Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Cosmetic dentistry may be right for you if you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile and would like to explore options for improvement. Perhaps you're concerned about discoloured, chipped, misaligned or missing teeth, or you simply feel your smile doesn't reflect how you want to present yourself. If any aspect of your smile affects your confidence or causes you to hold back in social or professional situations, cosmetic dentistry could offer solutions worth considering.

At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, all cosmetic dental treatments begin with a consultation—a chance to sit down, talk things through and explore what's possible. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, goals and expectations with Dr Legin in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. During this appointment, options are discussed in detail and you're encouraged to ask questions to support informed decision-making. There's no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your smile.

The consultation also allows Dr Legin to assess your oral health, as certain conditions may need to be addressed before cosmetic work can proceed. Fees, treatment stages and alternatives are explained during your consultation, so you know exactly what to expect. We accept all major health funds and can discuss payment arrangements where relevant.

Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours. Cosmetic dentistry is about enhancing your smile in a way that feels right for you—not meeting anyone else's standards. If you're curious about what might be possible, booking a consultation is a simple first step with no obligation to proceed.

Crowns and bridges require ongoing care to support their function, much like your natural teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing and professional dental visits is important. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin emphasises that proper care will help ensure your restoration continues to serve you well for years to come.

Brush your crown or bridge at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, paying particular attention to the area where the restoration meets your gum line. Flossing is equally crucial – use dental floss or interdental brushes to clean around and beneath your restoration, especially with bridges where food particles can become trapped.

The lifespan of any dental restoration varies and depends on factors such as oral hygiene practices, bite forces and general oral health. Some foods may place additional stress on restorations and should be consumed with care, including very hard foods, sticky foods and foods that require significant biting force. Your crown or bridge is strong, but it's not indestructible.

Attend regular check-ups and professional cleanings at our Nundah practice so Dr Legin can monitor the condition of your restoration and address any concerns early. Watch for signs such as sensitivity, looseness or damage, and contact us promptly if you notice any changes.

With diligent home care and routine professional maintenance, your crown or bridge can provide lasting function and aesthetics, allowing you to eat, speak and smile with confidence.

Proper care of your denture or partial is essential to maintain its longevity, ensure your oral health and keep your smile looking its best. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin recommends establishing a consistent daily cleaning routine to protect your investment.

Remove and rinse your denture or partial after eating to wash away food particles and debris. Clean it thoroughly at least once daily using a soft-bristled brush designed specifically for dentures and a non-abrasive denture cleanser – avoid regular toothpaste, as it can be too harsh and cause scratches that harbour bacteria. Handle your denture carefully over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent damage if you accidentally drop it.

When you're not wearing your denture or partial, store it in water or a denture-soaking solution to prevent it from drying out and losing its shape. Never use hot water, as this can cause warping.

Continue caring for your natural teeth, gums and tongue by brushing them gently each day, even if you wear a full denture. This removes plaque, stimulates circulation and helps maintain oral health.

It's important to schedule regular check-ups with Dr Legin so we can examine your denture's fit and condition, as well as assess the health of your gums and any remaining teeth. Over time, changes in your mouth's shape may require adjustments to ensure your denture continues to fit comfortably and function properly.

If you experience soreness, looseness or damage to your denture, contact our Nundah practice promptly for assistance.

While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, many can be avoided through good oral hygiene practices, regular dental check-ups and taking sensible precautions in your daily life.

Maintaining a consistent oral care routine is your first line of defence. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly and attending your scheduled dental appointments at Nundah General & Emergency Dental allow Dr Legin to identify and address potential problems before they become urgent issues. Small cavities, gum disease in its early stages and weakened teeth can all be treated proactively, reducing your risk of painful emergencies.

Protective measures during physical activities can also make a significant difference. If you play contact sports or participate in activities where facial injury is possible, wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent knocked-out or broken teeth. Similarly, avoiding habits like chewing ice, biting fingernails or using your teeth to open packages helps protect your teeth from unnecessary damage.

Being mindful of your diet matters too. Limiting sugary foods and acidic drinks reduces your risk of decay, whilst avoiding extremely hard foods can prevent cracked or fractured teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can protect against wear and potential fractures.

That said, accidents do happen, and some dental emergencies occur despite our best efforts. If you experience a dental emergency, Nundah General & Emergency Dental is here to provide prompt, professional care. Contact the practice immediately so Dr Legin and the team can assess your situation and provide the treatment you need.

Full-mouth reconstruction is a customised treatment approach that combines restorative and, where appropriate, aesthetic dental procedures to address extensive dental issues affecting most or all of your teeth. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin takes a comprehensive view of your oral health to create a coordinated plan tailored to your specific needs.

Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may involve a combination of procedures such as:

• Dental implants
• Crowns and bridges
• Veneers
• Root canal treatment
• Gum disease management
• Orthodontic treatment

These procedures work together to restore both function and appearance. Dental implants replace missing teeth with permanent solutions that look and feel natural, whilst crowns and bridges rebuild damaged or weakened teeth and fill gaps. Veneers can enhance the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, chipped or misshapen, contributing to an attractive, cohesive smile.

Root canal treatment saves teeth that might otherwise require extraction, and managing gum disease ensures a healthy foundation for your reconstructed smile. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to properly align your teeth before or during the restorative process.

Dr Legin will conduct a thorough examination and discuss your goals to develop a treatment timeline that works for you. Full-mouth reconstruction is a significant investment in your oral health, and our team is committed to supporting you throughout every stage of your journey towards a fully restored, functional and beautiful smile.

Most people benefit from visiting the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and professional clean, though your individual needs may vary. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin assesses your oral health and recommends a schedule tailored to your specific circumstances.

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining good oral health and catching potential problems early. During these appointments, Dr Legin can identify issues such as tooth decay, gum disease or worn fillings before they develop into more serious concerns requiring extensive treatment. Professional cleaning also removes plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing can't fully eliminate.

Some patients may need more frequent visits, particularly if they have:

• Active gum disease or a history of periodontal issues
• A higher risk of tooth decay
• Diabetes or other health conditions affecting oral health
• Orthodontic appliances requiring monitoring
• Dental restorations that need regular assessment
• Weakened immune systems

Conversely, if you have excellent oral health and maintain thorough home care habits, Dr Legin may suggest that annual visits are sufficient for your needs.

Children should also visit the dentist regularly, ideally from the time their first tooth appears or by their first birthday. Early dental visits help establish good habits, allow monitoring of dental development and provide an opportunity to address any concerns.

If you're unsure how often you should be visiting, a consultation with Dr Legin can help determine the right schedule for you based on your oral health status and risk factors.

Root canal treatment often carries an intimidating reputation, but modern dental techniques and anaesthesia have made the procedure far more comfortable than many people expect. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin prioritises your comfort throughout the entire process, and most patients report that root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a standard filling placed.

The tooth requiring root canal treatment is typically already causing significant pain due to infection or inflammation within the pulp. The procedure itself is designed to relieve this discomfort by removing the damaged tissue and eliminating the source of infection. Before beginning treatment, Dr Legin will administer local anaesthetic to ensure the area is completely numb, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.

You may experience some pressure or unusual sensations as Dr Legin works, but these shouldn't be painful. If you do feel any discomfort during treatment, please let us know immediately so we can provide additional anaesthetic.

Following your root canal treatment, it's normal to experience some tenderness or mild discomfort for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medication, and any sensitivity should gradually diminish.

If you're feeling anxious about root canal treatment, please discuss your concerns with Dr Legin. We can explore options to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, ensuring your experience at our Nundah practice is as positive as possible. Remember, root canal treatment saves your natural tooth and eliminates the pain you're currently experiencing.

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin often recommends extraction when these teeth pose problems for your oral health or are likely to cause complications in the future.

Many people don't have sufficient space in their jaws to accommodate wisdom teeth properly. When this occurs, the teeth may become impacted, meaning they're unable to fully emerge through the gum line or grow in at awkward angles. This can lead to a range of issues, including:

• Pain and discomfort in the jaw
• Infection or inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Crowding or shifting of existing teeth
• Development of cysts or tumours around the impacted tooth
• Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease due to difficulty cleaning

Even wisdom teeth that have erupted fully can be problematic if they're positioned so far back in your mouth that proper brushing and flossing becomes challenging. This creates an environment where bacteria can flourish, leading to decay and gum problems.

Dr Legin will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. If extraction is recommended, addressing the issue proactively can prevent more serious complications and protect your overall oral health.

Our Nundah team is experienced in wisdom tooth removal and will ensure you're comfortable throughout the process, discussing all available options for sedation and aftercare.

Following proper post-operative care after a tooth extraction is essential for promoting healing, minimising discomfort and preventing complications. At Nundah General & Emergency Dental, Dr Legin provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly.

Immediately after your extraction, bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site for at least 30 minutes to help control bleeding and allow a blood clot to form. This clot is crucial for healing, so avoid disturbing it during the first 24 hours.

To support optimal recovery, please follow these guidelines:

• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling 
• Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot
• Take any prescribed pain medication or antibiotics as directed
• Eat soft foods and avoid hot liquids, hard or crunchy foods for the first few days
• Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours
• Keep your head elevated when lying down to minimise bleeding and swelling
• After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water several times daily to keep the area clean

Some bleeding, swelling and discomfort are normal following an extraction. However, if you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, signs of infection or any concerns during your recovery, please contact our Nundah practice immediately.

Dr Legin and our team are here to support you through every stage of your healing process.