Typically, implants are suitable for patients above 20 when additional growth ceases. A dental implant can be appropriate for anyone with a missing tooth and whose teeth are fully grown in. Whether you’re in your early 20s to late 80s, you can have a dental implant.

Getting implants is usually not considered painful. To minimise any possible discomfort, we offer patients nitrous oxide (‘happy gas’). Typically, only local anaesthetic is needed for dental implants, but we do offer IV sedation for anxious patients. We will ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.

Yes, these include dental bridges or dentures. We’ll go over every possible option with you. After reviewing the advantages of each one, you can decide how you would like to proceed.

The right treatment options for you depend on what you would like to achieve. If you have stained teeth, we can explore whether teeth whitening is right for you before we explore the idea of veneers. We’ll be sure to let you know all the possible solutions that will help you reach your particular goals.

In some cases, a damaged tooth may be saved with a root canal treatment. If this is the case for you, we’ll be sure to let you know so that you can avoid having it extracted.

To minimise any chance of experiencing side effects, we take specific measures. These include using a protective gel or rubber shield to prevent bleaching agents from harming delicate gum tissue. The most common bleaching agents used by dentists are approved for use by the Australian Dental Association. Therefore, you can be confident knowing they are highly safe and effective. After the whitening procedure, you may have some mild tooth sensitivity, but it won’t last long.

The majority of people get their wisdom teeth in their late teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth also can erupt in the pre-teen years or even as an older adult.

For the first 24 hours after your wisdom teeth are removed, you should refrain from brushing your teeth. After that, you can brush your teeth but be gentle around the extraction site.

Some people require one or two, while others need to have all four wisdom teeth removed. After your consultation, we’ll be able to tell you what is best for your situation.

Your health fund cover will vary depending on the plan you have. Some may have benefits for dental implants. To know if your insurance covers implants, we encourage you to contact your health fund directly and inquire about specifics.

Yes! If you do not have dental cover, you can still get dental implants thanks to our interest-free payment plans.

Yes! If you have a broken or ill-fitting denture, an adjustment, repair or relining could have it fitting better in just one appointment. With a reline, older appliances fit more comfortably across your gums with a tighter suction for better security. Or if you’ve dropped your denture and it’s cracked, we can help with that too!

While we don’t recommend any specific brand, we do encourage you to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride to reduce your chance of getting dental decay. We do encourage our patients to refrain from using abrasive toothpastes as they can damage enamel.

Yes. We provide all ages care, even for emergencies. If you think that your child has a dental emergency, contact us and we will direct you in how best to proceed.

Though we cannot guarantee pain-free procedures, we do our best to minimise your discomfort. We offer nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), a gentle inhalation sedation (analgesic). We will only begin your procedure once you feel that you are ready. Afterwards, we advise you on all proper instructions to speed your recovery.

Typically, health funds do not cover cosmetic treatments. You can check what your particular plan covers with your health fund.

If a food particle or any other small object gets stuck between your teeth, you can attempt to gently remove it using dental floss. Never try to use anything sharp, like a pin or needle around your teeth as it may damage them. If you are unable to remove the object with dental floss, contact our office as soon as possible.

The best way to determine if you can get veneers is to have a consultation with our team. We’ll evaluate your teeth and let you know what we recommend you do. There are few people who aren’t suitable candidates for veneers. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, you shouldn’t get veneers. They’ll be easily damaged by the grinding and won’t last as they should.

Dental anxiety is highly common. Perhaps you had a negative experience visiting the dentist as a child. Some people experience nervousness even for routine cleanings, checkups and fillings. Our caring and compassionate team will help put you at ease. We also offer sedation options so you can get the dental care you need in complete comfort.

Just as every smile we treat is unique, so are the treatments we provide. While cosmetic treatment times can differ, some cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening can be completed in a single office visit.

The length of time of your procedure will depend on which tooth and how the roots are situated. We’ll take diagnostic X-rays to determine the best way to go about your extraction. Then, we can tell you how long the procedure will take. If you’re having more than one tooth extracted, the procedure will require more time.

Generally, you can expect your dentures to last between 5 and 7 years. Just as natural teeth do, dentures wear down and stain with age. Your mouth is also constantly changing. To ensure that your dentures fit properly, they will need to be adjusted at various times.

We recommend seeing your dentist once a year for a denture checkup. You should always notify your dentist at the first sign of irritation, regardless of how minor it may seem. Your health and comfort are paramount.

The number of visits you’ll need depends on the type of veneers you choose. Porcelain ones are custom-created. If you choose these veneers, we’ll have a single appointment to take impressions of your teeth. Then, you’ll return to have your porcelain veneers cemented into place. With composite veneers, the procedure can be completed in a single appointment as they’re painted on, layer by layer.

It’s important to note that we can’t provide an estimate of the cost of implants without assessing your smile needs first. During a consultation with one of our dentists, we’ll evaluate your mouth so we can make better recommendations for your individual needs, as every patient is different. We’ll craft a customised care plan for you. If you agree to proceed, we can get started as soon as you’re ready.

The level of whitening you can reach will depend on how discoloured your teeth currently are. At your initial consultation, we’ll let you know what results you can expect from the procedure.

Every case is different because the treatment depends on the position and complexity of each wisdom tooth. We also consider dental insurance. For more information about the costs of wisdom teeth removal, please contact our office.

It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. If the bristles start to look bent, however, or are splayed, you should replace it even sooner.

Initially, it may feel strange to wear dentures. They may seem too large, and you may detect an increase in saliva. Rest assured that this is normal. Once your facial muscles and oral tissues adapt, your dentures should feel comfortable. Some people adjust to dentures in a short period such as a few days to a week, while others take a little longer.

We suggest cleaning your dentures over a basin of water or a damp towel to avoid breakage in case you drop them. You can brush them using a denture brush and denture cleaner or soap. Only use lukewarm water and avoid abrasive pastes or powders. You should clean your dentures after every meal.

We often have same-day appointments available. Contact us straightaway, and we’ll do everything possible to get you in on the day.

In any situation where you’re not sure what to do, the best route is to contact a professional. We’ll be able to tell you if you need to come in or give you the right advice.

Yes. Toothaches are not normal. They are an indication of a deeper oral health problem. We can investigate it and discover the reason for your toothache. Then, we can provide a solution to help relieve your pain.

To qualify for teeth whitening, you’ll need to make sure your smile is free of cavities or gum disease. If you have any such issues, they need to be treated before you can proceed with your teeth whitening treatment. Other than that, there are few contraindications to having your teeth whitened.

No. There is no discomfort during a procedure for teeth whitening.

• Less plaque will need to be removed during regular dental checkups so your cleanings will be quicker and more comfortable
• It’s less likely that you will need dental procedures due to tooth decay or gum disease
• You won’t need to spend as much annually on your dental care
• Your breath will likely be fresher
• You will feel more confident about your smile.

Many factors can cause teeth to become sensitive. These include chipping or fracturing of teeth. They also can become sensitive if you grind or clench them. Gum disease also can produce sensitivity. Dentin is the part of the tooth that expresses pain and most sensitivity is due to this porous portion of the tooth becoming exposed. If you have sensitive teeth please schedule a consultation with one of our dentists.

Tooth discolouration often occurs as part of aging. As people age, enamel wears down, and teeth tend to appear dull. Smoking and drinking coffee and tea also can cause teeth to appear tarnished or darkened. Other causes of tooth discolouration include side effects of medications, a person’s genetic makeup and too much fluoride use. Teeth whitening and veneers offer an aesthetic solution for those who have discoloured or dull-looking teeth.

If you lose a filling, call our office as quickly as you can. Until you can see us, you can purchase dental cement at the pharmacy to serve as a temporary filling while you’re waiting to get dental care.

If your wisdom teeth require specialist care, we’ll be happy to refer you to someone in our network. We’re pleased to say that the majority of cases can be handled in-house.

If you have an infected tooth, we will make every effort to save it from being extracted. A root canal treatment, for example, can clean out an infection while leaving your tooth in place with no removal necessary. If there are multiple treatment options available to you, we’ll discuss the advantages of each so that you can decide what you’d like to do.

We’ll let you know exactly what to expect after your wisdom teeth extraction is performed. If you think that you’re having a problem or notice any of the warning signs we’ve discussed with you, contact us straightaway. We’ll be able to advise you on the next steps to take.

We recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush. That’s because medium and firmer ones can damage teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time. Both manual and electric toothbrushes do a good job of cleaning teeth.

Even if you don’t experience pain with a chipped or broken tooth, you need to see the dentist straightaway. That’s because the inside parts of the tooth may now be exposed to various forms of bacteria in the mouth. If the tooth isn’t protected, new decay could develop. Your dentist will need to assess the tooth to determine the severity of the problem.

A dental implant is designed to look and act like your natural teeth. Implants look so natural that most people who see you won’t tell the difference. Dental implants will enable you to eat, chew, speak and perform all the functions your regular teeth allow you to with enhanced aesthetics!

Those with decayed, missing, chipped or severely infected teeth may be an ideal candidate for dental implants. To better serve you, we encourage you to make an appointment with our practice. We can examine and evaluate your mouth, and then provide our best recommendations.

At first, it takes a bit of time to adjust to wearing dentures; it also requires some patience! However, before you know it you’ll get used to your dentures. Our dentists can help you work through any challenges and discuss the best ways to get used to biting and chewing with your new dentures.

Initially, you may notice minor differences in your speech. There’s no reason to be concerned, however. Once your mouth gets used to the change, this should subside. Reading aloud is a great way to restore normal speech quickly.

We use anaesthetic and have nitrous oxide so that you’re comfortable and experience minimal discomfort. Your recovery will be optimised by following our aftercare instructions.

Following wisdom teeth removal, it’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising. The swelling typically improves after a few days, but the bruising may take a few more days to go away. Applying an ice pack as directed by our office can address any swelling.

Though many people are concerned about their teeth becoming more sensitive after whitening, Pola’s products are formulated to minimise your sensitivity.