Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Absolutely!

Our dental team at Be Well Dental can start seeing your child around the age of one. Parents are always welcome to bring their child earlier if they have any concerns regarding their oral health.

Take Your Child Along With You 

Bringing your child with you to your own cleans and exams can help them become familiar with the sights and sounds of our dental practice. Calm and relaxed parents also help teach children to feel comfortable and secure. 

As adults, many of our oral and health habits are set in place when we are very young. 

Our exceptional dental staff establish a fun experience. We want your son or daughter to look forward to seeing us.

When to Bring Your Child to See Us

Never hesitate to let us know if you think your child is experiencing a dental emergency. They can mean anything from a sports injury to tooth pain.

We appreciate how unnerving they can be, which is why we always make time to see you and your family outside of routine dental cleans and exams.

Ready to Book an Appointment?

Arrange an exam with Be Well Dental by giving us a call or filling out our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you and your child.

Keep it light, positive, and fun! Avoid using words like “pain” or “needle,” or “be brave”,  and instead talk about the visit as a chance to count teeth, take some cool pictures, or meet new friends. At Be Well Dental, we use a gentle, mindful approach to help children feel safe and confident. Many of our team are parents themselves, so we know how to help little ones feel at ease.

You might like to show your child a video of Bodhi’s visit at the dentist.

Being involved in sports or boisterous play is a part of growing up, but pastimes that are too rambunctious can sometimes result in a knocked-out tooth. We can help parents determine what to do if their child loses a baby or a permanent tooth. 

Losing a Baby Tooth

This may not seem so dire—after all, baby teeth are meant to fall out, right? Dr Will, Dr Bao and Dr Trang will still want to evaluate your child's mouth and make sure it is clean from debris, and nothing else is damaged. 

Baby teeth are not as deeply entrenched as permanent teeth, so there's less risk of permanent damage. Still, it's always a good idea to have your children's dentist check things out. Losing a baby tooth too soon can cause problems for permanent teeth emerging, often leading to nearby teeth crowding the new space. If there is not enough room for the tooth to emerge, it can create crooked teeth and eating issues. 

If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, we may need to insert a space maintainer to hold space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. 

Losing Adult Teeth

Seeing your child right away allows us to possibly reattach the knocked-out tooth. Avoid touching the tooth root but keep it moist by putting it in a container of milk or water. 

Does Your Child Have a Dental Emergency? 

It's important that we see your child right away if they have knocked out a tooth, even after hours. We invite you to call Be Well Dental at (07) 3846-2002 immediately so we can have the best chance at saving your child's tooth.

Yes, at Be Well Dental, we help patients fix crooked teeth all the time with cosmetic dentistry procedures. When you visit our clinic to create straighter teeth, our skilled dentists will carefully evaluate your dental needs to recommend the best cosmetic dentistry options for you. 

Treatments for Straighter Teeth

Patients who want to straighten crooked teeth will need some type of orthodontic treatment. At Be Well Dental, we offer Invisalign to make our patient's orthodontic care as efficient, discreet and convenient as possible.

With Invisalign clear aligners, patients wear nearly invisible aligners that we customise for a comfortable fit. When treatment begins, we'll provide the patient with several sets of aligners and give them a schedule for changing the aligners out. Each set of aligners will move the patient's teeth a bit closer to the desired position until we've achieved a straight smile.

If a patient doesn't want to undergo orthodontic treatment, we may be able to cover slightly crooked teeth with dental veneers or reshape them with dental bonding. That way, we can recreate the patient's smile without the need for long term treatments.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Highgate Hill, QLD

We invite you to contact Be Well Dental to arrange your visit for a cosmetic consultation. Whether you need Invisalign treatment, dental veneers or another cosmetic procedure, our experienced and well-trained team of dentists are here to help.

Yes, there are cosmetic dentistry options available to fix a receding gumline. One common cosmetic procedure for altering a patient's gumline is called gum contouring. 

When performing gum contouring, a dentist removes a small amount of soft tissue, often from the roof of the patient's mouth, and uses it to rebuild the gumline, creating a more attractive, healthier appearance. This method also protects tooth roots that have been exposed due to the recession of the gum. 

Scaling and Root Planing for Receding Gums

Your dentist may also recommend scaling and planing, which consists of a deep cleaning of your gumline and a smoothing of the root surface. Smoothing the root's surface can allow the gum to heal and reattach, improving the appearance and the health of the patient's gums. 

Dentists generally perform this procedure using a local anaesthetic for your comfort.

If you have questions about gum care or if your gum is receding, we welcome your phone call to our clinic. A receding gumline is a sign of gum disease, which we should treat promptly and appropriately for the sake of your oral and overall health.

Periodontal Treatments in Highgate Hill, QLD

We offer periodontal treatments for patients who have gum health issues in the Highgate Hill area and beyond. If you need gum treatment for receding gums, we invite you to contact our experienced team at Be Well Dental. 

Our dentists offer gentle but thorough treatments to promote gum health, and we would love to have the opportunity to help you.

Cosmetic dentistry is not considered a specialty because all dentists are trained in performing many of the available cosmetic procedures. However, not all dentists offer cosmetic dentistry procedures in their clinic, so it's essential to make sure the dentist provides those before arranging your appointment if you're considering cosmetic procedures. 

It's also important to ensure the cosmetic dentist you choose has the experience, extensive hands-on training and skill necessary to complete the cosmetic dentistry services you need, along with an eye for creating beautiful smiles. At Be Well Dental in Highgate Hill, our dentists provide exceptional cosmetic services to make dramatic smile improvements for our patients.

What's the First Step?

When fixing smile flaws, the first step is to see one of our well-trained dentists for an evaluation. The dentist will examine your dental situation, discuss your smile goals and work with you to develop a treatment plan. Whether you need a single cosmetic procedure or a full smile makeover, we can help.

Cosmetic Dentist in Highgate Hill, QLD

At Be Well Dental, we enjoy improving our patients' smiles with our range of cosmetic dentistry procedures. 

If you are embarrassed by tooth or gum flaws and want to make improvements, we would love to talk with you. We invite you to reach out to our friendly team to discuss your needs and arrange your consultation. There's no need to live with a smile you're not happy with when we can help you change your smile for an entirely new look.

Composite bonding uses tooth-coloured resin sculpted directly onto the teeth in a single visit. It’s minimally invasive and cost-effective.

Ceramic veneers, on the other hand, are thin porcelain shells custom-made in a dental lab and bonded to the front of the teeth. They’re more durable, highly aesthetic, and stain-resistant, but usually involve a longer process and a higher investment.

Teeth whitening at your dentist can produce stunning results when brightening your smile, and you should consider it to address specific types of tooth stains. Because teeth whitening works through compounds that generate a physical oxidation effect, it is effective for removing surface-level stains on your teeth.

The Two Types of Tooth Stains

The structure of your tooth enamel helps separate dental discolouration into two groups: intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains exist below your tooth enamel and are only visible because the minerals in the outer surface of your teeth create a semi-transparent layer. Intrinsic tooth stains do not respond to teeth whitening procedures.

Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, are the kind that can be eliminated through teeth whitening at your Brisbane dentist. These stains accumulate on top of your tooth enamel and are usually the result of lifestyle choices, including certain foods and drinks.

Here are some of the compounds which are most staining for teeth.

• Tobacco use, especially smoking
• Black coffee or dark-coloured teas
• Brightly-coloured berries such as strawberries, blueberries and currants
• Grape and other fruit juices
• Foods containing turmeric
• Tomato sauces

To reduce these stains, professional teeth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide, which bubbles against your tooth enamel, creating a chemical action that breaks up stains. This allows more natural tooth enamel to show through, making your entire smile whiter.

Teeth whitening products come in many forms and can make teeth sensitive under certain conditions. Most people who experience sensitivity use teeth whitening treatments without a dentist’s supervision. Many store-bought teeth whiteners can be misused, which may sensitise your teeth, gums and other soft oral tissues.

One advantage of professional teeth whitening is that your dentist in Brisbane can tailor it to your unique needs. We also perform teeth whitening under strict supervision to help safeguard your smile and avoid enamel damage.

How Our Teeth Whiteners Minimise Sensitivity

The most important way to keep your teeth whiteners where they belong is through custom-made and personalised whitening trays and treatments. If you choose to whiten at home, your whitening trays will be made to fit your smile tightly. If you follow your dentist’s instructions, you should be able to prevent most of the problems which cause tooth sensitivity.

When you seek in-house teeth whitening, our professional team can adjust the potency of our whitening gels so that you get the best results with the least risk. We also can customise your treatment time while watching how your soft oral tissues respond to the procedure.

Professional supervision is one way to avoid tooth sensitivity from teeth whitening procedures.

With proper care, dental implants can last for a very long time, often a lifetime. Good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding smoking are key to long-term success.

Placing a dental implant involves surgically implanting a titanium screw into the jawbone, which will permanently stay in place. However, in the absence of regular checkups and good upkeep (both brushing and flossing), dental implants and the crowns that sit on top could have some issues that affect their longevity.

A dental implant is meant to join with the jawbone and should not require removal, but a few conditions may affect the longevity of a dental implant procedure:

• Gum disease
• Lack of brushing and flossing before and after dental implant
• Diet heavy in sugary foods or others detrimental to oral health
• Accumulation of plaque
• Smoking tobacco
• Insufficient amount of jawbone for implant placement
• Grinding your teeth (also known as bruxism)

These conditions could potentially result in a failed implant. Still, by arranging a consultation with our specialists here at Be Well Dental, we can determine whether an implant is feasible, to begin with. 

Also, we'd be more than happy to discuss what we can do to serve your needs best. We strive to create long-lasting dental implants that will stay in for years to come. We invite you to visit our Hillgate Hill QLD practice to chat about restoring your smile.

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia to help reduce discomfort. Most patients are surprised that the procedure is much better than they had imagined. Dr. Will’s gentle approach and advanced techniques help ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

In the case of missing teeth, a dental implant is a viable solution in helping to restore optimal oral health, appearance and functionality. Dental implants in Highgate Hill replace the roots of your teeth if they are damaged or removed. After placement, a dental implant provides a solid, permanent foundation for a new tooth.

Our specialist at Be Well Dental will place a metal screw through the gums and into the jawbone. In most cases, screws for dental implants are composed of titanium-a biocompatible metal that bonds well with the jawbone. An implant creates stability and a permanent foundation for a crown, which ultimately replaces a missing tooth!

The jawbone adapts to the dental implant and reinforces the screw placement. To finish the job, our dentists fit a crown onto the screw to finally fix those annoying gaps and bring a smile back to life.

What Dental Implants Can Achieve

• Restoration of a complete smile
• Prevention of jawbone deterioration
• Improve speech
• Improve chewing
• Help continually maintain your overall oral health

Our dentist in Hillgate Hill, QLD, provides dental implant services and consultations to determine the proper procedure to meet your personal dental needs. We invite you to call in and schedule a consultation.

Most patients can return to work or normal activities within a day or two. The implant itself typically takes 3–6 months to fully integrate with the bone before placing the final crown or prosthesis.

Being involved in sports or boisterous play is a part of growing up, but pastimes that are too rambunctious can sometimes result in a knocked-out tooth. We can help parents determine what to do if their child loses a baby or a permanent tooth. 

Losing a Baby Tooth

This may not seem so dire—after all, baby teeth are meant to fall out, right? Dr Will, Dr Bao and Dr Trang will still want to evaluate your child's mouth and make sure it is clean from debris, and nothing else is damaged. 

Baby teeth are not as deeply entrenched as permanent teeth, so there's less risk of permanent damage. Still, it's always a good idea to have your children's dentist check things out. Losing a baby tooth too soon can cause problems for permanent teeth emerging, often leading to nearby teeth crowding the new space. If there is not enough room for the tooth to emerge, it can create crooked teeth and eating issues. 

If your child has knocked out a baby tooth, we may need to insert a space maintainer to hold space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. 

Losing Adult Teeth

Seeing your child right away allows us to possibly reattach the knocked-out tooth. Avoid touching the tooth root but keep it moist by putting it in a container of milk or water. 

Does Your Child Have a Dental Emergency? 

It's important that we see your child right away if they have knocked out a tooth, even after hours. We invite you to call Be Well Dental at (07) 3846-2002 immediately so we can have the best chance at saving your child's tooth.

Like so many things in life, accidents cannot be predicted. They can occur seemingly out of nowhere—knocked-out teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, sudden toothaches, and loose dental crowns are a few examples of dental emergencies.

As sudden and stressful as these scenarios may be, our patients can relax knowing that we understand what they're going through and that we're here to help. We can work with you in any emergency dental situation, even if it's after hours. 

Typical Dental Emergencies That We Treat

From slight to compound dental emergencies, our dental team is equipped to provide the necessary care and treatment so you can feel relieved of pain and stress.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Not all dental emergencies have deadlines, but broken or knocked-out teeth have a narrow time-frame in which we can save your tooth. This means that we should see you immediately to improve our chances. Until you can see us, it's important to keep the tooth root from drying out. We recommend keeping it safe in your mouth, or in a container of milk or water. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to aid with pain and inflammation.

Tooth Pain

Dental distress can be extremely stressful, not to mention how it can impact a nice meal, a meeting at work, or just daily life. Unlike cramps or headaches that go away in time, tooth pain rarely does—and if it does, it often comes back worse. If you are suffering from tooth aches, call us immediately. 

Fractured Teeth

If a piece of your tooth has broken off, or if your tooth has fractured—it is important that our dentists treat your dental emergency right away. We can reattach pieces of your broken tooth, or apply dental bonding to chips and cracks to prevent bacteria from entering and infecting your tooth. 

Lost or Broken Dental Crown

If you have broken or lost your dental restoration, we are available to fix it at any time. We know that it can be uncomfortable, and we want to seal your tooth from food particles or bacteria. . 

Schedule With Us if You Have a Dental Emergency

If you are experiencing a dental emergency in Highgate Hill, don't hold back on letting us know. We are a zero-judgment environment. Our job is to help you, not scold you. We want to hear if you've fallen and chipped your tooth, or even if you just feel like something seems off.

The attentive dental team at Be Well Dental is available to help.

Dental fear and anxiety are common emotions, but there are ways we can help you manage it. At Be Well Dental, we appreciate that even seasoned dental veterans can feel a twinge of nervousness as patients at the dental clinic.

Like with many situations in life, our responses are either reactive or proactive. Reactive responses are based on past experiences, while proactive responses allow us to set up a situation before it becomes the stage of ongoing dental anxiety.

We Help Create a Warm and Welcoming Dental Environment

For many of us, fear of the unknown can often be worse than what we do know. At Be Well Dental, we believe in educating and talking to our patients prior to any dental treatment, so they can anticipate and prepare for each step of the process.

Additionally, patients have come to appreciate and expect our holistic and healing vibe each time they step foot through our doors.

Taking proactive steps further, many dental fears can stem from painful and abrupt dental emergencies. Dr Bao Nguyen, Dr William Huynh and Dr Trang Truong practice preventive dental care to help patients sidestep potentially scary and uncomfortable oral health scenarios.

While we can't prevent all dental emergencies, we can spot many small ones in development and heal them while they are small. Through this, we can remove many reactive situations and set up healthy and happy dental visits. 

You Are in Charge of Your Dental Visit

Our dental practice believes in practising mindfulness throughout our day to day lives, including when it comes to our health. 

Through mindfulness, we can be aware of each moment, and recognise any feelings of stress, discomfort and anxiety as they occur. Instead of avoiding such feelings, we can explore them and give them their name.

There is nothing wrong with being anxious, this emotion has served our race well over the centuries, and it is still a valuable emotion. Every day our mind analyses millions of subtle clues and contexts, and often when we feel goosebumps and a gut feeling that something is off, it's a valid response to act on that.  

Talk With Your Dental Team if You Are Anxious

We are here to work with you, and there's no shame in letting us know if you need extra care. 

At Be Well Dental, we do more than just check teeth, we care for the whole person. Our gentle, family-orientated approach takes into account your lifestyle, habits, and overall wellbeing. We understand that oral health is deeply connected to whole-body health, so we offer personalised care that looks at the big picture. Plus, we use the latest dental technologies together with traditional wisdom  to provide high-quality, comfortable, and efficient treatment for all ages.

You've heard that saying 'The only guarantees in life are death and taxes.' Well, somewhere in between death and taxes is the reflection of your smile, and this reflection can say a lot about you.

How you care for your teeth and gums can indicate a thoughtful and intentional person. The way you smile carries your kindness and compassion. A fresh breath can convey someone perceptive and aware enough to make their space a little more pleasant for those around them.

Caring for your smile should be a constant, but too many people neglect their oral health and dental visits because of financial constraints. 

At Be Well Dental, we don't believe in hidden fees or surprises. We aim to work with our patients and their budgets by accepting all health funds. 

If You Are Unsure, Ask Us

Due to the nature of our services, it is not possible to give an accurate quote for treatment prior to seeing you. In some cases, we can give you fee estimates over the phone, but they will only be a rough guide and may change once our dentists have assessed your specific situation.

The cost of a new patient assessment is $65. A limited assessment for a particular concern is $46. If dental radiographs are required, they are $46 each. Intraoral photography, which allows us to record and share with you exactly what is going on, is included in every appointment.

We have a passion for helping as many patients as possible and providing as many answers as possible. 

We Are Here for You

If you need a dental cleans and exam or are curious about a cosmetic dental treatment, we invite you to call us at (07) 3846-2002.

Clear aligners such as Invisalign, Angel Align, or Spark are custom-made plastic trays designed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’ll receive a series of aligners, each slightly different, and switch to a new set every 1–2 weeks. These aligners apply gentle, controlled pressure to shift your teeth over time.

It’s important to note that not all aligner systems are the same. While there are many online clear aligner companies, some do not involve qualified clinicians in planning or monitoring the treatment. For clear aligners to be effective, they require a proper treatment plan, consistent wear, and regular check-ins with your dentist.

So, you've begun your journey to a straightened, more orderly smile, thanks to Invisalign®, Spark or Angel Align. To achieve maximum benefits, patients should wear their clear aligners for most of the day and night, but what about keeping them clean?

Tips for Keeping Your Aligner Trays Clean

To keep your mouth clean and avoid unwanted odours or tastes from trays, patients can clean their Invisalign trays in the following ways:

• Brush your teeth, floss and use alcohol-free mouthwash
• Rinse out your aligners with water daily (avoid hot water, as it may damage trays)
• Use a soft brush with a clear, liquid soap or aligner cleaner to keep aligners clean and free of stray food particles.
• Store aligners safely in a protective case
• Remove aligners if you are drinking anything else other than water.

Benefits of Keeping Your Aligner Trays Clean

Sure, cleaning your aligner trays can take extra time, and some patients may have demanding schedules. However, keeping your trays clean can benefit your oral health in several ways:

• Excess food particulates stay out of your teeth and gums
• Your breath can stay fresh
• You can avoid unwanted buildup of bacteria
• Dirty aligners can yield less-effective results

Contact Our Dental Practice in Highgate Hill, QLD

We warmly invite patients with questions about their clear aligners to contact us at their earliest convenience. You can contact our staff at (07) 3846 2002 or online.

Do you ever wonder how your smile would look if you'd had braces in the past? Maybe you get food stuck in your teeth due to crooked or disorderly teeth. What are your options? Patients who straighten their smiles can benefit their overall oral health and enhance their cosmetic appearance. Instead of relying on traditional braces, patients straighten their teeth with Invisalign, Spark or Angel Align. 

What Are Invisible Braces?

Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are a highly effective alternative to braces. These includes brands such as Invisalign, Spark and Angel Align, and are each an orthodontic treatment that straightens and aligns teeth using transparent, nearly 'invisible' aligner trays.

How Do Invisible Braces Work?

To straighten teeth without the hassle of the metal, wires, and rubber bands, a series of clear aligner trays gradually shift teeth over time and achieve higher uniformity in a smile. Patients should wear their trays during the day and overnight, only removing them to eat or drink (in most cases).

How Can Invisible Braces Improve My Smile?

At Be Well Dental, our patients can benefit from an Invisalign, Spark or Angel Align treatment in several ways:

• Improved cosmetic appearance
• Higher sense of self-esteem in social situations and photos
• Easier to clean teeth
• Improved oral health

Contact Our Friendly Dental Practice in Highgate Hill, QLD

We warmly invite patients who are curious about how clear aligners can help their smile to arrange an initial consultation. You can reach our staff at (07) 3846 2002 or online.

The cost depends on the complexity and duration of your treatment. It can range anywhere between $3500 - $7500. A typical cost for someone requiring 12 months of treatment is $6500, this includes dental monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of your treatment and convenience. At Be Well Dental, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of fees after your initial consultation. Payment plans may also be available to make treatment more manageable. Call us to book in for a free consultation.

Are you suffering from crooked teeth, alignment issues or just wanting to straighten up your smile without dealing with a cumbersome metal contraption for months on end?

We offer invisible braces that shape teeth without all of the countless checkups, tightenings and oral turmoil associated with conventional braces.

We believe that the best invisible braces are ones that get your smile where you’d like it to be while maintaining comfort and the aesthetic appearance of your natural teeth without any constraining metal wire. Our practice in Highgate Hill proudly partners with Invisalign®, Spark® and Angel Align® to provide virtually unseen but incredibly effective treatment for crooked and misaligned teeth.

Invisible Braces at Be Well Dental

• Alignment trays specifically moulded to your teeth
• No wires
• No tightening
• Virtually invisible alignment trays by Invisalign, Spark or Angel Align
• Fewer checkups than conventional braces
• Ability to remove clear alignment trays for eating and oral health upkeep

Here at Be Well Dental, we strive to provide the best experience possible with invisible braces by showing off your smile simultaneously in the teeth-straightening process. We encourage you to contact our office for more information if you or someone you know is considering invisible braces and would like to learn more!

In many cases, yes, especially if treatment starts early. Myobrace can help improve jaw alignment and create space for teeth to erupt naturally. However, in some cases, limited orthodontic treatment may still be needed later, but it is usually shorter and less complex.

Treatment length varies depending on your child’s age, compliance, and the severity of their habits or jaw development concerns. On average, it may take 12 to 24 months, with regular check-ups and consistent at-home practice of exercises. Progress is gradual, as we’re working with natural growth patterns for more stable long-term results. That is why the younger we start treatment, the greater the influence on growth we have.

The ideal age to start Myobrace is between 5 and 10 years old, when we can best influence jaw growth and habit correction. That said, Myobrace can still be effective for older children and even teenagers with the right guidance.

Do you suffer from painful gums? Maybe your dentist recommended that you should put some more time into keeping your teeth and gums clean to manage or avoid gum disease and other conditions affecting oral health. What are your options?

Managing Gum Disease

Whilst some conditions like periodontal disease may have no cure, patients can manage their conditions with diligent oral upkeep and regular visits to a dentist. If you suffer from periodontal disease, here are a few methods that may benefit your oral health:

• Brush your teeth and gums twice a day
• Floss and use mouthwash
• Use a dentist-recommended toothbrush
• Book routine visits to your dentist
• Avoid smoking tobacco products
• Eat a healthy diet, friendly to your body and overall oral health

Benefits of Enhanced Oral Upkeep

For those with ongoing conditions like periodontal disease, diligent upkeep can make a world of difference! A few benefits include:

• Saved time and money in future visits to a dentist
• Slowed or stopped further decay or infections in the gums or teeth
• Alleviation of pain, cleaner teeth and gums, improved cosmetic dental appearance

Some patients may experience healthier lifestyle habits by prioritising their oral health.

Contact Our Dental Practice

We warmly invite patients suffering from periodontal disease to contact our Highgate Hill, QLD dental practice and get the help they need to protect the longevity of their oral health. You can book online or reach our friendly staff on (07) 3846 2002.

Gum disease is a progressive condition that happens when the same bacteria which cause plaque and tooth decay accumulates on your gum tissue. What it looks like when this happens is apparent, including the following symptoms:

• Gums that appear redder or darker than your healthy skin tone
• Sore gums
• Gums that bleed when your brush and floss

These are signs of early gum disease, also known as gingivitis. If you seek dental treatment at this stage, your gum disease is completely reversible.

What Happens with Advanced Gum Disease

If your gingivitis goes untreated, the illness can become full-blown gum disease. As this condition advances, the symptoms above will worsen, and new ones will appear. For example, gum infections will cause the tissue to pull away from your teeth, making your teeth appear longer. Your teeth may also feel looser and may shift painfully without treatment.

The end stage of advanced gum disease or periodontitis is tooth loss. But if you seek treatment even at the most advanced stages, your Brisbane dentist may be able to save your natural teeth, though the condition will no longer be reversible.

For patients who may observe the above symptoms, we encourage you to call our dental clinic and book a check-up today. Our goal is to save your teeth and improve your gum health for life.

Gum disease is a chronic infection of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. In early stages (gingivitis), gums become red, swollen, and may bleed. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the bone supporting your teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Digital x-rays are a common sight during routine dental exams and a standard diagnostic tool, allowing our dentists to look for early signs of tooth decay, infection and disease. We also monitor teeth placement for young children and determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary for adolescents and adults. 

X-rays allow us to observe your oral health at a level that is not visible to the naked eye. While we typically deploy digital x-rays yearly, we may use them more frequently if needed.

Factors That Can Affect the Frequency of Digital X-Rays

• Your age
• An underlying dental issue that we need to observe
• Current oral health
• History of dental issues
• History of gum disease or tooth decay

Are Digital X-Rays Safe?

There have been debates that centred around the safety of digital x-rays. As dental technology continuously improves, we have developed more sophisticated diagnostic tools and x-rays that minimise your radiation exposure. 

Digital x-rays, in fact, cut down ration exposure by half. Since they don't require traditional film, they are also safer for the environment.

Digital x-rays allow us to see between teeth or under dental restorations to detect tooth decay and more. Once we have diagnosed a dental issue, we can take preventive action to protect your teeth, gums, tissues and jaw bone. 

We also look for infection, oral cancer, cysts and diseases. 

Digital x-rays are instrumental in maintaining your oral health, as well as placing dental implants and orthodontic treatment. 

Dental X-Rays Keep Your Teeth and Gums Strong

Since digital x-rays are a valuable asset, we are happy to use them as needed to identify and treat oral health concerns. 
 
Feel free to ask us about dental x-rays during your dental cleans and exam. 

Most CEREC crown appointments take about two hours from start to finish, and you’ll leave with your permanent crown on the same day. Don’t worry; you’ll enjoy a relaxing break midway while your custom crown is being made.

Yes. CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic and are comparable in strength and durability to traditional crowns.

Absolutely. We carefully match the shade and shape of your crown to your natural teeth, and where appropriate, apply custom staining and glazing to enhance its appearance. The result is a beautifully seamless restoration that blends perfectly with your smile.

Some mild cases of TMD can improve with self-care, rest, and stress reduction. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life or sleep, it’s important to seek professional assessment to prevent long-term joint or muscle damage.

Treatment duration varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Some people see improvement within weeks, while others may require several months of coordinated care. Our goal is to create a sustainable plan that supports long-term relief and prevention.

While stress is a major trigger, clenching and grinding can also be related to airway issues during sleep, misaligned bites, or neurological patterns. That’s why a thorough assessment, including airway and sleep is essential for effective treatment.

Do you regularly experience discomfort in your jaw? Or maybe when you wake up in the morning, it feels like you've been clenching your teeth while sleeping. Whilst seeking a professional evaluation can provide more accurate answers, these symptoms potentially indicate a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, 'TMJ' or 'TMD.'

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

As previously mentioned, those suffering from TMJ may feel pain in their jaw or notice other forms of discomfort. Effectively self-diagnosing can prove challenging, but other symptoms that commonly indicate a TMD diagnosis include:

• Pain in the temporomandibular joints
• Aches around the ears
• Painful chewing
• Clicking or locking of the jaw
• Facial pain
• Bruxism (grinding or clenching of teeth, generally while sleeping)

If you experience these symptoms or other related discomforts, we encourage you to arrange a consultation with our friendly, experienced team of professionals in Highgate Hill.

TMJ Care in Highgate Hill, QLD

At Be Well Dental, we understand how discomfort in the jaw and other parts of the face can impact daily life, and that is why we treat TMJ at our practice in Highgate Hill. Luckily, TMJ is a common disorder with several treatment options ranging from physical therapy to custom oral appliances.

Contact Our Dental Practice

If you believe TMJ may be affecting your comfort level and quality of life, don't stress! We are here to help and invite you to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience to get to the bottom of any pain or discomfort you may experience.

Many health funds provide rebates for custom oral appliances under dental or extras cover. We can provide a detailed quote and help you understand your options based on your policy.

We assess suitability based on your sleep study results, jaw structure and OSA severity. MAS devices are typically recommended for patients with mild to moderate OSA or those who cannot tolerate CPAP.

Not always. Snoring can occur on its own, but if it’s loud, frequent and accompanied by choking sounds, daytime tiredness or pauses in breathing, it could be a sign of OSA and should be assessed.

Have you scheduled a tooth extraction but feel unsure about the effects on your mouth post-procedure? Modern dentistry allows us to remove teeth painlessly, but healing may involve some temporary tenderness or pain like many other procedures.

How Long Will My Pain Last after a Tooth Extraction?

Each patient experiences a unique healing process and has different pain sensitivity levels. Some tooth extractions may feel more significant than others, and the condition of other teeth and gums may also affect the length of the healing period. However, many patients experience a decrease in pain after a few days to a week.

Healing after a Tooth Extraction

Our dentists in Highgate Hill, QLD, do their best to facilitate effective tooth extractions and advise on the best practices to help patients heal afterwards. We recommend that patients avoid alcohol, introduce soft foods into their diet and relax immediately after an extraction procedure to promote optimal healing conditions.

If you experience extensive pain or feel worried that the healing process is not progressing as expected, our practice is open to assist and welcomes any questions or concerns.

We Welcome You to Contact Our Highgate Hill Dental Clinic

At Be Well Dental, we welcome questions and concerns about tooth extractions, healing afterwards and other enquiries about other services we provide to our patients in Highgate Hill, QLD. We invite you to arrange a consultation for more information!

Is your mouth in recovery? Whether you’ve just had a tooth removed or if you’ve arranged a tooth extraction appointment, you might be wondering which foods are safe during the healing process. Diet plays a crucial role in our oral health, overall happiness and contributes to just about every aspect of our lives. Temporarily avoiding some foods and introducing a few others can aid the healing process and get your teeth back in shape for eating some of your favourites.

Which Foods Are Safe After a Tooth Extraction?

Unsurprisingly, a tooth extraction generally leaves a sore, tender area in the gums and requires a clean and gentle environment to heal appropriately. Eating hard, crunchy foods that involve using our teeth to break it down into a digestible consistency might be painful or not entirely possible for many patients post-procedure. Soft foods, however, are safe and gentle on our teeth. Some good options include:

• Soups
• Mashed potatoes
• Apple sauce
• Scrambled eggs
• Yoghurt (A popular option, many already eat yoghurt daily)
• Broths
• Different purées
• Mashed bananas
• Avocado

Luckily, there are many options for acceptable, healthy, soft foods that taste great. A tooth extraction could be an excellent opportunity to crack open a cookbook and try something new!

Contact Our Dental Practice in Highgate Hill, QLD

We strive to safely perform tooth extractions and give our patients the care and support they deserve during and post-procedure. If you have more questions about tooth extractions and how to properly manage the healing process when it comes to diet, we warmly invite you to contact us at your earliest convenience.

We take every step to ensure you're comfortable during your procedure. Local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the extraction. Some discomfort afterward is normal, but we'll provide aftercare instructions and pain relief recommendations to support your healing. Our team will give you a call the day after the procedure to ensure that you are ok.