Trusted Independent Brisbane Dentists in Chermside

Your First Appointment With Us – Part Two

There are nine parts to your first appointment with us…

How we help children feel in control at Today's Dentistry

In this blog entry Dr Darryl Marsh writes...I am often asked by new patients to the practice: “What will happen at my first appointment?”

In the first part of this dental blog article we looked at how our first priority is to relieve pain then we looked at the first three things we would cover. We continue this blog entry here in part two looking at the remaining six elements that will make up your first dental appointment with us.

4. An assessment of the bone and gum supporting the teeth.

73% of Australians will develop infections in the gum and bone at some time. This infection is known as pyorreah or periodontal disease and is the leading cause of tooth loss in Australia.

The reason this infection is so destructive is that the infection is usually not visible or painful until so much gum and bone is destroyed it is too late to save the tooth. If caught early on, success rates for treatment are close to 90%.

You cannot detect infection in the gums by looking at them. The best way to detect infection is by using a measuring stick called a periodontal probe to measure how far below the gum the tooth attaches to it. Ideally, this should be 1 – 2 mm. If this measurement is 5mm or more then bone is being destroyed, and this is bone that will not grow back.

far below the gum the tooth attaches to it. Ideally, this should be 1 – 2 mm. If this measurement is 5mm or more then bone is being destroyed, and this is bone that will not grow back.

5. Assessment of decay in the teeth.

Tooth decay is still a big problem for many people. The trouble with cavities in teeth is that often they start in the deep grooves of the back teeth or between the teeth where they are difficult to detect. This means by the time the teeth cause pain the cavity is often very close to the nerve and the tooth can abscess.

6. Assessment of deterioration of previous dental work.

Old amalgam (silver) fillings deteriorate over time and begin to corrode and turn black. When these fillings do not fit the teeth as they once did and bacteria can ‘leak’ in around the edges of the fillings to cause decay.

Tooth coloured fillings have staining at the edges when they begin to ‘leak’. In both situations the problems only get worse with time so it is important to check this.

7. Checking the roots of the teeth to detect signs of abscess or cyst formation.

When detected early enough, the pain and swelling of tooth abscesses can be avoided and the success rates for saving the tooth are increased. If left, these abscesses and cysts, even though they are not yet painful, are silently eating away at the jawbone that holds the teeth in.

8. An assessment of the saliva and bacteria in the mouth

Some people continue to have tooth decay no matter how well they brush! Saliva and bacteria in the mouth are critical factors in the development of decay.

A simple and painless 10 minute test will give all the information needed to accurately detect any problems. Your dentist can then work out a personalised programme to counteract any inadequacies in the way your saliva protects your teeth.

9. A cosmetic smile analysis.

Many people today realise that their smile is an important part of how others perceive them. If you have any concerns about your smile – the colour of your teeth, or their shape and alignment – discuss this with your dentist.

They can help you learn how you can have a smile to be proud of including modern, cosmetic dentistry techniques that might make a difference, such as tooth whitening, bonding, ceramic veneers and adult orthodontics. This means that today, almost everyone can have a healthy attractive smile regardless of the current condition of their teeth.

Keep Smiling!

Darryl Marsh

Recent Blog Posts

Gum Receding Brisbane

Understanding the Risks of Gum Receding

"I've noticed that one tooth is growing longer than the rest. Sometimes it looks less red and doesn't bleed, but […]
View Post
Bad Breath Causes

Exhale with Confidence: A Deep Dive into What Causes Bad Breath?

“Despite my efforts to maintain good oral health, I've developed a bitter taste in my mouth. Any ideas on what […]
View Post

There Is No Need To Fear

Fearing or not visiting the dentist is common. But there is a solution…
View Post
1 2 3 23

What Our Patients Are Saying

"When you’re prepared to drive more than 2000km to visit the dentist

it says everything you need to know about the service from the incredible team at Today’s Dentistry!"
Ross McHutcheon

"After 30 years of being terrified and avoiding dentists I have finally found "the one".

I could not recommend this place more. From the staff to the facilities, I have absolutely nothing to fault. My phobia is
gone and I will go nowhere else."
Lauren West

"The interior of the dentist feels more like a 5 star hotel spa and provides a very comfortable,

almost luxurious experience.
I highly recommend this dentist, especially if you suffer with anxiety or a fear of dentistry."

Adele Rooney

Get A Custom Dental Roadmap

Dental roadmap in Brisbane

Your first visit at Today’s Dentistry is all about creating a Dental Roadmap so you know exactly what condition your teeth and gums are in, and what your options are for treatment.

Your first appointment includes:

An Intraoral Scan displayed on our chair-side TV so you see what we’re seeing.
A review of your Dental Roadmap, including interest-free payment plan options.
Diagnostic X-Rays to spot any hidden issues.

Our Ratings

todays dentistry google reviews

4.9 (159 reviews)

todays dentistry facebook reviews

4.9 (145 reviews)

todays dentistry true local reviews

4.9 (40 reviews)

Today's Dentistry Location Best in Chermside, Brisbane

Today's Dentistry
Is Located At

91 Kittyhawk Drive, Chermside

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu 8.30am - 8pm

Fri 8.30am - 2pm

Phone