At Heyfield Family Dental Care, we provide safe, relaxed, effective and up-to-date dental treatments to help you and your family to achieve optimum oral health. As a general dentist, we take responsibility for the diagnosis, treatment, and overall coordination of treatment to meet your oral health needs.
We understand that not everyone may like visiting the dentist; however, it is vital that children get used to coming in to see the dentist while they are young to help them form good lifelong associations. Our approachable, down-to-earth, and easygoing team are here to put your family at ease and to ensure your children always have a pleasant experience when they visit us.
While children are growing, we monitor their facial growth and dental development closely. This will help avoid crowding of teeth and jaw issues. We also assess and address factors such as large tonsils, sleep apnoea or snoring, mouth breathing, and thumb sucking.
What general dentistry do we provide?
We provide a comprehensive range of dental procedures for you and your family:
Why is general dentistry important?
Good general dental care is often the first step towards a healthy life. There is a strong relationship between healthy teeth and other health factors. We can detect different forms of mouth cancer while they are still in the early treatable stages. We can also detect some neurological disorders that manifest in the jaw. There are even situations where the health of the teeth and gums can actually reduce the risk for a stroke. Catching these conditions early is something that can only be done by a trained general dentist who knows what to look for.
We would rather help you avoid issues with your oral health than treat them; this is why, at Heyfield Family Dental Care, we are passionate about prevention and educating Australians on how to take control of their oral health.
For more information on general dentistry in Heyfield please call us on 03 5148 2273.
At Heyfield Family Dental Care, we’re passionate about exceptional dental care for all our patients.
Restorative dentistry involves delivering various dental treatments to restore damaged or unhealthy teeth to a functional and cosmetically pleasing state.
Restorative dentistry includes the dental specialities of endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics and its foundation is based on how these interact in cases requiring multifaceted care.
This can encompass specialist fields like endodontics (the treatment of dental pulp or ‘roots’), periodontics (the treatment of the gums and surrounding structures) and prosthodontics (the use of dental prosthetics) to create a healthy and beautiful smile.
Restorative procedures may include: Crowns, Dental implants, dentures, etc.
You deserve to be the best version of yourself. That is why at Heyfield Family Dental Care we offer a range of safe and pioneering cosmetic dentistry services to help you attain the confidence that a healthy, even smile may give you.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to the range of dental treatments that restore or improve the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums, bite, or smile. Many dental treatments fall into this category, including: Tooth coloured fillings, Veneers or Crowns and teeth whitening.
What are tooth coloured fillings?
Composite resins, or tooth-coloured fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small- to mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth. They are a good choice for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.
A dental veneer is a thin but durable shell of tooth coloured material (either porcelain or composite) which is bonded to the front surface of teeth in order to improve the overall aesthetics of the tooth.
What are the different types of dental veneers?
The two main types of veneers are porcelain or composite. A composite veneer is a build-up of a resin material directly over the front surface of the tooth to improve its shape and appearance. It is usually done in one visit and requires little-to-no preparation of the underlying tooth structure. A porcelain veneer is made by a dental ceramist which is then bonded onto your tooth. Some preparation may be required of the underlying tooth and it usually takes at least two visits. Porcelain veneers are a more aesthetic material that is also more resistant to staining and discolouration compared to composite.
The process for getting dental veneers will change depending on the type of veneers you are having placed.
When getting composite veneers placed, the process just takes one appointment. Underlying tooth structure is buffed to ensure it is clean for good bonding and then composite is incrementally layered to build the tooth/teeth up to their desired shape.
When getting porcelain veneers the process usually takes about three visits. The first step is a thorough consultation where we can plan the desired outcome of your porcelain veneers, this appointment may involve photographs, impressions and x-rays to help us design your future porcelain veneers. The next step is to prepare the teeth for veneers by removing a small amount of tooth structure and taking impressions and then temporary veneers are often placed. Once the veneers are ready we will get you back to try them in before cementing to your tooth
What is take-home teeth whitening?
What are the benefits of take-home teeth whitening?
Considerations
Positive results from take-home teeth whitening rely on compliance with the at-home portion of the treatment protocol.
Teeth whitening will only work on natural teeth and extrinsic stains. It is also temporary and the degree of whiteness will vary from individual to individual depending on the condition of the teeth and the type of whitening system used. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
At Heyfield Family Dental Care, we take a “no surprises” approach, with clear explanations about your options to help you make informed decisions on how to achieve the dental health and smile you want. Your initial appointment with our professional team will confirm your suitability for take-home teeth whitening.
At Heyfield Family Dental Care, our experienced dentists help you preserve your infected tooth with an effective root canal treatment service. Our innovative and modern technology, partnered with our “no surprises” approach, work hand in hand to provide comfortable and pain-free treatment.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) fixes problems with a tooth’s soft core or dental pulp. Dental pulp lies within the tooth, extending from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root. It contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood and lymph vessels which provide oxygen, nutrients, and feeling to the tooth. It also regulates the growth and development of the tooth during childhood.
Root canal treatment involves removing inflamed, diseased, or dead pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals of a tooth and replacing it with a filling in order to prevent the tooth from being extracted.
When is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment is recommended in cases of:
The symptoms of damaged, diseased, or inflamed dental pulp requiring root canal treatment include:
A diagnosis for root canal treatment is made on the basis of symptoms reported by the patient, an examination of the tooth, and x-rays of the tooth.
What are the benefits?
The main aim of root canal treatment is to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Retaining natural teeth is considered the best solution from a dental perspective and prevents the need for replacement teeth, which can be time-consuming, painful, and costly.
If a tooth requiring this type of treatment is ignored, widespread gum and connective tissue infection may result, as well as loss of the tooth. It is advisable to visit us at the first sign of any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
Is it painful?
This is probably the biggest myth surrounding root canal treatments. In reality, it’s your tooth that hurts, and it hurts because of the infection or decay. We make sure the area around your tooth is thoroughly numb even before we start working. You might feel some pressure or discomfort during the actual procedure or some pain afterwards once the anaesthesia has worn off, but we are always respectful and sensitive to our customers’ unique needs and strive to make you feel as comfortable and at ease as possible.
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry concerned with helping customers fix misaligned teeth. Signs that an orthodontic treatment may help you include:
Our orthodontics patients are typically children who may be experiencing dental problems because of misaligned teeth. However, many patients come to us later in life too because they want the confidence that an attractive smile may bring.
How does it work?
Dental appliances are used to move teeth to the ideal position by placing continuous pressure on the teeth and jaws. This pressure helps the bone to change its shape, which then affects the movement of the teeth. These appliances work slowly and may be applied for a period of a year or more, depending on the requirements of the client.
What are my options?
There are various types of appliances that fall broadly into either the fixed or removable category.
Fixed appliances include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and space maintainers, among others. As the name suggests, these are fixed to the teeth for a certain period of time. While some may find these unattractive and uncomfortable, these may be the most effective solution depending on the dental work required.
Removable appliances such as clear aligners, expanders, myobrace or myomuchees are those that may be removed. In this regard, maintaining better oral hygiene may be easier as you can take them out while eating, brushing your teeth, and flossing. However, having the freedom to remove them when desired may also impede or slow down progress.
We take a “no surprises” approach and our trustworthy team will always give you clear explanations about your options before drawing up a treatment plan suited to your unique needs.
Our approachable team encourages orthodontic consult at 5 years of age to discuss the different options available for your child.
Tongue tie (Ankyloglossia) occurs when the connecting skin under a baby’s tongue is too short or extends too far towards the front of the tongue.
Lip tie occurs when the connecting tissue inside the upper lip is attached to low on the gums. Lip ties do not always require intervention. Because the frenulum changes as a child gets older, a lip tie may shrink and correct itself over time. Furthermore, an infant may have a lip tie that does not interfere with their ability to feed and obtain adequate nourishment, in which case intervention is unnecessary.
Although tongue-tie affects only approximately 4% of children, it can have a profound impact on the entire family.
Tongue-tie can result in problems with the following:
Even for infants, tongue-tie can be treated in a simple, fast and highly effective way with laser treatment.
Laser Therapy is preferable to traditional surgery, as it’s highly precise, minimally invasive and involves less pain and tissue trauma. Best of all, the treatment takes mere minutes, completely removes the problematic tissue, and has a quick healing and recovery time.
If Dr Yana Stevens (Dental Surgeon) determines that treatment is needed, your child will be taken to our treatment room and then gently but securely swaddled (in the case of infants) before she performs laser release of the tongue or lip ties. Throughout the procedure, a dedicated nurse will soothe and comfort your child while Dr Stevens and her assistant focus on the surgery.
Nitrous oxide is a gas, commonly known as ‘happy gas’ or ‘laughing gas’. Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce a patient’s discomfort and anxiety during dental treatment. The patient will breathe the gas through a small nosepiece that sits on their nose.
Nitrous oxide makes patients feel sleepy and relaxed, but they remain aware of what is happening around them. They may feel dreamy, floaty and warm. They may have tingling in their hands and feet and maybe a bit forgetful. Nitrous oxide is only suitable for use in some patients. This option will be discussed during your first visit.
Bruxism (Clenching and/or grinding)is often a by-product of stress. Other causal factors can include missing teeth, worn teeth, or teeth that are out of alignment.
No matter what is causing your clenching it is important to treat it early on to prevent damage and restore balance to your mouth.
Symptoms of Bruxism - a sore or tired feeling, difficulty in opening and closing the jaw, headaches, jaw joint pain, sensitive teeth, earache
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
Pain in the jaw and noticeable limitations in jaw movements can be a sign of any of the Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ or TMD).
One or both joints may be affected in people with TMD, which can affect a person’s ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow, make facial expressions, and breathe.
Clenching or grinding your teeth, tightening your jaw muscles and stressing your TMJ can all potentially lead to TMJ disorders.
TMD can also be a result of having a damaged jaw joint due to injury or disease. Whatever the cause, the results may include a misaligned bite, pain, clicking noises when you open your mouth, or difficulty in opening your mouth wide.
More than 90% of TMD is due to and can cause muscular problems which can cause headaches and other types of pain in the jaw area.
A simple and effective way of treating TMD is by use of a custom nightguard. The nightguard reduces the pressure that is exerted between your upper and lower teeth when biting. A nightguard is custom fitted to ensure that your bite is correctly aligned to further reduce any discomfort or pain.
Speak to the team at Heyfield Family Dental Care if you are concerned you are experiencing any TMD-related symptoms, and to see if a custom-fitted nightguard would be appropriate for you.
Mouth guards
A mouthguard is a specially designed appliance that fits over your teeth to help protect your smile during sport and other activities. Mouthguards are an affordable alternative to the repair of extensively damaged teeth from injury.
An injury to the face could result in loss of one or more teeth, broken or chipped teeth, jaw fracture and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.
Custom-Fit vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
A custom-fitted mouthguard by Heyfield Family Dental Care will help to absorb and distribute the load of a damaging blow to the mouth region.
A custom-fitted mouthguard is often a better option than an over-the-counter mouth guards from the pharmacy as it is specifically fitted to your teeth and contours the soft tissue of your mouth. This allows for an exact fit, making them more comfortable, secure and better at absorbing impact. This will also enable better speech and normal breathing during wear.
Over the counter mouthguards do not provide a custom protection to your own the teeth. As they are not custom moulded to your mouth, they can often fall out during activity and causes difficulty with speaking and breathing.
