Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
We recommend visiting the dentist every six months for a routine check-up and clean. However, some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health status, risk factors, or ongoing treatments.
Regular visits allow us to detect problems early, when they’re easier and less expensive to treat.
During your appointment, we’ll assess your individual needs and recommend the best schedule for your ongoing care.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit will include a comprehensive oral health assessment and a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Digital x-rays will often be recommended to be able to obtain a full picture of your oral health and aid an accurate diagnosis.
We’ll discuss your dental history, current concerns, and any symptoms you’ve been experiencing.
Our team will provide personalised advice on any recommended treatment and answer any questions you might have.
Ready to book your first appointment? Contact our reception team today on (08) 8258 2278 or request an appointment online to start your journey toward optimal oral health.
Do you accept health funds? And what payment options are available?
Yes, we accept all major health funds and are preferred providers for Bupa and HCF. We offer HICAPS facilities for instant claiming, so you only pay the gap payment on the day.
For patients without health insurance or those requiring extensive treatment, we provide flexible payment plans through AfterPay and Denticare.
We also accept cash, EFTPOS, and credit card payments.

Is dental treatment painful? How do you manage pain and anxiety?
Modern dentistry has come a long way in pain management. We use advanced techniques and high-quality anaesthetics to ensure your comfort throughout treatment.
For anxious patients, we offer sedation options including oral sedation, sedation inhalation and IV sedation. Our gentle approach and caring team create a relaxing environment where you can feel at ease.
We’ll always explain what we’re doing and check your comfort level throughout any procedure.
Feeling anxious about your visit? Learn more about our sedation options by enquiring within your next visit with us.
What’s the difference between a filling and a crown?
A filling is used to repair small to moderate areas of tooth decay or damage. We use tooth-coloured composite resin that blends naturally with your smile.
A crown, on the other hand, is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, providing strength and protection when a filling isn’t sufficient. Crowns are typically recommended for teeth with large cavities, after root canal treatment, or for severely worn or cracked teeth.

How can I prevent gum disease?
Gum disease prevention starts with a focus on daily oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily is recommended.
Regular professional cleanings with the dental hygienist remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can’t eliminate.
Other factors include maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking, managing stress, and addressing teeth grinding. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with proper care, but advanced gum disease requires professional treatment.
Concerned about your gums? Book an appointment today for your dental check-up and teeth cleaning with our experienced team who can create a personalised prevention plan.
Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?
Modern digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays - about the same amount you’d receive from a few hours of natural background radiation or a short plane flight.
X-rays are essential for detecting problems that aren’t visible during a clinical examination, such as decay between teeth, infections, bone loss, or impacted teeth. We only take X-rays when clinically necessary.

What should I do in a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. They can be stressful and uncomfortable, but prompt care can make a big difference.
For dental emergencies such as severe toothache, knocked-out teeth, or broken dental work, contact our practice immediately.
We’re here to support you when these situations arise. We make daily appointments available for urgent dental issues, so if something happens and you need immediate attention, we’ll do our best to fit you in as quickly as possible.
For more information about dental emergencies please visit our dental emergencies page.
When should children first visit the dentist?
Starting good oral hygiene habits early is important. Children should have their first dental visit from the age of 2-3. Early visits help children become comfortable with the dental environment and allow us to monitor proper tooth development.
This means your child will be familiar with the dental team and we will discuss the best ways to encourage good brushing routines. We can also find any problems early and work with you to keep your child's mouth and smile healthy.
We recommend regular six-monthly check-ups for children, during which we provide age-appropriate oral health education, fluoride treatments when necessary, and preventive care such as fissure sealants for their permanent molars.
We are pleased to inform that we also participate in the Bulk Bill Medicare Child Dental Benefit Schedule (CDBS), which covers up to $1000 of free dental treatment for children 2 to 17 years old every two calendar years. Services covered under CDBS include; check-ups, cleans, fillings, fissure sealants, extractions, and root canal therapy.