FAQ
Why should I use The Dentist services?
If you believe that prevention is better than cure, that health is our most valuable asset and that good health comes from education, we are the right practice for you. We promise you will be healthy within 12-18 months of your initial visit, no matter how complex your problems may be. We promise you professional, gentle care.
Why do I need two separate appointments for an initial check-up and clean?
Most of our returning patients prefer to have their gums and teeth cleaned and reassessed by our hygienist on the day of their regular six monthly exam. For our new patients, however, this is not always a possibility. The reason behind this is that your gums need to be evaluated before we know what kind of hygiene treatment you need: it may be just stain removal and minimal scaling of your teeth and gums or it may be a deep scaling of heavy calculus (tartar) and stain, which requires a longer appointment and possibly even multiple hygiene and periodontal treatment visits. You will have a better understanding of what kind of hygiene visit you require once you have met with our dentist for a New Patient Examination. Your hygiene visit can then be scheduled accordingly.
Why do I need radiographs (X Rays)?
Radiographs (X Ray films) of your teeth are required on a regular basis, to assess for early signs of disease. These early signs are invisible to the dentist’s eye, no matter how skilled and experienced the dentist may be. Radiographs may discover problems with your teeth, including wisdom teeth, and supporting structures.
Frequency of radiographs is determined by the estimated risk of disease. If you have had a lot of dental work in the past or have had a cavity or a toothache in the past year, you are likely to require yearly radiographs until you are “disease-free” for two consecutive years. If you have not had much dental work and your teeth have been pain and cavity-free for over a year, you are likely to require radiographs two-yearly.
Modern radiographs use minimal X Ray exposure times and a lead apron is always used for protection of your body from scattered radiation. It is a widely accepted opinion that it is better to have radiographs as advised by the dentist than to end up losing a tooth due to advanced disease.
Why do I need to see the hygienist for ongoing preventative care?
At The Dentist, we believe in holistic care for all our patients. We don’t only look at the function or health of your teeth, we also take good care of your gums and regularly assess how your overall health and lifestyle may be affecting your mouth (and vice versa). This is a lot of work for just one person, the dentist. So, we employ another trained professional, the hygienist. The hygienist is an expert in preventative care and periodontal health and helps the dentist diagnose, treat and prevent disease. You’ll always be cared for by both the dentist and hygienist, but you’ll spend most of the time in your preventative care visits with the hygienist and only a portion of the time with the dentist.
Do I need to floss?
Only the teeth you want to keep! We are a strong preventive practice and encourage and show everyone how to floss. For those that just don’t pick the habit up, we often see them more often so we can help you until you pick the habit up.
Is your practice child-friendly?
Absolutely! Feel free to bring along your children. We are passionate about education and prevention, so we are always excited to have young eyes and ears around, learning about good oral health!
Do you offer early morning or late night appointments?
We offer early morning (7am) and late evening appointments (6:30pm), by prior arrangement, two days per week. Otherwise, our usual hours are between 8am and 5:00pm with flexible lunch breaks Monday to Friday. We are open the first Saturday of the month.
Do you accept rebates from private health funds?
Yes. As a courtesy to our clients we use a HICAPS automated claiming system which allows you to claim rebates on the spot from most private health funds. However, occasionally you may be asked to submit a claim to your health fund online, by mail or in person.
What is the cost of dental treatment?
The cost of our services you can find here. They are a guideline and we recommend coming into the clinic for a consultation so we can provide you with a more accurate quote. We print or email all treatment plans and quotes to you, so you know what your oral health plan is. We are an independent practice and accept all private health funds.
Do you do Sleep Dentistry?
Yes, we have certified and experienced IV Seditionist that come into our clinic. Sleep Dentistry is also called Conscious Sedation and IV Sedation. Conscious sedation is a very safe, efficient, and effective way of minimising anxiety during certain dental procedures. There are patients who will benefit from this technique: patients who may be having a relatively unpleasant or lengthy procedure done; patients who fear dental treatment and who often avoid going to the dentists. The drugs we use in conscious sedation are given intravenously. These drugs are the same or similar to the drugs used in general anesthetics but are given at a much slower rate and a much lower dose to avoid loss of consciousness. As the name implies, conscious sedation is not a general anesthetic. The aim of conscious sedation is to reach a state of drowsiness so you can be calm and relaxed enough for the dental treatment to be completed with relative ease. You will probably remember very little of it.
Call The Dentist
Day Time (02) 9233 3399
After Hours 0406986909
Office Location & Hours
Level 1, 70 Pitt Street,
Sydney CBD, NSW 2000
Mon & Thu: 8am-7pm
Tue, Wed & Fri: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 8am-1pm