Monday - Friday 09:00-18:00
Saturday 09:00-14:00
Sunday - CLOSED
Public Holiday - CLOSED
20 Bridge St
Lidcombe 2141
General Dentistry
General dentistry involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental issues. It includes a wide range of services designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy and functioning properly.
Preventive care is a crucial aspect of general dentistry. This includes regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays to identify potential issues before they become more serious. During a routine check-up, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. We may also recommend additional preventive measures, such as fluoride treatments or dental sealants.
If a problem is identified, general dentistry also includes restorative procedures to repair damaged teeth. Common restorative treatments include fillings, inlays and onlays, and crowns. These procedures can help to preserve your natural teeth and prevent the need for more extensive treatments down the road.
General dentistry also includes cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. This can include teeth whitening, veneers, and dental bonding. These procedures can help to improve the look of your teeth and boost your confidence in your smile.
Overall, general dentistry is focused on maintaining your oral health and preventing issues before they become more serious. By seeing your dentist regularly and following our recommendations for oral hygiene and care, you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. For optimal dental health, our dentists recommend regular dental check-ups every 6 to 12 months.
Children’s Dentistry
Children's dentistry, also known as paediatric dentistry, is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
Some key aspects of children’s dentistry include:
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Preventive care: Just like with adult dentistry, preventive care is a crucial component of children's dentistry. We emphasise the importance of regular check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays to help prevent cavities and other oral health problems.
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Education: Dental health concepts can be taught to children in a way that they can understand. Our dentists may use models, pictures, and other tools to help teach children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and taking care of their teeth.
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Early intervention: Our dentists try their best to identify and address dental issues in children as early as possible. This can include treating cavities, correcting bite problems, and monitoring the growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
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Special needs: Some children may have special needs, such as those with developmental delays, physical disabilities, or medical conditions that affect their oral health. Our dentists liaise with other specialist teams to provide the optimum care they need as soon as their dental needs are identified.
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Fun and comfortable environment: Our team of dentists and auxiliary staff are very friendly and well trained to provide the most comfortable, and enjoyable dental experience to young children who may be nervous about visiting dentists. Our team understands the importance of creating a positive relationship with our young patients from their very first visit to set the foundation for a lifetime of good dental habits.
At Lidcombe Family Dental we provide the following preventative services:
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Cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
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Mouth guards for protection during sports
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Fissure Sealants – which are coatings applied to the back teeth to provide a barrier against decay
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Our dentist will also demonstrate correct brushing and flossing techniques
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Identifying any risk and signs for tooth decay
Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)
The government-funded dental program for eligible children* covers up to $1000 of dental treatment over two calendar years. The range of covered services include:
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Examinations
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Cleaning
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X-rays
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Fillings
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Fissure Sealants
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Extractions
*Children aged between 2-17 years and their family must receive Family Tax Benefit Part A or relevant Australian Government payment.
For more information or to check your eligibility, please visit - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a type of gum disease that affects the tissues that support your teeth, including the gums, bones, and ligaments.
Periodontitis is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth and gums, which can lead to inflammation and infection in the surrounding tissues. As the disease progresses, the gums may pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and causing further damage to the tissues and bones that support your teeth.
Symptoms of periodontitis can include swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew.
If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. However, with proper treatment and good oral hygiene practices, periodontitis can be managed and its progression can be slowed or stopped.
Treatment for periodontitis may include deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing, medication to control infection and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery to repair or replace damaged tissues.
It's important to practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and getting regular dental checkups, to prevent and manage periodontitis.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed inside.
The tooth's root canal system contains soft tissue called pulp, which includes nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or other factors, bacteria can infect and inflame the pulp. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling around the affected tooth.
During root canal therapy, a dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp from the tooth's root canal system, cleans and shapes the root canals, and then fills and seals them with a material called gutta-percha. This helps to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth and causing further infection or inflammation.
After the root canal procedure is completed, the dentist may place a temporary filling or crown on the tooth to protect it until a permanent restoration can be placed. This may involve placing a dental crown or other type of restoration to restore the tooth's function and appearance.
Root canal therapy is a common and effective treatment for saving a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime.
Orthodontic treatments
Orthodontic treatment is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaws, with the goal of improving both the appearance and function of the teeth and bite.
Orthodontic treatment typically involves the use of braces or clear aligners, which apply gentle pressure to move the teeth into the desired position over time. The treatment may also involve the use of other devices, such as retainers, expanders, or headgear, to correct specific issues.
Braces are the most common type of orthodontic appliance used in conventional treatment. They consist of brackets, bands, and wires that are bonded to the teeth and adjusted periodically to gradually move the teeth into their desired positions. Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or clear materials, and are effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and misaligned bites.
In recent years, clear aligners like Invisalign® have become a popular alternative to braces for orthodontic treatment. Aligners are clear plastic trays that are custom-made to fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into alignment. They are removable, so patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. Aligners are often used to treat mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowding or spacing issues.
Orthodontic treatment can typically take several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's age and cooperation. During treatment, patients need to see our dentist regularly for adjustments and checkups to ensure that the teeth are moving as planned and to monitor overall progress.
Many orthodontic problems are apparent by 7-9 years of age, which is the best time to receive orthodontic assessment. However, orthodontic treatment is not restricted to children and teenagers, it can also be successful for adults.
At the end of treatment, appliances may be replaced with retainers. They are removable and are fitted to hold and support the teeth in their new improved position.
Here are some of the most common orthodontic issues that may be treated with braces or other devices:
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Crooked or crowded teeth: When there isn't enough space in the jaw for all of the teeth to come in properly, they can become crowded or crooked. Orthodontic treatment can help to realign the teeth and create a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile.
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Bite problems: Bite problems occur when the upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly. This can lead to issues such as overbite (where the upper teeth protrude too far over the lower teeth) or underbite (where the lower teeth protrude too far in front of the upper teeth). Orthodontic treatment can help to correct these issues and create a more functional and comfortable bite.
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Jaw alignment issues: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct issues with the alignment of the jaw. This may involve the use of expanders, headgear, or other devices to encourage proper growth and development of the jaw.
What is the Invisalign® system and how does it work?
Invisalign® is a virtually invisible treatment that utilises an innovative approach to gently yet effectively straighten teeth. Through a series of custom-made removable aligners, the Invisalign® system gradually and predictably moves teeth to their desired position.
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Initially, our Invisalign®-trained dentists will take photos, X-rays and dental impressions to help create your treatment plan.
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Invisalign® technicians will then use these records, along with the treatment prescribed by our dentists to create a customised 3D treatment plan for you. With the simulation, you’ll be able to see the final position your teeth are predicted to reach after treatment. This treatment plan is then used to develop your invisible aligners and also estimate the likely length of your treatment.
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The customised aligners will be manufactured by Invisalign® and then issued by our dentists. These will be given to you for you to wear everyday and need to be changed approximately every 2 weeks.
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You’ll be visiting our dentists to monitor the progress of your treatment and received the next series of aligners.
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After you’ve finished your treatment, you may need to use retainers to help maintain the new position of your teeth.
Orthodontic treatment is a proven and effective way to improve the appearance and function of the teeth and jaws, creating a more beautiful and functional smile, whilst improving oral health and preventing issues such as tooth decay, gum disease and jaw pain/TMJ disorders. Be sure to talk to one of our dentists for more details and options.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a prosthetic device that is used to replace missing teeth. It consists of a small titanium post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it serves as an anchor for a replacement tooth or dental bridge.
You may choose dental implants if:
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You hide your smile because of missing teeth.
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You are not happy with the appearance of existing prosthesis e.g. denture or bridge.
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You do not have or do not want other teeth to anchor a bridge restoration.
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You are experiencing decreased chewing efficiency/capability.
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You do not want bone loss and gum recession.
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You want to prevent shifting and over eruption of neighbouring teeth.
People may choose implants to replace a single tooth, more than one tooth, or to support a full set of dentures.
Dental implants are made of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal). Our dentists are experts at placing dental implants, making them a very common and popular option for our patients.
Benefits of dental Implants
Implants offer firm support to natural teeth and have many benefits, including these:
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Implants won’t slip or shift in your mouth. This is very important for optimal functioning.
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Implants feel more natural than removable partial or conventional complete dentures because of their secure fit.
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Implants help to preserve the bone after teeth are lost or removed.
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Implants are a good value. They may seem like a more expensive option at first, but they can last a lifetime if you take good care of them.
Digital Dental Implant
While digital and traditional implants offer the same benefits, digital implants are flapless, which means they do not require opening the flaps of the gum. This is a keyhole method where small holes are drilled through the gum and into the bone using customised surgical guides. These guides have metal stoppers that precisely match the surgical drills ensuring depth control and correct angulation of the implant placement. Flapless implant surgery is only suitable for patients with sufficient bone and adequate bone quality. The use of patient’s CT images to digitally plan and simulate surgery means:
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Shorter surgery time in-chair
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Minimally invasive procedure and faster healing
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Greater accuracy in avoiding possibility of nerve injury
Our dentists will carefully plan the entire surgery from the diameter and length of implant, angulation and type of final restoration customised to patients individual case.
Common procedures of a dental implant includes:
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Consultation: Before getting a dental implant, you will typically have a consultation with a dentist to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. This may involve taking X-rays or other imaging to assess the health of your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
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Implant placement: If you are a good candidate for the procedure, the dental implant will be surgically placed into the jawbone. This is typically done under local anesthesia.
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Healing and integration: After the implant is placed, it will need to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. This process typically takes up to several months, during which time a temporary restoration may be placed over the implant to help protect it.
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Abutment placement: Once the implant has fully integrated with the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment will be placed on top of the implant. This will serve as a base for the replacement tooth or dental bridge.
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Restoration placement: Finally, the replacement tooth or dental bridge will be attached to the abutment. This restoration will be custom-designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, for a seamless and natural-looking result.
Dental implants are a safe and effective way to replace missing teeth, with a success rate of up to 98%. They offer a number of benefits over other tooth replacement options, such as improved stability and functionality, and they can help to prevent bone loss and other oral health problems associated with missing teeth. If you have any questions or concerns about dental implants, please contact our clinic to talk to one of our friendly dentists.
Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance that is used to replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and function of the mouth.
You may need a denture is you have lost your natural teeth due to injury, decay or other damages. Loss of teeth can cause loss of self-confidence or self-consciousness when eating, talking or smiling.
Partial Denture – fabricated to replace some missing teeth
Complete Denture – fabricated to replace all teeth in the jaw (edentulous cases)
If you are having your teeth removed, you may choose to have an immediate denture made on the same day. At Lidcombe Family Dental, we offer same-day dentures so that you can have false teeth after extraction. This option may require frequent adjustments as your gums heal after extraction.
How to care for dentures
Daily maintenance is vital for the longevity of your denture and your overall oral health.
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Clean dentures in the morning and at night, by using a soft toothbrush or denture brush
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Don’t forget to brush your remaining natural teeth, gums and tongue as usual
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Keep clean denture in a cup of fresh cold water or denture cleaning solution overnight. Do not wear them to sleep, your gum needs to rest.
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Do not soak in hot water and do not attempt to adjust them yourself
After receiving your dentures, you may feel unusual and may need time to adjust to your new teeth. You’ll be able to start by eating soft foods, then gradually introduce hard foods again. Book an appointment with one of our skilled dentists today to see if you’re a good candidate.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure that involves removing the third molars (also known as wisdom teeth) from the back of the mouth. If the jaw does not have enough space for the wisdom tooth to erupt, the tooth will become wedged in or impacted. Some impacted wisdom teeth will not cause any problems, however, others may become problematic. It is recommended that the removal of troublesome wisdom teeth should be performed as soon as possible to prevent the conditions from getting worse.
Problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth can include:
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Pericoronitis; infection in the gum covering the wisdom tooth, causing pain and swelling
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Crowding (When a wisdom tooth push nearby teeth out of their correct position)
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Cyst (A sac of fluid formed around the tooth that can destroy bone and damage teeth)
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Food Trapping due to difficulty in maintaining optimal oral hygiene
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Resorption Cavity (the wisdom tooth may keep pushing against the molar next to it and cause serious damage to both teeth)
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Halitosis (bad breath)
Wisdom teeth extraction is a safe and common dental procedure that can help prevent such oral health problems and alleviate discomfort. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extraction, be sure to talk to our dentists for more information.