Should I get whitening if I have sensitive teeth?

If you're concerned about tooth sensitivity, you may decide to choose a product that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Mount Lawley Dental uses Philips ZOOM! Nite White – which is especially formulated for those with sensitive teeth.

What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment involves treating teeth with a diseased dental pulp, such as a dental abscess. The infected soft tissue is removed from inside the tooth and replaced with a root canal filling that seals the tooth from future infection.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last (third) molars to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are usually four wisdom teeth, but not everyone gets them. As these teeth are less necessary, dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal if a tooth becomes impacted or causes problems such as teeth crowding.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers depends on their size, the number of veneers you have and what material they're made from. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers. At Mount Lawley Dental, veneers start from $300 per tooth for composite resin and from $1400 per tooth for porcelain.

Why is oral hygiene important?

Good oral hygiene is about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in order to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These dental problems when left untreated can erode teeth and cause gums to pull away, weakening the tooth structure and resulting in tooth loss. Tooth loss affects the way you eat and speak and can create teeth alignment issues, jawbone deterioration and a sagging facial appearance.

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to dental care. The preventive approach aims to prevent common dental problems before they have a chance to develop and avoiding the need for more invasive and expensive procedures to correct them.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that can build up on teeth and form plaque. When bacteria reaches the gum, it can cause an infection that the body fights with inflammation, leading to swelling and tenderness of the gums.

How do I keep my mouthguard clean?

Clean your mouthguard under room temperature water and a cleaning solution to keep it in good condition. Avoid using hot water to rinse your mouthguard as it will warp it out of shape. By making sure you clean your mouthguard after every use, you’ll keep it free from staining and plaque build-up that can ruin the mouthguard and require you to replace it sooner than necessary.

Employee Stories | Mount Lawley Dental

Sara McCormick, Clinical Manager

"Over the years, I’ve been given many opportunities to develop and grow professionally and it’s something I am very grateful for."

I walked into the practice, handed in my resume and then started that same month in January 2012. I was quite awkward in my interview, as I had never really had one before.

After finishing my Certificate III and IV in Dental Nursing, I was looking for roles when I came across the dental assistant position advertised. My dad suggested that I personally hand in my resume to make a good impression. The first thing I remember was how welcoming everyone was.

After 3 years, I was promoted to Head Nurse for Kelmscott Dental and again for EVP Dental in the following year. During this time, I saw an opportunity to make a difference across the clinics and decided to approach the practice manager. Together we pioneered and developed a new Clinical Coordinator role which I began in mid-2016. The following year, I was asked to nurse for Dr Norcross and in 2021, I was promoted to Clinical Manager across all three clinics.

Surgery is one of the things I love most however, I also love building strong relationships with my colleagues. I feel very lucky to be able to work with nearly everyone in our team, which is quite a unique position to be in with such a large team. I’ve developed a high level of trust and friendship with my colleagues, I’ve made some really amazing friends and would even call some of them my best friends. I’m still in touch with ex-staff that used to work with us years ago and I also have great friendships with our management team.

Over the years, I’ve been given many opportunities to develop and grow professionally and it’s something I am very grateful for. I feel valued by the team and find it rewarding to work with such an amazing group of individuals. I also enjoy having the opportunity to mentor our bright and passionate dental nurses.

There’s a great comradery amongst us, we get the meaning of teamwork and friendship. There’s also courses and seminars for continued professional development and a culture of shared learning where our dentists can showcase their work and talk through treatment plans with each other. The management team are very dedicated to making employees feel heard and valued.

For anyone considering a role within the group, I would say they need to have a strong work ethic as our clinics can be fast-paced and very busy. Having a positive attitude is something that’s quickly recognised and appreciated, as well as being a team player.

Teamwork is key to getting through the busy days, I find it rewarding to be able to reflect on how well our team has worked together on these days. A lot of skills can be taught on the job thanks to our mentors and leaders, so someone that really values teamwork and has a positive outlook would really excel in a place like this.

On a personal note

I live outside of Perth in a small country town and I find this is exactly where I need to be to wind down from a busy working week. Spending time with family and friends and being outdoors really fills up my cup. I also love nothing more than to curl up on the couch in front of a trashy horror movie with some chocolate.