Frequently Asked Questions
You've read about our services, but still have questions?
How do I get perfect teeth?
Why should I have my teeth cleaned at the dentist?
You brush and floss your teeth everyday right? So why have the dentist clean your teeth again?
Is it going to hurt?
It depends on your pain threshhold, and what treatment is done. We aim to make every patient comfortable and some people need a little more care than others. For those who are sensitive towards pain, we have these strategies:
Why does it cost so much?
Unfortunately without a health care card, the government does not subsidise dental care, which leaves patients to pay the bill. Most of the dental fees go to the dentist who does the treatments. Dentists are highly skilled individuals who have devoted much of their time to studying and performing the art and science of dentistry. The dentist's ability to save a tooth from being lost is what the fees are generally for. Healthy teeth require less treatment and so cost less to maintain.
Do you help people who are dental phobic?
Traumatic dental experiences in the past, especially as a child, can have lasting and powerful impacts. If you have experienced a particularly hard time at the dentist, it may be best to book in to see Dr Kim Davies for a consultation. Here we can talk about your situation and look at ways we can work together in caring for your dental needs. This may include consultations with a psychologist to help get past the fear. Sometimes even hypnosis can help.
How much is a filling?
Breaks can range from minor chipped enamel with no pain to catastrophic splits with toothache pain. Each is dealt with uniquely.
“How much is a filling?” is a very vague question that cannot be answered without understanding what exactly is to be done. More details on dental repairs can be found here.
Fillings can range from $150 (small hole) to $400 (if a post is required).
Do I need a filling?
Not every broken tooth needs to be filled. Sometimes it can be smoothed off by the dentist so your tongue can have a break. Other times there is a cavity where food gets trapped and these really should be filled to stop food and bacteria festering. How do you know the difference? Ask the dentist.
Check here to see if you can diagnose yourself.
https://www.bytesdental.com.au/feed/i-think-i-need-a-filling
But I brush everyday! Why do I have a hole?
Do you floss everyday? Plaque lives on the teeth and thrives in little nooks and crannies where the toothbrush cannot reach. Throw in regular sugar consumption and there we have the recipe for dental decay. If detected early by your dentist, there is a chance we can reverse the decay process with regular flossing and surface mineral applications like fluoride and calcium (Tooth Mousse). If there is a cavitated hole, then a small filling is always better than a large one. Regular checkups, with X-Rays can help nip these problems in the bud.
Why do my gums bleed?
Some people are prone to bleeding gums. If left untreated it can progress into gum disease (periodontitis). Your dentist will assess whether you have this disease with an examination and Xrays. You may be set up with a program of regular maintenance involving detailed teeth cleaning every 6 months. By removing the dental plaque that causes bleeding gums, the dentist is able to reduce the damaging impacts and bone loss cause by gum disease.
Do you do payment plans?
Yes we have a credit facility via TLC Payment Plans. If you are not suitable for finance we can offer a staged approach to your care. That is, we focus on the worst problems first, and get back to the other work later, when finances are better. If we can fill a tooth before it aches, the tooth may have a good chance of survival. If it is left until there is a toothache, the chances of saving the tooth deminish. Nip problems in the bud and get them fixed ASAP.
Do you have happy gas?
We have happy gas at the Ballina clinic.
Why do I get charged a consultation fee?
When the dentist discusses with you the details of your dental problem, the options for your treatment and the possible outcomes, there is a consultation. There is a fee for this.
How much does a bridge cost?
Prices as at 2019:
Afterpay dentist in Lismore and Ballina?
Yes we do afterpay. Simply sign up to Afterpay and become approved. You need to be approved with afterpay before the dental treatment is done.Then after your dental appointment, make your dental payment in 4 easy instalments fortnightly. There is no interest fee if you pay on time.