FAQs
1. What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
2. Will I have to pay a gap after I claim on my health fund?
3. Do amalgam fillings pose a health risk?
4. What could be causing my tooth sensitivity?
5. Is smoking really bad for my teeth?
6. What can I do about uncomfortable dentures?
7. Do I really need to floss?
8. Are your teeth whitening procedures safe?
9. When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
10. Does Melbourne Dental Group offer children’s dentistry?
11. Can I refer my family and friends?
12. Will I know how much my treatment is going to cost?
1. What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
A fast response can increase your chances of success in all dental trauma cases. It is always worth retrieving a knocked out tooth if possible.
If a baby tooth has been knocked out, do not replace the tooth into the socket. Keep the tooth if you can find it and contact us at the Melbourne Dental Group for an emergency appointment. We can then make sure that it is in fact a baby tooth, that the surrounding teeth are sound, and that any soft tissue damage is not severe.
If an adult tooth has been knocked out, replace the tooth in the socket as soon as possible if it is not contaminated. Make sure you have it the right way round! If the tooth has been contaminated with debris, rinse for ten seconds under cool running water before replacing it. In either case, contact Melbourne Dental Group as soon as possible for an emergency dental visit.
If you can’t reposition the tooth at the time of the accident, keep the tooth stored in whole milk, or tucked in the patient’s cheek, taking care not to swallow the tooth. Contact Melbourne Dental Group immediately to schedule an emergency dental visit.
If the tooth is partially dislodged, and no longer in its normal position, contact us as soon as possible for an emergency dental appointment. Act quickly, as any delay in treatment may mean successful treatment is less likely.
2. Will I have to pay a gap after I claim on my health fund?
The Melbourne Dental Group is not contracted to a particular health fund, which means there will usually be a gap after claiming on your health fund.
We have chosen not to have a “preferred provider” relationship with a private health insurance fund because this status doesn’t necessarily mean that the heath insurance fund warrants that the dentist provides the best possible treatment to each patient. Being a “preferred provider” simply means that a dental practice has entered into a financial agreement with a health insurance fund, working to a fee schedule determined by that health fund.
Instead, at Melbourne Dental Group our priority is providing optimum patient care, individually tailored to your needs. We believe that set fee schedules as found in “preferred provider” agreements may in some cases limit the time, care and services we are able to provide our patients, as well as pre-determine the quality of the materials which we could use.
At Melbourne Dental Group we’re proud of the exceptional dentistry and individual care we provide to each patient. We believe that working to a pre-determined fee schedule could potentially compromise this.
3. Do amalgam fillings pose a health risk?
No – the World Health Organisation and the International Dental Federation have jointly confirmed the safety of amalgam as a dental treatment. Amalgam restorations are a viable, long lasting alternative to “white fillings”. Replacement of amalgam restorations, though not essential, can offer improved aesthetics, in cases of recurrent decay, or failure of the filling or tooth.
4. What could be causing my tooth sensitivity?
Sensitivity is commonly caused by a loss of enamel protection on your teeth, which in turn could be caused by consuming large amounts of acidic food or soft drinks; cracked teeth; receding gums which leave the tooth root exposed; excessive brushing which damages the enamel; and tooth decay, to name but a few. The good news is that with help from Melbourne Dental Group, sensitivity can often be managed.
The most important thing to remember is that not all dental problems cause discomfort straight away. That is why it’s important to attend regular dental examinations with Melbourne Dental Group to avoid problems, or treat them while they are still manageable.
5. Is smoking really bad for my teeth?
Absolutely. Smoking is one of the worst influences on your oral health, being the leading cause of oral cancer, causing a higher risk of periodontal disease, discolouring your teeth and making your breath smell. For these reasons, at Melbourne Dental Group we encourage you to quit smoking as soon as possible.
6. What can I do about uncomfortable dentures?
At Melbourne Dental Group, we understand that loose, ill-fitting and generally uncomfortable dentures can lead to frustration, embarrassment and a lack of confidence.
With the help of a straightforward implant procedure, we at Melbourne Dental Group can give your dentures the stability they need to be truly functional. Speak to your dentist about “snap-on” dentures at your next appointment with us.
7. Do I really need to floss?
Yes, flossing is crucially important for your oral health, in addition to diligent brushing and use of fluoridated toothpaste. This is because without regular flossing, plaque will remain stuck between your teeth since tooth brushing alone cannot dislodge the plaque within these tight areas.
8. Are your teeth whitening procedures safe?
Yes, when performed by our well-trained professionals, tooth whitening is a safe and easy cosmetic procedure. Some mild, short-term, postoperative sensitivity can occasionally occur, and the degree of whitening you can achieve will depend on your individual situation. But when used appropriately in combination with remineralising agents suggested by your Melbourne Dental Group dentist, you can achieve the best possible results and minimise sensitivity.
9. When should I bring my child for their first dental visit?
We recommend you bring your child with you to your regular appointment at an early age, preferably when their first tooth starts to appear. In this way your child will be accustomed to visiting us and, when they’re old enough, have a ride in the chair and see pictures of their teeth on screen.
10. Does Melbourne Dental Group offer children’s dentistry?
Yes we are always happy to see children, and in fact many of our younger patients are now parents themselves and bring their own children to see us. We firmly believe in building lasting relationships with our patients and their families, which is why we’ve assembled a great team of dentists and staff who make coming to the dentist fun.
11. Can I refer my family and friends?
Of course. We are always grateful for your referrals, because we believe our patients are our greatest ambassadors. Melbourne Dental Group has built a proud reputation of exceptional care for our patients, and we have grown over the years through the referral of friends and family of many of our delighted patients.
12. Will I know how much my treatment is going to cost?
Yes. We will always give you an estimate of your treatment costs and, if possible, several treatment options to suit your particular financial and cosmetic situation.
