Cockburn Paediatric Dentistry

What are composite crowns?

Composite crowns are full coverage tooth coloured restorations that are used to treat baby incisors and canines which have multi-surface dental caries or crown fractures. They provide a durable and highly aesthetic option to teeth which have an otherwise poor long term prognosis. Composite crowns are also used to treat permanent incisors with developmental defects such as severe enamel hypo mineralisation or microdontia (peg-lateral incisors).

What are fissure sealants?

Fissure sealants are a preventive form of dental treatment. The technique involves the placement of a low viscosity filling material that is applied to the fissures (grooves) which are regarded as potential high risk surfaces for dental caries. This technique is non-invasive and does not require any drilling of the tooth or administration of local anaesthesia. They are commonly applied to permanent molars which have deep fissures, early signs of demineralisation, staining or plaque retention.

Why are baby teeth important?

Maintaining healthy Primary dentition is more important than just aesthetics, speech and function. The primary teeth are strategically important in guiding the permanent teeth into the correct position. When primary teeth are lost due to advanced tooth decay, space maintenance is often considered. This involves the placement of passive orthodontic appliances (space maintainer) to assist in guiding the adult teeth as they erupt.

What are your goals?

Our goal is to help each child develop a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Why treat tooth decay in baby teeth?

Restoring your child’s Primary Dentition is important for a number of reasons. Untreated tooth decay will progressively get worse and ultimately result in pain and infection (dental abscess). This in turn can affect the development and position of the growing adult tooth. Untreated tooth decay and space loss from the extraction of primary teeth can result in dental crowding and significant future orthodontic problems.

Why do I need a mouthguard?

Sporting accidents are one of the most common causes of dental injury. These dental injuries may include fractured, displaced or knocked out teeth and broken jaws. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard helps to absorb and spread the impact of a blow to your face, which might otherwise result in an injury to your mouth or jaw.

What are stainless steel crowns?

Stainless steel crowns are preformed full coverage restorations that are used to treat primary & first permanent molar teeth with pre-existing dental disease. This may include extensive dental caries that has weakened the remaining tooth structure, fractured cusps or developmental defects to the enamel.

Do you provide preventive treatment?

We provide a customised preventive treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs and risk assessment.

Which type of mouthguard should I wear?

We strongly recommend wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard to ensure maximum protection. These mouthguards are well-fitted, comfortable and will not fall out. They will also allow you to speak clearly, and will not restrict your breathing. Over-the-counter (boil & bite) mouthguards are far less effective than those that are custom fitted. They may be indicated when children are wearing orthodontic appliances. Please clarify with your paediatric dentist, which mouthguard is suitable for your child.

When do we use white fillings?

White fillings (tooth-coloured fillings) are used to treat small carious lesions. The benefits of this technique include aesthetics, conservatism of the tooth preparation and preventive (sealing) properties.

Are you registered?

Yes, we are registered.

What are zirconia crowns?

Zirconia crowns are highly aesthetic preformed full coverage restorations that represent an alternative to a stainless steel crown. They are used to treat baby molar teeth with pre-existing dental disease. This may include extensive dental caries that has weakened the remaining tooth structure, fractured cusps or developmental defects in the enamel. They are strong, durable, metal free and highly aesthetic.