Trusted Family Dentist in Dunedin

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.

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. 

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.