Frequently asked Dental Questions????
New Patients
I’m a new patient – Are you taking new patients?
Absolutely, we welcome new patients to our dental surgery. We try our best to make booking appointments as simple as possible. You can now book online 24/7 on our website www.hertiagedentalgroup.com.au or call our lovely receptionists on 07 3878 3384as we’d be happy to book a time suitable for you or answer any queries. We try to make appointments available every day for dental emergencies.
What can I expect at my first comprehensive examination appointment?
Once one of our friendly staff has welcomed you, we will kindly ask you to fill out brief medical dental history form to ensure we know how your dental health fits within your complete health and wellbeing. We will take the time to make you feel comfortable within our lovely waiting area. Within the First appointment, we take the time to talk to you about how you’d like us to help you, we generally take clinical photos and if required x-rays to diagnose and talk to you about any issues found. We comprehensively examine all parts of not only your mouth, but also head, neck, lips and mouth (we aim to do a scale and clean and polish your teeth if necessary). Lastly, we like to take the time to explain your treatment options, costs and timing in a relaxed manner.
Is it possible to move my records from my previous dentist to you?
Absolutely, transferring records from your previous dentist to us is easy. Just let our friendly receptionist know the name of the dental practice and sign the ‘Patient Authority to Release form’ and we’ll do the rest of the work! It normally takes 1-2 days.
How much is it to see the dentist?
We welcome all new patients to Heritage Dental Group.
Comprehensive examination $65
Scale and Clean costs $140
and any x-rays $49 each or OPG x-rays $100 (the dentist will advise you if any x-rays are required to be taken)
Am I required to have x-rays taken?
We never take x-rays if they are not required, usually if you have had them taken in the last 2 years we won’t take any new ones, if they were taken at another practice we may ask to get them transferred over. We take x-rays when we need to inspect an area we can’t see with our eyes (e.g. between two teeth and underneath gums). Factors that can influence this include oral hygiene and whether we are monitoring something that requires x-rays to observe any changes. Before an x-ray is taken we will certainly explain to you why it is required and any associated costs. We generally avoid taking x-rays for pregnant women. Please let us know if you have any questions or concern about x-rays.
Teeth whitening
What is teeth whitening?
First, dentist will examine your oral health and then decide and discuss different options depending on your preferences and cost of the treatment. There are a few different ways to whiten your teeth, like take home teeth whitening kits and Zoom in- chair whitening.
Take Home teeth whitening Kits – Patients choose take home whitening kits because of convenience, easy to use and effectiveness over a long period of time. You can use take home whitening kits as required or according to your needs and time.
Zoom in-chair teeth whitening – But if you need something fast e.g. you have interview, wedding or formal, we recommend in-office teeth whitening which usually takes 45 minutes to one hour with few applications until you are happy with the colour of your teeth. With in-office whitening, you are required to avoid some foods and drinks for 24-48 hours to maintain white teeth. At the moment Zoom in-chair teeth whitening is $550
Are over the counter teeth whitening toothpastes or other products good for my teeth?
We do not recommend any over the counter products for teeth whitening. As you are not aware of the concentration and strength of these products so best to stay clear of them. Some can cause more harm than the good they do in whitening your teeth. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, see the dentist, we know it is bit expensive than the over the counter products, but you will have the satisfaction that you are doing the right thing and under the supervision of dental professional.
What if I get sensitivity while or after whitening my teeth?
Your dentist will provide you the whitening gel according to the condition of your teeth. To reduce the sensitivity during and after whitening process, we recommend all our patients to use Tooth Mousse and relief gel after each application which prevents sensitivity. If the sensitivity persists, please see our dentist.
Your Oral Health
How often should I see the dentist?
- We strongly recommend 6-12 monthly dental check-ups, Dr Singh will let you know at your appointment weather you are required to come every 6 months or 12 months.
How can I improve my/my family’s oral health?
- Try to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush in gentle circular motions. Always remember to brush and clean your tongue as well as bacteria accumulate there.
- Remember to clean in between your teeth once a day using floss or inter dental brushes.
- Avoid or reduce the intake of sugary acidic foods and drinks.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months.
- Try to choose tap water to hydrate over sugary fizzy drinks.
How do I know my teeth are healthy?
We recommend 6-12 monthly check-ups, sometimes it is hard for you to detect any problems at home e.g. gum disease, wearing away of tooth enamel, cavities in between your teeth. If you spot any following signs in your daily oral hygiene routine, please contact the dentist.
Some of the signs of that you can notice at home are:
- Bleeding sore gums
- Bad breath
- Pain while eating or drinking or chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose or broken teeth
Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Many people only go to the dentist only if something hurts. Just remember you will only start having pain when the decay has reached the nerve meaning less options to save your tooth, more painful and more expensive. Decay or cavity in your teeth take months to years to develop and usually doesn’t hurt till it gets close to the nerve. Your dentist can detect the cavities at the beginning and most of them can be prevented with good oral hygiene. Early detection of tooth decay can save you from losing a tooth or root canal treatment, just a little filling and good oral hygiene can do the trick.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is infection and inflammation of the structures around the tooth which includes your gum, the cementum that covers the root, the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. In the earlier stages infection only affects the gums and then proceeds to the other areas if untreated. Gum disease also effects your overall health, there is a strong correlation between gum disease and heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, premature births and respiratory diseases. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the plaque. You can prevent gum diseases by following good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist on regular basis.
Toothache
I’ve got a toothache – what can I do?
First, give us a call and let us know you’re in pain, we try to set aside appointments for emergencies every day and we will fit you in ASAP. Unfortunately, a toothache can be painful and can be caused by decay, chipped or cracked teeth or accident. Toothaches need attention, so please contact the dentist before it gets worse.
Why is my tooth sore?
There are number of reasons which can cause pain and depending on the severity of pain- pain is dull, sharp or throbbing. The Dentist will use few different techniques to determine what’s going on? Some common causes of pain are: gum disease, decay or cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, abscess, inflammation of gums etc. Contact us and we will arrange appointment with our dentist asap.
I’ve got a dental emergency outside of your business hours. What should I do?
Give us a call first – As we are open early mornings and some late evenings. We’re also available 24/7 to book appointments online at a time that suits you best or simply send an enquiry. We are open first Saturday of every month and after-hours appointments are available on Thursday night. Please leave a message and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
I/ my kid knocked out a tooth, can it be saved?
Dental injuries can be painful and should be treated by the dentist as soon as possible. If you have knocked out a tooth, rinse it, do not try to scrub it, for an adult save the tooth in between your gum and cheek (if not possible wrap it in clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk), for a child put the tooth in milk, do not try to push the tooth back into its socket as this can do further damage. Arrange an appointment with your dentist asap to replant the tooth or get the required treatment to minimise the damage and pain.
Pregnancy
How can I look after my teeth during pregnancy?
Just like all other changes in your body, teeth and gums will also get affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Mostly women experience the condition called “pregnancy gingivitis”, your gums are red, usually bleed when you brush or floss. Morning sickness can also affect the teeth as acids in the vomit has an erosive effect on the teeth.
Some simple tips to reduce the damage to your teeth after acid reflux or vomit are:
Rinse your mouth immediately with water
Chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva to neutralize and wash away acid
Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to avoid damaging softened enamel surface
Drink lots of tap water
Should I see my dentist during pregnancy or avoid?
You should be seeing your dentist regularly before, during and after your pregnancy to reduce the effect of hormonal changes on your teeth. Dentist will monitor your teeth, will inform you on how to prevent bleeding gums with proper brushing and oral care routine. Your dentist can team up with your GP to monitor your oral and overall health.
Kids Dental care
Do you Bulk-Bill Kids under Child Dental Benefit Scheme?
Yes, we bulk-bill eligible children between the ages of 2-17-year-old under Medicare ($1000). We can easily check your eligibility with your consent and Medicare card details.
What age should I bring my child to the dentist?
We encourage first orientation visit to the dentist when children have 4-5 teeth (usually 2-3-year-old) but if you notice anything that needs attention please contact us. Get kids introduced to the dentist when they have no dental problems is good and fun for kids. We introduce kids to their dentist, show them right brushing and flossing techniques, take them for a ride in the chair and make them feel oral care is not scary, neglect is
My child chipped their tooth – What should I do?
Firstly, call us, we will let you know what to do and book you in as soon as possible or just ask you to come in straight away. If you can try to place the tooth back into the socket to do so, otherwise place it in some milk until you can make it.
What’s the best way to look after my baby/child’s teeth?
Starting with babies, if your baby has no teeth, you can still wipe down the gums with clean cloth after feeding. Once your baby start having their first few teeth, keep wiping them down and make sure baby is not sleeping with milk bottle in the mouth and only drinking water and milk from the bottle.
Toddler teeth can be brushed twice a day as rest of the family does. Encourage your toddler to choose water over fruit juices and sweet sugary drinks and help while brushing teeth. As they are not aware of spitting their toothpaste out, only use little amount of kid’s toothpaste (less fluoride) and as they start getting their permanent teeth, you can start using normal toothpaste but in small quantities. We also recommend that you start teaching and demonstrating to kids how to clean in between their teeth with flossing.
How do I start my kids on good oral health?
If you brush and floss your teeth regularly, your kids will follow you. Ask your dentist to demonstrate right techniques of brushing and flossing to kids. We strongly recommend, first orientation visit for kids, to make them aware of their oral hygiene routines, explain the importance of good oral hygiene and introduce them to their dentist. Our dentist will discuss the best options for looking after your kid’s dental health.
Each time your kids attend our practice, we will professionally clean their teeth, apply fluoride treatment and discuss the need for oral hygiene. We try to make children’s dental visit fun, informative and comfortable.
Why should I use a mouthguard?
A mouthguard can prevent injuries to you face, jaw and teeth. You should be wearing your mouthguard whether you are playing on weekends or professionally and during training as well. You can easily by over the counter mouthguards which are relatively inexpensive but less effective. A custom-made mouth guard from your dentist is always the best option.
Payment Options
How do I use my private health insurance at your practice?
We have a HICAPS machine in the practice. You will be able to claim your insurance rebate on the spot and then pay your remaining gap depending on your insurance cover. You can pay by cash, EFTPOS or credit card.
I don’t have any private health insurance – can I still make an appointment?
Certainly! The only difference is that you will pay for your treatment out of your pocket. As always, we will tell you the cost before starting any work.
Nervous/ anxious?
I am/ my child is very anxious and scared of the dentist – what should I do?
We see patient’s everyday who feel out of their comfort zone when visiting the dentist, together our team like to work to make you feel as comfortable as we can. Our team are trained to be patient, caring and understanding. Dr Singh with over 20 years’ experience is gentle and caring, he likes to spend time making sure that you are happy and understand all the options and treatment plans. He will not start any treatment unless you are feeling comfortable and relaxed. All our dentists regularly see nervous patients and aim to not only have our patients relieved to have finished treatment and dental work, but also happy to know they’ve found a new dental team for the future.
Wisdom Teeth
Do all the wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Not all the wisdom teeth need removal. Best to see your dentist if you experience any kid of pain. This can be due to many factors like, impacted wisdom tooth, decay resulting from hard to clean areas. Your dentist will take a big X-ray of your teeth to see the position of your wisdom teeth and will advice you if they are fine the way they are, or they will create problems soon.
Is it possible to get wisdom teeth extracted under local anaesthesia or I need to go under GA?
Wisdom teeth can be extracted in a general dental surgery under local anaesthesia or sedation. Depending on the condition and severity of the teeth, referral the oral surgeon is an option. After the extraction you will be advised to avoid hot drinks and hot foods, as this may burn your mouth and cause the healing wound to bleed, avoid rinsing your mouth as this may dislodge the blood clot, refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol for 6-7 days, avoid touching the site of tooth extraction and apply gentle pressure on the area of extraction with clean gauze.
Dentures
Visiting your dentist includes more then just checking teeth. Even though you don’t have to worry about tooth decay when you have dentures but still loose-fitting dentures, mouth sores can cause many problems which can affect the quality of your life. Your dentist will check you for oral cancer, head neck and jaw exam, relining your dentures if they are loose or not fitting well or replacing the existing appliances.
Fillings and Fissure Sealants
Filling restores the tooth damaged by decay back to its normal shape and function. When your dentist decides to do a filling, he will remove the decay first, clean the tooth and then cleaned tooth will be filled with composite resins which matches your tooth colour therefore restoring the natural appearance. After placing the filling, dentist will advise you not to eat and drink until the anaesthetic has worn off (usually takes 2-3hours). You may feel pain and sensitivity for few days after the procedure. If you experience any pain and filling doesn’t seem right, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We also provide fissure sealants where grooves in your back teeth are so deep that it is hard to clean, and bacteria can grow easily which can result in cavities. The dentist will apply fissure sealant to fill the fissures which will act as a barrier and will prevent decay.
For more information, please contact our team at Heritage Dental Group Indooroopilly on 07 38783384.