Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): General Dentistry

How can we help you?

At Pure Dental Toowoomba, Dr Nicola and our team understand you may have questions about your dental care. We've compiled this helpful guide to address the queries we hear most frequently from our patients.

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our friendly Toowoomba team is always happy to help with any additional questions you might have. Simply give us a call or ask during your next visit—we're here to support your dental health journey.

General Dentistry

A general dentist, like our Dr Nicola, is your primary dental care provider. Think of them as the GP of dentistry—they're your first point of contact for all things dental and oral health-related.

General dentists are qualified to provide a comprehensive range of dental services. At Pure Dental Toowoomba, Dr Nicola performs everything from routine check-ups and teeth cleans to more complex procedures. These include filling cavities, performing root canals, fitting crowns and bridges, treating gum disease and addressing various oral health concerns.

Our general dental services encompass:

  • Preventive care and regular check-ups
  • Professional teeth cleans
  • Restorations
  • Treatment for gum disease
  • Crown and bridge work
  • Dentures
  • Emergency dental care
  • Teeth whitening
  • Oral health education and advice

Achieve and Maintain a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

What sets general dentists apart is their broad expertise and focus on preventive care. Dr Nicola is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy smiles and catching potential issues before they become serious problems. She'll work with you to develop a personalised oral health plan and provide guidance on proper dental hygiene practices. 

While some dental concerns may require referral to a specialist, your general dentist coordinates your oral healthcare and comprehensively understands your dental history and needs. Regular visits to your Toowoomba general dentist are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and a confident smile.

Yes! Dental x-rays are generally considered safe due to low exposure of radiation for a short period of time. Radiation dosage of a typical dental x-ray machine is 0.005 to 0.01 mSv, which is comparable to 2-3 hours in an airplane. Risks of adverse reactions to radiation increase with increased exposure, which is why you will find dental staff leave the room when being taken. If you are concerned about radiation exposure, safety precautions can be taken with a lead apron & thyroid collar to protect sensitive areas.

Unfortunately, we cannot see in between your teeth & under your gums. We do not want to miss any decay.

Composite restorations (white filling material) last anywhere between 5-10 years, however what you do at home significantly impacts the lifespan of a filling. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and attending Pure Dental Toowoomba every 6 months can increase the longevity of your composite restoration.

There are several reasons why your teeth are sensitive, however the most common is lack of plain water. Water neutralizes acids inside the mouth which can create erosion from other foods and drinks which causes generalized sensitivity to cold water or icy foods & drinks.

Unless prescribed by a dentist, generally you do not need to use mouth wash. At Pure Dental Toowoomba, we may recommend a mouth wash as either an anti-bacterial agent or high fluoride to remineralise your teeth. If you do like to use a normal mouth wash as a part of your routine, we recommend using before brushing to loosen plaque or throughout the day & ensure the mouth wash is alcohol free to help prevent a dry mouth.

At Pure Dental Toowoomba, we believe in prevention based dentistry – this means detecting small problems before they turn into big ones. At your active maintenance appointment, not only are we looking for any new cavities, we are also screening for:

  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Erosion

 

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