FAQS

Watch as our head dentist, Dr David Norcross explains patient suitability and success factors for All-On-4® dental implants.

To book a consultation, call our team on 1300 108 133.

A body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) screening is a simple questionnaire used by healthcare practitioners to assess patient suitability for cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures (such as cosmetic injectables).

Healthcare practitioners are required by law to adhere to guidelines set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) screening, developed by the Medical Board of Australia.

Cosmetic injectables are designed to relax the muscles which prevent the skin from wrinkling into fine lines when facial expressions are made. The appearance of new-forming fine lines are reduced and in some cases prevented in targeted areas where facial muscles have been relaxed.

How long a cosmetic injectable can last will depend on the product used, the volume and the area into which it is administered. The effects of cosmetic injectables may last between 3 to 4 months on average however, for some patients it may last as little as 2 months and for others, as long as 6 months.

No. Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates for cosmetic injectable treatment due to the lack of safety data available.

The team at Kelmscott Dental can speak and treat* patients in the following languages:

• Arabic
• Malay

*We have team members who are fluent in these languages. If you would like to be treated in one of these languages, please ask reception to book your appointment accordingly.

Our dentists at Kelmscott Dental use a combination of communication, distraction, relaxation and sedation methods to help patients reach the right comfort levels for treatment.

We’ll work with you to make your experience as comfortable as possible. We recommend the following steps to ensure your appointment is well planned for:

• Call ahead to ask questions, advise any triggers to avoid
• Use a hand signal for breaks
• Bring a friend for support
• Book an early and quiet appointment time to avoid anticipation and minimise sound
• Use relaxation strategies to calm you before an appointment
• Use distraction techniques, such as headphones, watch TV, squeeze a stress ball
• Ask about sedation options

Our dentists are perceptive and are trained to identify signs of dental fear, which may include:

• visible distress or panic (facial expressions, fidgeting)
• heart palpitations
• withdrawal
• using humour or aggression

The main causes of dental fear include:

• past dental experience or trauma
• fear of pain
• embarrassment
• loss of personal space
• side effects of anaesthesia
• lack of control
• fear of needles

Talking to your dentist and explaining your concerns and past experiences can help you both plan for your upcoming appointment.

The cost of a dental crown starts from $1713 and will vary depending on the materials used, the technician manufacturing your crown and the size of your tooth restoration. If you have private health insurance with dental cover, your policy may also cover some of these costs. Ask us to check your rebate entitlements when you visit.

Diagnosing oral cancer can be complicated. A clinical assessment takes into consideration your specific risk factors (age, history of smoking or alcohol use, HPV, poor diet) and uses special light technology designed to detect changes in the mouth that can’t be seen with the naked eye. If your dentist or doctor suspects you have oral cancer, they may refer you to an oral medicine specialist for a second opinion or biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

An oral cancer screening is included in your comprehensive oral examination with the dentist.

An annual oral cancer screening is recommended for everyone over the age of 40 years and every three years for those aged between 20 and 39 years old.

Yes. Our goal is to provide quality health care to all our patients in a timely manner. No-shows, late arrivals, and cancellations inconvenience our providers and other patients. Please be aware of our policy regarding missed appointments.

Any cancellation or rescheduling of an appointment made with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in a cancellation fee of $60. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, we may not be able to accommodate you. In this case, the same cancellation fee will apply. We will do our very best to reschedule your service for another time that is convenient to you.

By booking an appointment with us you agree to our cancellation policy.

Teeth straightening with Invisalign aligners is more reliable and has a higher chance of success when treatment begins with a face-to-face examination and continues to be supervised by a qualified dentist or orthodontist throughout the treatment duration. Face-to-face examinations allow your dentist to pick up on any oral health concerns that may not have otherwise been identified, prior to starting treatment.

Moving teeth when a patient has untreated tooth decay, gum disease or another dental issue may cause irreversible damage to teeth and gums. Another reason for seeing a dentist for clear aligner treatment is because they can monitor your progress, adjust trays when needed and address any concerns you have.

It can take between 4 and 24 months to straighten teeth with Invisalign. This varies from case to case and depends on the type of Invisalign system used and whether you wear your aligners as often as recommended.

We can give you an estimate of your treatment timeline after we examine your teeth and plan your treatment. You will normally have to wear a retainer after the completion of your Invisalign treatment to help maintain your new, straighter smile.

The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on how many aligners you need to achieve the desired result you are after. The cost of Invisalign at Kelmscott Dental starts from $7000, but this varies from case to case.

We can give you an accurate Invisalign price after we’ve examined your teeth and created your personal treatment plan. We offer a choice of payment plans if you need help managing your dental costs.

Invisalign treatment can be effective for treating minor to moderate orthodontic problems. Wearing removable aligners requires more commitment than fixed braces, as they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to achieve the best results.

If you are not a candidate for Invisalign clear aligners, our dentists in Kelmscott can discuss other teeth straightening options such as tooth-coloured or metal braces.

We offer two options for Invisalign at Kelmscott Dental: full Invisalign and Invisalign GO.

Invisalign GO works faster than standard Invisalign and uses no more than 20 aligners to straighten teeth, which can be cheaper and more convenient. However, it is only suitable for relatively minor cases.

If you need more straightening than can be achieved with Invisalign GO, our dentists may recommend standard Invisalign or alternatives such as fixed braces.

There are 6 stages of dental implant treatment to replace a single tooth. These stages differ slightly depending on the implant solution you choose and the number of teeth that need replacing. Our stages are:

1. Consultation & Treatment Planning
We examine your teeth and gums, discuss your medical history and take a 3D cone beam scan and a digital impression of your bite. These records can be used to pre-plan your surgery and produce a surgical guide that will help the dentist precisely place the implant into in your jaw.

2. Placing Your Dental Implants
On the day of your surgery, your dental implant is placed (either by freehand or using digitally guided keyhole surgery if you choose). Your dentist makes an incision in the gum and carefully place the implant into the jaw bone. The implant is then left to heal under the gum or with a small metal cap or healing abutment.

3. Designing Your New Tooth
After two to three months, your dentist will check that your jaw has properly healed before taking digital impressions for the dental lab to design your crown.

4. Creating Your New Tooth
We arrange for your visit to the dental lab to meet our dental technician who will carefully craft and colour match your new crown to existing teeth.

5. Fitting Your New Tooth
Once your crown is ready, your abutment and crown are attached to the dental implant.

6. Maintaining Your Smile
Six months after your crown is fitted, you attend a follow-up appointment to check your dental implant and crown, then professionally clean and polish your teeth.

For patients who require extensive dental care or multiple treatments in a single appointment, sedation dentistry may be a suitable option. Sleep dentistry may not be suitable if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory issues. Upon visiting Kelmscott Dental, we will comprehensively assess your medical history before recommending the most suitable sedation option for your treatment.

The cost of sedation dentistry services in Perth can vary depending on the amount of dental care required, the length of sedation and also the type of sedation used.

Depending on your private health fund and hospital cover and the anesthetist scheduled for your treatment, you could end up paying minimal excess for hospital and anaesthetist costs.

For patients without hospital cover, IV sedation at the practice can also be an affordable cost option using a payment plan. For more information on sleep dentistry pricing at our Perth clinic, contact us today.

Sleep or sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to relax a patient during dental appointments. It typically refers to twilight sedtion or IV sedation which is a sedative administered intravenously. Sedation may be requested to help relieve anxiety and dental phobia or to help with any medical conditions that may prevent someone from receiving dental treatment.

The Child Dental Benefit Scheme is a government benefit that provides $1,095 towards basic dental costs for each eligible child over 2 calendar years. To be eligible to claim CDBS, you must:

• Have a child aged 2 to 17 years
• Receive certain Medicare payments at least once a year
• Choose eligible dental services

Read about Free Kids Dental and how to claim.

Kids usually begin to lose their baby teeth between the ages of 5 and 6 years old. When the adult tooth is ready to come through, the baby tooth is only holding on by a little amount of tissue. It’s possible for your child to wiggle a loose baby tooth out using their tongue or by hand using a quick twisting motion.

Forceful sucking when the mouth, jaws and teeth are still developing can cause issues in oral development and teeth alignment. If you have concerns about dummy use or thumb-sucking, speak to your dentist. They will be able to suggest ways to help you break their habit.

Yes. When teeth aren’t flossed, roughly a third of tooth surfaces are left unclean. Flossing is needed as soon as two teeth touch. You can encourage your child by creating a game out of it or putting on a favourite song.

27% of Aussie kids aged between 5 to 10 years have untreated tooth decay in their baby teeth. It remains the most common chronic disease in childhood. Daily flossing and brushing helps to keep teeth and gums healthier for longer.

While dental implants are recommended by our dentists for their durable and natural-looking aesthetics, they may not be suitable for everyone. Which is why we offer our patients dental implant alternatives such as dentures or dental bridges. If you’re concerned about your smile, make an appointment at Kelmscott Dental today. Our leading dentist, Dr David Norcross, can advise you on the best treatment option for your needs.

All-On-4® dental implant costs vary due to several factors including the skill, training and experience of the dentist placing your implants; the technician designing your new teeth; the quality of teeth and dental implants; and treatment plan inclusions.

1. Skill, training and experience of the dentist

Head dentist, Dr David Norcross has dedicated his career to restoring smiles using dental implants, and has completed many advanced courses in implant and restorative dentistry. Dr Norcross completed a Master Clinician in Implant Dentistry Program from UCLA and gIDE (Global Institute for Dental Education) as well as certificates of residency in Portugal and Melbourne MALO clinics learning advanced surgical techniques in placing All-On-4® dental implants.

2. Skill, training and experience of the technician

Every All-On-4 fixed implant bridge that we place after surgery is expertly manufactured by our dental technician of over 20 years’ experience, Patrick Barrett-Lennard from Dental Engineering in Perth. Our replacement ceramic bridges are from Australian-based laboratory, Osteon Medical.

3. The type and quality of replacement teeth

Our dental implant packages offer a number of tooth material options to suit your aesthetic and financial needs. Replacement teeth materials have different strengths, aesthetic features and longevity. Our single-stage approach to All-On-4 teeth involves using a strong, digitally-milled titanium frame to reinforce high-quality acrylic teeth that are placed after surgery. Teeth may last 2 to 5 years before needing to be replaced with another bridge – saving up to $8,000 within the first year of surgery.

4. Type and quality of dental implants

Perth Dental Implant Centre uses Nobel Biocare (Nobel Parallel CC) dental implants with specially treated (TiUltra™) surfaces which are proven to reduce bone loss. Implants are placed using the clinically-proven All-On-4® technique and connected to Xeal™ abutments which are also specially treated to promote soft tissue attachment*.

*Ferro A, De Araújo Nobre M. All-on-4 concept using TiUltra surface implants and Multi-unit Xeal abutments: Pilot study report. Clin Oral Implant Research 2021; 32(S22):59.

5. Treatment plan inclusions

All treatment plans include clinical x-rays throughout (excluding a 3D bone scan of $226) and 6-months of follow-up appointments after your surgery. If you choose to upgrade to a longer-lasting zirconia bridge after 3 to 6 months, we’ll itemise this in your treatment plan.

One of the main differences for an implant denture versus a fixed implant bridge is that a fixed implant bridge can only be removed by a dentist, whereas an implant denture clips on and off easily for cleaning purposes and must be left out overnight.

An implant-retained denture or overdenture is a full denture that is stabilised on two or more dental implants. Like a full denture, it’s removable, but instead of relying on suction to stay in place, it clips on and off special abutments that connect to dental implants.

A fixed implant bridge is a row of prosthetic teeth (known as a bridge) supported and stabilised by dental implants placed in the jaw bone. Dental implants behave like tooth roots helping to preserve jaw bone and facial structure and supporting surrounding natural teeth. A fixed implant bridge can help replace tooth or more missing or damaged teeth. A fixed full mouth bridge replaces an entire arch.

Dental implants are tiny titanium posts (a biocompatible material) that fuses to the jaw bone though a process called osseointegration. The integrated implants then act as anchors to which your dentist can attach abutments and crowns or bridges for multiple missing teeth. Dental implants can last a lifetime when you maintain good oral hygiene.

The cost of dentures in Perth can vary depending on the type of dentures you choose and the number of remaining teeth to be removed.

Dentures costs can range from $2288 depending on the quality of the dentures and the experience of the prosthetist making them. Creating high-quality, natural-looking full dentures is a highly skilled area of dentistry that’s done by a dental technician or Prosthetist.

Kelmscott Dental uses a highly skilled Prosthetist who has over 30 years’ experience designing and making high quality, well-fitting dentures. For specific costs and information, contact us today!

If you would prefer a more stable and permanent alternative to dentures, the options are dental implants or a dental bridge.

Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw and can support a bridge or dentures. A bridge is a non-surgical option that can replace one or more teeth in a row, supported by the teeth on either side.

We’re happy to sit with you and discuss the pros and cons of all your tooth replacement options so you can make informed decisions about what’s right for you, book your appointment today with our dedicated treatment coordinator.

There is no standard timeframe for a smile makeover, as it depends on what treatments you have and how far apart. Some treatments such as teeth whitening may be completed in a single appointment, while teeth straightening can take many months or even years. We can give you a timeline when we prepare your treatment plan.

The cost of smile makeovers depends on the type and number of treatments being done, materials used and other considerations. This price can vary from $5,000 up to $30,000.

It’s important to note that cosmetic procedures are not generally covered by health insurance, but you may be able to claim for some treatments that also have functional benefits, such as crowns. We work with trusted finance providers to offer flexible payment plans if you need help managing your treatment cost.

Digital smile design uses software to analyse digital images and impressions of a smile and plan out the steps needed to make the desired changes. Dentists can also show patients a visualisation of what their new smile should look like in advance.

A smile makeover is a treatment plan that combines multiple cosmetic dental procedures working together to achieve desired results. Dentists work closely with patients to make sure they understand their goals and have realistic expectations for their new smile.

Orthodontic cost varies from case to case, depending on the type of treatment and how much your teeth need to be straightened. At Kelmscott Dental, braces prices start from $4000 and Invisalign prices from $6000. Orthodontics isn’t covered by standard health funds, unless you have dental cover (in which case braces may be partly covered), but we offer a range of payment plans at our clinic to help make treatments more affordable.

Orthodontics is a long term treatment that can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. In most cases, it takes between 6 months and 2 years to straighten teeth, though you may then need to wear a retainer to maintain your straight smile.

If you want to straighten your teeth, there are several options to choose from, depending on your orthodontic needs and your price range. Teeth straightening treatments at Kelmscott Dental include:

• Invisalign clear aligners
• Invisalign GO
• Damon Braces and Damon Clear Braces

You should be suitable for veneers if your mouth is healthy and free from oral health problems such as gum disease. A tooth also needs to be large and dense enough to support a veneer, as some of the enamel surface may need to be removed.

The cost of veneers depends on the material they’re made from, their size and how many you need. Veneers at Kelmscott Dental cost from $500 per tooth for composite and from $1560 per tooth for a E-Max (lithium disilicate) porcelain veneer. Your dentist can give you an exact quote after we examine your mouth and determine your aesthetic goals for treatment.

As a cosmetic treatment, you can’t normally claim for veneers on your health fund, but we can offer flexible payment plans from trusted finance providers if you need help managing your out of pocket treatment costs.

Veneers are generally made from either composite resin or porcelain ceramic. At Kelmscott Dental, we offer composite resin or two types of porcelain: E-max (lithium disilicate) and feldspathic porcelain veneers, known for their strength, durability and superior translucency that resembles natural tooth enamel.

The lifespan of veneers depends on the material they’re made from and how well you care for them. On average, composite veneers last 4 to 8 years, while porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to damage and stains.

Dental veneers are thin cosmetic coverings that replace the front surface of teeth. Veneers may be an option if you want to change the colour, size, shape or alignment of your teeth. They’re usually made from porcelain (ceramic) or composite resin.

The following video shows our Practice Manager Jess talk about deciding to upgrade her stained composite veneers to porcelain ones. Watch it now:

Tooth bonding cost at Kelmscott Dental starts from $191 to repair a single surface chip. If the majority of the tooth requires restoring, it will be considered a composite veneer and the cost of composite veneers starts from $500 per tooth. Ask our team if you’re not sure what dental costs you’re entitled to claim on your health fund or if you want to discuss payment plans.

Tooth bonding and composite veneers can both cover up imperfections on teeth, but bonding is better suited to minor imperfections, such as chips, cracks or other blemishes, while veneers can cover a whole tooth. Veneers may be made from composite resin layered directly onto the tooth or porcelain ceramic made outside the mouth and cemented to the tooth.

Tooth bonding uses composite resin that is applied to the teeth and hardened. This can last between 4 and 8 years, depending on how much pressure the tooth is under and how well you look after it. You can help your bonded tooth to last longer by avoiding hard or sticky foods and wearing a mouthguard during sports.

If you’ve recently completed in-chair or professional home whitening, you’ll want to keep your white smile for as long as possible. You can maintain a whiter smile by:

• Using a touch-up whitening pen or top-up syringes
• Using a whitening toothpaste
• Avoiding drinks that stain, like red wine, coffee, black tea and soft drinks
• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing between your teeth once a day
• Drinking plenty of water to wash away bacteria

It’s common to experience tooth sensitivity within the days following a whitening treatment, however the sensation should dissipate after a week.

If whitening gel comes into contact with gums and soft tissues it can burn or cause irritation. If you have worn-down or cracked teeth, you may also experience some sensitivity.

Seeing a dentist for whitening treatment is the safest option because they can create custom whitening trays to minimise these risks.

In Australia, all home whitening products contain less than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide and are considered safe for use at home. A home teeth whitening kit that is provided by a registered dentist is particularly safe for use. This is because it involves a face-to-face check-up to identify dental problems prior to treatment and custom-made trays to fit your mouth, reducing the risk of irritation.

You can achieve similar results to in-chair whitening with a home whitening kit that’s provided under the supervision of your dentist. Home whitening kits can whiten teeth within one to two weeks, whereas, results from in-chair whitening are almost immediate. It’s often best to use both in-chair and home whitening for lasting results.

One of the most common causes for yellowing teeth is aging. Under tooth enamel is an inner layer called dentin that’s yellow in colour. As you age, tooth enamel thins, and the yellow dentin underneath is exposed. Stains fall under two categories:

Surface stains such as:

• Plaque and calculus
• Tar from tobacco
• Tannins from red wine, tea and coffee
• Too much mouthwash (more than the recommended amount)

Internal Stains are pigments within the internal tooth structure and occur during or after teeth develop. Internal stains can occur due to:

• Illness and fever
• Excessive antibiotic use (Tetracycline)
• Medical conditions
• Excessively high fluoride levels

Once cemented in place, a crown or bridge can take up to a week to bond fully to your teeth. During this time, you should avoid touching the restoration and eat soft foods that are easy to chew and won’t cause it to dislodge.

Once your crown or bridge has fully bonded, it should be cared for like your normal teeth with regular brushing and flossing to remove trapped food and bacteria.

A dental bridge can be an option for replacing between one and four teeth in a row. If you have more than one gap in your smile, these will need separate bridges.

If you need to replace more than a few consecutive teeth, your dentist may recommend dentures or an implant bridge instead. The number of teeth you want to replace and their position in your mouth will determine the type of bridge that can be used.

Our dentists may recommend a crown as an option for many reasons, including:
 

• severe tooth decay that can’t be treated with a filling
• chipped or cracked teeth or other dental emergencies
• weakened teeth caused by general wear and tear or teeth grinding
• aesthetic concerns such as changing the shape, size or alignment of teeth
• sealing a tooth following a root canal procedure or other treatment

Dental crowns and bridges are usually made from porcelain (ceramic), metal, or a combination of the two. Porcelain restorations are the most popular choice today for their more natural appearance.

At Kelmscott Dental, we use ceramic crowns that can be matched to your existing tooth shade. Ceramic crowns can last 15 years or longer with good care.

Cosmetic dental procedures normally have to be repeated after a number of years for teeth to maintain their appearance. Teeth whitening may last for 6 months or longer when you follow good oral hygiene and avoid stains. Porcelain veneers and crowns can last for 10 years, while composite veneers may only last for half as long. A dental implant may last a lifetime when you look after your oral health.

Cosmetic dental procedures include:

• Crowns and bridges
• Teeth whitening
• Teeth straightening
• Veneers
• Gum contouring
• Dental implants
• Dentures

Dental restorations such as fillings, inlays, onlays, tooth bonding and teeth straightening with clear braces or Invisalign® clear aligners may also be chosen for cosmetic reasons.

Cosmetic dentistry covers dental treatments that are chosen primarily for aesthetic reasons, though some treatments such as dental crowns can also restore a damaged or weakened tooth. Cosmetic treatments may address specific concerns or be combined with other procedures for a complete smile makeover.

The cost of wisdom tooth removal in Perth can vary depending on the number of teeth to be extracted and the type of sedation required. Generally, simple extractions start from $195 per tooth (item code #311), while surgical extractions are from $427 per tooth (item code #324), plus anaesthetist and hospital fees.

Kelmscott Dental have agreements with two dedicated anaesthetists. This means for patients with private health insurance hospital cover (having served waiting periods and not exceeded yearly limits), the excess cost for the anaesthetist and hospital may be minimal.

For patients without hospital cover, sleep dentistry can also be an affordable cost alternative for wisdom tooth removal and can be administered at our practice or at Southbank Day Surgery. For more information on wisdom teeth removal pricing at our Perth clinic, contact us today.

Aside from pain from an impaction, wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the teeth which can cause pain or discomfort. When a wisdom tooth is only partially erupted, it can sometimes be difficult to keep clean and increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Wisdom teeth can also be problematic if you require orthodontics or are preparing for jaw surgery. It’s common to have them removed beforehand.

Wisdom teeth are the last (third) molars to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. There are usually four wisdom teeth, but not everyone gets them. As these teeth are less necessary, dentists may recommend wisdom tooth removal if a tooth becomes impacted or causes problems such as teeth crowding.

A common misconception is that root canal treatment is painful. The pain experienced by people who require a root canal is from the infection in the tooth pulp. Once the infection has been removed, the pain should dissipate. Read more about it via our blog Is Root Canal Painful?

Kelmscott Dental also carry out root canal therapy using local anaesthesia to help numb the area during treatment.It’s common to experience anxiety or unease when it comes to dental or medical treatment. Ask us about sedation when you make an appointment.

The only alternative to root canal therapy is an extraction to remove the infected tooth. Extraction is sometimes the only option if a tooth is too badly damaged to repair. Our dentists will make sure you know all of your options so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.

Obstructive sleep apnoea can have many different causes. Sometimes, losing weight, changing your sleep posture or avoiding alcohol in the evening can make it less likely to happen, but the problem normally requires intervention from a dentist or sleep specialist.

Teeth grinding can put strain on your teeth and jaws. Over time, this can cause teeth to wear down unevenly, which could cause bite problems or TMJ disorder. Teeth that have been weakened by grinding may also feel more sensitive or be more vulnerable to damage.

TMJ disorders (TMD or TMJD) are problems affecting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) that connect the jaw to the skull. TMJ disorder is often caused by bruxism, but it can have multiple causes including joint conditions such as arthritis or trauma to the jaw.

Bruxism treatment depends on what’s causing the condition. Orthodontic work, crowns or fillings may correct an uneven biting surface, your dentist may provide you with a bite splint to wear over your teeth at night, or you may be referred to a therapist to help you manage stress and anxiety.

Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep or while awake. Bruxism may have a physical cause, such as an uneven biting surface, or psychological causes, with some people grinding their teeth when they feel anxious or stressed.

Onlays are generally less expensive than crowns and can last just as long as a crown with proper care, however if the tooth has been damaged to a point where its structure is at risk, a dental crown may be the recommended treatment. Onlays are adjustable, repairable and require less preparation than a crown but offer less strength and durability.

With good care, a porcelain inlay or onlay can last between 10 and 15 years on average. Porcelain is very durable and is able to withstand greater chewing forces than composite resin, and because they’re designed in a lab for a precise fit, they are at less risk of developing tooth decay.

A composite filling can last between 5 and 10 years. Teeth that have been restored are still prone to chipping and tooth decay, which is why it’s important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine, to keep teeth and gums in good shape.

An onlay is used to restore a gap caused by a larger cavity that spills over the cusp (raised points) of a tooth, as well as the chewing surface.

Fillings are made of composite resin and bonded directly onto the prepared tooth while inlays and onlays are made of milled porcelain and custom-made using impressions of your mouth that are provided to a dental lab to design. Fillings and inlays restore chewing surfaces while onlays restore both the chewing surfaces and cusps of a tooth. Inlays and onlays are more expensive but can last longer than fillings.

A general dentist is someone who is qualified to diagnose and treat all common oral health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, root canal infections and damaged or missing teeth. A general dentist may complete additional training and acquire registration to specialise in a particular area of dentistry.

You may be wondering the difference between general dental and major dental when it comes to making claims on your health fund. General dental covers routine and inexpensive treatments such as fillings and extractions, while major dental covers more complex procedures such as root canal therapy and placing a crown or dental implant. We accept all health funds at Kelmscott Dental.

General dentistry refers to routine treatments to repair damaged teeth or correct other dental problems. This includes fillings, extractions and root canal therapy, as well as general check-ups and treatments for teeth grinding and TMJ disorders.

If you’re used to wearing a mouthguard bought from a store, you might associate mouthguards with feeling uncomfortable or even affecting your speech or breathing.

While any mouthguard is better than no protection at all, a mouthguard that’s been custom made to fit over your teeth precisely offers more reliable protection than a generic or boil-and-bite mouthguard. It should also be less bulky, feel more comfortable and have less impact on your speech, breathing and athletic performance. A custom mouthguard is also recommended during  orthodontic treatment or if you have protruding teeth.

A custom mouthguard costs more than an over-the-counter mouthguard, but by offering more protection it lowers the risk of needing expensive corrective treatments. The average cost of a custom-fitted sports mouthguard is approximately $200.

Some health funds that include dental services cover the cost of mouthguards with no out of pocket expenses. Check with your insurance provider to find out if you’re covered. Kelmscott Dental is a Bupa Platinum Members First provider and a preferred provider for HBF.

We can also offer flexible payment options if you need help breaking down your mouthguard cost to make it easier to manage.

Mild gum disease (gingivitis) can sometimes be treated by improving your brushing, flossing and diet. Your dentist may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash. However, it’s also recommended that you see a dentist or hygienist for professional teeth cleaning and scaling to remove plaque from around the gumline.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease, but they could also mean that you’re brushing your teeth too roughly or using a hard toothbrush. Switching to a softer toothbrush, brushing gently in circular motions and flossing between teeth daily should stop your gums from bleeding, but you should also visit  a dentist or hygienist for advice if you’re concerned.

Gum disease can usually be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes regular brushing and flossing, avoiding food and drink with too much sugar, drinking plenty of water and keeping up with your routine dental check-ups and hygiene appointments.

Gum disease is the infection of the gums by bacteria in plaque. This triggers an inflammation response in the gums, which can make them red, swollen and bleed easily.

The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which can usually be treated without lasting damage. The advanced stage is periodontitis, which can eventually lead to receding gums or tooth loss.

Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that’s found in soil, rocks, grains, vegetables and fresh and salt water. Fluoride has been found to strengthen tooth enamel and protect teeth from bacteria-causing decay across a wide number of research studies.

Most of Australia’s tap water has contained added fluoride as part of a community water fluoridation program, since the 1960’s, and has significantly contributed to improving Australian’s oral health. Fluoride is added to water treatment plants in safe levels that comply with the Australian drinking water guidelines.

In the past, there have been speculations that fluoride causes harmful effects, however, there is no scientific or clinical evidence that proves it. In over 30,000 studies, no evidence has been found that suggests fluoride when consumed in recommended levels is harmful.

New research has shown the best order to clean teeth is to floss before you brush. By flossing first, you loosen plaque, bacteria and food particles between teeth before brushing removes them.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes are equally effective at cleaning teeth and gums when using the correct brushing technique. It comes down to personal preference, however, younger children can find brushing more enjoyable with an electric toothbrush. A built-in timer also makes it easier to brush for the full 2 minutes.

If you prefer more control, a manual toothbrush may be easier to use, especially if you have existing dental conditions. Ask your dentist for their professional advice on the best toothbrush for your needs.

Toothbrush bristles mustn’t be hard as they can damage tooth enamel and cause gums to recede, and be sure to change the brush head every 3 months before they fray and become less effective.

Hold your toothbrush at a 45° angle with the bristles at the gumline and brush your teeth using a gentle circular motion. Start at the back of the mouth and carefully brush along the inner, outer and chewing surfaces. Remember to clean the inner front top and bottom teeth surfaces too.

Good oral hygiene is about maintaining healthy teeth and gums in order to prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. These dental problems when left untreated can erode teeth and cause gums to pull away, weakening the tooth structure and resulting in tooth loss. Tooth loss affects the way you eat and speak and can create teeth alignment issues, jawbone deterioration and a sagging facial appearance.

General check-ups and some preventive treatments may be covered by your health insurance if you have cover that includes general dental. Check with your insurer to find out what you’re eligible to claim. We accept all health funds at Kelmscott Dental.

Good daily care combined with regular dental visits help to prevent common oral health issues. Dentists recommend that you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste
• Floss before brushing once a day
• Cut down on sugar
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water
• See a dentist once or twice a year

Common early warning signs that can indicate a dental problem include: painful or sensitive teeth, sore or bleeding gums, mouth sores, bad breath and a bad taste or dryness in the mouth. Regular check-ups with a dentist are the best way to catch oral health problems before they develop.

Yes. We offer a range of sedation options to help you get the dental care you need. Most dental treatments are provided under a local anaesthetic. For anxious patients or for more complex treatments, we may recommend oral sedation, happy gas, IV sedation or treatment under general anaesthetic. Click here to learn more about our sedation options.

Oral health is closely linked to overall health. When your mouth, teeth and gums aren’t cared for properly, bacteria can spread into the body, causing gum disease, oral infections and can lead to serious medical conditions if left untreated. Keeping a good oral hygiene routine helps you keep your oral health at an optimal level. This means brushing twice daily, flossing once a day and attending regular dental check-ups.

X-rays provide your dentist with the bigger picture of your oral health. They help show the condition of your teeth, its roots, your jaw and facial structure. X-rays reveal any hidden decay under the gum and are essential in the planning and preparation for restorative dental care.

At Kelmscott Dental, our x-rays use very low doses of radiation. If you have concerns about x-ray exposure, please talk to your dentist about why an x-ray might be recommended and what alternative options may exist.

Kelmscott Dental is NOT a bulk-billing dentist, however we are involved with Government funded oral health schemes that may allow you to access subsidized services, such as the Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS). We also accept Department of Veteran’s Affairs Gold cards and White cards that may cover treatments including dental check-ups, cleans, fillings, denture relines and repairs and treatment for injuries or conditions.
We accept all major health funds and also offer flexible payment plans to help you access dental treatment and are a SuperCare – early access to superannuation provider.