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Dental fillings are used to treat cavities. A cavity is a hole left in the teeth because of bacterial action. Even after the cavity is formed in the teeth, the bacteria do not go away. They are still present in the cavities and continue to cause damage to the what is remaining of the teeth.

Dental fillings will stop the damage and make that sure oral health is not compromised. Dentists will examine the teeth that are affected, and may order X-rays if required. The cavity is cleaned to remove bacteria and decayed matter. Then it is filled with an inert material and sealed. Fillings replace the part of the teeth that are damaged. Dental restoration is possible with the help of fillings. The functionality and structure of the teeth are preserved with fillings.

Types of dental fillings

There are a variety of dental fillings to choose from.

Amalgam fillings
This is the traditional or the classic fillings that most people choose. They are usually called silver fillings but actually it is a combination of different materials like tin, mercury, copper and silver. Mercury is the main element and forms almost half of this mixture. These fillings are used because of their durability and strength. Cost-wise also they are cheaper than the other fillings.

After drilling the tooth, the dentist cleans the cavity. They will then mix the mixture of alloy with liquid mercury. This forms a soft putty like material which will harden into a solid filling and works as a filler for the damaged teeth. Many have concerns because of mercury being used in dental fillings, but research shows that amalgams have not posed much of a health risk apart from some allergic reactions. If your old filling is still strong, there is typically no need to remove it. However, do inform your dentist if you feel you are sensitive to mercury or any of the other materials used in the filling mixture.

Composite fillings
A mixture of powdered glass and resin is used in composite fillings. They are favoured over the other types of fillings as they match the colour of the teeth. They blend well with the natural teeth and are hard to detect. They are also used for other cosmetic procedures like changing the colour of the teeth or even reshaping the disfigured teeth.

When compared with the traditional ‘silver’ fillings they cost a bit more, but can’t beat the camouflage effect they provide. Besides this, composite fillings bond well with the teeth, they stick to the sides of the teeth and provide support. They also provide strength to the teeth, act against any breakage or extreme temperatures. After placing the filling, some may notice increased teeth sensitivity. Inform the dentist about this and they will take appropriate measures. Composite fillings are also known to absorb the stains of food that is consumed, this can be prevented by applying a plastic coating over the teeth. Though they are sturdy, composite fillings do not last as long as the amalgam fillings.

Gold fillings
Gold fillings provide good strength and are durable. They do not chip or break away and are usually preferred to be placed in the rear teeth so they are not visible. Teeth get affected according to the food consumed. But gold fillings do not absorb stains from the food. Gold also expands and shrinks along with the teeth and this quality goes a long way when used as a filling.

Some of the other features of gold fillings are that they do not change colour after being used for many years. They do not change shape and also help in the chewing mechanism. Plaque formation is also reduced because of the polished surface of the filling. It does not allow food particles to stick and helps improve oral health.

Ceramic fillings
When the thought is on aesthetics along with providing restoration care for cavities, ceramic fillings score better. They are tooth coloured fillings and blend in well with the natural teeth. They are mostly made up of porcelain and do not take up stains like other fillings. It lasts for 10-15 years and is expensive as well. Earlier it took longer to make ceramic fillings but now due to advancement in technology the waiting period for the fillings is reduced.

There are concerns over ceramic fillings being brittle and breaking often. For this reason, ceramic fillings are filled in a larger space in the tooth. This offers extra support and they do not break off easily. Unlike the other fillings, there is no issue of allergy as metals are not used. Ceramic fillings are generally used as inlays and onlays.

Glass ionomer fillings
These fillings are made of acrylic and glass. Fillings of this variety are used when they are to be placed above the gum lining. They are especially recommended for use for children. Since fluoride is present in this mixture, it helps boost oral health by slowly releasing fluoride into the teeth. They also blend well with the natural teeth and have a good bonding with the dental enamel. Extra strength is given to the teeth due to this and there is no need for any bonding agent as it provides good attachment to the teeth. Glass ionomer fillings increase their support over the years, they absorb water and become stronger and are less susceptible to wear and tear.

Toothache is the most common reason that would make anyone visit a dental clinic. It is a signal sent by the body to make you aware that your oral health is not top notch. Proper care and treatment might take care of the pain, but sometimes it will need more complex dental procedures.

Moving on, let us examine some of the main reasons for a toothache.

Tooth decay

Unchecked bacterial action in the teeth is what brings about its decay. The outer dental enamel gets eroded and the decay goes into the layers of the teeth and reaches the pulp of the teeth. Food contains sugar and when food debris gets stuck in between the teeth, the sugar also remains in the mouth. This sugary food attracts bacteria, bacteria acts on the food remnants and releases acids. These acids act on the different layers of the teeth and bring about decay.

Cleaning the mouth, brushing, and flossing can ward off this bacterial action. If cleaning is not thorough, then food stays in the mouth and plaque and tartar development will occur. This can also cause tooth decay. Along with daily cleaning of the teeth and tongue, it is also important to have a dental consultation at least twice a year.

Gum diseases

When you develop gum disease, there is inflammation and infection in the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. The gums become reddish and swell. They bleed easily when brushing. This condition is called gingivitis, and when left untreated progresses to periodontal disease. Infection is very severe in this stage. The gum tissues pull away from the teeth and jaw bone and forms small pockets. This space collects food debris and attracts bacterial action. The infection spreads rapidly and the plaque can be seen developing below the gum lining.

As the infection spreads, the gum lining and sometimes even the bone gets destroyed. It can spread to neighbouring teeth as well. The health of the gums will be lost and the jaw bone loses its strength and cannot provide support to the teeth. Dentists provide treatment to reduce the infection and reduce the pockets that are formed in the gum lining. The swelling of the gums and the accompanying pain is treated with antibiotics. The time of treatment and the recovery depends on the stage of the treatment and how the disease reacts to the treatment. The strength of the supporting tissues is regained by proper treatment and oral health is restored.

Fractured teeth

Teeth that are fractured or cracked cause tooth pain. This might not be a continuous pain, but it can strike sporadically. Pain is mostly seen when one is consuming food, or when exposed to hot or cold food.

When dental enamel is broken due to accident or sports injury, it exposes the inner layers of the teeth. The crack in the tooth might be just on the surface or it can go right to the root of the tooth. Cracks can be shallow, a fractured cusp, or it can break the tooth into two either from the root to the tip of the tooth or from the top of the tooth to the root. Some of the cracked or broken teeth can bring pain to the soft tissues of the mouth by cutting into them. They can also bring in bacterial action and infection.

Treatment is focused on protecting the teeth. Options are decided based on the type of fracture or chipping. Some can be helped by placing a crown on top of the affected tooth or it can be taken care of by placing dental veneers.

Tooth grinding

Tooth grinding or bruxism is a condition where some would clench, grind the teeth. This happens unconsciously when one is awake or while sleeping. This is also related to sleep disorders and can occur with snoring or sleep apnoea. Teeth get affected due to grinding and it can cause the teeth to be flattened or fractured or loose. The protective layer of the teeth gets lost and the inner layers of the tooth get exposed. This can cause pain and sensitivity when hot or cold food is consumed.

Besides pain in the teeth, jaw and neck pain are also felt by many patients. Depending on the extent of the problem, different options are explored by dentists to treat this dental concern.

Mouth guards are typically worn to reduce the flattening of the tooth. Some may need to wear dental veneers, sometimes even go for dental implants if the whole tooth is affected. Partial or complete dentures are also suggested by dentists if the tooth cannot be saved and the tooth is fully damaged.

Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacterial action. This can happen at any part of the mouth – at the root of the tooth or in the gum lining. The throbbing pain from the tooth can spread to the neck or jaws. Swelling can also be seen, some will also experience sensitivity to hot or cold food. When there is a tooth abscess, it can also loosen the tooth and there would be a bad odour from the mouth because of bacterial action. It is important to see the dentist when you notice swelling or pain and not ignore it. This will not go away on its own, it will need treatment.

Smoking and its effects are felt not merely by smokers but also by those who are in the smoker’s environment. Smoking related diseases are one of the highest contributors to mortality. One of the main aspects one needs to remember is smoking related diseases can be avoided and prevented. Cancer is one of the main disease affecting people of all ages. Of all the different types of cancer, smoking contributes to 90% of lung cancer and 30% in other types of cancer.

Smoking has an additive substance called nicotine and this makes the users difficult to stop smoking. Along with nicotine, there are hundreds of chemicals in the smoke that is harmful to the human body. Tobacco smoke is known to have about 70-80 types of cancer causing chemicals. Smoking affects not just one part of the body, it affects all parts of the human body and brings down the health of the person and can also be fatal.

Tooth decay and cavities
Smoking and tobacco products as mentioned earlier contains a lot of chemicals. When smoke is inhaled, these chemicals are taken into the mouth. This mixes with the saliva and effects the teeth. The dental enamel which acts as a protective covering gets eroded. Bacteria can act on the teeth easily. Decay sets in slowly and with each puff the tooth decay progresses. Tooth cavities are also caused due to smoking. The structure of the teeth gets eroded and cavities are formed.

Gum diseases
Gum disease or periodontal disease refers to the infection of the gums. The lining of the teeth is infected in this case. Bacteria gets into the gum lining, this can also be a cause of tooth decay. If bacteria stays in the area, it will pull away from the teeth from the gum lining. A pocket will form and adds on to more infections. The jaw bone can also get affected if the infection is not stopped and smoking is continued regardless of the health concerns. Smoking increases by about 50% of the chance of gum disease.

Plaque and tartar
The smoke has a lot of chemicals in it, this affects the moisture content of the mouth. Saliva production gets hindered. Bacteria can easily stick on to the teeth and gums in this case. Bacteria produce plaque on the teeth and this can also be seen along the gum lining. If not removed, plaque gets hardened and tartar is formed. This substance is so hard that normal and personal cleaning of the teeth is not enough. It requires help from the dentist as it is quite hard and requires special tools. Continued smoking helps in more creation of plaque and tartar.

Immune system
The overall health of a person gets affected due to smoking. Inhaling the smoke continuously is similar to pumping in a lot of harmful chemicals into the body. The risk of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia is increased greatly due to smoking and tobacco products. Antibodies in the blood stream get reduced due to smoking. This makes it easy for disease causing germs to attack. Infections and diseases do not go away easily because there are fewer antibodies to fight against them. The diseases linger longer and bring down the ability of the immune system down. This also invites other diseases into the body- minor conditions like the common cold e.g. does not go away quickly as before.

Cancer
Cancer is caused when cells in the body multiply abnormally and also control other tissues in the body. The main aspect of smoking that causes cancer is the carcinogens that are there in the smoke. These poisons damage the structure and function of the cells. They multiply abnormally and affect the growth of the cells and also that of the organ and cause cancer. Smoking also affects the immune system and the body is not able to fight against the tumours developing in the body.

Loss of taste/discolouration of teeth
Studies have proven that smoking affects the taste buds. It makes the food taste dull and bland. The taste buds in that of smokers were found to be flatter in shape than that of non-smokers. Smoking and its chemicals affect the shape of the taste buds in the mouth. The blood vessels in the mouth are also affected and this can also affect the taste buds. Sensitivity to taste is reduced to a great deal due to smoking. This can also lead to a lack of appetite in smokers. Nicotine in the smoke stains the teeth. Teeth lose their sparkle and acquire a dull and yellow stained tooth. Smoking stains the teeth easily and the also gives out bad breath.

Smoking affects dental health by not just creating stained teeth and dull taste buds, it brings in overall health concerns and especially in dental health. The soft tissues in the mouth, gum lining all get compromised due to smoking. Continued smoking adds on to the damage done in the mouth. It also invites other diseases, due to the damage to the immune system. Recovery gets delayed and this affects the complete health of the body.

Many teenagers get into the habit of smoking to appear ‘cool’ or due to peer pressure. Children do not understand how health deteriorates due to smoking. It is important to teach children about the effects of smoking on oral health and overall health. Dental consultations are especially important in the case of smokers as there are a lot of dental diseases that are caused due to smoking.

Keeping the mouth and teeth clean and free from diseases is very important, hence the added importance of quitting smoking. Smoking is breathing in different kinds of chemicals into the body for the perceived feel good effect it provides. Quitting smoking helps to build the oral and overall health of a person.

When one hears ‘surgery’ one would think there is some complicated issue that needs to be corrected. Oral surgery is a procedure done to correct many dental concerns and it is done routinely. These procedures are done on an outpatient basis – like that for impacted teeth, tooth extraction etc. After the surgery, people can go back to their daily routine within a few days time. Oral surgery helps to restore and maintain good oral health.

When Oral surgery is mentioned – it often combines both oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery. While both aid in improving oral health, Oral surgery refers to the mouth while Maxillofacial refers to the face and jaw area. Injuries, trauma, genetic conditions that need to be corrected are all diagnosed and treated by surgeons. In some conditions, surgeons would assist dentists in providing information to the dental issue at hand.

Common procedures in oral surgery

1. Wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth appear after all the rest of the teeth have erupted. This might create a situation of not having enough space in the mouth to accommodate the teeth. When this happens the teeth will be crooked or misaligned. Crowding of teeth will create dental issues like tooth decay, bad breath and infection. Thorough brushing will also not be able to clean the spaces in between the teeth. Food gets stuck in these spaces and bacteria will act on this food and erode the teeth. To avoid dental decay, surgery is performed. Surgeons conduct the surgery under anaesthesia. When the misaligned wisdom teeth is removed, the dental health of remaining teeth is maintained.

2. Impacted teeth removal

Wisdom teeth erupt after the premolars and molars are in position. Wisdom teeth do not have enough position to come out, they do not emerge completely. They get stuck in the jaw bone. This condition is known as impacted wisdom teeth. When the wisdom teeth are stuck in the gums, it brings about infection, inflammation and swelling in the gums. This infection can bring about gum diseases and tooth decay. Removal of this impacted tooth is suggested. The jaw bone is cut to remove the teeth that is stuck. Proper care needs to be taken after surgery for better oral health.

3. Dental implants/denture placement

Due to various reasons, you may need to undergo teeth replacement. Dentists suggest implants to provide support and strength to teeth. In this procedure, strong roots are given to the new teeth which help to support them and makes sure that they stay in position. The surgeon will place metal roots for providing anchorage to the new teeth. These roots are grafted into the jaw bone and the new replacement teeth stay in position. Cuts are made in the bones to place these sturdy roots. Healing will take place in a few weeks time. This procedure will also provide support in improving oral health. Some who have undergone this procedure have noticed an improvement in their speech conditions as well.

4. Misaligned/uneven jaw

Having a misaligned or uneven jaw can be due to trauma to the jaw bone or a birth defect. If due to genetics, the jaw does not develop properly. There will be associated problems in swallowing, speech and even chewing food. If it is only misaligned teeth, then wearing braces can help correct them. But if the jaw bone is misaligned then surgery is recommended. With surgery, the jaw bones and teeth are moved into their correct positions and they are aligned correctly. To aid in proper positioning of the jaw bones after surgery, some dental specialists will recommend using braces.

5. Facial Pain/Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint essentially works like a hinge and helps to connect the jaw bone to the skull. When there is a disorder in the TMJ it causes facial pain and also a pain in the neck region. Surgery is suggested if the pain or TMJ does not go away after other corrective procedures. According to the diagnosis, surgery is performed either on the jaw bone or the neighbouring soft tissues. There are different types of surgeries performed to set right this dental issue.

6. Cleft lip and cleft palate correction

A cleft lip or palate is seen in some children, they are born with this condition. This is a defect at the time of development. While developing in the womb, the right and left side of the face or mouth do not meet, this leaves a hole in the roof of the mouth. Due to this condition, children will have problems in consuming food, speech etc. Surgery will be done under anaesthesia, and the roof of the mouth will be repaired. It is often suggested by surgeons to do this surgery quite early as this will help in the proper overall development of the child.

7. Surgery due to cancer in the oral region

Surgery for oral cancer depends on the nature of cancer- the location of cancer and the stage it is in. Surgery to remove the part of the oral region to contain the spread of cancer is usually suggested. Surgery of the lips, tongue or any other part of the mouth is done to help treat the disease. If there is any tumour in any part of the oral region, then that tumour is removed. Reconstruction surgery is also performed to help in treatment and healing.

8. Surgery for facial injuries and facial infections

Trauma to the face and mouth can happen due to accidents or from contact sports. Injury to the facial nerves, salivary glands, or those affecting the jaw bone is often helped by surgery. This type of treatment will involve treating injury to the fractures in the oral region or even replacing the lost teeth. Much of the surgery involves a restorative type of treatment and helps in promoting oral health.

9. Sleep apnea corrections

Surgery for sleep apnea is sometimes suggested by dentists to help in treatment. Surgery is done on the roof of the palate. The air passage is cleared to make it wider and help in getting good sleep. Depending on the severity of the issue and the diagnosis different surgery options are considered.

Plaque is a colourless, soft and sticky film which builds up on the outside of teeth and also along the gums. It harbours hordes of germs which multiplies at an alarming rate and reside in your mouth. Plaque build-up if not removed, will harden and turn into a yellow brown matter called tartar. Some kinds of plaque may cause dental decay and some causes gum diseases. Plaque is colourless and therefore not noticed easily unless it turns into tartar.

How is plaque created?

When we eat, our food starts digesting in the mouth itself. Our saliva contains enzymes which break down food into carbohydrates. This carbohydrate is further turns into sugar by further processes. The bacteria present in the mouth breaks down the sugar left on teeth and in the mouth and turn it into acid. This acid along with saliva mixes with food remnants in mouth and creates plaque. This thin film coats your teeth and sticks at the base of the teeth. It may also stick to fillings or any other dental work. If this film is not removed every day with brushing and flossing it will ruin your dental health and you may end up with tons of dental work.

How to get rid of plaque

It was believed that as we grow older our teeth give way and get dental decay which will end in tooth lost. One by one we may lose all teeth and we may have to wear dentures for the rest of our lives. But now with the increased dental health awareness and better opportunities to seek dental health care and remedies, we know better. Because of the sustained efforts of the state and better information, we know how we can take care of our teeth and prevent teeth loss.

Dental plaque is the beginning of tooth decay and ultimate loss. We should try to stop dental plaque from forming on our teeth and gums.

It requires simple steps, which consists of healthy dental care routine from childhood and visiting your dentist regularly so that dental problems can be nipped in bud before it becomes too big to lead to dental loss.

One way of knowing whether you are following proper dental care routine is to check for plaque in your mouth by chewing coloured bubble gum which will stain the plaque and you will know whether there is plaque build-up in your mouth.

The first step for removing plaque is to visit your dentist and ask for guidance in removing plaque. If the plaque has turned into tartar, your dentist will suggest removing it with the help of special instruments.

After the tartar has been removed you need to see to it that your teeth and gums remain plaque free.

Flossing for dental hygiene

Flossing is extremely important for proper dental hygiene. It is advised that you should floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing removes food particles which get stuck between the teeth and do not get out while brushing.

The floss is a thin string which has to be held between pointer fingers of both hands and drawing the string in between spaces of teeth. This exercise has to be done for both upper and lower teeth. Ease the string slowly and do not use force if the string does not move. If you use force ion the string your gums may get harmed.

Floss is easily available at every chemist. If you do not know how to use floss, get your dentist’s help. If flossing is done before brushing, it will help cleaning all debris from the mouth while brushing and rinsing the mouth. It is advisable to floss first before brushing.

Brushing

Brushing teeth at least twice a day is very important to stop the build-up of plaque.

Use a toothbrush which is comfortable on your teeth. It should not be too hard or too soft. Ask your dentist to show you the movement of how you should use your toothbrush.

Make a slightly short and circular movement on your teeth but do not brush from downward to upward. It will harm your gums. Rinse well. While brushing remember to reach the back of upper teeth because it gets neglected when we brush in a hurry. Make it a point to brush upper and lower front and back teeth. Pay attention to upper back molars. Start with brushing upper back molars and then brush upper front teeth. Then come down to lower back molars and then to lower front.

Manual toothbrushes work well for most people, but electric tooth brushes with oscillating heads make circular movements which is beneficial to clean most areas in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth after flossing and brushing with a mouthwash will give a fresh feeling in the mouth as well as stops the bacterial growth when the mouth is not active during sleep.

Cleaning the tongue

Use a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue. Tongue also harbours plaque and bacteria. It is important to get rid of a white film from the tongue which leads to tooth decay. Tongue is a rough surface unlike teeth which have a smooth surface because of enamel. Sugar particles stick to tongue and breed bacteria. Some people use dental pick which a thin plastic string strung between two ends which also helps in quickly removing food particles stuck between teeth.

Fluoride

Using a fluoride tooth paste is very important because many water bodies in towns may not have natural fluoride in them. The body needs fluoride to nourishment of teeth in addition to other needs.

Basically, a regular and consistent dental care routine will help keep your teeth healthy and clean. Remember to visit your dentist at least once in 6 months for a thorough cleaning as well.

Are you a proud pre primary teacher? Or a primary teacher? Or a secondary teacher? Come all you teachers of children of all ages. Register for the music and movement training called Sydney Dalcroze Days, for 2 days or 4 days on Tuesday October 1 to Friday October 4 between .30 AM to .30 PM at Ascham Schools 88 New South Head Road, Edgecliff, NSW, 2027 Australia.

Here you will get complete musicianship training with movement. The holistic and rigorous approach used is amazingly balanced between expression and creativity with the ability to understand the musical language and skills. This approach will enable you to apply these movement skills to teaching young children and professional performers as well.

Dr Sandra Nash, Australia’s Director of Studies, leads The Sydney Dalcroze days.

Dates: Tues 1 October to Friday 4 October.

Venue: The peter Adam Studios, Ascham School, 188 NSW, South Head Rd
Opposite Edgecliff train station, Edgecliff.

Visit for more information and registration

info@dalcroze.org.au

This workshop relates to APST standards and the music and art teachers as well as those who use Australian Curriculum and Arts will benefit by this workshop a lot.

A print record of attendance to the workshop also will be provided on request.

The mere mention of the word root canal by the dentist, makes people cringe with fear. But it is not so scary. Here’s what you need to know about root canal treatment. By the end of this article, you will see that it is a simple routine procedure performed by dentists all over the world.

What is root canal?

The  root canal is a cavity at the root of the tooth, which is filled with pulp. The pulp  is part of the tooth called root canal. The base of the tooth is a hollow segment of the tooth which contains blood vessels, nerve tissues and other cells. The dental procedure called root canal is in fact an endodontic therapy which means a treatment done inside the tooth.

Root canal treatment

A root canal treatment is suggested to patients after reviewing the pain and conditions of the concerned tooth. It is done to remove the affected tissues and bacteria from the canal to relieve pain. Because of improved technology for the treatment, it is done today with relatively minimum invasion in one or two sittings. This treatment is carried out in the pulp or the root canal, therefore the name given to it is root canal treatment.

Who needs root canal treatement?

Root canal is recommended when the infection in the tooth has reached deep down to the roots of the tooth. The pulp in the insides of the tooth can become infected because of various reasons, like a cracked tooth, injury to the tooth, or a cavity which was untreated, or even a loose filling. The increased infection seeps in the tooth making it vulnerable for extraction. In such a situation the dentist advises root canal treatment to save the tooth by clearing infection from the pulp and treating it with medicines so that infection does not grow again. The root canal treatment cleanses the pulp and repairs it, which pulp cannot do on its own, if it is injured or diseased, which can result in extraction of the tooth, because of the dead tissues. If the root canal treatment is not done, the bacteria may enter the jaw bone and infect it too leading to major course of treatment, because the infection can weaken and breakdown the bone tissues and causing the swelling of ligaments around the bone.

What are the steps required for  root canal treatment?

The root canal therapy consists of three major steps. It used to take at least three sessions initially, but with advanced technology, now it is possible to complete the job in one or maximum two sessions.

Step 1: First of all, the dentist checks for the damage that has been caused by the infection.  The first step consist of removing everything that is inside the root canal.  Since metal pins are used to clean the cavity, the dentist gives an injection of anaesthesia on the area and dulls the nerves surrounding the affected tooth. With the local anaesthesia in place, the dentist will use a small dam made of  rubber to isolate the affected tooth from other teeth and to keep it dry while work is on.

Step 2: The second step consists of using a small drill to create a tiny opening on the top of the tooth for the dentist to work through. This opening is to provide access to reach the insides of the tooth. Before filling the canal, the dentist cleanses the hollow area of the infectious pulp and all damaged tissues. After cleaning the area the dentist will shape the inside of the tooth and root. With special equipment he will flush the area with water to cleanse it completely.

After cleansing, he will apply antibacterial medicines to decontaminate the area with irrigation solutions. This step will put a stop to further bacterial growth in the future. After cleaning, the cavity is filled with a rubber like material or adhesive cement which will help seal the canals completely. The cleaning and filling the cavity makes the tooth dead to sensation of pain. The patient cannot feel any discomfort in the tooth because there are no infections and no nerve endings remaining in the tooth.

Step 3: In the third stage the dentist will have to fill and crown the tooth because the tooth has become vulnerable now due to so much work done inside it. The tooth has lost its pulp and for nourishment it has to look for ligaments that attach the tooth to the bone. This arrangement is fine for some time but eventually it makes the tooth more brittle. To save the tooth for longer duration, the tooth needs the protection of a filling and a crown. The dentist will  fill the cavity with rubber like material and close the opening with a temporary filling. A permanent crown will be fitted eventually, may be after a few weeks. After the crown on top of the tooth is placed the treatment is complete. The patient has to desist from chewing or biting with the treated tooth, till the tooth is fully protected with a crown and a filling.

Usually this treatment can be done in one sitting nowadays, but depending on the patient, and the amount of damage due to large infections, the dentist may need to work for more than one session.

Is the root canal treatment painful?

The pain actually comes from the infection in and around the tooth. Once the treatment begins, the pain will vanish. The dental procedure of removing damaged pulp from the tooth will begin with local anaesthesia and after taking the anaesthesia, there will be no pain. Some tenderness and little discomfort is normal because so many tiny instruments were used on the dental work. But it is temporary and will go away with some medication prescribed by your dentist. An antibiotic may be prescribed to curb infections around the tooth.

Is it expensive?

The costs differ from dentist to dentist and city to city. But having root canal treatment done to save the tooth is any time cost effective rather than removing the tooth.

Stains on teeth is a common problem plaguing people across the world. It causes sparkling teeth to changes colour to yellow or brown. Many people seek dental care for discolouration of teeth as it is a very visible problem. There are many reasons behind staining of teeth. Lifestyle, food habit, medicines, trauma and even lack of personal hygiene to the teeth all bring about staining in the teeth. Aging also changes the colour of the teeth.

Staining of teeth, be it recent or something that has been there for a long time, usually will cause distress in people. The main worry is that other people would notice. Being conscious of losing the pearly white colour of the teeth have known to bring down self confidence in people. Help is easily available at any dental clinic. Before that it is important to know the different types of staining.

Types of stains

Stains are classified based on where they appear – is it below the dental enamel or on the surface of the teeth. They are called extrinsic or surface stains, intrinsic stains and those related to age. Pigmented stains on the surface of the teeth are called surface stains. These are caused due to food or residue from the food or drinks that are consumed. They would stick on the surface of the teeth - on the enamel part of the teeth. Habits such as smoking or tobacco usage also cause this type of stains.

Intrinsic stains are seen below the surface of the teeth. This is a bit more complicated as the stain causing particles to penetrate the dental enamel part of the teeth and accumulate there. Being exposed to too much fluoride during childhood, trauma to the teeth or using antibiotics – all these are known to cause internal staining.

Age related staining combines both the internal and external staining characteristics. As one age, the dental enamel loses its protective covering. The inner part of the teeth becomes more visible which is more yellow compared to outer dentine. Staining also is seen due to continued exposure to habits such as smoking or eating habits. A combination of factors leads to yellowing of teeth as one gets older.

Staining of teeth is not seen in only adults, children also have discoloured teeth. One of the primary reasons would be improper brushing. Children’s teeth are usually whiter than adults as they are milk teeth. Improper brushing can result in plaque or tartar build up in the teeth. Many medications given to children have a high content of iron in them, this can also cause discolouration. Some would also develop yellow teeth if they have any illness or too much fluoride. Milk given to children if mixed with water that has too much of fluoride can also cause staining of teeth.

Treatment and procedure to remove stains

Stain removal products and techniques are many and varied. Extrinsic stain removal is comparatively easier when compared with the other types. Stained enamel is one condition that is commonly seen in many. This can be easily done in dental clinics. The external stains are removed using instruments. Focus is on the removal of plaque or tartar build up. After this cleaning process, teeth are polished. A technique termed as ‘air flow’ is commonly used. This will help in removing the surface stains and also calculus deposits. The result would be clean and bright teeth. This is one of the processes that can be done within a short time in a clinic.

Another quicker treatment is in-house teeth bleaching. This also takes less time like the stain removal technique and within a few hours one would get whiter teeth and a boost of self-esteem. Other products that are available are whitening toothpaste, whitening strips and whitening gums and mouthwashes. These whitening products can be bought as over the counter products. There are different views on the effectiveness of these products. It is recommended that suggestions from dentists are taken before these products are used. Some would be allegoric to the ingredients used in these over the counter products.

Teeth whitening is another type of treatment that is provided by dentists. This requires professional expertise and makes the teeth whiter. It involves professional bleaching and is the most common method used in teeth whitening. The type of treatment is decided by the dental experts after consultation. They would place a protective cover to shield the gums. The whitening product is then placed on the teeth. It can be easily applied – trays of whitening products are placed on the teeth to change their discolouration.  This will take a few weeks as time is needed to prepare the whitening trays. These trays are custom made. They are made after taking the exact measurements of the teeth for a good fit.

Laser whitening is one of the revolutionary techniques that is adopted by many these days. In this method, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth. After application of the product, teeth are exposed to laser light. This would be usually done for an hour or so. After the process is completed, the teeth become whiter instantly. This is favoured as teeth whitening is done in a single session. Besides the above teeth whitening methods, some would also go for other dental procedures like teeth bonding and dental veneers.

Teeth whitening would induce teeth sensitivity and irritation of gums in some. In teeth sensitivity, teeth would experience discomfort while consuming hot or cold food and drinks. The tingling sensation and slight pain would remain for some time and would fade away later. Irritation of the gums is also observed. Even though protection is used while applying whitening products to the teeth, if the gums come in contact with the products it can irritate the gums. Gums will appear red and inflamed due to this exposure. All these are temporary but if unsure it is better to check with dentists. Guidance from dentists should be taken before one decides to go for any dental procedures, this helps promote good oral health.

Losing one’s permanent teeth would be an experience many would not want to have. Growing old and losing teeth, teeth lost due to injury or trauma or disease – all these would bring in stress to people. Affecting one’s appearance, disability in speech and difficulty in chewing food are some of the issues related to teeth loss.

Replacements to lost teeth are available through dental services. They are custom made and help people in having continued use of teeth. Mimicking natural teeth, they provide structurally and functionality of teeth and also retain facial structure and appearance.

Different type of dentures is available based on a person’s need and oral health. Complete dentures and partial dentures are the two major types that are usually seen. They are made of plastic or ceramic and they are identical to natural teeth in appearance.

This is decided after consultation with the dentist. Usually if a child loses milk teeth then replacement teeth are not prescribed, as permanent teeth will take their place in due time. Some dentists will suggest placing spacers so that teeth will not lose their proper position due to missing teeth.

Here we discuss some of the benefits of using dentures:

1. Dentures support dental health

Dental health reflects the overall oral health of the person. This is inspected in dental consultation. Infection in the mouth, inflammation in the gums, tooth decay, cavities, discolouration of teeth, tooth fillings and many other deficiencies are checked when dental health is checked. Dentures also form an important part when dental health is considered.

2. Better quality of life

Losing teeth affect a person’s lifestyle. There are restrictions in diet, consuming favourite food might not be possible as before. Wearing dentures helps a person to continue the same lifestyle as before. When dentures are used at first there may be some discomfort, but later it will disappear. Soft food is generally suggested by dentists when people start to wear dentures, later on they can slowly move on to consuming their usual diet. Taking care when chewing with the front teeth is advised, as this might cause the dentures to move a bit. Canine teeth are better when one needs to chew food. It will also be helpful to cut food into small pieces when using dentures initially. Later on, other types of food can be introduced.

3. Boosting self confidence

Dentures help to restore self confidence in people. When people lose teeth, they are conscious of their smile and appearance. They will hesitate to interact with people and generally try to limit meeting people. Dentures help them to gain back their self-esteem. Developments in technology have helped in creating dentures that are a natural fit. There is no fear of dentures falling off or coming off loose while speaking. Dentures give back the healthier smile and the structure of the face and restore the youthful appearance of the face. Wrinkles in the face are more pronounced as there is a lack of supporting structure. When a person starts wearing dentures be it complete or partial the basic facial structure is not lost and helps the face to look fuller.

4. Improvement in speech

Teeth play a very important role in speech. When teeth develop they help in providing the correct speech development support along with lips, mouth etc. They help in regulating the flow of air in the mouth. This ability is hindered when teeth are lost. Clarity of speech and difficulty in pronouncing some words is experienced. Dentures help by restoring this significant function. When dentures are made, they are custom made – they are made to be a good fit with regard to aesthetics and also with regard to pronouncing appropriate speech sounds. When dentures are used at first people would find it awkward and not all speech is clear, but slowly with continued use and practice they can achieve their former speech quality.

5. Protecting remaining teeth

Each tooth has set positions in the mouth. When one or more teeth are missing, there develops a gap in the mouth. Remaining teeth in the mouth will begin to gradually shift their position due to the gap. Due to this, the proper alignment of the teeth. This results in changing the shape of the mouth. They also affect the health of other teeth. When teeth shift their position, they can reduce the space between teeth. This will cause difficulty in cleaning the teeth. Lack of proper hygiene can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Losing molars can affect overall health along with oral health. Molars do most of the grinding and chewing – when one or more are missing it becomes difficult to chew food. So it becomes important that lost teeth are replaced.

6. Easy maintenance and prolonged good health

Unlike other prosthetic dental devices, dentures are easy to maintain. Dentures can be removed and cleaned. Special tools are available for cleaning dentures. Removing and cleaning helps to make sure that all areas of the replacement teeth are cleaned. After each meal, dentures should be removed and cleaned. Dentists will also recommend keeping dentures immersed in solutions overnight. Care must be taken when cleaning, as if they fall they might crack and break. Wearing dentures does not mean plaque or tartar cannot develop. If not cleaned properly other dental concerns such as infection and decay can all be affected.

7. Cost effective and durable

Dentures are very cost effective and durable. Appropriate upkeep can help dentures last for many years. An Annual check-up is recommended, this is to evaluate if the dentures are providing the required support for oral health. Changing the dentures is usually because they might become loose due to change in jaw structure. Bone loss and aging affect the jaw structure. It is important that dental consultations are done properly, this will also help in adding years to your dentures. Help and guidance from dentists must be sought for understanding the nature of dentures and how they need to be taken care of.

Do you consider yourself young at heart? Want to remain fit and enjoy outdoors?  Come join the Over 50s Walking Group at Rose Bay starting on  Wed 3rd July at 8.15am  to 10.00am every week until further notice.

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, and if you do it with a group of friends, then you double the enjoyment. As you grow older it is extremely important to keep yourself active and walking is one of the best ways to accomplish that. It is a low-impact form of exercise that anyone can do. Even if you are currently not in great shape, start walking. You will be surprised to see how your health improves.

Become part of the fun group and continue to enjoy the walk every Wednesday at Rose Bay, come rain, hail or shine. It caters to all levels of fitness and abilities, so bring along a friend or a relative to enhance your joy. Getting fitter in the company of friends in a fun-loving group will make it a remarkable social experience.

The walk begins at Rose Bay ferry wharf, Lyne Park Rose Bay. The best part of the walk is that it is Free.

Rose bay is a beautiful suburb of Sydney in NSW, located 7 km from central Sidney on harbour side.

It will take 4 min by car or taxi from Edgecliff to Rose Bay. Line 324 bus will take 10 minutes to Rose Bay.

If you like to walk, it will take 43 minutes.

For more information call: 02) 93917166

Visit to know more about the walk: Community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au