Dentist Appointments

Normally a check-up is recommended every 6 to 12 months, but people are individuals and we are all at different stages of life and health. Some of us may need to visit the dentist more frequently and others less. Your dentist will let you know what is best for you and your oral health!

Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups are important – not just for the teeth but also the gums and the mouth. If there are any changes that need to be treated, such as tooth decay or gum disease, these can often be detected in the early stages, making treatment more straight-forward & less costly.

What will happen?
Your clinician will perform a thorough teeth cleaning. Each regular exam includes a detailed teeth cleaning, in which we will clean, polish, and rinse your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque that have built up on the tooth surface.

Important things that will be checked include:

• Oral hygiene and Diet
• Health of teeth, lips, cheeks and gums and risk of tooth decay and gum disease
• Signs of tooth wear
• Growth and alignment of the teeth and jaws and problems with the bite

Fissure Seals

Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in-between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Mouthguards

The Australian Dental Association strongly recommends the use of a mouthguard in any sport or activity where collision or contact is likely, and during both games and training. Often injuries in sports or activities that do occur are those we didn’t even consider to be a danger. It’s always best to ‘play it safe’ and wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.

Dental trauma from sporting injury can include damage to the tooth nerve, fractured, cracked or knocked-out teeth, a broken jaw, damage to the tongue and cut lips. Unfortunately, a single case of dental trauma can lead to a lifetime of dental treatment in order to maintain the strength and health of the damaged tooth/teeth. Repair work does not last forever, so a damaged tooth will often become a lifelong problem

If you decide a custom-fitted mouthguard is the best option for you, your dentist will take an impression and create a plaster model of your teeth. This model will be used to accurately assess your mouth and design a uniquely fitted mouthguard. Once your mouthguard is fitted your dentist will advise you how to care for it properly.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule

Child Dental Benefits Schedule is available to eligible children between the ages of 2 and 17 years of age. Eligible families will receive written notification from the Australian Government. The notification is not a voucher for service. Your dentist will check eligibility before commencement of any treatment. If you have further questions regarding eligibility you should contact Medicare on 132 011.

This is not a bulk billing service, our standard fee schedule applies, you may claim your rebate ( if eligible) by submitting your receipt to Medicare.

How can I use CDBS at Lake Macquarie Dental Practice?

1. Let us know your child is eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule when you contact us for an appointment.
2. Bring your Medicare Card to the appointment. We will provide you with CDBS “Non-Bulk” billing patient consent form to fill upon your arrival. You must fill in the consent form before any dental treatment can be provided to your child.
3. During the appointment, our dentist will discuss your child’s treatment and any associated costs with you before providing the services. You should contact Medicare for out-of-pocket expenses for your appointments.
4. When our dentist has provided the services agreed for your child, you are required to pay the account in full on the day of treatment and then claim the benefit through Medicare afterwards. We are not able to not offer electronic Medicare claiming under the non-bulk billing format.
5. You can submit your claim:
   • In person at your local Medicare Service Centre
   • By calling 132 011
   • Medicare express PLUS app for all smart phones. ( easiest way)