Patient Hub
FAQs
Call the clinic and we'll answer it directly, or book a consultation and we'll go through it in person.
General questions
Will my dental treatment hurt?
We take a gentle approach to dental treatment and do our best to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. When local anaesthesia is needed, we first apply a topical numbing gel to the area and then give the injection carefully. This helps make the injection much more comfortable.
Do you use a numbing gel before giving an injection?
Yes. When appropriate, we apply a topical numbing gel before giving the local anaesthetic injection. This helps numb the surface of the gum first, so most patients feel little more than pressure when the injection is given.
Do you use painless injections?
We use techniques designed to make local anaesthetic injections as comfortable as possible, including topical numbing gel before the injection. No dental injection can honestly be guaranteed to be completely painless for every person, but our aim is to make the experience as comfortable as we reasonably can.
What if I am nervous or afraid of dental treatment?
That’s completely understandable. Please tell us when you book your appointment or when you arrive. We take the time to explain what we are going to do and allow you to ask questions before treatment begins. We don’t want you to feel rushed or uncertain about what is happening.
Do you use a rubber dam during dental treatment?
Yes, whenever it is appropriate and beneficial for the procedure. A rubber dam helps isolate the tooth being treated from saliva and moisture and keeps the working area cleaner and more controlled. It is particularly useful for procedures where maintaining a dry, isolated working area is important, such as many restorative and root canal procedures.
Why do you use a rubber dam?
A rubber dam separates the tooth being treated from the rest of the mouth. It helps us: Keep the treatment area dry Improve visibility and access Reduce contamination from saliva Provide better control during certain procedures Improve patient safety during procedures where small instruments or materials are being used We use it whenever the procedure calls for it.
How do you maintain hygiene and sterilization?
We follow strict infection-control and sterilization protocols. Reusable instruments are properly cleaned, packaged and sterilized between patients, while appropriate single-use items are discarded after use. Treatment areas are also cleaned and disinfected between appointments. There are no shortcuts when it comes to sterilization and infection control.
Do you use digital dentistry?
Yes. We use digital technology in diagnosis and treatment planning wherever it can improve accuracy, visualization or patient comfort. The technology we use depends on the treatment and the individual patient’s needs.
Do I need an appointment?
We recommend booking an appointment so we can give you adequate time and plan your visit properly. However, if you have a dental emergency such as severe pain, swelling or dental trauma, please contact us directly. We will try to accommodate urgent cases as soon as possible.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
If available, please bring: Any previous dental records or X-rays A list of medicines you currently take Information about any known allergies Relevant medical information If you have had previous dental treatment elsewhere, any information you have about it can also be helpful.
How long does the first visit take?
The time depends on why you’re visiting and what needs to be examined. A first consultation generally involves discussing your concerns, reviewing relevant medical and dental history, examining your teeth and gums, and discussing the findings and possible treatment options. If digital imaging is needed, this may also be done during the visit. We recommend allowing enough time so that you don’t feel rushed.
Will you explain my treatment options before starting?
Yes. We believe you should understand what we have found and why a particular treatment may be recommended. Where there are reasonable treatment options, we will explain them and discuss the advantages, limitations and expected process before treatment begins.
Do you treat children as well as adults?
Yes. We provide dental care for children as well as adults, from early dental visits and preventive care to treatment when needed. For children, we place particular importance on making the dental experience comfortable and positive.
Do you treat dental emergencies?
Yes. If you have severe tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth or dental trauma, contact us as soon as possible. We provide same-day emergency evaluation whenever we can, depending on availability and the nature of the problem.
Do you keep patient information and photographs private?
Yes. We respect patient privacy and confidentiality. We do not publish a patient’s name, photograph or identifiable treatment information on our website or social media without appropriate permission. When patient photographs are used for educational purposes, such as in a Patient Story, we obtain the patient’s consent before sharing them.
Will I be pushed into treatment I don’t need?
No. We believe treatment should be based on your dental needs, not on selling a particular procedure. We first examine the problem, explain what we find and discuss the available options. If a simpler or less invasive approach is appropriate, we will explain that as well. Our aim is to help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Do I have to get treatment immediately after my consultation?
Not necessarily. A consultation is an opportunity to understand your dental condition and discuss your options. Except in situations where delaying treatment could put your health or the tooth at significant risk, you should have the opportunity to understand the proposed treatment and make an informed decision. If you need time to think about your options, we can discuss the next steps with you.