What are my patient rights?
You can view your full rights as a patient, here.
How much does a dental visit cost?
The cost of your dental visit can depend on many factors. These may include, what kind of appointment you’re coming in for, whether you have up-to-date dental x-rays, whether you hold any concession cards and if you have private health insurance. It’s a great idea to call us on (02) 8853 1407 when booking your appointment or before your appointment to get an exact quote.
What is an oral health plan?
Following a comprehensive dental examination and x-rays, if required, an oral health plan aims to provide for your future dental health. It considers your health situation, medications, mobility and diet. Whether you’re young or old, living independently or residing in a hostel/nursing home, oral care is very important for maintaining your dental health and maintaining dentures and dental implants. Some may require some assistance to attain this level of oral care, so we also prepare home care regimes, which we review regularly. In your oral health plan, you’ll also find recommendations on dental products that can help protect the health of your mouth.
Why do I need to see the dentist so much more now that I’m over 70?
Almost all patients over the age of 70 have some or all of their own teeth. We are all living much longer thanks to the miracles of modern medicine. With age comes a reduction in salivary flow. Many medications keeping us well also cause a further loss of salivary flow. Dry mouth, poor oral hygiene and gum disease are directly linked to increased dental decay, and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and pneumonia. Poor oral hygiene also interferes with blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Regular dental checkups can help preserve your teeth and protect against other health-related future problems.
I don’t experience any tooth or gum pain, so, do I still need a check-up?
Unfortunately, if you notice your teeth and gums becoming painful, it’s usually because the damage has already been done. This can often result in needing more major dental treatment, like root canal therapy or even tooth extraction. The good news is, this is avoidable by attending regular dental checkups. So, yes. Even if your teeth and gums seem perfectly fine to you, it’s an excellent idea to still come in for your dental check-ups so your dentist can nip any nasties (typically not visible to the naked eye) in the bud.
Is it safe for me to attend dental appointments while I’m pregnant?
Visiting the dentist while pregnant is completely safe and also pretty important. As your oral health contributes significantly to your overall health, it’s essential to maintain great oral health throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Both diagnostic treatments like x-rays and the use of local anaesthetic to perform restorative treatments are safe during pregnancy.
How much time do I need for my appointment?
The time it takes for your appointment can depend on the type of appointment you’re coming in for, for example, whether it’s a regular check-up or you’re having treatment done. When making your appointment, we’ll typically let you know how long you can expect it to take. If you forget or are unsure, feel free to call us and we can advise you.
Does dental treatment happen during an initial appointment?
Usually, an initial appointment is only a thorough dental examination and chat with the dentist about your oral health concerns. This way, we can devise a treatment plan and a written quotation for you to consider. However, if it’s an emergency or you’re experiencing discomfort, we can treat you in your initial appointment. If you require treatment in your initial appointment, it’s important that you let our front desk team know so that they can allocate sufficient time to your appointment.
Will my private health fund cover my dental bill?
We utilise the HICAPS system to process immediate claims. Health Fund Plans offer rebates for a part of the cost of dental treatment. The level of rebate varies significantly between funds (0-80%) and you should check with your health fund prior to treatment if you wish to calculate out-of-pocket expenses.
If I haven’t been to the dentist in years, is there any point in resuming going now?
Firstly, many people haven’t been to the dentist in years, so you’re not alone. The answer to this question is that it’s 100% never too late to regain control of your oral health, and we highly recommend it to preserve your quality of life and keep smiling for all your days! If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, now is the perfect time to book a check-up with one of our gentle, caring dentists who can help you get your dental health back on track!
As I only have dentures and no natural teeth, do I still need to visit the dentist?
It’s important to maintain regular dental check-ups, even if you have dentures. During your appointment, your dentist can ensure that your dentures fit well and comfortably. They can also check your oral tissues for irritation, particularly from fungal infections or trauma causing ulcerations. Besides this, dentures need to be cleaned professionally and, in some cases, the base of dentures requires relining to improve fit or reduce oral infections.
Why is my mouth so dry?
Aging, certain medical problems, many prescription medicines and some over-the-counter drugs can affect salivary flow. Without saliva to lubricate the mouth, food becomes difficult to swallow and rapid dental decay and gum disease can result. A dry mouth (xerostomia) can cause rampant dental destruction. It’s the most significant of all oral problems facing us in our senior years. Residents in hostel and nursing homes are most vulnerable.
