General Dental Procedures:
Things You Should Know

About 24,600 registered dental practitioners in Australia are dedicated to offering preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental services. All these services fall under the general dentistry category, serving as the cornerstone of comprehensive oral care.

What Are Dental Procedures?

A dental procedure encompasses any intervention or treatment conducted by a dentist or dental practitioner to address various oral health concerns. From the routine to the specialised, these procedures cover preventive measures to curb potential problems, diagnostic techniques to identify issues early on, and restorative interventions to bring your smile back to its best.

Some of the standard dental treatments or general dentistry procedures include:

• Filling: This is a common dental procedure to restore a tooth damaged due to decay or cavities. The dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth and fills the space with a material such as amalgam or composite resin, effectively restoring the tooth’s structure and preventing further decay.
• Extraction (Removing a Tooth): Tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth, typically due to severe decay, infection, crowding, or trauma. Dentists may recommend extraction when a tooth is beyond repair, and its presence may pose a risk to oral health. Wisdom teeth are commonly extracted to prevent complications.
• Crown Placement: This involves covering a damaged or weakened tooth with a cap or crown, usually made of materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination. Crowns protect the tooth, restore its shape and function, and enhance its appearance.
• Treatment or Surgery for Periodontal Disease: Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. Dental procedures for treating gum disease may include scaling and root planing, where the dentist removes plaque and tartar from tooth and root surfaces.
• Orthodontic Treatments: These procedures aim to straighten crowded or misaligned teeth, correct the bite, and align the jaws. Common orthodontic treatments include braces, clear aligners, and other devices designed to reposition the teeth gradually.
• Dentures, Dental Implants, or Bridge Placement: For individuals who have lost teeth, dentures, dental implants, or bridges may be recommended. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices, dental implants are surgically placed artificial tooth roots, and bridges are fixed appliances that replace missing teeth.
• Dental Surgery: This may involve various procedures, such as oral surgeries to address impacted teeth, jaw surgeries to correct abnormalities, or treatments following surgery to ensure proper healing and optimal oral health.

These dental procedures collectively contribute to maintaining oral health, addressing dental issues, and enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of the smile. Each procedure is customised to the specific needs and conditions of the patient.

Different Types of Dentists

Dental care encompasses various specialised fields, each dedicated to specific aspects of oral health. Here’s an elaborate exploration of different types of dentists:

• Orthodontists: They specialise in correcting misalignments of the teeth and jaws, using treatments like braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to achieve a properly aligned and aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Endodontists: These professionals focus on the health of the tooth pulp and tissues inside the tooth. They perform procedures like root canals to treat infections or damage to the dental pulp, aiming to save the natural tooth.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: They handle complex surgical procedures involving the mouth, face, and jaw. Oral surgeons may perform extractions and corrective jaw surgeries and address issues related to trauma, tumours, or congenital disabilities.
• Paediatric Dentists: They specialise in providing dental care to children. Their expertise includes monitoring dental development, preventive care, and addressing oral health issues specific to children, ensuring a positive and comfortable dental experience.
• Periodontists: These professionals focus on the health of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bones. They diagnose and treat gum diseases, perform gum surgeries, and provide specialised care for maintaining the health of the periodontal tissues.

Apart from different types of dentists, several dental practitioners contribute to comprehensive oral healthcare. These professionals, each with a unique focus, collaborate to address various aspects of dental well-being:

• Dental Hygienists: These specialise in preventive oral care, performing routine cleanings, administering fluoride treatments, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices. Dental hygienists are crucial in maintaining optimal gum health and preventing dental issues.
• Dental Assistants: They work alongside dentists during patient care, supporting various dental procedures. Their job is to assist in chairside tasks, sterilise equipment, and ensure a smooth workflow in the dental office.
• Dental Technicians: These professionals create dental prosthetics and appliances based on dentists’ prescriptions. They craft items such as crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances in dental laboratories, contributing to restoring and enhancing patients’ smiles.
• Dental Therapists: They perform various clinical procedures, including fillings and extractions. These professionals often work with children and provide preventive and restorative dental care under the guidance of a dentist.
• Dental Specialists: Beyond orthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, paediatric dentists, and periodontists, other specialised practitioners focus on niche areas such as prosthodontics (replacement of missing teeth), oral pathology (diagnosing diseases of the mouth), and dental radiology (imaging techniques).
• Oral Health Therapists; These professionals have the combined scope of practice of both Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists.

Dental Procedure Cost & Payment Options

Understanding the costs associated with dental procedures and exploring available payment options is crucial for individuals seeking oral healthcare. Here are some critical aspects related to dental procedure costs and payment options:

• Private Health Insurance: In Australia, no dental procedures are covered by Medicare. Dental care is generally the individual’s responsibility, and private health insurance is commonly used to cover dental expenses. The extent of coverage varies among insurance plans, but it often includes preventive services, essential treatments, and sometimes significant procedures. Before undergoing a dental procedure, you should check the coverage provided by your insurance plan and understand any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Government Funding for Children: In some regions, there are government-funded programs aimed at providing dental care for children. These programs often cover routine check-ups, cleanings, and essential treatments. Eligibility criteria may apply, and parents or guardians should inquire about available services for children through government-funded initiatives.
• Government-Funded Clinics for Adults: Certain government-funded clinics and community health centres offer dental services for adults at subsidised rates. These clinics may focus on providing essential dental care, and the fees may be based on income or provided at reduced rates. Individuals without private insurance or facing financial constraints can explore these options for affordable dental care.
• Payment Plans and Financing: Some dental practices offer payment plans or financing options for patients undergoing extensive or costly procedures. These plans allow individuals to spread the cost of treatment over time, making it more manageable. Before proceeding with a dental procedure, inquire about available payment plans and financing arrangements.

Contact Focus Dental Group to Get the List of Dental Procedures and Prices

If you plan to undergo dental treatment soon, contact our team at Focus Dental Group. We will examine your oral health and suggest the proper treatment. We will also walk you through the procedures step by step and provide details on the costs of the procedures. Book your appointment today