Ask it the way you’d say it.
Clear Answers ToCommon Questions.
From “What does holistic mean?” to snoring, sugar, white fillings and old silver ones. Each answer starts with the short version, then explains it in full, and each links to the guidance behind it.
44 questions
Holistic dentistry is dental care planned with the rest of your health in mind. At Absolute Dental, our general dentists ask about your sleep, breathing, food and preferred materials as well as your teeth, then explain your options before anything is decided. It’s a way of working, not a dental specialty: the Dental Board of Australia lists 13 specialties, and holistic dentistry isn’t one of them.
In practice, four topics come up often. You may be asked how you sleep, because snoring, a dry mouth on waking or worn teeth can be clues worth passing to your doctor. We talk about how often you eat and drink, since that shapes your risk of decay. You hear which filling or crown materials suit a tooth. And if an old silver filling has failed, or you’d like it replaced after hearing the pros and cons, we take it out with extra steps to limit vapour and particles.
The examinations, cleans and repairs are the everyday dentistry you’d expect from any general dentist. Holistic doesn’t mean we diagnose or treat conditions elsewhere in your body. If something sounds medical, we’ll say so and suggest you see your GP. You’re welcome to ask what any recommendation is based on.
None of the three is a dental specialty or a protected title, so each word means whatever the practice using it says it means. The Dental Board of Australia recognises 13 specialties, and holistic, biological and biomimetic dentistry aren’t among them. Ask any dentist who uses these words what they would actually do in your mouth, and why.
Here, “holistic” describes how we plan: we ask about your general health, sleep, food and materials before suggesting treatment, and we explain the limits of what dentistry can do. “Biomimetic” is commonly used for repairs meant to copy how a natural tooth is built while keeping as much of it as possible. “Biological” is used in several ways, so don’t assume it has a fixed meaning. Our care follows mainstream Australian guidance, and we name the materials and steps we’d use for your tooth.
Three questions help you judge any practice. What will you do, and why? What are the risks and the alternatives, including waiting? What will it cost, and what is extra? Ahpra’s advertising rules ask practices to back claims with acceptable evidence and to be clear about risk, so a promise that sounds too good is worth questioning.
Yes, if you’re comfortable sharing, and you can skip any question. Your medicines, sleep, eating habits and health conditions can all affect your teeth and gums, so they help your dentist plan your care and spot anything that calls for a different approach.
Here are some examples. Some medicines dry the mouth, and a dry mouth raises the risk of decay and bad breath because saliva washes bacteria away (ADA, teeth.org.au). Regular snacking changes how often your teeth meet acid. Grinding can show up as worn teeth. Pregnancy, diabetes and smoking can change how your gums behave. Knowing this lets us suggest choices that fit you, such as the materials for a repair, how often to come back, or whether to suggest a chat with your GP.
Answering commits you to no treatment. You can also tell us what you’d rather not discuss, and we’ll respect that. If something you mention sounds medical rather than dental, we’ll say so and point you to your doctor. If you’re in pain, tell our team when you phone so we can talk through availability.
We won’t promise that a dental change will cure tiredness, low mood, immune problems or an illness elsewhere in your body, and we don’t call any option risk-free. What we will do is explain what we find, your options with their risks and costs, and when something is a matter for your doctor.
That includes old silver fillings. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says replacing sound amalgam fillings hasn’t been shown to improve general health (ADA Policy 6.18, 2026), so we won’t suggest swapping them as a way to treat fatigue or any other condition. It includes sleep too: a doctor, not a dentist, makes the first diagnosis of sleep apnoea (ADA Policy 6.7), and a mouthpiece is one option after that diagnosis.
We also won’t promise a result, a date, a price outside a written quote, or a set health-fund gap, because those depend on your mouth, your insurer’s rules and what we find. If any practice’s promise sounds too good, ask what evidence sits behind it. A second opinion is a fair thing to want, and you’re free to ask us for one.
Your mouth can show signs of how you sleep, so a dentist is often one of the first to notice them. Teeth worn by grinding or a dry mouth on waking can prompt the question. Obstructive sleep apnoea, which a doctor diagnoses, often shows up as loud snoring, pauses in breathing or daytime sleepiness.
That’s why we ask: not to diagnose, but to decide whether to suggest you see your GP. If you’ve had a sleep study or a diagnosis, bring the report. After a diagnosis, some people are suited to an oral appliance, a custom mouthpiece worn at night and made by a dentist. A 2015 clinical practice guideline from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine supports oral appliances for snoring and for adults with sleep apnoea who can’t use CPAP.
The ADA says a dentist doesn’t make the first diagnosis, and that doctor and dentist work together (ADA Policy 6.7). We can’t promise an appliance will fix snoring or tiredness, and dental sleep medicine isn’t a recognised dental specialty. If you often wake unrefreshed, ask your GP about a sleep assessment.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Australian Dental Association. Policy Statement 6.7 – Use of Dental Appliances to Treat Sleep-Disordered Breathing (reviewed June 2025)
- Ramar K, et al. Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and snoring with oral appliance therapy: an update for 2015. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2015. PubMed 26094920
Not necessarily. Plenty of people snore without having sleep apnoea, and only a doctor can diagnose it. We can look at your teeth, jaw and mouth, ask about your sleep, and suggest a visit to your GP when the signs point that way.
Signs worth mentioning to a doctor include loud snoring, pauses in breathing that a partner notices, waking unrefreshed and sleepiness during the day (healthdirect, obstructive sleep apnoea). Tell us about those, and about a dry mouth on waking or teeth that look worn. Bring any sleep study results too, because they help us see the full picture.
If a doctor does diagnose snoring or mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, the ADA says an oral appliance can be a first-line option (ADA Policy 6.7). Doctor and dentist work as a team, and dental sleep medicine isn’t a recognised dental specialty. We can’t promise a mouthpiece will stop your snoring or lift your energy, and we won’t suggest one before the medical question is answered.
Sometimes, and only with your doctor involved. The ADA says an oral appliance is an option for snoring and for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, and for some people with severe sleep apnoea when CPAP doesn’t suit them (ADA Policy 6.7). Please don’t stop using your CPAP machine on your own.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure: a machine that keeps your airway open with air delivered through a mask. If yours is uncomfortable, tell your doctor first. Your doctor decides whether a mouthpiece is reasonable for your level of sleep apnoea, and then a dentist checks whether your teeth, gums and jaw joints suit one. Not everyone does. A night-time appliance also needs follow-up checks over time.
We can’t promise a mouthpiece will control your sleep apnoea, and your doctor decides how to check that it’s working. On cost, Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services (health.gov.au). Ask your fund which dental item a sleep appliance would be claimed under, and what your policy pays, before you start. The practice participates in HBF Members’ Plus and the nib First Choice Network for eligible practitioners and services, so check your cover and participating dentist before booking.
No. A grinding splint is a custom-made guard worn over your teeth to protect them from clenching and grinding. A snoring or sleep-apnoea mouthpiece has a different job: most are designed to hold the lower jaw slightly forward to help keep your airway open, and they follow a medical question about your sleep. The two can look alike, so ask which one you’re being offered and why.
A splint doesn’t cure grinding. It shields enamel from wear and can take pressure off sore jaw muscles. healthdirect lists stress management, a custom-made mouthguard and physiotherapy as options, and says not everyone who grinds needs treatment. A retainer is a third device: it holds teeth in place after braces or aligners.
People who grind in their sleep may be more likely to have other sleep disorders, so your dentist may suggest a check with your doctor. We can’t promise that any device will stop grinding or jaw pain. A dentist should examine you before any device is made, so please don’t rely on a guard bought without advice for ongoing grinding.
Grinding is often linked with stress, and it can happen in your sleep. Not everyone needs treatment. Options include stress management, a custom-made mouthguard (splint) and physiotherapy for sore jaw muscles, and your dentist will help you weigh them up.
You may not know you grind. A partner might hear it, or you might notice a sore jaw on waking, or your dentist might spot worn or chipped teeth during a check. If you’re aware of it, tell us when it happens: during the day, at night, or when you’re stressed or concentrating. That helps us choose between watching it and protecting your teeth.
People who grind in their sleep may be more likely to have other sleep disorders, so your dentist may suggest a check with your doctor, especially if you also snore or wake tired (healthdirect). A splint protects teeth but doesn’t remove the cause, and we can’t promise it will end grinding or jaw pain. If pain is severe or your jaw locks, phone us rather than waiting for your next check.
Bacteria cause most bad breath. They build up on the tongue, between teeth and along the gums, and more so when your mouth is dry, because saliva washes bacteria away. Morning breath is normal. If it lasts all day, have it checked.
Gum disease, decay and some throat, sinus or medical conditions can all contribute, so the fix depends on the cause. A dry mouth can come from breathing through the mouth, from some medicines and from not drinking enough. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and gently cleaning your tongue remove the bacteria that make the smell. Mints and mouthwash mask it for a short time but don’t remove the cause.
Tell your dentist if the problem is new, has lasted weeks, or comes with bleeding gums, a bad taste or a dry mouth. We’ll look for decay and gum disease, ask about medicines and mouth breathing, and say when it’s a question for your doctor. We can’t promise a single step will clear it, but the cause can usually be found.
A retainer is made by your dentist or orthodontist once braces or aligners finish. If yours goes missing, breaks or feels tight, contact us soon, because teeth can drift while it’s not in use. A retainer holds teeth in place, while a night guard protects them from grinding, so they’re different devices.
Retainers come as removable plastic ones and as thin wires bonded behind the teeth. Which suits you depends on your teeth, how you’ll care for it and what your dentist or orthodontist recommends. A 2023 Cochrane review rated the evidence on which type holds teeth most reliably as low to very low certainty, so ask what your plan is and how long to wear it.
Call us if you’ve lost a retainer or it no longer fits, and we’ll talk through what’s possible. We can’t give a fee here, because it depends on the type and the work involved. Ask for a written quote, and ask your health fund what it pays: Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services (health.gov.au), and one published extras statement shows a 12-month wait for orthodontic cover.
- Martin C, et al. Retention procedures for stabilising tooth position after treatment with orthodontic braces. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023. PubMed 37219527
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Australian Government, health.gov.au. What Medicare covers
- privatehealth.gov.au. One published extras policy statement (an example, not a current fund brochure)
They help hold teeth where treatment left them, provided you wear them as advised, since teeth tend to drift back without retention. A 2023 Cochrane review rated the evidence on which type holds teeth most reliably as low to very low certainty, so your dentist will recommend a retainer and a wearing schedule for you.
That low certainty doesn’t mean retainers don’t work. It means studies haven’t shown clearly whether fixed or removable retainers hold teeth better, so the choice rests on your teeth, your habits and your dentist’s judgement. A retainer you wear as advised usually beats a better one left in its case.
If you’ve finished braces or aligners, ask what to wear, when, and for how long. If your retainer is loose, cracked or lost, don’t wait: teeth can move in weeks without it. Bring the old one so we can see whether it can be repaired or must be replaced. We can’t promise your teeth will never move, because teeth change over life, and we can’t quote a fee without seeing your mouth.
How often you have sugar matters as much as how much. Plaque bacteria turn sugar into acid, which slowly damages enamel, so frequent sipping and snacking raise your risk. We look at your routine with you and suggest a few realistic changes. There’s no lecture.
A sweet drink sipped across the afternoon bathes your teeth in acid again and again, while the same drink with a meal gives them a single short exposure. Knowing your pattern lets us suggest small changes: keeping sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes, having water between meals, and choosing snacks that suit your day. We also ask about dry mouth, medicines and acidic drinks, which affect risk differently.
The World Health Organization’s 2015 guideline recommends keeping free sugars below 10 per cent of your daily energy intake, and says below 5 per cent would bring added benefit. Free sugars include sugar added to food and drink, and the sugar in honey, syrups and fruit juice. That’s guidance for populations, not a limit set for your mouth. We can’t tell you a safe amount without examining you, and we won’t ask you to follow a special diet.
The World Health Organization recommends keeping free sugars below 10 per cent of your daily energy intake, and says below 5 per cent would bring added benefit (WHO, 2015). Free sugars include the sugar in fruit juice, honey and syrups as well as added sugar, so juice counts. For your teeth, how often sugar or acid touches them matters as much as the total.
A glass of juice with lunch is a smaller problem for your teeth than the same glass sipped across the afternoon. Kombucha and other fermented or fizzy drinks can contain acid and sugar, so read the label and notice how often you drink them. Water is the drink to have between meals, and rinsing with water after an acidic drink helps.
Systematic review evidence that informed the WHO guideline links lower sugar intake with less decay (Moynihan and Kelly, 2014). No special diet protects teeth, and fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth and regular checks matter as well. We can’t give you a safe number without looking at your mouth, because risk also depends on your decay history, dry mouth and fluoride use. We’ll talk it through at your visit.
Yes, where it suits you. A Cochrane review supports fluoride toothpaste for preventing decay, and the NHMRC endorses community water fluoridation as safe and effective. Your dentist goes through the options, so the choice is yours to make with the facts.
The 2019 Cochrane review (Walsh and colleagues) found clear evidence that fluoride toothpaste prevents decay in children and adolescents, with more benefit from higher fluoride concentrations. The NHMRC’s 2017 public statement concludes that water fluoridation is a safe and effective way to help reduce tooth decay. Which toothpaste strength suits you, and what’s right for a young child, are questions for your dentist, because it depends on age and decay risk.
We don’t tell anyone to avoid fluoride. If you have a concern, say so, and we’ll go through the evidence and the alternatives with you. Fluoride isn’t a cure-all: what you eat and drink, how well you clean and how often you have check-ups all play a part. We can’t promise any single product will stop decay.
Pick soft bristles and a compact head that can reach your back teeth. A Cochrane review found powered brushes reduce plaque and gum inflammation more than manual ones, but how much that matters clinically is unclear. Brush gently for two minutes, morning and night, with fluoride toothpaste.
Both manual and powered brushes can do the job. A powered brush may suit you if you have limited dexterity, if you tend to scrub too hard, or if a timer would help you brush for the full two minutes. A manual brush is fine when you use it well. Change the brush when the bristles look splayed, since a worn brush cleans less well.
No brush replaces cleaning between your teeth, which a toothbrush can’t reach. Ask your dentist or hygienist to show you the technique and the tools that suit your mouth, such as interdental brushes or floss. We can’t name one brush that suits everyone, because the evidence doesn’t support it, and the right choice is the one you’ll use properly every day. Bring your current brush to a visit if you’d like it checked.
Plaque is the bacterial film that coats your teeth daily. If it’s left, it sets into calculus (tartar), and only a dental professional can take that off. Both irritate gums, and the bacteria in plaque turn sugar into the acid behind decay.
You can remove plaque yourself by brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth. Calculus is hardened plaque that brushing won’t shift, which is why a scale and clean at the dentist helps. It gives plaque more places to collect, so gums can become red, swollen and prone to bleeding. healthdirect ties plaque to gum disease, and says bleeding after brushing can be a sign of it.
How often you need a scale depends on your gums, your home care and how quickly deposits build up, so your dentist will advise you rather than set one schedule for everyone. If your gums bleed, your breath is persistently bad or your teeth feel rough near the gum, book a check. We can’t promise plaque never returns, because it forms every day, but regular cleaning keeps it manageable.
Most people who brush well and clean between their teeth can skip it. A chlorhexidine rinse reduces plaque for a limited time, though a Cochrane review found it can stain teeth and alter taste. Your dentist can say whether a rinse is worth it for you, which kind, and for how long.
A rinse works as an extra, not a substitute. It won’t fix bleeding gums on its own, because the bleeding usually comes from plaque along the gumline, and brushing and cleaning between your teeth remove that. Mouthwash can also mask bad breath for a short time without dealing with the cause (healthdirect). Rinses that contain alcohol can sting or dry the mouth, which matters if you already have a dry mouth.
A dentist may suggest a medicated rinse for a short time in particular situations. Ask what it’s for, how long to use it, and what the side effects are. We can’t promise a mouthwash will stop bleeding gums or bad breath. If either has lasted more than a couple of weeks, book a check so we can look for the cause.
Plaque along the gumline is the usual cause, and you shouldn’t brush less. healthdirect says bleeding after brushing could be a sign of gum disease, and that you still need to brush and clean between your teeth regularly to keep gums healthy.
Brush gently twice a day with a soft brush, and clean between your teeth. If plaque is the cause, gums usually settle within a couple of weeks of better cleaning. Pregnancy, some medicines, diabetes and smoking can add to bleeding. If it hasn’t eased in a couple of weeks, book a check, because a dentist or hygienist may need to remove hardened deposits that brushing can’t shift.
See a dentist or doctor if bleeding is frequent or heavy. healthdirect also lists a mouth sore lasting more than two weeks, swelling or numbness, fever, and difficulty swallowing or speaking as reasons to be seen. Trouble breathing or swallowing is a 000 call. A rinse or supplement isn’t a substitute for cleaning. We can’t promise bleeding will stop, but finding the cause is usually straightforward.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Bleeding gums and dental bleeding
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Gum disease
- Sanz M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: consensus report of the International Diabetes Federation and European Federation of Periodontology. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018. PubMed 29280174
Yes, they’re linked, which isn’t the same as one causing the other, and treating your gums doesn’t replace the care you get for either condition. healthdirect lists diabetes and heart disease among the health conditions linked with poor oral health.
For diabetes, a 2018 consensus report from the International Diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology found that treating gum disease may lower blood sugar a little: HbA1c fell by 0.27 to 0.48 percentage points three months after gum treatment, and longer-term results are unclear. That is a modest extra benefit alongside your diabetes care, not a cure or a replacement for it. For the heart, a 2020 consensus report on periodontitis and cardiovascular disease treats the evidence as an association, not proof that one causes the other.
If you have diabetes or heart disease, tell your dentist, because it can affect how your gums behave and which treatments suit you. Keep taking your medicines and keep your regular appointments with your doctor. Tell your GP if your gums bleed often. We’ll look after your teeth and gums, and we won’t suggest a dental visit will manage another condition. Any change to your medicines is a matter for the doctor who prescribed them.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Toothache and gum swelling
- Sanz M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases and diabetes: consensus report of the International Diabetes Federation and European Federation of Periodontology. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2018. PubMed 29280174
- Sanz M, et al. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: consensus report. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2020. PubMed 32011025
Pregnancy doesn’t cause poor dental health, but hormone changes, cravings and vomiting can raise your risk of gum trouble and enamel erosion. After vomiting, wait an hour before brushing and rinse with water or an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash. Dental treatment is safe in pregnancy, so tell your dentist you’re pregnant.
Gums can bleed more easily in pregnancy, so keep brushing gently twice a day and clean between your teeth. Cravings for sweet snacks or sipping acidic drinks raise the number of acid attacks on your teeth, so water between meals helps. The ADA says dental X-rays can be taken safely during pregnancy when needed to find a problem, and that dentists may cover your chest and belly with a lead apron (teeth.org.au).
Book a check if your gums bleed or you have a sore tooth. When you book, let us know that you’re pregnant, along with your medicines and health conditions. Teeth whitening isn’t recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding. Some treatments can wait until after the birth, and your dentist will tell you which. We can’t promise a problem-free pregnancy for your teeth, but early care helps.
Frequently. Composite resin, which matches your tooth colour, can restore many cavities. Ceramic handles inlays, onlays and crowns, and for selected cases we can make them in one visit with CEREC. Tell your dentist how long you need a repair to last, because in back teeth composite may wear out sooner than amalgam.
An inlay or onlay is a repair that fits inside or over part of a tooth when a filling would be too large. A crown covers the whole tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells for the front of a tooth: read what to expect and how to look after them, or see how we plan them with MiVeneer® 5D. CEREC is a chairside system that mills ceramic restorations in the practice, so selected cases don’t need a laboratory. A 2021 Cochrane review (Worthington and colleagues) compared composite with amalgam in permanent back teeth, which is why we ask how hard you use the tooth before suggesting a material.
Metal-free doesn’t mean maintenance-free, and every material has trade-offs in strength, wear, cost and how much tooth is removed. Tell us if you’ve reacted to a material before or prefer to avoid certain metals. Your dentist will explain which options suit the tooth. The choice is yours. We can’t promise a restoration will last for life, and we’ll give you costs before you decide.
Composite resin, glass ionomer and porcelain are the main tooth-coloured choices. The right one depends on the cavity’s size and position and on your bite, and it can differ from tooth to tooth. Your dentist can compare how each looks, how long it lasts, how much tooth it needs and what it costs.
Composite resin is bonded in layers and suits many small to medium cavities. Glass ionomer is sometimes used in places with lighter chewing load, such as near the gumline. Porcelain, made as an inlay, onlay or crown, is usually chosen when a tooth is heavily broken down or a filling would be large. A 2021 Cochrane review compared composite with amalgam in permanent back teeth, which is why composite may wear out sooner in heavily used back teeth.
On cost, CHOICE (March 2023) reports an ADA fee survey to 1 July 2022 in which a two-surface back-tooth filling (item 532) averaged $220, with a range of $171 to $305. That isn’t this clinic’s fee, and larger repairs cost more. Ask for an itemised written quote and ask your fund what it pays before you start.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Dental fillings
- Worthington HV, et al. Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021. PubMed 34387873
- CHOICE. Dental fees (reports the ADA fee survey to 1 July 2022; last updated 9 March 2023)
The ADA says bisphenol-A in dental materials is unlikely to be associated with adverse effects, and that there’s no evidence long-term exposure from them is harmful. Exposure is minute and mostly in the first 24 hours after placement. If you’ve reacted to a material before, tell us so it can guide the choice.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used to make some plastics. Some composite fillings can contain small traces of it or related compounds. The ADA amended its statement in October 2025 (ADA Policy 6.27). Preferring one material over another is your right, and we’ll respect it. We don’t call ordinary dental materials toxic, and we don’t suggest tooth-coloured fillings are better for your general health.
What matters is the right material for the tooth and for you. White fillings should be placed with the tooth kept clean and dry, and they need checking at your regular visits like any filling. If you’ve noticed a rash, swelling or sore mouth after previous dental work, tell your dentist before treatment starts. We can’t promise a filling will last for life, and we’ll explain the risks and alternatives first.
A crown can be good value when it protects a tooth that would otherwise break or fail, and poor value when a smaller repair would do. A crown can protect a tooth that’s cracked, broken or has had root canal treatment, and research shows a crown after root canal helps the tooth last longer. It isn’t always the first choice, though, because it means shaping the whole tooth.
healthdirect says a cracked tooth may need a crown, which isn’t the same as always. Ask what a smaller repair would involve, how much tooth each option removes, and what happens if you wait. Crowns can be made in one visit with CEREC in selected cases, or in a laboratory over two visits with a temporary crown in between. Neither is automatically better, and your dentist will say which suits the tooth.
On cost, CHOICE (March 2023) reports an ADA fee survey to 1 July 2022 in which a full veneered crown (item 615) averaged $1,678, with a range of about $1,250 to $2,100. That isn’t this clinic’s fee. A crown quote may leave out a root canal, a core build-up or a temporary crown, so ask for the full itemised cost. Payment plans such as Afterpay or humm may be available, subject to eligibility, approval and provider terms.
You can choose a removable denture, a fixed bridge or an implant, and sometimes leaving the gap is fine. Each is made of different materials, so ask what yours would involve. Implants need surgery and enough bone, and they don’t suit everyone.
A removable denture is the lowest-surgery option and can be adjusted. A bridge usually uses the teeth either side of the gap to hold a replacement tooth, so those teeth are shaped. An implant is a small post placed in the jaw that holds a crown, and it needs healing time and good gum health. Your dentist will look at your bone, gums and bite, and at your health, before suggesting an option.
On cost, CHOICE (March 2023) reports an ADA fee survey to 1 July 2022 that splits an implant quote into parts: state averages for inserting the implant ranged from about $1,334 to $3,000, and the abutment, the connector, from about $400 to $1,404. The crown on top is another item. Those figures aren’t this clinic’s fees. Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services (health.gov.au), and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule excludes implants. Some people ask about early release of superannuation through SuperCare, which is possible only in limited circumstances, so get independent advice first.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Dentures
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Dental implant
- CHOICE. Dental fees (reports the ADA fee survey to 1 July 2022; last updated 9 March 2023)
- Australian Government, health.gov.au. What Medicare covers
- Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule: features
A dentist can whiten in the chair or give you custom trays and gel for home. Whitening only lightens enamel, so it doesn’t change fillings, crowns or veneers, and sensitivity is the most common side effect. It isn’t recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Because fillings, crowns and veneers don’t lighten, any that show can end up a different shade from your whitened teeth, so it’s worth having them checked first. A 2018 Cochrane review of home-based whitening found that whitening works but increases sensitivity. Tell your dentist about existing sensitivity, gum problems or decay, because those usually need attention before whitening.
Decide what you want before you start: how much lighter, and how long it needs to last. A dentist can say what’s realistic for your teeth, and how much the colour of old restorations will matter. If one tooth bothers you more than your overall shade, ask about veneers. Whitening is cosmetic, so the Child Dental Benefits Schedule excludes it, and health funds may not pay either. We can’t promise a shade or how long the result lasts, and we’ll explain the cost before you begin.
- Australian Dental Association, teeth.org.au. Teeth whitening
- Eachempati P, et al. Home-based chemically-induced whitening (bleaching) of teeth in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018. PubMed 30562408
- healthdirect (Australian Government). Teeth whitening
- Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule: features
According to the ADA, amalgam remains acceptable where it’s clinically indicated. Across the general population, the weight of evidence doesn’t connect it with chronic or autoimmune disease. Dentists should limit new amalgam for children, in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for people with kidney disease.
Amalgam contains mercury bound into an alloy with other metals. Vapour and particles are released when a filling is placed, polished or drilled out, which is why precautions matter at those times. The World Health Organization’s 2024 fact sheet on mercury and health covers mercury exposure more broadly.
The Minamata Convention is an environmental agreement to phase down mercury use, and the ADA notes a global phase-out date of 2034. That’s about mercury in the environment, not a reason to remove fillings that are sound. Ask us about any filling you’re worried about, and we’ll examine it. We can’t promise that any filling, whatever the material, will last for life.
- Australian Dental Association. Policy Statement 6.18 – Safety of Dental Amalgam (amended April 2026)
- World Health Organization. Mercury and health – fact sheet (October 2024)
- Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Minamata Convention on Mercury
- Australian Dental Association. Mercury amalgam global phase-out date set for 2034
Not necessarily, but it’s fair to ask. Replacing a sound silver filling hasn’t been shown to improve your general health, and the ADA says so (ADA Policy 6.18, 2026). An honest offer rests on the state of the filling or your informed preference, not on a promise about your health.
Ask four questions. What’s wrong with this filling: is it cracked, leaking or decayed underneath? What are the options, including leaving it and checking it again later? What precautions will you use, and do you promise zero exposure? A truthful answer to the last one is no. A rubber dam, strong suction and water spray reduce exposure but don’t remove it. Is any health benefit being promised? If so, get a second opinion.
We take out a filling when it has failed, when you have a confirmed allergy, or when you choose it after hearing the risks and benefits. Our Dental Second Opinion Offer is a $49 consultation, or $0 gap where an eligible health fund benefit is claimed and accepted as full payment. Imaging, tests and treatment are extra, and we can’t promise a different diagnosis or a lower cost.
It’s removing an old amalgam filling with extra steps to limit vapour and particles, such as a rubber dam, high-volume suction and water spray. We suggest it when a filling has failed, you have a confirmed allergy, or you choose it after hearing the risks and benefits. We can’t promise zero exposure.
Does drilling an old filling release mercury? Yes. Removing amalgam releases some vapour and tiny particles, which is why a rubber dam (a thin sheet that isolates the tooth), suction and water spray are used. They lower your exposure and the dentist’s, but they can’t eliminate it. A sound filling doesn’t need this: the ADA advises against replacing sound amalgam for non-specific health complaints.
The new filling is usually tooth-coloured, and your dentist will explain which material suits the tooth. Taking out a filling also takes some tooth with it, so ask how much would be removed. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell us before any removal, so we can talk through whether it should wait. The ADA advises dentists to limit new amalgam in those situations. Costs vary by tooth and filling size, and we’ll quote before we start.
Not automatically. The ADA advises against replacing sound amalgam fillings for non-specific health complaints, and says there’s no evidence that doing so improves health. Replacement makes sense when a filling has cracked, leaks or has decay underneath, or when you choose it after hearing the risks.
A sound filling is one that’s intact, sealed at the edges and free of decay beneath it. A dentist checks this with a close look, and sometimes an X-ray. A filling that’s worn or stained isn’t necessarily failing. If you’d like to replace a sound filling for looks or personal preference, that’s your decision to make after hearing the pros and cons, including that replacing it removes some tooth.
Will your health fund pay to replace a filling that isn’t broken? That’s the fund’s rule. Extras cover depends on the item, waiting periods and annual limits, and one published example showed a short wait for general dental and 12 months for major dental. Ask your fund first, using the item codes on our written quote. If you hold a Veteran Card, mention it when you book, because DVA dental care has its own rules. We can’t promise a rebate or any health improvement.
No. The ADA says replacing sound amalgam fillings hasn’t been shown to improve general health. Across the general population, the weight of evidence doesn’t connect amalgam with chronic or autoimmune disease (ADA Policy 6.18, 2026). We won’t suggest replacement as a treatment for tiredness or any other condition.
Ongoing tiredness has many possible causes, including sleep, medicines, mood and other health conditions, and your GP is the right person to look into it. We can help by noticing dental signs, such as worn teeth or a dry mouth, and by asking about snoring or poor sleep so you can mention them to your doctor. Replacing fillings would involve cost, time and the loss of some tooth, with no known health benefit.
You may have read that silver fillings cause chronic illness. We don’t share that view, and current Australian guidance doesn’t support it. If a filling has failed or you’d like it replaced for other reasons, we’ll discuss it. If you’re worried, you’re welcome to a second opinion.
X-rays show what your dentist can’t see by looking, including decay between teeth or under an old filling and bone loss around teeth. The ADA says the radiation from a dental X-ray is much less than the radiation you’re exposed to from everyday sources (teeth.org.au). How often you need them depends on your decay and gum disease risk, and you can ask why one is suggested.
The ADA says your dentist decides how often by looking at how well you care for your teeth, whether you have decay or gum disease now, your risk of developing either and your past treatment. It also says dental X-rays can be taken safely during pregnancy when they’re needed to find a problem, and that a lead apron may be used. Tell your dentist if you think you may be pregnant.
At a first visit under the new patient offer, intraoral X-rays and photographs are included where clinically appropriate, while OPG and CBCT scans and other advanced imaging are excluded unless stated. Ask what an image will show and what it costs before you say yes. We can’t promise an X-ray will find everything, and we don’t take them without a clinical reason.
It’s needed when the pulp inside a tooth is badly inflamed or infected, usually from deep decay, a crack, an injury or repeated dental work. Treatment cleans and seals the canals so the tooth can stay, and the only alternative is removing it. Tell us about severe pain, a pimple on the gum or swelling.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth, holding its nerves and blood supply. healthdirect says antibiotics alone don’t cure a root canal infection, because the source sits inside the tooth. After treatment the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to protect it and restore function, and research shows a crown after root canal helps the tooth last longer.
You can choose to have the tooth removed instead. That spares you the root canal but leaves a gap, and replacing it means a denture, bridge or implant, each with its own cost. Your dentist will go through how much sound tooth is left and what each choice would involve. We can’t promise the treatment will succeed or the tooth will last for life, and we’ll give you a written quote.
No. Coming back after a long gap is common, and the reasons are usually easy to understand. Your visit is about where things stand now. We explain what we find and plan the next steps with you.
Low mood, depression, ADHD, anxiety, money worries and a bad past experience are all common reasons people stay away. You don’t need to explain yourself. If it helps, tell us when you book or at the start of the visit, so your dentist knows. We can agree a signal to pause, have each step explained before it starts, and take breaks when you need them. We can’t treat depression or ADHD, and we won’t pretend to, but we can make the visit easier.
A first visit starts with a talk, then a careful look at your teeth, gums, bite and jaw. We explain what we found in plain words, including what can wait. You hear the options and costs before anything is decided, and you leave with a plan you can take away and think about. You’re never obliged to go ahead on the day. If one visit feels like too much, say so, and we’ll talk through how to take it in steps.
Tell us when you book. We can talk through what worries you, explain each step as we go, agree a signal to pause, and offer a blanket, neck pillow or music. Clinical options for managing anxiety can be discussed with your dentist, who will assess whether they suit you.
Many people feel uneasy before a dental visit, and you don’t need to justify it. The worry may be about pain, the sound of the drill, a past experience or not feeling in control. Naming it helps us choose what to do. Dr. Michael Wu welcomes questions from patients who feel nervous about dental visits, and you’re welcome to ask which dentist is available when you book.
Some things we can do and some we can’t promise. We can slow down, explain, stop when you signal and offer comfort items. We can’t promise a visit will feel comfortable throughout, and whether any clinical option for managing anxiety suits you comes down to an individual assessment. If you’d like to talk it through before you book, call our team. If a visit doesn’t go the way you hoped, you can tell us how we did.
Phone (08) 9321 6398 instead of sending an online request. Ring 000 for trouble breathing or swallowing, heavy bleeding or severe swelling. If an adult tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, keep it in milk or saliva, and get to a dentist or hospital within about 30 minutes.
Our hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00am–8:00pm, by appointment only, and we’re closed on Saturday and Sunday. A toothache, swelling or a broken tooth needs a phone call, not a form, so we can talk through what’s happening and what’s available. Say that you’re in pain and describe what has happened. If you can’t wait and the problem is severe, go to a hospital emergency department.
healthdirect says swelling of the mouth or tongue, trouble talking or swallowing, or a lot of blood going down your throat is a 000 call. A dental problem with a fever or spreading swelling needs prompt medical help as well. We can’t promise an immediate appointment, and we can’t diagnose by phone, but we’ll tell you what we can offer and when. Keep your medicine list and any recent X-rays handy.
Pick the tooth up by the crown, the white part you see in your mouth, and get to a dentist or hospital within 30 minutes. healthdirect says it may still be possible to save the tooth up to 2 hours after the injury. Phone us on (08) 9321 6398 as you go, so we can tell you what’s available.
If the tooth is dirty, rinse it quickly in warm water, and don’t scrub or soak it. healthdirect says to try placing it back in the gum and gently bite down on a clean piece of cloth. If you can’t put it back, store it in a little milk or saliva so it doesn’t dry out. Don’t let it dry out.
A baby tooth is different. healthdirect says that if one of a child’s first teeth is lost, you shouldn’t try to put it back; rinse their mouth with salt water, and if it’s swollen, apply an ice pack and go to your dentist. Trouble breathing, trouble talking or swallowing, a lot of blood going down the throat or a very swollen mouth or tongue is a 000 call. We can’t promise a tooth can be saved, because it depends on how quickly it’s reimplanted and on the injury.
No. Antibiotics alone don’t cure a tooth infection, because the source is inside or around the tooth. healthdirect says antibiotics alone do not cure root canal infections, and the source needs treating with a root canal or by removing the tooth. A dentist decides whether you also need an antibiotic.
An abscess is a pocket of infection, often with a throbbing toothache, a swollen gum or cheek, a pimple on the gum, a bad taste or fever. Don’t wait for it to settle. Phone us on (08) 9321 6398 and tell us you’re in pain. A toothache or swelling needs a phone call, not an online form, so we can talk through what’s available.
Swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, swelling of the mouth or tongue, or a lot of blood going down your throat is a 000 call. If you have a fever or feel unwell with facial swelling, get medical help promptly. We can’t diagnose over the phone, and we can’t promise a particular treatment until your dentist has examined you. After treatment, the dentist will explain the options for the tooth, including the cost of each.
No. A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence on whether healthy wisdom teeth without symptoms should come out, and the ADA says there’s no evidence they crowd other teeth. We usually watch them and suggest removal when there’s a clinical reason, such as repeated infection or decay.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars at the back of your mouth, and they often come through in your late teens or twenties. Many fit and cause no trouble. Others are stuck beneath the gum, lean sideways or are too far back to clean, and those are the ones that tend to cause infection or decay. An X-ray shows their position, so your dentist can say which group yours fall into.
Your options include leaving them and watching, or removal. If removal makes sense, ask who will do it, what anaesthetic is planned, and what each item will cost. Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services (health.gov.au), so ask your fund what it pays for the exact item codes. We can’t quote a fee here, because it depends on your teeth and the surgery needed, and we won’t suggest removal without a reason. If cost is a worry, payment plans such as Zip or National Dental Plan may be available, subject to eligibility, approval and provider terms.
- Ghaeminia H, et al. Surgical removal versus retention for the management of asymptomatic disease-free impacted wisdom teeth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020. PubMed 32368796
- Australian Dental Association, teeth.org.au. Wisdom teeth
- Australian Government, health.gov.au. What Medicare covers
Trouble usually starts when a wisdom tooth is stuck beneath the gum, tilted, or too awkward to clean. Pain, a swollen gum, a bad taste or difficulty opening your mouth are all worth a check. If swelling comes with a fever, get help promptly.
A wisdom tooth that’s only partly through can trap food and bacteria under the gum flap, which can become infected. Teeth that sit at an angle against the one in front can decay in the gap where a brush can’t reach. Some cause no symptoms at all, which is why a dentist checks them on X-rays. A Cochrane review found insufficient evidence on whether healthy wisdom teeth without symptoms should be removed (Ghaeminia and colleagues, 2020).
Wisdom teeth can start to hurt in your 30s as well as your 20s. Call us if you have pain or swelling at the back of your jaw. Phone rather than using an online form, and say that you’re in pain. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, call 000. We can’t promise a sore wisdom tooth can be saved, and we’ll go through the options and costs before anything is done.
These aren’t rivals so much as answers to different situations: a root canal tries to save the tooth you have, and an implant stands in for a tooth that’s gone. If your tooth can reliably be saved, keeping it spares you implant surgery. Your dentist looks at how much sound tooth is left, your general health, and the risks and costs of each.
healthdirect says a root canal aims to save a tooth that’s badly damaged or infected, and that you could choose to have the tooth removed instead. A tooth that’s cracked below the gum, or too broken down to restore, may not be worth saving. An implant needs enough bone, healthy gums and healing time, and it needs surgery. Neither option is lifelong, and both need regular checks and good cleaning.
Ask your dentist how likely each option is to work in your tooth, what the whole treatment will involve, and what it will cost in total. A root canal usually needs a crown afterwards, and an implant needs an abutment and a crown, so the final price is more than the first item. We can’t promise either will last for life, and a second opinion is a sensible step.
Braces are fixed brackets joined by wires, whereas Invisalign is a set of removable clear aligners. Aligners only work if you wear them most of the day, and braces work all the time. Treatment can take 18 months or more, and Medicare doesn’t cover orthodontic costs.
The Australian Society of Orthodontists describes usual aligner wear as 20 to 22 hours a day, with each set worn for one to two weeks. Orthodontics Australia says that if about 22 hours a day isn’t realistic, fixed braces can be the better plan. Take aligners out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush. After treatment, plan on a retainer, because teeth can move afterwards.
Medicare doesn’t cover most dental services (health.gov.au), the Child Dental Benefits Schedule doesn’t cover orthodontics, and one published extras statement showed a 12-month orthodontic wait. Ask your fund what remains before you start, and ask for an itemised written quote. We can’t promise a result or a date. New patients can book a free Invisalign consultation to talk about suitability, treatment time and cost.
- healthdirect (Australian Government). The role of an orthodontist
- Australian Society of Orthodontists. Guide to Invisalign (PDF)
- Orthodontics Australia. Clear aligner treatment for teens
- Australian Government, health.gov.au. What Medicare covers
- Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule: features
- privatehealth.gov.au. One published extras policy statement (an example, not a current fund brochure)
It depends on your case. Orthodontics is a recognised dental specialty, and the Dental Board of Australia lists it among its 13 specialties. A general dentist may still provide clear aligners, and a good general dentist refers you to an orthodontist when your case needs one.
Simple cases, such as small gaps or mild crowding, may suit a general dentist. Complex cases may suit a specialist. healthdirect describes the orthodontist as a dentist with extra training in straightening teeth and jaws. A fair first step is an assessment, where you ask what’s possible, what each path would involve, and whether you’d be referred.
Ask whoever treats you how many cases like yours they’ve managed, and what the written plan includes: visits, reviews, retainers and what happens if teeth don’t move as planned. At Absolute Dental, new patients can book a free Invisalign consultation, which covers the conversation and not treatment. We can’t promise a result, and we’d tell you if your case needs a specialist.
These answers are general. Your dentist can tell you what applies to you after an examination.
Find Answers By Topic.
Explore the questions on each page, with related guides to help you decide what to ask next.
Holistic care
- Holistic care in Perth — An introduction to the practice and its approach to dental care.
- Common dental questions — Search answers about care, materials, costs and visits.
- Our approach to holistic dentistry — What holistic care includes, and where its limits lie.
- Holistic and routine care compared — How the approaches overlap and what to ask your dentist.
Sleep and jaw comfort
- Snoring and breathing during sleep — When a dental assessment can help, and when a medical referral matters.
- Dental care for sleep problems — Assessment and dental appliances for suitable patients.
- Splints for grinding and clenching — How a custom splint is planned, fitted and reviewed.
- Retainers and night guards — The different jobs of retainers, guards and dental splints.
Gums, food and prevention
- Gum health and general health — The links between gum health and the rest of the body.
- Food, drinks and healthy teeth — How eating habits affect decay and prevention.
- Check-ups and professional cleans — What preventive appointments cover and how to prepare.
- Dental health during pregnancy — Changes to gums and teeth, and care to discuss during pregnancy.
- What a gum check involves — What your dentist looks for when gums bleed.
- Everyday habits for healthy teeth — Brushing, cleaning between teeth and regular reviews.
- When mouthwash can help — Where a rinse fits alongside brushing and other care.
- Plaque and tartar explained — How soft plaque differs from hardened calculus.
- Choosing a toothbrush — Practical points when choosing a manual or powered brush.
- Reasons for dental X-rays — What images can show and how their use is assessed.
- Causes of bleeding gums — Common causes and when to arrange an examination.
- Understanding bad breath — What to check at home and when to seek advice.
Materials and tooth repair
- Choosing metal-free dental materials — Compare materials in the context of your tooth and health history.
- Decisions about old silver fillings — When replacement may be needed and what to ask about removal.
- Fillings, crowns and tooth repair — Options for repairing a damaged tooth and planning its care.
- Planning a crown or bridge — The MiCrown planning process and questions about treatment.
- Weighing up the cost of a crown — Questions about alternatives, durability and ongoing care.
- Saving or replacing a tooth — Points to discuss when comparing root canal care and implants.
- Whether to replace an amalgam filling — Why the condition of the tooth and filling guides the decision.
- Alternatives to metal fillings — A tooth-by-tooth look at restorative materials.
- Reasons for root canal treatment — Symptoms, assessment and the steps involved in treatment.
Smile and tooth replacement
- Options for changing your smile — Compare cosmetic approaches and questions for a consultation.
- Replacing a missing tooth — Implants and other tooth replacement choices.
- Porcelain and composite veneers — What veneers involve, including their limits and maintenance.
- Clear aligner treatment — Suitability, planning and care with Invisalign aligners.
- Planning dental implants — The MiImplant assessment and planning pathway.
- Planning porcelain veneers — The MiVeneer process before deciding on veneers.
- Keeping teeth straight with retainers — What retainers do and why ongoing wear matters.
- Braces and aligners compared — Practical differences to discuss before orthodontic treatment.
- Questions before choosing Invisalign — What to ask about suitability, reviews and retainers.
- Preparing for a cosmetic consultation — Clarify your concerns and the questions you want answered.
- Veneer treatment and aftercare — What to expect and how to care for porcelain veneers.
- Veneers and whitening compared — How the options address different concerns about your smile.
- Ways to replace missing teeth — Compare bridges, dentures and implants with your dentist.
- Teeth whitening choices — In-chair and take-home options, suitability and limitations.
Urgent care and wisdom teeth
- Urgent dental appointments — How to seek help for pain, swelling or a damaged tooth.
- What to do in a dental emergency — Immediate steps and when urgent medical care is needed.
- Whether wisdom teeth need removal — How symptoms and examination findings guide the decision.
- Signs of wisdom tooth problems — Symptoms to discuss and when to seek prompt care.
Appointments and the practice
- Meeting our dental team — The people at the practice and questions about choosing a dentist.
- Contacting the West Perth team — How to ask a question, find the practice or request a visit.
- Preparing for your first visit — What to bring and what happens at an appointment.
- Choosing a first appointment — Current appointment offers and the terms to check.
- New patient appointment options — Compare first-visit offers before requesting an appointment.
- Exploring dental services — Find care by treatment area and read the relevant questions.
- Feeling nervous about the dentist — Ways to plan a visit around your concerns.
Payments and cover
- Planning payment for dental care — Health fund claims, payment plans and support schemes.
- Claiming through HICAPS — What to bring and what an electronic claim can confirm.
- Using HBF dental cover — Questions about benefits, estimates and out-of-pocket costs.
- Using nib dental benefits — Check cover, practitioner eligibility and expected gaps.
- Paying with Afterpay — Check eligibility, repayments and provider terms.
- Paying with humm — Questions to ask before choosing a payment plan.
- Paying with Zip — Confirm approval, repayment obligations and costs.
- Using National Dental Plan — Check the plan terms before committing to repayments.
- Child Dental Benefits Schedule claims — Confirm eligibility and the services a benefit may cover.
- Dental care with a Veteran Card — Confirm card eligibility and treatment approval requirements.
- Questions before considering SuperCare — Understand the process and seek advice before making a decision.
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