Preventative Care and Maintenance

Regular preventative care ensures a healthy mouth and avoids painful and debilitating situations such as toothaches. At Acacia Ridge Dental, we encourage patients to come see us at least every 6 months even if you feel you don’t have any pain or problems. Most often dental problems do not give any warnings until they become large, irreversible and costly to repair. Therefore it is important to have regular check-ups so that potential problems can be detected early and rectified. At these check-up appointments we will discuss the progress of your oral health and may recommend preventative treatments such as cleans, x-rays, fluoride treatments or fissure sealants.

Tooth Whitening

In our everyday life’s tea, coffee, red wine and many other foods can discolour our teeth. Discoloured teeth are a major concern for many of our
patients. At Acacia Ridge Dental we offer whitening procedures that can improve the appearance of your teeth by several shades. We use a take home whitening system with custom trays that adapt to your teeth and Dentist only strength bleach that provide noticeable improvements following several applications.

Missing Teeth

Have you ever wondered what you can do about replacing that missing tooth? Or have you ever wondered if you can enjoy that next piece of steak without worrying about the effort required to chew it?

Well at Acacia Ridge Dental we provide several ways to replace missing teeth. These include implants, bridges and dentures. At your consultation appointment our Dentists will thoroughly go through all your available options and discuss the costs, advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that are designed to replace several teeth. Being removable appliances they can be removed from the mouth and need to be taken out at night. Some patients adapt better to dentures than other patients and full dentures are notoriously more difficult to adapt to. However, some patients do adjust extremely well to dentures saying that the dentures mimic their natural teeth. However, for the portion of patients that don’t tolerate dentures well the fixed options of a dental implant or a dental bridge may be more suitable.

Crowns

Dental crowns generally are required when a tooth has lost a significant amount of tooth structure or following root canal treatment. A crown is basically a cap that encloses a weakened tooth thereby prolonging its life. A veneer is similar to a crown but only covers one surface of the tooth and is generally made for aesthetic reasons such as changing the colour or shape of upper front teeth.

Well maintained crowns and veneers can last and function for many years. Typically crowns and veneers are constructed and inserted over two appointments. During the first appointment the tooth is prepared and an impression and colour match done. The impression is sent to the lab who then constructs the crown or veneer. Crown and Veneers can be made using a wide range of materials ranging from gold alloys to porcelain. Our dentists at Cornubia Dental will discuss the relevant options available and advise which one will suit your circumstance the best. During the time the lab is constructing your crown or veneers a temporary restoration is fitted. At Acacia Ridge Dental Dental we only use Australian based labs ensuring that the quality of materials and workmanship is of the highest standard. At the second appointment the crown or veneer is inserted and checked to ensure a long lasting restoration.

Implants

Implant offer from $33 per week* including implant crown.

*Terms and Conditions apply. 2 yr plan

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Acacia Ridge Dental Surgery offers dental implants for single, multiple and full-arch tooth replacement to assist patients in restoring appearance and functionality to their smile.

Don’t let gaps in your smile affect your daily activities and mental well-being. Losing teeth has much more to do with your smile aside for affecting your appearance. You may think that because the gap is towards the back of the smile the tooth doesn’t really need to be replaced, but your oral health can be greatly affected by the loss.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants have a slim-line design and offer a safe and successful replacement option without causing further damage to the smile. Each dental implant appears as a small titanium tooth root replacement that is placed in the mouth where the missing tooth once resided. After some healing time, the dental implant is fitted with a natural-looking custom-made porcelain crown that acts in the place of the missing tooth.

Advantages of dental implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is necessary for the health of your smile. Dental implants not only restore functionality and look natural – they can stop a variety of detrimental health problems from occurring.

DENTAL IMPLANTS…

• Stop bacteria from gathering in the gap
• Stop the teeth from moving out of place
• Stop the jawbone from deteriorate due to lack of use

Different types of dental implant treatments

Here at Acacia Ridge Dental Dental Surgery, we have a variety of different replacement methods to suit your needs:

SINGLE TOOTH DENTAL IMPLANTS

This type of dental implant treatment is most appropriate for the replacement of one tooth at a time. It involves one implant and a single dental crown on top.

 

 

 

DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR MULTIPLE TOOTH LOSS

Where more than one tooth is missing in a row, multiple dental implants with a dental bridge may be the most appropriate solution to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. This type of dental implant treatment will generally require a dental bridge (made out of crowns) which is anchored in place by more than one dental implant.

FULL ARCH TOOTH REPLACEMENT WITH DENTAL IMPLANTS

If you are missing a full arch of teeth, if you have dentures, or if your remaining teeth require extraction, full-arch dental implants could be the appropriate treatment for you. Unlike dentures, dental implants secure the prosthetic teeth in place so you can feel confident that there will be no awkward denture slips or speech impediments.

 

How long do dental implants last?

If you take care of your dental implant with a regular oral hygiene routine, eat well and cease smoking, your dental implants can last you a lifetime. Your treatment will be dependent on the nature of your tooth loss and as such, it is important to consult with our dentists. In instances where there is extensive damage to the jawbone, you may require a bone graft. During your consultation we will discuss your options and create the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Dental Emergencies

Despite taking preventative measures, there is always the possibility of an unexpected emergency. At Acacia Ridge Dental Surgery, we know this and so keep aside appointments each day for those unwelcome sudden dental problems.Our Surgery treat dental emergencies very seriously.

From broken or fractured teeth, to extractions and acute wisdom tooth pain, our highly skilled and extensively trained dentists can help to get you smiling again.

As well as alleviating your immediate pain, we can offer you the best long-term solutions to ensure that you can avoid similar dental emergencies in the future.

If you are currently experiencing any kind of unusual dental pain, have broken a tooth, knocked a tooth out or any other dental emergency then don’t hesitate to call Acacia Ridge Dental Surgery – our friendly team will fit you in and get you the help you need.

Call now on 07 3272 9090 to “book an emergency appointment straight away” !!

Children’s Dentistry

It is important for your children to develop a relationship with their dentist from a young age. At Acacia Ridge Dental we encourage you to bring your children along for their check up as soon their first baby tooth comes through. This gets them comfortable with visiting the dentist in a relaxed, friendly and fun environment.

By reinforcing good habits early on the goal is to prevent the need for any major dental treatment in the subsequent years.

At Acacia Ridge Dental we are happy to see children of all ages. We also accept the Teen Dental Voucher, which many children (aged 2-17) are be eligible for.

Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment focuses on correct teeth alignment and a healthy jaw. At Acacia Ridge Dental Dental we have Dentists that are trained to provide several orthodontic procedures. The first step to any orthodontic treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and jaws which may include taking dental xrays and dental impressions. From there we will discuss all the relevant treatment options and costs and formulate a detailed treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment can often be long and challenging. At Cornubia Dental we will strive to keep you informed and comfortable along your orthodontic journey with us to allow you to reach your treatment expectations.

Some of our specialized orthodontic services include

Fastbraces

With safety in mind, FASTBRACES® Technology was developed to straighten teeth differently – allowing for a fast, safe and affordable solution.

FASTBRACES® Technology high performance bracket systems allow for movement of the roots of the teeth towards their final positions from the beginning of treatment by torquing them from the very first appointment. Patients can now get results often with less sensitivity, in times measured in weeks or months. They have been developed and tested over the past 25 years and available in multiple countries around the world. FASTBRACES® Technology is fast, safe, easy and affordable treatment.

Invisalign

WHAT IS INVISALIGN?

Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces that can help you achieve a straighter smile. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually move your teeth into their desired position. These aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable to wear and easy to remove. Simply take them out for special occasions and brush and floss as normal throughout your treatment. Invisalign is the modern and hygienic way to straighten your teeth.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using the latest in 3D imaging technology, your dentist or orthodontist can depict the complete series of movements your teeth need to go through to achieve a straighter smile. A series of custom-made aligners are then produced, which you simply change yourself every two weeks to gradually move the teeth.

HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?

The length of treatment is dependent on the severity of each individual patient’s orthodontic issues. Treatment may vary from anywhere between six months to two years. The average treatment time is between 12 to 14 months.

HOW MUCH DOES INVISALIGN COST?

In most cases, the cost and treatment time of Invisalign is comparable to traditional braces. However, as with other medical treatments, only your dentist or orthodontist can determine the cost based on your specific needs. Other factors may include your treatment goals, the difficulty of your case, how long you are in treatment, your orthodontic insurance coverage and additional factors determined by your dentist or orthodontist.

DOES INSURANCE COVER INVISALIGN?

If your insurance policy has orthodontic coverage, Invisalign should be covered to a similar extent as conventional braces. However, as medical benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should check with you health fund.

Progressive orthodontics

Pain Free Dentistry

At Acacia Ridge Dental surgery, your comfort and well being is our highest priority, if you suffer from dental phobia or want pain free dental treatment then we have the solution for you. We provide nitrous oxide ( Happy Gas) to help calm your nerves during treatment.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas which decreases pain sensitivity and provides the patient with a pleasant level of sedation. The gas is administered through a comfortable mask placed over the nose.

Once treatment is completed, the patient is given pure oxygen to breath for few minutes, and all of the effects of the sedation are usually reversed. Unlike IV sedation or general anesthesia, the pt. can switch to normal routine with some precautions which will be explained to you in detail.

Fillings/Cavities
Tooth Decay (Cavities) have plagued human kind for many thousands of years. Cavities are caused by bacteria that exists in our teeth in a bio-film called plaque. The bacteria use carbohydrates (contained in sugary foods) to produce acids which damage tooth structure.Some patients that visit us at cornubia Dental  are completely unaware that they have a cavity as they do not feel any pain at all. This is because the outer enamel coating of the teeth have no nerves and as are result, are unable to feel pain. When decay moves to the inner dentine core, then sensitivity may begin. Patients are sometimes caught off guard when they are shown a small cavity in their mouth as they have no pain. We recommend patients have their teeth checked every 6 months and this ensures if any problems occur, they can be fixed even before they start to cause problems.

It is far better to fill a small cavity before it starts to cause discomfort as this prevents the need for more extensive treatment such as root canal, crowns or extraction.

Some dentists  are still using amalgam fillings which are an older technology – dating back some 150 years. At Acacia Ridge Dental Surgery, we only use the latest in white fillings ensuring our patients have invisible metal-free fillings that, with proper care and maintenance, are designed to last many years.

Contact us today for a full examination and to ensure your teeth are cavity – free!

Bridges

Dental bridges are fixed appliances that can replace one or more teeth. A dental bridge spans the gap between teeth and can be supported either side by a natural tooth or a dental implant. At the first appointment teeth either side of the gap are prepared, a colour match is done and an impression is then taken and sent to the lab. Following this the lab constructs the bridge and sends the bridge back ready for us to insert at the second appointment. At Acacia Ridge Dental we only use Australian based labs ensuring that the quality of materials and workmanship is of the highest standard.

We are dedicated to offer patients the most up-to-date advice and it is for this reason that we may recommend against a dental bridge in favour of a dental implant. This is because an implant does not need the support of adjacent teeth thereby eliminating the need to cut into them and is therefore more conservative. However, each case is treated individually and our Dentists will provide all the relevant treatment options to allow patients to choose which one best suits their circumstance.

Veneers

Dental crowns generally are required when a tooth has lost a significant amount of tooth structure or following root canal treatment. A crown is basically a cap that encloses a weakened tooth thereby prolonging its life. A veneer is similar to a crown but only covers one surface of the tooth and is generally made for aesthetic reasons such as changing the colour or shape of upper front teeth.

Well maintained crowns and veneers can last and function for many years. Typically crowns and veneers are constructed and inserted over two appointments. During the first appointment the tooth is prepared and an impression and colour match done. The impression is sent to the lab who then constructs the crown or veneer. Crown and Veneers can be made using a wide range of materials ranging from gold alloys to porcelain. Our dentists at Acacia Ridge Dental will discuss the relevant options available and advise which one will suit your circumstance the best. During the time the lab is constructing your crown or veneers a temporary restoration is fitted. At Cornubia Dental we only use Australian based labs ensuring that the quality of materials and workmanship is of the highest standard. At the second appointment the crown or veneer is inserted and checked to ensure a long lasting restoration.

Extractions

At Acacia Ridge Dental, we attempt to always provide options to save the tooth. However, if extraction is requested or is the only option available then we strive to minimize your discomfort during and after the procedure. Our Dentists are trained in the quick and relatively painless extraction of such teeth. We use numbing gel before we insert the local anesthesia to further minimize discomfort.

We understand it is not always possible for our patients to afford complex treatments to save teeth and in some circumstances, an extraction is required. We therefore advise all of our patients to visit us regularly, so that problems can be detected when they are small and easily treated.

At Cornubia Dental, we see many patients from all over cornubia and near by suburb that have attended other surgeries and been told that they will require a specialist to remove their tooth. Our dentists have been trained in the safe removal of teeth under local anesthesia and this can avoid costly visits to have teeth removed under general anesthesia. If you want a second opinion and live in the cornubia or nearby region, please do not hesitate to contact one of our dentists on 3287 7999 to discuss your options.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth generally cause problems during the late teenage years and early twenties. Often they can erupt through and not cause any problems at all. However, at times wisdom teeth can become impacted and cause significant discomfort and pain. Our dentists at Cornubia Dental may recommend wisdom teeth removal if they are impacted, causing an infection or damaging adjacent teeth and jaw structures. Wisdom teeth may also contribute to the misalignment or crowding of your other teeth.

Root Canal Treatments

Root canal treatments can save your teeth and avoid the need for dental extractions. Root canal treatments are generally recommended if tooth decay has reached the nerve or there is a deep filling on the tooth that now causes throbbing pain or there is an infection present or if the tooth has suffered some kind of trauma.

Root canal treatments are often associated with the stigma that they cause extreme pain. However, with modern technologies and our caring well trained dentists pain can be eliminated and the discomfort minimized.

Generally root canals require at least 3 appointments in order to remove the nerve, shape and clean the canals and finally fill the canals. This is a very basic summary of what can be an intricate process. However, our Dentists at Acacia Ridge Dental will keep you comfortable and informed all the way and, if required, will consult specialists to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

 

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry refers to dental treatments that improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth, gums, bite or smile. There are a number of treatments which can enhance appearance but not all treatments are best suited to all patients. Your Dentist will be able to advise the most suitable options based on your current concerns, desired outcomes and budget.

Mouth Guards

NO GAP MOUTHGUARD FOR PATIENT WITH PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE OR $120 WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE

Every year thousands of people, including children, are treated for dental injuries that could have been avoided or minimised by wearing a custom-fitted mouth guard.

We often see patients as a result of head collisions with other players, goal posts, balls, bats and the ground. This can result in damaged, broken or knocked out teeth as well as broken jaws and cut lips. Custom-made mouth guards help by absorbing and spreading the force of impact. This greatly decreases the severity of the injury or avoids it all together.

Dental injuries can result in a lengthy recovery time, be painful and disfiguring. The cost of an injury to your teeth or jaw far exceeds the cost of a custom-fitted mouth guard.

At Acacia Ridge Dental we highly recommend the fabrication of a custom fitted mouth guard for anyone participating in sport or any other activities where there is a risk of facial injury.