How can we help you?
At Bell Hill Dental, we want to provide excellent dental care for every patient. But we also hope to educate our patients as well. In this area, you will find some common queries with their answers. We intend to work diligently to answer any questions you might have.
If you don't see what you need below, we invite you to contact us for assistance.
Dental Cleans and Exams
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.
