As the year comes to a close, our team at Gentle and Caring Dentistry in Maroubra want to remind you that you may have a free appointment still waiting to be used.

Do you have private health insurance? Health insurance is often considered an expensive but necessary part of life. With the latest changes in private health insurance rebates and rising premiums, costs are unfortunately destined to climb.

If you have only visited the dentist once this year and you have private health insurance that covers general dental, there is a good chance you’ve still got a second free check-up that only has until the end of the year to be used!

How regular dental check-ups can help you

Booking appointments for regular dental check-ups is a fundamental step towards keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Your gums are the key foundations of your smile and often times they can get neglected during regular cleaning routines. By visiting the dentist twice a year, we are able to keep your teeth, gums and overall smile healthy and shining bright for years to come.

What type of treatments can be covered?

The type of treatments you are eligible for depends on the particular health insurance provider and level of cover you have nominated. Most commonly, health insurance will provide you with a regular check-up biannually that will most likely include a scale and clean.

Your general check-up will assess the following conditions:

• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Tooth wear/erosion
• Cracked or damaged teeth
• Discolouration
• Oral cancer

Other treatments that you may be covered by your health insurance could include one or more of the following:

Fillings

Here at Gentle and Caring, we provide patients with the option of inconspicuous white fillings to protect teeth from decay. Colour matched to suit your natural teeth, this type of filling is made from strong, durable materials that are designed to blend in with your smile.

Treatment of oral diseases

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), there are two main forms of oral diseases:

1. Dental caries (tooth decay)

Dental caries are caused by acid-producing bacteria that live in the mouth. Tooth decay generally caused by sugar consumption and poor hygiene habits progresses from demineralisation of the tooth or its root to infection of the tooth pulp, abscess formation, fracture of the tooth, and tooth loss.

2. Periodontal (gum) diseases

Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the gums, deeper connective tissues and the jaw bone. These cause swelling of the periodontal tissue and are known to lead to gum recession or formation of periodontal pockets in the gums. A common outcome is lack of support for the tooth resulting in wobbly teeth, formation of gum abscesses and tooth loss.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is often necessary when the tooth’s nerves in the root of the tooth become infected. Known as the pulp of the tooth, these nerves help the tooth to develop and grow but once they have become infected, the pulp can be responsible for tooth sensitivity and cause infection if left untreated.

We focus on providing exceptional service with a gentle touch for our patients. Dr Irani takes great pride in her work; you can have peace of mind for all work done in her hands.

For more information on your specific health care provider and your associated cover, contact your provider. To find out more about what you can expect for your general dental appointment or to book an appointment, contact our team at Gentle and Caring Dentistry in Maroubra today.