At Polyclinic, we believe that everyone deserves to have a great smile. Helping our patients reveal their best smile and achieve and maintain optimum oral health is our passion. We will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions so that you can feel comfortable moving forward with care.

Gum disease describes a range of conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth. Of these, the most common are gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. It is a common and reversible condition. The inflammation is caused by bacteria and their by-products irritating the gums, causing redness, bleeding, swelling and pain. If left to progress, it can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more chronic condition, also caused by bacteria. It occurs when bacteria burrow into the space between the tooth and the gum and cause permanent damage to the underlying bone and ligaments. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to progressive loosening of the tooth and eventually tooth loss.

In recent years, poor gum health has also been linked to higher incidence of diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Good oral hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Our dentists will show you proper brushing and flossing techniques and identify any areas to monitor. With gingivitis, usually a clean is sufficient to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surface. In periodontitis, you may need to have a ‘deep clean’ to remove debris from deeper within the gums. If necessary, we may also refer you to a periodontist (a gum disease specialist).

As we age, our teeth naturally darken. Lifestyle habits such as drinking red wine, tea, coffee and smoking can also influence the colour of our teeth. One of the most popular and easiest ways to brighten up your smile is teeth whitening.

Not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening, nor will one set of teeth whiten like another. It is important that teeth and gums are healthy prior to whitening - a full dental examination with radiographs and photographs should be done beforehand to check for tooth decay, existing restorations (as these will not whiten) and current sensitivity.

At Polyclinic Dental Clinic, we offer professional In-chair Whitening Whitespeed and take-home DIY whitening with PolaDay gel

Root canal treatment:

Root canal therapy is the treatment of teeth that have had nerve damage, whether it be by decay or trauma. Root canal therapy preserves the natural tooth and thus the natural bone level. It is always advisable; if possible, to save natural teeth as extracting them can cause issues with aesthetics and function.

Root canal therapy is typically done over a few visits depending on the number of nerves and severity of infection. Initially, the tooth is anaesthetised, and an opening made though the crown, exposing the infected/damaged nerve. The root canal system is then cleaned out, enlarged and antimicrobial agents placed. X-rays will be taken throughout the procedure to ensure that the whole length of the root canal is cleaned. Finally, a natural rubber compound is placed in the root canal system to prevent reinfection.

We recommend a check-up and clean every 6 months. There are three parts to the average check-up which cover the examination, an oral clean and review of oral hygiene.