General Dentistry

Do I have to be registered to come to Green Valley Dental?

No referral letters are required for our dental appointments. Just book yourself in!

How much does a routine appointment cost?

If you are in a health fund we have HI-CAPS for your convenience and can claim on the spot so you only have to pay the difference, and your out-of-pocket cost will be very minimal. We also support the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule for children under 17 (where eligible). We bulk bill so there will be no additional out of pocket cost to yourself on most items.

Does a routine appointment hurt?

Routine check-ups do not hurt at all! We simply check and clean your teeth and give you fluoride, and chart any work that you may require so we are able to give you a treatment plan.

I have a toothache, what do I do?

Please come in for an appointment as soon as possible. We offer same day emergency dental appointments. Please enquire via our emergency Dentistry page.

What are cavities?

Tooth decay, or cavities, as they are more commonly known, are the breakdown of teeth due to bacteria. These can cause several problems, such as discolouration and pain, inflamed tissue around the tooth, loss of teeth and abscesses.

How can Green Valley Dental treat my cavities?

Dental restorations, more commonly known as fillings, aim to restore partially damaged teeth to their original condition and enable them to perform their required functions.

At Green Valley Dental we use white fillings (also known as composite fillings), which are a mixture of plastic and glass. These fillings are matched to the colour of the tooth and bonded to the tooth to help maintain strength and prevent breakage.

Routine check-ups are recommended for patients who have had fillings, to monitor the old fillings and detect new cavities for early treatment.

How much do fillings cost?

Fillings can vary in price, starting from $176 and depending on the tooth, the size of the filling, and how many surfaces the filling covers. We recommend that you make an appointment to allow our dentist to give you an accurate quote.

Why would I need to get a tooth removed?

The most common reasons for tooth removal are breakages or decay. Other reasons why teeth may have to be removed include infection, gum disease, teeth in the fracture line, as preparation for braces, and aesthetics.

How do you remove a tooth?

Teeth can be extracted either via simple or surgical extraction.

A simple extraction is a tooth removal procedure where teeth are removed from above the gums without requiring surgery. ‘Simple’ implies that the tooth is not cut into pieces and no incision is made in the gum tissue to gain access to the tooth.

A surgical extraction (also called an open extraction) is a tooth removal procedure in which surgery is required to completely remove a tooth. This process includes cutting the tooth into two or more pieces and is used for severe cases of tooth problems and in some cases of wisdom teeth removal.

What are Wisdom Teeth and why would I need to get them removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow into the dental arch. They generally appear between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. Wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems including overcrowding of existing teeth and growing sideways (impacting), either onto the neighbouring teeth or the gums.

How do you remove Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth can be removed either through simple or surgical extraction, depending on the severity. A local anaesthetic, which numbs the nerves in the teeth and gums, will be used for straightforward removals. There is also the option of an IV Sedation, which puts you in a twilight sleep for the duration of the procedure.

It is also recommended to rest for approximately a week following surgery, or until the pain subsides. Patients should remember to follow our post-operative instructions which we will provide as part of our care.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair a tooth that has become badly decayed or infected. Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, so that the area surrounding the tooth does not suffer further infection, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Does a root canal hurt?

Some patients may experience discomfort after a root canal therapy. The level of pain varies according to the specific patient, and some people don’t feel anything whatsoever. If at any time the pain becomes unbearable following a procedure, you should come back in to medicate the tooth again.

Do I need a root canal?

There’s no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.

What are crowns and veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. Veneers match the colour of the tooth and are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their colour, shape, size or length.

Those who are considering porcelain veneers should remember that the procedure is typically a permanent one. Because the dentist usually removes a layer of enamel before attaching the porcelain, patients will eventually need to replace their veneers or choose an alternative restoration to take their place. Veneers are only suggested after the age of 35, to avoid damaging the growth of your teeth.

Crowns encompass the entire damaged or unhealthy tooth and can modify the shape or position of the tooth. Crowns protect teeth from further damage while making them more aesthetically pleasing. Our dentists will be able to establish whether a crown or veneer would be most suitable for your needs in your initial consultation.

What are braces?

Braces are a fixed metal device that applies constant pressure on the teeth to correct misaligned teeth and bite-related problems. You can find out more about them on our Orthodontics page.

What are dental implants?

A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically positioned into the jawbone that allows our dentist to mount replacement teeth or a bridge into that area. An implant does not come loose like a denture can.

During phase 2 of a dental implants procedure, an artificial root is placed into the bone and allowed to heal. This procedure takes 1 to 2 hours and the healing time is 3 to 6 months.