How can we help you?
At Northside Dental Solutions, we're dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to our Clayfield community and beyond. We understand that patients often have questions about treatments, costs and what to expect during their visit. This comprehensive FAQ page addresses the most common queries we receive.
Our team believes in transparent communication and patient education. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to ring our friendly reception team. We're here to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with all aspects of your dental care journey with us.
General Dentistry
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.