There are two main categories of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, most commonly caused by a build-up of soft bacterial plaque where the tooth meets the gum. When left untreated, Gingivitis can progress into Periodontitis.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss amongst adults. It involves inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth and can cause irreversible loss of supporting bone.
Meer Healthcare Group prides itself on a proactive, preventative oral health program; Ultrasonic Scaling is routinely performed to not only help patients with gum disease and excessive plaque buildup, but also as a preventative procedure. While a standard cleaning will address the surface of the tooth, scaling goes much deeper. Dental Polishing makes teeth appear stain-free and glistening, thus improving dental health and aesthetics of the teeth.
Teeth whitening treatments have become extremely popular in recent years and are amongst some of the most asked for cosmetic dental treatments. Teeth whitening at our clinics is performed by experienced cosmetic dentists ensuring the procedure is safe and effective.
We make use of next generation whitening products which may not require potentially harmful lights to activate the whitening process; not only that, post whitening caries-resistant fluoride coating ensures no sensitivity is caused by the process.
There are various types of restorative treatments offered by Meer Healthcare Group, the most common treatment is a Direct Resin Restoration, more commonly known as a filling. It is possible to restore small to medium-sized areas of damage with a resin composite filling that bonds directly to your tooth. However, resin composite is not ideal for larger restoration areas as it can chip, wear or stain over time and, therefore, may not last as long as other restorative options such as Dental Crowns.
Root canal treatment is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth known as the pulp is infected through decay or injury. The aim of the root canal treatment is to remove all infection from the root canals. The tooth may then be restored with a filling or a Dental Crown.
Meer Healthcare Group offers a complete range of Sports Mouth Guards and Night Splint appliances. Our clinicians can discuss your options and recommend the relevant appliance for your specific situation.
Sports Mouthguards
We appreciate that physical activity and team sports are a positive and fun part of everyday life; however, trauma occurring in sport is one of the leading causes of broken/compromised teeth.
Our team may ensure that your smile is taken care of on and off the field. A mouthguard is a great way to help ensure you’re best protected against any unavoidable accidents. We offer form-fitting, custom made mouthguards, personalised especially for you. The materials used to make these mouth guards have a longer life span and are more durable than the generic mouthguards.
Prepare for the season properly and invest in the safety and longevity of your teeth.
Splint/ Night Guard
Clenching or grinding is the act of gnashing your teeth together, often whilst sleeping. When the teeth are in contact too much, and with too much force, it can lead to a loss of enamel, the tooth’s protective outer layer. Continual clenching and grinding can cause irreversible damage to the tooth, as well as causing muscle stiffness in the jaw, and in some cases, headaches.
A splint, or night guard, is an acrylic device worn at night to protect your teeth and muscles from the grinding habit. Splints help preserve your teeth and can eliminate future problems that might occur as a result of constant wear and tear.
Orthodontics is dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating dental and facial irregularities (malocclusion). We offer a range of orthodontics to help correct teeth and jaws that are not in their ideal positions.
The benefits of orthodontics are not just cosmetic. As well as helping to change the appearance and alignment of your teeth, moving teeth to their ideal spots makes cleaning easier, gum disease less likely, and that’s not to underestimate the mechanical advantages either.
We offer Invisalign treatment which progresses through a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are replaced almost every two weeks for the next set of aligners. Each aligner is manufactured specifically for your teeth and your teeth only. As you replace each aligner, your teeth will move—little by little, week by week—until they have straightened to the desired position.
Our team of Orthodontics can assess your eligibility for orthodontics by taking a series of diagnostic measures that include: a comprehensive dental exam, a series of local and general x-rays, replicas and photos. Collecting this information enables us to determine the best course of orthodontics for you and provide you with relevant information, such as the duration and costs involved.
Children’s first teeth, also called primary teeth, usually appear through the gums at about six months of age. From this time, up to approximately three years of age, all 20 primary teeth should appear.
Diagnosing problems such as tooth decay, growth problems, teething irritation, gum disease and prolonged thumb sucking is best done early so the dentist can provide or recommend special preventative care.
Babies and toddlers are at just as much risk of developing dental decay, which is why it is beneficial to establish effective oral hygiene habits early on.
Once a baby’s primary teeth are visible, it is advisable to introduce a toothbrush with a small, soft head and rounded bristles to gently massage their teeth and gums. There are toothbrushes designed specifically for children. Low fluoride toothpastes have also developed and are recommended for younger children.
Children will likely need help brushing their teeth until they are about eight years old.
Tips for brushing are as follows:
- Small, circular motion to clean the front surfaces of the teeth.
- Tilt the toothbrush to reach the inner surfaces.
- Firm, back and forth motion on the biting/grinding surfaces of the teeth.
- Aim to achieve at least 2 minutes of brushing time with your child.
- It is also ideal to familiarise your child with having their teeth flossed prevent decay between the teeth.
Early dental visits are recommended, allowing children to feel comfortable having their teeth checked and relieving potential problems or anxieties for visits as they get older. Well cared for baby teeth are also critical for future dental health. We recommend children have their first visit to the dentist at around 12 months of age.
Having regular dental visits will assist in maintaining their oral health care through their progression from childhood into adulthood.
When you are pregnant or planning on falling pregnant, don’t forget to visit your dentist for a routine dental check-up to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
Pregnancy increases your susceptibility to bacterial irritation, sensitivity and inflammation. Elevated hormone levels can alter how the gums react to bacterial irritants found in plaque, causing this to happen.
The inflammation that can occur is called gingivitis. Common symptoms include bleeding, redness and swelling of the gum area. People tend to notice gingivitis symptoms more when they brush or floss.
When the infection is found deeper in the gum tissue, around the actual tooth, it is called periodontitis. If periodontitis is left untreated, your teeth and gums can suffer permanent damage, which could result in tooth loss.
To help ensure and maintain healthy teeth before, during and after your pregnancy, we recommend:
- Regular dental check-ups.
- Daily brushing and flossing.
- A healthy, balanced diet.
- Plenty of water.
- Limiting sugary foods, opting for healthier snacking options.
Our team will be more than happy to assist you with oral health care instruction for the duration of your pregnancy.
Halitosis (bad breath) is most often caused when sulphur-producing bacteria are present in the mouth, commonly living on the surface of the tongue and throat. Bad breath occurs when the volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) release from the back of the tongue and throat. It may also be a result of plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth and gums which may require Ultrasonic Scaling and Polishing or further treatments.
It is important to know that there are various causes and symptoms. Therefore, treatment can vary significantly from patient to patient. Halitosis is a condition we are all too familiar with, don’t be shy and let our knowledgeable team assist you with combatting its effects.
_Veneers
Dental veneers are essentially thin layers of porcelain or composite material that are bonded directly onto the front of your teeth. This option is generally chosen when a patient has multiple teeth that require restorative work.
Veneers allow you to create an even smile, even if you have multiple teeth with discolouration, cracks, or chips. Our team works closely with lab technicians to make the porcelain veneers after taking a mould from your mouth. A follow-up appointment is needed to bond the veneers to your teeth.
Occasionally, composite veneers can be completed in one day. Your dentist will sculpt the material on your teeth and then bond it in place.
A dental implant is a substitute for a natural tooth root and is commonly a modified cylinder shape. Dental implants are directly placed to replace a lost tooth. Dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloy. Over the years, these materials have proven to be well tolerated by bone.
There are many different implant systems available and, when used in the correct application, they can all deliver a highly reliable form of treatment. Once fitted, these implants provide a foundation for the long-term support of crowns, bridges, or dentures. After placement, an implant fuses together with the jawbone. Once this process is complete, the dentist attaches a crown on top to replace a missing tooth.
This exciting treatment option is available for patients who want to regain their full function and self-confidence, as implants offer a long-term option for replacing one or more missing teeth. At our clinics, we work closely with a team of specialists to provide implant treatments. You can rest easy knowing your treatment is provided by a qualified team dedicated to your care and future function.
Crowns and bridges are a fixed solution to missing or damaged teeth. This restorative procedure uses prosthetic devices to return your smile to its natural state. A crown is used when the existing tooth structure is damaged, fractured or weakened. The tooth is filed down and reshaped into a smaller size. Removing any decay helps restore the tooth structure and support the crown. The crown is cemented into position, fitting like a cap over the newly shaped tooth. A bridge is a prosthetic appliance used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or ceramic to achieve a strong and natural look.
We will only remove your tooth when no other option is suitable. Extractions are performed if there is major tooth decay or trauma. Extractions can also be a part of a treatment plan including the extraction of some permanent teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth refer to the third molar or the last tooth in each quadrant of the mouth. They typically appear between 19 and 25 years of age.
However, there is often insufficient space for the teeth to fully emerge in the gum line, causing them to become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can refer to the teeth either not appearing at all and remaining submerged under the gum line or only partially appearing.
Impacted wisdom teeth can become problematic. Brushing and flossing these areas is often difficult. In some cases, this can cause an infection of the surrounding gum or decay of the adjacent teeth; resultantly, they need to be removed surgically or with surgery, depending on the diagnosis.
We at Meer Healthcare Group are fortunate to have a team of highly competent Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons ready to serve our surgical requirements with utmost care and professionalism.