About Us
At Opal Dental, we offer a wide range of services to meet your oral health needs, including:
- Fillings
- Scale and Clean
- Extractions
- Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Root Canal Treatment
- Crowns & Bridges
- Dentures
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Veneers
- Children’s Dentistry
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Gum Treatment
Comprehensive, caring, and painless dental care for every need
Whether you need routine check-ups, cosmetic enhancements, or emergency care, we’ve got you covered. We strive to accommodate emergency patients on the same day, ensuring prompt and efficient care when you need it most.
For those with dental anxiety or toothaches, our team specializes in painless treatments, helping even the most nervous patients feel at ease. Choose Opal Dental for a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
1. Why do I need to take an X-RAY?
Dental radiographs (x-rays) show the structures of your teeth and mouth that cannot be seen visually during your clinical examination. X-rays also allow us to see the very early signs of decay which means we can start treatment early – sometimes without having to do a filling! From time to time there are other more specific reasons to take an x-ray, for example, infection or to check on wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays require small radiation doses (even smaller now that we have digital x-rays!) however, we never take them unnecessarily.
2. When does my child need their first check up?
We encourage you to bring your children in with you to your check-up appointments from very early on. This introduces them to the dental environment and the Dentist in a non-threatening way and allows your child to have confidence when it is their turn.
3. How and when do I start brushing my child's teeth?
You can introduce a soft children’s toothbrush from 12 months (earlier if tolerated by the infant) and just use water.
- We recommend you start using toothpaste from 18 months.
- Brush your child’s teeth at least twice a day (morning and before bed) to remove plaque that can cause infant infant tooth decay and gum disease. Signs that your child’s teeth are not being brushed correctly are:
- Red and swollen gums
- A furry white film over the teeth (plaque)
4. Which is better: a manual or electric toothbrush?
Many comparisons have been made between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque effectively and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) build-up, thereby reducing the development of gum disease. Research studies have indicated both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly, which mean it is not so much the brush you use, but how you use it is the critical factor. Many people are choosing to use a power toothbrush, especially older patients who find them easier to hold. Advice from our dental hygienists can help ensure that your brushing routine is effective no matter which brush you prefer to use.
5. Bad Breath?
Clinically referred to as halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant condition that is cause for embarrassment both socially and professionally. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware they have a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see one of our dentists for an assessment as they can help to identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment programme to help eliminate it. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Sometimes bad breath is attributed to certain foods such as garlic and onions. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on your tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.
6. Dental Anxiety
7. There are so many toothpastes to choose from, how do I know which one to use?
Orthodontics & Dental Implant Services
Now Available
State-of-the-art, clear plastic aligners – Invisalign® is the world’s leading clear aligner system to help straighten teeth.
