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.
The cost of a dental filling can vary depending on the size of the cavity and the tooth being treated.
At Northside Dental Solutions, we offer:
- All fillings (flat fee): $275
Dental fillings are used to restore teeth affected by decay or minor damage, helping to return strength and function to the tooth.
The most appropriate treatment will depend on your individual needs, including the extent of decay and your overall oral health. Your dentist will assess the tooth and recommend the best option during your visit.
Please note that not all patients will require the same treatment, and outcomes can vary. Your dentist will explain the recommended procedure, risks, and costs beforehand so you can make an informed decision.
The cost of a bite splint can vary depending on your individual needs and the type of splint recommended.
At Northside Dental Solutions, we offer:
- Splint for grinding/clenching: $590
A bite splint (also known as an occlusal splint or night guard) is designed to help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching, which can lead to tooth wear, discomfort, or jaw issues.
The most suitable option will depend on your symptoms, bite, and oral health. Your dentist will assess your situation and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Please note that not all patients will require a splint, and outcomes can vary. Your dentist will discuss the recommended treatment, expected benefits, and costs with you before proceeding so you can make an informed decision.
The cost of a dental check-up can vary depending on your oral health needs and whether you have private health insurance.
At Northside Dental Solutions, a standard check-up typically includes:
- Comprehensive examination: $85 (gap-free with eligible health funds)
- X-rays (if required): Free
- Clinical photos (if required): Free
Your first appointment is typically a thorough assessment rather than a clean. This allows your dentist to properly understand your oral health before recommending any treatment.
During this visit, your dentist will:
Review your medical and dental history
- Examine your teeth, gums, and existing dental work
- Check for signs of decay, gum disease, or other concerns
- Take X-rays or photos if needed to support diagnosis
Based on this assessment, your dentist will discuss their findings with you and outline any recommended next steps. If a professional clean is needed, this is usually scheduled as a separate appointment to ensure enough time is allocated for the best result.
Professional teeth cleaning may be completed as part of your visit, depending on your oral health needs and the time required. If you require a clean during your first visit with us, please be sure to let our team know enough time can be allocated for your check up and clean.
- Professional tooth cleaning: $195
- Fluoride treatment: Free
A clean helps remove plaque and tartar build-up and supports long-term oral health.
If gum disease is present, additional cleaning visits may be recommended to manage your oral health effectively.
Additional cleaning visits (for more advanced gum disease): $500–$1000
The number of visits and exact cost will depend on the severity of the condition and your individual treatment needs.
Your dentist will assess your oral health during your visit and discuss any recommended treatments, including costs, so you can make an informed decision. Please note that fees may vary depending on your individual circumstances, and not all patients will require the same level of care.