-
Q?
What do I do if I have a chipped/broken tooth?
-
A.
- First of all, don’t panic. Often a chipped or broken tooth is not a dental emergency, and can usually be repaired.
- If you have broken an upper front tooth from trauma, call us as soon as possible as there may be additional problems from the trauma. If you still have the broken piece of tooth, please bring it with you as it may be possible to re-bond the piece back onto the tooth.
- Chipped/broken teeth may also be a sign of underlying tooth decay, so please organise an appointment so we can assess your teeth.
- We will do our best to fit you in as soon as possible, however there may be a wait depending on the circumstance. The dentist may place a temporary filling initially and get you to return for further treatment – your dentist will discuss this with you.
-
Q?
What if I have a toothache?
-
A.
- There are many potential causes for pain within the mouth and surrounding areas. Avoid self-diagnosis as this can be misleading when we assess your pain.
- Pain may originate from teeth, gums and surrounding regions of the mouth or face, eg. jaw joint.
- Pain may range from mild to severe, however the severity of dental pain may not accurately indicate the severity of the underlying problem.
- If you are experiencing severe throbbing pain, marked tenderness to biting or notice a swelling of the face, this could be potentially serious and you should get in contact with us as soon as possible.
- Milder pain may be a sign of an underlying tooth problem that could get worse if left alone, so please organise an appointment so that we can assess the health of your teeth.
- It is usually safe to take paracetamol (eg. Panadol) or ibuprofen (eg. Nurofen) to help relieve the pain, however make sure you read the instructions carefully.
-
Q?
Why do my gums bleed?
-
A.
- The most common cause of bleeding gums is plaque build-up on the teeth, resulting in gum inflammation (gingivitis).
- Bleeding gums is usually a sign that your oral hygiene technique may need some improvement.
- If your gums are bleeding, try brush to the gum line of every tooth twice daily and floss once a day.
- Bleeding gums may also be a result of gum disease (periodontitis) or other less common causes.
- Please book an appointment for a check up and clean so that we can assess the health of the gums.
-
Q?
At what age do I start bringing my child to the dentist?
-
A.
- The Australian Dental Association recommends a child’s first check-up at 1 year of age. Often young children are not very cooperative at that age, but they can still be brought along to parents’ appointments to gain familiarity with the environment.
- From around age 3 years most children are cooperative for a full check of the teeth.
- It is important to check your child’s teeth at home. If you notice any abnormalities such as white patches, dark spots or holes in the teeth then please book an appointment for assessment.
-
Q?
What do I do if my temporary crown/bridge/inlay/onlay (‘temp’) falls off?
-
A.
- Temps are held on by a weak cement, so it is quite common for temps to fall off.
- Your temp not only protects the tooth, but also helps stop other teeth from moving while you wait for your final product.
- If your temp falls off please make an appointment for it to be recemented.
-
Q?
What are the waiting periods for making an appointment?
-
A.
- If possible, please book in advance as we are quite busy, especially during holiday periods, Saturdays and late afternoons.
- Usually we are able to book you in within the next 1-2 weeks.
- If we are unable to book you in on your preferred day or time, you may request to be placed on a cancellation list. If someone cancels their appointment we may be able to bring your appointment forward.
-
Q?
What Health funds are accepted?
-
A.
- We accept all health funds connected with Hicaps, and we are preferred providers for BUPA, Medibank Private and CBHS.
- We do not charge a gap for preventive treatment including check-ups, cleans, x-rays and fluoride treatment. However, a gap applies for any other treatment.
-
Q?
What payment methods are accepted?
-
A.
- Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Amex, EFTPOS and cheque. Direct deposit may be possible, but please discuss this with our reception staff.
