Dental FAQs

Why do I need a consultation appointment?

During your consultation we will assess your teeth, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth and discuss your treatment objectives to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

It is essential that you have this consultation to help ensure that our team has a good understanding of your teeth and the appropriate treatment. Our consultation appointment also gives us an opportunity to meet our patients at Thornton Dental. We pride ourselves on developing a good relationship with our patients.

We are open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Call us on (02) 4966 2966 or visit us at 9/1 Taylor Avenue in Thornton.

Learn more about dental checkups here

What is dental decay?

Dental decay, or caries, is a common disease that causes cavities and discoloration of both permanent and “baby” teeth. Acid created by the bacteria corrodes the tooth enamel. The dental pulp is exposed and the affected tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold food.

If the decay progresses, the tooth becomes weaker, pain intensifies, and you may lose your tooth.

In case of a toothache, make sure that there is no food debris stuck in the aching area. Brush and floss gently. Take OTC painkillers and see your dentist right away.

We have a same day emergency appointment available. Learn more about toothache here

What payment options are available?

We accept cash or we have on site EFTPOS and Credit Card facilities.

If you have Private Health Insurance, we have the facilities to process your claims on the spot at the time of your appointment so that you are only required to process the GAP payment.

For more expensive treatments or treatments in which you are required to attend multiple appointments, we are happy to set up an instalment plan with you on request.

We also have the National Dental Plan available. It offers up to $9000 worth of coverage for each patient. Learn more about NDP here

For more information, about payment plans contact us today!

What are you children’s dentistry services?

Our children’s dentistry services are varied but our services are focused on preventative dentistry. We want to create a strong foundation for children’s oral health journey. We teach children how to care for their teeth and the importance of having good oral health. Our children’s dentistry services foster habit correction and formation.

Below are our children’s dentistry services:

  • Dental checkup
  • Dental scale and clean
  • Oral hygiene instructions
  • Dental sealants
  • Mouthguards and splints
  • Orthodontics
  • Dental emergency

We support the CDBS giving children up to $1000 worth of dental coverage.

What are the dental services covered by CDBS?

The CDBS or the Child Dental Benefits Schedule is an Australian government initiated program through Medicare, which provides up to $1000 worth of dental coverage spread over two calendar years.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule covers essential dental treatments such as:

  • Dental checkups
  • Dental cleaning
  • X-rays
  • Fissure sealing
  • Tooth fillings
  • Tooth extractions
  • Root canal treatments

The CBDS has some limitations. It doesn’t cover the following:

  • Orthodontics
  • Cosmetic surgery
  • Services given in a hospital

To qualify, children must be:

  • Age (2-17 years old)
  • Member of Medicare (as your dependent)
  • Family receives financial assistance funded by the Australian government

Eligible children should receive a letter from Medicare confirming eligibility.

What is Veteran’s Care?

Veteran’s Care is the inclusion of dental services to veterans, widows/widower of veterans, and dependents. DVA cardholders enjoy dental services paid for by the DVA.

There are different types of DVA cards. Each type of card has a different coverage and limitations.

The limitation depends on your clinical requirements. Other dental services have a time limit, such as periodic dental examinations and professional teeth cleaning, which are controlled to one every 6 months. Time limitations can be exceeded, especially if your dentist suggests it, but this needs approval from DVA.

To learn more about DVA health cards, click here

To learn more about Veteran’s care in our office, click here

What are your dental emergency services?

If you find yourself in extreme pain or experience a sudden change in your mouth or jaw, it probably constitutes a dental emergency. The important thing to do if you find yourself in a dental emergency is to stay composed and contact the Thornton Dental team as soon as possible.

Our dental emergency services include but are not limited to:

  • Broken Dentures
  • Broken Tooth
  • Children’s Dental Emergencies
  • Dental Abscess
  • Knocked-Out Teeth
  • Lost Dental Crown or Inlays/Onlays
  • Lost Tooth Fillings
  • Soft Tissue Injuries in the Mouth
  • Toothache

We have a same day emergency appointment available.

Why are your prices lower than other dentist’s? Will my treatment be compromised in any way?

Here at Thornton Dental we offer quality dental treatments at an affordable price. We understand how difficult it can be to afford dental work, which is why we work to produce cost effective prices for our patients.

Our lower prices are not a reflection of the quality of work or products we use. Our team of highly trained professionals along with our use of local dental laboratories are able to provide services at a lower cost to fit our patient’s budgets. We are advocates of affordable quality dentistry.

We also offer payment plans that can help you pay for your dental treatments. National Dental Plan is available in the office as well as Veteran’s Care.

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