Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Northside Dental Solutions, our dentists take a unique, personalised approach to helping patients with dental fear or anxiety get the treatment they need.

Here is our trusted and effective method.

Your Dental Consultation

On your first visit to the practice, we sit down in a consultation room away from the dental chair to avoid bringing up bad past experiences. We discuss your dental journey to date and what has led you to feel the way you do when visiting a dentist.

We will take as much time as necessary to hear your story before addressing some of your concerns in a nonjudgmental, refreshingly open manner. We will discuss what we do at Northside Dental Solutions to cure your dental phobia and why it is so important for your health. We will walk you through the process step by step so there are no surprises. 

Your Dental Examination

We try to spend as little time in the dental chair as possible. We will never ask you questions while our hands are in your mouth, and we will always sit you up straight to talk to you. Around 80% of our work on your dental health is done away from the dental chair.

Discussion of Your Dental Goals

You are the driver of your own health. We want to educate you about your oral health so you can help yourself in the future. We call this ‘Helping You to Help Yourself’.

We pride ourselves on our transparent and open attitude towards dental treatment. By the time we finish talking, you will have full knowledge of the procedures needed, why they are needed, how they are performed, what to expect afterwards and a full written quote (with no hidden costs).

Your Dental Treatment

By this stage, you should hopefully feel empowered to maintain or improve your dental health. If you need any follow-up treatment, our friendly staff will arrange it for you.

A comprehensive dental examination is a 60-minute appointment conducted in three distinct stages.

The first stage involves a consultation away from the dental chair. During this time, we discuss your dental health goals, whether that involves improving the aesthetics of your smile, enhancing the strength of your teeth, or achieving overall oral health. We also review your past and current dental concerns to develop a strategy that minimises future issues.

The second stage is the clinical examination itself. This is a thorough assessment of your entire oral cavity, including your gums, teeth, jaw, cheeks, and tongue. We take a series of dental X-rays and photographs. The X-rays, which are provided free of charge, allow us to see underlying structures that are not visible during a standard examination. The photographs help us to show you what is happening inside your mouth and to track any changes over time, putting you in control of your dental health.

The final stage is another consultation, again held away from the dental chair. We review the findings from the examination and align them with your previously discussed dental goals. We then present a range of treatment options, and you are free to decide on the path forward. Once a decision is made, we will discuss how to proceed with any necessary dental work in the most convenient and comfortable way for you.

Regular dental checkups are essential even when you're not experiencing pain for several important reasons. Firstly, these appointments allow for early detection of small problems before they develop into larger, more complex issues. When dental pain occurs, it typically indicates that a significant problem has already developed and may have been progressing unnoticed for some time.

Secondly, professional cleaning during checkups removes calculus (hardened calcium deposits from saliva) that cannot be removed through regular home care. If left untreated, this calculus can lead to gum recession and eventually tooth loosening.

During each checkup, comprehensive documentation is made about every aspect of your oral health. This detailed record-keeping helps track areas of concern and enables monitoring of changes over time. This proactive approach ensures long-term oral health by identifying potential issues before they become painful problems requiring extensive treatment.

Regular dental visits are therefore a preventative measure that helps maintain oral health, prevent disease progression, and potentially reduce the need for more invasive and costly treatments in the future.

Even the most diligent home tooth care routine can't completely replace a professional dental clean. While brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining good oral health, they don't remove everything that accumulates on your teeth over time. 

Professional dental cleans provide a thorough deep cleaning that goes beyond your daily routine. Despite your best efforts, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which can't be removed by regular brushing or flossing. This stubborn buildup requires specialised dental tools and professional expertise to eliminate effectively.

What to Expect at a Professional Dental Clean

During a professional clean, our dental hygienists use specialised instruments to remove tartar, polish your teeth and identify any early signs of potential dental issues. We can detect subtle changes you might miss, such as early stages of gum disease, tiny cavities or areas of concern that need additional attention.

Moreover, a professional clean helps prevent long-term dental problems. Tartar buildup can lead to serious conditions like periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which can potentially impact your overall health. Regular professional cleans are a preventative measure, helping you avoid more complex and costly dental treatments.

Think of a professional dental clean as a comprehensive health check for your mouth. It's not just about cleaning your teeth but also about maintaining and protecting your oral well-being.

Since 2014, we have been lucky to have access to the Children’s Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS). This scheme offers eligible children $1000 to spend at the dentist over two years. The CDBS covers all standard dental services, such as checkups, x-rays, cleans, fillings, preventive fissure sealants and extractions.

Eligibility for CDBS

The Department of Human Services assesses the eligibility of your children. If you receive an Australian Government payment, such as Family Tax Benefit Part A or B or other benefit payments, your children may be eligible for care under the CDBS. You can check eligibility by calling the Department of Human Services or us. You will need to have your Medicare card handy.

Bulk Billing

We bulk-bill all children eligible for CDBS to keep the cost of children’s dental care affordable. As long as the $1000 limit isn't reached, there will be no out-of-pocket amount. We are provided with a Medicare schedule of fees that we follow when claiming children’s dental services. If you exceed the $1000 limit, we will give you a complete cost estimate before commencing any work. The fees for this extra treatment will be the same as those set out in Medicare's Fee Schedule. 

Contact your Clayfield children's dentist on (07) 3868 2753 if you have questions about CDBS dental benefits for children.

At our practice, we provide three distinct teeth whitening solutions to suit different needs and budgets.

The first option is our in-office power whitening. This involves a one-hour session where we apply a high-strength whitening gel, which is too potent for at-home use. This method provides the most immediate and dramatic whitening results. However, to maintain these results long-term, we also require the use of take-home whitening trays. The cost for this treatment is $690.

Our second option is custom-made whitening trays. We take a quick mould of your upper and lower teeth to create trays that fit you perfectly. You will receive a professional-strength whitening gel to use at home for 15 minutes each day over one to two weeks. A significant advantage of this option is that you can keep the trays and purchase more gel to continue whitening your teeth in the future as needed. The cost for the custom trays and initial gel is $390.

The third and most affordable option is a take-home dental whitening kit, which is similar to an off-the-shelf product. You use this kit for 15 minutes daily for ten consecutive days. After the ten-day period, the kit is disposed of. This is an excellent choice if you wish to see how your teeth respond to whitening without a large financial commitment. The cost for this kit is $120.

Choosing the right dental treatment for your smile can be a significant decision. When it comes to dental veneers, patients often want to understand the key differences between composite and porcelain options so they can make an informed choice.

Composite and porcelain veneers offer excellent solutions for improving the appearance of your teeth, but they differ significantly in materials, aesthetics, durability and cost.

Understanding Dental Veneers in Clayfield

Porcelain veneers are crafted from a high-quality, tooth-like material in a specialised off-site laboratory. These premium veneers cost approximately $1390 each and offer remarkable aesthetic benefits. They boast exceptional longevity, typically lasting about twice as long as composite alternatives. The porcelain material provides a remarkably natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics natural tooth enamel, creating a shinier, more refined look.

Composite veneers, priced more affordably at around $300 each, are made from aesthetic filling material. While they offer a cost-effective solution, they come with some limitations. Over time, composite veneers tend to collect stains around their edges and can potentially turn yellow, especially for patients who drink tea or coffee regularly or who smoke.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Key differences include:

Appearance — Porcelain veneers look more natural and shinier, while composite veneers have a slightly matte finish
Durability — Porcelain veneers last approximately twice as long as composite options
Stain Resistance — Porcelain is more resistant to discolouration compared to composite
Cost — Composite veneers are significantly more affordable at $300 each versus $1390 for porcelain

At Northside Dental Solutions, we recommend a personalised approach. During your initial examination, our experienced dental team will discuss the best veneer option tailored to your specific aesthetic goals, budget and dental health needs.

At Northside Dental Solutions, we understand that losing a tooth can be more than just a cosmetic concern. A dental bridge offers a comprehensive solution to help you maintain optimal oral health and restore your confident smile.

When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge provides several critical benefits beyond simply filling a gap. Our experienced dental team recommends bridges as an excellent option for patients seeking a reliable tooth replacement method.

The Health and Dental Benefits of Bridges

One of the primary advantages of a dental bridge is its ability to prevent tooth shifting. When a tooth is lost, surrounding teeth naturally tend to gradually move into the empty space. This movement can lead to misalignment, which can cause significant dental complications over time. A bridge effectively maintains the proper positioning of your teeth, preserving your natural bite alignment.

Moreover, bridges play a crucial role in protecting your facial structure. By preventing bite collapse, they help maintain the natural contours of your face and avoid the sunken appearance that can occur with tooth loss. This structural support is vital for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

Key benefits of a dental bridge include:

• Prevents Tooth Shifting — Keeps surrounding teeth in their correct position
• Maintains Bite Alignment — Ensures proper tooth positioning and function
• Protects Facial Structure —Prevents bite collapse and maintains facial contours
• Restores Chewing Function —Allows you to chew and eat comfortably and confidently
• Enhances Smile Aesthetics — Provides a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth

At Northside Dental Solutions, we're committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health with personalised, high-quality dental care. If you're considering a dental bridge in Clayfield, our friendly team is ready to discuss how we can help you restore your smile and confidence.

A dental crown and a dental bridge are both restorative options typically fabricated from high-strength, high-quality porcelain. A crown functions as a cap, designed to be placed over an existing individual tooth. This is done to protect the tooth from fracture or to enhance its appearance, while the natural tooth structure remains in the mouth beneath it.

In contrast, a dental bridge is utilised to replace one or more missing teeth. It involves placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. A pontic, which is a false tooth, is then fused between these two crowns, effectively "bridging" the space. The entire structure is a single, fixed appliance that is cemented into the mouth and is not removable. Maintaining a dental bridge requires diligent oral hygiene practices to ensure its longevity and the health of the supporting teeth and gums.

There are three main reasons why we recommend replacing a tooth after it has been extracted.

Firstly, for aesthetic purposes, especially if the gap is visible when you smile or talk. Replacing the tooth can restore the natural appearance of your smile.

Secondly, for function. If the extracted tooth was important for chewing, you might find it difficult to eat comfortably. A replacement tooth can restore your ability to chew properly and enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Thirdly, to maintain the stability of your other teeth. When a tooth is removed, the adjacent teeth can shift or drift into the empty space over time. This movement can create alignment issues, making the teeth harder to clean effectively. As a result, this can increase the long-term risk of developing other dental problems, such as decay or gum disease, in the surrounding teeth.

Dental implants are constructed from 100% titanium. The brands used are globally recognised, which means if a dental implant is placed here, it can be maintained anywhere in the world. The primary reason for using 100% titanium is its biocompatibility. This property allows the bone to fuse directly with the implant surface, a process known as osseointegration. Unlike simply inserting a screw into wood, osseointegration creates a strong, biological bond between the implant and the jawbone. This process typically takes between three to six months to complete. Once osseointegration has successfully occurred, the implant is securely anchored in the bone and cannot be unscrewed, which ensures the long-term stability and longevity of the dental implant.

Recovery after receiving a dental implant is typically quite straightforward. In the majority of cases, the recovery period is quicker and involves less discomfort than the process of having a tooth extracted. It is expected that the area where the implant was placed will feel slightly tender for a few days following the procedure. However, after the first day, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities without significant disruption. This standard recovery timeline applies to generally healthy individuals. In situations where a patient is medically compromised or if specific post-operative instructions are necessary, the recovery process may differ. For most individuals, the experience is relatively easy and pain-free.

Dental implants are an excellent option for most healthy adults who maintain good oral hygiene, have healthy gums, and ideally don't smoke. Implants can only be placed once the jaw has finished growing, so they aren't suitable for patients under 18. 

We Plan Comprehensively for Implant Dentistry

Certain lifestyle and medical factors may affect the success of your implant treatment. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and conditions such as diabetes, which can impact the initial healing process and potentially reduce long-term success rates. Each patient's situation is unique, so we thoroughly assess before recommending any implant-based treatment.

The quality and density of your jawbone also play a crucial role in the success of dental implants. If you have insufficient bone tissue, don't worry—you may still be a candidate for implants. In such cases, we can perform bone grafting or augmentation procedures to create a more suitable foundation for your implant.

Contact Northside Dental Solutions for More Information

The best way to determine your candidacy for dental implants is to book a consultation with one of our dentists. You'll leave that appointment with a clear understanding of your procedure options, treatment timelines, cost, and payment options. 

We look forward to helping you restore your smile!

At Northside Dental Solutions, we understand that cost is often a significant concern when considering full mouth reconstruction. Rest assured, our Clayfield dental practice is committed to making comprehensive dental care accessible to all our patients.

Understanding Full Mouth Reconstruction

The cost of full mouth reconstruction varies considerably depending on your specific needs, the complexity of your case and the treatments required. During your initial consultation, our dentists will thoroughly assess your oral health, discuss your goals and provide a detailed treatment plan with transparent pricing—no hidden costs or surprises.

We believe financial constraints shouldn't prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. That's why we offer several payment solutions to help make your treatment more affordable:

• Flexible DentiCare payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over time
• We accept health funds and can process your claims on the spot
• Our exclusive in-house dental membership plan provides ongoing savings for regular patients

Take the Next Steps Toward Your Best Smile

Many patients are surprised to learn that full mouth reconstruction can be more affordable than expected when approached in planned stages rather than all at once. We can prioritise treatments and create a timeline that works with your budget.

We encourage you to book a consultation with our friendly team to discuss your specific needs and explore your financial options. At Northside Dental Solutions, we're dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile without breaking the bank.

Our team understands that the thought of a root canal can trigger anxiety for many patients. However, our steadfast commitment to pain-free dentistry means we approach every treatment with your comfort as our top priority.

Why Root Canal Treatment in Clayfield Doesn't Hurt

Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than placing a standard filling. Patients often perceive pain as a result of the intense discomfort they experience before the procedure rather than the treatment itself. A root canal is designed to alleviate the significant pain caused by an infected or damaged tooth. 

Modern dental techniques and advanced anaesthesia have transformed root canal treatments into a much more comfortable experience. Our skilled dentists ensure that the affected area is thoroughly numbed before beginning the procedure. Patients are often surprised that the treatment is far less intimidating than anticipated.

The procedure takes longer than a standard filling, contributing to patient apprehension. However, our team takes great care to ensure that you feel relaxed and supported throughout the entire process.

Pain-Free Dentistry in Clayfield

What to expect during a root canal:

• Thorough Numbing — Local anaesthesia ensures you remain comfortable
• Precise Treatment — Removal of infected tissue to eliminate pain
• Minimal Discomfort — Most patients report little to no pain during the procedure
• Long-Term Relief — Resolves underlying tooth pain and prevents further damage

At Northside Dental Solutions, we believe pain-free dentistry should be the norm, not the exception. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

When your Clayfield dentist uses the words “root canal,” it’s perfectly normal to have questions and wonder if there is a natural alternative to root canal therapy. We understand your concerns, but the only alternative to a conventional root canal is an extraction of the tooth.

Let’s explore when you might need this common dental procedure and how it can restore your smile’s health and beauty.

Why You Might Need a Root Canal

When your tooth’s inner pulp chamber gets infected, it can lead to a painful toothache.

Here are some of the reasons you may need a root canal:

• Tooth decay that has reached the nerve
• A cracked or broken tooth
• An abscess or infection at the tooth’s roots
• A trauma or injury to the tooth

Is There an Alternative Treatment?

If your tooth is too damaged or infected, a root canal can’t save it. The only other alternative treatment is an extraction.

We can help you explore tooth replacement options if your tooth has to be removed.

Questions About Root Canal Therapy?

To learn more about how we perform gentle root canals in Clayfield, please feel free to reach out to our caring dental team.

You can call us on (07) 3868 2753 to arrange a consultation or book a visit.

Almost always, yes, you will require a crown after undergoing root canal treatment. While root canal therapy is often the only method to save a tooth from extraction, the procedure can leave the tooth structure more brittle and susceptible to fracture. A fracture can lead to the failure of the tooth, necessitating its removal.

To prevent this outcome, a ceramic crown is placed over the treated tooth. The crown acts as a protective cover, holding the tooth together and providing significantly more strength than the natural tooth structure alone. If a crown is not placed on these teeth, biting on something at an incorrect angle could cause the tooth to break below the gumline. In such a scenario, the only remaining option would be extraction.

There are some exceptions. For instance, if a front tooth has sustained trauma and requires root canal treatment, a crown may not always be necessary. However, in cases where a root canal is needed due to a crack or a large cavity in the tooth, it is highly recommended that a crown be placed to ensure the long-term success of the treatment and the preservation of the tooth.

A tooth extraction should not be a painful procedure. Before we remove a tooth, the entire area is thoroughly anaesthetised, or numbed, using a local anaesthetic. It is possible to numb any tooth sufficiently to ensure that no pain is felt during the extraction process.

However, one sensation that cannot be completely eliminated by the anaesthetic is pressure. The nerve fibres that detect pressure are different from those that transmit pain. While we can effectively block the pain nerve fibres, the pressure-sensing nerve fibres are not affected in the same way. Therefore, during a tooth removal, you may feel sensations of pushing or pressure, but you should not experience any actual pain.

There are several options for wisdom teeth removal, each with different levels of sedation. The first option is using a local anaesthetic. With this method, you are fully awake, but the area is completely numb. You will not experience pain, but you will feel pressure. This is the most straightforward and cost-effective approach, though it may not be the most comfortable experience for everyone.

A second option is intravenous (IV) or "twilight" sedation. This is administered at our practice by a qualified anaesthetist. You will be in a sleep-like state and will not have any memory of the procedure. This option typically involves an additional cost of around $1,500.

The third option is removal under a general anaesthetic in a hospital setting with a surgeon. This is generally reserved for more complex cases, such as when wisdom teeth are deeply impacted in the jaw or are positioned close to important nerves or the sinus cavity. An anaesthetist will put you completely to sleep for the procedure. While this is the most expensive option, having private health insurance may help reduce the cost.

Not every person requires wisdom teeth extraction, but many benefit from the procedure. The decision depends on several factors that our dental professionals carefully evaluate during your comprehensive examination.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties and can cause complications due to limited space in the jaw. Some people have sufficient room, and their wisdom teeth come through without issues. However, many experience problems such as impaction, where teeth become trapped beneath the gum line or grow at awkward angles.

Common reasons for extraction include:

• Overcrowding, which can misalign your existing teeth
• Partial eruption, creating hard-to-clean areas prone to infection
• Potential damage to adjacent teeth
• Development of cysts or tumours around impacted teeth
• Persistent pain or discomfort

Your Comfort Is Our Top Priority

Our team uses advanced imaging techniques like x-rays to assess your specific situation. We'll examine the position of your wisdom teeth, jaw structure and potential future complications. We'll only recommend extraction if it's necessary for oral health.

Some patients might need all four wisdom teeth removed, while others might require only selective extraction. Each case is unique and requires a personalised professional assessment.

Don't worry about making this decision alone. We'll thoroughly explain our recommendations, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with tooth extraction in Clayfield or any proposed treatment plan. 

There are several key indicators that suggest wisdom teeth may require removal. The primary reason for extraction is often pain. This discomfort can arise when wisdom teeth become difficult to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth, leading to tooth decay. Pain can also originate from the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, as this area is prone to inflammation and infection due to cleaning difficulties.

Another common reason for removal is when wisdom teeth cause irritation by pushing against the cheeks or gums. Furthermore, extraction may be necessary if their inaccessibility for proper cleaning poses a risk to the adjacent teeth, potentially causing them to develop decay.

It is important to understand that not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. The decision is based on a careful assessment of the risks and benefits. We typically recommend extraction only for teeth that are currently causing problems or are highly likely to cause issues in the future. To determine if your wisdom teeth require removal, a professional evaluation is essential. It is best to schedule a consultation with one of the dentists at Northside Dental Solutions for a thorough examination and personalised advice.

Recovery after a tooth removal varies depending on several factors. Generally, younger individuals tend to heal faster. Your overall medical condition also plays a significant role; for instance, conditions like diabetes or any state that compromises the immune system can delay the healing process. The complexity of the procedure is another key factor. The recovery period is influenced by the type and number of teeth extracted. Larger teeth or multiple extractions will naturally require a longer time to heal. Top teeth typically heal more quickly than bottom teeth, with lower wisdom teeth having the longest recovery time.

For a simple, single tooth extraction, one day off work is usually sufficient. Most daily activities can be resumed shortly after, though pain medication might be necessary for comfort. However, for more complex procedures like surgical extractions or the removal of certain wisdom teeth, a few extra days of rest will be required to ensure proper healing.

Following a tooth removal, it is crucial to refrain from eating or drinking anything, including water, for a period of four hours. This allows the blood clot, which is fundamental for healing, to properly form and stabilise, thereby initiating the healing process. Disturbing this clot can result in a painful condition known as a dry socket, which significantly delays recovery. Therefore, it is highly recommended to ensure you are well-nourished and hydrated before your tooth extraction appointment to support optimal healing post-procedure.

The primary goal in dentistry is to preserve natural teeth whenever feasible, as they are essential for functions like chewing and for aesthetics, such as smiling. However, there are specific circumstances where a tooth extraction becomes the necessary course of action.

A tooth extraction is typically recommended when a tooth is severely compromised by extensive decay or infection to the point where restoration is not viable. This also applies if a proposed treatment has a poor or uncertain long-term prognosis. In such cases, investing significant resources into saving a tooth that is unlikely to last for a reasonable period may not be the most practical or beneficial option for the patient. Therefore, the decision to extract a tooth is made when its condition is too advanced for successful treatment or when the outlook for its longevity is very low.