General Dentistry

FAQs about Custom night guard Who are night guards for? Night guards are commonly recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth during sleep. Bruxism can affect both adults and children, and often occurs without you even realising it. Your dentist may suggest a night guard if they notice signs such as excessive wear…

FAQs about Happy Gas What is happy gas and how does it work? Happy gas, or nitrous oxide is a safe, mild form of sedation that’s been used in dentistry for decades. It’s administered through a small, comfortable nosepiece and works quickly to produce a feeling of warmth, calm, and relaxation. You’ll remain conscious and…

What are cold sores? Cold sores are small blister-like spots that appear in or around the outside of the mouth and are caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus. They are unsightly and tend to flare up at the most inconvenient times. How does laser treatment for cold sores work? At Dentistry on Unley,…

FAQs about restorations (dental fillings) What is a dental filling and when do I need one? A dental filling is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, or a break or chip. When a small section of natural tooth structure is lost or becomes unhealthy, a filling rebuilds that area…

FAQs about CEREC crowns What is a CEREC crown and how is it different from a traditional crown? CEREC is a modern, high-tech alternative to traditional dental crowns. It stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, but in plain terms, it’s a way of creating a custom ceramic crown right here in our Unley…

FAQs about Sport Mouthguards What is a custom-fitted mouthguard and why is it better than a store-bought one? A custom-fitted mouthguard is made from a precise impression of your teeth, taken right here at our Unley dental clinic. Because it’s made specifically for your mouth, it fits securely, stays in place during play, and is…

Treatment options at our Unley dental clinic There are two main treatment pathways, and the right one for you will depend on the nature and severity of your condition. The first is a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during…

FAQs about gum disease What is gum disease and how does it develop? Gum disease,clinically known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gums and the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth and along the gumline. If plaque isn’t…

FAQs about Root Canal Treatment What is root canal treatment and why might I need it? Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside a tooth – the soft tissue containing the nerve and blood supply has become irreparably infected or has died. This can happen as a result of deep decay, a crack…

Common dental emergencies & What to do What should I do if I have a severe toothache A severe toothache often signals an underlying problem that needs professional attention. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief if suitable for you. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums,…

A more gentle, modern dental clean with EMS Airflow system As part of our hygiene services, we offer EMS Airflow, a modern and gentle approach to professional dental cleaning. This advanced technology uses a controlled stream of warm water, air and fine powder to effectively remove plaque (biofilm), surface stains and early tartar build-up from…

Common questions from parents At what age should my child first visit the dentist? We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit around the time their first tooth appears, usually between six and twelve months of age. Starting early helps your child get comfortable in the dental environment, and gives our team…