Dutton Park Family Dental

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Commonly asked questions and answers

General Dental Care & Preventive Treatment:

Regular professional dental cleaning is a key part of our preventive dentistry philosophy.
It removes plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone.

 

Professional cleans help:

  • prevent gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
  • reduce the risk of cavities
  • manage bad breath
  • remove surface stains and keep your smile bright

 

These appointments also allow your dentist to check for early signs of oral health issues, so problems can be monitored or treated before they become more serious.
Most patients benefit from a clean and check-up every 6 months, however the ideal
frequency varies depending on your individual oral health needs.

Book a visit with us and we’ll discuss the most suitable preventive schedule for you.

A dental cleaning appointment typically includes:

  • a comprehensive oral health check to detect early signs of decay or gum disease
  • removal of plaque and tartar using specialised instruments
  • polishing to remove stains and leave teeth smooth and clean
  • fluoride treatment for added cavity protection (if recommended)

Regular dental check-ups help with the early detection of cavities, gum disease, oral
cancer and other conditions.

Dental X-rays allow your dentist to see areas that are not visible to the naked eye, such as:

  • between teeth
  • under existing fillings
  • below the gum line
  • early demineralisation or decay beneath the enamel

X-rays are not required at every visit. Your dentist will recommend them only when clinically necessary.

Yes. Dental X-rays are considered both safe and essential for maintaining good oral health. They use very low levels of radiation – significantly less than exposure from everyday sources such as sunlight or air travel.

 

At Dutton Park Family Dental, we use digital X-rays with phosphor plate sensors, which
offer:

  • significantly reduced radiation compared to traditional film
  • enhanced image quality
  • faster image processing
  • easy comparison with previous scans to monitor changes over time

 

If you are pregnant or think you may be, please let your dentist know so appropriate
precautions can be taken.

Oral Health Conditions & Concerns:

Diabetes can increase the risk of:

  • gum disease
  • tooth decay
  • dry mouth
  • oral infections

High blood sugar levels reduce the body’s ability to fight bacteria, making gum disease more likely. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and managing blood sugar levels all play an important role.

Healthy gums can also help support better diabetic control.

Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth, either during sleep or while awake. It can cause:

  • tooth wear
  • sensitivity
  • jaw pain
  • headaches

 

Treatment options may include:

  • custom-made night guards
  • stress management strategies
  • muscle relaxation therapies
  • referral to a physiotherapist
  • orthodontic treatment
  • in some cases, referral to an oral surgeon

 

Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Dental anxiety is very common – and we understand.

Letting your dentist know about your fears and which parts of the treatment worry you most will help us tailor your care.

 

We can:

  • explain each step before and during treatment
  • adjust how procedures are delivered
  • offer calming techniques and distractions
  • allow breaks when needed

Bringing a support person or listening to music can also help you feel more at ease.

Oral Hygiene & Home Care:

Both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective when used correctly.

 

Electric toothbrushes:

  • often clean more thoroughly
  • have smaller heads for better access
  • include features such as timers and pressure sensors
  • are helpful for people with limited dexterity

 

Manual toothbrushes:

  • are cost-effective
  • flexible and easy to use
  • convenient for travel

 

The best toothbrush depends on your individual needs and preferences. Always choose a
fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection, and speak with your dentist for personalised
recommendations.

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth – up to 40% of tooth surfaces that brushing alone can’t reach.

 

Regular flossing helps:

  • reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
  • lower the risk of cavities
  • improve overall gum health

 

Interdental brushes and water flossers are also effective alternatives.
Mouthwash can freshen breath and reduce bacteria, but it does not mechanically remove plaque, so it should be used as a supplement – not a replacement – for brushing and flossing.

Fluoride treatments depend on your individual risk of tooth decay. They are commonly recommended for children and adults who are more prone to cavities.

Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay. Professional fluoride or mineral applications are often most effective immediately after a dental clean, when teeth are free of plaque and tartar.

Both plaque and tartar are related to oral hygiene but differ in their composition and how they are removed.

 

Plaque:

  • is soft and sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily
  • colour-less or pale-yellow
  • can easily be removed with daily brushing and flossing

If plaque is not removed, it absorbs minerals from saliva (that is naturally present for
remineralising and protecting our teeth) and hardens into tartar (calculus).

 

Tartar:

  • is yellow or brown
  • adheres firmly to teeth above and below the gum line
  • irritates gum tissue and increases the risk of gum disease
  • can only be removed professionally by a dentist or hygienist

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health and wellbeing:

  • it improves one’s quality of life
  • by enabling comfortable eating and speaking, and
  • boosting individual self-esteem

Good oral hygiene helps prevent:

  • cavities
  • gum disease
  • bad breath

 

Emerging research also links poor oral health with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

A good routine includes:

  • brushing twice daily
  • flossing once daily
  • using mouthwash as advised
  • regular dental check-ups

Common causes of bad breath include:

  • poor oral hygiene
  • gum disease
  • tooth decay
  • dry mouth
  • smoking
  • sinus issues
  • certain foods and drinks

 

Treatment may include:

  • brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning
  • regular dental visits to identify and address underlying causes
  • staying well hydrated – good hydration will help you produce more saliva to clear away bacteria.
  • using an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash
  • using an alcohol-free, antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing to help eliminate bacteria and freshen breath.

Sugary foods and drinks provide a food source for bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria metabolise the sugar and produce acid that damage enamel and lead to cavities and gum disease.

 

Limiting sugar intake, reducing “sticky” sugars and drinking plenty of water to help rinse away food debris after meals and keep the mouth moist to help prevent tooth decay. It is best to speak to your favourite dentist about your personal situation so they can work with you to reduce your risk.

Daily brushing and flossing remove most plaque, but some areas are difficult to clean at
home. Over time, plaque in these areas hardens into tartar (calculus), which cannot be
removed with brushing alone.

 

Professional dental cleaning:

  • removes hardened plaque and tartar
  • helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay
  • reduces bad breath
  • protects long-term oral health

 

Regular professional cleans are essential even with excellent home care.

It’s common to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity after dental treatment. In most
cases, this is temporary and part of the normal healing process.

 

Common causes include:

  • New fillings may temporarily irritate tooth nerves as they settle and seal
  • Inflammation of the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) after treating decay can cause short-term tenderness
  • Bite changes from a new filling may cause pressure when biting – minor adjustments usually resolve this
  • Deep cleaning can make gums tender or teeth sensitive once tartar is removed
  • Teeth whitening may cause short-term sensitivity
  • Crowns, veneers, or restorations may feel sensitive while the tooth adjusts
  • Dental extractions can cause soreness and mild bleeding during healing

 

What helps:

  • over-the-counter pain relief (as advised)
  • cold compresses
  • following post-treatment instructions carefully

 

If pain persists, worsens, or feels unusual, please contact us so we can assess and
manage it promptly.

Specific Dental Procedures:

Dental fillings restore damaged tooth structure caused by decay, erosion, wear, or fractures.

Common filling materials include:

  • Composite resin – tooth-coloured, natural-looking (5-10 years)
  • Amalgam (silver) – durable and cost-effective (10-15 years)
  • Ceramic – strong and aesthetic, but higher cost (15+ years)
  • Gold – most durable and long-lasting, highest cost (15-30 years)

 

Your dentist will recommend the best option based on tooth location, aesthetics, and budget.

Root canal treatment removes infected or damaged tooth pulp (the nerve), allowing the tooth to be saved rather than extracted.

 

It may be needed due to:

  • deep decay
  • cracks or fractures
  • trauma affecting the nerve

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is not painful. Mild soreness
afterward is normal and manageable with pain relief.

Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth and consist of:

  • Implant post (titanium or zirconia) – can last a lifetime
  • Abutment – may last decades. Only needing replacement only when they become
    loose or damaged
  • Dental crown – typically replaced every 10-15 years

 

Stages include:

  1. Consultation and planning – using X-rays or 3D scans to develop a personalised treatment plan
  2. Implant placement – the dentist surgically places the titanium or zirconia implant post into the jawbone
  3. Osseointegration – a healing and bone integration process where the implant fuses with the jawbone, this can take up to several months
  4. Abutment placement – once the implant has integrated with the jawbone, a connector (the abutment) is attached to the implant as preparation for the final restoration
  5. Crown placement – the dental crown (artificial tooth) is attached to the abutment, and this completes the restoration process.

Dental crowns and bridges are one of the restorative procedures to repair damaged or missing teeth.

  • Crowns are caps that fit over a damaged tooth as cover and protection;
  • Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap with artificial teeth
    and use adjacent teeth for support.

 

Both procedures can be made from various materials such as zirconia, gold, porcelain-
fused-metal, lithium disilicate (glass-ceramic). Your dentist will guide you on the most
suitable option.

Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed over the front surface of natural teeth to
improve their appearance.

The type of veneers are primarily differentiated by the materials used, they include:

  • Ceramic: durable, natural-looking, stain-resistant, takes multiple visits as the
    veneers are custom-made in a dental lab
  • Composite resin: more affordable, often can be placed in a single visit, potentially
    less durable

During the consultation, your dentist will recommend the best option for your goals and
budget.

Braces or orthodontic treatment related questions:

Braces and Invisalign both straighten teeth.

  • Invisalign is clear, removable, and discreet.
  • Braces may be better for complex cases

If you think you need braces, make an appointment to visit us and we can help you find a
suitable option.

Dental emergencies are accidents involving your teeth or mouth. They can range from toothache, broken teeth, bleeding that won’t stop, infections to swelling.

 

Seeking timely treatment during a dental emergency will help improve the chance of saving the tooth or teeth, as well as preventing infections or the situation becoming more serious.

 

Dental emergencies include:

  • severe toothache
  • broken or knocked-out teeth
  • swelling or infection
  • uncontrolled bleeding

Seeking timely treatment during a dental emergency will help improve the chance of saving the tooth or teeth, as well as preventing infections or the situation becoming more serious.

All three are restorative procedures to repair damaged or missing teeth:

  • Bridge: replaces one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth
    (or teeth) to the surrounding natural teeth or implants, “bridging” the space so one
    can chew and smile with confidence.
  • Crown: covers and strengthens a damaged tooth. A custom-made cap is placed
    over a damaged or weak tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Both bridges and crowns primarily address the visible portion of the tooth.
  • Implant: the most advanced option to replace a missing tooth. It does so by
    surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
    Then topped with a crown for a natural look and feel. This replaces the entire tooth,
    including the root of the tooth.

We can help guide you to an option most suited to your needs, lifestyle, and long-term oral health goals.

Cosmetic Dentistry:

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment used to reduce staining and
discolouration and achieve a brighter smile. Not all whitening methods are suitable for
everyone, so it’s important to consult your dentist before starting treatment.

 

Professional teeth whitening usually use 9.5% – 25% hydrogen peroxide, allowing for stronger and faster whitening effects under clinical supervision. Options include:

 

  • In-chair whitening: A high-strength whitening gel is applied by the dentist and
    activated in the clinic with a special light or laser. The number of visits required to
    achieve the desired result varies between people; however generally there is a noticeable difference after a single visit.
  • Take-home whitening kits: Custom-made whitening tray with dentist-prescribed gel
    for use at home. This allows for flexible, gradual whitening at home and may suit
    patients with sensitive teeth.

 

Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products contain 3% – 5.25% hydrogen peroxide.
Although not as effective for stubborn stains, these OTC products are more affordable, and readily available at major supermarkets, pharmacies and some discount stores. Options
include:

  • Whitening toothpaste: toothpastes with abrasives or mild bleaching agents are
    used to help remove surface stains.
  • Whitening mouthwash: mouthwashes that contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide to achieve the whitening result.
  • Whitening strips: In place of a whitening tray, a thin layer of whitening gel on a flexible strip is applied to help adhere to teeth during the whitening process.
  • Whitening pens & gels: whitening gel that can be applied to specific areas directly
    using a brush or pen allowing for targeted whitening.

 

Keep in mind that these available options will have varying effects on everyone. If you would like to explore one of these teeth whitening options, come visit to speak to one of our dentists. Even if you choose to use OTC products, we can teach you how to use them safely.

There are many cosmetic dentistry options available to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile, including:

  • professional teeth whitening
  • dental veneers
  • dental bonding
  • crowns
  • orthodontic treatment

 

Your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate option based on your goals, oral health, and budget.

Health Funds & Fees:

We accept most major health funds through HICAPS, as well as EFTPOS and credit cards. We always do our best to help you understand the cost of treatment with a quote and item numbers for your insurance claim.

We understand life doesn’t always plan for a dental treatment, if you find yourself in this situation, please come talk to us.

We accept:

  • Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) for eligible children and teenagers aged 0-17
  • Department of Veteransu2019 Affairs (DVA) patients

We believe transparency is key when it comes to dental care. At Dutton Park Family Dental,
our quoting process is straightforward and stress-free:

  1. Consultation & Examination: We listen to your concerns and perform a thorough
    examination before discussing your treatment goals.
  2. Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on your needs and goals, we prepare a
    tailored plan that outlines recommended treatments, timing and options.
  3. Itemised Quote: You will receive a quote with item numbers. We can also arrange
    for an estimated health fund benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs (“gap payments”) so you know exactly what to expect.

 

We will always explain your options, so you can make an informed choice that suits your
needs and budget. No pressure, and no surprises – just our honest advice and support.

Health fund cover varies depending on your policy and level of extras, but most extras
policies provide benefits for:

 

  • Preventive care such as check-ups, professional cleaning, x-rays, and fluoride treatments
  • General dental work such as fillings and simple extractions
  • Major dental treatment such as crowns, root canals, orthodontics and dentures (depending on your level of cover).

 

We would recommend discussing your cover with your health fund provider as they know your plans best. At Dutton Park Family Dental, we can provide item numbers and help you check your expected rebate on the spot through HICAPS. This way, you’ll know exactly what your health fund will pay and what your gap (if any) will be. If you’re unsure about your cover, just bring your health fund card to your appointment – our friendly team will be happy to help.

At present, we are not a preferred provider for any health funds.
We will keep our patients informed if this changes.

A gap payment is the difference between your health fund rebate and the total cost of treatment.

Whether you are moving to see us or moving to see another dentist, our team will do what
we can to help! Organise a transfer form at your new clinic (the one you wish to start going), and the team will handle the rest.

If you are an existing patient at our sibling clinic, Highgate Hill Dental Centre, you won’t need to do anything! Our system is designed with this in mind in order to provide a flexible and
seamless experience for our patients and staff to visit between the two clinics!

Parents & Carers:

Yes. Most dental treatments are safe during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester. Preventive dental care is important during pregnancy to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Always let your dentist know if you are pregnant so treatment can be planned appropriately.

We recommend a child’s first dental visit by age one or when the first tooth appears. Early visits help establish healthy habits and monitor development.

  • Use a soft toothbrush with water for infants
  • Use a soft toothbrush with water for infants
  • Introduce fluoride toothpaste (pea-sized) from age 2
  • Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
  • Encourage regular brushing habits early

Fissure sealants are a simple, protective treatment often recommended for children (and sometimes adults) to prevent cavities. The chewing surfaces of molars (back teeth) have deep grooves called “fissures” where food and bacteria can easily get trapped, even with regular brushing.

A fissure sealant is a thin, tooth-coloured coating that’s painted into these grooves to create a smooth surface that is easier to clean. The process is painless, quick, and highly effective in reducing the risk of decay.
We usually recommend sealants for kids once their permanent molars come through to help protect their teeth during the cavity-prone years.

Yes. Untreated decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and affect the development of adult teeth.

Yes. Professional fluoride treatments are safe and effective. It is recommended for children as fluoride strengthens enamel and helps prevent tooth decay when applied in controlled amounts by a dental professional.

Children usually start losing their baby teeth around age 6, with the process continuing until around age 12. The timing varies, but teeth usually fall out in the order they erupted, starting with the front teeth.