90-minute appointment, patients can walk out of our clinic with a significantly brighter, cleaner-looking smile than before.

Contact Your Cosmetic Dentist in Dunedin

Whether you are interested in teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental services, our staff at Bell Hill Dental is committed to giving you the smile of your dreams! We warmly invite new and existing patients to arrange an initial consultation and find the best way to transform your smile! Feel free to call our Dunedin dental clinic on 03-477 8387 or simply book online.

Cosmetic dentistry is one of our passions at Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin. So when we see how our patients react to their restored smiles, we can't help but smile ourselves.

Our Tools for Cosmetic Dentistry in Dunedin

Your cosmetic dental process will begin with a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dunedin, Dr Elaine Neill, to help us understand your smile goals. Then, we can discuss some procedures we offer, such as replacing silver amalgams with tooth-coloured materials, dental veneers and tooth implant restorations.

We also provide professional teeth whitening treatments to help reverse the staining effects of age and everyday life items such as coffee and other foods. In addition, we offer a range of dental services, from an in-house Boost treatment to take-home trays for your convenience.

Full Mouth Reconstruction for Missing Teeth

In some cases, we may agree on full-mouth reconstructions to address significant wear, missing teeth and even bone loss. However, if you have suffered extensive tooth damage or have lost many or all of your teeth, we have several solutions. From single tooth implants to full dentures, implant-supported dentures and dental bridges, we can help find what works best for you.

Arrange Cosmetic Dentistry in Dunedin, Otago

If you are concerned about your teeth's colour, shape, or size, we can talk you through ways to improve your smile. Contact Bell Hill Dental to schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist and to start your smile makeover today.

Let’s explore a few ways to keep your teeth whiter for longer.

Maintain Regular Dental Appointments

Check-ups and teeth cleans lower your risks for oral health conditions, but cleans may also help reduce tooth stains and discolouration. So be sure to keep current on regular visits to your Dunedin dentist.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Brushing and flossing regularly may stop new tooth stains from forming, allowing you to keep your smile whiter for longer. We recommend brushing at least twice daily and flossing once.

Avoid or Reduce Tooth Staining Foods and Drinks

Tooth-staining foods and drinks include but are not limited to the following:

• Coffee and tea
• Red wine
• Bright sauces

Tobacco can also lead to brown tooth stains and discolouration.

Consider Follow-Up Whitening Treatments

We offer a variety of teeth whitening options in our dental clinic. And with one of our take-home kits, you can touch up your smile periodically to reduce the recurrence of tooth stains.

For Professional Teeth Whitening in Dunedin, We Welcome Your Call

Teeth stain for many reasons, including as a natural part of ageing and certain medications. However, our cosmetic dentist in Dunedin may be able to help improve the appearance of your smile through prescription-grade teeth whitening.

To get started or if you have questions, we welcome you to contact us.

Are you looking to change the appearance of your smile? Our cosmetic dentists are skilled at placing dental veneers in Dunedin.

Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that fit over the front of your teeth and cover minor cosmetic imperfections like:

• Tooth staining or discolouration
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Tooth size or shape discrepancies
• Spacing or gaps between teeth
• Teeth with excessive wear
• Small tooth misalignment concerns

The Process for Veneers at Bell Hill Dental

Completing dental veneers is simple and typically takes two visits with your dentist. During the first visit, our dentists get your teeth ready for veneers and make temporary restorations for you to wear while a dental lab creates your final veneers. This typically takes two to three weeks. 

When your final veneers are ready, our dentists place them permanently at your second appointment and make any adjustments needed to ensure that your bite is functioning correctly.

Book an Appointment for Veneers in Dunedin

If you would like to learn more about dental veneers or other treatments that repair and improve your smile, we invite you to contact our team at Bell Hill Dental for more information. You can also schedule an evaluation with one of our Dunedin cosmetic dentists to learn more about your options.

If you suffer from jaw pain, headaches or tension caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD), you may be surprised to learn that therapeutic muscle relaxant injections can provide relief. At Bell Hill Dental, we offer TMD treatment in Dunedin using Dysport cosmetic injectables to relax overactive jaw muscles and ease discomfort.

How Do Cosmetic Injectables Help with TMD?

TMD often results from excessive jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism) or muscle tension. Cosmetic injectables, typically used for wrinkle reduction, can also temporarily relax the jaw muscles. This helps reduce strain and alleviates pain.

Here’s how our injectables work:

• Reduces Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding – Injectables prevent unconscious clenching and protect teeth from damage. 
• Eases Jaw Pain and Headaches – Many TMD sufferers experience frequent headaches or facial pain due to muscle tension. Injectables can help by softening overworked muscles.
• Improves Jaw Function – Relaxing the jaw muscles can reduce stiffness, so it can help make it easier to chew and speak comfortably.

Is TMD Treatment Right for You?

Are you looking for TMD treatment in Dunedin? Cosmetic injectables with Dysport are a minimally invasive, effective solution that have helped many patients. We welcome your call and invite you to book your consultation at Bell Hill Dental. 

There’s something truly empowering about looking in the mirror and seeing a reflection that feels like you. That’s the beauty of Dysport. While the treatment itself takes just minutes, the confidence it brings can last for months.

At Bell Hill Dental, we know you’re not just chasing smoother skin; you’re reclaiming your glow, joy and sense of self. And with results that can last up to four months, Dysport gives you the freedom to smile, laugh and live boldly without second-guessing your expression.

The Lasting Effects of Cosmetic Injectables in Dunedin

When you choose Dysport to smooth your facial fine lines and wrinkles, you can expect results for three to four months if you follow our aftercare tips.

Here’s what you can do to maintain your results for as long as possible:

• Manage stressful situations to keep your face from becoming tense.
• Avoid smoking because it can cause collagen to break down.
• Stay hydrated by drinking water and using anti-aging moisturisers.
• Visit your Dunedin dental clinic for touch-ups every few months.

Questions about Dysport in Dunedin, Otago?

If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic injectables in Dunedin, we will happily assist you! We invite you to call us on 03-477 8387 to arrange a consultation or appointment.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Cosmetic injectables are commonly used for numerous areas around the face and body. Dysport and similar facial muscle relaxants address dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement and deliver natural-looking results that maintain facial expressions while smoothing unwanted lines.

Common Cosmetic Injectable Treatment Areas

Upper Face

The most popular treatment zones are:

• Forehead lines (horizontal wrinkles)
• Frown lines between eyebrows ('elevens')
• Crow's feet around the eyes
• Eyebrow lifting for a more youthful appearance

Mid-Face and Lower Face 

Common treatment areas include:

• Bunny lines around the nose
• Gummy smile correction
• Chin dimpling ('orange peel' texture)
• Vertical lip lines from pursing

Specialised Treatment Areas

Advanced treatments use cosmetic injectables for concerns that many people don't realise can be addressed.

• Neck bands for a smoother neckline
• Masseter muscles for jawline slimming
• Underarm area for excessive sweating
• Lip flips, a non-surgical alternative for fuller-looking lips

Determining the Right Treatment Area for You

Your practitioner will discuss your concerns and evaluate your facial anatomy to determine which areas would benefit most from treatment.

Cosmetic injectables in Dunedin open a world of possibilities for giving you a smoother, more youthful-looking facial appearance. If you’re ready to learn how Dysport and other similar treatments can benefit you, we would love to hear from you! Arrange a consultation today.

You deserve to feel as vibrant on the outside as you do on the inside. Cosmetic injectables offer more than just aesthetic enhancement; they can restore a sense of confidence, soften the signs of stress or time and help you reconnect with the best version of yourself.

Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, add subtle volume, eliminate headaches or alleviate TMD issues, Dysport injectables offer a gentle, non-surgical way to enhance your natural beauty or get the relief you need.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Injectables with Dysport

There are numerous benefits to choosing cosmetic injectables from Bell Hill Dental. Here’s what they can do for you:

• Decrease the appearance of forehead lines, frown lines, turned-down lips, thin upper lips or crow’s feet
• Provide relief from teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) and reduce tooth damage
• Decrease the appearance of a gummy smile
• Provide temporary relief from headaches or migraines
• Reduce the pain associated with temporomandibular disorder

Considering Cosmetic Injectables in Dunedin?

If you want to learn more about whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic injectables in Dunedin, our dental team will happily assist you! We have the knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision.

You can call us on 03-477 8387 to arrange an appointment.

As we get older, it’s perfectly natural to notice frown lines and forehead creases when we look in the mirror. If you look more tired than you feel, you’re not alone.

Fortunately, with wrinkle relaxing injections, you can gently smooth facial lines and ease facial tension without surgery, resulting in a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

With muscle relaxant injections, you can enhance your jaw’s performance and alleviate the painful effects of bruxism.

What Are Wrinkle Relaxing Injections?

At Bell Hill Dental, we gently inject Dysport, a purified form of botulinum toxin, into specific areas of your face to relax the facial muscles that cause frown lines, crow’s feet and other issues.

Your skin will appear smoother after your treatment.

What Are Muscle Relaxant Injections?

We also use Dysport injections to relieve the jaw pain and tension associated with bruxism or teeth grinding.

These injections, which are facial muscle relaxants, work to enhance the functionality of your smile.

Looking for Cosmetic Injectables in Dunedin?

If you’d like to learn more about what Dysport injections can do for your smile and comfort, we will happily assist you. At Bell Hill Dental, our goal is to help you achieve a beautiful, harmonious smile.

To arrange a consultation, feel free to call us on 03-477 8387.

Dr Ally Dunning, our certified injectable provider and one of our dentists, administers all Dysport treatments at Bell Hill Dental. She’s an experienced dental professional with dual qualifications as a registered nurse and a dentist. She brings extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and injection techniques developed through years of practice.

Dr Ally understands the precise muscle groups involved in facial expressions and jaw function. This knowledge proves especially valuable when she’s treating cosmetic concerns and conditions like temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and bruxism (grinding). You can feel confident knowing that a qualified healthcare professional is performing your treatment. 

The procedure itself is comfortable and fast. Dr Ally will start by assessing your needs and goals, and then determine the proper placement of your injectable. The process is quick, generally only taking a few minutes. 

You’ll begin to notice results over the next few days after your injection, while the full effects will appear within a couple of weeks. Most people find that the effects last three to four months, though individual results may vary. You may have some slight bruising or swelling at the injection site, which is normal and will go away quickly.

Ready to Explore Dysport Treatment in Dunedin?

Are you considering cosmetic injectables or therapeutic muscle relaxant treatment? Dysport offers a minimally invasive solution. We welcome your call and invite you to book your consultation with Dr Ally at Bell Hill Dental.

If you want to relieve fine lines and wrinkles or suffer from bruxism or TMD, you are a good candidate for Dysport cosmetic injectables. However, the dentist will evaluate your case to ensure that this therapy will benefit you.

Your evaluation or consultation is also a great time to ask questions and share your concerns with our friendly team.

In dentistry, injectables may help with the following:

• Fine lines and wrinkles in the face
• Jaw joint pain and inflammation
• Recurring head, neck, and shoulder pain
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

What Are Cosmetic Injectables?

Cosmetic injectables in Dunedin are a way to relax the muscles beneath the skin, which smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Injectables can also help prevent teeth grinding, which leads to tooth wear and dental health issues.

Finally, these treatments may relax the temporomandibular joints. Ideally, the injections promote TMJ healing by giving the joints a much-needed rest.

How Can Dysport Cosmetic Injectables Benefit You?

Whether you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles in the face, pain, or dental health, these injectables may be the solution. If you have questions or want to book a consultation with the dentist, we encourage you to call today on 03-477 8387.

We accept Q Card and ZipPay.

The answer to this question is case-specific, as each person's needs will vary. In some cases, our dentists may be able to repair your appliance, while in other cases, we may need to replace your dental bridge. 

Our dentists will need to examine your bridge and assess the situation to determine the best treatment for your needs. At that time, we'll review your treatment options and the cost with you so there are no surprises.

Why Is It Important to Repair a Bridge?

A dental bridge relies on two crowns on each end to anchor prosthetic teeth in between. If your bridge becomes compromised, it could impact the health of your anchor teeth, so it's important to address any issues right away. 

If your bridge is cracked or fractured, your chewing function may be impaired, impacting your nutrition. Repairing or replacing your dental bridge will ensure that your daily quality of life is not impacted. 

Contact Your Bell Hill Dental Team

Suppose you're struggling with a compromised dental bridge in Dunedin. In that case, we encourage you to contact our team straight away at 03-477 8387 so we can schedule a booking to assess your situation and get you back on the path to wellness as soon as possible. 

Dentures are artificial teeth cast on a gum-coloured plate or arch. They fit over the existing gum to restore your smile. Complete dentures in Dunedin, Otago, depend on gravity and jawbone ridges for support and stability. Partials are similar but have clips for anchoring to remaining teeth.

Dentures stand in for complete tooth loss, while partials work for sporadic or incomplete loss.

Custom Dentures at Bell Hill Dental

We use the latest materials and technologies to fabricate your prosthetics, paying close attention to fit and function. However, you make the decisions when it comes to tooth and gum colour. Of course, you can ask our helpful team members for opinions and advice for prosthetic colours that complement you. We are always happy to help!

Your first step is to book a denture consultation with your dentist in Dunedin, NZ. This visit covers everything you need to know about your new smile, including whether you’re a candidate for this type of tooth replacement.

Whether you’re new to dentures or looking to upgrade an older set to a more modern-looking prosthetic, we are here for you.

We Encourage You to Contact Your Dunedin Dentist

We welcome your call today if you’re ready to book a consultation at Bell Hill Dental or want more information about tooth replacement.

Cleanliness is the key to the longevity of a dental bridge. With excellent care and frequent check-ups with your dentist, your bridge has the potential to last for many years, seven to fifteen on average. 

Carefully brushing and flossing around your anchor teeth is the best way to keep your appliance clean and bacteria-free. It can be difficult maneuvering dental floss around your anchor crowns, but the benefits outweigh the extra few seconds it takes to keep your bridge clean and healthy. 

Other Helpful Tips for Maintaining Your Bridge in Dunedin

Here are a few additional miscellaneous tips for protecting your bridge and promoting its longevity. 

• Avoid abrasive whitening toothpastes that could scratch the surfaces of your bridge.
• Avoid biting directly into hard foods with your bridge, like crusty bread or an apple.
• Use floss threaders or an interproximal brush to clean underneath your bridge carefully.
• Visit your Dunedin dentist every six months for routine check-ups, where they'll inspect your bridge.

Do You Need More Information About Dental Bridges?

Please get in touch with your Bell Hill Dental Team if you need more information about a dental bridge in Dunedin. We're here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, happy smile! 

Are you considering getting a dental bridge in Dunedin, Otago? Are you curious about tooth replacement?

Missing teeth are about more than aesthetics. When teeth are missing, you risk migration—remaining teeth shifting toward smile gaps. Over time, this means wear on the remaining teeth, contributing to loss, fractures, and decay.

A dental bridge is a restorative tooth or teeth, typically cemented between dental crowns. The crowns cap the tooth on either side of the gap to secure the restoring teeth, completing your smile. The bridge and crowns look like natural teeth and are always customised for fit and colour.

Sometimes, your dentist in Dunedin, Otago may suggest an implant-supported bridge if your remaining teeth are not stable enough to support a prosthetic. Typically, this means one dental implant to fix your bridge. A dental implant is a tooth root replacement that can fix a crown, bridge or denture to the jaw.

After bridge placement, your dentist discusses bridge upkeep and maintenance.

Your Dunedin, Otago Dentist Encourages Your Call

Replacing missing teeth is the right decision for your future oral health. To learn more or if you have questions about tooth replacement, including dental bridges, contact Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, Otago.

The best dentures are the type that fits your tooth replacement needs with the least amount of intervention. This is because the Bell Hill Dental team believes your natural teeth are also your best teeth, so we will strive to take the most conservative approach that still achieves your smile goals. If we decide to recommend a denture to replace your missing teeth, we will discuss the type which is best for you.

Three Types of Dentures in Dunedin, Otago

At our Dunedin dental clinic, we offer full and partial dentures and fixed dental bridges. Dentures, whether complete or partial, are removable dental appliances.

• Full dentures replace every tooth in your upper or lower arch and often rely on suction and adhesives to stay in place.
• Partial dentures are an option if you still have some healthy teeth remaining, and those teeth provide the connectors, so your partial remains secure.
• For patients with fewer missing teeth but all in a row, and more healthy teeth remaining, we may offer a dental bridge that stays in your mouth while being secured to your natural teeth on either side of the gap. This option may also work with dental implants, which we specialise to attach to your dental bridge, providing the highest degree of stability available today.

Tooth Replacement in Dunedin

Our goal is to provide the full spectrum of tooth replacement options, dentures and dental bridges so that you can benefit from a more comprehensive selection and find the ideal fit. Contact Bell Hill Dental for dentures in Dunedin, Otago. 

Everybody is different; how often you need to see a hygienist depends on how healthy your gums are.

Normally, if you have a history of gum disease, we try and see you every six months to help prevent it from occurring again. Occasionally, we need to see you more often, if you have deep gum pockets, or if you are having difficulty with your home care. This ensures the gum pockets remain as plaque-free as possible helping maintain gum health.

By the time we see bleeding around a pocket it is telling us that the gum condition is active and may be getting worse again. It is important to remember that you cannot clean down into the pocket yourself at home, so professional hygienist intervention combined with good homecare is important to achieve optimal gum health.

What Does a Dental Hygienist Do?

Dental Hygienists are trained healthcare professionals. They are licensed to practice with the Dental Council of NZ. A dental hygienists major role is the prevention and non-surgical treatment of periodontal (gum) diseases.

A dental hygienist will help guide and promote healthy oral behaviours to help stabilise and maintain good gum health. Dental Hygienists are skilled in gum scaling and rootplaning (specialized cleaning of the root surface of your tooth). 

As part of providing exceptional dental hygiene care, our hygienists may:

• Complete oral health assessments that include a review of your health history, screen for oral cancers, record gum health and signs of gum loss (recession).
• Take and interpret xrays
• Remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gumline
• Apply agents to the teeth to protect against cavities (such as fluoride and dental sealants)
• Provide topical and/or local anesthetics if any treatment is uncomfortable
• Show you oral hygiene techniques to improve your home-care to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums 

Why Do I Need to See a Hygienist?

The dentist will refer you to a hygienist if there is gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup. To stop gum disease from progressing, the dentist may recommend periodontal therapy or deep cleaning performed by the dental hygienist to treat and get rid of bacteria in the gum pocket. Our dental hygienists have specialized equipment to clean deeply into these unhealthy gum pockets which cannot be reached by a toothbrush. 

If it's been a while since your last dental check-up, know you're not alone. Life happens, and sometimes dental care takes a backseat. At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, our dentists are not here to judge. We aim to make you feel comfortable and welcome. Our primary concern is to address any dental issues you might be facing and to get your oral health back on track.

Comprehensive Examination

Your first visit back will typically involve a thorough dental examination. This includes checking your teeth and gums for signs of decay, disease or other issues. We may also take x-rays for a detailed view of your teeth and jaws. 

Open Discussion and Treatment Plan

Our dentists will sit down with you to discuss your dental concerns. Whether it's sensitivity, pain, or cosmetic issues, we are here to listen and provide solutions. After the examination, we will create a personalised treatment plan outlining recommended procedures or preventative measures.

Looking for Personalised Dental Care in Dunedin, NZ?

It's natural to feel anxious about returning to the dentist after a long hiatus, but our team at Bell Hill Dental is committed to providing compassionate, judgment-free dental care in Dunedin. From the moment you walk in, you'll be treated with kindness and respect, helping you feel at ease as we work together to improve your oral health.

We invite you to call us today to book an appointment. 

What Are Common Gum Disease Symptoms?

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and is the earliest form of gum disease. The bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, making them bleed and become red and swollen. You may notice this sometimes when you brush or floss your teeth. Usually, there is no discomfort from gingivitis, so you may not be aware you have it.

If the gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation can work its way down under the gum towards the bone and tissues, which are the main supporting structures of the tooth. This causes a deepened space down the side of the tooth called a periodontal pocket. As these pockets get deeper, the supporting structures of the tooth are destroyed. Over time this will cause teeth to become loose, resulting in tooth loss. This is termed periodontal (gum) disease, and it's a sure sign that it is time to see a gum disease dentist.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque. If you have no plaque, you will not get gum disease.

However, many factors can contribute to and make gum disease worse. Some of these factors with the latest research are:

• Smoking: If you smoke, you are four times more likely to have gum disease compared to someone who has never smoked
• Diabetes: 2-4 more times likely to develop gum disease
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have gum disease may have a seven-fold increased risk of delivering a pre-term, low birth-weight baby
• Cardiovascular Disease: 2 times more likely to develop gum disease
• Genetic Factors: Evidence suggests a significant genetic component to the susceptibility to periodontal disease. We now know that at least two genes are related to gum disease. Genetic testing for these genes is carried out in the USA and is not available here in New Zealand as yet.

Can Gum Disease Be Cured?

The problem is that once gum disease has already progressed, it cannot be cured because once bone loss has occurred around a tooth, the bone will not grow back. However, gum disease can be treated by removing the plaque from the gum pocket through scaling and root planing, therefore stopping the infection from progressing any further. The treatment aim is to gain stability and stop further gum disease progression.

Gum Disease Symptoms Can Worsen

The problem is that until the gum disease gets quite severe, there are very few symptoms. Pain is not a symptom until the gum disease is often very advanced. By that stage, it is often too late as there has been too much bone loss around the tooth, which may already be loose.

Does Gum Disease Treatment Hurt?

Gum treatment of a healthy mouth should not cause discomfort. Treatment of red, inflamed gums can be uncomfortable for some people, so our dentist and hygienist in Dunedin, Otago, have various pain control techniques available. It is important for you as a patient to let us know if you are experiencing any discomfort, as this can be controlled.

Contact Bell Hill Dental for Gum Disease Treatment in Dunedin, Otago

If you are showing signs of gum disease or would like to arrange a dental exam in Dunedin, Otago, we invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental on 03-477 8387. We strive to prevent gum disease in our patients with routine dental services. 

Oral health therapists and dental hygienists both look after your teeth and can provide professional teeth cleans. However, an oral therapist can also assist in the diagnosis and treatment of specific oral health issues like tooth decay, especially in children. In other words, an oral health therapist does everything a hygienist does but with additional restorative and general dentistry duties.

Typical regular dental cleans in Dunedin mean fewer oral health complications, such as cavities, infections and gum disease. Teeth cleans should always be paired with excellent oral hygiene between visits.

Oral health therapy includes:

• Professional teeth cleans
• Basic diagnoses
• Restorative dentistry
• Oral health tips and maintenance
• Gum disease treatment

Preventative Dental Care for a Healthy Smile

You should see your dentist and oral health therapist or hygienist once or twice yearly for a comprehensive dental exam, professional teeth clean and all necessary treatment planning.

Your exam consists of a visual inspection of the teeth and gums, x-rays as needed, a conversation with the dentist and treatment planning if applicable. Oral health therapy involves cleaning the teeth, polishing and handling any restorative work.

Teeth cleans are vital to your ongoing dental health.

Is It Time for Your Next Check and Clean?

We’re dedicated to your oral health in Dunedin. To book your next visit or if you have questions for our team, we welcome your call today on 03-477 8387.

Have you ever taken a drink of something hot or cold and felt a sharp, sudden pain? Do sweet foods make your teeth hurt? If so, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity.

So, what is tooth sensitivity, and what can cause it? Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Your teeth are made up of three layers; the innermost layer is called the pulp. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. The middle layer is called dentin; it is composed of calcified minerals. The hard outer layer of your tooth is your tooth enamel. It protects your tooth from damage and infection.

When the dentin layer becomes exposed, tooth sensitivity can occur. Hot, cold, sweet, or sour food and drinks can reach your tooth’s nerves, causing pain or discomfort.

What Causes Sensitivity?

There are several culprits when it comes to tooth sensitivity, including the following:

• Brushing too hard
• Receding gums
• Periodontal disease
• Cracked teeth
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Age
• Teeth whiteners
• Recent dental procedures

Do You Have Dental Concerns in Dunedin?

If you want to speak with a dental team member about your oral health, we will happily assist you! At Bell Hill Dental, we never want you to endure dental discomfort. Our goal is to provide gentle dental care to you and your entire family.

Call us on 03-477 8387 to arrange an appointment.

At Bell Hill Dental, one of our points of pride is the unique first exam experience we provide for our patients. We take the time on your first visit to get to know you and your dental history, discuss your goals for your oral health and talk through any fears or worries you may have about treatment.

Your First Visit Experience in Dunedin

We will start with the most thorough check of your mouth that you probably have ever had and then tailor a treatment plan for you that fits your goals. We thoroughly discuss costs, the timing of treatment and give you options wherever we can. This process takes about an hour, and if you have more complex needs, we can schedule a second appointment to talk through options at no extra charge.

We Can Serve the Whole Family

From the very young and their brand-new teeth to our senior population, we are proud to offer dental services to all ages. We can offer one location for everyone so that you can seek dental care as a family. We strive to cultivate long-term relationships with our patients for years to come.

Our new patient exam costs $120, and if you require radiographs (x-rays), we take as many as you need, which we cap this cost at $60. We welcome you to arrange an appointment today!

The success of your hygienist treatment or preventive dentistry appointment with us is determined by how well you look after your teeth and gums at home.

Plaque is always in our mouths, and it is waiting to get back down into those gum pockets once you leave our Dunedin dental practice after your exam and teeth clean treatment.

In other words, the at-home care routine plays a crucial role in your oral health, just as your preventive checkups and teeth cleans do.

At-Home Oral Care

Be sure to brush your teeth no less than twice daily and floss at least once. Of course, if you can clean your teeth and gums after every meal, all the better!

And be sure to clean your teeth on all sides using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, use a fresh section of floss for every passthrough.

Your Dentist in Dunedin Welcomes Your Call

Brushing and teeth cleaning at home is vital to your long-term oral health and only complement your teeth clean in our dental clinic. Our dental hygienist can advise you on looking after your teeth and gums at home, including tips for more effective brushing and flossing.

We urge you to reach out today to arrange your next teeth clean.

Periodontal treatment in Dunedin will depend on the severity of your gum condition. With deeper pockets and heavy calculus deposits the appointments of deep scaling and root planing may be divided up into different appointments.

For example, the lower right side of the mouth may be worked on in one appointment and the other three quadrants at separate appointments. Alternately one half of the mouth might be treated per appointment. This gives us time to fully focus on one area of your mouth and ensure it is plaque and tartar (calculus) free.

We Welcome Your Call to Bell Hill Dental

Appointments are usually booked in for 50-70 minutes in duration. We invite you to contact our Dunedin clinic if you have any questions. 

Implant therapies have become far more common over the last ten to twenty years and are now a fantastic option for replacing missing teeth. Additionally, their costs have come down substantially, and many people are opting for implants as they are very cost-effective and long-lasting.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

We would best describe a dental implant is an artificial tooth surgically placed within the jawbone. An implant completely restores any missing tooth because of this placement. This permanence is enhanced through a process called osseointegration, where your implant fuses into the bone. 

We work very closely with the specialists in town (oral surgeons and periodontists) who place the implants to our joint design, and we then place the implant crowns once the healing period has occurred.

Discover Implant-Supported Dentures

For our patients using partial and complete dentures, dental implants can improve your existing appliances. Instead of resting on your gums held in place by adhesive, dental supported implants stay firmly in place. These attachments can even support whole-mouth restorations.

Book a Consult with Our Dentist in Dunedin

At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, we invite you to call 03-477-8387 to discuss if implants are a good option for you.

Dental crowns in Dunedin, Otago, do not hurt when performed by gentle and experienced dentists, as we have at Bell Hill Dental. 

Our dentists in Dunedin are experts in crafting and placing dental crowns with the patient’s utmost comfort in mind. When it comes to gentle dentistry, patients can count on Bell Hill Dental for their oral health needs. We offer comfortable amenities to make our patients’ visits more relaxing and pleasant, and we also use numbing agents to relieve potential discomfort during procedures. 

Dental Crowns in Dunedin, Otago

Natural teeth are durable and meant to last a lifetime, so good oral hygiene and maintenance are imperative. Routine check-ups and dental cleans are the cornerstones of excellent oral health. During these appointments, your dentist checks for tooth decay, gum disease and other issues.

However, if your natural tooth becomes damaged, we can save, preserve or replace it with dental crowns designed specifically for your smile. Our crowns are designed using advanced technology and the highest quality of materials so that you can achieve the attractive, healthy smile of your dreams. 

Bell Hill Dental Welcomes Your Call

Do you have a broken, decayed or damaged tooth? Our team at Bell Hill Dental invites you to contact our Dunedin, Otago dental practice to arrange a visit. 

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dental crowns in Dunedin offer many practical uses across dentistry, which is why they are durable. In our dental clinic, we use crowns to:

• Protect a weak tooth following root canal therapy or damage
• Restore bite function to a weak or fractured tooth
• Conceal a tooth flaw, including discolouration, chips and general abnormalities
• Top a dental implant following dental implant post placement
• Secure a dental bridge (anchoring prosthetic teeth to natural teeth)

Dental Crowns in Dunedin

A dental crown is a tooth cap shaded and shaped to look like a tooth. It is also customisable to look like your natural teeth.

Crown longevity depends on a few factors. However, on average, a dental crown may last for fifteen years. To help increase crown longevity, we recommend the following:

• Maintain a healthy smile through regular brushing and flossing.
• Visit your dentist on schedule for routine check-ups and teeth cleanings.
• Don’t bite on hard objects like ice or use your teeth or crowns to rip open packages.
• Talk to your dentist if you suspect bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching).
• Wear a mouthguard that fits correctly if you play sports.

Contact Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin

If you have a broken tooth or a crown that does not fit properly, we encourage you to contact a team member at Bell Hill Dental to arrange a visit with your dentist in Dunedin.

We know toothache is a terrible pain, can come on quickly and often occurs overnight, causing a lack of sleep and exhaustion. We are here to help! Our emergency dentists in Dunedin aim to see all severe toothaches on the day you call. Our dentists have worked in Hospital Accident and Emergency (ED) departments, and all have experience with dental trauma.

Emergency Treatment in Dunedin

We leave time in our daily schedule to help patients with dental emergencies; in some cases, we can even provide same-day treatment.

Some of the dental emergencies in Dunedin our team is equipped to handle are:

• Toothaches and dental pain
• Knocked-out teeth
• Broken or lost dental restorations like a dental crown or filling
• Chipped, fractured, or broken teeth
• Fractured or broken dentures

When Is It a True Emergency?

Even if you're unsure your situation is a dental emergency, we still encourage patients to contact our dental clinic first for guidance.

Our knowledgeable and friendly team members will assess your condition on the phone to decide if you need immediate attention and what the next steps should be.

A Call to Our Clinic Is Step One

Some accidents need quick attention, and we will always prioritise these cases. We are registered for ACC and have five surgeries to accommodate urgent treatment to relieve pain. Our team is here to serve you.

Call 03-477-8387 as soon as possible, and we will ensure you get the timely treatment you need. 

If you have questions about referrals, it's always a good idea to check with your dental insurance provider to determine if you need one to see an oral health therapist (OHT). Some insurance plans may require a referral from a dentist to cover treatment from an OHT. 

If you are not relying on insurance coverage to defray the cost of dental treatment, you shouldn't need a referral for an OHT and can see them on your own accord. 

What Is an OHT?

It's important to understand the level of care an OHT can provide and how it differs from your dentist. An OHT is trained to provide a range of dental services, usually focusing on preventive care, but could include: 

• Teeth cleans and polishing
• Dental scaling — deep cleans
• Exams for tooth decay and gum disease
• Taking x-rays
• Dental fillings

An OHT has received expanded training but doesn't cover the broad range of services a general dentist is responsible for. 

Do You Have Questions about Your Dental Insurance?

If you have questions or concerns about your dental insurance coverage or questions about referrals, our team is here to help. When you call Bell Hill Dental, you can speak with a knowledgeable team member about insurance coverage and payment options.  

Do you want the best for your child's smile? From a young age, access to quality dental care can prepare teeth for success by preventing the onset of decay with good habits and regular checkups. So, even though children will lose their teeth at a young age, how often should they visit our family dentists in Dunedin?

Establishing Your Child's Oral Health

Like adults, children can benefit from seeing a dentist for a regular checkup and teeth clean once every six months. At Bell Hill Dental, we want the best for our patients, and when it comes to children's dentistry, our staff can monitor dental trends and provide advice for keeping teeth clean. Some benefits of seeing a paediatric dentist include:

• Monitoring of habits that may cause dental issues in the future (thumb sucking, teeth grinding)
• Tracking early trends in growth
• Children can learn how to keep their smiles healthy from a young age 
• Children can gain familiarity and comfort when visiting a dental clinic 
• Early prevention of detrimental conditions that may affect patients in later years

Contact Your Children's Dentist in Dunedin, Otago

We warmly invite all patients to arrange an appointment and begin the process of safeguarding their child's oral health. Our friendly staff at Bell Hill Dental goes above and beyond in making all patients feel welcome and comfortable during their visit! Please call us on 03-477 8387 or book online. 

Every patient is different, so the frequency of dental visits varies from person to person. However, we like to see patients every six months for check-ups and dental cleans.

During these visits, our dentists in Dunedin, Otago examine the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue to ensure no abnormalities are present. We also screen for oral cancer and provide professional teeth cleans to remove plaque and tartar. 

The Importance of Routine Dental Visits

Routine dental visits help prevent and control numerous oral health concerns. At Bell Hill Dental, we check for the following problems: 

• Tooth decay 
• Tooth infections and abscesses 
• Gingivitis and gum disease 
• Bad breath
• Tooth staining 

What to Expect at Your Dental Check-Up 

During your routine dental appointment, we will do the following:

• Review your health history and any medical conditions or medications
• Determine your current oral health status
• Take x-rays if needed
• Determine your risk factors
• Examine the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, jaws, and mouth
• Check for any abnormalities in the mouth
• Assess your bite 
• Look for signs of cavities and gum disease
• Clean and polish your teeth
• Provide fluoride treatments if needed

Routine visits to your dentist in Dunedin help keep your smile healthy so that you can eat and socialise comfortably. It also helps prevent problems from occurring, thus saving you time and money on more in-depth treatments in the future. 

Ready to See Your Family Dentist in Dunedin, Otago?

Whether it’s been six months or six years, our team at Bell Hill Dental would love to see you for an oral health check-up. We invite you to call our dental clinic on 03-477 8387 to book your appointment with our family dentist in Dunedin, Otago. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Your family dentist in Dunedin, NZ, is distinguished by their skills sufficient to treat the dental needs of patients of all ages effectively. However, we recognise that each life phase has unique challenges to your oral health.

For example, children and adolescents begin with primary or baby teeth, which fall out naturally to be replaced by their permanent teeth. We value preventive approaches with children and strive to establish a positive approach to oral health. In addition, we focus on education to promote an excellent at-home care routine with parents and their children working together to form good habits.

Adults and older patients often have established oral health conditions, and their mouths are no longer growing, so we may need to provide restorative dentistry and focus on periodontal health. For senior patients, we offer therapies to preserve their natural teeth and numerous options for tooth replacements. Our dental services in Dunedin are tailored to our patients regardless of age or stage.

The Benefits of Family Dentistry

Choosing us to care for your family when searching for a "family dentist near me" in Dunedin, Otago, you will enjoy some real advantages, such as:

• Convenience – by treating everyone under one roof, we can save you time and hassles
• Quality – treating all ages means a wide array of skills and procedures that we back with decades of expertise
• Positivity – families who see the dentist together can support each other. Routine check-ups allow parents to set the best example for their children to maintain their oral health faithfully.

Book Your Family's Dental Appointments in Dunedin

At Bell Hill Dental, we offer comprehensive family dentistry for patients nearby Dunedin, Otago. We invite you to book dental appointments for your family at our practice.

Have you ever taken a drink of something hot or cold and felt a sharp, sudden pain? Do sweet foods make your teeth hurt? If so, you may be suffering from tooth sensitivity.

So, what is tooth sensitivity, and what can cause it? Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Tooth Sensitivity?

Your teeth are made up of three layers; the innermost layer is called the pulp. It contains the nerves and blood vessels. The middle layer is called dentin; it is composed of calcified minerals. The hard outer layer of your tooth is your tooth enamel. It protects your tooth from damage and infection.

When the dentin layer becomes exposed, tooth sensitivity can occur. Hot, cold, sweet, or sour food and drinks can reach your tooth’s nerves, causing pain or discomfort.

What Causes Sensitivity?

There are several culprits when it comes to tooth sensitivity, including the following:

• Brushing too hard
• Receding gums
• Periodontal disease
• Cracked teeth
• Teeth grinding or clenching
• Age
• Teeth whiteners
• Recent dental procedures

Do You Have Dental Concerns in Dunedin?

If you want to speak with a dental team member about your oral health, we will happily assist you! At Bell Hill Dental, we never want you to endure dental discomfort. Our goal is to provide gentle dental care to you and your entire family.

Call us on 03-477 8387 to arrange an appointment.

If your wisdom teeth are causing discomfort, it's a good idea to have an examination with your dentist to see if wisdom tooth removal in Dunedin is a good idea. This is because wisdom teeth can become impacted, which causes an infection that can be painful.

Your Dunedin dentist might recommend wisdom tooth extraction because of crowding or the inability to properly clean your wisdom teeth, which can result in tooth decay or gum disease.

Wisdom Tooth Recovery & Aftercare

After wisdom teeth removal in Dunedin, it is normal to feel some discomfort for the first couple of days; however, that should dissipate as your mouth heals. Be sure to get in touch with your dentist immediately if you continue to feel pain or discomfort or experience bleeding that won't stop.

Sticking to soft foods like scrambled eggs, yoghurt, or soup the first couple of days after surgery will help healing. You can also use a cold compress to reduce any swelling after surgery. Avoiding smoking cigarettes or drinking through a straw during healing will keep your blood clot intact, which guards against developing a painful condition known as a dry socket.

Contact Us About Wisdom Tooth Removal in Dunedin

If you have questions about wisdom tooth pain relief and recovery, we invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, Otago. 

Our dental clinic is located at 109 Princes St in Dunedin, 9016. We are nearby the Octagon and the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. 

At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, we offer gentle wisdom tooth removal so our patients can enjoy improved oral health and comfort. Our dental team is highly experienced and skilled in removing wisdom teeth, so you can rest assured knowing you are in capable, safe and caring hands. 

When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary? 

Not all wisdom teeth require removal, but if they pose a threat to a patient’s oral health and wellness, we can safely remove them. A wisdom tooth removal may be necessary to make space for incoming or existing teeth, repair damage below the gumline (e.g., deep decay, fractures), or remove impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t yet erupted. 

Your Comfort and Safety Are Priority

Wisdom tooth removal is considered oral surgery. However, we approach each patient with specialised care to ensure the best possible outcomes and enhanced patient comfort. Our dentists in Dunedin, Otago are experts in safe, painless and efficient tooth removals, so many patients don’t experience discomfort during the procedure. 

We offer an effective local anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure. However, we can refer patients to a trusted specialist oral surgeon and anesthetist if they require general anesthesia. 

Contact Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin Today

If you need oral surgery in Dunedin, we invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental for more information or to arrange an appointment. 

Dentistry has come a long way in the management of pain. We are very proud of our gentle techniques and want you to be comfortable in our chair.

One thing we think is essential for our patients to understand is that dental pain is often the result of inflamed and infected tissues. In these cases, dental procedures are what address and treat that pain with efforts to eliminate it. We never want you to associate a trip to the dentist with pain. We encourage you to maintain regular cleans and check-ups to break that association.

Our Approach and Expertise Will Resolve your Pain

Everyone has a different pain threshold and tolerance. We will consult with you before any procedure to know what to expect, and we understand your relationship to tooth and mouth discomfort. Where appropriate, we provide topical cream anaesthetic, stress balls, and the latest injection techniques.

We Respect Your Needs in Dunedin

To the Bell Hill Dental team, we want our patients to know that they are the boss; we will take treatment as slow or fast as they require.  When we have patients say, 'I didn’t even feel it' and 'that was the best injection I’ve ever had,' we know we have hit our target. We welcome your call with any questions.

Depending on the tooth infection, a root canal in Dunedin, Otago, can take 30 to 60 minutes. Some root canals might necessitate more than one appointment, though most times, our dentist can complete them in one day. Large teeth with multiple roots can take up to an hour and a half.

Root Canal Therapy in Dunedin, Otago 

Root canal therapy can save a natural tooth from extraction or tooth loss. Root canal therapy at Bell Hill Dental means we:

• Examine the patient’s mouth using diagnostics 
• Administer local anesthesia to prevent pain and discomfort
• Place a dental dam to isolate the area and keep the tooth dry during the treatment 
• Create an access hole to reach the tooth’s pulp
• Remove the diseased or infected pulp from the tooth 
• Clean, disinfect and shape the root canals 
• Fill the root canals with flexible, durable dental material 
• Seal the tooth with a tooth-coloured filling or dental crown 
• Place the final restoration 

Our Dunedin Dentists Can Help Save Your Smile! 

We invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental for assistance if you have a root canal infection. Our team can help you regain your oral health and relieve your pain.

Bell Hill Dental uses leading-edge technologies and techniques to minimise pain and discomfort. One of the many services we offer at our dental clinic in Dunedin is root canal treatment. This treatment is often thought of as the bogeyman of dentistry, but modern dental care allows us to provide streamlined and gentle root canals in Dunedin.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

A root canal is meant to relieve tooth pain and remove infection from the tooth. Your dentist starts the treatment by ensuring the patient is comfortable, and we administer a local anaesthetic to numb pain. We then make an access point in the tooth through which we remove infected and inflamed tooth pulp.

Once the tooth’s canal is empty, we sanitise and irrigate it to ensure it’s bacteria-free. Next, we fill the space with a substance called gutta-percha to help strengthen the tooth from the inside out. Lastly, we seal the tooth with a custom-made dental crown to stabilise and strengthen the tooth. 

Arrange a Root Canal Procedure in Dunedin

If you have an infected or damaged tooth, we invite you to contact us today for treatment options. Our dental team is skilled and experienced in root canal treatment, and we look forward to helping you improve your oral health. 

Typically, if you have a root canal infection, you’ll have symptoms, which may include:

• Toothache
• Jaw swelling
• Tooth discolouration
• Blister on the gum

You don’t have to have all these symptoms to be diagnosed with a root canal infection.

What Is a Root Canal Infection?

A root canal infection is bacteria and inflammation in your tooth’s canal, which holds pulp and nerves. It may be caused by untreated decay, injury, lack of dental care, or poor oral hygiene.

When You Should See the Dentist

Toothaches and swelling usually mean infection. If you have either, it’s essential to reach out to your Dunedin dentist for an emergency booking. Oral infections are dental emergencies because the pain and swelling can worsen.

Additionally, untreated infections can spread and cost you your tooth.

Fortunately, root canal treatment in Dunedin is straightforward and performed under anesthesia. Treatment aims to eliminate your pain and save the tooth from loss.

After the area is numb, your dentist removes the infection, irrigates the canal, and temporarily seals it. Later, we crown the tooth to restore stability.

Dental Emergencies in Dunedin

If you have a toothache or swelling, we encourage you to call a member of our dental team to arrange a booking with our emergency dentist.

A root canal is a procedure that clears infected tissues from the canal of your tooth. It is necessary to save the tooth and prevent loss through crumbling or extraction. Additionally, tooth root infections can be painful. Root canal therapy in Dunedin, Otago, relieves pain associated with the infection.

Treatment for Root Canals in Dunedin

If you have a root canal infection, you may also have a severe toothache or increased sensitivity. In many cases, there is also swelling and a bump on the gum near the infected tooth.

In rare cases, you’ll not feel pain, especially if the tooth nerve is damaged and not conductive. This is one of the many reasons we recommend regular preventive dentistry. Your dentist in Dunedin, NZ can catch infections and other oral health issues before they cause trouble.

Root canal treatment means your dentist numbs the area around your infected tooth and removes any inflamed or infected tissues from the canal. Then, we rinse and seal the tooth temporarily to encourage healing. At a future visit, our dentists typically place a dental crown on the treated tooth to prevent breakage—root infections can weaken the tooth structure.

Contact Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, Otago

If you have a toothache or have not been to the dentist in a while, we encourage you to reach out to a team member at Bell Hill Dental to book an appointment.

Complications of tongue-tie release or frenectomy are extremely rare, especially when you have a knowledgeable dental team working for you. And even rare complications do not tend to be life-altering because they can be corrected with intervention.

Rare risks include bleeding, salivary gland issues, and infection. However, your Dunedin, Otago dentist takes every precaution when performing the very routine tongue-tie release. We even use a laser, which means no cutting.

What Is a Tongue Tie?

Frenula tissue is normal beneath the tongue, upper lip and gums. However, it can be too tight or tethered, making life difficult. For babies, it can interfere with breastfeeding, sleep, and breathing. Later, it can hamper speech development, lead to chewing complications, and cause oral health issues.

Your child’s dentist in Dunedin can gently release the tongue tie, giving your baby the best head start in life. By relying on our dental laser, there is little to no bleeding, and your child may not even feel the release.

Talk to Your Family Dentist in Dunedin, NZ to Learn More

If you would like to arrange a tongue-tie release consultation with the dentist or have questions for our dental team, we encourage you to reach out to Bell Hill Dental today.

Bell Hill Dental provides many different dentistry services, including tongue-tie release in Dunedin. After tongue-tie release surgery, a diamond-shaped wound may appear under the patient’s tongue.

It typically takes 14 days to heal, sometimes longer, and the wound may look whitish-yellow in colour. Healing begins immediately after treatment, and the wound may appear larger than expected. 

Mild Bleeding and Pain

Some oral bleeding and pain are expected after surgery, and your dentist may recommend or prescribe pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. 

Suggested Diet 

The patient may follow regular feeding and diet unless your dentist uses a local anaesthetic. In this case, patients must consume soft, room-temperature or cold foods and drinks until the medication wears off.

Wound Care  

Patients may rinse their mouth with salt water several times daily to soothe the mouth and promote healing.

Exercises 

It’s essential to perform tongue-stretching exercises several times daily for four to six weeks after surgery. Exercises vary based on the patient’s age, type of surgery and dentist’s recommendation. Tongue exercises strengthen the tongue muscle, improve coordination and range of motion and lessen the chance of scar tissue formation or tissue reattachment.

Our dental team welcomes your call on 03-477-8387 for additional information about our services, including tongue-tie release surgery and aftercare. 

Dental fillings are durable but typically need to be replaced at some point in the future. Your Dunedin dentist will monitor your fillings during regular dental visits and check for new cavities.

How Long Do Fillings Last?

Amalgam (silver) and tooth-coloured fillings may last up to a decade or longer. However, if the filling material breaks down or moves away from the tooth, your dentist will talk to you about a replacement at that point.

How to Prolong the Life of a Tooth Filling

Cavities can crop up on teeth that are already filled and compromise the current restoration. For this reason, it’s essential to brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once. You should also see your dentist on schedule for exams and cleans. Teeth cleans may significantly lower your risks for new cavities, keeping current dental fillings intact and viable.

Your dentist can also provide brushing and flossing tips to promote smile health between dental check-ups and teeth cleans.

For Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Dunedin, We Welcome Your Call

We aim to keep your teeth and gums healthy. So, if it’s time for your next check-up and teeth clean—or if you have questions for our dental team—we encourage you to call us today.

At Bell Hill Dental, our dentists use tooth-coloured fillings in Dunedin, Otago, to treat dental decay. Our patients prefer this aesthetically pleasing method, and we find the composite material used in these types of fillings to be durable and practical.

If you have a cavity, you may not notice it right away. Tooth decay typically starts small and can occur between teeth or in hard-to-see places. Occasionally, you may notice a spot on the tooth or a tiny dip in the enamel. For this reason, it’s essential to see your dentist regularly. Treating a small cavity is better than treating a large one. Large cavities can mean loss of the tooth.

To treat a cavity, your Dunedin dentist numbs the site, removes the decay, and closes the area with a tooth-coloured filling. After the anesthesia wears off, you may notice mild discomfort, but this typically does not last more than a few hours or up to a day. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.

It’s important to remember that mild discomfort following a dental filling is not comparable to a tooth crumbling due to deep and untreated decay.

Book an Appointment for Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Dunedin

If it’s time for your next dental check-up and teeth clean, we encourage you to contact Bell Hill Dental to book your next dental appointment in Dunedin.

Tooth-coloured fillings treat cavities and small chips in teeth. They are made of a combination of silica fillers and plastic resins. Tooth-coloured fillings are also called composite or white fillings. Unlike silver amalgam used in the past, composite fillings blend in with the colour of your teeth, and they do not contain any metal or mercury.

The silica and plastic in tooth-coloured fillings mimic certain qualities of natural teeth, like translucency and resistance to wear. Not only are tooth-coloured fillings aesthetic, but they also help strengthen teeth.

How Is a Dental Filling Placed?

Your dentist in Dunedin, Otago first ensures you’re comfortable before the treatment and then prepares the tooth to receive the filling. We then place the composite material in thin layers to fill the cavity in the tooth. This also helps rebuild the tooth’s structure. Next, we use a special light to harden the composite, which makes it more durable against biting and chewing forces. Finally, we shape and polish the tooth for a smooth and seamless finish. 

Contact Us for Tooth-Coloured Fillings in Dunedin, Otago 

If you have a cavity or small chip in your tooth, our Dunedin dentists can restore your smile’s beauty and function. We invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental today to learn more about tooth-coloured fillings and how they can help you.