Dental FAQs

Choosing the right dentist is important! Here is what you can consider:

• Is the appointment schedule flexible?
• Is the office easy to get to and close by?
• Is the office friendly, warm and welcoming?
• Does the dentist explain techniques for good oral health?
• Is information about cost presented to you before treatment is scheduled?

Everyone's needs are different. When it comes to frequency of dental visits, age, oral hygiene habits and overall health are just a few factors that come into play. A good rule of thumb, however, is to visit your dentist at least once every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up.

You may be required to go more frequently if you are at a greater risk of gum disease or cavities or have other risk factors such as diabetes, being a smoker or having a family history of dental problems.

Regular check-ups are important because they allow your dentist to screen for any early signs of disease or decay and to catch problems before they become more serious. By identifying and treating problems early, we can often avoid more serious and costly issues down the road. Similarly, by maintaining your oral health you also help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath! Regular dental visits also give you an opportunity to ask questions and learn how to better care for your teeth and gums.

Some oral health problems are not as noticeable in the early stages and may not cause pain. That is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups so that any problems can be identified and treated early on.

There are, however, a few things you can look out for in between visits:

• gums that are swollen, tender, bleed when you brush or floss, or appear red (gums should be a pale pink colour)
• oral pain, especially while chewing
• persistent bad breath
• loose teeth
• consistent bad taste in mouth
• teeth that are unusually sensitive to temperature.

A tooth filling is a dental procedure that is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. When you come in for a filling, the dentist will first remove the decayed tooth material, clean the affected area, and then fill it with a special material that restores the tooth back to its normal function, shape and appearance.

There are a number of ways that you can whiten your teeth. The best way to whiten your teeth will depend on the severity of the staining and the type of teeth that you have. While stores may sell over-the-counter whitening products, professional whitening procedures administered by a dentist will usually give you the best results!

Yes! Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from in between your teeth and under the gumline. If left untreated the plaque will harden into tartar which can widen the space between teeth and gums, causing pockets. Over time, the gums will pull away and teeth loosen.

We do! Check out our homepage for accepted Health Funds.

In Australia, children aged between two and 18 years may have access to a means-test basic dental care through the public system, all part of the Commonwealth-funded Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

Benefits for basic dental services include:

• Examinations
• X-rays
• Cleaning
• Fissure sealing
• Fillings
• Root canals and extractions

Services are capped at $1000 per child over two consecutive calendar years. To check if your child is eligible for the CDBS go to the Department of Human Services website.

With contemporary safeguards, such as lead aprons and high-speed film, dental X-rays pose a very low health risk. In fact, the amount of radiation you receive during a full mouth series of dental X-rays represent a far smaller risk than an undetected and untreated dental problem!

Your dentist will meet with you to discuss any needs and concerns before examining your teeth, gums, and jaw. Here we look for signs of decay.

If you have any fillings, crowns, or other previous dental work, we’ll also check that they’re still intact and functioning correctly. Other areas that may be examined are the soft tissues of your mouth your bite, salivary glands, and lymph nodes. Put simply, your dentist will be looking for signs of any possible issues that could affect your oral and overall health.

Depending on your circumstances and concerns, we may take X-rays, moulds, and conduct an oral cancer screening. Everyone is different, and some people may need more attention in certain areas. If needed we will explain these steps to you beforehand, keeping you informed throughout your appointment.

Your dentist will explain the results of your assessment and develop a treatment plan for you. We are always happy to discuss any questions you might have about your treatment plan, so don’t hesitate to ask!