Our Services

What to expect at your initial consultation:

The first people you will meet will be our friendly reception staff, who will ask you to complete a medical form.

Our dentist needs to be aware of your general state of health as this can often impact upon the condition of your teeth and gums and may effect medication such as anaesthetics and antibiotics we may use for you.

At your consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss any dental concerns you may have or how you would like your teeth improved.

Your dentist will give you a full oral assessment to help accurately plan which treatments would be best for the health of your mouth. 

During this examination we will be looking at:

• Teeth and the way you bite
• Original restorations – Filling, crowns, veneers etc
• The health of your gums and surrounding bone around each tooth
• Your tongue, throat, cheeks & lips for signs of oral cancer

Jaw joint evaluation

Dental X-rays will also be taken of your teeth to check for:

• Decay inside the tooth or between the teeth
• Abscess or cysts on the roots of your teeth
• Root positions
• Bone loss

Once the examination is complete the dentist will discuss the findings with you.

We will then create a treatment plan with alternative options for you, including all the benefits and risks of each procedure and the costings. This will allow you to decide what is best for your long term dental health.

Efficient preventative care is key to having a healthy smile. Consistent checkups will allow our team to diagnose oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay before they spread and become a problem. 

  Healthy Gums:

In order to keep your gums healthy you need to remove the daily build up of plaque from all the surfaces of your teeth by:

Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes each time. Ask your dentist which type of tooth brush is best for you, as many of us use brushes that are too hard or too large.

Floss your teeth, as a toothbrush doesn't always reach into the gaps in between the teeth or below the gum line.

Do not brush your teeth too hard as this can damage your gums, ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct technique

Use fluoride toothpaste.

Healthy Gums Are:

• Pink in colour
• No areas of redness or inflammation
• No bleeding when brushing or flossing

No tenderness or discomfort 

If the daily build up of plaque is not removed this can lead to the first stages of gum disease ‘Gingivitis’.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is caused by sticky bacteria which are known as ‘plaque’. 

Plaque collects in the small gaps between the gums and the teeth and if not removed by regular brushing & flossing will multiply by feeding on sugars found in your food and drink. 

This can lead to:

Bleeding when brushing or flossing

Soreness or discomfort

Appear red in colour, puffy or swollen

Bleeding when brushing or flossing your teeth is the earliest and most common sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible if treated by a hygienist or by improved brushing and flossing techniques. However, if left untreated you will develop the later stages of gum disease, which is known as ‘Periodontal Disease’.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal Disease is the later stages of gum disease. This is when the bacteria infection under the gums progresses deeper and affects the bone and tissue supporting the tooth.

Your gums will:

Bleed when brushing or flossing

Will be red, swollen and tender

Cause bad breath

The gum will have pulled away from the tooth, this is called ‘Pocketing’

Pus may be seen in the pockets around the tooth.

The infection damages the tissue that connects the gum to the roots of the tooth. Once the tissue has been destroyed the gum pulls away from the tooth, this forms a pocket which bacteria thrive in. If not treated, in time the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw will dissolve, making the teeth loose and eventually the teeth will fall out.

Periodontal disease is irreversible, but you can slow down the progression by regular visits to the Dentist and Hygienist also improving your oral hygiene at home. 

  Mouthguards are made from a plastic material called Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). EVA is strong and tough and can be easily moulded to fit precisely over your teeth and gums. 

​Mouthguards are the most effective protective pieces of equipment to help prevent injury to the mouth - protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. 

A mouthguard does not only protect your mouth, it can also cushion blows to the mouth or jaw therefore preventing damage to the jaw, neck or brain. 

Having a dentist take special impressions will create a guard to perfectly fit your mouth, teeth and gums, providing ultimate protection. 

The procedure is very simple; your dentist will take moulds of your teeth both upper and lower. They will be sent to the dental laboratory where our technician will fabricate your custom made guard. 

​Your sports mouth guard will need replacing over time. Just bring it along to your check-ups and your dentist will inspect it for wear and tear! 

Tooth whitening has become one of the most popular ways to improve your smile by lightening the existing shade of your natural teeth. This is a simple and effective treatment which can be carried out by your dentist or at home. 

Tooth whitening is non-invasive treatment which does not involve drilling or removal of the tooth surface.

There are many reasons why your teeth can become discoloured:

- Drinking tea, coffee or red wine

- Food with strong colourings

- Smoking

- The natural act of ageing

- A tooth which is damaged by trauma

- Some teeth are naturally pigmented or stained as they develop

- Certain medications

Only natural teeth respond to tooth whitening, Crowns, Bridges, Dentures or Implants cannot be whitened.

More Information:

The outer surface of the tooth is called ‘Enamel’ this has tiny microscopic holes which trap everyday stains. Tooth whitening gel is a peroxide based compound which penetrates the holes removing the stains and lightening the teeth.

Your dentist will arrange for you to have a consultation appointment, where your teeth and gums are examined. You can then discuss which of the tooth whitening options would be best for you.

In Surgery Whitening:

Whitening can be carried out in the surgery, this way your teeth will be several

shades lighter in one to two hours. There are many methods used to achieve

whiter teeth whilst in the dental chair, all the methods follow a similar procedure:

- Your gums will be protected using a rubber coating

- A Peroxide based gel will be applied to your teeth. 

- The gel will begin to work upon contact with the tooth or will be activated using a laser light.

- After a period of time the gel and the protective coating are removed to reveal whiter teeth.

Home Whitening:

Your dentist will provide you with the whitening kit which contains custom made whitening trays and a peroxide based gel. 

To have the trays made:

An impression (mould) is taken of your teeth using special dental "putty". The putty is placed into an impression tray; they are both then inserted into your mouth and pushed onto your teeth in order to take an impression. Once the dental putty is set the impression will be removed.

The moulds are sent to the Dental Laboratory where our technician will fabricate your custom made whitening trays.

The peroxide gel is placed into your trays and the tray is then placed onto your teeth for a period of time.

Home whitening can take up to 14 days to achieve your desired shade.

The degree of whitening will vary from patient to patient and grayer teeth can take longer to respond. Tooth whitening is not permanent; the whitening process will need to be repeated every 12 – 18 months to keep your teeth at the shade you desire.

A crown is a tooth shaped cover which fits over the existing structure of your natural tooth to protect and restore the tooth’s function.

Crowns can be used to:

- Strengthen teeth which have been weakened by decay or a large filling

- Protect fractured, cracked and worn teeth

- Improve the shape, alignment and shade of a tooth

- After root canal treatment, to help strengthen the tooth

Each crown is individually handcrafted by our dental technician to create a healthy, natural look. 

Crowns can be made using the following materials – all metal (often gold) or tooth coloured crowns such as porcelain fused to metal (often gold or a gold alloy), full ceramic (porcelain) or composite (plastic with glass particles embedded). The material used will depend on why you are having the crown.

Whether you choose to have a crown to improve the shape and alignment of your teeth or to strengthen your tooth, the procedure is the same.

Two appointments are necessary, the first to prepare the tooth for the crown and the second to fit the crown.

The Preparation Appointment:

A local anaesthetic may be needed to numb the tooth and surrounding gum

The dentist will then shape the outer surfaces of the tooth, creating a cylindrical shape onto which the crown will seat.

An impression (mould) is taken of your teeth using special dental "putty" generally made from silicone. The putty is placed into an impression tray; they are both then inserted into your mouth and pushed over your teeth in order to take an impression. Once the dental putty is set, the impression will be removed. An impression is also taken of the opposing teeth, so the technician can see how you bite together.

A temporary crown will be cemented onto the prepared tooth to protect it whilst your crown is being fabricated

The impression will be sent to the Dental Laboratory where our technician will handcraft your crown. This will take between two and three weeks.

The "Fitting" Appointment:

A local anaesthetic may be needed to numb the tooth and surrounding gum.

The temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be washed to remove the temporary cement.

The dentist will then try in your new crown, making sure that it fits correctly and that you are happy with the appearance. The crown will then be permanently cemented in place. The bite is checked carefully and may need minor adjustments.

Dental Implants are the latest innovation to replace a missing tooth or a number of teeth. An implant consists of an artificial titanium rod which is placed directly into the jaw bone and acts as a replacement for the root portion of the natural tooth. The implant is made using pure titanium which allows new bone cells to grow around it: the implant then integrates with the newly formed bone which firmly locks it into place. This process is called ‘Osseointegration’.

A Dental Implant can be used to replace:

- One tooth: One implant will be placed, a crown will then be fixed on top of the implant.

- Several teeth: Either several implants and crowns will be placed or a dental bridge will be fitted onto the implants.

- All the teeth: A number of implants are placed, then either a fixed bridge will be fitted onto the implants or the implants will be used to firmly hold a removable denture.

Initial Consultation:

A consultation appointment is necessary see if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants and to explain the process of placing an implant. X-rays may be taken and impressions (moulds) of your teeth. A treatment plan will then be drawn up detailing all the appointments required and the costing.

How Are Implants Placed?

You will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area around where the Implant is being placed. For patients who are anxious sedation can be given.

- An incision is made in the gum where the implant is going to be placed, to expose the bone; a small hole is then drilled into the jaw bone.

- The titanium implant screw is inserted into the bone. A protective cover or ‘healing cap’ is placed over the top of the screw. This is either left visible in the mouth, or if the implant is deep in the jaw bone the gum will be stitched over the healing cap.

- This is left for 3 to 6 months to allow new bone to integrate with the implant allowing osseointegration to happen. If osseointegration does not occur the implant will fail.

- When the implant has securely integrated with the jaw bone the healing cap is removed. The final crown or bridge can be cemented or screwed into place or a removable overdenture can be clipped onto or supported by the implants.

On occasion it may be necessary to place a temporary crown or bridge for a few months to allow the gum to heal fully before the permanent restoration can be fitted.

Looking After Your Implant

Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with the dentist and hygienist are a very important part of looking after your implants as the gums need to remain healthy. The implants can then last a lifetime.

**Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner**

Oral hygiene is important in early years to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental check-ups help your dentist to help you prevent and treat decay before it causes cavities and toothache. 

Children should start to visit the dental practice as young as possible, so bring them along with you to your check-ups. They may be too young for an examination but the visits helps to familiarize them with the surroundings, the smells, noise and - most important - they meet the dentist.

The examinations will be informal to start; a quick look using a dental mirror, counting the teeth and looking for signs of decay. As the child's confidence grows your dentist will carry out a more thorough examination.

The check-up 

The dentist will look at the following:

- Which teeth have erupted (come through the gum)

- Accessing the development of the jaw

- Looking at the soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, lips and throat)

- Checking for cavities in the teeth

As the child gets older, we will assess the how they bite together to see if orthodontics will be required later on.

We give advice on preventive care

- Healthy diet.

- Brushing techniques.

- Fluoride treatments if necessary.

- Fissure sealants if there is a high risk of cavities developing.

How To Take Care Of Your Child's Teeth:

Oral hygiene starts as soon as your child's first tooth erupts through the gum, this is around six months of age.

Use a small and very soft child's toothbrush and a rice sized amount of children's toothpaste. This contains less fluoride than adult toothpastes; if you are unsure about the fluoride content please speak to your dentist or health visitor.

Brush twice a day once in the morning and before bed, cleaning the teeth and the gum area. You will need to clean your child's teeth or supervise until they are around 8 years old.

Encourage your child to spit the toothpaste out but not to rinse with water as this reduces the effects of the fluoride.

Do NOT allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle of milk, formula milk or any fruit juice as these have hidden sugars which will pool around the teeth as they sleep, leading to cavities.

Limit the amount of sugars in your child's diet. If they do have sugary snacks and drinks keep them to meal times only and give water and healthy snacks in between.

If your child is prone to tooth decay in their baby teeth your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment as this helps to strengthen the tooth surface. Then as the adult teeth erupt through the gum, it may be advised that a protective layer is painted onto the tooth's biting surface, which is called 'Fissure Sealants'. 

Dentures are a removable appliance used to replace missing teeth. They are fabricated using either acrylic or cobalt chrome to which false teeth are added. They help with speech, chewing, add support to your lips and chin as well as improving the appearance of your smile.

There are two types of dentures:

- Partial denture which replaces one tooth or several teeth.

- Full denture which replaces the whole set of teeth, on the upper or lower.

Dentures are kept in place by either using clasps which anchor around neighbouring teeth or by the dentures’ natural suction. On occasions a denture fixative or glue is recommended to aid in keeping the denture in place.

​All dentures are designed by the dentist or our dental technician to suit each patient’s individual needs.

This dental procedure is carried out when the innermost part of the tooth ‘the pulp’ becomes badly decayed or infected. If left untreated, the tooth will begin to die which could lead to the loss of the tooth.  To save the tooth, the infected pulp needs to be removed to prevent the formation of an abscess. In dental terms this procedure is called ‘Endodontics’.

​The tooth is made up of:

· Enamel – The hard outer layer of the tooth.

· Dentine – This forms the core and gives the basic shape to the tooth which supports the enamel, it is softer than enamel but harder than bone.

· ​Pulp – Is the central part of the tooth which contains nerves and blood vessels and lies within the root canal

 

​The reason the pulp would die:

- Caries: if caries (‘decay’) is left it will travel through the enamel and dentine down into the pulp chamber.

- Trauma: a severe knock that affects the pulp.

- Severe Gum Disease: the gum detaches itself from the tooth creating a gap between the tooth and the gum, bacteria then get trapped causing an infection which can infect the pulp.

​

The symptoms:

​- Pain: this can be anything form a constant dull ache to severe pain or pain only when biting

- A spot sometimes appears on the gum in the area of the infected tooth, this is where the collection of pus from the root tip is draining which will leave a bad taste in your mouth.

- Swelling in the gum area surrounding your tooth

WHAT ARE WISDOM TEETH? 

Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) are usually the last teeth to come through the gums at the rear of the upper and lower jaws. They usually erupt when people are in their late teens and early twenties.

Most people have four wisdom teeth. Some people can have zero, one, two or three wisdom teeth. In rare cases, some people develop more than four. 

WHY SHOULD YOU REMOVE WISDOM TEETH? 

In many people there is not enough room in the jaw to allow the wisdom teeth to erupt fully through the gums. They become wedged or "impacted" against  the tooth in front of them. These teeth can sometimes remain like this and cause no concern to the person, while others may cause severe, significant problems.

WHAT PROBLEMS DO WISDOM TEETH CAUSE? 

Often, one or more of the wisdom teeth may cause problems such as:

- food trapping & causing cavities in the wisdom tooth & the one next to it,

- painful gum infection, swelling & jaw stiffness,

- pushing teeth nearby out of alignment

- pain from pressure

- cyst formation and bone loss

- ulcer where the tooth is rubbing inside the cheek

- resorption cavity in the tooth next to it

If any of the above are occurring or likely to occur, your dentist may recommend removing them. 

Removing wisdom teeth is a very common procedure and when they are troublesome should be done as soon as possible before the problems become worse.

WHEN SHOULD YOU REMOVE WISDOM TEETH?

Early removal of the wisdom teeth is recommended (16yo-17yo+) when there is not enough room for the tooth to push through, or there is a risk they will cause crowding in straightened teeth (for example after a patient has completed orthodontic/braces treatment).  

It is best to have problematic wisdom teeth removed while the patient is young (late teens and early twenties), because the surrounding bone is softer and the roots of the wisdom teeth have not fully developed into a position where there can be increased risk to the inferior dental nerve. This nerve supplies sensation to the lower teeth and the lower lip/chin skin.

Young people also benefit from faster healing and better nerve recovery so removal in the late teenage years is the lowest risk time for wisdom teeth removal.

If the roots are already fully developed then the next ideal time is before the age of 30. After this, the bone around impacted wisdom teeth becomes denser making the wisdom teeth removal more difficult and the risks associated with surgery increases.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED WITH WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL? 

 The risks of wisdom teeth removal are unique to each individual patient and are affected by the age of the patient, the length and development of the wisdom tooth roots, the reason for removal, the location or depth of impaction in bone, the closeness to the inferior dental nerve to the wisdom tooth in the (lower jaw), the closeness of the maxillary sinus to the wisdom tooth in the upper jaw (maxilla) and the previous medical history of the individual.

These risks are minimized by patient assessment, review of an OPG x-ray image, and the use of best practice surgical techniques and equipment. 

In some cases where the wisdom teeth removal will be significantly complex, your dentist will refer you to see a Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. 

CAN YOU REMOVE WISDOM TEETH WHILE ASLEEP (UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHETIC)? 

Yes, Dr Gregory Hulme-Peake is highly skilled in oral surgery and has a special interest in wisdom tooth removal. Depending on the placement of your teeth and how far along they have developed, removal may be simple or more surgical. 

In most cases, Dr Greg recommends his patients have the procedure done under general anaesthesia at St Andrew's Hospital in Toowoomba, rather than in-chair at our surgery.

Not all practices are able to offer this option to their patients, and we’re fortunate to be able to provide this service. Instead of having multiple appointments & several healing periods, it allows you to have all four teeth removed in one appointment, while you’re asleep.

Wisdom teeth often prove problematic to remove, and general anaesthesia allows Dr Greg to perform the procedure without fear of causing you discomfort. The extraction sites will all heal at the same time, and there won’t be a lot of dental anxiety tied to the procedure.