Twenty-two of the most common things that bring people through our door, in plain words — what it usually means, and where to read about the treatment.
You don’t need to know the name of the treatment — that’s our job. Find what you’re feeling below and we’ll point you at the right place. And if it hurts right now, skip all of this and see our emergency page.
Pain usually means decay, infection or a crack has reached the nerve. It rarely settles on its own.
A wince with hot, cold or sweet food often points to worn enamel, gum recession or early decay.
Decay caught early is a small filling; left alone it keeps growing. Tooth-coloured fillings blend right in.
Small chips can often be bonded or filled; larger ones may need a crown to protect what’s left.
Cracks let bacteria reach the nerve. Depending on depth, a crown or root canal treatment saves the tooth.
Coffee, tea, red wine and time all leave their mark. Professional whitening lifts it safely.
Gums that bleed when you brush are usually early gum disease — very treatable when caught soon.
When gums sit low over the teeth, gentle laser recontouring can rebalance the smile.
Crowded or rotated teeth can be straightened at almost any age — aligners or braces, your choice.
Gaps can be closed with orthodontics, or disguised with veneers where movement isn’t wanted.
A tooth stuck against its neighbour — usually a wisdom tooth — can cause pain, infection and crowding.
Pain at the very back of the jaw in your late teens or twenties is usually wisdom teeth on the move.
Waking with a sore jaw or flattened teeth suggests night grinding. A custom splint protects them.
A custom-fitted oral appliance can hold the airway open at night for some snorers and mild apnoea.
One missing tooth or many — implants, bridges and dentures each suit different mouths and budgets.
Dentures that rock, rub or fall away can be relined, remade or stabilised.
Persistent bad breath usually starts with plaque and gum disease rather than what you ate.
Medications and some conditions reduce saliva, which quietly raises decay risk. Worth reviewing.
Clicking, aching or locking jaws often trace back to clenching and grinding. A splint usually helps.
If the thought of the chair makes you put visits off, tell us. We’ll go at your pace, with comfort options.
If floss shreds, snags or just never happens, there are easier tools — we’ll show you what works.
Occasionally extra teeth develop and crowd the rest. Assessment tells us whether they need to move.
Nothing matches that — try a simpler word, or just call us on 02 4933 4667 and describe it.
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Any dental or surgical procedure carries risks. Individual results vary. Before proceeding with treatment we encourage you to ask questions and, if you wish, seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.