Author Archives: victoriadentists

Tooth pain under a crown can be caused by several issues. Here are some common reasons:

1. Tooth Decay Under the Crown

• If there’s a gap or poor seal between the crown and tooth, bacteria can enter and cause decay.
• Symptoms: Intermittent pain, sensitivity to sweets, and discomfort when biting.

2. Nerve Irritation or Pulpitis

• If the tooth wasn’t fully treated or the crown preparation was deep, the nerve (pulp) may become inflamed.
• Symptoms: Throbbing pain, especially with hot or cold stimuli.

3. Infection or Abscess

• If the nerve inside the tooth is dying or has died, an infection can develop.
• Symptoms: Swelling, pain that comes and goes, or a bad taste in the mouth.

4. Crown Misalignment or High Bite

• If the crown is too high or not fitting properly, it can create pressure on the tooth.
• Symptoms: Pain when biting down or chewing.

5. Gum Recession or Irritation

• The gum around the crown may recede, exposing sensitive areas.
• Symptoms: Sensitivity to temperature and touch.

6. Cracked Tooth Under the Crown

• The tooth beneath the crown could have developed a crack or fracture.
• Symptoms: Sharp, shooting pain when chewing.

Next Steps:

• See a dentist for an evaluation. They may take an X-ray to identify the cause.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side until diagnosed.

Here are some tips to manage tooth pain under your crown until you see a dentist:

🦷 Pain Relief

• Over-the-Counter Pain Medication: Take ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) or acetaminophen (e.g., Panadol) as directed to reduce pain and inflammation.

❄️ Home Remedies

• Cold Compress: Apply a cold pack on the outside of your cheek for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Saltwater Rinse: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse gently 2-3 times a day to soothe irritation and reduce bacteria.

🍴 Diet Adjustments

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Steer clear of extremely hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods that can worsen sensitivity.
• Soft Foods Only: Stick to soft, non-sticky foods to avoid putting pressure on the crown.

🛑 Be Gentle

• No Chewing on That Side: Avoid using the affected side to prevent further irritation.
• Careful Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the crown to keep the area clean without aggravating it.

📞 When to See a Dentist Urgently

• If the pain becomes severe or constant.
• If you notice swelling, fever, or a foul taste (signs of infection).
• If the crown feels loose or falls off.

Please call us on 07 8391660 if you experience similar issue with your crown. We are situated at 270 Victoria Street. Victoria Dentist Hamilton.

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, often when you least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, knowing how to handle these situations can make all the difference in saving your smile. In this blog post, we’ll cover common dental emergencies, what to do in each situation, and how to prevent them in the future.

What is a Dental Emergency?                                             

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to more serious complications, so it’s important to act quickly and seek professional help.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. If handled properly, the tooth can often be reinserted and saved.

• What to Do:
  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
  • Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
  • Place it in a container of milk or saline solution.
  • See a dentist immediately—time is critical for saving the tooth.

2. Severe Toothache

A toothache can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. It’s often a sign of an underlying issue like decay, infection, or a cracked tooth.

• What to Do:
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
  • Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can be painful and affect your smile. The severity of the break will determine the treatment.

• What to Do:
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Save any broken pieces if possible.
  • Visit your dentist immediately to assess the damage and determine the best treatment.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can expose the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, causing pain and discomfort.

• What to Do:
  • Keep the crown or filling in a safe place.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side.
  • See your dentist as soon as possible to have it properly repaired or replaced.

5. Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever.

• What to Do:
  • Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution to reduce discomfort.
  • Avoid applying heat to the area, as this can worsen the infection.
  • Seek immediate dental care, as an untreated abscess can spread to other parts of the body.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
2. Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.
3. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bottles, as this can lead to damage.
4. Address Dental Issues Early: Don’t ignore minor dental problems, as they can escalate into emergencies if left untreated.

When to See a Dentist

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek professional dental care immediately:

• Severe or persistent toothache
• Swelling in your face or gums
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• A knocked-out or loose tooth
• Signs of infection, such as fever or pus

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing how to handle them can help you stay calm and take the right steps to protect your oral health. Remember, quick action and professional care are key to resolving dental emergencies effectively. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for guidance.

At Victoria Dentists Hamilton, we’re here to help you with all your dental needs, including Dental emergencies. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can keep your smile healthy and bright.

Dental implants are a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. To ensure their success and longevity, proper care and maintenance are essential. This guide will help you understand how to care for your dental implant and keep your smile healthy and confident for years to come.

Daily Oral Hygiene

1. Brush Twice a Day
   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean around the implant.
   • Ensure you brush for at least two minutes, focusing on the gumline and the crown of the implant.
2. Floss Daily
   • Flossing is crucial to remove plaque and debris around the implant.
   • Use implant-specific floss, water flossers, or interdental brushes for better access.
3. Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
   • Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection and maintain oral hygiene.

Regular Dental Visits

1. Schedule Routine Check-Ups
   • Visit our dental hygienist at Victoria dentists in Hamilton every six months for professional cleaning and implant monitoring.
   • We will assess the health of the implant, surrounding gums, and bone structure.
2. Address Issues Promptly
   • If you notice swelling, discomfort, or changes around the implant, contact us at Victoria dentists Hamilton immediately.

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Quit Smoking
   • Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
2. Protect Against Teeth Grinding
   • If you grind your teeth, talk to us at Victoria dentist Hamilton about a nightguard to protect the implant.

Special Tools for Implant Care

1. Interdental Brushes
   • These small brushes help clean between the implant and surrounding teeth.
2. Water Flossers
   • A water flosser can be an effective and gentle way to remove debris around the implant.
3. Soft-Picks
   • Use soft-picks to clean hard-to-reach areas without damaging your gums.

What to Avoid

1. Aggressive Brushing
   • Avoid using hard-bristled brushes or applying too much pressure while brushing.
2. Neglecting Oral Hygiene
   • Failing to maintain proper hygiene can lead to gum disease and jeopardize the implant’s stability.

Signs of Implant Problems

Contact your dentist if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness around the implant
• Loose implant crown
• Difficulty chewing or biting

Conclusion

Taking care of your dental implant is essential to ensure its success and longevity. With proper oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and a few lifestyle adjustments, your implant can last a lifetime. If you have any questions about your dental implant care, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Victoria dentist Hamilton. A little care goes a long way in maintaining your beautiful smile!

Dental implants have become a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, implants offer a long-lasting, natural-looking option to restore your smile and improve your oral health.

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone to act as a replacement for the root of a missing tooth. Once the implant has fused with the bone (a process called osseointegration), a dental crown is placed on top to create a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing tooth. Dental implants can also support bridges and dentures for patients missing multiple teeth.

Benefits of Dental Implants

1. Natural Appearance: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, blending seamlessly with your smile.
2. Durability: With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime.
3. Improved Oral Health: Implants prevent bone loss and help maintain the structure of your jaw.
4. Comfort: Unlike removable dentures, implants are secure and do not shift or slip.
5. Enhanced Functionality: Implants allow you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
6. Preservation of Adjacent Teeth: Unlike traditional bridges, implants do not require the alteration of neighboring teeth.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a suitable option for most adults with good oral and general health. However, certain factors may affect eligibility:

• Adequate Bone Density: Sufficient bone is needed to support the implant. Bone grafting may be recommended if necessary.
• Healthy Gums: Gum disease must be treated before implant placement.
• Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of implant failure.

Why Choose Us for Dental Implants?

At our Hamilton, New Zealand practice, we specialize in providing high-quality dental implant solutions tailored to your needs. Our experienced team uses the latest technology to ensure a comfortable and successful treatment process. We offer competitive pricing and personalized care to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Conclusion

Dental implants are a reliable and effective way to restore missing teeth and improve your overall quality of life. If you’re considering dental implants, schedule a consultation with our experienced team in Hamilton, New Zealand. Let us help you achieve a smile that you’ll love for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and how we can assist you in transforming your smile.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others face complications due to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is insufficient space in the jaw for proper eruption, causing the teeth to grow at an abnormal angle or remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum.

At our dental practice in Hamilton, New Zealand, our experienced dentists specialize in the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. We provide high-quality care at reasonable prices to ensure our patients receive the best treatment possible.

Types of Wisdom Teeth Impactions                                                   

Wisdom teeth impactions are classified based on their angle and position. Understanding these types helps in assessing the difficulty of removal:

1. Mesial Impaction
   • The wisdom tooth is angled forward, pushing against the adjacent second molar. This is the most common type of impaction and can cause discomfort, crowding, and decay in neighboring teeth.
2. Distal Impaction
   • The wisdom tooth is angled backward, away from the second molar. This is less common but can still pose challenges, especially if the tooth is deeply embedded.
3. Vertical Impaction
   • The wisdom tooth is aligned correctly but remains trapped within the gum or bone. If it partially erupts, it can create a pocket for bacteria, leading to infection.
4. Horizontal Impaction
   • The wisdom tooth lies completely sideways, pressing into the roots of the second molar. This is one of the most difficult types of impactions to remove and often requires a more complex surgical approach.
5. Soft Tissue Impaction
   • The crown of the wisdom tooth is partially erupted through the gum, but the rest of the tooth remains covered by gum tissue. This can lead to gum irritation and infection (pericoronitis).
6. Bony Impaction
   • The wisdom tooth is fully encased in the jawbone. This is the most challenging type of impaction to treat and may require removal of surrounding bone tissue.

Challenges and Difficulty of Removal

The difficulty of wisdom tooth removal depends on several factors, including the type of impaction, the tooth’s position, and the patient’s anatomy. Here are some aspects that influence the complexity of the procedure:

• Depth of Impaction: Teeth deeply embedded in the jawbone or positioned near important structures like nerves or sinuses are more difficult to remove.
• Root Anatomy: Wisdom teeth with curved or multiple roots can complicate the extraction process.
• Angle of Impaction: Horizontal and distal impactions often require more extensive surgical intervention compared to vertical or mesial impactions.
• Proximity to Nerves: Wisdom teeth close to the inferior alveolar nerve may increase the risk of nerve damage during removal.

When is Removal Necessary?

While not all impacted wisdom teeth require removal, dentists often recommend extraction in the following cases:

• Pain or discomfort
• Repeated infections or swelling
• Tooth decay or gum disease affecting the wisdom tooth or neighboring teeth
• Cysts or tumors forming around the impacted tooth
• Damage to adjacent teeth due to pressure or misalignment

The Removal Process

1. Consultation and Diagnosis: The dentist or oral surgeon evaluates the impacted tooth using X-rays and discusses the best approach for removal.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia is administered depending on the complexity of the case.
3. Extraction:
   • Simple Extraction: For partially erupted wisdom teeth with minimal impaction.
   • Surgical Extraction: For fully impacted teeth, involving incision of gum tissue, removal of bone, and sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
4. Post-Operative Care: Instructions include managing swelling, pain relief, maintaining oral hygiene, and avoiding certain foods and activities to promote healing.

Conclusion

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various complications if left untreated. Understanding the types of impactions and the associated difficulties can help patients make informed decisions about their oral health.

If you’re in Hamilton, New Zealand, and suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive expert care tailored to your needs.

Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of a dry socket during the healing process after a tooth extraction – it’s an unwanted roadblock to recovery. But fear not, there’s a standout solution on the block: Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF).

Imagine a world where you can prevent dry sockets, reduce pain, and swelling, and slash the risk of infection – sounds like a dental implant Hamilton is a dental dream, right? We’ve been on a mission, diving into numerous clinical studies, and exploring over 10 different ideas in a whopping 2500 patients. Guess what? None of them hit the sweet spot until we stumbled upon the game-changer – PRF.

So, can we toss in an antibiotic, collagen, or bone wax into the extraction socket to work some magic? We tried, tested, and experimented, but it was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Until PRF stepped in and stole the show.

Picture this: PRF, a superhero in the world of healing. It’s not just any solution; it’s the gold standard, the breakthrough we’ve all been waiting for. But what sets it apart? It’s not a magic pill; it’s your body’s own superhero serum.

In the whirlwind of extracting teeth, we draw your blood, spin it in a centrifuge, and voila – PRF is born. It’s a yellow, gummy layer loaded with the good stuff – white blood cells, growth factors, fibrinogen (the clotting maestro), and more. This powerhouse is then delicately placed into the extraction socket.

At Optimum Oral Surgery Group, we’ve taken things up a notch. We’re not just stopping at standard care; we’re giving you the VIP treatment with PRF. Why? Because we’re all about ensuring you breeze through recovery – easy, quick, and painless.

PRF isn’t just a dental savior; it’s a multi-talented maestro in the medical world – think tendinitis, arthritis, plastic surgery – you name it. And guess what? It’s a superhero especially for those with diabetes or conditions that hit the brakes on healing due to reduced blood flow.

Curious? Excited? We’re here for it. PRF is more than a solution; it’s a dental revolution. Your pain, swelling, and the risk of dry socket – consider them vanquished. So, why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary? Opt for PRF at Optimum Oral Surgery Group – because your recovery deserves nothing less.

A CEREC crown, also known as a same-day crown, is a type of dental crown that is designed, fabricated, and placed in a single dental clinic appointment using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Traditional dental crowns typically require at least two visits to the dentist’s office, with a temporary crown being placed in the interim. However, with CEREC technology, the entire process can be completed in a single day.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Preparation: The dentist will start by preparing the tooth by removing any damaged or decayed material and shaping it to accommodate the crown.
2. Digital Impression: Instead of using traditional dental impressions (molds), a digital impression is taken of the prepared tooth using a 3D scanner.
3. CAD Design: The digital impression is used to create a 3D computer model of the crown. The dentist can customize the design, ensuring it fits properly and looks natural.
4. CAM Fabrication: Once the design is finalized, the CEREC machine uses CAM technology to mill the crown out of a block of dental material, typically ceramic or porcelain. This process can take about 15-20 minutes.
5. Placement: The newly milled crown is then immediately placed on the prepared tooth, and adjustments are made as needed to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment.

CEREC crowns offer several advantages, including the convenience of getting a crown in a single visit, the elimination of the need for a temporary crown, and the ability to precisely customize the crown’s appearance to match the surrounding teeth. These crowns are also known for their strength and durability.

However, not all dental practices have CEREC technology, and the availability of same-day crowns may vary depending on your location and the specific capabilities of your dentist’s office. Your dentist can discuss whether a CEREC crown is a suitable option for your particular dental needs.

Experience the ultimate in convenience and quality dental care at Victoria Dentist Hamilton! We are proud to offer our same-day crown service, ensuring that you can walk in with a dental concern and walk out with a beautifully restored smile—all in just one visit.

Ready to experience the convenience of same-day crowns at Victoria Dentist Hamilton? Give us a call at 07 8391660 to book your appointment and discover a new level of dental care excellence. Your healthy, beautiful smile awaits

Yes, it’s a good idea to see a dentist regularly for check-ups even if your tooth is not hurting. Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good oral health and preventing potential dental problems. Dentist at Victoria dentists, your local hamilton dentist can detect issues early on, such as cavities, gum disease, or signs of other dental issues that may not yet be causing pain or discomfort.

By visiting your dentist Hamilton on a regular basis, you can address any concerns before they become more serious and possibly painful. Preventive care and early intervention can help you avoid more extensive and costly dental treatments down the line. Your dentist can also provide guidance on proper oral hygiene and offer advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Typically, it’s recommended to see your dentist for a check-up and cleaning at least once every six months, but your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your individual oral health needs.