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What should I bring to my first appointment?For your first appointment, please bring the following: 1. New patient information and medical history form. You can download it here, complete it at home and bring it along to your first appointment or arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete it at reception. 2. Private health insurance card with dental cover. Medicare card for children eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), so our dentists can bulk bill your kids. 3. Any previous dental records available.
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How long will my first appointment last?It varies depending on what treatment needs to be done. It could be a consultation, a checkup and clean or an emergency dental treatment. But please plan on spending 30 minutes to an hour for your first visit.
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How much will my first dental visit costAgain it varies. Our dentists will make it a point to clearly explain the treatment options and fees for each treatment beforehand. You can claim your private health insurance rebate immediately at our reception via HICAPS. With our interest free payment plan, you don't have to delay your necessary dental treatment.
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Are electric toothbrushes better than manual brushes?If a manual toothbrush is used for the appropriate amount of time, and done with proper technique, it can perform just as well as a electric or battery-operated toothbrush. Children are good candidates for powered brushes as their brushing habits tend to be less than optimal. These devices are also helpful if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
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What tooth paste should I use?The most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in most water sources like lakes, rivers, and the ocean. For the past 70 years, fluoride has been added to most public water supplies in Australia. When added to toothpaste and dental products, this mineral helps prevent cavities by making your tooth enamel stronger and less likely to suffer acid damage. It can also reverse the early stages of acid damage by solidifying areas that have started to decay.
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Why do I need flossing and how often should I floss?You can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline with a toothbrush. That's why daily flossing is important. Flossing at least once a day helps remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn't matter if you brush or floss first.
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How often should I have my teeth cleaned?Plaque builds up over time and this sticky bacterial film can solidify and turn into calculus or tartar. This cement-like substance is removed by our dentists at your regular checkup and clean visits. A six-month interval not only serves to keep your mouth healthy and clean, it allows potential problems to be found and diagnosed earlier. Early detection and treatment of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth can help ensure a lifetime of good oral health.
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When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?At Rien Dental we recommend that you take your child to our practice when your baby's first tooth becomes visible or they reach 12 months old – whichever comes first. If you notice anything you think is out of the ordinary before this time it's better to be safe than sorry, so book an appointment straight away.
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Is it necessary to get fillings in baby teeth?It’s tempting to overlook problems in children’s baby teeth since they fall out eventually — usually when a child is between 6 and 12 — making way for adult teeth to grow in. But keeping baby teeth healthy is important. If baby teeth become diseased or decayed it can lead to pain and infection. It can also be difficult for children to eat a well-balanced meal with a mouth full of cavities. If the decay is extensive the bacteria in the cavity can cause a dental abscess which can spread down to affect the developing adult tooth under it. If the baby teeth become decayed or are taken out too early, the permanent teeth often become crowded and will likely need braces to straighten in the future.
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How do fissure sealants work and why do my kids need them?We recommend that kids receive fissure sealants as soon as their adult teeth erupt. Fissure sealants are a quick, easy, painless and relatively cheap solution for preventing cavities. They are a protective layer applied on the chewing teeth (the molars), which are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide. Young children are great candidates for preventative measures like sealants because in many cases, decay has not set in.
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What is a good age for my child to get braces?Acturally there is no age limit for someone to get braces! The best age varies from patient to patient. Orthodontic treatment most commonly begins between ages 9 and 14 because kids in this age range have at least some permanent teeth and are still growing. While the head and mouth are still growing, teeth are more adaptive to change which will ultimately make the process easier. This isn’t to say people must get braces within these few years, in fact more and more adults are receiving braces now. Some kids with special problems may begin early orthodontic treatment at age 7 or younger.
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Do I really need dental x-rays? Are dental X-rays dangerous?During a dental check-up, dentists are limited to what they can see in your mouth. They can only see the part of the tooth that sits above the gumline and cannot see clearly between teeth. Dental x-rays can help dentists see the parts of your teeth that sit below the gums and the surrounding bone. Somtiems dental X-rays can prove to be the difference between whether you retain your teeth for life or end up having teeth extracted. Dental x-rays involve extremely low radiation exposure. At Rien Dental we use digital x-rays. They reduce the exposure of radiation to the patient used by traditional x-ray while increasing the diagnostic proficiency has astounding implications. The reduction of the use of harsh chemicals and other waste materials associated with traditional x-rays is also an added benefit to our environment.
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Do I need a filling if I have no pain?Most dental problems don’t have any symptoms until they reach more advanced stages, so don’t wait for things to hurt! This is often the case withsmaller holes that may exist in your teeth, but that won't necessarily cause you anypain or discomfort. It is best to get a thorough dental exam, and diagnose and treat problems early. Waiting often makes problems more difficult and more expensive to fix.
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Are silver (amalgam) fillings dangerous? Should I replace my silver fillings?Dental amalgam is a filling material that includes silver, tin, copper, and liquid mercury. Amalgam fillings have been around for over a hundred years, and to this day scientific studies cannot link the presence of silver fillings to any adverse health effects, nor can they prove that removal of fillings will prevent or cure any illness. The World Health Organization views dental amalgam as a safe dental material. Given the current research findings, we do not advise to replace silver fillings that are free of any problems or defects. If they present with signs of decay, chipping, ditching, or cracking, then they can and should be replaced. However, if you have a desire to change silver fillings for health concerns and have made an informed decision to do so, we are willing to help in any way we can.
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What is a Root Canal? Is getting a root canal painful?Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic treatment. A root canal is the process of removing the damaged area of the tooth (the pulp), cleaning and disinfecting it and then filling and sealing it. It is the best way to relieve serious pain and make teeth healthy again. The common causes affecting the pulp are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, repeated dental treatment to the tooth or trauma. Modern technology and the use of anesthetics make this procedure quick, safe, typically pain-free, and an excellent way to help save the natural tooth. However it is possible to feel a little sensitive or tender for a few days after having a root canal. In most cases, the sensitivity and discomfort associated with a root canal should go away within a few days.
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What is teeth whitening? Can whitening damage my teeth?Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. Tooth discoloration may result from drinking coffee, tea, cola and red wine; or from smoking. The aging process also can stain and darken your teeth. Professional teeth whitening methods are either in the office or at home. The ‘active bleaching ingredient' is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Teeth whitening is safe to use as long as you follow our dentists' directions. Teeth whitening gel will NOT damage or harm your tooth enamel.
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What are porcelain veneers? Should I get veneers?A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. Veneers can generally be applied in a visit or two, providing a quick fix that can make a major improvement in the look of your smile. Once in place, they require no special care and can last a decade or more. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten your front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole again. If teeth are slightly out of position, veneers can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.
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How anti-wrinkle injections work? How long does anti-wrinkle injections last?Anti-Wrinkle Injections are a nonsurgical, anti-aging procedure that relaxes muscles, preventing skin from creasing and causing wrinkles, softening the look of lines and giving a tighter, smoother appearance. Anti-Wrinkle Injections last anywhere from 3-6 months depending upon the individual, the dose and area injected.
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Are dermal fillers safe? How long do dermal fillers last?Injectable dermal fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases, remove wrinkles and improve the appearance of scars. The type of dermal fillers we use is hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the body. Dermal fillers can cause some minor side-effects including bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness or itching. The more significant, but very rare, side-effects of the treatment could include temporary skin discolouration, bacterial or viral infection, ulceration of the skin. Generally dermal fillers are a safe when performed correctly. With our highly skilled and experienced team, you know you’ll be receiving the best possible care to ensure this safe and effective procedure. Hyaluronic acid fillers will typically last from 6 to 18 months.
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What are the benefits of dental implants?As one of the three options (Implants, Fixed Bridges and Removable Dentures) to replace missing teeth, dental implants have many advantages including: High success rates in healthy patients Stable and comfortable, as well as strong and functional Doesn’t require removing tooth structure from adjacent teeth Less maintenance compared to a bridge (you can brush and floss like normal) Esthetic
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How much do dental implants cost?In Melbourne, dental implants are usually not cheap, but getting more affordable in recent years. There are many factors that determine the cost of dental implants. The following issues should be kept in mind when searching for dental implants prices: Jawbone and gum condition The number of dental implants required Do you need tooth extraction before the dental implant procedure? Should you get socket preservation or alveolar ridge preservation after extractions? Do you need temporary tooth/teeth? What's the implant surgery technique? Is it a computer guided implant surgery? Will the dental implants need more work like bone grafting or sinus lift? Are you being quoted for both parts of the implant, the titanium implant and the porcelain tooth? Anesthesia options. Do you want the implant surgery done under general anesthetic? The dentist’s overhead, geographical location, and individual fee structure It will be irresponsible for us just to give a quote of dental implants without a comprehensive examination and consultation. We understand dental implants are expensive. That's why we have insterest free payment plan available, so you don't have to wait. Book your appointment now!
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How long do dental implants last?The answer is that dental implants can last a lifetime when properly maintained with adequate brushing and flossing, assuming the patient receives regular dental check-ups twice a year. Modern dental implants were invented by Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon, in 1952. The first dental implant placed by him had lasted over 40 years when the patient died in 2006. However, the crowns attached to the dental implants may last about 10 to 15 years before normal wear can cause the crown to require replacement, although excellent dental hygiene could extend the life beyond 15 years.
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Is dental implant procedure painful?With today’s medication regimes and advanced surgical techniques, dental implant placement is not considered a painful procedure. There is very little discomfort after implant procedures. However, if the surgery is more complicated and involves bone or tissue grafts, there may be slightly more discomfort and swelling. Surgical techniques also make difference. At Rien Dental, we use the most advanced implant surgery technique - Computer guided implant surgery involves 3D CT scan and 3D printed surgical guide. It results in less pain, swelling, bruising and a speedier healing process after surgery.
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Why do I have wisdom teeth?Wisdom teeth used to serve a very valuable purpose to help properly chew and break down our ancestors’ early diet. The modern diet today contains softer foods that’s gentler on our teeth. Evolution has rendered wisdom teeth near obsolete, and a growing number of people are being born without them! Wisdom teeth usually erupt at the age of 18-25.
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Is it necessary to have wisdom teeth removed?No, if the wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, biting properly at right position and able to be cleaned by daily hygiene practices. Yes, if they have: Persistent pain Extensive tooth decay Repeated infection of soft tissue Pathology like cysts and tumors Damage to nearby teeth or surrounding bone Gum disease (periodontal disease)
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How long does it take to recover from a wisdom teeth removal?Wisdom teeth healing and recovery timeline will be different for everyone. It can take up to 2 weeks to fully recover after having your wisdom teeth removed. First 24 hours: Blood clots will form. Minor bleeding (oozing) should start to ease. Days 2 to 4: A swollen mouth and cheeks will gradually improve. Days 5 to 7: May still have a minor, occasional ache. Stitches can be removed. Days 7 to 10: A stiff, sore jaw should wear off. 2 weeks: Some mild visible bruising of cheeks should heal. If the wound becomes infected, recovery may take longer. Wisdom tooth removal recovery tips: Avoid Strenuous Activity Avoid Spitting Avoid brushing teeth next to the extraction site Avoid drinking hot drinks Avoiding sucking on straws, smoking, or drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours
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