Frequently asked questions here at Expat Dental

At your consultation a tailored treatment plan will be created specifically for your needs with associated pricing. We also offer payments plans.

Botox is a prescription medicine which is injected into the facial muscles in order to relax them. This reduces lines and can improve the appearance of the skin's surface. The effects of Botox can also help reduce the symptoms of teeth clenching and grinding and can reduce sweating in the underarm region, amongst other indications. A dermal filler is an injectable, clear gel which is injected under the skin to assist with smoothing lines and can be used to replace lost volume. It can also be used to reshape parts of the face including lips, cheeks and chin.

Most major insurance carriers cover dental implants, however you should check your individual plan. We offer payment plans options to ensure you get the best treatment available to replace missing teeth, regardless of whether or not you have insurance coverage.

Expense is always relative. For example, dental implants will likely be a larger upfront financial investment, but since they a definitive restoration, the lifetime financial, time & energy spend should be significantly less than restoring the same tooth multiple times.

Once a dental implant has fused to the bone successfully and it is functional, it should last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have now been in place for more than 40 years.

The entire process usually takes about two to nine months, depending on your treatment plan. There are two main phases: First the implants have to heal by fusing to the bone, and then the tooth replacement restorations have to be fabricated and attached.

It’s generally important to avoid exposing any recent surgical site in the mouth to food if possible. A good rule of thumb is to eat soft, nutritious foods and keep well hydrated. Your dentist will recommend a diet and instructions on how to care for your new implants during healing.

It depends on the number and location of the implants, but simple, uncomplicated dental implant placement usually takes less than an hour.

Generally there are no open wounds with implant surgery so healing is quite quick and un-eventful. You can expect some minor discomfort, but that can generally be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or similar medication in prescription strength.

No, it is usually done under local anesthesia in your dentist’s office, in just the same way as a filling. Once the anesthesia takes effect, you shouldn’t feel anything.

Placing dental implants requires a surgical procedure in which precision channels are created in the jawbone, often using a surgical guide. The implants are then fitted into the sites so that they are in intimate contact with the bone. They generally require two to six months to fuse to the bone before they can have tooth restorations attached to them to complete the process.

After meeting with a dental implant dentist to develop your treatment plan, the placement of a dental implant usually involves several steps: 1. The dental implant, is placed surgically into the jawbone. 2. As you heal, your implant will osseointegrate, or fuse with, your natural jawbone.. This healing process can take weeks to months while you proceed with your everyday life in between appointments. 3. Once the implant bonds with the jawbone, a small connector called an abutment is placed on top of the dental implant to connect the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth. 4. An individual tooth, an implant-supported bridge or dentures containing multiple teeth are then attached to the abutment.

The surface of dental implants is quite sophisticated and designed to fuse to bone through a process called osseointegration (osseo bone; integration fusion or joining with). That’s because when teeth are lost, the bone that supported those teeth is lost too. Placing dental implants stabilizes bone, preventing its loss. Along with replacing lost teeth, implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape and density. This means they also support the facial skeleton and, indirectly, the soft tissue structures gum tissues, cheeks and lips. Dental implants help you eat, smile, talk and look completely natural. This functionality imparts social, psychological and physical well-being.

A dental implant is a replacement for the root(s) of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once surgically placed. They are used to support crowns, bridges or other fixed prostheses. They are made of titanium, which is lightweight, strong and accepted by the body. Titanium alloys are the most widely used metals in both dental and other bone implants, such as orthopedic joint replacements. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device.

Children's Dental care helps your child develop good oral habits from an early age. We recommended children begin visiting the dentist at the age of 2.

No. Some people will experience tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening, this is perfectly normal and will subside with time. Sore gums or throat and white patches on the gum line are somewhat common symptoms which are usually temporary and will likely disappear after your treatment is completed.

Yes. Regular dental visits are an essential part of taking care of your general health. The hygienist and dentist will determine what your treatment needs are. Regular cleanings will assist with early detection and prevention of gum related issues, including Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the initial phase of gum disease; the signs of gingivitis are red gums which bleed when brushed and flossed; it is reversible with good oral hygiene and treatment by your dental hygienist. Prevention has always been the motto of the dental community, and this is where it starts with gum disease.

A significant percentage of our orthodontic patients are actually adults! You are never to old to fix that crooked tooth that’s been bothering you, or improve a smile that makes you feel self-conscious. Perhaps the general dentist has expressed to you that your bite is causing some of your teeth to wear down prematurely. These reasons are more are why more adults than ever are deciding to go through orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear plastic trays to move your teeth. If the doctor decides at your consult that your case is suitable for Invisalign, a digital scan of your teeth will be taken and sent to the manufacturer. The doctor will then work with the technicians on your treatment prescription. Each tray is planned for a specific movement, and your teeth will move gradually over time as the trays are replaced.

We have traditional metal braces and wires, as well as more esthetic options such as clear braces and white wires. At your consult, the doctor will go over orthodontic issues, whether they be cosmetic or functional. A treatment plan and estimated time will be assessed, and we will go over your options for treatment.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should have their first evaluation no later than age 7. Even though at that age kids still have many baby teeth, certain permanent teeth should have come through already. An orthodontist can begin to detect problems such as crowding, or bite issues that can interfere with the child’s growth and development.

If by chance you do have to leave before treatment is complete, we provide all necessary transfer records as well as a standardized transfer form from the American Association of Orthodontists. We are happy to work with you and the new office on making sure the transfer goes smoothly and disruption to treatment is minimal.

Yes, at Expat Dental we are very familiar and comfortable with continuation of treatment that was started elsewhere. At your consult we will give you an estimated length of treatment remaining as well as a breakdown of payment options. Please contact your transferring office for all necessary records, or if you let us know we are happy to contact them for you before the scheduled consult time.

Most cases are done as a downpayment and then subsequent monthly payments. We accept major credit cards, NETS, direct bank transfers, and cash.

Your treatment fees will depend on what treatment is necessary for you and what treatment alternatives are available. Our doctors will assess that at your consult and a full explanation of the treatment fees as well as our payment options will be given to you at the consult.

The maxillary sinuses are air filled cavities superior to the upper molar and premolar teeth. If these teeth need replacement with dental implants, sometimes there is inadequate bone to place the implant due to the sinus. The sinus lift procedure is performed to pack bone between the sinus floor and existing bone. After several months of healing, an implant can then be placed.

Nicotine causes constriction of the blood vessels in the gums and jaw bones. This decreases healing capacity and may lead to failure of the implant.

If it has been present for two weeks or longer.

Radiographically when the roots have completed 1/2 to 2/3rds of their growth. They are easier to remove at this stage.

Recent research shows that American football players who wore the thinner over the counter sports mouth guards had twice as many concussions as their counterparts wearing the thicker professionally made guards.

First, try your best to calm down. Find the tooth, and any pieces of it. If you have saline, place it in saline. If your child is old enough to understand, have them put it in their check to keep it in it’s most natural environment. Last resort, put it in some milk. Do not wash the tooth or scrub it at all; you could damage the fibers on the root of the tooth. Call our After Hours phone number 9833 8706.

We carry all of the local schools colors. We will try our best to make it customized for you!

Research shows that professionally made and fitted sports mouth guards are much more effective in preventing sports injuries.

A protective mouth guard, does just that, it help to protect you from damage to your teeth, lips, jaws, and jaw joints should you receive a strong blow to your face. Research also shows it can help to minimized possible concussion trauma.

Yes. There can be other reasons to have bad breath, but if you have gum disease, you will have bad breath.

Each patient’s needs are different. The hygienist and dentist will determine what your treatment needs are. In a well-maintained, healthy mouth, 6-month infection control cleanings are standard. Some patients will require a shortened interval.

Almost all aspects of gum disease can be treated in the general dental office, by well-trained staff and dentists. However, if a patient has a more advanced case of gum disease, the dentist will make the decision to refer to a Periodontist.

A deep cleaning is referring to more advanced forms of cleaning when the dental hygienist needs to clean bacteria, tarter and other debride that has built up under the gumline.

No. Our skilled staff will always make sure to treat you with skill and compassion to work towards helping you achieve good oral health.

Crown placement helps to strengthen the entire tooth as it covers all the functional surfaces. As a result, any forces exerted on the tooth are distributed evenly throughout the crown. The junction between the crown and the tooth surface is safely hidden at the gum margin where very few forces are being experienced. In comparison, a filling margin which is often on the eating surface of the tooth experiences heavy vertical forces during function which can damage the filling, tooth or both. Your dentist will be able to assess your tooth and determine whether a filling or a crown is best indicated. The more extensive the damage on the tooth, the more likely a crown will be required. Crowns are placed where there has been extensive decay, physical trauma to the tooth, crack lines, fractures or after a root canal has been done.

Yes. As soon as your dental visit is over, the filling is ready to be used as normal, however care needs to be taken with any remaining numbness. Be careful not to bite your lips or cheeks and always make sure that any food or beverages are not too warm.

Yes. However the restorations will need to be reviewed after completion of whitening. It is not possible to lighten fillings or crowns with standard dental whitening procedures. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what the likely requirements will be.

Yes. Having a filling placed does not make a tooth immune to decay. The initial decay present would have been removed entirely in order to place a successful filling, however recurrent decay can occur without proper care. The junction between the filling and the tooth is the most vulnerable area and it is essential that you maintain high levels of oral hygiene care around fillings and natural teeth alike.

There are several material options available. The most commonly used being composite resin which is a tooth colored restorative material that bonds to the tooth structure by engaging micro-irregularities. Other tooth colored materials include the glass ionomer family. Your dentist will be able to advise you on which material works best for you.

It is essential to use a soft bristle toothbrush. Hard toothbrushes can do extensive damage to the tooth and gum surface. Together with flossing, a gentle circular brushing motion along the gum line and on the tooth surface is all that is required to remove plaque.

As for adults, all children should visit the dentist every six months. This will allow the child to become accustomed to a regular dental routine where they can be educated about taking responsibility for their dental health and the dental professional can monitor any changes or concerns.

No. Mouth rinse is a great adjunctive treatment for some higher risk patients but it does not clean between our teeth in the same way as what floss does. Bacteria within plaque are protected and highly resistant to any removal agents. Flossing allows us to disrupt the plaque film, exposing the bacteria and allowing easy removal.

No different to brushing, flossing is required twice a day to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Plaque accumulation between our teeth can not be removed in any other wary. Gently slipping the floss between our teeth and stroking all the way down the tooth to just below the gum level allows us to loosen the plaque film which can then further be disrupted while we brush. Make sure to floss behind your furthest back tooth as this area is often missed.

When used properly great results can be achieved with both an electric and a manual toothbrush. However cleaning well with an electric toothbrush is easier and can help prevent harsh brushing that may damage teeth and gums. Electric toothbrushes are also a great aid when trying to encourage children to brush their teeth well.

X-rays allows your dentist to see areas between teeth or within the jaw bone which otherwise can not be assessed. There are key stages where X-rays are indicated to monitor dental development and assess the need for intervention both orthodontically or restoratively. Failure to assess these areas may lead to irreparable damage.

Your Dentist may recommend sealants at any point of your child’s dental development. Sealants are a non-invasive method to protect teeth which may be prone to cavity formation. This can be due to poor enamel quality or deep grooves on teeth. Several material options are available and your Dentist will select the correct option for the particular scenario.

Yes. Like adult teeth, baby teeth can often be positioned close to one another causing plaque accumulation in between which can lead to cavities. It is also beneficial to introduce flossing habits early on and encourage it to become a habit.

At two years of age many baby teeth are already present. Your Dentist will gently try to have a look at all of these teeth and make sure there is no early reason for concern. It will also be an opportunity to answer any question you as a parent may have regarding dietary and oral hygiene habits. Your Dentist will also take some time to introduce your toddler to a few of the components of the dental chair.

ExpatDental does not bill direct to insurance companies. We are more than happy to assist you with filling in the appropriate forms. Please mention if you need assistance with forms when you make your booking and email the appropriate forms at least ONE day before your appointment.