Frequently Asked Questions Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield. What is the difference between plaque and tooth decay? Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When it feeds on sugars it produces acids that dissolve enamel — that acid damage is tooth decay (cavities). Plaque is the cause; decay is the result of leaving it untreated. What causes tooth decay? Decay develops when plaque bacteria, frequent sugary or starchy foods, and time combine to erode enamel. Poor brushing and flossing, low saliva flow (dry mouth), and skipping regular check-ups all increase the risk. What are the early signs of a cavity? Early decay may show as white […]

Frequently Asked Questions Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield. Why should I replace a missing tooth? Beyond appearance, a gap lets neighbouring teeth drift and the opposing tooth over-erupt, which affects your bite and cleaning. The jawbone under a gap also shrinks over time. Replacing the tooth protects your remaining teeth, chewing, and facial support. What are my options for replacing missing teeth? The main options are dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Each suits different needs and budgets. During a consultation at Knoxfield Dental Care we assess your gum health, bone, and goals to recommend the most suitable choice. What is a dental implant? An implant is a small titanium post placed […]

Watch: Wisdom Teeth Removal Frequently Asked Questions Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield. What are impacted wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt, usually in the late teens or early twenties. When there isn’t enough room, they can become impacted — stuck partially or fully beneath the gum or angled against the neighbouring tooth. What problems can impacted wisdom teeth cause? They can cause pain, swelling, repeated gum infections, decay in the wisdom tooth or the tooth in front, crowding pressure, and occasionally cysts. Some impacted teeth cause no symptoms but still need monitoring with X-rays. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed? No. If they are healthy, […]

Frequently Asked Questions Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield. What causes crooked or misaligned teeth? Crowding, spacing, and bite problems can be inherited or caused by early loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, or a mismatch between tooth and jaw size. In some people teeth also shift gradually with age. Why should I straighten crooked teeth? Beyond a more confident smile, well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, so you get less plaque, decay, and gum disease. Correcting the bite can also reduce uneven wear, jaw strain, and chipping. What are my options for straightening teeth? Common options include traditional braces and clear aligners. The best choice depends on the complexity of […]

Watch: Restore a Broken Tooth Frequently Asked Questions Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield. What causes a cracked or chipped tooth? Common causes include biting hard foods or objects, accidents and sports injuries, teeth grinding, large old fillings that weaken the tooth, and sudden temperature changes. Even a small chip can grow if left untreated. Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? It can be. Severe pain, a large break, bleeding, or a tooth knocked loose should be treated urgently — call Knoxfield Dental Care on (03) 9763 3339. A minor chip with no pain is less urgent but should still be examined soon. What should I do immediately after chipping a […]