Frequently asked questions

When you visit us for a general dental visit, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to assess your overall oral health. They’ll check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems, and may take X-rays to detect any issues below the surface of your gums.

During your dental clean, your dentist or dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar buildup, and polish them to remove surface stains.

Your dentist will discuss your oral health and any necessary treatments or follow-up care. This visit is a good opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have about your oral health.

Before a dentist visit, it's important to avoid certain things to ensure the most accurate assessment of your oral health.

• Avoid eating immediately before your appointment (especially foods that may get lodged in your teeth).
• If you use tobacco products, it’s best to temporarily avoid these before your dental visit.
• Don’t brush or floss too hard just before your appointment, to prevent gum irritation.
• It’s a good idea to avoid caffeine and sugary drinks before your visit, especially if you’re feeling anxious.

If you’re suffering from toothache or dental pain, it’s important to identify the underlying cause, which is why it’s best to visit your dentist. However, there are some things you can do at home to provide temporary relief. These include taking over-the-counter pain medication, applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.

If the pain persists or is severe, it’s crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible, as dental pain may indicate a more serious condition such as a cavity, gum disease, or an abscess.

Some tips for healthy gums include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day, making sure to gently brush along the gum line
• Flossing daily to remove food particles and plaque
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria build-up
• Eating a healthy, low-sugar diet
• Avoiding the use of tobacco products
• Visiting your local practice for regular dental check-ups

A standard dental checkup typically includes the following:

• Oral Examination: A comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Teeth Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and along the gum line, followed by polishing to remove surface stains.
• Flossing: Professional flossing to remove any residual plaque or food particles between the teeth.
• X-rays (if necessary): Dental X-rays might be taken to detect problems that aren’t visible during the oral exam, such as below the gum line.
• Oral Hygiene Recommendations: Your dentist will provide advice on oral hygiene practices to maintain or improve your oral health.
• Questions and Next Steps: Your dentist will discuss your oral health and advise on potential treatment plans or follow-up care.

At National Dental Care, we go beyond just teeth, taking a holistic approach to improve overall health and wellbeing. Our additional services include:

• Oral Cancer Screening
• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Gum Disease Treatment
• Dental Bone Graft
• Holistic Dentistry
• Neuromuscular Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Endodontics

If you’re looking for advice on any of the above, contact the friendly team at your local practice who can connect you with the support you need.

At National Dental Care, we’re proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments designed to enhance your smile. Our cosmetic dentistry services include:

• Invisalign
• Teeth Whitening
• Composite & Porcelain Veneers
• Orthodontic Treatments
• Dental Bridge
• Dental Crown
• Dental Implant
• Facial Injectables for Dental Disorders

It’s important to note that not all treatments listed are offered by every dental practice, so be sure to check with your practice to find out if the treatment you’re after is available.

Cosmetic dentistry is about enhancing the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. This branch of dentistry includes procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and orthodontics, such as braces and Invisalign. While the main goal of cosmetic dentistry is improving the aesthetics of your smile, some procedures also help to improve your oral health.

General dentistry is focused on maintaining oral hygiene and the overall health of teeth and gums. It involves regular check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and the treatment of gum diseases. General dentistry is essential for preventing, diagnosing, and treating various dental conditions, helping to keep teeth, gums and jaws functioning well in the long term.

At National Dental Care, we offer two payment plans to help you manage your dental expenses and access the treatments you want without financial stress.

SmileFund is our exclusive interest-free payment plan available for treatments over $800 and up to $20,000, offering a hassle-free way to get an affordable smile.

Meanwhile, AfterPay lets you split the cost of your treatment into four interest-free payments, making it easier to enhance your smile.

The recovery process for cosmetic dental treatments varies depending on the procedure you undergo. For simpler treatments like teeth whitening, there is little to no recovery time, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.

More complex procedures like veneers, crowns, or implants may involve a recovery period, during which you might experience some sensitivity or discomfort, which usually subsides within a few days.

To find out more about the recovery process for different types of cosmetic dental treatments, contact your local practice.

The costs of cosmetic dental procedures vary depending on what type of treatment you choose. More straightforward procedures such as teeth whitening will cost less than more complex treatments such as veneers.

In addition to the treatment type, other factors will influence the cost of your treatment. For example, the complexity of your individual case, the number and location of the teeth being treated, and the type of materials used.

Before you proceed with any cosmetic treatment, your dentist will provide you with a personalised treatment plan outlining all the costs involved. You can also chat with our friendly staff about how much your treatment might cost.

During your first visit, you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly practice staff, who will take details of your dental and medical history, contact information, and health insurance fund (if applicable). You might want to discuss payment options at this stage, as we offer a range of flexible payment plans.

It’s important that you disclose any previous or current medical or oral health issues, even if you don't think they are relevant. Some medicines or diseases can have an impact on your oral health, and can also affect the success of dental treatments.

We know that visiting the dentist for the first time in years can be a little daunting, but knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother and less stressful.

During your first appointment after a long period of not going to the dentist, you’ll need to update your records and medical history with our practice staff, to ensure we have all the latest information. This is important to ensure you receive the right type of dental care.

According to the Australian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should make your child’s first dental appointment approximately six months after their first tooth has emerged, or no later than their first birthday.

At National Dental Care, we have paediatric dentists available to provide specialist care for little ones. Chat with your local practice for advice and guidance on dental visits for babies and children.

If you feel nervous about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common condition where a person feels nervous, anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist. This can stem from past traumatic dental experiences, fear of pain, or other factors.

Dental anxiety can range from mild unease to severe phobia, potentially causing people to delay or avoid dental care, which can have serious consequences for oral health.

The good news is, there are many options for managing dental anxiety. For mild dental anxiety, you might want to bring a friend or family member with you, use distraction techniques such as listening to music, or practice breathing exercises to calm your mind.

For more serious dental anxiety, we offer a range of sedation options, includng laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and IV sedation. Chat with our supportive team about your options and discover how we can help make your dental visit as comfortable as possible.

Our highly skilled dentists have a lot of experience in dealing with anxious patients - and you can rest assured that we’re here to do everything we can to make your dental visit as comfortable, relaxing and stress-free as possible.

We offer a range of sedation options, including oral sedation and IV sedation. The type of sedation that will be right for you depends on your anxiety levels and the complexity of the dental procedure.

Oral sedation is generally better for mild to moderate anxiety and less invasive procedures. IV sedation is more suitable for patients with severe dental anxiety or for more complex and lengthy procedures, as it offers deeper sedation and can be adjusted in real time. With both options, you’ll need to have someone to drive you home after the procedure.

We offer a range of solutions designed to make your dental visit as relaxing, comfortable and stress-free as possible. For anxious patients, we can provide sedation options tailored to suit your level of anxiety and the complexity of your treatment.

Our sedation options include laughing gas (nitrous oxide), oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anaesthesia. Talk to our friendly and knowledgeable practice staff about the best option for you.

We understand you may have questions about how much your dental procedure might cost. Of course, every dental treatment involves different costs, and the price is also influenced by other factors - such as the complexity of your case, the type of materials used, and the number and location of the tooth or teeth needing treatment.

Before you go ahead with any procedure, your dentist will provide you with a personalised treatment plan that outlines all the costs involved in your treatment. For general advice and guidance, you can also chat with our practice staff about the costs of common dental procedures.

Absolutely. We’re committed to helping our patients access the dental care they need without financial worry. To help you manage your dental expenses with ease and convenience, we offer two payment plans.

SmileFund is our exclusive interest-free payment plan designed for unexpected or unbudgeted dental treatments. Available for treatments from $800 to $20,000, SmileFund offers a simple way to achieve an affordable smile.

Alternatively, AfterPay allows you to split the cost of your treatment into four interest-free payments, for a budget-friendly way to get the treatment you need.

Before you go ahead with any procedure, your dentist will provide you with a personalised treatment plan that outlines all the costs involved in your treatment.

For general advice and guidance, you can also chat with our practice staff about the costs of common dental procedures.