Everyday and complex dentistry, close to home
From check-ups to crowns, implants and root canal treatment, nearly all of it is done right here in Flinders.
Check-ups, cleans and healthy gums
A check-up is a careful look at your teeth, your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, including a check for signs of oral cancer. We take digital X-rays only when they'll help, and we talk them through with you first.
A professional clean removes the build-up that brushing misses. Our hygienists use Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy, a gentle spray of warm water, air and very fine powder, alongside traditional scaling where it suits your mouth. If your gums need more care, we'll explain why and what's involved. We also make custom-fitted mouthguards for sport.
Children and teens
Children are welcome from their first tooth. Early visits go at your child's pace: a ride in the chair, counting teeth and plenty of time for questions. Older children and teens get practical advice about sport, snacks and looking after their teeth.
Eligible children can be seen under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule with no gap to pay for covered services, up to their available benefit. We'll check eligibility with you first.
Repairing and replacing teeth
Tooth-coloured fillings, inlays and onlays, crowns, bridges, root canal treatment and dentures, and taking a tooth out when that's the right choice, including wisdom teeth. We look at your whole mouth, not just one tooth, and talk through the options, costs and any risks before you decide.
We scan and plan crowns here in Flinders. They're made at our Red Hill practice, and we fit them here, usually the following week.
Both our practices, here in Flinders and in Red Hill, use the same German-made digital scanning technology. Instead of an impression tray filled with putty, a small wand takes a digital scan of your teeth. Many people find it more comfortable, especially if impressions make them gag, and the scan is very accurate.
Dental implants may suit some people, to replace a single tooth or to support a bridge or a denture. Placing one involves surgery and needs healthy gums and enough bone, and some people also need bone grafting. Risks include infection, nerve injury and an implant not healing in, and implants need ongoing care. We'll explain the risks, costs, timeframes and other options for your situation before you decide. The 3D (CBCT) scan used to plan an implant is taken at Red Hill.
For some soft-tissue (gum) procedures, we may use a dental laser where it's appropriate. If something breaks or starts to ache, call us as soon as you can and we'll do our best to see you soon. If we're closed, here's what to do.
Grinding and jaw pain
Custom-made splints can help protect teeth from grinding and clenching, and we can assess jaw joint (TMJ) pain and talk through what may help.
Straightening, whitening and cosmetic dentistry
Clear aligners, take-home whitening and cosmetic work such as bonding may suit some people after an examination. Aligners only work if they're worn as directed, and retainers are needed afterwards to hold teeth in place. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, and doesn't change the colour of fillings or crowns. Bonding can chip or stain over time.
We keep cosmetic work in proportion and look after as much healthy tooth as we can. Some options involve reshaping a tooth, and we'll explain what's involved, including the risks, before you decide.
At our Red Hill practice
Almost everything we do happens here in Flinders. Only three things need equipment at our sister practice, Red Hill Dental Practice: 3D (CBCT) scans, panoramic (OPG) X-rays, and crowns designed, made and fitted in a single day. We'll book it for you, and the team there has your records and plan.
Not sure which appointment you need?
That's fine. Call and tell us what's happening, and we'll book the right time with the right person.
Call 03 5989 1129