What is general dentistry?
General dentistry is the everyday dental care that keeps teeth and gums healthy, and repairs them when something goes wrong. At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, it covers regular check-ups, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, gum care and protective mouthguards for the whole family.
Many dental problems start small. Healthdirect notes that regular check-ups help with early detection of decay and other problems, which can help you avoid more extensive and costly treatment. That is why we recommend regular check-ups and cleans. If you are in pain right now, see our emergency dentist page and call (02) 9739 6525.
How are cavities treated with fillings?
A dental filling is a restoration that repairs a hole (cavity) in a tooth caused by decay or damage. At AMK Dental Clinic, your dentist numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic, removes the decay, then fills and shapes the tooth so it fits your bite.
We mostly use tooth-coloured composite resin, which bonds to the tooth and can be matched to your natural shade. Other materials include glass-ionomer cement and, less often, amalgam. Healthdirect notes that teeth can be sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods for a few days after a filling, and that fillings can chip, wear or change colour over time.
When do I need a crown?
A crown is a cap that covers and protects a tooth that is heavily filled, cracked, or weakened after root canal treatment. Your dentist may suggest one when a filling alone would not be strong enough to hold the tooth together.
AMK Dental Clinic uses CEREC to design and mill ceramic crowns in the clinic. Where the tooth is suitable, a crown can often be completed in a single appointment, without a temporary crown. Read more about CEREC same-day crowns.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals the canals. It may be needed after deep decay, a crack, an injury or repeated dental work on the same tooth.
Treatment is done under local anaesthetic and usually takes a few appointments. Healthdirect explains that the tooth is then restored with a filling or crown, and that in some cases root canal treatment is not enough to treat a significant infection and the tooth needs to be removed. At AMK Dental Clinic, root canal treatment can be carried out using a dental operating microscope, which magnifies and lights the inside of the tooth. Read more about microscope-assisted dentistry.
When does a tooth need to be taken out?
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that cannot be saved or is causing problems. Common reasons include severe decay, advanced gum disease, a deep infection, a broken tooth, crowding and problem wisdom teeth.
Your dentist will take an X-ray, explain the procedure and discuss what to do about the gap afterwards. Healthdirect lists possible complications including pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, short-term numbness and dry socket, and notes that healing can take up to two weeks. Some complex extractions may need to be referred elsewhere, and we will talk this through with you.
How does AMK Dental Clinic look after gum health?
Gum care at AMK Dental Clinic starts with measuring and checking your gums at each examination, then removing plaque and tartar and showing you how to clean around your gums at home. Bleeding gums, bad breath and gums that are pulling back can be signs of gum disease, and are worth having checked.
Dr Ali Khalessi (Dentist) has completed further training in periodontology, the area of dentistry concerned with the gums and supporting bone. For more on routine cleaning, see check-ups and cleans.
Do you check for oral cancer?
Yes. Oral cancer screening is part of every routine examination at AMK Dental Clinic. Your dentist looks at and feels your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and the floor and roof of your mouth for lumps, ulcers or unusual patches. If anything needs further investigation, we will explain why and arrange a referral.
Do you make mouthguards and night guards?
Yes. AMK Dental Clinic makes custom mouthguards for sport and occlusal splints (night guards) for people who grind or clench their teeth.
The Australian Dental Association says a custom-made mouthguard made by a dentist is the most protective option for the teeth and mouth. For grinding, the ADA explains that a night guard protects teeth from wear and damage but will not stop the grinding itself, and not everyone who grinds needs one. Your dentist can advise whether a splint suits you.
Comparing common general dentistry treatments
| Treatment | What it does | Typical visits | Anaesthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filling | Repairs a cavity or small break | Usually 1 | Usually local |
| Crown | Covers and strengthens a weakened tooth | 1 with CEREC, where suitable; otherwise 2 | Usually local |
| Root canal treatment | Removes infected or damaged pulp and seals the canals | Usually 2 or more | Local |
| Extraction | Removes a tooth that cannot be saved | Usually 1 | Local |
| Mouthguard or night guard | Protects teeth from knocks or grinding | Usually 2 (mould or scan, then fit) | None |
What does general dentistry cost?
The cost of general dentistry depends on the treatment, the number of teeth involved and the materials used. AMK Dental Clinic gives you a written estimate with item numbers before treatment, so you can check your cover with your health fund. We offer on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS. See fees and health funds for payment options, or call (02) 9739 6525.
Common questions
Do fillings hurt?
Most fillings at AMK Dental Clinic are done under local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth and the area around it. You may feel pressure or vibration during treatment. Afterwards, the tooth can be sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods for a few days. If sensitivity lasts longer, or your bite feels uneven, call us so we can check the filling.
What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?
Tooth-coloured fillings are usually made of composite resin, a white material that bonds to the tooth and can be shade-matched to your natural teeth. Glass-ionomer cement is another tooth-coloured material, often used for small or temporary fillings and for children. Your dentist will recommend a material based on the size and position of the cavity and how much chewing force the tooth takes.
How many visits does root canal treatment take?
Root canal treatment usually takes two or more appointments, depending on the tooth, the shape of its canals and whether there is infection. A temporary filling protects the tooth between visits. Once treatment is complete, the tooth needs a final filling or, often, a crown. Your dentist at AMK Dental Clinic will give you an estimate of visits and costs before you start.
Is it better to have a root canal or an extraction?
Keeping your own tooth with root canal treatment is often preferred where the tooth can be restored, but it is not always possible. Removing the tooth is an alternative, and the gap may then need a bridge, denture or implant. Your dentist will explain the benefits, risks and costs of each option so you can make an informed decision.
Why does the dentist check for oral cancer?
Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical check of your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and throat for lumps, ulcers or patches that could need further investigation. At AMK Dental Clinic it is part of a routine examination. If you notice a mouth ulcer or sore that has not healed within two weeks, book an appointment or see your GP.
Do I need a custom mouthguard for sport?
The Australian Dental Association says a custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist is the most protective option for the teeth and mouth. It is shaped from a mould or scan of your teeth, so it usually fits better than a boil-and-bite guard. A mouthguard is recommended for contact sports and any sport with a risk of a knock to the face.