Question 1

Do I need to have X-rays?

Accepted Answer

There’s a lot going on in your mouth that is not visible to the naked eye, and dental x-rays allow our dentist to see what’s happening below the surface, usually before any symptoms occur.
The amount of radiation involved in dental imaging is extremely low, and is equivalent to the sort of exposure you’d receive on a 1-2 hour flight.
Our dentists recommend taking these x-rays every 2 years at your regular check-ups. Generally, the earlier that a problem is found, the easier (and cheaper) it is to treat. You are able to refuse x-rays, however routine x-rays allow our team to give you the earliest possible diagnosis and offer you the best outcome for your mouth.

Question 2

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

Accepted Answer

In addition to cleaning your teeth at least twice a day at home, it is strongly recommended to have a clean by a qualified dental practitioner every 6 months (most of the time, this clean will be covered twice a year by your health fund!). Only a dentist can remove calculus to prevent decay and gum disease in chair.

For patients with ongoing treatment (such as gum disease), your dentist may recommend more frequent visits for maintenance.

Question 3

When should I take my child to the dentist?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends your child have their first visit to the dentist at the age of 1 at the latest, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
Though this is usually a short, enjoyable appointment, with a ride in the chair and a count of your child’s teeth can make it a fun and painless experience. This can help prevent fear or anxiety towards dental treatment.
If you receive benefits such as Family Tax Benefit A payments, you can take advantage of government programs such as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (link to CDBS) to bulk bill your child’s dental visits.
* Note: The CDBS provides bulk billing to children between 2-17 years of age.

Question 4

What type of toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?

Accepted Answer

Our dentists recommend any toothbrush with soft bristles as they will ensure your teeth get the best clean, without damaging your enamel or gum tissue. Medium and firm toothbrushes should not be used as they can result in receding gums and hypersensitive teeth.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well, though you may find it easier using an electric toothbrush if you have difficulty with fine-motor movements.
Toothpastes with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you are using a product bearing the seal, you can be confident that you’re choosing a product endorsed by dental professionals.

Question 5

Will my dental procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

Our dentists try to make every appointment as painless as possible. Some procedures may require local anaesthesia, which will be carefully administered by our dentists to ensure you are comfortable and pain free in the chair.

Question 6

How long will my appointment take?

Accepted Answer

This is dependent on the type of appointment needed, and the time requested by the dentist based on your specific condition. If you’d like to check how long we expect your appointment to be, contact our friendly team.

Question 7

How much will my health fund cover?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on your health fund, treatment plan and level of cover. If you visit us in the practice, often we can swipe your health fund card and give you an instant quote.
Otherwise, if you have a copy of your treatment plan from our practice, simply call your health fund and quote the item codes on your plan to find out what rebate you can expect.

Question 8

Is my treatment plan still valid?

Accepted Answer

Dental conditions can worsen quickly, and most dental emergencies are an urgent matter.
If an emergency treatment plan hasn’t been carried out within 30 days of diagnosis, we can’t guarantee that the cost of the treatment plan will remain the same. Unfortunately, over time and as a condition worsens, it becomes more difficult to treat and sometimes more expensive.

Question 9

Why do I need to floss?

Accepted Answer

If you’re relying solely on brushing to keep your teeth clean, you’re missing nearly half the surface area of your teeth (in between your teeth). For that reason alone, flossing should be an essential part of your oral care routine and never an optional extra.
Flossing (or use of interdental brushes) is the only way to effectively clean between the teeth and under the gum at home. It’s best to floss when you’re not in a rush or when you’re too tired to do it well. If you find you're exhausted at the end of the day, then it's a good idea to floss first thing in the morning or after lunch. Alternatively, if you like to go to bed with a clean mouth then floss before your nightly brush.
If you have large gaps between your teeth, your dentist might also recommend using other items such as interdental cleaners, which you may find more effective, to compliment your flossing regimen.

Frequently asked questions