Learn More About Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental

Your first visit to Huntingdale-Thornlie Dental is an important step in establishing a long-term partnership for your oral health. We prioritise getting to know you and your unique dental needs to provide quality dental care. Here’s what to expect:

• Welcoming Environment:
  From the moment you arrive, our team strives to help you feel welcome and at ease. We understand that going to the dentist can be stressful for some individuals, so we focus on creating a calm and supportive atmosphere.
• Personal Connection:
  Your first visit is more than just a routine check-up; it’s an opportunity to create a solid foundation for oral health. We will take time to understand your dental history, listen to your concerns, and discuss your goals.
• Thorough Examination:
  We’ll perform a detailed oral examination, including taking X-rays if necessary, to get a complete understanding of your oral health. Our approach is thorough yet gentle, prioritising your comfort throughout the process.
• Open Communication:
  We believe in transparency and collaboration. After the examination, we’ll walk you through our findings and discuss the appropriate path forward together. Your input is important to us, and we make it a priority to incorporate your preferences into the treatment plan.
• Tailored Care Plan:
  By the end of your visit, you’ll have a clear understanding of your dental health. We’ll also provide a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. Our goal is to build trust from day one and make each visit a positive experience.

We usually recommend visiting every six months, though the frequency may differ based on your individual needs. Here are the key reasons why:

1. Preventive Care:
   Regular check-ups help catch potential issues early. Identifying problems in their early stages allows for simpler, less invasive treatments, helping you avoid more extensive procedures later on.
2. Professional Cleaning:
   Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings remove these deposits and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
3. Oral Health Monitoring:
   Our team can track active or developing dental issues like tooth wear, gum recession, or orthodontic concerns. This consistent monitoring helps address any changes in your oral health promptly.
4. Education and Advice:
   Regular visits provide an opportunity for us to offer personalised advice regarding oral hygiene and diet. They can also address habits like smoking or grinding teeth, providing guidance to improve your oral health. This support can be vital in preventing future problems.

We understand that dental anxiety is a common concern, and we are committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible. Our approach to handling dental anxiety involves several strategies to help you feel at ease during your visit.

• Clear Communication:
  We emphasise open communication by detailing each step of the procedure and addressing any concerns you might have. This transparency helps reduce anxiety by helping you understand what to expect.
• Sedation Options:
  Depending on your anxiety level, we offer sedation options to help you relax during treatment. These options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. They are generally safe and effective in creating a calm experience.
• Sensitive Care:
  Our team is trained to be sensitive to the needs of anxious patients. We encourage you to share your needs and concerns so we can tailor our approach to your comfort level.
• Soothing Environment:
  We create a peaceful environment to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit. We also provide attentive care, focusing on making your experience as stress-free as possible.

We offer a variety of payment options and accept all health funds to accommodate your dental care needs.

• Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS):
  We offer the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) as a payment option for eligible children aged 0-17 years. Through CDBS, your child can receive up to \$1,095 (cap amount as of 01 January 2024) over two calendar years for essential dental services like check-ups and cleanings. This benefit is designed to make dental care more accessible to your family. If your child is eligible, we can help you take advantage of this support to maintain their oral health.
• Early Super Release:
  We offer Early Super Release as a payment option for those facing significant dental costs. This allows you to access your superannuation to cover dental expenses for yourself or a dependent. It’s designed to help when other payment options are not sufficient. The process involves meeting specific criteria and getting approval, for which we can offer guidance so your treatment can proceed without financial strain.
• Health Funds:
  We accept all health funds, making it easier for you to manage the cost of your dental care. We offer on-the-spot claim processing through HICAPS, so you can easily claim your benefit immediately.

We provide a wide range of dental services to promote your oral health and brighten your smile:

• General Dentistry:
  General dentistry focuses on maintaining overall oral health through preventive care. Regular check-ups and cleanings help detect and prevent dental issues before they become serious. These procedures help in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
• Cosmetic Dentistry:
  Cosmetic dentistry is dedicated to enhancing the appearance of your smile. It includes treatments that improve the colour, shape, and alignment of your teeth, helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Aesthetic improvements can boost your confidence and overall well-being.
• Restorative Dentistry:
  Restorative dentistry involves bringing back the functionality and aesthetics of teeth damaged or lost due to tooth decay, gum disease, trauma or other oral health issues. It plays an important role in maintaining your oral health and improving the overall appearance of your smile.
• Dental Implants:
  Dental implants are a long-term option for replacing missing teeth. They are natural-looking, durable, and designed to integrate with your jawbone, providing stability and preventing bone loss.
• Orthodontics:
  Orthodontics focuses on improving the alignment of teeth. This is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for the health of your teeth and gums. It can improve your bite and reduce the risk of dental problems.
• Emergency Dentist:
  An emergency dentist provides prompt care for urgent dental issues like broken teeth, severe pain, and infections. Quick intervention in dental emergencies is critical to prevent further complications and preserve oral health.
• Sedation and Sleep Dentistry:
  Sedation and sleep dentistry are designed to provide a comfortable experience for patients who experience anxiety or fear during dental procedures. By using various sedation techniques, we can help you relax and deliver a pain-free experience. It’s especially helpful for lengthy treatments or for those with a high level of dental anxiety.