Initial Examination

For All New Patients

Involves a comprehensive exam of teeth, gums, oral cancer check, and all x-rays.

Designed to give the dentist as much information about your mouth as possible to be able to give you exact information about what is wrong, and how to get it back to a complete state of health, function, and confidence, as well as how to keep it that way.

Cost: $ 160

Note: In some cases, we may require that you come back a second time to discuss the result of your exam. This second visit is not charged.

We will then provide you with a plan of treatment with order of priority, full costs, and also answer any questions you may have.

Continuing Care

When your mouth is in good health, we encourage a continuing care visit every 6 months to re-examine the teeth and for cleaning tartar and plaque, polishing teeth, and fluoride application. This way you will prevent small holes from becoming big holes, and gum bleeding from becoming gum disease

X-rays will be re-taken every 2 years on average.

Cost: $ 140 - $ 212 with x-rays.

Dental Fears

Many people avoid going to the dentist because of the fear of dental procedures.

Conscious sedation can provide anxiety relief and often overcome fear.

Sedation is the use of a drug which relaxes the central nervous system enabling treatment to be carried out by the dentist, while still allowing the patient to communicate.

Your dentist will use the simplest form of sedation which will enable successful treatment to be given. For example, some patients respond well to nitrous oxide and oxygen (laughing gas) while others cope cope better with a valium-type drug.

There are many ways of being sedated and your dentist will discuss with you what treatment best suits you. Before sedation can be offered, your dentist will take a full medical history and may liaise with appropriate medical practitioners if necessary.

The simplest form of sedation is your dentist explaining the treatment and helping to allay any fears that you might have.

Nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation can be administered through a nose mask, making you feel warm and relaxed. This technique is known as Relative Analgesia (RA) and works particularly well with children.

Oral sedation is another option to help alleviate fear. This is achieved simply by your dentist prescribing a medication which will make you drowsy and relaxed. This technique can also be used in conjunction with nitrous oxide for deeper sedation.

If you chose oral sedation, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult and driven home in a car or taxi. Public transport is not an option after oral sedation.

Instructions will be given to you and your escort after the sedation and dental treatment is completed and you will be advised how to care for your mouth.

20% Medical Expense Rebate?

Did you know that payments made for Dental Services or Treatment qualifies for the government's 20% Medical Expense Rebate. A rebate is available to any taxpayer whose net medical expenses in the year of income exceed $1500. The rebate amount is currently 20% of the excess over $1500. Payments for dental services or treatment can be added to other general medical expenses that the taxpayer may have, increasing their entitlement further.

Example:

Taxpayer has net medical expenses of $4000. Taxpayer is entitled to a rebate of 20% x ($ 4000 - $ 1500) = $ 500

Tip:

Some patients who have needed major dental treatment in the past have borrowed the required amount and then used the 20% Medical Expense Rebate to offset the borrowing costs. By using this strategy they have been able to effectively structure an Interest Free Loan with monthly repayments that suit their budget.

Note: For more information on the 20% Medical Expense Rebate please consult with your accountant or the ATO. The rebate amount may have changed since this article was produced. For advice regarding loans please consult your financial advisor or accountant.