At Stellenbosch Dental Studio, we are always at the forefront of the latest research in general dentistry and use the most up-to-date methods and material to help our patients achieve their desired smiles.
Dental Check-Up
Visit your dentist at Stellenbosch Dental Studio twice a year for your dental check-up and cleanings, the earlier a problem is found, the more manageable it is. Professional dental exams are all about prevention – preventing existing problems from getting worse and preventing dental problems from developing in the future. Regular check-ups, and a good at-home dental care routine will help to keep your mouth healthy.
A typical dental check-up with the dentist usually includes the following oral health care activities:
Oral exam of your teeth, gums and mouth
Evaluation of your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease
Evaluation of your need for tooth restoration or tooth replacement
Check your bite and jaw to minimise wear
Demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for your teeth or dentures
Assess your need for fluoride
X-rays will be taken during your checkup based your oral exam, dental history, and risk of developing cavities
Treatment recommendations: if any oral health problems are found during your examination, your dentist will make recommendations regarding the best next steps. These might include referral to another oral health care specialist, additional diagnostic tests, or advice to return for restoration work (for example, fillings and crowns) or additional oral health care.
Dental check-ups might also include discussions about:
The impact of health problems or medication on your oral health, such as:
Diabetes: increased risk of gum disease. Any medication that contributes to dry mouth can increase your risk of tooth decay.
Arthritis: interferes with your ability to effectively brush your teeth. We recommend the use of a powered toothpaste, or electric toothbrush.
Prosthetic replacements, such as dentures or bridges: your dentist or hygienist will examine how well they fit and discuss the need for adjustments.
Healthy habits: counseling about diet, use of tobacco products and other lifestyle factors that can affect oral health.
When last did you visit your dentist? Make an appointment now for your bi-annual dental check-up!
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction (removal) is a common procedure that aids in eliminating the pain caused by problematic wisdom tooth development. If left in place, difficult wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infections and serious damage to the surrounding jawbone and teeth.
What are wisdom teeth?
Most people have 32 teeth, 16 each on both the upper and lower jaw, of which four are wisdom teeth (also called third molars), two each on both the upper and lower jaw.
Third molars have been referred to as “teeth of wisdom” since the 17th century because they typically erupt between the ages of 16 to 21, which was known as the ‘age of wisdom’.
Since wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, they frequently lack the space necessary for proper alignment.
Wisdom teeth surgery: Do I need it?
Not all wisdom teeth need removal. As long as your wisdom teeth are fully functional, unimpacted, and you can brush and floss them properly, removal is unnecessary. The best way to determine whether you require wisdom teeth removal or not is to visit our dentists for a professional evaluation. Going for your regular dental checkups and cleaning allows your dentist to monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend preventive treatments if needed.
How will I know if I have a problem?
You may need your wisdom teeth removed if you notice the following.
Moderate to severe pain
Infection (see a dentist immediately)
Adjacent teeth are sore or shifting
Red, swollen or sore gums
Cysts in the gums
Assess your need for fluoride
An impacted wisdom tooth is sometimes painless and you may not even realise you have one. However, if left in your jaw, it could lead to a host of problems ranging from crooked teeth, to sinus pain, headaches and more.
If you experience any of the above symptoms or if you suspect you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, contact us to find out more about the available treatment options.
Why extract your wisdom teeth?
For most people, their wisdom teeth are blocked from erupting completely in the mouth by the permanent second molars or the surrounding bone and/or gums, due to the smaller jaw space. These wisdom teeth are considered to be impacted, and can cause a variety of problems.
The impacted wisdom tooth may:
Partially emerge (partially impacted), showing only the crown of the tooth
Never emerge through the gums at all (fully impacted)
grow at an angle towards or away from the second molar, or grow at a right angle, almost as if it “lying down”
Treating impacted wisdom teeth is the most common reason that your dentist will recommend that they be extracted.
What’s the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?
By the time that your wisdom teeth erupt, it is important to visit your dentist immediately. Teeth grow from the crown down to the root. Ideally one should remove wisdom teeth before the root is fully formed. This way, surgery will be easier, less painful, ensure less swelling after surgery and require far less recovery time. Once the roots have fully developed it becomes much more difficult to do an extraction.
Initial Consultation
At your first visit, consultation with our experienced dentists will include the following:
comprehensive dental examination
x-ray of your mouth to check the alignment and condition of wisdom teeth
talk you through each stage of the wisdom tooth removal process
give advice on aftercare and pain management
surgery may be recommended, depending on the wisdom teeth’s condition
Need your wisdom teeth removed? Contact us now to schedule your consultation.
Root Canal Treatment
A successful root canal treatment is one of the best ways to save a severely damaged tooth, manage dental pain and ensure proper function without having to extract the tooth.
Many people seem to fear it, but root canal treatment is a relatively simple procedure that provides excellent results. It can save even severely infected teeth from extraction. Depending on how severe the decay is, the treatment may require several appointments.
Why root canal treatment?
Tooth decay, when left untreated, can extend to the nerve inside the tooth. Inside each tooth lies nerve and blood vessels called the ‘pulp.’ If a tooth is decayed or damaged, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause infection in the pulp. Common causes of pulp infection are:
Deep cavity as a result of ignoring tooth decay
Cracked tooth that has been left untreated
Injury to the tooth
Wisdom teeth surgery: Do I need it?
Not all wisdom teeth need removal. As long as your wisdom teeth are fully functional, unimpacted, and you can brush and floss them properly, removal is unnecessary. The best way to determine whether you require wisdom teeth removal or not is to visit our dentists for a professional evaluation. Going for your regular dental checkups and cleaning allows your dentist to monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend preventive treatments if needed.
An impacted wisdom tooth is sometimes painless and you may not even realise you have one. However, if left in your jaw, it could lead to a host of problems ranging from crooked teeth, to sinus pain, headaches and more.
If you experience any of the above symptoms or if you suspect you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, contact us to find out more about the available treatment options.
Why extract your wisdom teeth?
For most people, their wisdom teeth are blocked from erupting completely in the mouth by the permanent second molars or the surrounding bone and/or gums, due to the smaller jaw space. These wisdom teeth are considered to be impacted, and can cause a variety of problems.
The impacted wisdom tooth may:
Partially emerge (partially impacted), showing only the crown of the tooth
Never emerge through the gums at all (fully impacted)
grow at an angle towards or away from the second molar, or grow at a right angle, almost as if it “lying down”
If the pulp is infected, it needs to be treated immediately. If not, there can be a build-up of pus at the tip of the root, forming an abscess which may destroy the bone around the tooth.
The infected or damaged pulp kills nerves and causes intense pain. The pain typically increases at night and can worsen when consuming cold or sweet foods.Treating impacted wisdom teeth is the most common reason that your dentist will recommend that they be extracted.
What does a root canal treatment involve?
The procedure for a root canal treatment typically involves the following:
An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber
The infected area is cleaned and sterilised
The root canals are filled
Metal or plastic rods are inserted into the canal for structural support, if needed
The crown opening is filled with a temporary material
Fitting of a crown (permanent material) over the tooth to restore the natural appearance and prevent the remaining tooth structure from becoming brittle or fractured
After the treatment, you may experience some pain when biting down on the treated tooth. The pain should disappear within about 48 hours. The dentist may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug to help.
How long does a root canal treated tooth last?
Once the tooth is treated and restored, it can last an entire lifetime, provided you care for it well. Remember that decay can still happen in treated teeth, therefore you need to maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent further problems.