Welcome to Delicate Dentistry – Your Family-Friendly Dental Home!
At our practice, we take pride in providing comprehensive dental care for everyone. From adults to children, our experienced team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for your entire family. Let us make dental care a positive experience for everyone. Schedule an appointment today and join our dental family!
Issues
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Get your teeth professionally cleaned and see your dentist to check for gum disease (periodontitis) and discuss further treatment if needed. Frequent bleeding could indicate poor oral hygiene or genetic susceptibility. Your dentist can advise on the best course of action.
Several factors can cause bad breath, including gum disease, tooth decay, and even infections. Throat, stomach, and sinus issues can also be culprits. Certain foods like garlic and coffee can trigger it, sometimes due to stomach sensitivities. Smoking worsens it through dryness and bacterial changes. If bad breath persists, consult your dentist or doctor.
Tooth grinding or clenching (bruxism) caused by stress, poor sleep, or other factors can lead to tension headaches and damage your teeth. A night splint can protect your teeth, muscles, and jaw joint. If you get frequent headaches, see your dentist and doctor for thorough assessments.
Many people require wisdom teeth removal due to potential problems like impaction or cleaning difficulties leading to decay or gum infections. However, removal isn’t always necessary. Your dentist will examine your wisdom teeth during regular checkups and X-rays and determine the best approach.
Stress, trauma, or even iron or vitamin B12 deficiencies can cause mouth ulcers. While most heal within 10-14 days, seek professional advice if they last longer. Remember, consulting sooner is always better if you’re concerned.
Tooth sensitivity can have various causes like gum disease, decay, or gum recession, all exposing the dentine (layer beneath enamel). Brushing too hard and dietary/stomach acids can damage enamel. Consult your dentist to discover the cause and find solutions, which may include a simple toothpaste change or more targeted treatments.
Costs
We’re registered with Medicare and HICAPS, so claiming for most Australian Health Funds is easy. You can check out your fund’s participation on HICAPS for more clarification.
Contact us for details tailored to your specific treatment plan.
We claim directly from your health fund, making things easy. Cash, EFTPOS, credit, and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners Club, JCB) are all welcome.
Settle your account on the day of your treatment. If that’s not possible, let us know beforehand, and we’ll set up an approved payment plan.
Usually, Medicare doesn’t cover dental treatment, but there are exceptions. We’re happy to claim for you if eligible, and we’re registered with Medicare for it. We also participate in the Child Dental Benefits Scheme, allowing bulk billing for eligible children. Contact us or Medicare for further details.
Dental Treatments
Teeth whitening can cause some sensitivity, but done safely, it shouldn’t cause long-term damage. Going slower helps minimize sensitivity. Consider at-home whitening instead of in-chair for potentially less discomfort. We also offer slow-release and low-dose formulas suitable for existing sensitivity.
X-rays let your dentist see hidden areas of teeth missed by just looking. For most, regular ‘bitewing’ X-rays (every two years) allow detecting decay between teeth before it causes pain.
This treatment is only needed when a tooth dies or is dying. It removes the dead tissue and saves the tooth, preventing infection or abscess.
Every six months is ideal for most, but those prone to gum issues may need every three months. Your dentist will advise based on your specific needs.
Modern dentistry with anesthesia shouldn’t cause pain. Tell your dentist immediately if you feel any discomfort during a procedure. For complex treatments, sedation may be an option.
Pediatric
The sooner, the better! Aim for any time after age 2 before their first adult teeth arrive around 6. Early visits build good habits and reduce anxiety.
Kids’ TV shows with doctor/dentist visits can help. Practice at home by lying down and counting teeth with a torch. Consider letting them watch you or a sibling have a visit first (not if anxious).
Under 6? Stay present for separation anxiety. After 6, consider letting them go solo. Ultimately, discuss preferences with your dentist.
Good habits start young! Brush twice daily, avoid sugary foods/drinks (stick to water and mild milk). Avoid fruit juices and rewards with food. Remember, they only crave what you provide! For babies, don’t let them fall asleep with a bottle; constant milk exposure can cause decay.
Mixed evidence exists, but no strong proof of long-term damage if stopped before adult teeth erupt. Some suggest potential speech delays.
Home Care
Manual works if done well, but electric brushes help reach missed areas. Ultimately, good technique matters most.
Daily flossing significantly reduces plaque and gum disease. Up to half your tooth surface is missed by brushing alone – flossing is key to a healthy smile.
At least twice daily. Ideally, after every meal, but wait 30 minutes after anything acidic (e.g., fruit juice). Brushing before bed is crucial due to reduced saliva flow at night.
It’s useful as an add-on, but physical cleaning (brushing & flossing) is most effective. It can help reduce gingivitis.
Fluoride is key, and most commercial brands have it. Your dentist may recommend a specific type for certain issues (e.g., sensitive teeth).
Hygiene and Safety
Dental equipment at Delicate Dentistry is either disposable after a single use or sterilized using a Miele thermal disinfector and steam autoclave. This process exceeds Australian requirements, making sure there are no bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
We conduct extensive staff training, zoning to identify at-risk areas, and barrier protection to prevent transfer between areas. Reusable equipment is sterilized before use, and each cleaning cycle is barcoded and tracked for verification. Our policies and guidelines are available upon request.
Privacy and Medical Information
Delicate Dentistry takes strict measures to protect your personal and medical information. Our cloud-based practice software is encrypted and complies with Australian law. We prioritize your privacy, periodically requesting updates to ensure accurate medical information for your treatment. For more details, refer to our privacy policy.
Only authorized Delicate Dentistry staff, including third-party contractors, have access to your personal and medical information for the purpose of providing dental treatment. External parties can access your information if authorized by you. We respect your privacy and prioritize the confidentiality of your health and dental information.
You can access your information at any time, just reach out to us on info@delicatedentistry.au. You can also request amendments in accordance with our Privacy Policy. If you switch from another dental practitioner to Delicate Dentistry, inform us, and we can obtain your dental records on your behalf to save you from getting unnecessary x-rays and examinations.
The Child Dental Benefit Scheme/Schedule (CDBS) is an initiative of the South Australian government to provide financial assistance for dental services to children aged 2 to 17 years. Under this scheme, eligible children can receive up to AUD 1,000 in dental benefits for over two years, helping families cover the costs of essential dental treatments such as check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
You can visit our dental practice and present your child’s Medicare card to confirm eligibility. Once confirmed, your child will receive the dental treatments they need without any hassle.
To be eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme in South Australia, children must be:
- Aged between 2 and 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year.
- Eligible for Medicare.
- Part of a family receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, Parenting Payment, or Double Orphan Pension.