We now participate in Westfund’s Provider of Choice dental network. Westfund members can benefit from no out of pocket costs on selected preventative dental services*, up to their annual limit. Just let reception know when you arrive for your appointment.

*Westfund members on Extras only or Combined Hospital and Extras policies are completely covered for selected preventative dental services, including check-ups, scales, cleans, x-ray, mouth guard and fluoride treatments, waiting periods may apply.

The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital. On 15 December 2016, the previous Minister for Health announced changes to the benefits cap entitlement commencing 1 January 2017 (including changing the benefits cap to $700). On 8 February 2017, the Minister for Health and Minister for Sport, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, announced that the benefit cap entitlement under the CDBS will be reinstated to $1,000. All eligible children will continue to have access to a benefit cap of $1,000 over a two calendar year period. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment. Families can check whether their child is eligible for the CDBS by contacting the Department of Human Services. General information about the program can also be found on the Department of Human Services website.

So I decided to finally get Zoom In office whitening on myself and to my surprise it was not as painful as others described. I did feel some sensitivity that night and the following day; sharp stinging that lasts for 5 seconds every hour or so, but it was not too bad at all. I think it was definitely worth the effort. Now the tough part is avoiding as much coloured food and drink as possible. Get your Zoom Whitening done before your next special occasion.

Claremont Meadows Dental Surgery is proud to announce we are now Nib First Choice Providers. Which means members of Nib, Qantas Assure and APIA health funds who have eligible cover for dentistry have even more benefits at our clinic.

Program information for families

The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital. On 15 December 2016, the Minister for Health announced changes to the benefits cap entitlement commencing 1 January 2017. Children commencing a new cap period in 2017 will have access to a benefit cap of up to $700 over a two calendar year period. Children who commenced a cap period in 2016 will continue to access the remainder of a benefit cap of up to $1,000 until 31 December 2017, provided the child is eligible for the CDBS in 2017. The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A or a relevant Australian Government payment. Families can check whether their child is eligible for the CDBS by contacting the Department of Human Services. General information about the program can also be found on the Department of Human Services website.

Dental Implants are a great way to replace missing teeth of fill unsightly spaces. We can fill spaces as small as 7 mm in width. Smaller spaces may be better served by a bonded bridge.

The prospect of having dental surgery seems scary to many, but most patients find the process quite easy. There are two stages; Implant Insertion and then Crown Placement.

The dentist will assess the whole mouth for general dental health, then if the oral cavity is healthy and the patient is in good health then we can proceed with Implant Treatment.

Once the treatment planning has been done and informed consent obtained, the implant surgery appointment is made. The surgery takes about the same time as a tooth removal and will result in a similar level of discomfort afterwards. Usually we like to wait 3 months before we load the implant with a ceramic crown.

Implants are fantastic in that they are the closest thing we have to natural teeth that we can offer patients. They are not susceptible to decay since it is made of metal and ceramic however you still can get gum disease around implants. This is called Peri-Implantitis, hence great oral hygiene by way of brushing twice daily and flossing nightly are required around all implants.

Call Claremont Meadows Dental on 02 9623 3434 to book your Dental Implant consultation

As a dentist I see it every day; a patient attends for the first time, complaining of a loose or wobbly tooth. Whilst this is completely normal part of development in children aged 6 to 13; when we see this in adults it points to something completely different -> Periodontal disease (also known as Perio, Periodontitis, Gum Disease or Pyorrhea)

When bacteria attaches itself to the tooth and travels toward the root of the tooth, it irritates the gums leading to swollen gums darker than the usual light pink and highly prone to bleeding. This is called gingivitis and is most noticeable as bleeding on brushing or eating hard foods. Gingivitis is reversible, as long as the tooth is cleaned well and kept clean for longer than 2 weeks, the gums will recover.

After a period of time the body amounts an immune response where your immune system attempts to destroy the bacteria in the mouth, however this is futile and the immune system just destroys the person’s own jaw bone and gums. Gradually you may see your teeth becoming longer as the root becomes more exposed and you will notice larger gaps between teeth. This is irreversible damage by your own immune system in response to the bacteria stimulus. If left untreated usually the disease process continues unchallenged leading to further bone loss and then wobbly teeth. The final stages of gum diease is loss of the affected teeth.

Gum Disease is serious because it is usually has no accompanying pain and hence many people who have the disease have no idea.

The 3 main risk factors for gum disease (Periodontal disease) is smoking, poor oral hygiene and uncontrolled diabetes. Most long term smokers will have some level of gum disease.

If you are concerned about gum disease or other oral condition, visit your dentist for a thorough check up!