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TRANSLATING COMMON PROBLEMS INTO DESIRABLE DENTAL EXPERIENCES

A Story From Our Principal Dental Surgeon, Dr. David Lin

When I consider the ABC Dental difference, I see how it is reflected in our empathetic, attentive, and professional approach to dental care. We believe in offering one precious thing many dental practices won’t and that’s time. Specifically, it’s the time to get to know patients, their needs, and services that best meet these needs.

This approach is based on my own dental experiences throughout my life and I would like to share how this has influenced the ABC Dental difference:

As a child, I suffered from various dental disorders and experienced many dental procedures. These experiences revealed qualities that not only make dental visits difficult, but daunting as well.

My memories are quite vivid and include flashbacks of visiting dental offices located in remote backstreets, making them impossible to park at or access via public transport. If the weather was poor, we would sometimes end up at the office half-wet, making the experience even more unpleasant.

It is with these memories in mind that I designed ABC Dental to eliminate common issues and instead, foster positive experiences for adults and children alike.

Our refocused approach to dentistry means we consider each patient as a whole while designing every element of our practice with you in mind. It is for this reason that we’ve chosen locations in Westfield Bondi Junction, Westfield Sydney, and Macquarie Centre. This ensures that each practice is readily accessible no matter the weather, your location, or public transport options.

Additionally, we’re part of an allied health team to ensure you receive healthcare beyond just dentistry. This means you can easily visit allied health specialists nearby our practices to ensure each element of your health is provided for. Beyond general care, we also offer dental specialists to assist with all of your needs.

Our promise to our patients is to provide always better care. And through our history, practice design, standards of treatment, and four convenient locations in Bondi Junction, North Ryde, Miranda, and Pitt Street CBD, you can access just that.

It’s my guarantee to you.

Dr David Lin

Principal Dental Surgeon BDSc

Call us on (02) 8383 1400 and we have five locations to choose from. Bondi Junction Westfield, Pitt St (Sydney) Westfield, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Miranda Westfield and Chatswood Westfield

School Holiday Fun

It’s now that great time of the year where we can spend time with the kids. But sometimes it feels long, and we quickly run out of things to do. We are child friendly, we love to support children and their dental hygiene, getting them in the right habit at an early age is really important. Old habits die hard.

At all our ABC Dental practices around Sydney, we are open 7days throughout the school holidays. We are located in shopping centres and we are really close to parent’s with prams parking lots. (Kids under 5 are free) call us on (02) 8383 1400 or make a booking online at https://www.abc-dental.com.au/book-now/

How do get those stains off my teeth?

Do you drink coffee, tea, red wine? Are you seeing your teeth getting stained or changing color. This can be easily dealt with, so there's no need to put up with it!

Drinking / eating dark colored liquids, most commonly coffee, tea, red wine can cause staining of your teeth. Smoking is also another contributor towards staining, not withstanding other health consequences. 

Teeth staining can be easily removed with a clean from your dentist. These stains cannot be removed by tooth brushing, and special cleaning equipment must be used to remove them. At ABC Dental, in addition to the standard equipment at most dental offices, we also use the prophy jet

This device can easily, and comfortable remove stains from your teeth, unlike conventional ultrasonic cleaning. Prophy jet uses a combination of air, water and specialized cleaning powder, to gently remove staining on teeth.

Don't put up with those unaesthetic stains on your teeth. Teeth cleaning is a must. ABC Dental charges $159 for cleaning and checkup. This comes with 2 x-rays, and also professional flouride application. We are open 7 days, and have locations in Westfield Bondi Junction, Westfield Sydney, Westfield Miranda, Westfield Chatswood and Macquarie Centre. Book online, or call us on 8383 1400. 

The true cost of dental treatment

So your missing a tooth. What are the options available? Well, the first thing that comes to your mind is to do nothing. Because doing nothing, costs nothing. Is this true?

In private practice, we see many patients who present with a missing tooth. These are the options available, 

1. Do Nothing

2. Denture

3. Bridge

4. Implant

Let's examine these options in more detail

1. Nothing is wrong with a missing tooth, so I will do nothing

This is the option, and the options that costs "the least". Over time, your teeth will over-erupt, the gums around it will loose attachment to the teeth. Boss loss will happen in the missing site, because nothing is there. Tissue loss will follow. Teeth on either side will tip inwards toward the gap. This creates many mid and long term issues, and yes, costs. Do nothing does not cost nothing! It carries some pretty significant mid and long term costs.

2. Give me a denture, like my parents

People often choose this option, because they know someone with a denture. This is also, well, the cheaper option. This option is acceptable short term. However, we still get the tissue/bone loss, because we haven't done anything to the site. The denture will sit directly over the tissue, and this will accelerate tissue loss. The main problem with dentures is that you often cannot chew on it, as it rocks in the mouth, and this leads to a decrease in the quality of life. It will stop teeth either site from tipping, and opposing teeth to over-erupt. As dentists, we understand this to be the cheaper alternative, but not the ideal.

3. Give me a bridge

A dental bridge consist of using teeth either side of the missing gap, as anchors. We place crowns on the teeth either side of the gap, and attaching a pontic tooth in the middle. A bridge can last upwards of 10 years, and its a viable replacement option. You can chew on this well, and there is no loss on quality of life. By definition however, a bridge , makes a 1 tooth problem, into a 3 teeth problem. We have to reduce otherwise healthy teeth on either side to make room for the bridge, and there are associated risks. 

4. So what's the ideal treatment? - Implant

A dental implant is the ideal way to replace a missing gap. The main disadvantage is cost, although as discussed, doing nothing does not cost nothing. Implant prevent bone/tissue loss, it has good chewing function. Most importantly it keeps a one tooth problem to one tooth. Any treatment is limited to the missing tooth in question, and does not involve neighbouring teeth. We know that it works well, it feels natural, and it does not harm any other neighbouring teeth.      

Guided Dental Implants - a natural solution for missing teeth

Dental Implants can be a solution for one or more missing teeth an are a permanent treatment option

Why choose dental implants?

1. Improved appearance

Loss of teeth can affect a person's facial appearance. One of the best thing about dental implants is that they are designed to integrate with the body. This means they prevent bone deterioration and rejuvenate a persons facial appearance. 

2. Renewed confidence

They help the confidence lost with missing teeth. Since dental implants look and feel as natural as real teeth, people can stop being conscious about their appearance and smile without any hesitation. 

3. No harm to natural teeth

Another amazing thing about dental implants is that unlike bridges and dentures, there's no cutting down or grinding the perfectly healthy neighboring teeth. There's no compromising on the long-term health of the real teeth. 

4. Improved oral health

Since natural teeth are not affected by the dental implant treatment, the overall long-term oral health is improved. Also, as there are no toxic adhesive or metal used to hold them in place, there is no risk of effects or allergies

5. Easy after care

Getting dental implants is convenience at its best. They not only look and feel natural, their functionalities and care are pretty much the same. Unlike dentures, there's no extra care required like removing and cleaning them separately. 

Guided Dental Implants at ABC Dental

At ABC Dental, we have invested in the latest technology to provide "Guided Implants". This solution allows a dental implant to be planned virtually, then accurately placed in the most safe predictable and efficient manner. With guided implants, not only can the implant be placed for the most aesthetic outcome, but it will also result in a shorter recovery time and less post-operative discomfort. Here is a quick contrast between traditional implants vs guided implants.

Traditional Implants

• Little / no planning before implant appointment
• Cut up Gums to insert implant
• Low predictability / consistency
• Operator variability 
• Post-operative discomfort

Guided Dental Implants

• Significant planning before implant appointment
• Key hole surgery
• Increased precision / accuracy with surgical guides
• No operator variability
• Shorter recover time / little to no post-operative discomfort

At ABC Dental, we offer guided implants with all the added benefits but at a cost that is no more than traditional implants. A single posterior implant is $4500, and a single anterior implant is $4900. Prices includes cone beam CT, surgical guides, abutment and crown.

We are conveniently located in Westfield Bondi Junction, Westfield Sydney, Westfield Miranda, Macquarie Centre and Westfield Chatswood. We are open 7 days, and offer complimentary parking on site. Take advantage of our free consultation for implants, and find out how this treatment solution can increase your quality of life! Call us on 8383 1400 or book online. 

Filling vs Root Canal Treatment

Before entering the dental industry myself, I had no idea what a filling was or what a root canal treatment was. Coming from a family with great oral hygiene and genetically healthy teeth *touch wood* I never had to come across root canal treatments.

The main difference is
Fillings (on the surface) is not so serious, but should be treated ASAP before it turns into Root Canal Treatment.
When I first entered the dental industry I was given the dental schedule as below

Dental Infections Due to Poor Hygiene > Filling >Root Canal Treatment >Crown > Extraction > Implant/Dentures > Chewing Difficulty > Digestive and Severe Health Problems

As it progresses down the dental timeline the treatments get dearer and ends up being bad for your overall health.

Root Canal Treatment comes in a couple of stages:
1. We need to remove the nerve. (out of pain)
2. We need to fill the tooth with composites, if this stage isn’t complete infection can form again and go down through the tooth into the gums (more pain, no gums, no space for implants)
3. Protect the composite tooth we have put a crown as a helmet to make sure the bacteria can not get through to the natural tooth.
This treatment is probably the LAST stage to keep your natural tooth. You will end up extracting it and be toothless or extract it and put an implant in it.

Anything that isn’t natural in your mouth or anywhere inside your body usually needs MORE regular check ups and MORE looking after it at home.

If you have pain or sensitivity, call us on (02) 8383 1400 at any of our practices in Bondi Junction, Pitt St Westfield, Macquarie Centre in North Ryde, Miranda and Chatswood Westfield. Better to be safe than sorry. Catch that bacteria and filling that’s hiding in your mouth before you need something more than a filling.
 

Regular Cleans at home vs Proper Cleans at home vs Regular Proper Cleans at home vs no regular and proper cleans but regular visits to Dentist for Cleans

Regular Cleans at home vs Proper Cleans at home vs Regular Proper Cleans at home vs no regular and proper cleans but regular visits to Dentist for Cleans

Teeth. We are all naturally born with them and it is probably the only bone that sticks outside of our skin and lasts for eternity. Skeleton of humans prove this to be true. But if for some people it can last a life time and more, why are others getting implants and dentures? We use teeth at least three times a day to chew food, smile and speak through. Teeth can only survive if they are looked after by the person themselves. Without teeth, although there are other replacement options, implants, dentures etc. most dentists will make their kids brush their teeth and floss rather than watch their kid’s teeth rot and replace it with implants and dentures. Dentists must have a reason they force their kids in front of the sink for three minutes. Not just to put a toothbrush in their mouth for three minutes but actually clean properly.

Then this is the questions for us all. What is a “proper clean”? Some look after them well, some genetically need to look after their teeth a lot more than others. But even though you have genetically strong teeth, if you don’t look after them then it’s worse than those who are born with genetically unfortunate teeth who look after them better than you.

How well am I cleaning my teeth? Well, only you know the answer to that. 
The real questions we need to ask is, Is the way I’m cleaning my teeth the “proper” method?

We all know the answer. Brushing your teeth 3 times a day. Flossing after every meal. Mouthwash to prevent bacteria from forming. We all know these steps but in practice it is hard to commit to. I’m sure even dentists themselves probably only brush twice a day and floss once a day, which is more regular than the rest of the guilty ones. Surely, there must be an easier way. But I assure you, there isn’t one.

A regular clean at home scenario 2/10:
Average person will brush their teeth in the morning. Late for work, be quick. Gargle some water and run out the door. After a busy day and a quick dinner, eyes are half closed and jump straight into bed. Watch Netflicks and fall sleep with the screen on. Regular cycle, over and over until reminder message from ABC DENTAL “You are due to your 6 monthly clean. Call us on (02) 8383 1400 to make an appointment – ABC DENTAL” You think ‘did I brush well? No not really but if I floss on the day of my appointment the dentist won’t know.’ 
We do. We know as soon as you open your mouth in the chair.

Proper cleans at home scenario 3/10:
The ones that really make an effort to clean their teeth is the ones that do cleans regularly at night, with a mouthwash and also do a quick brush in the morning before they rush out to work. Unfortunately if the brushing and flossing isn’t done within 3 minutes after a meal. Plague and bacteria develop and get stuck under the gums so with just flossing and brushing regularly at home. Does Nothing. Reminder message from ABC DENTAL “You are due to your 6 monthly clean. Call us on (02) 8383 1400 to make an appointment – ABC DENTAL” You sit in the chair, feeling proud that you did regular cleans. But you stare at the dentist when they give you another pep talk about how you should brush. Confused, the secret is out. You have to brush and floss within 3 minutes after a meal.

Proper Cleans + Regular Dental Cleans 10/10:
If you fall in this category dentists LOVE you. 
Not only can they finish a clean in 30 mins they can discuss other dental treatment with you like, whitening and Veneers. Dentists only suggest such treatment to patients who they trust will look after their smile projects. Dentists professionally take a lot of their time planning for each of their patients. If a project that took so much time and effort, they wouldn’t want it to be ruined because the patient has bad oral hygiene and return with their project damaged, infected, cracked and destroyed from bacteria. So then, what is a “proper clean” and how can I fall into the most loved patient at my dentist?

Brush your teeth at the gum line for 2 minutes, rinse well and don’t forget the gargle with mouth rinse. Floss between every teeth after every meal and finally smile a bright smile.

The care you love, closer to home...

The ABC Dental You Know and Love is in Your Chatswood Neighborhood!

You choose ABC Dental for our convenient, transparent dental care. Now, you can access the same premium services you already enjoy in Sydney, Bondi Junction, North Ryde, and Miranda closer to home at our new Westfield Chatswood practice!

A Convenient Location, No Matter How You Get There

Whether you come via public transport or need to park, getting to ABC Dental’s Chatswood practice is simple! As is true at all of our Westfield locations, you’ll enjoy complimentary parking. If you choose to come by transport, we’re a two minute walk from the station. 

The Latest Technology for the Best Results

Our newest clinic comes standard with the newest technology! This includes the CBCT Machine, which includes Opti-Sleep. Opti-Sleep is an advanced oral appliance that treats sleep apnea. The machine allows your ABC Dental professional to visualize problems with the airway, digitally designing an appliance to fit and provide the relief you need.
 
With a thin, comfortable design you – and your partner – will have never slept better as you will with Opti-Sleep.

Meet Your New Dentists

Dr. Kiara Shinde

Dr. Kiara is the joint principal dentist at the Chatswood clinic and brings over 10 years of dental expertise to the practice. With an individual approach to care, Dr. Kiara focuses on making each patient smile wider than when they walked in.
 
She is currently completing the final term of the prestigious Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry from the U.K., making her one of the few advanced aesthetic dentists in Australia. As an ABC Dental patient, you can take advantage of her expertise.

Dr. Jay Menon

Dr. Jay is the other joint principal dentist at ABC Dental Chatswood. Dr. Jay comes from a long line of dentists, beginning with his grandparents.

As a fellow by examination of the prestigious Royal Australsan College of Dental Surgeons, advanced dental implant surgeon, and specialist in dental regenerative procedures, Dr. Jay has helped a wide range of patients better their smiles, lifestyles, and more! Now, he'll continue to do the same at our Chatswood practice for patients like you.

Serving You With Hospitality, Transparency, and Always Excellent Care

By pairing ABC Dental’s pricing transparency, convenience, and affordable quality with the latest in dental technology, Drs. Kiara and Jay and the rest of the ABC Dental team are bringing the best in dental care to Westfield Chatswood. 

Contact ABC Dental today on 02 8383 1400 for your free consultation at our new Chatswood location. We look forward to speaking with you and welcoming you to our newest location!

Sensitivity after a Dental Clean

So you just had your dental clean yesterday. Suddenly you feel your gums are redder than usual and a little swollen. In some areas, it throbs with pain. You already had your wisdom teeth out, you took x-rays like the obedient patient and your dentist said there isn’t any infection. But why is there discomfort?

The dentist has done a perfect job. They managed to get right underneath the gums and got all the plaque away. Give it a few more days before calling your dentist. However if you are the size of a chipmunk something has happened. Call (02) 8383 1400 immediately.  You can call ABC dental and all our location dentists can assist you.

What is Periodontal Treatment?

At the dentist they often offer you to take X-rays with your dental clean, you often find it unnecessary and you reject. A few months pass and you find yourself sitting in the dental chair impatiently waiting for the pain to go away. The dentist looks at you with the “I told you so” face but really they say “Oh, no.. you must be in so much pain.” You feel guilty and smile the nervous smile while four materials and a suction is being stuffed into your mouth. 

With dental symptoms, if you wait until there is pain, it is often too late. Bacteria slowly forms around the gums. It spreads and punctuates the teeth into the tooth, through the roots and into the nerves. This is when the tooth starts to put you in pain and sensitivity also forms making the pain unbearable and you call the dentist for your dental check up and clean. But the dentist tells you, you require more than a clean. Periodontal Treatment.

Periodontal Treatment is a gum infection, in some severe cases the gums to recede to the bone. Once the gums recede, unfortunately they don’t grow back. Only way to prevent this is to come for regular cleans and make sure to get X-rays to check if bacteria is forming. Take the X-rays to be safe.

Before any serious symptom  arises, ABC Dental dentists can help you to prevent gum disease. All practices in Bondi Junction Westfield, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Pitt St Westfield, Miranda Westfield and Chatswood Westfield can assist you with this treatment.

Not all X-rays are the same

Cone Beam Computed Tomography is a medical imaging technique a type of X-ray that allows practitioners to see nerve and bone. Dentists use this to see nerve around the tooth before taking out the tooth, especially if it is placed underneath the gums. At ABC Dental we use the CBCT to generate a treatment plan personalised to you, . CBCT is used at ABC Dental for wisdom teeth extractions, implants and endodontic diagnosis.  We have the machine available in Bondi Junction Westfield and Chatswood Westfield and with one internal program all the footage can be accessed from all our practices.

The radiation level for a CBCT is about the same as eating 7 bananas of naturally absorbed radiation. At ABC Dental we price CBCTs at $171

OPG is a a panoramic or wide view x-ray of the lower face, which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. Dentists use this for simple dental extractions and sometimes implants to see where the roots of the teeth are. At ABC Dental we offer OPG at all of our five practices, Bondi Junction Westfield, Sydney Pitt St Westfield, Macquarie Shopping Centre, Miranda Westfield and Chatswood Westfield. Depending on the level of difficulty the dentists will price the treatment from $425 for wisdom teeth extractions.

The radiation level for an OPG is about a weeks worth of naturally absorbed radiation. At ABC Dental we price OPGs at $81

Single X-rays are used for dental treatments such as fillings, root canals, some extractions and dental emergencies. Dentists use the footage from Single X-rays to check the status of the tooth down to the roots. This is essential to do all types of dental treatments, only way to see the symptoms of the tooth is by taking an x-ray. How much to fill the tooth up is all determined by the X-ray.

The radiation level for a Single X-ray is about a single days worth of naturally absorbed radiation.At ABC Dental we price Single X-rays at $36