FAQs
General
How often should I have a full check up and clean?
Most children and adults should see their dentist for a regular scale, clean and exam every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check ups more than twice a year. Smoking and/or alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that our team take into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.
Attending regular check ups will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy as well as detect any early problems such as gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
How often should I have x rays?
The frequency of getting X-rays of your teeth often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some patients may need X-rays as often as every six months; others with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit Dentist Sydney regularly may require x-rays only every couple of years.
If you are a new patient, we may take x-rays as part of the initial examination and to establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time.
Dental X-rays help us visualize diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, X-rays help us find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life.
Is tooth whitening painful?
While most people experience little discomfort or pain after their whitening treatment, others experience pain in the form of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Some people also report intense and intermittent "zingers" or a piercing jolt in their teeth.
While there is no assurance that teeth whitening pain can be completely avoided, Dentist Sydney does offer some tips to help lessen or remove the risk.
* Prior to your visit brush with a high fluoride toothpaste or rinse with a mouthwash that contains fluoride a few weeks prior to the whitening. Fluoride helps strengthen the outer enamel of your teeth. Taking an ibuprofen such as Nurofen before and after the procedure helps to lessen any possible sensitivity. We will also give you a couple of products to take home which also assist in sensitivity management as well as remineralisation of the tooth surface.
* After whitening, brush with lukewarm water, avoid extreme temperatures in liquids or food and use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Over-the-counter toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help too. Rebecca (our receptionist/dental assistant) only experienced mild sensitivity for the rest of the day with no further sensitivity from the following day onwards. This seems to be the report of the vast majority of our whitening patients. If tooth sensitivity lasts more than a few days, let us know as soon as possible, as this may signal a different or underlying problem.
The bottom line is that a whiter smile can raise your confidence and self-esteem among other things. Don't worry too much about any teeth whitening pain or discomfort. Our Zoom whitening treatment has been achieving some amazing results, with our patients getting whiter teeth in only one appointment.
Do you have payment plan options?
Dentist Sydney is able to offer payment plans through GE Money – Care Credit.
Specifically designed for healthcare expenses, Care Credit allows you to begin treatment now – then pay for it over time with Interest Free or Extended Payment Plans.
Visit their website www.carecredit.com.au or phone 1300 662 273 for details on how to apply.
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimatises your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future.
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