Michael Frey received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Boston University School of Dentistry in the US and practiced for most of his career in Tucson, Arizona before moving with his family to New Zealand in 2003, practicing in Nelson on the South Island. A visit to Queensland in 2007 brought them permanently across the Tasman and they settled in Bundaberg, opening Michael Frey Dental in February, 2008, after falling in love with the beautiful location and the supportive community.

On his webpage Michael has the phrase – “thoughtful dental solutions” – and this sums up very well his attitude to his patients and his overall philosophy about what dental treatment should achieve. He believes that no one should be pressured into undertaking a dental procedure that is not in their long-term interest. Michael asks his patients for their personal goals regarding their dental treatment, and gives them options that will move them in that direction.

“I never feel intimidated when I visit Michael, because he always explains everything and gives me choices. This is important to me, because as a retiree, what I want for my dental treatment may be completely different to what a young person would like. The cost is always important, as I am on a fixed income, so I can’t just splash out and have a whole range of things done. Just the basics to keep me healthy are what I am after.”

Microscopic dentistry, air abrasion and digital x-rays are just some of the modern techniques and equipment that Michael has introduced into his practice. Air abrasion, for example, is a method of removing decayed material from teeth without the use of the dreaded drill. It is especially suitable for children and people who fear having fillings, and provided the decay is in its very early stages, it is an almost painless method of preparing a tooth for a small filling.

Michael believes that keeping up to date with new technology is his responsibility as a dental professional. Everything is moving quickly these days with new techniques and equipment available that utilize the best of computer and laser technology. Michael Frey Dental's philosophy is that his patients deserve the most effective treatments available, and if that involves new technology, he will not hesitate to introduce it to his surgery.

“I am such a squib when it comes to my teeth, that I always attend my six monthly checkups so any problems can be nipped in the bud. I was horrified when Michael found early decay, and I imagined the drill boring through my tooth. When he showed me the air abrasion technique I thought - You beauty. That’ll do me. Fancy getting that treatment at a dentists Bundaberg!”

New patients are invited to visit the web page and download the Medical History form and the Patient Information form so they can fill it out before their appointment, saving them the time and hassle of having to fill out both forms while they are sitting in the surgery. These little touches are part of the commitment to patient service that Michael Frey Dental and his staff work hard to deliver.

Bundaberg has gained a dedicated, experienced dental professional with a long-term commitment to the area and to his patients. Michael reserves longer appointments than average so that you can discuss your concerns and your treatment. You can’t get better than that.

Brush your teeth every day! We all hear about the basics of Dental Hygiene and preventing cavities, but how much do we know beyond the basics? Plaque build up on the teeth is what softens the enamel and causes cavities, but what causes plaque and how can we avoid it? Plaque build up is what occurs when bacteria stick to the teeth and create colonies that harden into plaque. There are many types of bacteria that live in our mouths, some beneficial and others that are not. Effective brushing is what helps to keep bacterial colonies at bay by removing their food source i.e.; leftover food particles from what we eat.

The bacteria that make plaque on our teeth thrive on foods that are sugary and foods that stick on around and in between the teeth surfaces. Ideally we need to brush after every meal, but as this isn’t always possible then there are other things we can do to minimize the opportunities for bacteria to grow. Eating a piece of fruit such as an apple is great for a cleansing effect in the mouth, helping clear away other food debris and gently cleaning tooth surfaces. Choosing to snack on nuts or carrot and celery sticks along with some cheese is great because you are increasing your vitamin and calcium intake as well as avoiding the pitfalls of sweet snacks.

Chewing gums that are sugar free help cleanse food particles out of the teeth after eating as well as bringing acid levels back down with the production of saliva cleansing the mouth.

Regular six monthly visits to your Bundaberg Dentist for scaling and cleaning of the teeth is a great way to not only keep your teeth clean but will also prevent cavities that will require dental visits for fillings and more. Prevention really is better than cure when it comes to good dental hygiene.

When brushing your teeth, use a soft to medium bristle brush, never a hard bristle as these can damage tooth enamel surfaces and also cause tiny abrasions on the gums. It is important that your brushing technique covers the gums around the teeth as well to cleanse away bacteria. Use toothpaste if you can but if you run out, then baking soda and water also give a great clean. Mouth washes are very useful for helping cleanse the mouth and can help swish away food particles the brushing missed. Look for a mouth wash that is alcohol free. Flossing is the other vital ingredient for thoroughly cleaning around the teeth and helping to prevent bad breath. Flossing reaches into the spaces the brush cannot go and helps extract food particles as well as cleansing bacterial build up. Following these good hygiene practices will keep your teeth healthy for a life time.

Modern dentistry offers a wide range of processes and treatments to patients who present with all kinds of dental problems. The more common treatments that most of us encounter are cleaning, oral hygiene and filling any cavities that have appeared since the last visit. However, this was not always the case. In the past, much of a dentist’s work was to perform extractions, since oral hygiene was so little understood and practiced that most people had teeth that were beyond saving. A visit to the dentist happened when the patient could no longer stand the pain, and taking the tooth out was a relief.

Thankfully those days have long past, and there is a treatment for almost every situation. Again, thankfully, most dental treatments are relatively pain-free, as local anaesthetic is used for anything invasive like a filling, extraction or any other treatment that will cause discomfort to the patient. However, there are other treatments that require dental surgery and dentists these days are trained to perform most procedures.

A loose definition of dental surgery is any medical procedure that requires artificially modifying dentition through surgery of the teeth or jawbone. There are a number of different procedures that fall under this definition, the most common being endodontic i.e. surgery involving the root of the tooth, dental prosthodontics and orthodontics.

We know endodontic surgery under the more common expression of root canal, and involves invasion of the pulp chamber or root of the tooth, where several different procedures can be performed. Prosthodontics is not a term most of us would be familiar with, but includes commonly known procedures such as crowns, veneers, implants, dentures and other artificial devices designed to improve the appearance and performance of the teeth.

Crowns are typically a restoration technique to cover a tooth that has broken in part and is a method used to preserve the remaining tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, are a thin covering on the front teeth which improves their appearance. Dentures are false teeth, and implants are made of titanium and placed in the jaw for an artificial tooth to be attached, closing a gap.

Orthodontic treatment is something we most associate with wearing braces to straighten teeth that are growing in the wrong direction but also includes implants and extractions such as the practice of removing wisdom teeth which are likely to cause problems. Extensive work at a Bundaberg dental surgery may require a general anaesthetic and a short hospital stay, depending on the amount of work needed.

There are now few general treatments that most dentists are unable to perform, and for anything extensive, there are specialist roles that have developed in the profession over time. We are fortunate to have these skills and technologies available to us and we are in good hands.

We are fortunate to be living in a time and a society where ready access to professionally trained and caring dentists have transcended, in one generation, all the negatives a visit to the dentist would, in the past, have brought to the surface. In fairness to the dentists of previous generations, they did their best with what they had available, and the difference between then and now is exactly that – what is available. Not only are modern dentists trained to deal with a wider range of dental problems, but their equipment uses every piece of modern technology possible, with patient comfort always of the highest priority.

The modern dental surgery is most likely to be bright and inviting, with soft music playing in the reception area, comfortable chairs in the waiting room and a relaxed atmosphere deliberately created by large screen televisions on the walls, pleasing artwork, plants and children’s play areas complete with toys. The treatment rooms are quiet because the modern equipment used is almost soundless, and this on its own relaxes everyone, from the patient in the chair, to the people in the waiting area.

There are a wide range of dentist services available at a typical surgery that don’t require referrals to other dental professionals, although if that level of care is required, the dentist will be able to arrange it. The use of digital x-rays and digital photography allows the dentist to show the patient their problems visually, so they can make informed decisions in consultation with the dentist about any proposed treatment.

The use of new equipment such as microscopic dentistry and air abrasion increase the efficiency of dental work, and remove much of the apprehension. For example, air abrasion is an early intervention technique that uses a fine stream of particles to remove diseased tooth structure. Since a drill is not used there is no vibration, making it especially suitable for children whose teeth decay is not advanced.

Patients can expect other services such as gold restorations, crowns and bridges to repair broken or missing teeth, endodontic (root canal) treatment, whitening and bleaching to restore a yellowed smile - great for an instant youthful look - and more extensive cosmetic dentistry for those who would benefit from improving their appearance.

The modern dentist Bundaberg can also arrange mouth guards and night guards. Mouth guards custom made to fit the individual are essential for children who play contact sports such as rugby league or union, soccer and even netball and basketball. Night guards prevent damage to teeth caused when the patient grinds their teeth in their sleep.

Of course, the routine check-up, education and demonstration of dental hygiene including correct brushing technique and the use of dental floss is always on offer, as is regular cleaning to remove tartar. To have all these services available in one place makes it easy, so there is no excuse to neglect dental care.

It is very easy to neglect the teeth, but taking good care of them will go a long way. You can have a confident smile on you with a perfect-looking set of teeth. Also, you can avoid many problems and difficulties that people with dentures face everyday. It is way better to chew food with your natural teeth, instead of false teeth. By taking care of your teeth, you also do away with operations such as root canals and tooth extraction that are a result of very painful toothache.

We know the usual tooth care instructions, like brushing teeth and flossing regularly. Brushing twice a day, in the morning and at night before heading to bed, would lessen the chances of tooth decay due to germ build-up. Another important thing to remember is to regularly visit the dentist for check up and cleaning. Putting your teeth in the care of dentists Bundaberg would benefit you for the long term. Visiting the dentist would alert you about possible problems that may be minor for now, but would grow to bigger issues later. At least twice a year, it would be good to have your dentist conduct an oral prophylaxis on you.

Eating healthy food would also be beneficial to the teeth and gums. Healthy gums promote healthy teeth as well, so be sure to take in a good amount of vitamin C for your gums. The teeth need calcium to remain strong, so do get a good intake of that as well. Staying away from cigarettes and excessive sweets would also help keep the teeth healthy. Smoking can put stains to the teeth that are difficult to remove.

Other treatments to the teeth would make them more appealing, aside from the health benefits they bring. One such treatment is teeth bleaching to make teeth look whiter. Yellowing teeth become apparent when people grow older. Teeth can also be stained by bad habits such as smoking. Teeth bleaching can help restore the natural colour of the teeth to give you that lovely smile. Dentists can perform teeth bleaching procedures to accomplish this. If there are already existing issues with your teeth, it may not be too late to restore or save them, so it is always best to consult a dentist about the state of your teeth.

Many people tend to be lazy when taking care of their teeth. But simple, regular oral hygiene can go a long way to avoid tooth loss and eventually bring out that perfect smile from you.

The desire to improve personal appearance by whitening the teeth is not a new fad, and was practiced by ancient civilizations. The Romans used urine to whiten their teeth, but thankfully, this is one old remedy that appears to have disappeared with them. Modern teeth bleaching methods are much cleaner and more sophisticated, and can be purchased in home whitening kits or as a procedure performed by a dentist. There is a wide variety of methods available, all producing varying results depending on the amount and type of staining and the general condition of the tooth enamel.

For this reason, some people are disappointed with the results, especially from the do-it-yourself kits. Doing this procedure at home should be approached with caution, as the cleaning material can damage unhealthy gums, and unfortunately, many people don’t know the condition of their gums. This assessment can only be made by a dentist Bundaberg.

Teeth become discolored over time from a number of causes, the most common being staining from smoking and by ingesting some foodstuffs, but most particularly, tea, coffee and red wine. This type of discoloration is usually not seen in young people as it takes some years to become obvious. As people age, the mineral structure of their teeth becomes darker, and this, in combination with the staining already mentioned, makes them prime candidates for teeth bleaching, subject to certain conditions.

There are a range of products and methods available for teeth bleaching, some for home use and others used by dental professionals. In-office whitening is done by a dentist who applies a whitening gel directly onto the teeth, covering lips and gums to avoid irritation. The dentist may accelerate the whitening by using a light directly onto the teeth. This process is relatively quick and is performed in 3 to 4 sessions, each lasting about 15 minutes.

Bleaching trays are an alternative product that can only be purchased through a dentist. These custom made trays are created from an impression of the patient’s teeth made by the dentist. The tray containing the professional whitening gel fits over the teeth to protect the gums, and the gel is dispensed through pre-filled syringes. The teeth whiten over a period of 1 to 2 weeks, still under the direction of a dentist.

Other methods available are paint-on teeth whiteners, whitening strips, and toothpastes and mouthwashes. The paint-on whiteners are best used as a maintenance product, and the strips are not effective as they are unsuitable for crooked teeth. Toothpastes and mouthwashes don’t bleach teeth but simply remove light stains and are not serious tooth whitening Bundaberg options.

While it is tempting to reduce the cost of teeth bleaching by using methods that don’t require the supervision of a dental professional, this can be fraught with danger. Not everyone has teeth that are suitable for whitening and bleaching, and without a professional opinion first, the procedure could cause serious damage.

The dental visits most people make during their lifetime are for simple maintenance like cleaning or having cavities filled. With the increased popularity and availability of cosmetic dentistry, other visits will include teeth whitening, crowns and bridges and of course, orthodontics. However, there are occasions where more extensive dental work is needed which possibly may require dental surgery. Some of this surgery may be able to be performed in the dental chair, but for other procedures, hospitalisation may be necessary, along with a general anaesthetic. To perform this type of dental surgery requires specialised qualifications and experience, so this work is typically not performed by a general dentist.

One of the most common procedures that may require extensive dental surgery is the removal of wisdom teeth. If the extraction is a routine one, most dentists Bundaberg would confidently perform this procedure. If the extraction is more complicated, for example, if the wisdom teeth are impacted i.e. have not erupted fully through the gum into their expected alignment, the patient may elect to be hospitalised.

Dental implants are another procedure that may require more than a typical visit to a general dentist, especially if there is more than one, or in extreme cases, a full arch. This specialist surgery inserts a metal cylinder into the jawbone to replace the root from the missing tooth. A connector, usually a screw, is then attached to the implant and finally the tooth is attached to the connector. The choice of having a general anaesthetic is always the right of the patient, but for extensive dental surgery, it is often a much more comfortable option.


This is especially true in cases where the patient may require bone augmentation to support the implant. This is usually performed either before or during the dental implant surgery. Bone augmentation is the process of placing filler bone in a space to encourage the patient’s own natural bone to grow around it. Once a tooth is removed from the jaw, the tooth root is no longer there to support the bone, which begins to recede from the jaw almost immediately. This loss continues over time, but can be stopped by the placement of dental implants.

In most patients who have orthodontic treatments to straighten and correctly align teeth, there is little in the way of major surgery required to support the procedure long-term. However, sometimes, the bite function is still causing the patient problems or their facial profile needs adjusting. Jaw surgery is one of the methods used to correct these issues, and this type of dental surgery Bundaberg would normally be performed by specialists in a hospital and under general anaesthetic.

While some patients may elect to have much of this surgery performed under a local anaesthetic in the dental chair, the more extensive surgery should be undertaken with all the infection control precautions that hospitalisation offers. This is specialist surgery performed by highly trained surgeons and it seems only common sense that patients would take advantage of these skills.

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular dental procedures currently being requested of dental professionals, with some research suggesting that it is being driven by our celebrity-obsessed culture. Most magazine photographs show the glitterati with dazzling, white smiles but we have no way of knowing if that whiteness is natural, or was produced by an air brushing artist. If the average person is expecting a similar dramatic result from their dentist, they are bound to be disappointed. There are benefits to be had from tooth whitening, but there are also possible drawbacks, and only a dental professional can provide an accurate assessment on an individual basis.

It must first be understood that not everyone’s teeth are suitable for whitening. If the teeth and gums are not in a clean and healthy condition beforehand, the procedure could cause further damage, and even if this is not the case, the teeth may still be unsuitable for whitening. Only a dentist Bundaberg is qualified to make this assessment.

To make an accurate assessment, a dentist will check the hardness of the enamel, look for existing sensitivity or decay, receding gums or other evidence of gum disease, and existing fillings, crowns or veneers. The cause of the discoloration will also be assessed e.g. diet and age are factors, and also whether it is surface discoloration or coming from inside the teeth. Only then will a dentist recommend a specific tooth whitening product or process.

If done correctly after a professional assessment, most people experience no problems with tooth whitening. However, do-it-yourself kits used or applied incorrectly can cause damaged, inflamed or blistered gums, softening of the enamel and severe sensitivity. Also, existing crowns, veneers and fillings will not change color, so there is a danger of having teeth in a number of different shades.

If applying the treatment at home, instructions must be strictly followed. A common way of thinking is that if the recommended amount is good, then more must be better. This is not a good idea because some products, if used for long periods of time in excessive doses, can cause irreparable damage to teeth. In fact, products containing more than a 6% concentration of whitening agent should only be used by a qualified dentist.


The most difficult issue for a dentist to manage is the unrealistic expectations of the patient. As long as people understand that their smile won’t change from a yellowish-grey to a movie-star white, the improvement is noticeable and appreciated. A realistic result from a tooth whitening Bundaberg treatment is a one or two shade difference.


This change is subtle enough for people to notice that something is different but they can’t quite put their finger on it. The smile is more attractive, the contrast against the skin tone makes the person look younger and because they look better they feel more confident. Tooth whitening may not be for everyone, but it does make a difference for many people.