FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important dental visit?

Your initial consultation should be the most important visit to any dentist. This appointment is never rushed at Attadale Dental Centre as we believe in spending as much time as necessary with you so that you are aware about your dental needs and we address any dental concerns you may have.

How much rebate do I get back for my dental treatment?

There are many health funds and various types of cover. It is difficult for us to provide the exact rebate amount as that will be dependent on your level of cover. We will give you a treatment plan with accurate Australian Dental Association item code numbers and fees, and your health fund will be able to advise you on the rebate.

How can I keep my dental costs down?

We cannot emphasise enough that the key to minimising your dental costs is to ensure you maintain regular check-ups and clean every six months. This will ensure early detections of any tooth problems in the early stage, reducing the need for extensive dental care.

How much is a scale and clean?

It is subject to the condition of your teeth and gums. Please contact us for a consultation to evaluate your dental condition.

How much do you charge for a crown treatment?

There are different types of crown treatments available. It is dependent on your tooth condition. Please contact us for a consultation and customised treatment plan.

Will the dental treatment be painful? 

We aim to make all our dental treatments as comfortable as we can. Comfort aids are available for pain-free experiences. For example:

• General Anaesthesia
• Laser and Air Abrasion for your dental comfort
• Relaxant Inhaler
• Happy Gas
• Twilight Sedation to Complete Sedation 
 

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?

It is always good to bring toddlers in with you on your dental visit to familiarize themselves with a dental environment. A common age will be 2 to 3 years old.

We encourage children to sit in the dental chair while we have a quick look at their teeth and discuss with them about brushing their teeth, which will help to establish a good relationship between the child and dentist.

Being a family-oriented practice, we believe that early familiarization is the key to a stress-free dental experience for your children.

Are X-Rays safe for pregnant women?

Yes. The new-age digital dental X-Ray technology has a lower radiation and quicker exposure as compared to before. The radiological council guideline has indicate there is no

However, we can provide a protective apron during your X-Ray for your re-assurance.

Why don’t they just take the tooth out, as it would be cheaper?

It is indeed a lower cost to simply extract a tooth. However, this will often create other problems in the future. It would be more costly to fill up the gap with an implant or a bridge.

Treating the problem may end up being cheaper than replacing the tooth with a bridge or implant.

What should I do in an event of a dental emergency?

Please call the practice immediately so that we can arrange an appointment as quickly and conveniently as possible for you.

What should I do to cure a toothache?

If you are suffering from a painful toothache, something is wrong that requires attention.

Contact us immediately to organise an appointment as quickly and conveniently as possible for you. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol are recommended; do not exceed the maximum dose.

What should I do if I have a swelling?

Swellings are caused by an infection. Contact us immediately to receive treatment or antibiotics.

What should I do if my tooth is fractured?

It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

If the tooth is painful, avoid hot or cold and avoid eating or biting on that side i.e. relieve the tooth from extremes of temperature and pressure. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol may help. Pain-free treatment is usually available by contacting us quickly.

What should I do when I have lost my crown?

It is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid damage to the underlying tooth structure. Please keep your crown clean and safe and bring it with you to your appointment.

What should I do when I have knocked a tooth out?

If the tooth is dirty, rinse briefly in milk and handle the tooth only by the top (crown). Do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. Place your tooth in a cup of milk and visit the dentist immediately. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

What should I do if I have broken my denture?

Broken dentures can usually be repaired relatively easily. Please resist the temptation to glue them together yourself as this often makes a repair very difficult. Please contact us to organise the repair.

Do you use dental amalgam?

The use of dental amalgam is still continued to be taught in dental schools. The World Health organisation has extensively reviewed all data and research into amalgam. They have concluded that amalgam is safe to be use as a dental material. At Attadale Dental Centre, we seldom use amalgam and prefer amalgam only where other materials may not allow us to achieve a good result.