Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find you?

We are located on the ground level of Westfield Belconnen, opposite the Commonwealth Bank at 20 Benjamin Way, Belconnen.

Who are your dentists?

Please visit Our Team page to get details about our dentists and support staff.

Home Care Instructions

Home Care After Tooth Extractions

• We’d like your healing process to be as comfortable as possible. To ensure this, correct post-extraction care is imperative. Please follow these instructions and if you have any further questions or concerns please call us.
• Bite on a rolled pad of gauze for 20 minutes post procedure. If bleeding persists gently replace the gauze with a fresh piece and continue to bite down for a further 20 minutes. We will provide you with a small packet of sterile gauze to take with you after the extraction. Where significant bleeding continues, contact our office or the local hospital.
• For the first 24 hours following the extraction please do not smoke, drink alcohol, drink hot liquids, drink through a straw, rinse your mouth or perform vigorous exercise; it’s important to take it easy.
• Wait approximately 3 hours or until the numbness has worn off before eating and try to maintain a soft diet for the rest of the day.
• If medication is prescribed, please take it according to the instructions. We recommend that you take pain relief medication such as Paracetamol within the first hour after your extraction. Do not take aspirin.
• To minimize any swelling, you may use an ice pack on the side of your face next to the extraction sight. It’s best to use the ice pack for 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off again.
• The extraction site will likely be tender for a few days post extraction. After 24 hours you should begin gently rinsing with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt to 300ml of water) every four hours, especially after food. Take extra care when brushing the area.

Home Care After Composite Fillings

Where local anesthetic has been used your mouth may feel numb for several hours afterwards. It is best to avoid any hot drinks or chewing while the anesthetic wears off, to prevent biting or burning your tongue, lips and cheeks. In some cases, the injection site might feel a bit tender. Painkillers such as Paracetamol will work effectively to relieve pain and tenderness.

You may chew with your composite fillings as soon as the filling is placed, however, we advise you avoid doing so until the anesthetic is completely worn off.
If your bite feels uneven, if you have persistent pain, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please call us.

Home Care After Crown and Bridge Work

On a rare occasion your temporary crown/bridge might come off. To avoid that happening stay away from sticky, chewy or hard food.

If the temporary crown detaches, get in touch with the surgery, bring the crown/bridge with you so that the dentist can re-cement it. Temporary restorations are important because they protect the teeth from sensitivity as well as keep the teeth in stable balanced position.

You should continue to brush your teeth normally and take care when using dental floss around the temporary restoration.

After crown and bridge procedures, it is normal to feel some mild sensitivity to cold or hot and pressure. This usually subsides after a week or two. If your bite feels uneven after a week of the fitting appointment, or if you have any concerns with your treatment contact our practice.

Home Care After Cosmetic Reconstructions

Be aware that teeth require remineralising and healing after modifying tooth structure and may be sensitive for some time.  It will take time to adjust to the new bite and position of the teeth.