Dental Glossary & Knowledge Base — Clearly Dental Dapto
Our team at Clearly Dental Dapto understands that dental terms can sometimes feel overwhelming or unfamiliar. That’s why we’ve created this knowledge base to provide plain-English definitions and practical answers to common dental questions. If you’re preparing for a procedure or simply exploring your options, this page is designed to make things clearer and more reassuring.
General Dentistry
General dentistry focuses on maintaining and improving overall oral health through routine check-ups, preventive care, early diagnosis, and treatments for common dental issues. At Clearly Dental Dapto, our general dentistry services are centred on prevention and long-term care for individuals and families alike.
Check-up and Clean — A routine dental visit that includes a full examination, scale, polish, and fluoride treatment. We recommend visits every six months to stay ahead of dental issues before they become problems.
Tooth Decay — Damage to the tooth caused by plaque and bacteria. We use low-radiation digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to spot early signs.
Gum Disease — Inflammation and infection of the gums. Our team can perform targeted deep cleaning and gentle patient education to manage early signs before it becomes advanced.
How often should I come in for a dental check-up?
Every 6 months is ideal unless our dentist recommends otherwise.
Does a dental clean hurt?
Most patients find it painless, but we always check in with you during the appointment.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are custom trays that straighten your teeth gradually without the need for wires or brackets. In our practice, we use digital scans and in-house planning to create aligners that are discreet and effective.
How long does a clear aligner treatment take?
Treatment duration typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Can I remove my clear aligners to eat?
Yes, clear aligners are designed to be removable, allowing you to eat and drink without restrictions.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens discolouration and stains on your teeth using safe bleaching agents. Many dental practices offer both in-chair and take-home whitening treatments that are professionally supervised to help brighten your smile without damaging your enamel.
In-Chair Whitening — Performed at the clinic for faster results. This procedure uses professional-grade gel and LED activation.
Take-Home Whitening — Custom trays you can use at home for gradual whitening.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe when it is professionally supervised by a dentist.
Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Teeth whitening may cause temporary sensitivity, but it is usually mild and short-term.
Cosmetic Injectable Treatments
Cosmetic injectables are non-surgical treatments that can be used to reduce fine lines, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial balance in conjunction with dental treatments. Clearly Dental Dapto offers cosmetic injectables in a safe, clinical environment for patients seeking a refreshed appearance.
Are cosmetic injectables safe?
Yes, when performed by qualified professionals in a clinical setting.
How long do cosmetic injectable results last?
Results typically last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the treatment.
Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually without the need for brackets or wires. Designed for comfort and discretion, it is a good option for teens and adults wanting to improve their smile with minimal disruption to daily life.
How is Invisalign different from traditional braces?
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign aligners are transparent and can be taken out at any time, making them easier to clean and more convenient for eating and social situations.
How long should I wear my Invisalign aligners each day?
For the best results, it’s important to wear your Invisalign for 20 to 22 hours per day, only taking them out when brushing, flossing, eating, or drinking anything other than water.
Will I need to come in for appointments during treatment?
Yes, you’ll need occasional review appointments so we can check progress and provide your next set of Invisalign aligners.
What’s the usual duration of Invisalign treatment?
Most Invisalign treatments are completed within 6 to 18 months, depending on your specific alignment needs.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or dental prosthesis. They offer a long-term solution for missing teeth, providing stability, function, and a natural look.
How long is the dental implant process?
The dental implant process usually takes several months, from the planning stage through to placement of the final crown.
Am I a good candidate for dental implants?
You may be a candidate if you have healthy gums and sufficient bone structure, which we will assess during your consultation.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover and protect damaged teeth, restoring their strength, function, and appearance. Our team ensures crowns are colour-matched and comfortable for a natural look.
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, dental crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more.
Are dental crowns noticeable?
No, we carefully match the colour and shape so they blend naturally with your teeth.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings are restorative treatments used to repair teeth that have been damaged by decay or minor fractures. Patients at our clinic benefit from our tooth-coloured composite materials used to restore strength and appearance while preserving as much of the natural tooth as possible.
How long does a dental filling procedure take?
A filling procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the cavity.
Can I eat after my dental filling treatment?
You should wait a couple of hours before eating and follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are protective dental devices worn during contact or high-impact sports to prevent injuries to the teeth, gums, and jaw. At Clearly Dental Dapto, we custom-make each mouthguard to fit comfortably and securely, offering superior protection compared to store-bought versions.
Why not use a store-bought sports mouthguard?
Store-bought mouthguards do not provide the same level of fit, comfort, or protection as a custom-made mouthguard.
How often should I replace sports mouthguards?
You should replace your mouthguard once a year or whenever it no longer fits securely.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that involves extracting the third molars—typically the last teeth to develop. These teeth often cause pain, crowding, or infection due to lack of space. Our dentist will assess each case individually and offer gentle, in-house extractions for a more comfortable experience.
Is wisdom teeth removal done in-house?
Yes, wisdom teeth removal is performed in-house.
Will I need time off after my wisdom teeth extraction?
Most patients need a day or two of rest to recover after their procedure.
Emergency Dental
Emergency dental care involves treating urgent oral health issues such as severe pain, swelling, dental trauma, or broken restorations. We aim to provide same-day appointments whenever possible to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
What’s considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency may involve severe toothaches, chipped or broken teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, lost fillings or crowns, and dental trauma from accidents.
Do you accept dental emergency walk-ins?
We prefer that patients call ahead, but we will always do our best to fit you in on the same day.
Teeth Extractions
Teeth extractions involve the removal of a tooth that is too damaged, decayed, or problematic to be saved with other treatments. Our dentist performs extractions gently and with your comfort as our top priority.
What’s recovery like after a tooth extraction?
Recovery typically involves mild soreness and swelling, and we provide complete aftercare instructions to support healing.
Do I need someone to drive me home after my tooth removal procedure?
If sedation is used during the extraction, you will need someone to drive you home.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve appearance. Our team at Clearly Dental Dapto designs veneers to create a natural-looking smile.
Do dental veneers damage the teeth?
Veneers require the removal of a small amount of enamel, but the reduction is minimal and carefully managed.
How long do dental veneers last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to improve oral health, function, and appearance. We offer clear aligners and other orthodontic treatments to help patients achieve straighter smiles.
When should my child get orthodontic treatment?
A consultation is recommended by age 7 to assess jaw and tooth development.
Do adults benefit from orthodontics?
Yes, orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves advanced surgical procedures for complex dental and facial conditions, including impacted teeth, jaw corrections, and facial trauma. At Clearly Dental Dapto, we work with trusted specialists to deliver high-quality care.
Do you perform these oral surgeries in-house?
Some procedures are performed in-house, while more complex cases are referred to trusted specialists.
What conditions may require oral surgery?
Impacted teeth, jaw irregularities, and facial injuries may require oral or maxillofacial surgery.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery focuses on surgical procedures within the mouth, such as tooth extractions, dental implants, and soft tissue procedures. Our team provides gentle oral surgery with options for pain management to keep patients comfortable.
Is oral surgery painful?
With modern anaesthesia and sedation, oral surgery is generally comfortable.
How long is recovery after an oral surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Other General Dental Terms You Should Know
Abscess — A painful pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gum. We act quickly to ease discomfort and provide treatment, which may include antibiotics, drainage, or further care like a root canal.
Abutment — The connecting piece that secures a crown, bridge, or denture to an implant. We make sure abutments are planned carefully so your replacement tooth feels stable and natural.
Adhesive Dentistry — The use of bonding materials to attach fillings or cosmetic restorations securely to your tooth. This keeps your tooth restoration strong while maintaining a natural appearance.
Appliance — A removable dental device such as a night guard, retainer, or mouthguard. At our Dapto clinic, we custom-make appliances so they fit comfortably and provide proper protection.
Anterior Teeth — The teeth at the front of your mouth, which includes incisors and canines. They are most visible when you smile and are often the focus of cosmetic treatments.
Bicuspid / Premolar — Teeth located between your canines and molars that help with chewing. We keep these teeth strong and healthy with routine care and restorative treatment when needed.
Bridge — A dental restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring to neighbouring teeth or implants. We design bridges that blend in naturally with your smile.
Calculus (Tartar) — Hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing. Our team removes tartar during professional cleans to keep your gums healthy.
Dentin — The layer beneath your enamel that protects the pulp. If decay reaches the dentin, we act quickly with fillings or other care to prevent pain and infection.
Denture / Partial Denture — A removable replacement for missing teeth. We ensure dentures fit well, look natural, and allow you to eat and speak with confidence.
Endodontics — Dental care focused on the inside of the tooth, such as root canal treatment. We use modern techniques to make these procedures as comfortable as possible.
Enamel — The strong, outer surface of your teeth that protects against decay. Once enamel is worn down, it cannot regrow, which is why preventive care is so important.
Malocclusion — A misaligned bite where teeth don’t meet correctly. We often recommend orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners, to correct this.
Onlay — A larger type of filling that restores the chewing surface of a tooth. It’s often used when damage is too big for a regular filling but doesn’t require a full crown.
Over-denture — A denture designed to fit over remaining teeth or implants. We ensure these fit securely for comfort and better function.
Palate — The roof of your mouth, which helps with speech and chewing. It’s also important in the design of upper dentures and orthodontic appliances.
Pulp — The soft inner part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected, root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth.
Plaque — A sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth and can cause cavities and gum disease if not removed by brushing and flossing.
Prophylaxis — A professional dental clean that removes plaque and tartar and helps prevent gum disease. At our Dapto clinic, we carry out thorough cleans while also reviewing your aftercare treatment.
Prosthodontics — The field of dentistry focused on restoring and replacing teeth with crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. We provide these services in collaboration with trusted local labs.
Root Canal — A treatment that removes infection from the inside of a tooth and seals it to prevent further issues. Our focus is on making the procedure as stress-free and comfortable as possible.
Root Planing / Scaling — A deeper clean that removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline to help treat gum disease. We support you with ongoing advice to keep your gums healthy.
Sedation — Medication that helps patients feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Safe sedation options work well for those who feel anxious about dental visits.
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars) — The last teeth to come through, usually in your late teens or early twenties. They can cause problems such as pain or crowding. We assess whether removal is the best option.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Contact Clearly Dental Dapto for professional dental guidance.