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Have you got a question?
Someone else may have asked before you! Browse through our frequently asked questions to see if we can answer it for you.
General & Restorative Work
My gums bleed when I brush, is this healthy?
No, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. Other factors can cause gum bleeding too, such as aggressive toothbrushing or smoking. Please schedule an appointment to visit us, so a practitioner can assess your gum situation.
What should I do when I have toothache?
If you are suffering from a persistent toothache, you should schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible. In the meantime, before you are seen, there are few things you can do to make yourself comfortable and prevent further issue:
Brush and floss normally, to keep your teeth debris-free,
Take simple pain-relievers (like paracetamol or ibuprofen) to alleviate the discomfort,
Apply a cold pack to the area to lessen any pain or swelling,
Rinse with salt water or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution after eating.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?
Brushing technique is more important than the type of toothbrush being used. A manual toothbrush with the correct technique can be just as good as an electric toothbrush. However, despite best efforts, people cannot achieve “perfect” results with a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush has additional features such as pressure sensors, cleaning modes and timer features which take the difficulty out of brushing. They are also helpful for people with dexterity issues. Nonetheless, following the recommended brushing technique with an electric toothbrush is key to ensure proper cleaning is achieved.
I’ve heard amalgam fillings are dangerous. Is this true?
Based on current research, there is so evidence to prove dental amalgam (containing mercury) to be harmful or having negative health outcomes. As a dental material, it is completely safe. It has been abandoned in most practices’ due cosmetic reasons (unappealing colour) rather than its risk of harm. However, if you wish to replace your amalgam fillings with a resin or ceramic material, please let your dentist know and they can devise a treatment plan for you.
What age should my child first starting visiting the dentist?
There is no designated age to begin visiting the dentist, however the Australian Dental Association recommends a child visits the dentist before 3 years old. It is important children become familiar and comfortable in the dental surgery and establish a dental routine as early as possible.
How safe are dental x-rays?
Dental x-rays are quick, painless and extremely helpful at diagnosing many dental issues. At Greenacre Dental Surgery, we use digital x-rays which produce very limited radiation to a targeted, specific area. We also carry lead-line full body aprons which protect from stray radiation. Additionally, law states that x-rays apparatus must be regularly checked and non-necessary people distanced from the x-ray zone, to which we adhere.
Cosmetic Work
Will whitening/bleaching harm my teeth and gums?
No, cosmetic tooth whitening is a safe procedure with minimal risk of harm or damage to the mouth. However, bleaching can cause some temporary gum irritation during or just after the procedure.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the newest technology in correcting crowded or misplaced teeth without the need of conventional orthodontic brackets and wires (braces). A series of clear (invisible) aligners are worn which slowly corrects and straightens your teeth. Only an Invisalign accredited dentist can provide such treatment.
Should I have teeth whitening before or after my crown, bridge or implant?
Whitening is typically carried out before any major cosmetic work is completed, so that any restorative work can match the shade of your teeth after the whitening procedure. However, in some cases, whitening may be a more suitable option following treatment, such as after orthodontic treatment. If you are considering teeth whitening, whilst preparing for major restorative work like a crown, bridge or implant, please let your dentist know.
Do you do dentures?
Unfortunately, we do not make dentures at Greenacre Dental Surgery.
Emergency Situations
What do I do if I have an accident and knock out a tooth?
In a situation like this, it is easy to panic, but try to stay calm and composed.
First, find the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part of the tooth that sticks out of the gum) and not the roots. Rinse the tooth in milk or saline (salt water). If it is an adult tooth, put it back into position. Place a thick gauze or handkerchief over the top of the tooth and bite down gently to keep it in place.
Seek immediate dental attention. The longer a tooth stays out of the mouth, the less chance there is to save it. If the tooth knocked out is a baby tooth, keep it in milk – do not try to replace it back into the gum socket. The child will need to be assessed by a dentist or oral hygienist to check for damages to the mouth or gums.
Why have I cracked my tooth when my oral hygiene is good and my gums are healthy?
There are many reasons why a tooth can crack or break down. Usually, a cracked tooth is due to large amounts of decay. This usually presents as a toothache. Sometimes, large fillings or root canals result in a tooth crack, especially when further decay has happened.
Despite great oral hygiene or healthy dentition, the following can cause tooth fractures:
Bruxism (tooth grinding),
Aggressive chewing,
Biting on hard foods or objects (e.g., nuts, hard boiled lollies, olive pips, pen lids etc),
Using teeth to open utensils (e.g., packaging, bottle lids etc),
Sporting injuries (not wearing a mouthguard),
Car or motorbike accidents,
Other trauma (e.g., violence, falls, etc).
Old dental work or amalgam fillings.
I often get headaches and jaw pain. Should I see a dentist ?
Headaches and jaw pain can be caused from bruxing. Bruxing is the clenching and grinding of teeth. It typically occurs subconsciously, at night, and is often related to stress or trauma. Missing teeth and an unbalanced bite can also contribute to the problem. Often a night guard (splint) can relieve the pain and headaches by retraining your jaw muscles and preventing you from bruxing.
Please follow our emergency guidelines here for further instruction.
Reception Enquires
Why do different health fund offer different rebates?
At Greenacre Dental we bill to your private health insurance but we do not know details of your specific account, policy or schedule. It is always best to call your insurer directly to receive answers regarding private health insurance. However, most funds allocate a balance between your level of cover and your premium – other factors like waiting periods, limits or promotions may also influence your cover. When choosing a fund, select one that best suits your consumer and dental needs.
Why am I being charged a gap payment?
Private health insurance only covers a percentage of your dental treatment. The outstanding amount, called the gap, is charged to cover dental costs. Greenacre Dental's gap payments are beneath industry standard and are only determined following assessment of a patient's insurance rebate.
Can I receive a quote for my dental treatment?
Our reception team can only give you an estimate of costs for basic treatment. An examination and assessment by one of our experienced and trustworthy practitioners will allow for a more accurate cost description.
If you need more extensive work, a formal quote will be devised by one of our practitioners and explained to you in detail.
Curious about something else?
Call Greenacre Dental at (02) 9750 2080 and one of our team will be happy to assist you.
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