It’s been a while since you’ve come in for a check and you’re not sure what to expect at the dentist. Here, we’ll go through the steps of coming in to see us, what questions we ask and why.

 

Making an appointment:

• Our friendly receptionists will take your call and ask the nature of your concern. This may be that you have a toothache, or that you would like to come in for our $195 new patient special, or you would like to start with a check up and a clean.
• You are welcome to book online or email us for convenience.
• We will ask for your details.
• We ask for a deposit of $50 for all new patients to hold your appointment time. This will be applied against your appointment and removed at the end, this is not an extra charge.

 

Filling out forms:

• We will send you a link to fill out our medical history form and a questionnaire.
• These are helpful for us to know how to best take care of you.
• If you are unable to do this on your phone or device, please come in 5 minutes earlier to fill this out.

 

Arriving to our clinic:

• We are located at 68 Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio, on the service road.
• Entry to the service road is at the intersection of Purnell Rd and Bacchus Marsh Rd, or via Canadian Parade.
• We have ample parking at the back of the practice.

 

Seeing the dentist:

• Our dentists will go through your medical history form and questionnaire together with you. This is the best time for you to let us know what you expect from your dentist.
• Please let us know if there is anything you would like to discuss privately.
• We will ask you about your dental health, routines, and overall lifestyle.
• We will do a comprehensive exam, and then any x-rays if needed.
• From here we will talk about the treatment needed and go through with you the different options and price points available.
• If you specifically wanted treatment, then we will do this for you.

 

Our aim is to make sure that you feel comfortable, so at any point that you prefer we would do something different, we ask you to speak up. We will always listen and work together with you to get you to where you need to be.

 

BOOK A CHAT WITH US NOW

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is an important piece of equipment to prevent damage if you or your child are playing contact sports. Many accidents can happen while on the playing field or court, and a mouthguard protects the worst of the damage to your teeth. Jaw fractures, broken teeth, displaced and head traumas can all be reduced by wearing a mouthguard. This is especially the case if you have complicated dental work such as veneers, crowns, and braces. Damage and loss of baby teeth can have a significant impact on the adult teeth and how they eventually grow. Children’s skulls are also more delicate and needs be to be protected while growing.

 

Mouthguards help prevent damage by:

• Absorbing some of the shock of impact on the teeth
• Protecting the lips, cheeks, and gums from getting cuts
• Stopping the bottom teeth from hitting the top teeth
• Supporting the lower jaw in a way that prevents fractures at the jaw joints.
• They may also be able to prevent damage to the head and neck but this is not fully proven.

 

What age should my child be wearing a mouthguard?

There is no minimum age of when a child should be wearing a mouthguard. If they are old enough to be playing a contact sport, they are old enough to have a mouthguard. In some sports, a mouthguard is mandatory and your child will not be able to play without it.

As your child grows, they will need to get a new mouthguard to fit their mouth.

 

When should my child be wearing the mouthguard?

At any point that your child is playing the sport, whether in training, or in a competition, they should have their mouthguard appropriately fitted. Many accidents can happen in training and a mouthguard only works to prevent damage if it is being properly worn.

 

What kinds of mouthguards are there?

There are many options in mouthguards- they come in many thicknesses, depending on the requirements of the sport. You can also get them in different colours to match your uniform, or show support for your favourite teams.

All mouthguards made by us are fitted exactly to the mouth, for maximum comfort. An ill-fitting mouthguard is a mouthguard that does not get worn.

 

How do I care for my mouthguard?

After using your mouthguard, rinse it with water and keep it in it’s case. When you get home, brush the mouthguard with soap and water to remove any stains and debris. Dry it and keep it dry in its case. Keep it out of reach of pets who love chewing on it!

 

GET YOUR MOUTHGUARD NOW

Corio Central Dental explains sticky sugars…

Not all sugary foods and drinks are made equal, so we thought to help clarify the differences. Some types of sugars are far more damaging to our teeth than others. Our teeth have 5 surfaces in total. The top surface of back teeth have deep grooves, called fissures. Foods that get “stuck” inside the deep grooves of teeth cause more cavities. Contrary to the common beliefs, sticky sugars are not always found in desserts. There are plenty of foods or even savoury meals that contain sticky sugars, so it’s worth learning about them. Corio Central Dental, sees patients every single day for the management of dental caries. Decay is the most prevalent and poorly diagnosed disease on the planet!

Some examples of foods which contain sticky sugars are:

-“healthy” muesli bars

-nut bars

-flavoured chips

-dried fruit crackers

-various sauces

-flavoured popcorn

-flavoured nuts

-crunchy chocolates

-honeycomb

-toffees

Learn more about tooth decay.

Corio Central Dental explains sticky sugars VS other sugars?

Sugars in food play a major role in the development of dental caries. Caries (holes in teeth) develop when bacteria within plaque use the sugar (in food) as energy (bacteria eat sugar). Bacteria then go on to release acid, as a waste product. This acidic waste product gradually dissolves the enamel (protective layer) in the teeth, therefore causing cavities. When bacteria have lots of sugar to eat, they can produce lots of acid waste product. Sticky sugars “get stuck” in the grooves of our teeth, therefore, bacteria have more time to produce the acidic waste product.

Alternatives to sticky sugars..

If you wish to have a sweet treat, Corio Central Dental recommends choosing something that is softer and more liquidy. Foods which can easily be washed off the tooth surfaces with a simple rinse or brush.

Some examples are:

-ice cream

-jelly

-soft creamy desserts

-mousse

-plain chocolate

-hot chocolate

-soft cakes

We can help if your teeth are already damaged by sugars….

Patient are often completely unaware that teeth can be developing cavities, so Corio Central Dental recommends to have a check up at least every 6 months. Dental x-rays are really important in diagnosing cavities. Corio Central Dental dentists take x-rays as part of the New Patient Comprehensive Examination Package – for $195.

 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

What is a Fissure Sealant?

It’s a preventative coating which can be applied to teeth to cover the deep grooves in teeth. Fissure sealants help prevent bacteria, as well as food particles, from getting stuck in these areas of the teeth. In this way, they help protect the teeth from decay-causing elements.

What are Fissure Sealants made of?

They are made from a resin material. Resin is a synthetic polymer. Fissure sealants can be clear, tinted or white. The sealant is applied to a cleaned tooth as a thin layer of liquid. The liquid becomes hard when a specialised light is used. Some sealants contain fluoride. Fissure sealants used at Corio Central Dental are BPA free and not toxic.

Who can get Fissure Sealants?

Fissure sealants are beneficial to patients of any age. They are safe and effective in both children and adults. They can only be applied to teeth which are still sound and have not formed a cavity. Once a tooth forms a cavity, it is no longer suitable for a fissure sealant. Decay needs to be removed first, and a dental filling placed, thereafter.

If your children are nervous or have not visited the dentist before, watch this great video we made :  CORIO CENTRAL DENTAL KIDS VIDEO 

Benefits of Fissure Sealants:

• cheaper than fillings
• avoid needles
• avoid pain
• avoid needing teeth removal
• avoid inconvenient dental emergencies after hours or on the weekends
• avoid need for antibiotics for dental infections
• less time off work for dental pain/infections
• appointments are planned in advance, so can be done at a time that suits you

Book an appointment at Corio Central Dental by clicking this link.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening Geelong

Teeth whitening involves using a bleaching agent to lighten their colour. It is possible to make teeth look a few shades whiter, by removing the superficial stains. Teeth whitening Geelong is an optional procedure — it is very rarely a necessity.

Whitening products typically use peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only registered dental practitioners can legally use the most concentrated — and thus most effective — whitening solutions.

The bleach penetrates through enamel (top layer of tooth) and into the dentine (inner part of tooth), which is slightly softer than the enamel. The bleach reacts with the coloured molecules that cause discolouration. The dentine then becomes lighter and the teeth look whiter.

Why do teeth discolour?

Most common reasons for needing teeth whitening, is staining from one or more of the following:

• tea
• coffee
• red wine
• soft drinks like Coke and Pepsi
• smoking

What is the best way to whiten teeth?

There is an abundance of whitening products on the market today. Take-home gels and toothpastes are the most common and sold in most supermarkets and pharmacies. There is also the option of getting trays from the dentist.

The quickest and most effective way is getting teeth whitening Geelong, however, is in a dental office. In chair whitening treatment uses the most concentrated solution available and only takes about 1 hour.

We proudly offer Pola Office+ to our patients, at Corio Central Dental. It has a built-in desensitiser and therefore ensures maximal patient comfort.

Is teeth whitening bad for teeth?

Cheap gels and toothpastes purchased online or from supermarkets can be abrasive. They have tiny particles which scratch away surface stains (like sandpaper). Yes, this can cause permanent damage to teeth and even sensitivity.

How much is tooth whitening?

Store bought products can be purchased for under $10 and in office treatments can be as much as $700. Corio Central Dental offers in office whitening for $495. We use a very strong gel which pulls out stains without and permanent damage to your tooth structure. If you need some assistance  paying for tooth whitening treatment, we accept ZipMoney

 

BOOK ME IN FOR A TOOTH WHITENING CONSULTATION APPOINTMENT

What is poor oral health?

World Health Organisation describes oral health as a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. Poor oral health encompasses a range of diseases and conditions that include:

• dental caries
• periodontal disease
• tooth loss
• oral cancer
• oral manifestations of HIV infection
• oro-dental trauma
• birth defects such as cleft lip and palate

oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide

What can happen if my oral health is poor?

Research has found a strong association between poor dental health and many general illnesses. Some examples of diseases and conditions linked to poor oral health are:

• stress
• chronic pain
• anxiety
• depression
• loneliness
• diabetes
• chronic diseases
• chronic infections
• antibiotic resistance – due to overuse
• heart disease
• reduced immune function
• gut problems
• sleep disturbances
• speech disturbances
• reduced metabolic processes

Enjoyment and qualify of life can be compromised due to low levels of oral health. Self esteem suffers due to appearance or speech. Inability to chew food can have dramatic consequences on adequate nutrition intake and overall general health. Research shows that overall feelings of social well-being are also affected when someone is suffering from poor dental health.

What about kids?

Poor oral health such as dental cavities may cause pain when bottle feeding or chewing. This can lead to the child avoiding meal times and therefore not consuming enough calories or eating a balanced diet. Therefore, a child’s growth and development can be negatively affected.

 

How can I improve my dental health?

1. stick to a daily routine of brushing your teeth after breakfast and after dinner – DAILY
2. reduce all added sugars to your diet – this includes main meals, snacks and sugary drinks
3. have your mouth checked by a dentist at least once every year – many dental diseases are not painful until advanced

 

How can a dental check up improve my overall general health?

Poor dental health is most often not painful and if people have been living with it for many years, they are not aware that they suffer from poor oral health. We suggest a comprehensive dental consultation, which will address your teeth, gums and perform an oral cancer screening. It’s easy, inexpensive and can help to eliminate many linked general illnesses.

Why choose Corio Central Dental for your check up? Learn about why other patients have chosen Corio Central Dental by watching their testimonials now.

 

BOOK ME IN FOR A DENTAL CHECK UP TODAY

What is too long since last dental visit?

If your dentist did not wear any gloves and smoking in the treatment room was the norm – that means you are definitely overdue for a dental visit!

Many dental problems cause no pain at all, so unless a dentist has a good look around, disease can get worse, fast. Corio Central Dental recommends a dental check up at least every 12mths. 6mths is the standard for most.

 

What has changed in the recent times?

Most patients we see, comment on how easy the dental visit feels and how great all the new equipment is.

1. We have x-ray machine in the treatment room, so capturing an image of the tooth in question means you don’t need to leave the dental chair.
2. We have topical (gel) anesthetic, which we always use before getting you numb (the needle), so you hardly feel it
3. Infection control standards are very high. Both the dentist and dental assistant wear mask, gloves and protective eyewear. The treatment room gets a very thorough wipe down after every patient dental visit.
4. Fillings materials that we use are white, and come in many shades of white. It has never been easier to achieve a highly cosmetic result for your teeth in no time.

How do I find motivation to come for a dental visit?

Think of how good it would feel to have peace of mind knowing that your oral health is in order. Keep the long term goal in mind. Yes, the reality of coming to see us may be a little scary, but once you arrive at the practice, we will do our absolute best to make you feel comfortable, welcomed and accepted.

 

What will happen at the first dental visit?

You are in charge of this! We are very understanding and empathetic of the anxiety that may accompany a first dental visit. If you prefer more of a meet and greet, we can just show you around the practice, have a chat and book you in again for treatment.

If you feel more confident and would like to get as much done as possible, then, we can get started right away.

It’s important to give the front desk an idea of how you feel and what you wish to have happen at the initial visit. We treat every patient as unique individual and cater the appointment session, accordingly.

 

How much will the first visit cost?

There are two options for a first visit:

1. $68 – you can discuss one single problem with a dentist and get some advice (no treatment included in this fee)
2. $195 – comprehensive dental examination including:

-oral cancer screening

-unlimited x-rays, as required

-photos of your teeth, gums, cosmetic concerns

-written treatment plan, with all treatment suggestions and costs outlined

-dental examination

-gum health analysis

 

 

OK, IM READY TO BOOK IN

What is a New Year’s Resolution?

“New Year’s Resolution is a tradition, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behaviour, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of a new year.”

What are some of the popular New Year’s Resolutions?

As we approach the start of 2021, many of us will be thinking of how we can improve ourselves and what we can achieve in the next year;

• exercise more
• eat a more balanced diet
• quit smoking
• drink less alcohol
• drink more water
• learn something new
• travel
• save money
• cut unnecessary expenses

All these are great way to improve your overall health and quality of life in the coming year.

What is the best New Year’s Resolution for my dental health:

Say “NO” to sugary drinks. Often under the radar, the sugar content in many of our drinks can easily be in excess of 10 teaspoons per beverage! By cutting down on these, not only will you be living and enjoying a healthier lifestyle, but you will also be protecting your teeth and overall oral health.

 

5 TOP WAYS of dumping sugary drinks from your diet for GOOD:

1. Make a list of all drinks you consume and check whether they contain sugar (you may be very surprised!)
2. Instead of just quitting, find a sugar free alternative to replace the sugary ones – eg: find a herbal tea you love to replace the bottled juices
3. Plan ahead – grab a drink bottle filled with water or a thermos with tea, ready to go with you, so you are not seduced by the colourful bottled sugary drink labels at the local shops
4. Failing is OK!! Don’t beat yourself up, if you slip and go back to old habits. After all, habits take time to change.
5. Honour yourself daily – remember the goal. You are choosing long term dental health over short term sugar hits

 

If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist and need some inspiration to settle your nerves, listen to what our happy patients have to say. Watch testimonials now.

 

YES! I want better dental health in 2021, BOOK ME IN FOR A CHECK UP