Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Ageless Smile Dental Centre, we proudly accept all health funds; however, we have chosen not to be affiliated with any particular fund. We support a patient’s right to be able to choose the dentist they wish to see based on the quality of treatment, care, and service provided, instead of being influenced by their health fund to choose from a nominated list of dental practitioners.

Please be aware that we are unable to advise you on health fund benefits as these vary depending on funds, the type, and the level of coverage you have. We can, however, on presentation of your health fund card, submit a HICAPS query to your fund on your behalf to establish the cover you may have and any out-of-pocket costs (gap) payable for any treatment recommended and on a treatment plan provided by our dentists.

Dental implants are a well-established treatment option for replacing missing teeth, and research has shown them to be a reliable choice for many patients. Like any surgical procedure, they do carry potential risks, but with careful planning and appropriate aftercare, complications can often be minimised.

Why Dental Implants Are Considered Safe

Biocompatible Materials

Modern implants are made from materials such as titanium or zirconia, which are widely used in medicine because of their compatibility with the body. These materials are designed to integrate with the jawbone and provide stable support for a replacement tooth.

Osseointegration

Over time, bone tissue can grow around and bond with the implant surface in a process called osseointegration. This helps create a secure foundation intended to mimic the function of a natural tooth root.

Potential Risks to Be Aware Of

As with all surgical procedures, dental implants carry some risks, which your dentist will discuss with you before treatment:

• Infection — Sometimes occurs during healing but is often manageable with treatment and care.
• Bleeding and swelling — Common after oral surgery and usually temporary.
• Nerve or tissue injury — Rare, especially when treatment is carefully planned.
• Implant not integrating properly — Can occur in some cases, often linked to factors like smoking, oral hygiene, or general health conditions.

Your dentist will assess your individual circumstances, explain the potential risks, and recommend steps to support healing and long-term implant success. If you would like more information or are interested in dental implants in Belmont, WA, you can contact us at (08) 9478 3598.

Dental implants are known for their remarkable durability and long-term success. With proper care, they can last for well over 15 years, often much longer. However, it’s important to understand that an implant has two key parts that age differently:

• The dental implant itself — This titanium post is surgically placed in your jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root. With good oral hygiene and healthy bone support, it can last a lifetime.
• The dental crown — The visible portion of your tooth restoration typically lasts 10 to 15 years before it may need replacement due to normal wear and tear, just like natural teeth.

How long your dental restoration lasts depends on many factors. Your dentist can help you understand your individual treatment.

Factors That Can Affect Implant Longevity

Several factors influence how long your dental implant and crown will last, including:

• Oral health — Maintaining excellent brushing and flossing habits, along with regular professional cleanings, keeps your gums and bone healthy.
• Overall health — Certain conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, can impact healing and increase the risk of implant failure.
• Lifestyle choices — Smoking or using tobacco products can hinder bone integration and shorten the lifespan of your implant.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) — Excessive grinding or clenching can put pressure on your implant crown, leading to damage or loosening over time.

At your routine checkups, your Belmont dentist will review your implants and surrounding teeth, professionally clean them, and monitor for any early signs of wear.

Call Us for Dental Implants in Belmont, WA

With consistent at-home care, a balanced diet, and regular visits to your dentist in Belmont, your dental implants can serve you beautifully for decades.

Due to the surgical nature of dental implant treatment, a local anaesthetic is administered to ensure there is no pain experienced during treatment. Postoperatively, pain relief may be prescribed to assist with the management of any pain or discomfort. Depending on the type of implant surgery provided, recovery time may vary between 3 and 21 days.

The fees for dental implants vary according to the specific needs of the patient and the complexity of the implant placement. Our quality single dental implants range between
$4200 – $6900. A clinical examination and assessment are required to know the unique needs of each individual, so scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced dentists is recommended for an accurate estimate of fees.

Yes, you can. Aligners should be removed for eating and drinking anything other than cold water. This allows you the freedom to eat as you wish; however, brushing and flossing are strongly recommended prior to replacing your aligners on your teeth.

Invisalign causes far less discomfort than traditional braces. It is normal to experience minor discomfort when a new set of aligners are worn but this will subside within a few days.

Yes, it does! Invisalign is a proven teeth straightening system that is only available from certified providers.

The cost of Invisalign treatment can range from $4000 to $9000, depending on the individual needs of the patient and the complexity of the treatment.

Taking care of your veneers is almost the same as caring for your natural teeth, simply brushing twice a day and flossing as normal. Eating firm fruits and other natural foods is fine, but toffees and other hard foods can damage veneers, so it is recommended that you avoid these food types. If there is evidence of clenching or nighttime grinding, a nighttime splint (guard) is advisable to protect both veneers and the teeth.

Most dental veneers will last between 15 – 20 years. Although extremely durable, like natural teeth, proper care should be taken and good oral hygiene maintained.

In the hands of a skilled dentist, both resin veneers and porcelain veneers can enormously transform your smile. Resin veneers are sculpted directly onto the teeth and are an economical and quick cosmetic treatment that results in a beautiful finish. Porcelain veneers are crafted from thin ceramic porcelain, which more closely replicates the natural appearance of tooth enamel.  Custom-made to fit seamlessly, they are durable and long-lasting.

Dental veneers are suitable for teeth with discolourations, small chips or cracks, slightly misaligned teeth, irregularly shaped teeth or teeth with gaps.

A brighter smile can be achieved within 5 – 14 days using our professional teeth whitening system. In-clinic teeth whitening usually takes between 60-90 minutes per session.

Yes, absolutely! Your health and well-being are our priority, so we only use products and procedures that have gone through lots of research and testing. When used by professionally trained dentists, our teeth whitening products are perfectly safe for your teeth, gums and mouth.

Most people can have teeth whitening treatment, but it may not be suitable if you have sensitive teeth or severely discoloured teeth. The best way to find out if teeth whitening is a suitable treatment for you is to speak with one of our friendly dentists at Ageless Smiles Dental Centre.

Unfortunately, as we age, our teeth naturally become darker or yellower. Additionally, other factors such as smoking and the foods and drinks we consume will also impact the colour of our teeth. Some of the biggest culprits include red wine, coffee, tea, cola, curries, and anything with a high level of food colouring. Some surface staining can be removed with a professional clean and polish, but if a whiter result is desired, then other treatments, including teeth whitening or cosmetic veneers, may be other options worth considering.

To ensure you receive the required amount of time to attend to your dental needs, please arrange a dedicated appointment time with us. We regret we are unable to squeeze additional patients into our day, as we pride ourselves on reserving appointment lengths which enable us to deliver our dentistry in a calm and unrushed manner.

Your smile is unique, and so are your dental needs.

In general, we recommend a dental examination and clean every six months for early detection of any dental issues. Catching and attending to decay and signs of gum disease in their early stages prevents these conditions from developing into more serious problems. Not only will this save you from the potential of experiencing unexpected pain, but it will also save you time and money in the long run.

Patients with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, pregnancy or a history of gum disease can often benefit from having more frequent visits. Floss bosses with great oral hygiene require less frequent visits. At Ageless Smiles Dental Centre, we tailor our recommendations to ensure your smile gets the right care at the right time, keeping it bright, healthy, and ageless.

Decay in its early stages usually isn’t painful. It is once the decay has extended past the tooth's protective enamel layer into the dentin and beyond that things become sensitive and tender. As decay progresses closer to the nerves of a tooth, the pain begins to intensify and, if left untreated, can turn into a raging toothache. Once it reaches this point, a simple filling may no longer be possible. Attending to a cavity as soon as possible is always encouraged and recommended.

We strive to provide optimal dental care, and sometimes this can only be done with the aid of x-rays to help detect decay, infection, and view areas between the teeth or hidden below the gum line.

We understand the concern and reluctance around having x-rays taken. However, at Ageless Smiles Dental Centre, we take digital x-rays, which are higher in definition but lower in radiation. Rest assured, we only recommend x-rays when absolutely essential to your dental health.

The two main reasons we lose teeth are decay and gum disease. Even with the best daily brushing and flossing techniques, plaque between the teeth and along the gum line can be missed. Over time, this plaque begins to harden and eventually turns into tartar. When left for an extended period of time, this buildup of tartar and plaque begins to develop into gum disease or cavities.

Professional dental cleaning removes all the tartar and plaque from your teeth and gums to assist you with maintaining a healthy and bright smile.

With proper daily brushing and flossing and regular examinations by your dentist, your dental bridge will last for many years to come.

The biggest difference between a bridge and a partial denture is the life span, convenience, comfort, ease of care, and improved oral health, which is possible with a bridge. Removable partial dentures can sometimes feel uncomfortable when eating, are more difficult to care for, and may cause jaw and gum health problems over time.

You can sleep with your dentures in, but it’s recommended to take them out so that your jaw can relax.

Dentures should not cause discomfort. However, it’s normal to experience minor irritations when you are first fitted for dentures. When your mouth gets used to the dentures, you shouldn’t experience any pain. Come in and chat with your dentist if you do.

Just as cleaning teeth is important, you should clean your dentures every day. Use a soft toothbrush with water and soap or special denture paste. Every so often, give your dentures a deep rinse with effervescent tablets. Don’t forget to keep brushing your tongue and gums twice a day!

No one plans for a dental emergency, but unfortunately, they can unexpectedly arise. If you are experiencing a toothache, trauma, or have had a dental accident, we are here to help with our emergency dental services. We understand that dental pain and trauma can be a terrible feeling, so we manage our appointment diary in a way that allows us to attend to emergency patients.

Should you require urgent dental care, we encourage you to contact Ageless Smiles Dental Centre as soon as possible, so our team may coordinate your emergency dental appointment needs and arrange the gentle care you require.

To ensure you receive the required amount of time to attend to your dental needs, please arrange a dedicated appointment time with us. We regret we are unable to squeeze additional patients into our day, as we pride ourselves on reserving appointment lengths which enable us to deliver our dentistry in a calm and unrushed manner.

Providing patients with a comfortable dental experience is our top priority. Receiving root canal therapy treatment will help relieve dental pain caused by infection. It’s not unusual to experience minor discomfort for a few days following treatment, but this can usually be managed with analgesics. 

Generally, the only alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. At Ageless Smiles Dental Centre, we focus all of our services on trust, communication, and information. Our entire team is here to support you and provide you with all the information you require to enable you to make informed decisions about your oral health choices.