Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We do! We’re not tied to any health insurance company. Being an independent provider, we can ensure that you receive top-quality dental care without any restrictions.

Using our onsite HiCaps claim terminal, we can usually process a health insurance claim on the spot. All health insurance policies have different levels of cover and restrictions. If you’re unsure of your dental cover, we recommend you contact your insurer.

Any tooth pain is usually a direct indication that there is a problem. Even if the pain subsides, an infection may still be present and other related symptoms may surface. These may include severe facial swelling, cysts, overall systemic health issues or the sudden onset of a severe toothache.

Toothache intensity can vary from a dull throbbing ache to acute pain. The tooth involved may also be sensitive to heat, cold, pressure or sugary foods and beverages. In the case of severe pain that has spread, identifying the problem tooth can often be difficult.

Most toothaches get worse if left untreated. This deterioration may also be the result of other dental conditions. So if any dental pain is experienced, it is recommended that you contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier and more successful your outcomes will be.

Teeth whitening treatments contain bleaching chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, which break down the compounds that stain your teeth. As these compounds get smaller, they can be removed from the tooth, giving it a brightening effect. 

After teeth whitening, you need to avoid food and drinks that may stain or irritate your teeth. These include tea, coffee, red juices, etc. However, after 1 to 3 days, you can resume your regular diet. 

The results from professional teeth whitening vary from person to person but can last up to 3 years. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for over-the-counter whitening products, which typically only last a few months. 

However, there are certain factors that can affect how long the teeth whitening effects last. Practising good oral hygiene will result in you enjoying the effects for a longer period. On the other hand, things like smoking, drinking dark liquids like coffee and wine will stain your teeth quickly, making the teeth whitening effects short-lived.

The frequency of your teeth whitening treatments depends on your diet and oral hygiene. If you smoke, chew tobacco, or consume meals or drinks that stain your teeth, you’ll need teeth whitening more frequently.

Regardless, we advise that you get your dentist’s recommendation on how often you need teeth whitening treatments. 

Teeth whitening is safe as long as it’s done by a professional and experienced dentist. While some DIY teeth whitening kits may also be safe, you still need to do your research. A major reason why is that DIY kits do not provide dental examination beforehand and, therefore, may cause health issues after the procedure. 

On the other hand, a professional dentist providing teeth whitening services will carry out a dental check before the procedure. For instance, if you have very sensitive teeth, gum disease, or cavities, you shouldn’t be whitening your teeth. However, a professional dentist may be able to find a teeth whitening solution that suits your needs. 

That said, professional teeth whitening can also cause some tooth sensitivity, but this typically only lasts a couple of days. 

At Knight Street Dentists, we take every possible measure to minimise the likelihood of the whitening gel getting in contact with your gums.

After a teeth whitening treatment, you want to avoid certain foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. Examples include red wine, tea, tomato juice, coffee, and soda. You also need to avoid sugary foods, smoking, and chewing tobacco. You shouldn’t take any of these for at least two days after treatment. Subsequently, you should still limit your intake as these substances stain your teeth and can undo the teeth whitening treatment quicker than usual. 

On the flip side, you should eat what is known as a white diet in order to guarantee the best results – this includes things like tofu, yoghurt, chicken, fish, etc. Foods that are literally white! 

Additionally, you may also want to avoid consuming cold or hot foods a few days after the teeth whitening procedure as your teeth may still be sensitive.  

Yes. The amount of radiation you are exposed to when you receive a dental x-ray is extremely minute.

Advances in the development of modern digital x-ray machines confine the radiation beam to only the area that is being x-rayed. Current x-ray films also have much higher speeds resulting in even shorter exposure times to radiation. Nowadays, with the use of digital x-rays, radiation is further reduced by another 90%.

Government regulations also require that x-ray machines are tested and calibrated for safety and accuracy at regular intervals.

Some dental problems won’t be noticeable to you at home, which is why it’s important to get regular check-ups (this is doubly true if you have a history of decay). For instance, gum disease often develops without people noticing and they may only act on it when they experience bleeding gums or severe discomfort.

There are some warning signs that you can spot yourself at home. These include:

• gums that are swollen, tender or bleed when you brush or floss
• dental pain while chewing
• persistent bad breath
• loose teeth
• consistent bad taste in the mouth
• teeth that are unusually sensitive to temperature

Some dental problems won’t be noticeable to you at home, which is why it’s important to get regular check-ups (this is doubly true if you have a history of decay). For instance, gum disease often develops without people noticing and they may only act on it when they experience bleeding gums or severe discomfort.

There are some warning signs that you can spot yourself at home. These include:

• gums that are swollen, tender or bleed when you brush or floss
• dental pain while chewing
• persistent bad breath
• loose teeth
• consistent bad taste in the mouth
• teeth that are unusually sensitive to temperature

Generally, we recommended you visit your dentist at least twice a year. However, everyone’s needs are different, so it’s best to chat with your dentist. Based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums, they’ll be able to provide you with tailored guidance.

If you’re subject to high-risk factors, such as diabetes, smoking, or have a family history of dental problems, your dentist may suggest that you increase your visits.

A dental hygienist provides you with a professional oral assessment and evaluation of your gum condition as well as preventative maintenance. This allows the dentist to fully focus on providing you with specialised complex restorative care and treatment.

Our hygienists are specially trained members of our team. They work in close cooperation with our dentists. Together they provide patients with the best dental care – preventing dental disease through an individually developed maintenance program.

Plaque is a whitish sticky biofilm that forms constantly on your teeth. It develops mainly in hard to reach places – between your teeth, on the back of your teeth and along the gum line.

The reason why plaque is bad for your oral health is that it contains and protects billions of bacteria. The acidic by-products of these bacteria damage your teeth leading to tooth decay, cavities and ultimately gum disease, if left untreated.

Over time plaque can harden into tartar which makes it impossible to remove unless you visit your dentist for a scale and clean. The good news is that you can prevent tartar easily by removing plaque with thorough brushing and flossing in all areas of your oral cavity – including the hard to reach places. These areas are most vulnerable to plaque and its effects because plaque can accumulate and develop undisturbed for long periods.

Regular dental check-ups enable your dentist to conduct a complete examination of your teeth, mouth and gums. This will help detect and treat any problems early on or prevent them from developing altogether.

It’s rare, if not impossible that a dental issue goes away on its own, so early detection, treatment, and prevention can save you money, time, and discomfort. Issues like gum disease and oral cancer can also have serious consequences to your health if they aren’t addressed early enough.

Having your teeth regularly cleaned by a professional can further reduce your risk of developing other dental and health problems.

While a thorough visual inspection of the mouth will detect large and obvious holes, x-rays can show decay between teeth and changes in the thickness of bone caused by gum disease. They assist in determining any wear or breakdown of dental fillings. They can also reveal any unusual changes in the root and surrounding bone structures.

Detecting bacteria and decay that can be eating away the tooth unnoticed, is an important step in avoiding dental issues and complications. X-rays enable us to check hidden areas we can’t see with the naked eye.

Early stages of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, can be reversed with proper oral care, including brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. However, more advanced stages require professional treatment. This may involve deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, and in severe cases, surgical interventions. Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits are essential to manage and control the disease.

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums and the structures supporting your teeth. It begins with bacterial growth in the mouth and can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly. Key symptoms include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose teeth. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for prevention.
 

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of periodontal disease and is characterised by inflammation of the gums without affecting the bone and tissue supporting the teeth. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding gums. With proper oral hygiene, gingivitis can be reversed.

Periodontal disease, on the other hand, is an advanced form of gum disease that can lead to damage to the bone and connective tissue. It is often irreversible and requires more intensive treatment to manage. Regular dental check-ups are essential to diagnose and treat these conditions early.

Not necessarily. If wisdom teeth erupt without issues and align well, they can remain. However, many people have them removed due to crowding or alignment problems.

Regular brushing and flossing, especially reaching back to clean the molars, along with routine dental check-ups, are key to maintaining healthy molars. A diet with crunchy fruits and vegetables also promotes molar health.

Sealants are protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars, filling in grooves where food and bacteria may accumulate. They are especially helpful in preventing cavities in children and teens.