Services

At Kinderdental, we aren’t just looking for decay.

A comprehensive oral examination assesses not only your child’s teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, hard and soft palate, tonsils and facial tissues but also the growth and development of their face and jaws.

The importance of oral health is increasingly being acknowledged to affect other bodily systems in both adults and children.  Most children are happy and healthy.  They follow normal growth patterns and do not require any active treatment or intervention.  However, many systemic conditions including genetic, gastro-intestinal, cardiac, behavioural and developmental issues have oral or facial components and we may be able to help in any possible diagnosis and management.

X-rays (radiographs) may be necessary to be able to fully assess the health of teeth.

At Kinderdental, all recommendations for radiographs are made following an individual assessment of each and every child.  They are never taken “just to have a look”, or as a routine.  The reason for radiographs will be carefully explained to you.

When required, exposure to ionising radiation is minimised.  At Kinderdental the latest digital equipment is used to allow us to maximise the amount of information gained from the minimum amount of x-rays possible.

Although largely a preventable disease, decay is the most common disease affecting children.  It is common for parents to notice the decay process has occurred when it is already too late and a “hole” in a tooth has formed.  We prefer to examine children before decay has had the chance to create a cavity, and for increased decay-risk children, implement a preventive program so that fillings will not be required in the future.

Preventive care needs to be individualised.  No two children have the same decay risk.  Individualised and practical recommendations that are tailored for your child will help to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, and to prevent new or recurring problems in the future.

When decay has progressed too far, a filling (restoration) may be required.  By removing the infected tissue and restoring the tooth back to its natural form we minimise the risk of adverse effects not only to the tooth, but in the case of a baby tooth, possible damaging effects to the adult teeth.

Fillings are recommended when non-invasive techniques are no longer effective.  At this time, the most minimally invasive procedure should be completed however is also dependent on future decay risk.

At Kinderdental, the most modern, up-to-date materials are used.  White fillings are most common, however in certain cases stainless steel crowns may be necessary.  Where required, the reasons for this will be carefully explained to you.

Extractions are most commonly needed because of dental decay, however they may be necessary due to other reasons such as trauma.

Unfortunately, sometimes decay has progressed beyond the point where we are able to save the tooth and it has to be removed.  This can occur sometimes even without a toothache.  Extractions are usually the last resort as removing primary (baby or deciduous) teeth can lead to problems later in life.  Fortunately, most complications can be managed relatively simply at the appropriate time.

The dental environment can be strange to many children with different sights, smells, taste, sounds and feelings.  All children react to changing environments in different ways.  Sometimes, a child may be trying the best they can, however may be anxious or nervous.

Nitrous oxide (happy gas) may be recommended to help some children overcome these feelings.  Nitrous oxide has a proven long-term safety record and in many situations can allow dental care to be delivered to children that may not otherwise be comfortable to accept treatment.  Most children find the sensation of nitrous oxide pleasant and treatment can be completed in a comfortable and pain-free way.

Where a child is unable to receive treatment in the dental chair, treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) may be recommended.  Many issues influence the decision to perform dental treatment in hospital under GA and careful consideration is needed on a case-by-case basis.  Treatment under GA may be necessary due to the cooperative ability of the child, extent and/or complexity of treatment needs or other reasons.

Approximately 1 in 3 children will experience an injury affecting the teeth.  This can be a very stressful time for both parent and child.

At Kinderdental, we are experts in managing dental injuries to both primary (baby) and adult teeth.  The management of dental injuries can be significantly different depending on whether the injury is to primary or adult teeth and it is critical that appropriate advice or treatment is sought.  In some situations, initial treatment can have life-long implications.

At Kinderdental, patients will be triaged according to the urgency of treatment need.  When required, time will be made available for your child such that medically-indicated care can be delivered in a timely fashion.  Rest assured, you would never be told we are too busy to help.  If you have any concerns, please contact us as soon as possible.

As specialist paediatric dental practice, we are often asked to provide second (or even third) opinions by parents, or provide expert advice to our general or specialist dental colleagues.  We provide expert independent advice regarding the best dental care for your child.