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General

When should I bring in my Children for their first dental appointment?

We would generally recommend bringing children in from when they are 1 year of age. This helps them become familiar with the sights and sounds of a dental practice so as they become older they are more relaxed in the environment and having treatment.

When should I start brushing and flossing my children’s teeth?

Up until the age of one use a damp cloth and gently rub the teeth over to remove any build up. After the age of one you can begin using a child specific toothbrush. As soon as you can encourage them to get involved in brushing there own teeth with you supervising. As a general rule start flossing as soon as any two teeth begin to touch.

Why are having routine check ups and cleans important?

As an average we recommend having a check up and clean every 6 months or as directed by your dental professional you may need to come in more or less. These are important preventative measures to help avoid possible expensive dental treatment down the track. Plaque is one of main causes of dental decay and gum disease so it is important to come in for a clean to ensure your mouth is at its healthiest. Having regular exams is also important to pick up any possible problems while they are small and manageable and before they become painful.

How do I release my Dental Records?

I need to go to the dentist but I am too scared – what can I do?

We offer treatments under Intra-Venous Sedation on a weekly basis.

I can’t afford to pay in full for my treatment, do you have a payment plan?

We offer payment plans subject to terms and conditions.

When should I start brushing and flossing my children’s teeth?

Start to introduce a soft baby toothbrush soon after the first baby teeth erupt into the mouth.  Dip the bristles to use only a very small smear of age appropriate toothpaste.  Flossing is only needed if food traps between your child’s teeth, we will advise you further when you bring your child in for their examination.

Why are routine check-ups and cleans important?

Regular examinations and cleaning treatments are vital in maintaining tooth and gum health, with early identification of disease enabling more minor treatments to be able to resolve the disease.  The vast majority of people benefit from 6 monthly preventative examinations and cleans.

An oral cancer screen is also undertaken at every dental examination, it is very important that you have your mouth examined at least once a year even if you no longer have any teeth.  Early detection of oral cancer is essential to save lives.  Nearly 3 times as many people die from oral cancer compared with cervical cancer.

Failure to pick up early symptomless disease will lead to disease progression, and bigger or more complex treatments will be required to resolve this later on.

I’m worried about having dental X-Rays, do I need them?

Dental x-ray exposure is extremely small, especially compared to medical x-rays.  A standard digital dental x-ray is equivalent to the amount of x-ray that you are exposed to in a typical day from background radiation.  You will be exposed to more radiation going to the beach or taking a flight.  Provided that our strict radiation guidelines are followed, there is no scientific evidence of ill health effects attributed to dental radiation.

X-ray examinations are performed at specific intervals according to your individual risk factors, and are important to identify symptomless early tooth decay and disease under the gum that is not otherwise visible in the mouth.  We routinely see patients who have no pain, but have hidden decay picked up on X-Rays that is already very close to the nerve of the tooth.  As standard we will take two small X-Rays of your back teeth every two years to check for hidden decay.  A full mouth OPG or 3D cone beam X-Ray is taken at less regular intervals according to individual need.  In addition we will X-Ray individual teeth and roots of concern as required.

How do I know which Dentist to see?

We have a number of experienced dentists to choose from, each with their own personality and strengths.  Our staff would be happy to guide you, depending on the treatment you require and personality and profile that will best suit your needs.  Please browse our team page to help you decide.  For certain treatments you may be referred to a team member in the practice who has specific expertise in that field.

My dentures are loose and uncomfortable, is there anything I can do?

We would be happy to carry out an assessment for improvements that may be possible to your dentures, and to explain options for stabilisation of your dentures with the use of dental implants.

I have been referred to the hospital for treatment by my dentist, is there an alternative?

We can carry out most complex treatments at Dental Centre Maroochydore with suitably qualified and experience staff under local anaesthetic or sedation.  Sometimes medical issues or certain complexities demand treatment in a hospital setting at additional expense.  Please contact us for a consultation to see if we are able to provide treatment to you at our practice.

Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

How do I know if we are eligible for the child Dental Benefits Schedule?

If you are eligible you will receive a written notification from the Australian Government from early 2014 on. If you have received your notification from the Australian Government please call our surgery today and we can answer your questions – and more detailed information is available from the following website:http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule

What services are covered by the CDBS?

The dental services covered include Checkups, Cleans, X-Rays, fillings, fissure seals, extractions, root canal treatment, partial dentures. Services such as orthodontics or cosmetic dentistry are not included and there are limits on certain services.

How long does this $1000 benefit last?

The $1000 benefit period commences at the start of the calendar year and can be used over the following 2 years. Any remaining benefit cannot be used past that time nor can it be transferred to any other children.

What if my child needs more treatment than what benefit is available?

If this occurs you will need to pay the difference. The Dentist will discuss this with you PRIOR to any treatment so you are fully aware.

I have been advised my dentist is not bulk billing – how does this work?

Dentists may prefer to request that patients pay in full on the day of service and then claim back from Medicare (using Medicare Easyclaim and claiming back on the same day as treatment). Your dentist will advise you of this and of any out of pocket expenses prior to any treatment.

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