Is it safe to have dental treatment when pregnant?

It’s extremely important to make sure you don’t have any infections or disease relating to your teeth and gums during pregnancy. Dental appointments during pregnancy can either be check-ups or actual treatment. Check-ups are very safe and an excellent idea, to have during your pregnancy. If you are experiencing pain already, it’s much better to have the problem resolved, instead of taking pain killers and antibiotics. Leaving tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health problems untreated can be harmful to you and your baby.

Does being pregnant put me at a higher risk of dental disease?

Many changes occur during pregnancy and yes, the risk of having dental problems increase.

Most common problems are

• Hormones levels change during pregnancy and this can cause bleeding gums – a condition called gingivitis
• Mouth ulcers can become more frequent
• Pregnancy epulis – a lump on the gum can form during pregnancy
• Vomiting can lead to higher exposure of teeth to acid, leading to sensitivity and/or pain
• Increased sugar cravings can lead to more cavities
• Less time for proper oral care can leave your mouth health neglected

 

Corio Central Dental will often recommend making several dental appointments during pregnancy, so we can check the condition of your teeth and gums, recommend adjustments to your oral care routine or carry out any treatments needed. We are very proud to have an all female team and will do our very best to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

What should I do before getting pregnant?

Ensuring that you are free of dental disease is very important before becoming pregnant. Corio Central Dental recommends that you have a comprehensive examination and manage any urgent conditions, to prevent pain and infection in the next 12mths. Something as simple as an impacted wisdom tooth, which has never bothered you in the the past, may flare up during pregnancy and can cause a serious facial swelling. Preventing this is much better than managing the pain later.

Can I have dental x-rays during pregnancy?

If you are already experiencing pain and need urgent dental treatment to be done, x-rays be  unavoidable. The level of radiation is minimal and equivalent to about 20mins out in the sunshine. However, if you are just having a routine check- up, Corio Central Dental may suggest waiting until the end of your pregnancy to have the x-rays taken.

Is dental anaesthetic safe during pregnancy?

Most dental anaesthetics are safe during pregnancy. If you are in pain and needing urgent dental care, it is a good idea to ensure that you are numb enough and do not feel pain during the appointment. If you feel comfortable during the appointment, your body and your baby will be under much less stress. There are some anaesthetics which are not safe to use during pregnancy, so ensure you always make it clear to the dentist, that you are expecting.

Can I get a tooth pulled when pregnant?

Yes, it is possible to perform most dental treatments, like root canal treatment, extractions and fillings during pregnancy. Experiencing pain and infection for a long period of time is more detrimental to your and your baby’s health, then having a dental procedure which will help to eliminate the pain and infection.

Does a root canal affect pregnancy?

Root canal treatment may be necessary to save a very decayed tooth from being extracted. Root canal treatment can stop the pain right away, by removing the infected tissue. This time of treatment can be performed during pregnancy.

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How much?

One of the most commonly asked questions we hear from patients at Corio Central Dental is; How much will my treatment cost?It’s a question that we always try to answer, before starting any dental treatment and offer as many treatment options as possible, in various price ranges. We hope you find the following insights about dental insurance helpful.

 

What are Item Codes?

Any work done by a dentist has an item code (numeric description of the treatment). This is 3 digits long for example: 011, 022, 521. Some standard dental treatments such as; a root canal treatment, usually have multiple item codes, for a single appointment.

 

What are dental rebates?

When a patient has private dental insurance, the insurance company for example BUPA, HCF, GMHBA, Australian Unity etc, will refund a certain amount of money, for each item code. This refund is called a rebate. The rebate amount depends on the level of cover. That means – the more you pay per month, the more you get back. A large number of patients believe that they should receive far more, than they will actually receive. Insurance advertising is a very interesting this!! We come across this on a daily basis at, Corio Central Dental. Patients, please read the fine print of your private insurance contract and know what you are being covered for.

At, Corio Central Dental, we are able to provide you with a quote for your dental insurance rebate amount. A treatment plan (complete list of all the item codes, created by a dentist) is needed for this. Quote can be arranged at Corio Central Dental reception, NOT over the phone. We will need your private health insurance card on the day.

How to decide if it’s worth getting private dental insurance:

-how much will your total dental treatment cost?

-how much will you pay for dental insurance?

-how much $ will you get back?

It may be helpful to calculate this for a 12mth period.

 

Example case scenario:

Total treatment plan is $5,799, to be done over 12mths

Total cost of insurance ($100 p/m) = $1,200 over 12mths

Total rebate expected $1,450 within 12mths (most insurance policies have a limit rebate for each 3/6/12 mth period, please study the fine print!)

So, it would be up to you, to decide, whether it’s worth paying $1,200 to receive $1,450.

The actual benefit would be a mere $250 over a 12mth period, in this example. (Even though the insurance companies may make it sound a lot better.)

Hopefully, It’s now clear to understand why it is very difficult for our phone staff to give a patient an idea of how much “out of pocket” cost they would be required to pay, before we have a chance to carry out a consultation.

If you don’t currently have insurance and are considering signing up, it’s a great idea to have a dental treatment plan made, so that you can make an informed decision, about your rebate potential. Dental treatment plan will also help when choosing the best level of cover, in your situation.

 

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Feeling anxious about booking in to see a dentist? Meet our friendly female dentists. 

 

 

 

 

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the very last molar teeth to come out. This happens at around age 18-21. People usually have 4 wisdom teeth in total, but some people have less or none at all. In a modern day world, where we eat processed foods, which come from packets, humans no longer need as many teeth as our ancestors did, and so the wisdom teeth Geelong commonly do not fit in the jaw. They get “stuck” during their development and this is called an impacted wisdom tooth. 

7 Reasons To Remove Wisdom Teeth Geelong:

1. Decayed and rotten – they must be removed to prevent infection
2. Infected – they must be removed t prevent re-infection
3. Impaction – if they are growing on an irregular angle, they must be removed
4. Ulcerating cheek – if they are cutting into the cheek and causing ulcers
5. Bad breath (Halitosis) – impacted or decayed wisdom teeth can be a source of halitosis
6. Orthodontics – if there is insufficient space in the mouth, some orthodontists will suggest to have the wisdom teeth removed
7. Poor Oral Hygiene – some wisdom teeth may be very hard to keep clean, due to their location in the mouth and to prevent surrounding teeth getting rotten, the wisdom teeth need to be removed

Is Getting Wisdom Teeth Geelong Removed Painful?

At Corio Central Dental, we are well equipped for removal of wisdom teeth safely and comfortably. Patients who are very nervous may prefer to go to sleep to get the wisdom teeth removed. We offer wisdom teeth removal under general anaesthesia at St.John of God Hospital, in Geelong. Recovery and pain levels after the surgery depend on the following factors:

1. Position of the wisdom tooth – some teeth are easy to remove and others are more tricky. At Corio Central Dental, we will always let you know what to expect after your wisdom teeth removal procedure.
2. Age of patient – it is ideal to have wisdom teeth removed before age 30. This makes the procedure much easier to tolerate. As we get older, bone becomes more dense and recovery may be longer.
3. Medication – at Corio Central Dental, we will always prescribe the correct medication following the removal of wisdom teeth Geelong. Patients who are compliant with taking the medication correctly, recover comfortably. Failure to take the given tables may result in difficult recovery.

First step is to get an assessment, and this can be done during a short consultation appointment at Corio Central Dental.

 

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What are dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies can be classified as a severely broken tooth, a painful tooth, trauma to the face and teeth, sports related dental injury, toothache, facial swelling, gum swelling, tooth access or a loose tooth. Some severe dental infections, left untreated, can also lead to limited mouth opening which could potentially compromised breathing and be a life threatening situation! Corio Central Dental is a dentist Geelong are here to help.

 

Dentist Geelong shares 5 Easy Ways to Prevent a Dental Emergency:

1. Book yourself in for a check up when NOTHING HURTS! This is the easiest dentist Geelong appointment you will ever have and this simple action can save you thousands of dollars as well as painful, sleepless nights up with a toothache.
2. Fix problems early on! This may sound very simple, but majority of people do not make general / basic dental treatment a priority. Items such as holidays, new cars, new TVs, new clothes and general lifestyle expenses seem to always creep up to the top of the list, ahead of basic dental needs. Getting that small fixing fixed early on is much cheaper and less traumatic than a big facial swelling followed by a root canal treatment.
3. Get a mouthguard. If you play any type of impact sports, you are a higher risk of having a dental emergency. Broken front teeth are very common from all types of sports. Making a customised mouthguard at a dentist, NOT a boiling water mould type from the chemist can save you thousands of dollars in dental emergency bills. Corio Central Dental can make you one for only $185.
4. Make an appointment to the dentist Geelong. It is surprising how many people will go to a doctor for a toothache. Doctors are not able to fix teeth, they can only prescribe pain killers or antibiotics, both of which will TEMPORARILY make you feel better, but the tooth will still need fixing in the end. Putting off a dental appointment will only make the dental emergency more likely and more severe.
5. Last but not least, schedule your 6 Month review check ahead. Treat it as routine car maintenance, to ensure a car operating smoothly, it needs routine maintenance. To ensure good dental condition and prevent a dental emergency, 6 Monthly check upas are essential.

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We are a private dental practice and fees are payable on the day. If you have a health care card, please contact DHSV for an appointment.

What Is a Toothache Geelong?

A toothache is a severe painful experience associated with one, or a number of teeth. It may feel like that side of the mouth or face is painful. In severe cases, a toothache Geelong can feel like it spreads to the jaw joint, ear and even head. Patients can even report having headaches, nausea and even fever from a toothache.

 

7 Most Common Reasons for a Toothache:

1. Dental decay – cavities or holes in teeth eventually cause a toothache
2. Impacted wisdom teeth – patients may or may not know that they have wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth can lay dormant and one day cause a severe toothache
3. Infection – decayed teeth which have been left untreated can eventually cause dental infection, which presents as a toothache
4. Grinding – some patients tend to clench and/or grind their teeth during the day or night. The muscles around the jaw eventually get very stressed and may feel like a toothache
5. Inflammation of the gums – gum diseases such as periodontal disease may feel like a toothache at some point
6. Dental nerve – teeth have nerves in the middle. Large dental cavities (rotten teeth) can cause the nerve to get infected and this feels like a severe toothache
7. Leaking fillings – old fillings eventually break down and need replacement. One of the signs of this may be a toothache

How To Fix a Toothache:

1. See a dentist immediately!
2. If you did not notice #1 – SEE A DENTIST IMMEDIATELY!! Some of the more common behaviours patients often choose when they have a toothache are;

• waiting until the toothache goes away
• see a GP and get a script for pain killers
• see a GP and get a script for antibiotics
• rinse mouth with salt water/coconut oil/antibacterial mouthwash/special magic potion etc
• pray that the toothache goes away
• call a friend and ask what to do
• go to a pharmacy and buy magical toothache potion

While all of the above actions may help to alleviate the pain temporarily, NONE of them will address the actual reason for the toothache. It is absolutely essential to find the CAUSE of the toothache and fix that cause once and for all. Only dentists are able to appropriately assess the problem and make a diagnosis. At Corio Central Dental, once a diagnosis is made, you will be given options on how to manage this cause of toothache. Please don’t delay, toothaches need to be managed to prevent more serious, sometimes even life threatening situations.

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We are a private dental practice and fees are payable on the day. If you have a health care card, you can contact DHSV for dental treatment.

Your Smile Relates to Your Self-Confidence!

Our smile is one of the first things others will notice. It’s also important to our self confidence. Teeth which are missing, crooked, broken, discoloured, chipped or decayed can cause a lot of embarrassment and grief to patients. Patients often mention that they would like to improve their smile. “The smile” usually implies front teeth. Cosmetic dental treatment Geelong can often be less expensive and more achievable than patients tend to believe.

Am I too old for cosmetic dental treatment?

There is also no age restriction. A mature patient can often achieve a great smile enhancement, without any braces or retainers. Cosmetic dentistry can be very fast and effective for anyone.

5 Ways To Improve Your Smile on a Budget!

1. Dental Check-Up – if you always thought that getting your teeth to look better needs a 3 year Orthodontics treatment which would set you back by at least $6,000, you may be VERY surprised at how many other options exist! The best place to start is to book a consultation and just allow a dentist to understand what your concerns about your teeth are and offer some options. At Corio Central Dental, we are very creative and think outside the box on cosmetic dental treatment Geelong.
2. Porcelain Veneers – they are amazing and can truly create that Hollywood smile. The best thing is that, at Corio Central Dental, you can get them done today and have 12Mths Interest Free Period to pay them off.
3. Composite Veneers – similar to porcelain veneers, but made from a different dental material which allows them to be a lot less expensive.
4. Whitening – lightening up the colour of your teeth can do wonders for your smile! At Corio Central Dental, we offer two options – take home pack or in office whitening. Both work really well.
5. Minor Cosmetic Adjustment – some smiles can easily be enhanced by changing a few discoloured fillings or just removing some deep cracks or stains. This is a very personalised service as no two smiles are the same. Please book in to discover how we can enhance your smile in a simple, noninvasive way.

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Your Child’s Dental Appointment

Many parents worry and stress about how their children’s dental appointment will go. Whether it’s just a check-up or a booking for dental treatment – the idea can be daunting. Will my child feel comfortable? Will the dentist be nice? Will it hurt? Will there be needles? And the list goes on.

7 Ways for your Children’s Dental Appointment to be Comfortable

1. Kids are not naturally scared of the dentist – they often pick up the fears their parents have and become scared of the dentist. Parents – please do not project your fears onto your children!
2. First dental appointment for a young child – there is no need to talk about needles, teeth being pulled out etc. We are always amazed how horrifying some “prep talks” can be and just how terrified the child comes in for a simple check-up kid’s dental appointment.
3. DO NOT create an association between dentist and doctor. Many kids have a bad experience at a doctor/hospital. It’s far better to just have simple dental check-up and let your child explore the environment and understand how the children’s dental appointment works.
4. Write down questions – Your child may be curious or anxious about the upcoming appointment. Sit down with them and make a list of all the reasons why they feel apprehensive. We can start with this list at your first visit to Corio Central Dental. The best way to make any patient feel comfortable is to address all the reasons for fear and anxiety. Kids dental appointment is no different.
5. Taking the time – At Corio Central Dental, we take the time to care. Our practice and every team member within the practice, is very aware of dental phobia.  We first meet and allow the child to feel comfortable in the room. We can try a very simple procedure on the day or at the next appointment, to gain trust.
6. Child not coping – if your child has already had a negative dental experience in the past and requires a lot of work, we can arrange for sleep dentistry.
7. Paw therapy – last but not least, if your child likes dogs, why not make a dental appointment booking during our dog therapy session? The adorable Delta therapy dog is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Which dentist will my child meet ?

Meet our female dentists!

Best Thing to Say Before a First Kid’s Dental Appointment:

“We are going to meet a new friend today, who will have a look inside your mouth and maybe take some pictures of your teeth” This is sufficient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THERAPY DOG AT CORIO CENTRAL DENTAL

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Travelling Overseas For Dental Work?

Travelling outside of Australia, to less developed countries to have teeth fixed is becoming a popular choice for patients. The cost of treatment is the biggest factor behind this trend. Each week, here at Corio Central Dental, we see a number of patients who experience financial hardship in their lives and see ‘dental tourism’ as an option. Yes, it can be cheaper to get teeth fixed overseas, but we suggest for patients to consider “all costs”.

5 Hidden Problems with Dental Tourism

Some of the biggest issues with getting complex dental work done while on holidays overseas, in less developed countries, are:

1. Patients usually have limited time available in the chosen country, and therefore, local dentist may need to speed up treatment or “shrink” appointments to fit everything in. Many dental treatments have negative side effects when done in a hurry.
2. Local dentist has minimal or no previous dental records and history of the particular tooth and may carry out dental treatment which would not be indicated, in the presence of good dental records.
3. No follow up appointments, invasive dental treatment procedures are at risk of infection.
4. Materials, equipment and infection control practices may be at a much lower standard, making the dental treatment procedure a high risk one, to your health.
5. Who is responsible for further dental treatment if things go wrong, once the holiday is over? Dental tourism can end up being far more costly OVERALL, if inadequate work needs to be “fixed up” afterwards.

At Corio Central Dental, we have treated quite a number of patients who had dental treatment done overseas. A few were to a satisfactory standard, and less expensive than the Australian standard fees. However, the vast majority are below the standards we have here, in Australia. We have had to deal with many problems of dental treatment that failed, and this repair/re-treatment ended up costing the patient much more, than the original treatment would have been, to start with. Not to mention the time, discomfort, pain and biological tooth cost.

If you experience financial difficulty, and in need of complex dental treatment, please consider an Interest Free Payment Plan, as a first option, not travelling overseas.

 

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AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION TALKS ABOUT DENTAL TOURISM