Smile@Norwest

What should I do when I have toothache?

What do I do if I have an accident and knock out a tooth?

My gums bleed when I brush, is this healthy?

People complain about my bad breath or stand back during conversations. I brush my teeth regularly and use mouthwash but it doesn't seem to work. Can you help?

I really don't want to lose my teeth and end up with dentures, is this possible?

After I have had any surgical or extraction treatment at the practice, how should I care for my teeth?

Will I feel any pain or discomfort after surgery or extraction?

whitening FAQs

What is teeth whitening, how is it done?

How long before I see results?

How long will my treatment last?

Is teeth whitening safe?

Does it work on restorations?

What is the best care for my new whiter teeth?

What should I do when I have toothache?

If you are suffering from a tooth ache you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible and ensure your teeth are clean and floss between your teeth to remove any debris. A cold compress can be used on the outside of the cheek if any swelling is present.

What do I do if I have an accident and knock out a tooth?

Make sure you only handle the crown (the part above the gum) and not the root, gently rinse in milk or hold in your mouth next to your cheek or try to replace it into the socket. Every minute the tooth is out of your mouth, means there is less chance that it will live – try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

My gums bleed when I brush, is this healthy?

No, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. You should make an appointment to visit us so that we can assess your situation.

People complain about my bad breath or stand back during conversations. I brush my teeth regularly and use mouthwash but it doesn't seem to work. Can you help?

The majority of bad breath is from bacteria found in plaque and tartar attached to your teeth or from tooth decay, the problem may also be systemic. Contact us to have your teeth and gums assessed so we can find the cause and treat it.

I really don't want to lose my teeth and end up with dentures, is this possible?

Yes it is; modern dentistry and hygiene treatment is to help you keep your teeth for as long as possible.

After I have had any surgical or extraction treatment at the practice, how should I care for my teeth?

Bleeding: Slight bleeding or oozing of blood can be expected for up to 24 hours. Bite on the gauze or cotton sponges that we give you with consistent pressure for 45 minutes to 2 hours until the bleeding stops. Continue to use if bleeding does not stop. Change gauze after 30-45 minutes if needed. Slight damp gauze or a wet tea bag may work better to stop the bleeding.

Food and Drinks: Drink plenty of water for the first 24 hours. Do not drink through a straw. Do not drink alcohol. Do not drink carbonated drinks. Do not drink hot liquids. Eat a soft diet for the first 24 hours.

Smoking: We recommend that you do not smoke for 24-hours.

Swelling: Swelling and bruising may occur. Place ice on outside of face in affected area for 15-20 minutes, then take ice off for 15-20 minutes. Alternate on and off for up to 48 hours.

Brushing: Brush and floss gently in the area of extraction.

Will I feel any pain or discomfort after surgery or extraction?

Any time a treatment requires numbing, there is a chance that you may have some pain or discomfort. This will reduce over time however please call us should you feel that the discomfort is extreme.

Specific Procedures
Fillings - Do not bite hard on your fillings for the first 24 hours. Gums near the new fillings may be sore at first. Deeper cavities will be more sensitive and if pain persists, a root canal may be needed so please call us if the pain persists.

Crowns - After the first appointment, a temporary will be on the tooth. It may not feel or look like a real crown. Avoid sticky foods and pull floss through, not up, when flossing around the temporary crown. If it comes off, place a dab of Vaseline in temporary crown, put it back on the tooth, and please call us.

Root Canals - If you have pain when you put your teeth together and bite with no food in your mouth, call us to make adjustments. If you have any pain or swelling for more than a few days, please call us.

What is teeth whitening, how is it done?

There are two professional ways to achieve an alluring white smile. In-chair whitening takes a little over one hour in our practice suites and is a treatment that can lighten your teeth by up to ten shades in a single appointment. The at home whitening system can also lighten your smile to the same degree as the in-chair system but over a period of approximately one week.

During the in-chair procedure, the formulated gel is applied to your teeth and activated by a specially developed light. The gel may be need to be re-applied two or three times during your appointment.

Your at home whitening kit contains the same whitening gel that is used for the in-chair treatment. It is placed in custom-made trays, which look similar to a sport mouthguard only much finer, they designed so they fit snugly over your teeth to allow maximum contact with your tooth enamel while protecting your gums. They are then worn for a specified time, usually overnight.

Many of our patients prefer the at home system as they can lighten their smile in the comfort and privacy of their own home, at times to suit their schedule. In-chair whitening will often require a follow-up at home whitening treatment.

How long before I see results?

One of the main reasons in-chair whitening is popular with some people is its instant results of up to eight shades in a single treatment. This is ideal for people who have limited time or an important upcoming event such as a wedding.

For at home treatments, your desired results may take 7 – 10 days to achieve, although a noticeable change can often be seen after only 3 – 4 applications. Our team can advise you on the correct way of using your at home system to achieve maximum results.

How long will my treatment last?

The longevity of your whitening treatment will largely depend on your oral care routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and scheduling regular cleaning appointments with our hygienist, in addition to limiting or eliminating snacking between meals and a lower consumption of tooth staining products such as coffee, tea, strongly dyed food and smoking will significantly increase your treatment lifespan.

However, for most of our patients, their results can last for over two years before they need to refresh their treatment. Although many people choose to touch up their smile using their whitening trays and gel every six months to maintain the shade achieved when they first completed their treatment.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Extensive research has been conducted on whitening products to ensure they are completely safe for your teeth and surrounding gum tissue with the only notable side effect being some sensitivity to hot and cold. This will usually subside several hours after completing your treatment. A very small percentage of patients may experience a dull ache; this can be treated with an over the counter pain relief medication.

At smile@norwest, we have carefully selected the whitening treatment products we choose to provide to ensure you receive the safest and most rigorously tested available.

If your sensitivity continues, you should stop treatment for several days. Often use of a desensitising toothpaste can relieve the problem. If you have any further concerns, consult with one of our dental team members before recommencing treatment.

Does it work on restorations?

Teeth whitening treatments are only able to lighten natural tooth enamel. As crowns, bridges, veneers and other restorations are made from porcelain or amalgam in the case of some fillings, they cannot be changed by the whitening gel. Once you have achieved your desired shade, you may need to replace any existing porcelain restorations so they match your new shade.

If you are going to have porcelain restorations placed, it is advised this is completed prior to your whitening treatment so they can be matched to your new intended shade. Our team can offer you advice on the best treatment options.

What is the best care for my new whiter teeth?

Not just to ensure your new smile keeps looking good for years, a regular routine of brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day together with cleaning appointments every six months with our dental hygienist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums

It is important to note that results for teeth whitening will be different for every person as there are many variables. Smoking, excessive tea, coffee, red wine and other discolouring foods and drinks during and after your treatment may discolour your teeth in a shorter period than otherwise indicated on our website.

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