At Roslyn 38 Exceptional Dentisty we can offer you a variety of filling materials, however the choice of filling materials can sometimes depend on the position of the tooth and the size of the cavity.

This is a silver coloured filling material made up of silver, tin, copper and mercury. This material has a history of success of over 150 years and is excellent in back teeth as it withstands the chewing forces well. There is no bonding with this type of filling – the shape of the cavity prepared holds the material in place. There are some current controversies with the use of amalgam due to its mercury content, however the Australian Dental Association policy still advocates the use of amalgam, with research showing the use of dental amalgams produces no harmful effects.

This is a tooth coloured filling material excellent for aesthetic areas such as the front teeth. These come in a variety of shades which are matched to the existing tooth colour. This filling material is bonded to the natural tooth structure.
Composites have a more finite lifespan and require regular maintenance and upkeep. As part of their setting reaction, they tend to shrink a little away from the tooth, forming a small gap. This can lead to staining and eventual decay, particularly in back teeth where the material is under great load.

An alternative in patients wanting a tooth coloured restoration with a better aesthetic outcome or longevity is a porcelain inlay or onlay.

This material is tooth coloured but not as aesthetic as composite resins. They bond to the tooth structure and release fluoride, helping to strengthen the tooth. They are an excellent material for low stress areas such as fillings in baby teeth as well as fillings in the outside surface of teeth.

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At Roslyn 38 Exceptional Dentistry we can offer you the very latest in digital radiography. This means that when radiographs are taken you can be assured that you are getting the minimal dose of radiation possible with current technology. We further protect you with the use of lead aprons and the lead shielding in the walls and glass.

We have a digital OPG machine on site for your convenience so we can quickly diagnose and determine treatment.

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We perform extractions in the clinic, whether it's a broken tooth that can't be restored, an extraction for orthodontics, or a baby tooth that needs a helping hand finding its way to the tooth fairy.

Some extractions are simple, whereas others may require removal of bone in the area.

There are some extractions that are a little more difficult, and for these, and removal of wisdom teeth, we will refer you to one of the specialist oral surgeons in the area.

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Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt into your mouth, usually at 16–23 years of age. Frequently there is not enough room for normal eruption and these teeth therefore become ‘impacted’.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause:

• infection of adjacent gum tissue
• dental decay of adjacent teeth
• (in rare cases) cysts.

The dentists at Roslyn 38 are able extract wisdom teeth, however we often choose to refer patients to a specialist oral surgeon. If you wish to be asleep for the procedure or your extractions are expected to be more complex, then it is best to be treated by a registered specialist.

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The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw.

Causes of TMD:

• injury to the jaw, temporomandibular joint, or muscles of the head and neck – such as from a heavy blow or whiplash
• grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
• dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
• presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ
• stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth.

We can assess your temporomandibular joint and musculature and determine the best course of treatment which may range from anti-inflammatories and heat packs to physiotherapy to fabrication of a dental splint. Each treatment modality has its benefits and will depend on the cause and duration of your discomfort.

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