FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental services at Pacific Smiles Dental Centres are provided by independent and employee Practitioners who determine their own fees based on the needs of each patient.

Please note that for appointments on Sundays and Public Holidays, your dentist may apply an additional surcharge of 15% for some treatments.

Pacific Smiles Dental has relationships with all of the major health funds which allows private health insurance patients with extras or ancillary cover to gain benefits. Pacific Smiles Dental recommends that patients check with their health funds as to what benefits they are entitled to prior to making an appointment.

X-rays allow the dentist to detect problems in areas not visible during visual examination, for example a cavity under an existing filling.

Pacific Smiles Dental Centres have a few different ways to make your dental treatment more relaxing. Options such as happy gas or laughing gas are available at most centres. Your dentist can discuss all available options with you.

Amalgam is a metal alloy including silver, small amounts of mercury and other metals. Composite is a plastic resin based material. There are many factors to consider when selecting the filling material. Your dentist can discuss with you the most appropriate material for your individual situation.

The main benefit of cleaning is healthier gums. During the clean, your dentist will remove most of the surface stains on the teeth, such as cigarette stains. However, the internal colour of teeth would not be changed. You should consider tooth whitening procedures if you want further improvements.

Fluoride strengthens the tooth surface and makes teeth less prone to cavities, especially when applied within 2 years following tooth eruption. Fluoride is a major part of modern preventive dentistry.

We brush our teeth to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy. A soft toothbrush works just as well when compared to hard toothbrushes, and without the danger of scrubbing away the surface of the teeth.

All of the dentists practising from Pacific Smiles Dental Centres are fully qualified and registered with the Dental Board of Australia, and are able to assist you with your general dental needs. Many have extensive experience in private practice with some having completed post graduate studies in specific areas of interest.

Participating Dentists offer an interest free payment plan for treatments with an out-of-pocket cost over $1000. For more information contact your local dental centre or click here.

The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights describes the rights of patients and other people using the Australian health system. These rights are essential to make sure that, wherever and whenever care is provided, it is of high quality and is safe. Patients need to feel absolutely safe and secure when they visit the dentist. All of our Centres are compliant with Australian infection control legislation and regulations. Our Centres feature the latest sterilisers and associated equipment for cleaning and processing reusable instruments, and we have strict protocols both in the surgeries and throughout the whole Centre with respect to infection control practices. Download the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights.

When you experience significant dental pain, or any structural damage to your teeth, you should see your dentist sooner rather than later. Examples of issues that may require an emergency dental appointment include: • Pain in your teeth or gums • Tooth infections or abscesses • A chipped or broken tooth • A tooth being knocked out • Denture repairs • Lost crowns or fillings • Sports injuries More information for your dental emergency

If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact the Pacific Smiles Dental centre where your appointment is scheduled for as soon as possible.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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