General Dental
General dentistry is the foundation of long-term oral health and function. At Helix Dental, our team is here to cultivate a longstanding relationship with you during your regular visits.
General dentistry is the foundation of long-term oral health and function. At Helix Dental, our team is here to cultivate a longstanding relationship with you during your regular visits.
The Foundation
At Helix Dental, our team is here to cultivate a longstanding relationship with you during your regular visits — we feel they should be something to look forward to, not be worried about!
Quality dentistry should not be considered a luxury, which is why our services are designed to be accessible to all.
We're committed to providing dental treatment to a high standard, delivered with modern technology, materials and equipment. Your health deserves to be approached with care, in a setting where your questions are answered and your comfort is taken seriously.
What we offer
Our general dental treatments include:
What to expect
A routine visit is straightforward and there is nothing to prepare for beyond bringing a list of your medications. It generally runs in three parts.
We review your general health and medications, then check each tooth for decay, cracks, wear and any restorations that are starting to fail. We assess the gums, measure around the teeth where needed, look over the soft tissues of the mouth, and check how your bite comes together. X-rays are taken where there is a clinical reason for them.
Hardened plaque, or calculus, is removed from above and just below the gum line with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments — something brushing cannot do once it has set. The teeth are then polished to lift surface staining, and fluoride may be applied depending on your decay risk.
We explain what we found, show you anything worth seeing, and set out your options in order of priority along with a written estimate. If nothing needs doing, we will tell you that too, and book your next review at an interval that suits your risk rather than a default six months.
Afterwards
Teeth can feel a little sensitive for a day or two after a clean, particularly if there was a lot of build-up or if the gums were inflamed. Gums may be tender and can bleed slightly while they settle, which is normal and usually resolves within a few days as they firm up. A soft brush, warm salty rinses and a sensitivity toothpaste help in the meantime.
Between visits, the routine that does the most work is simple: brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse, clean between the teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes, and keep sugary and acidic drinks to mealtimes. Come in sooner than planned if you develop toothache, a chipped or loose tooth, gums that bleed persistently, an ulcer that has not healed within about two weeks, or a bite that suddenly feels different.
Where a check-up turns up something beyond routine care, treatment usually continues within the practice — a heavily broken-down tooth may need a crown, ongoing wear and morning jaw soreness often points to clenching and grinding, and children can be seen at the same appointment through our children's dentistry care. Sudden pain or injury outside a scheduled visit is handled through emergency dental.
Risks and suitability. No dental treatment is without risk. Cleans can leave temporary sensitivity and gum tenderness; fillings, crowns, root canal treatment and extractions each carry their own risks, and several of them permanently alter or remove natural tooth structure. X-rays involve a small dose of radiation and are taken only where there is a clinical reason. Your dentist will explain the risks, benefits and alternatives — including monitoring rather than treating — before anything goes ahead. General risk information for our treatments is set out in our treatment disclaimer and risk overview.
Visit us
If it's time to look after your oral health, feel free to book an appointment with our Mermaid Waters dentists. We welcome patients from across Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Robina and the wider Gold Coast.
To find out more about general dentistry with our Gold Coast dentists, get in touch on 07 5572 8969 or email hello@helixdental.com.au.
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