Most Australians know that they should brush and floss twice a day and see their dentist twice a year. However, either because they neglect to do this or just because of unfortunate circumstances, the time may come when they need a dental procedure. As opposed to a checkup, a procedure is when a dentist or specialist needs to do some work on their mouth to fix a specific issue, such as an infection, injury, or deformity.
Common dental procedures include fillings, extractions, and the installation of crowns or braces on the teeth, but there are also many more. This guide will explain what you should expect and prepare for when undergoing any type of dental procedure.
Who will perform my procedure?
If you are looking for someone to perform a procedure, chances are you have been told that you need that procedure by your dentist. If you have not seen them about your problem yet, you should see them first in any case.
If you have just moved or are unsure which dentist to go to, word-of-mouth recommendations are a good way to find one. However, if you are looking for an invisalign dentist or other suburbs or small towns, but you cannot get a recommendation, the Australian Dental Association has a ‘Find a Dentist’ search feature that can help you see the options in your area. Make sure you see them as neglecting dental care can have serious consequences.
Most dentists are what are known as ‘general dentists.’ They can perform some simple procedures but will tell you to find a specialist for others that they cannot do themselves. When that happens, you will need to see a specialist. These have different names depending on which procedures they offer:
- Orthodontists treat misaligned jaws and crooked teeth,
- Endodontists deal with problems inside your teeth,
- Periodontists treat gum diseases,
- Maxillofacial surgeons perform surgeries involving the teeth, mouth, and jaw.
What information should I gather about a procedure?
You should find out:
- how long it will take,
- how much it costs,
- whether there are any risks and alternative treatments,
- what will happen if you do not have it done,
- what you can expect after and how to manage any pain or soreness.
Maintaining good dental care and clean teeth will be important after any procedure too, but you should also find out if there is any more specific advice that you need to follow afterwards.
Who will pay for my procedure?
As part of your information-gathering process, ask the dentist performing your procedure for a quote in advance. It is especially important to remember this if you are having a large or ongoing procedure, such as orthodontic treatment.
For adults in Australia, most procedures are not eligible for government funding. However, each state or territory has slightly different public dental services, so always check first.
No public funding means that for most adults, private health insurance is the best way to pay. Most policies do not cover the whole cost, but they may be able to reduce it significantly.
Dental procedures in Australia are often straightforward. For the best outcome, be diligent in gathering information and maintaining good dental hygiene habits before, during, and after your treatment.
