Ambience Dental - Your Welcoming Wollongong Dental PracticeAmbience Dental is a long-standing practice in the city of Wollongong that prides itself on providing high-quality care in a calm and supportive environmentThe practice is located in Fairy Meadow and provides a fresh, clean and bright welcome to all who visit. The established surgery is home to a host of accomplished dentists, hygienists and nurses. And, while they each have their areas of expertise, what they share is a passion for providing compassionate dental care to the Wollongong community. Equipped to perform everything from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants to All on 4, the practice welcomes patients from Wollongong, Balgownie, Corrimal, Woonona, Bulli and more. Whatever your dental and oral health needs in the Illawarra region, Ambience Dental has you covered. At Ambience Dental, we pride ourselves on providing a full range of general and advanced dental treatments, from general dentistry, including everything from check-ups and simple fillings to dental implants and All on 4 full mouth rehabilitation. With expertise in many advanced dental techniques, we are well placed to offer a full range of services to our patients. So whatever your needs, we can give you the best possible treatment.

Keep Track…Get BackHealth insurance…. Are you claiming your benefits?If you were asked if you had health insurance and who your provider was, you could likely answer that question quite easily. However, what if they asked you what extras, essentials and ancillary cover you have? Still as confident?Many health fund members don’t realise that their private health insurance includes dental benefits. More importantly, they are unaware that most health funds act on a “forfeit” system, meaning if you do not use your benefits, you lose them for this year! Any unused benefits from this year will not be carried over by your health insurance provider at the end of the year. So these benefits are simply lost!Dental health insurance is worthwhile if you do take advantage of its benefits. It encourages you to see us for regular check-ups, which ultimately helps to maintain optimal dental health and hygiene. In the long run, dental insurance often pays for itself many times over throughout your lifetime, and will prevent you having to spend a mint to fix larger problems you could have avoided with regular dental assessments. A clean today can prevent a filling tomorrow! However this only works if you are using what you have already paid for.What do I have to do?1. Contact Your Health FundDoes your coverage include dental benefits, and what is remaining?2. Make An AppointmentCall our practice and we will find the closest suitable appointment to meet your needs.3. Bring Your CardAt the end of your appointment we will process your rebate using your Health Fund Members’ card right on the spot!

Many health fund members don’t realise that their private health insurance includes dental benefits. More importantly, they are unaware that most health funds act on a “forfeit” system, meaning if you do not use your benefits, you lose them for this year! Any unused benefits from this year will not be carried over by your health insurance provider at the end of the year. So these benefits are simply lost!

Keep Track…Get BackHealth insurance…. Are you claiming your benefits?If you were asked if you had health insurance and who your provider was, you could likely answer that question quite easily. However, what if they asked you what extras, essentials and ancillary cover you have? Still as confident?Many health fund members don’t realise that their private health insurance includes dental benefits. More importantly, they are unaware that most health funds act on a “forfeit” system, meaning if you do not use your benefits, you lose them for this year! Any unused benefits from this year will not be carried over by your health insurance provider at the end of the year. So these benefits are simply lost!Dental health insurance is worthwhile if you do take advantage of its benefits. It encourages you to see us for regular check-ups, which ultimately helps to maintain optimal dental health and hygiene. In the long run, dental insurance often pays for itself many times over throughout your lifetime, and will prevent you having to spend a mint to fix larger problems you could have avoided with regular dental assessments. A clean today can prevent a filling tomorrow! However this only works if you are using what you have already paid for.What do I have to do?1. Contact Your Health FundDoes your coverage include dental benefits, and what is remaining?2. Make An AppointmentCall our practice and we will find the closest suitable appointment to meet your needs.3. Bring Your CardAt the end of your appointment we will process your rebate using your Health Fund Members’ card right on the spot!

Bone density is really important when it comes to implant dentistry. When the jawbone loses density and becomes more porous, it often isn’t strong enough to support dental implants. And, when many are required, as is the case for full implants, this can prevent the procedure. Bone grafting can be used, replacing the missing bone with bone from another part of the body. However, this makes the procedure far more invasive, complex and lengthy.

5 Signs That You May Need a Root CanalWhen it comes to problems with your teeth, it can be hard to self-diagnose. You may be experiencing pain or sensitivity, but what does that mean? When it comes to a root canal, there are many symptoms that you might encounter. If you have one of those symptoms, there is no way for you to know that you definitely need a root canal. You will know one thing though; you definitely need a trip to your Wollongong dentist.What is Root Canal Treatment in Dentistry?Root canal treatment in dentistry is used to repair a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. This happens when the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp inside the root, where nerves and blood vessels are found. While antibiotics can temporarily clear the infection, they can’t get rid of it altogether. Root canal therapy is the only way to preserve the look, feel and function of the natural tooth.Root canal therapy is effective and gentle. Like a standard filling, the procedure involves removing the decay, cleaning the area and then filling and sealing the tooth. Root canal is a commonly used treatment for problems that would have previously led to tooth loss.What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?There are many reasons why you might need a root canal. However, whether it is due to decay, a broken tooth or multiple dental procedures, the chances are you will experience some telltale symptoms:1. Persistent PainWhether you have constant pain or it comes and goes, any toothache will soon start to take its toll. When it comes to infection in the root of your tooth, you may feel the pain deep in your tooth or as referred pain in your face, jaw or surrounding teeth.2. Increased SensitivityYou may feel sensitivity to heat or cold, and that sensitivity may be a dull ache or a sharp pain. However, if the pain lingers after you’ve finished eating or drinking, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the root of your tooth.3. Swollen GumsIf your gums are swollen around a tooth, it can be another sign that you may need a root canal. The swelling may or may not be painful and can come and go, but it is common in relation to issues with pulp tissue.4. Painful to TouchAs well as experiencing sensitivity when you eat or drink, you may find that your tooth hurts too. If your tooth hurts to touch, it could be a sign of severe decay or nerve damage, which often needs to be treated with a root canal.5. Pimple on Your GumA little pimple on your gum, known as a gum boil or abscess, is usually a sign of a bigger problem. The pimple can ooze and leave a bad taste in your mouth, so you’re definitely going to want to seek help from a dentist.How Much Does Root Canal Cost?If you’re experiencing symptoms and think you need a root canal, you may well be worried about the cost. If you find yourself searching for affordable root canal treatment near me, it’s worth knowing what to expect. Firstly, the cost of root canal treatment will vary depending on how damaged the affected tooth is. Secondly, the cost will vary depending on the experience and skills of your dentist.When it comes to having any dental treatment in Fairy Meadow, you are making an investment in your future. By choosing an experienced dentist, the procedure will be much more comfortable and be more successful. That means you will have your natural tooth firmly in place for years to come. And, while there will be a cost involved, it will be far less than the cost of  tooth extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth.What to Do If You Experience SymptomsIf you are experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve mentioned, it is best to visit your Wollongong dentist as soon as you can to stop any infection from spreading further. That way, you may have a chance to save your natural tooth before it’s too late. And, while you may not relish the thought of a root canal, it doesn’t have to be painful. Chances are the pain and discomfort of putting up with symptoms will be a lot worse.

Keep Track…Get BackHealth insurance…. Are you claiming your benefits?If you were asked if you had health insurance and who your provider was, you could likely answer that question quite easily. However, what if they asked you what extras, essentials and ancillary cover you have? Still as confident?Many health fund members don’t realise that their private health insurance includes dental benefits. More importantly, they are unaware that most health funds act on a “forfeit” system, meaning if you do not use your benefits, you lose them for this year! Any unused benefits from this year will not be carried over by your health insurance provider at the end of the year. So these benefits are simply lost!Dental health insurance is worthwhile if you do take advantage of its benefits. It encourages you to see us for regular check-ups, which ultimately helps to maintain optimal dental health and hygiene. In the long run, dental insurance often pays for itself many times over throughout your lifetime, and will prevent you having to spend a mint to fix larger problems you could have avoided with regular dental assessments. A clean today can prevent a filling tomorrow! However this only works if you are using what you have already paid for.What do I have to do?1. Contact Your Health FundDoes your coverage include dental benefits, and what is remaining?2. Make An AppointmentCall our practice and we will find the closest suitable appointment to meet your needs.3. Bring Your CardAt the end of your appointment we will process your rebate using your Health Fund Members’ card right on the spot!

Dr Jana Nikolovski, our lovely dentist at Ambience Dental, volunteered to speak with young and expecting families about oral health during pregnancy and looking after their children’s teeth. Jana spent the day at the ADA NSW Branch “Advice Hub” as part of the Essential Baby & Toddler Show at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

How to Prepare for a Tooth ExtractionWhile losing your baby teeth as a child may be fun, when you have to have an adult tooth extracted, it’s anything but. However, it doesn’t have to be a stressful, painful or expensive procedure. As is the way with many things in life, preparation is key. And, fortunately, there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make it a lot easier. So, if you need to have a tooth extracted, read on for some steps that you can take to prepare yourself.Ask Your Wollongong Dentist QuestionsDentists aren’t there to just be listened to, they are also there for you to talk to. If you’ve got any concerns, it’s much better to voice them before the procedure. Your dentist should explain everything fully, so you understand what is going to happen at every step of the way during a tooth extraction.Share Your Medical HistoryIf you have a regular Fairy Meadow dentist, they should already have a copy of your medical history. However, if you’re new to a practice, you’ll need to share it with them. Some conditions and medications can make you more susceptible to infections and complications, be sure to tell them everything.Decide Which Anaesthesia is Best For YouWhen you talk to your Wollongong dentist, you’ll also want to discuss anaesthesia. It’s not unusual to feel anxiety when it comes to the dentist, but there are several ways to alleviate those feelings. It may be that talking through the procedure eases your worries, but you could also consider laughing gas or even IV sedation.Know the Pre-Procedure RulesDepending on which anaesthetic you’ll be having for your procedure, you may need to avoid eating. Your dentist will advise how long for, but, usually, it’s around 12 hours. The important thing is, whether you are having IV sedation, a general or local anaesthetic, you should always follow the pre-operative guidelines you’re given.Find Affordable Teeth ExtractionsIt’s much better to work out your finances before the procedure. A professional and caring dental practice will do everything they can to help you afford the treatment you need. Find out if your procedure will be covered by your health fund, your private insurance or whether a payment plan can ease the cost for you.Pick Your WardrobeFeeling comfortable goes a long way towards relaxing your mind. When going in for your procedure, make sure that you have loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You’ll also want to take your jewellery off and make sure, if you’ve got long hair, that it is pulled away from your face.Organise Your TransportationIf you’ve had anaesthesia for your tooth extraction, then you’re not going to be able to drive afterwards. Even local anaesthesia can affect your reflexes. Make sure you either have a friend or family member to take you home, or you’ve booked a taxi. That way, you’ll know you’ll be home safe and sound in no time.Plan Some TLCWhen you get home, you may need to rest for a while. So, make sure you have help with childcare and perhaps someone to prepare your dinner. Your Wollongong dentist will recommend eating soft foods, avoiding brushing the site for a few days and taking painkillers for any soreness you may experience.Searching for same day tooth extraction near me can be a daunting prospect if you don’t know what to expect. However, if you take these steps to prepare for your tooth extraction, you’ll feel much more at ease.

“The event and speakers gave invaluable insights into what is considered state-of-the-art and what is important tomorrow,” said Dr Saad, Principal Dentist at Ambience Dental. “The symposium highlighted that the implants we use are considered by many experts to be the best for long term success.”

4 Teeth Whitening Myths BustedHaving a beautiful set of pearly whites is something we all aspire too. However, as we eat, drink and live, our once sparkling teeth can soon become discoloured. Fortunately, dentist teeth whitening can change all of that, giving us back our gleaming smiles and restoring our self-confidence to boot. But do you know what chemicals are safe? Are you worried how much teeth whitening is? Do you think you might damage your teeth? When it comes to teeth whitening, there are lots of misconceptions, false information and wacky ideas out there that can lead us to make the wrong decisions. So, without further ado, here are four teeth whitening myths that you can stop worrying about.1. Dentist Teeth Whitening Can Damage Your TeethThis is definitely not true. Most cosmetic teeth whitening products are made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While if you don’t know your chemicals, they may sound like they could do damage, that’s far from the case. The chemical reaction converts hydrogen peroxide into water while releasing oxygen. We all use oxygen and water every day, so they’re unlikely to damage our teeth. And, while you’ll want to avoid swallowing too much, it isn’t anything like household bleach that contains ammonia.2. You’re Guaranteed a Hollywood SmileDeciding to have dentist whitening treatment in Fairy Meadow with unrealistic expectations is a sure-fire way to set yourself up for failure. Celebrities use teeth whitening but also have other procedures to achieve their sparkling smiles. All of our teeth are different in terms of their mineral composition, the thickness of the enamel and their natural colour. The colour you can achieve with teeth whitening alone will depend on the current shade of your teeth, your oral health and your desired outcome. A professional teeth whitening dentist will be able to advise you as to whether you can achieve the colour you’re hoping for and will ensure you achieve the best results for you.3. Over-the-Counter Products are As Good as Professional OnesAs a hugely popular cosmetic dental treatment, there is a wide range of teeth whitening products available both online and in pharmacies. The problem with the huge amount of choice, however, is that it’s difficult for you to know exactly what you’re getting. At-home whitening kits may have weaker or stronger chemistry than those that your dentist will use. And that means that you aren’t guaranteed the same results or the same level of safety. The best way is to search for dentist whitening near me and to seek the advice of a professional. Many practices will offer at-home whitening kits too, so you can have the best of both worlds. And, if you’re wondering how much teeth whitening is, you’ll want to consider value for money and the longevity of your results.4. Your Teeth Will Stay White ForeverUnfortunately, this one is more a case of wishful thinking. Much in the same way as your teeth have changed colour since you were a child, they will change colour again. This can be due to the ageing process, or the food and drink that we consume. However, there are ways that you can maintain your sparkle for longer. Visiting the dentist regularly, maintaining an effective oral health routine and considering your diet will all impact how long your teeth whitening results will last. What’s more, by visiting the dentist regularly, you’ll be able to plan any touch-up treatment required at the perfect time to keep that smile firmly planted on your face.Dentist whitening treatment is one of the easiest, quickest and simplest ways to enhance your smile. By consulting your teeth whitening dentist, you’ll not only avoid falling for teeth whitening myths, but you will get the best-possible and longest-lasting results.