If you are based in Sydney and are in need of dental treatment, you will be happy to know that Sydney is home to dental practices who provide high quality dental treatments to new and existing patients. If you have not visited a dental practice before or you cannot remember the last time you had your teeth checked, the best thing to do is to book an appointment at your local dental practice where a dentist Sydney CBD will be able to assist you with all your dental needs.
What to expect as a new patient
If you are planning to visit a dental practice in Sydney for the first time, prior to your first appointment, you will be contacted by a patient coordinator at the practice. This initial consultation will be for the patient coordinator to obtain some general information about you and they will also request that you provide them with photographs of your teeth should you want to invest in dental treatment.
When you do visit the dental practice for your initial appointment, you will be firstly required to disclose your medical and dental history through a questionnaire. This is important, as there is a strong link between your general health and dental health and if for example you have a pre-existing medical condition or are on medication, this can affect your dental health and can cause dental issues.
Following this, you will have your consultation, which will be with a treatment coordinator who will take x rays, photographs and if needed 3D iTero scans of your teeth, smile and face. You will then be matched to a member of their dental team, who will conduct a thorough oral assessment. This includes looking at your face and smile before going over with you possible treatment options.
The aim of the treatment discussion is to ensure that you are fully informed of the necessary steps, costs and to provide you with an estimate as to how long the dental treatment will take.You will also be able to ask any questions you may have at this stage and also express any concerns.
Once the consultation is completed, you will be provided with a written report which will also include a quote. If you agree to proceed with the chosen dental treatment, depending on what it is, you may also be given a digital before and after photo, which gives you the chance to see how your teeth will look following the treatment.
In some cases, following your initial consultation, it may be recommended for you to see a dental hygienist.
What to expect from a dental hygienist
Dental hygienists play an important part within dentistry as they help patients to maintain good dental hygiene by providing advice and treatment in order to prevent diseases such as gum disease.
When you book an appointment with a dental hygienist, they will assess your teeth and gums to identify if there is any decay or plaque. If needed, they will clean your teeth using a procedure known as ‘scaling and polishing’. This procedure allows the dental hygienist to reach areas of your mouth which may be harder to clean using a toothbrush alone in a gentle manner. You will also be given valuable techniques on how to maintain good oral hygiene. Visiting a dental hygienist should be a regular part of your oral regime and it is recommended that you visit a dental hygienist as advised.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.