General Dentistry
Our dental practice caters for a wide range of dental health services for the whole family at every stage of life. Our dentists are passionate caring about your dental health and offer a variety of general treatments to meet each person’s unique dental needs.
Checkups
To keep a healthy smile for life, routine dental care, along with daily brushing and flossing, goes hand in hand. Therefore we recommend to book with us for a scale and polish every 6 months. During the dental checkup, we will screen for tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer. At times, x-rays may also be taken to detect hidden caries or bone lesions.
In Preventive dentistry, regular scale and clean can help intercept dental issues when they first start to develop. When decay and gum disease are treated early, you’ll enjoy healthier teeth and require less dental work in the long rum.
During Your Checkup
A six-monthly dental checkup or exam includes the following:
- A thorough examination of every tooth in the mouth
- Evaluating existing dental work
- Gum disease (periodontal) screening
- Diagnostic x-rays, as needed
- Scale and polish
- Fluoride application
- Oral hygiene instructions
Six monthly scale & polish helps prevent gum disease from progressing. Less frequent visits allow tartar to build up more inside the gums, causing gum bleeding, gum infections and bone loss.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
In a healthy mouth, the gums do not bleed when you floss and brush. Gums that appear swollen and red are signs that the body is trying to overcome an infection inside your mouth. Bacterial plaque triggers an immune response around the gingiva (the gum part that attaches to your teeth).
Advanced gum disease causes gums to recede and bone loss. Teeth will start to loosen, become sensitive and bad breath becomes apparent. Teeth may also appear longer than usual.
Did you know that gum disease can increase your risk of health issues like heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, pneumonia and stroke. If you are concern about having active gum disease, do ask our dentists about non-surgical periodontal therapy (gum treatment)
Why Do I Need X-rays?
Digital x-rays are like a second pair of eyes for the dentist to see areas in the mouth that are not visible during a regular exam. For instance, cysts, bone lesions, small cavities, bone loss and abscess can be detected with x-rays.
Because of advances in digital radiography, we use as much as 90% less radiation than conventional x-rays, making them safer than ever.
Digital imaging takes seconds to do and you can view the images almost instantly therefore your dentist can deliver efficient diagnosis of your dental condition
Schedule A Checkup Today
When was your last visit to the dentist ? If it’s been more than six months, then it is time to make an appointment. Contact Kent Dental Works to request for a your first visit with us today!
Fillings
Tooth-coloured fillings like composites are a great alternative to silver amalgams as they are less invasive, require less removal of tooth structure and Mercury-free. In addition, the colour of the filling blends naturally with your smile’s natural colour. Early treatment of the cavity is important because active decay will only expand further into the tooth and adjacent teeth and cause further problems.
Early detection and treatment of dental decay once diagnosed by the dentist allows you to preserve tooth structure and save costs. If you suspect that one of your teeth has a cavity, we encourage you to book a checkup to have it examined as soon as possible
Symptoms of Tooth Decay
Some cavities never hurt, even if they have spread into the pulp chambers of the teeth. However, it is common you’ll notice symptoms like:
- Visible hole or black spot
- Roughness on the tooth
- Sharp sensation from a specific tooth when taking cold foods/beverage
- Discomfort when you chew
Small cavities may not be obvious, therefore the dentist will usually find them during your regular checkup or with dental x-rays. As decay is actually a bacterial infection inside our tooth, the best way to treat it is to remove the damaged structure and fill in the void with a filling material.
Composite Fillings
These are the latest kind of high-quality filling material that bonds closely your enamel thus creating a tight-seal. They blend in with your smile because they are closely matched to the shade of your teeth and then set in place. As the filling material comes in shades of white, it doesn’t look very obvious and it makes it easier to restore teeth anywhere is your mouth.
You can consider replacing your older silver fillings with tooth coloured composite fillings, as they are mercury-free.
Benefits For Your Teeth
Traditional silver fillings require a cut-out area for them to be wedged inside, therefore healthy tooth structure has to be removed unnecessarily. In contrast with composite fillings, we only have to remove the decayed part of your tooth.
The restoration is smaller as it adheres closely with enamel, as compared if we
treated the cavity with a metal filling.
What To Expect
Dental fillings is a routine procedure that is done numerous times a day in a dental office and are often predictably completed with maximum comfort. We will numb the area to be treated so you won’t feel any pain except a slight pressure during the decay removal process. The void is then smoothened out with a bonding agent which helps create a tight seal with the composite material. Finally it is shaped into place and cure with a bright light. After which you’ll have to avoid eating in that side of your mouth for an hour.
Concerned About A Cavity?
Regular dental checks are recommended before a small filling becomes a root canal or crown. Contact Kent Dental Works clinic today for fillings
Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is a great way to preserve your teeth from deep decay or cracks that extends into the pulp and helps prevent recurring infection like abscesses. It involves removing the compromised nerve from the inside of your tooth and is painless when done with proper anaesthesia.
Endodontic therapy or root canal treatment is one of the restorative options that we offer to suit your oral health needs, which is a comprehensive approach to treat teeth to avoid an extractions or chronic recurring toothache.
The dying or infected nerve and pulpal tissues are removed during a root canal treatment. This helps eliminate discomfort and swelling around the affected tooth. This options will allow you to preserve and keep your natural teeth instead of automatically having them removed.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
Your dentist may recommend a root canal if you have the following issues:
- Decay that extends into the nerve
- Toothache
- Recurring pus-filled swelling on the gums next to tooth
- Severe tooth fracture or wear
Once the root canal is completed, you‘ll need a crown to be made over your tooth. As the tooth is no longer alive after a root canal, they tend to be weaker and more brittle, so a crown is needed so that you can bite and chew normally again.
What To Expect During Treatment?
It takes longer for a root canal treatment to be done compared to a routine filling, but it feels similar as we numb the tooth first to ensure your comfort. A root canal can be done even with an abscess or swelling present and you’ll need to be covered with antibiotics after that.
Next, an opening is made in the center of your tooth to make an access to the nerve canal where the pulp tissues are removed and the canal cleaned & shaped thoroughly. Finally we will seal the canal to prevent reinfection. As the nerve receptors and blood vessels are removed from the tooth , you will not feel any more pain on a permanent basis.
Not Sure If You Need A Root Canal?
Do consult our dentist to find out if you need an endodontic therapy. The dentist will look out for signs of cracks, infection or decay. In addition to a small x-ray, special pressure or temperature tests may be applied too.
The Dentist will discuss the various types of treatment for your tooth. However, if the decay or fracture extends deep down to the root , then the other alternative is dental extraction.
GET A PROFESSIONAL CONSULT
Book an appointment with us for an expert endodontic advice for your tooth
Extractions
Extractions are required when teeth that are badly damaged by trauma, decay or gum disease, thus they cannot be salvaged anymore. Gentle extractions prevent infection from spreading to nearby teeth. Appropriate advice will be given with various solutions to replace missing teeth after removal.
Our family dentists will try their best to keep your natural teeth healthy. However, issues like trauma, infections or gum disease happen to the extent that your teeth cannot be saved anymore. If this is the case, it’s best that the offending tooth be removed for your overall health.
Reasons For having a Tooth Extaction
- Extensive tooth decay
- Dental trauma and emergency
- Severe gum disease
- Orthodontic reasons
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Prior to making dentures
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Frequent gum abscesses
Keeping You at Ease During Extraction
Extractions are done under local anaesthesia, therefore you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, except for a bit of pressure. Be assured that you are in safe and gentle hands of the dentists.
Replacement Options After Extraction/Surgery
Removing a tooth creates wide gaps in your mouth where the surrounding teeth can shift and move into the space as there is less support from neighbouring teeth. Issues like crooked or slanted teeth can develop in a few months.
Teeth that are removed should be replaced as soon as possible to maintain the natural spacing. Choices include fixed dental bridges, dental implants or partial dentures for your consideration. Do have a discussion with our dentists about the possible and best options.
Recovery After Extraction
Even though dental extractions are a routine procedure, you will require some amount of time for recovery after your appointment. Plan to take the rest of the day off and take the painkillers that your dentist prescribes.
Cold compress intermittently may be required to keep swelling down as inflammation is a common cause of oral pain. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days. Also, do avoid drinking using a straw, carbonated beverages
or hot food, as these may prolong healing and blood-clotting.
SAVE MY TOOTH!
Extractions are usually the last resort as we try our best to save your teeth. If you are concerned about extractions, do contact us to schedule a consultation with our family dentist.
Wisdom Teeth
The lower third molar behind usually does not have enough space to erupt properly. A partially erupted wisdom tooth is more prone to gum abscess and decay which can lead to problems like tooth crowding, pain and swelling in teens and adults. Therefore proactive removal is recommended.
Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt at the back of your mouth. It usually appears between your late teen years to early twenties. Most times, there is not enough space for them to erupt properly, which leads to impactions, pain, swelling and damage to nearby teeth.
Do I Need A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Most people will need their wisdom teeth removed while others won’t ever need to remove theirs. Commonly, people in the early twenties would require removal in certain situations, as stated below:
- Partial or full eruption causing pressure and crowding
- Deep decay or active gum disease
- Pain and swelling
- Cysts development
- Lack of space
It’s difficult to keep the wisdom teeth clean as they are right at the back of your mouth. That’s why they are more prone to develop infections that keep recurring unless removed. Therefore, proactive removal of third molars is ideal to prevent damage to the adjacent teeth.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority
We will ensure that you are comfortable before and during the surgical procedure through the use of an aesthetics and the gentle yet experienced hands of our dentists. The surgery site will be completely and adequately numbed so that you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
What Can I Expect?
A wisdom tooth evaluation will include a complete checkup and x-rays to determine the exact position and size of each tooth. If the wisdom teeth needs to be removed, the dentist will plan for your surgery.
On the day of surgery, we will administer local anaesthetic medication around the teeth that are indicated for removal. An opening is made in your gums and the molars are taken out, oftentimes in bits and pieces. This is followed by placement of medication into the socket to aid in healing and stitching up of the gums to close up the wound area. The entire procedure takes about an hour or less.
You’ll need to take a few days off from work or school while you recover. We will give you a set of written instructions with contact information to bring home so you can be in touch with us in case something isn’t healing properly. We suggest you to take different kinds of soft foods for the next few days , like yoghurt, pudding, porridge etc. Cold compresses also helps to alleviate post-surgery swelling.
WISDOM TOOTH CONSULTATIONS
Do contact us at Kent Dental Works to schedule an appointment for examining your wisdom teeth. Payments can be done using Medisave (fully claimable by Medisave) Do bring along your NRIC and Medisave statement (electronic or hard copy) so you can go cashless. Alternatively, pay a deposit in cash, which is fully refundable upon receipt of payment from CPF if you can’t provide the statement.
Dentures
Dentures are custom-made removable appliance made as an immediate and affordable solution to replace missing teeth, be it a full or partial denture. They are economically more affordable and yet easy to care for.
Dentures have been around for decades and is a common option to replace missing teeth. With advances in dentistry, dentures are now more aesthetic and functional than before. Each denture is custom designed for optimal results that suits the lifestyle of our patients.
What Are Dentures?
A denture is a removable oral prosthesis that can replace all your missing teeth at one go. It is the most cost effective choice among all the other options.
It sits directly on top of your gums, creating a suction between the appliance
and soft tissues for full dentures. For partial dentures, small clasps are designed around existing healthy teeth for extra grip.
There are different designs and materials used to custom make a denture for optimal aesthetics, function and affordability. Some cases require a denture to sit on top of dental implants, also known as implant-supported dentures. This is best suitable for people with narrow bone or those who struggle with getting a good fit that feels secure all day.
Are Dentures Suitable For Me?
Choosing to get a denture is a personal call, as extraction may be needed prior to fabricating a denture. The dentist will evaluate your whole dental condition so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
You may require a full or partial denture if you experience conditions below:
- Loosen teeth caused by periodontal disease
- Numerous missing teeth
- Sunken facial profile
- Severe tooth wear
- Teeth that are severely decayed or fractured
Taking Care Of Your Dentures
You should only wear them during the day and must be removed every night before bedtime allowing the gums and bone tissues to rest and maintain its health. You can soak your dentures in a denture cleanser tablet that dissolved in water to loosen any buildup tartar during the day. Brush your teeth separately before bed daily. The following morning, clean your teeth again and brush the denture before wearing it.
For proper maintenance, six-monthly checks are also necessary as dentures require occasional adjustments, repairs and relines.
Denture Repair
Over time, dentures can break or loosen affecting the chewing function and causing discomfort to the gums. Let us have a look at your dentures if they are not fitting properly.
GAIN BACK YOUR CONFIDENCE
Come and enquire if dentures are the right choice for your lifestyle and oral health. Contact us at Kent Dental Works for a consultation.
Emergency Dental Care
Dental emergencies happen when you least expect it. You need a dentist who can help you get out of pain quickly whether it’s a broken tooth or an abscess. We provide same-day advise and treatment for new and existing patients.
Toothaches and broken teeth can be a painful and scary experience if you have ever had it before. You are never fully prepared for dental injuries, though they are common. Getting urgent help is vital and the good news is that our family dentists offer same-day emergency care to get you out of your pain as swiftly as possible.
Common Dental Emergencies
The following lists down the most common oral emergency situations we see at our dental practice:
- Abscesses and Toothaches
Active caries, cracked teeth or infected nerve can cause toothaches. You need to see a dentist soonest possible if you can’t eat properly because your tooth hurts when you apply pressure onto it or notice an obvious gum swelling.
- Broken or Dislodged Fillings
Weakening of old fillings make them prone to fracture ord islodgement if they are left to decay or leak further around the margins. Fillings that are not being periodically replaced with new ones tend to have this problem. Replacement of fillings is needed when old fillings fall out. A crown may also be indicated if the cavity is too large. Make an appointment as soon as possible and avoid
chewing on that side for the time being.
- Loose Teeth
Periodontal or traumatic injury can cause teeth to loosen in their socket. Don’t try take it out yourself unless it’s a baby tooth. Call our clinic to arrange for an emergency appointment.
- Chipped Teeth
Take a painkiller to relieve the pain while you call to make an appointment with the dentist to fix the problem as soon as possible. If left untreated, teeth sensitivity may persist causing discomfort and affecting the comfort during chewing at mealtimes.
- Tooth that are Knocked Out
Keep the avulsed tooth in a sealed container of milk or saline. Do not use water or ice. Alternatively, you can tuck it on the inside of your cheek to keep it moist with saliva. You can rinse any visible dirt away but avoid scrubbing the roots as the tissue on the roots are vital if it is inserted back into the socket. Try to get it treated within an hour to maximise the success rate of re-implantation of avulsed tooth.
Gentle Dental Care
Our priority is to relieve your pain as fast as possible and help you retain your natural smile for a lifetime. Contact us at Kent Dental Works if you need emergency care
Mouthguards
If you grind or clench your teeth at night (a condition called bruxism), a custom fitted nightguard that fits your teeth perfectly is recommended to protect teeth from wear/tear and relieve the strain on jaw joints. This removable oral appliance can help prevent problems like jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ) and teeth hyper-sensitivity. Teeth can wear down and crack easily if bruxism is left untreated over time.
Do I Need A Nightguard?
Bruxism is a common para functional condition whereby a person unknowingly and subconsciously grinds their teeth when they sleep at night. They are usually unaware of it and most of the time it is their sleeping partner who reports of loud continuous grinding sounds made by their partner during sleep.
Your dentist can determine if you need to wear a nightguard by examining your teeth for signs of wear on the teeth’s biting surfaces. Usually the teeth are worn down and look shorter than usual. There may also be parts of teeth that chip off. As the top enamel layer is worn down and disappear, the underlying
dentine becomes exposed causing prolonged teeth sensitivity. Bruxism also causes the teeth to crack , a condition called crack tooth syndrome.
Types of Nightguard
Conventional nightguards cover all the teeth in the arch from front all the way to the back.
They are bulky and most people are unable to tolerate it in the mouth while sleeping. Check with our dentist about the latest design that offers more comfort with minimal coverage yet effective in protecting the teeth from unnecessary grinding.
