Bell Hill Dental
Dental Cleans and Exams
General Care and Hygiene Services

On your first visit, you will experience a one-of-a-kind assessment and a plan for services in an understanding atmosphere.

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A Healthy Smile Supports a Healthy Body
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Comprehensive Dental Cleans and Exams in Dunedin

Child getting dental exam at general dentist in DunedinAt Bell Hill Dental, our philosophy is that every day can be a joy when you love serving patients as much as we do. Dr Elaine Neill has served the Dunedin community since 1995, and for over 25 years, has provided the highest quality dentistry and service for our patients. Our treatments are individualised and live up to the highest standards in technology and practice without sacrificing the warmth and reassurance of a clinic and staff who strive to be the best in service, comfort and follow-up.

Your First Dental Exam: A Peerless, Comprehensive Assessment

When you visit our clinic as a new patient, your initial dental exam in Dunedin will begin with a thorough examination of your whole mouth, including:

  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Periodontal (Gum) Health Assessment
  • Bite and Jaw Joint Evaluation
  • Detailed Tooth Examination

Following the dental exam, our team will provide you with a personalised, customised treatment plan. We'll work together to achieve your oral health goals in a timeframe that suits you. Our thorough approach is a signature of our service and commitment, ensuring an on-time, stress-free, and pain-free environment tailored to your individual circumstances.

At the end of this comprehensive dental exam, we will present a therapy plan with options intended to secure your long-term oral health. We will organise our recommendations into urgent and medium-term advised treatments, and discuss your long-term smile goals. Everything in our plan is in plain English, fully involving you in all treatment decisions, including discussions concerning costs and payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

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 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.

oral health dunedin | man smiling in dental chair 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.

woman getting periodontal care in dunedinWhat 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. 

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.

Reception area in bell hill dental in dunedinYour 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!

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Healthy Gums: The Foundation Achieved with Regular Dental Cleans

Gum disease is an infection in the tissues enclosing and supporting your teeth. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque. Plaque is an increasing film of bacteria that accumulates on your tooth surfaces and may reach areas below the gum line. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar, which irritates and infects the gums.

You may not even be aware of the progression of gum disease, but you could be suffering from gum disease if you see these signs:

  • Irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums
  • Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
  • Chronic and unmanageable bad breath
  • Loose permanent teeth with signs of separation
  • Gum recession

The only way to know that gums are healthy is with regular dental exams and cleans, and diligent home care. 

Hygienists at Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin Otago

Bell Hill Dental Hygienists: Your Experts for Professional Dental Cleans

We are lucky to have three of the most experienced hygienists in Dunedin in our hygiene department. Dental hygiene is a vital part of our commitment to total care for our patients.  Good oral health is based on the foundation of healthy gums. 

Our hygienists are registered health professionals that seek to prevent periodontal (gum) diseases, provide treatment for existing gum problems, and assist people in maintaining an optimum level of oral health through down-to-earth treatment and advice on home care. 

They will guide you through individualised instructions to help you prevent gum disease and tooth decay, and are meticulous at scaling and polishing.  They administer and advise on tooth whitening and apply preventive agents to teeth and gums to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. 

With correct home care and regular monitoring, our dental hygienists in Dunedin can help you maintain your teeth for the rest of your life.

Meet Our Clinicians:

Dental hygienist at dentist in Dunedin Otago

Nicky Perkins
Dental Hygienist

Nicky is a registered dental hygienist, having graduated from Otago in 1998 and was instrumental in setting up and organising the introduction of the Hygiene Department to Bell Hill ...

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Hygienist at dental clinic in Dunedin Otago

Kerri Lumb
Dental Hygienist

Kerri is a registered dental hygienist, graduating from Otago in 1997. After travelling on the OE, working and living in the UK, she gained trans-Tasman recognition settling in Australia ...

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Hygienist at dental clinic near me

Libby Shepherd
Oral Health Therapist

Libby’s career in dentistry began in 2008 as a dental assistant. She enjoyed her job so much, she opted to study at the Faculty of Dentistry in Dunedin and earned ...

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Mastering Home Care: Learn the Proper Flossing Technique

The work our hygienists do is vital, but maintaining your oral health between appointments is up to you! The single most important habit is flossing correctly.

To help you get the maximum benefit from your home care routine, we've created a short, simple tutorial. Learn the correct technique to remove plaque and prevent gum disease from the comfort of your home.

 

 

If you have any further questions about your daily routine, our Dunedin hygienists are always happy to provide personalised tips during your next dental clean and exam.

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What Treatments are Available for Gum Disease?

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Gum disease is a prevalent condition that attacks the primary support system for your teeth, which is your gums and jawbone. When your soft tissues and bone become infected due to gum disease, your teeth are at risk for damage and eventual loss if you don't take action to treat ...
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General Dentistry in Dunedin

While routine dental exams and cleans are the cornerstone of preventative care, we also provide a full range of other dental services in Dunedin, including:

The most important thing to know is that your treatment will always be prompt, precise and provided to the highest standards.

Treatment Without Judgement at Bell Hill Dental

The team at Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin understand that multiple factors impact the current state of any patient’s teeth. We know life throws a lot at us, and we appreciate the years that your teeth have been functioning for you. We all go through times when we care for our teeth and health in not ideal ways. The important thing is to take that first step to book an appointment to put it right again and ensure optimal oral health.

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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.