Frequently Asked Questions

Our most frequently asked questions about dentistry and oral health.

If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you. Service specific FAQs are also available on the relevant service pages.

Talk to one of our team

Bridges

  • To fill the space of missing teeth
  • Maintain facial shape
  • Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position
  • Restore chewing and speaking ability
  • Restore your smile
  • Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

Support teeth are prepped, a digital scan is taken of the space and a custom bridge is made. The custom bridge cemented in place and adjusted if needed.

Costs of dental bridges vary. A three-unit bridge (one missing tooth and two support teeth) costs approximately $4000 before any health fund contribution.

Call and book for a consult and quote today

This depends on your private health cover. A good health fund with major dental, will cover approximately $800 a year for dental bridges.

Ask our receptionist to give you an on-the-spot quote to determine what your gap payment will be.

On average, a well-cared for bridge can last between 10-20 years.

Factors that can impact this include:

  • Location of the bridge in the mouth
  • Health of support teeth and gums
  • The length of the bridge
  • Overall oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene, eating habits and regular dental visits will help prolong it’s life.

The alternatives to a bridge are removable dentures or a dental implant. A removable denture is the cheaper option. It is often uncomfortable and difficult to adjust. A dental implant is a great option as it doesn’t rely on the teeth around it for support.

Call today to discuss which option is best for you

Children's Dentistry

Some of the important tips you should follow to keep your child’s teeth in good health include:

  • Brush twice daily using childrens toothpaste containing fluoride
  • Regularly brush with a soft bristled toothbrush once first tooth erupts
  • Use a mainstream child formulated toothpaste from 18 months of age
  • Start taking your child to a dentist for a routine visit when they are about 2 years old
  • Enquire about having fissure sealants for your child’s teeth to prevent tooth decay

The CDBS is a Medicare funded scheme providing eligible children $1000 worth of dental treatment over a two-year period.

Your child can get CDBS when:

  • they are eligible for Medicare
  • they are between 2 and 17 years old
  • you or they get a Centrelink payment at least once that year

We understand it can be tricky to figure out eligibility for these types of subsidies, so please call us today to find out more and we can help.

This is a very common question. The timing of loosing baby teeth is hugely varied from child to child. The presence of both an adult and baby tooth concurrently is not a cause for concern.

Sometimes it’s a matter of patience to allow enough time for the baby tooth to fall out naturally. Other times it may require a little help. A dentist may remove the baby tooth to allow the adult tooth to erupt into the correct position.

If you have any concerns please call us for a consult to discuss.

Call today for a child consult

Crowns

  • Repairing a tooth following significant tooth structure loss (as a result of decay or breakage)
  • Protect a tooth that is cracked or had several failed filling attempts
  • Seal and protect a tooth following the completion of root canal therapy
  • Build up teeth that have been worn short as a result of tooth wear or acid erosion
  • Help improve the aesthetics of heavily filled front teeth

The tooth is sculpted gently before a digital scan is taken and a custom-made crown is made. The crown is cemented in place and adjusted to fit your bite.

A crown costs approximately $1500 before any health fund contribution.

Call and book for a consult and quote today

This depends if your private health insurance cover includes major dental. A good health fund with major dental cover will contribute approximately $800 to your crown work per year.

Please ask our receptionist to give you an on-the-spot heath fund quote to determine exactly what your gap payment will be.

Again, it depends. It depends on the location in the mouth (back or front), the health of the tooth under the crown, the health of the gums, the presence of clenching and grinding habits, your diet and the level of oral hygiene you maintain. On average, a well-cared for crown lasts somewhere between 10-20 years. We do have some patients who had their crowns placed with us over 30 years ago!

Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits and regular dental visits will help prolong the life of your crown.

Dentures

Dentures usually feel quite foreign when first fitted, but over a few weeks of full time wear they usually settle in. Due to the nature of dentures and their ability to be removed, they will never feel like your natural teeth, but we will work with you to ensure we get the best possible fit for you.

Over time dentures can become loose for various reasons. Sometimes the dentist can adjust the clasps to tighten the fit, other times a reline is required. In cases of loose full dentures, implants can be placed to significantly increase retention.

Yes this is common. New dentures often create sore spots in the mouth and adjustments are required to make them comfortable.

Extractions

This is highly dependent on the difficulty of the extraction, your age, your overall health and any medications you may be taking. For a healthy young person, you may only be in pain for a couple of days. For more difficult cases it may take a couple of weeks to recover. Where possible it is a good idea to plan your extraction away from work or study commitments.

Following an extraction:

Don’t do:

  • Physical exertion for 2 days
  • Smoking
  • Spitting/rinsing vigorously for 2 days

Do:

  • Keep the socket clean with a gentle mouth rinse using warm salty water
  • Bite firmly on gauze in the case of bleeding

Call us with any concerns you have

You may wish to replace your tooth with an implant, bridge or denture following extraction. Our experienced team of dentists will advise you on the best option for you as an individual.

Fillings

Obvious reasons you need a filling

Sometimes it is obvious you need a filling.

  • You might have a hole in your tooth from large decay
  • A filling might fall out
  • Or you might fracture a tooth.

Subtle Symptoms

Other times you may experience more subtle symptoms such as:

  • Pain to hot/cold
  • A vague sensory awareness of a tooth.

Tooth decay can be completely painless

Sometimes teeth with decay or breaks can be completely painless and only be identified following a dental examination and x-rays.

The best approach is to attend regular dental check-ups (even if you don’t think you have a dental issue) to allow early detection of problems before they turn into bigger issues.

Yes. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold when fillings are first placed. This will subside shortly after your tooth settles with the new filling in place.

If sensitivity continues please call and schedule a review appointment – at no additional cost.

On average, a typical filling would last around 5-7 years.

Various factors can influence this such as:

  • The location and size of the filling,
  • Possible clenching and grinding habits
  • Your diet and the level of oral hygiene you maintain.

Good oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and regular dental visits will help prolong the life of your filling/fillings.

No. Studies show you would need thousands of fillings in your mouth to leech toxic levels into your bloodstream.

Amalgam fillings should only be replaced if the filling is breaking down or if decay is present.

At Deall Dental we only use more modern dental filling materials like composite resin on our patients. We will replace amalgam fillings at the patients request for aesthetic purposes or if the filling is defective. We do not advocate simply replacing amalgam fillings if they are causing no issues.

Hygiene and Prevention

Hygiene appointments involve:

  • Medical history review – Knowing the status of any current medical conditions, new medications, and illnesses, gives us insight to your overall health and also your dental health.
  • Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs) – This is essential for the detection of decay, tumours, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening – We check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
  • Gum disease evaluation – The gums and bone around the teeth are checked for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay – All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations – Current fillings, crowns, etc are checked.
  • Removal of calculus (tartar) – Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque – Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing – Removes stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during toothbrushing and scaling.
  • Oral hygiene recommendations – Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed (electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
  • Review dietary habits – your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health and we are here to offer support and resources to help.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay. Periodontal (gum) disease is caused when plaque is not removed correctly. It turns into calculus (tartar) and begins to destroy the gums and bone.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing

Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with a soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

  • Ensure you brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
  • Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
  • Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
  • Don’t forget your tongue! Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are recommended as they are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

  • Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing

It is important to spit out your tooth paste after brushing but not to rinse it away. Leaving a residue of toothpaste behind bathes your teeth in fluoride for longer providing better protection from tooth decay.

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth. Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, but it also disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

How to floss properly

  • Take approximately 30cm of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 5cm of floss between the hands.
  • Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
  • Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!

When plaque is left on the teeth and gums, periodontal disease. The plaque contains bacteria which produce toxins that inflame the gums and slowly destroy the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly will ensure that plaque is not left behind to do its damage.

Other than poor oral hygiene, there are several other factors that may increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Smoking or chewing tobacco

Tobacco users are more likely than nonusers to form plaque and tartar on their teeth.

Certain tooth or appliance conditions

Bridges that no longer fit properly, crowded teeth, or defective fillings that may trap plaque and bacteria.

Many medications

Steroids, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives. Some medications have side effects that reduce saliva, making the mouth dry and plaque easier to adhere to the teeth and gums.

Pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and puberty

Can cause changes in hormone levels, causing gum tissue to become more sensitive to bacteria toxins.

Systemic diseases

Diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS, etc.

Genetics

Patients with a family history of tooth loss should pay particular attention to their gums and maybe predisposed to a more aggressive type of peridontitis.

Four out of five people that have periodontal disease don’t know they have it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms. Having regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are very important and will help detect if periodontal problems exist.

Symptoms of peridontal disease

  • Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
  • Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
  • Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
  • New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
  • Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibres (fibres that support the tooth to the bone).
  • Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
  • Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
  • Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth.

Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Implants

Dental implants are artificial roots and teeth (usually titanium) that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jawbone. The teeth attached to implants are very natural looking and will not only restore a patients smile but can also enhance it.

  • Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth
  • Restore a patient’s confident smile
  • Restore chewing, speech, and digestion
  • Enhance or restore facial tissues
  • Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable

The process of getting implants requires a number of visits over several months.

Step 1

Jaw and teeth xrays are taken – this helps determine bone, gum tissue and spacing available for the implant.

Step 2

The implant is surgically placed into the bone (while numb). The area is allowed to heal for 3-6 months.

Step 3

After healing the artificial tooth/teeth are made. They are then fitted to the implant(s).

Good oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new implant.

The exact cost of your dental implant(s) will be determined by:

  • The complexity of your case
  • The number of teeth to be replaced
  • The need for extractions, bone grafting or sinus augmentation

At Deall Dental we offer a number of payment plan options to suit your needs.

Call today for an obligation free quote

Dental implants are very strong, stable, and durable and will last many years, but occasionally they will have to be re-tightened or replaced due to normal wear.

Alternatives to dental implants include bridges and dentures.

Mouthguards

Our custom-made mouthguard usually takes two appointments to ensure a perfect fit.

At your initial appointment our dentists will take an impression of your mouth. Once made (approximately one day) we will ensure it fits correctly by making sure there are no sore spots causing discomfort. Adjustments will be made if need be.

A custom mouthguard usually costs $200. It offer far greater protection and long-lasting wear compared to the store bought self-molding options.

Orthodontics

The benefits of orthodontic treatment go beyond the obvious aesthetic changes of your teeth. Crooked teeth or jaw problems can lead to improper cleaning causing tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and jaw pain.

Reasons for orthodontic treatment:

  • Breathing or swallowing problems – leading to snoring and sleep apnea.
  • Crossbite
  • Over crowding – extra teeth or malpositioned teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Disfiguring of the face & mouth
  • Jaw & joint pain
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • Protruding upper teeth
  • Spacing between teeth
  • Speech, chewing or biting problems

Reasons specific to children:

    • Finger or thumb sucking – Causing protrusion of the upper incisor teeth and mouth breathing
    • Teeth erupting out of position

First, our dentists take x-rays, photographs and 3D scans of your teeth. Second, we take digital 3D treatment sequences allowing us to show you the movements your teeth will go through with each treatment stage. Custom-made clear aligners are then made for your individual needs.

Clear aligners are worn for about two weeks and then replaced with a new set. These aligners are manufactured on an individual basis to fit your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will gradually begin to move until they have straightened into their final position.

Clear aligners are a very comfortable way to change your smile. The benefits of clear aligner therapy include:

  • The aligners are nearly invisible so you can feel comfortable to show off your transforming smile
  • The aligners are comfortable to wear. There are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation
  • The aligners are removable before eating, brushing, and flossing
  • Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth

If you’re looking to correct the alignment of your smile without the discomfort and appearance of braces, then clear correct may be the best treatment option for you.

Depending on the movement required, some patients may not be suitable candidates for the treatment, in which case traditional braces may be a better option.

Call and book an obligation free consultation

Orthodontic treatment involves three phases:

Phase 1 – Planning Phase

Your first couple of visits may include the following:

  • A medical and dental history evaluation
  • Dental examination
  • Photographs of your face and mouth
  • X-rays of the teeth and jaws

After careful planning, our highly trained dentists will design and apply braces or fabricate custom-made appliances for you.

Phase 2 – Active Phase

Active treatment involves visiting us on a regular basis for adjustments and following at home directions to ensure successful treatment.

Phase 3 – Retention Phase

Retainers are usually removable and help maintain the changes to your teeth. Wearing them will ensure your teeth and bone stay in their new positions.

Treatment and retention times vary depending on each individual case. Our team will ensure you have a successful treatment for a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.

Retainers function to prevent movement of teeth and are fitted after braces are removed. Retainers are of two types: fixed and removable. These include:

  • Vacuum-formed retainer: A transparent retainer providing good grip to the teeth – worn on a temporary basis. Avoid wearing the retainer while eating and drinking.
  • Bonded retainer: A retainer fixed permanently to the inside of teeth.
  • Hawley retainer: A strong removable retainer consisting of a plastic part attached behind the teeth and a thin metal wire placed in front of the teeth, keeping the teeth in position.

The following factors influence orthodontic costs:

  • The complexity of your case
  • How long you are in treatment
  • What orthodontic treatment option you decide on

Deall Dental offer a number of payment plan options.

Call today to book an obligation free quote

Root Canal Therapy

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth

A root canal procedure requires two or more appointments.

Appointment 1

  • The affected tooth is numbed and a sheet of rubber (rubber dam) is placed. This keeps the tooth dry and free of saliva.
  • An access opening is made. A series of root canal files are placed into the opening removing pulp, nerve tissue and bacteria.
  • If tooth decay is present it is removed with special dental instruments.
  • The tooth is then cleaned and sealed with a permanent filling.
  • If additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling is used.

Appointment  2

Approximately a week or so later the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.

All back teeth that have root canal treatment should then have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.

After treatment

Your tooth may still be sensitive. This will subside as inflammation goes down and the tooth heals.

Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Teeth Whitening

It is important to remember that tooth whitening is not permanent. Touch ups may be needed after a year or so – more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea or wine.

Teeth-whitening is relatively low in cost. It is a minimally invasive treatment option that can deliver dramatic results. Contact us today to find out more about our whitening options and prices.

Both the Zoom in-chair whitening and take-home whitening systems offer similar results. Zoom offers a faster more immediate result. A take-home system is done at home over a matter of weeks and is recommended for patients prone to sensitivity.

Our team of specially trained hygienists can provide more information and help determine which treatment option is best for you.

Call today for a consultation

Dental clinics are allowed to use stronger bleaching products for both in-chair and take-home whitening systems compared to stores and beauty salons.

Our hygienists have received specific industry qualifications which allows them to provide in-chair whitening. Their knowledge on this restorative procedure is extremely in-depth. They will ensure the very best aesthetic outcome for you without damaging the integrity of your teeth or causing severe sensitivity.

TMJ

As part of your dental examination our dentists will assess you for TMJ disorder. There are various treatments available including:

  • At home exercises: You can apply warm compresses over the painful area. Exercise your lower jaw by moving it side to side and trying to open and close your mouth. Try this after you apply a warm compress for 20 minutes.
  • Medications: Muscle relaxant medicines are prescribed which will help control muscle spasm and pain. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) like ibuprofen will reduce pain and swelling.
  • Physical Therapy: Physical Therapy exercises help relax your muscles and improve jaw movements. Physiotherapists make use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit and ultrasound which promotes tissue healing and helps relax your muscles.
  • Splint therapy: This treatment is suggested to eliminate the effects of clenching or grinding the teeth. A splint is an appliance that fits over the chewing surfaces of your teeth. It is worn for 1-3 months or more.
  • Orthodontic Correction: If your TMJ disorder is caused by the way your teeth fit together, it may help if the occlusion is corrected. Orthodontic braces will be used to reposition your teeth. If there is malalignment in the jaws, orthognathic surgery is required to change the positions of the jaw bones.
  • Cosmetic injections: Cosmetic injections can be used to alleviate pain associated with the TMJ (jaw joint), it can relax the large chewing muscles which can in turn relieve headaches and jaw aches associated with grinding and clenching.
  • Surgery: Surgery is the last resort which is considered when all other treatment methods have failed. Surgery may be necessary if muscle spasms increase in frequency, TMJ has become arthritic or when there is injury to the joint.

Veneers

  • Idealise the colour, shape, size and alignment of the teeth
  • Repair a damaged tooth caused by decay or breakage
  • Restore a cracked tooth
  • Restore a tooth after failed filling attempts
  • Improve the aesthetics of heavily filled front teeth

Step 1

We gently sculpt the effected tooth and take a digital scan.

Step 2

Our professional dental laboratory then makes the custom veneers. They use the scans, chosen shape, colour and material to do this. This process takes a couple of weeks.

Step 3

You return and try in your veneers. Once happy they are bonded into place.

At Deall Dental the cost of a veneer is approximately $1000 per tooth before any health fund contribution.

Book in today for an examination and quote.

Book today for an examination

This depends what level of cover you have and if your private health insurance cover includes major dental. A good health fund with major dental cover will contribute approximately $800 to veneers per year.

Ask our receptionist for an on-the-spot heath fund quote.

On average, a well-cared for veneer lasts somewhere between 10-15 years.

Factors that can influence this include:

  • Mouth location
  • The health of the tooth under the veneer
  • Gum health
  • Clenching or grinding habits
  • Diet
  • Level of oral hygiene

Ensuring good oral hygiene practices, eating habits and regular dental visits will help prolong the life of your veneers.