Dr Elie Alam

Extensive experience in cosmetic & implant dentistry

Dr Alam has been engaged in private practice since 1997. In addition to general dentistry Dr Alam provides orthodontic treatments, implant dentistry and complex cosmetic dentistry.

At Painfree Dentistry we understand that some people are not as comfortable as others in a dentist’s chair…

This is why we have created a relaxing, natural environment and combined it with the latest technology and a highly trained expert team.

If you have ever wanted to improve your smile, come in and discuss it with one of our team today. Because we understand that no two people are the same, our team will give you professional advice tailored to your specific personal needs. Come and discuss your smile with us – you will leave relaxed and smiling.

Painfree Dentistry has been a part of the local community.

Our desire for you to have the most comfortable dental experience available has motivated us to implement the latest technology into our practice from the waiting room to the dentist’s chair. We also offer wheelchair access and facilities.

Painfree Dentistry provides a relaxing environment with the full range of dental technology and training. What this means is that when you come to see us, we are able to complete all your dental procedures, from a checkup to surgery requiring intravenous sedation (sleep dentistry), within our practice. We are the specialists and therefore do not need to waste your time referring you to other surgeries. All you do is sit back, relax and then enjoy your beautiful new smile.

We offer the latest technology in sterilisers, intravenous sedation (a technique useful for various procedures and people with dental anxiety), intra-oral imaging, digital radiography and our front desk is enabled with hicaps, a system which allows us to automatically process your health fund claim. All this helps us provide you with an efficient and comfortable appointment.

We specialise in:

• Veneers
• Implants
• Porcelain Inlays
• Tooth Whitening
• Cosmetic Crowns
• Intravenous Sedation
• Orthodontics
• Gum Treatment
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Root Canal Therapy
• Surgical Wisdom Teeth Extractions
• Treatment of Facial Pain and TMJ Disorders

Coming soon.

We like to see children in our office by the age of three.

At this time we can evaluate not only the health of the mouth, but also the development of the mouth to help eliminate or reduce problems that may occur later.

We also suggest you bring your child with you during your cleaning appointment. This allows your child to observe you and how Dr. Alam and his staff work with you. They see it is a safe environment. We show them the chair, light and instruments we use. After your cleaning, your child is usually eager to do what Mum or Dad did and we can then examine your child’s teeth. Occasionally, a child may be unsure so we let the child sit in the parent’s lap and lean you both back in the chair together to examine their teeth. This helps the child feel safe.

First visits are fun!

Cosmetic dentistry relates to the aesthetic improvement of your smile and incorporates many areas of dentistry.

Traditionally dentistry has focused on function and function only. With advances in materials and procedures, not to mention the aesthetic necessities in today’s world, function is just as important as looks!

Silver coloured amalgam fillings used to be the only option when filling cavities in teeth and have always compromised an otherwise beautiful looking smile. This is no longer has to be the case as there are now much more effective and aesthetic options available for filling cavities.

After tooth decay is removed and cleaned, this tooth coloured material is layered into the tooth. Each layer is hardened or cured with highly intense visible light, and the final surface is shaped and polished to match the tooth. The final restoration is virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

Should you wish to have your amalgam fillings removed, we will replace them with composite fillings. Composite fillings are stronger because they achieve a stronger bond with your tooth rather then simply sitting on top. Because of this they are also much less likely to crack, dislodge or cause pain.

Advantages

Composite fillings are more aesthetically pleasing as they are tooth coloured and can be shaped to blend with your natural teeth.
Being that they do not use mercury, composite fillings are environmentally non-toxic. The strength of the fillings allows them to bond directly to the surface of the tooth. As they don’t require the severe “undercut” (removal of healthy tooth structure) of a mercury filling, they protect the tooth from fracturing.

Disadvantages

The initial investment in a composite filling is higher than that for an amalgam filling. This is a result of the composite material being more expensive and the restoration process being more difficult and time-consuming to place. However, this initial higher investment is offset in the long-run by the health benefits and reduced likelihood of restoring potentially fractured teeth.

Composite tooth bonding uses materials that can be colour matched to the shade, translucency and texture of your natural teeth so they blend seamlessly. The composite resin material is made from silica and glass-like particles mixed to a paste consistency and applied to your teeth and sculpted to cover or replace the problem area. Bonding allows us to fill gaps between the teeth and remove spots, chips, and discolorations.

Advantages

Bonding is a one-visit procedure requiring no aesthetic. The tooth bonding material is applied to the outside of the tooth creating a finish so similar to your own tooth people will never see the difference.

Disadvantages

Although initially less expensive than porcelain veneers, bonding is not as strong and may discolour in several years and will need replacing. It is for this reason that porcelain restorations are seen as more cost effective over time.

If you have a particularly decayed tooth, a fractured tooth, or a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy, you may require a crown. The decay is removed and cleaned and then the tooth is prepared. A crown will encase the tooth and is secured into place thereby forming a new outer surface. This is a very common procedure and can be completed in two visits.

Crowns are a perfect option to restore compromised teeth back to their full strength, appearance and function. They are also a useful option in cosmetic dentistry to instantly realign misshapen or crooked teeth. Crowns are also placed on dental implants to replace a missing tooth or bonded to teeth on either side of a space to become the supports for a dental bridge when replacing several missing teeth.

Advantages

The porcelain crown is made to perfectly match the shade and shape of your tooth, it’s durable, it’s strong, and it’s virtually undetectable.

A porcelain crown in the hands of a skilled dentist will fit almost perfectly onto the prepared surface of the tooth, therefore reducing the size of the closure between the crown and the tooth, thereby assisting in keeping decay from eventually occurring under the crown.

Disadvantages

Crowns are excellent restorations and have few disadvantages. They are highly durable, however as a result of normal wear, they will eventually need to be re-bonded or replaced.

Occasionally, after being crowned, a tooth may still require root canal therapy. Yet, this indicates that the interior of the tooth was already infected and would have eventually needed root canal therapy anyway.

If your teeth are not looking as bright as they once did or as you may like, teeth whitening is an effective way to rejuvenate your smile. At Painfree Dentistry, we provide 1hour in-chair whitening for people who are seeking an immediate result and at home whitening so you can brighten your smile to the in the comfort of your own home, at times more suited to your busy lifestyle.

We offer a range of whitening solutions available (including Zoom!® and Britesmile®, all of which are painless and safe.

Zoom!® is the world leader in teeth whitening technology with all products tested extensively to ensure they are completely safe for your teeth and gums.

Taking around 1hour, Zoom!® in-chair whitening is completed while you relax in one of our comfortable treatment lounges. The formulated whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated by a specially developed light. Depending on the colour of your teeth and the shade you wish to achieve, the gel may be reapplied 2 or 3 times during your procedure.

So book a time to come in and talk to us about which option best suits your needs.

Advantages

Having a brighter smile will enhance your confidence both socially and professionally. Not only are teeth whitening treatments highly effective, safe and achieve dramatic results, these procedures are becoming increasingly popular and have no adverse effect on the tooth structure.

Disadvantages

Some patients may experience gum or tooth sensitivity when using whitening treatments. However, these symptoms will subside soon after completing your treatment, leaving you with a captivating white smile.

Veneers are highly versatile in their application and one of the quickest and most effective ways to repair chipped or broken teeth, cover stained teeth or fill a gap that exists between two of your teeth. On some occasions, veneers can be used as an alternative to orthodontic braces. Veneers are made of extremely thin porcelain which is bonded to the front of your teeth creating a flawless new smile.

Receiving veneers involves minimal preparation of your tooth surface and can be completed in as few as two appointments. Your veneers are colour matched so when placed they blend seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth.

Advantages

Typically veneers are difficult to stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and are generally done in only two, one and half hour long appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.

Disadvantages

It is common to have an adjustment period of a week or two to get used to your teeth that have been altered in colour, size, spacing and shape.
Minor tooth sensitivity may be experienced after your teeth have been prepared for your veneers whilst wearing temporary veneers. Some people also experience a difference in speech, usually pronouncing “s” and “f” sounds. This is corrected through minor adjustments made by your dentist and after you become familiar with your new teeth.

General dentistry refers to the many modern dental procedures we provide, all of which are designed to help you achieve and maintain excellent oral health.

Painfree Dentistry is fully equipped with the latest dental technology, such as our digital x-ray machine and intra-oral camera. It allows Dr Alam and all our team to provide you and your family with the very best dental care.

At Painfree Dentistry, we are firm believers in the value of preventive dental care. Good quality dental hygiene is the most effective way to protect you and your family from tooth decay and gum disease.

We recommend that you attend regular examinations with us every 6-12 months, depending on your personal situation, to ensure potential problems are detected early. This will help minimise your treatment time and costs, and can help reduce the need for extensive restorative treatment. Regular visits also ensure you have minimal plaque and do not accumulate excessive tartar, which is difficult to remove with everyday brushing and flossing.

You should of course brush your teeth twice daily, in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed, using downward strokes for upper teeth and upward strokes for lower teeth. Encourage your children to brush using a circular motion.

It is also important to floss regularly, because while brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, flossing helps to maintain hygiene and remove plaque from in between your teeth.

Your diet is also closely related to dental health. You should avoid excessive consumption of sweets, sticky foods, and between-meal snacks. Try to choose teeth-friendly snacks such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and crackers, and minimise your consumption of soft drinks during and after meals.

If you’re missing a single tooth, all your teeth, or any number in between, dentures may be a good option for replacing them. Dentures are a removable appliance, allowing you to take them out and replace them as needed.

We begin your denture treatment with a thorough dental check-up that includes a full mouth examination and an assessment of your gum health. Dr Alam may also take x-rays to ensure your teeth are healthy and strong enough to support a denture. We then take impressions, bite records, and trial wax insertions before creating your final denture.

Many removable dentures use your remaining natural teeth to retain them, in which case Dr Alam may need to modify your natural teeth to improve the wearability and longevity of your dentures. This method helps us create the highest quality removable denture around your natural teeth.

At your regular appointments with Painfree Dentistry, Dr Alam will carefully inspect your mouth for signs of dental caries, or tooth decay. If cavities are present, we can use fillings to restore most teeth that have small to moderate decay or fractures. If you have extensive decay or large fractures, we may recommend more complex treatment such as dental crowns.

Before placing your filling we prepare the tooth under local anaesthesia for your comfort. All decay is carefully removed and your tooth is washed and dried, before we fill the cavity and allow it to set. Lastly, Dr Alam carefully shapes your new filling to match your tooth’s original contour.

The longevity of your dental fillings will vary. Small fillings located away from biting pressure can last for decades, while very large fillings on biting surfaces may last only a few years. Dr Alam will check your fillings for cracks, weakness, or decay at your twice yearly appointments with us.

The good news is that the combination of a balanced diet, meticulous at-home oral care, and regular check-ups at Painfree Dentistry, will mean that your need for fillings is greatly reduced.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in Australia, with around 80% of adults experiencing some form of gum disease over their lifetime. Some people are much more at risk of developing periodontal disease, due to smoking, diabetes, stress, pregnancy, or some medications. Fortunately, most of the time periodontal disease is preventable.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria which form plaque, a sticky, colourless film that builds up on your teeth, particularly around the gum line. Other bacteria can live in the ‘pocket’ or gap between your gum and tooth. Left untreated, these bacteria can cause gum disease and permanent damage to the supporting tissues of your mouth. Dr Alam will therefore aim to stop the progression of gum disease by controlling these bacteria.

To eliminate gum disease-causing bacteria, treatment usually includes scrupulous at-home oral care; professional cleaning of the teeth above and below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus; a program of regular examinations; and eliminating risk factors such as smoking.

In most cases, we can arrest the progression of gum disease with this treatment. However, because gum disease becomes less predictable and more difficult to treat as it advances, we strongly recommend early diagnosis and treatment. For this reason it’s a good idea to attend regular dental examinations at Painfree Dentistry.

Painfree Dentistry is fully equipped with in-house digital x-ray and OPG (full face) technology. Using only around a third of the radiation of conventional x-rays, digital x-rays allow us to enlarge an image of your teeth to observe small changes, and alter contrast to see small lesions. We can then store your dental images on a hard drive or back-up disc for easy retrieval, or image printing for patient education. Dental x-rays also give us the ability to diagnose some oral diseases, plan appropriate treatment, and monitor your treatment’s success.

SMILE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT

A smile is a free gift to those around you. It can say hello, or don’t worry, it can laugh, tease or brighten someone’s day.

Our desire for you to have the most comfortable dental experience possible has motivated us to implement the latest technology into our practice, from the reception area to our treatment studios and dental lounges. We have created a tranquil and relaxing centre dedicated to the highest quality of care.

We also offer wheelchair access and facilities.

What is pit and fissure sealant?

Children’s teeth are especially susceptible toe tooth decay. Pit and fissure sealants can be used on children’s ‘baby teeth’ and are usually applied to back teeth to help protect the grooves and pits of these teeth, as they can be hard to clean and therefore more prone to developing cavities.

The sealant is a liquid similar in consistency to nail polish that is applied to the teeth. After a few minutes it hardens and provides a barrier against plaque and other harmful substances. We will apply sealants to the first and second permanent molars and appropriate premolars if we feel your child is at risk of developing tooth decay. Applying the sealant is a completely pain-free non-invasive procedure that takes about 5 minutes per tooth.

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is found naturally in many foods and water. It is also added to the water supply of many towns and cities as it has long been recognised to help strengthen teeth and make them more resistant to decay.

Topical fluoride can be applied by Dr Alam as a gel, varnish or foam and is used to replenish fluoride in the outer layer of tooth enamel. Topical fluoride can be especially beneficial for children who are considered at a high risk of developing dental cavities due to not drinking fluoridated water, snack frequently on foods high in sugar or have a medical condition that decreases caries resistance.

Although fluoride is beneficial for teeth and bones, too much fluoride can cause permanent tooth staining, this is known as fluorosis. Ensure your children do not swallow toothpaste when brushing and you should consult with Dr Alam before giving your child any fluoride supplements.

Why baby teeth are Important?

Baby teeth play a significant role in the future oral health of your child. While baby teeth fall out naturally, it’s important this doesn’t happen prematurely. Baby teeth help guide the growth of the jawbone to ensure there is enough space for the permanent adult teeth come through in the correct position and alignment. Baby teeth also help with speech development as children learn to sound out words when they begin to talk.

Daily brushing and flossing and a healthy diet is just as important for maintaining the health of baby teeth as it is for adult teeth. The back baby molars need to last until your child is around thirteen. You should help your child with their brushing and flossing routine until they are at least eight years old, as many younger children lack the strength and dexterity to accomplish this effectively on their own. Dr Alam can give you some helpful tips on helping your child with their cleaning routine.