Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Dental x-rays help dentists visualise diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissue that cannot be seen with a simple oral exam. In addition, x-rays help the dentist find and treat dental problems early in their development, which can potentially save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life.

Dental x-rays can be used to:

• Show areas of decay that may not be visible with an oral exam, especially small areas of decay between teeth or underneath existing fillings
• Reveal bone loss that accompanies gum disease or an infection
• Reveal an abscess or other developmental abnormalities, such as cysts and some types of tumours

The frequency of getting x-rays of your teeth often depends on your medical and dental history and current condition. Some people may need x-rays as often as every six months; others with no recent dental or gum disease and who visit their dentist regularly may get x-rays only every couple of years. If you are a new patient, your dentist may take x-rays as part of the initial exam and to establish a baseline record from which to compare changes that may occur over time.

Yes! We warmly welcome new patients to our practice and look forward to providing you and your family with personalised dental care. Whether you’re visiting for a routine check-up, preventive care or more specialised treatments, our team is dedicated to making every visit comfortable.

At Providence Dental Care, patient comfort is a top priority. Our modern, welcoming clinic is designed to help you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. From calming treatment rooms to friendly staff who guide you through every step, we aim to ensure your experience is tailored to your needs.

Your First Visit

What to expect at your first visit:

• A warm welcome from our team and a guided tour of the practice
• A comprehensive dental exam for you or your child
• Discussion of your medical and dental history, oral hygiene habits and any concerns
• Recommendations for treatments or preventive care, tailored to your oral health and goals
• Answers to any questions about procedures, costs and scheduling

We also accept all health funds. Our team can assist with claims and explain your benefits, so you can focus on your oral health and your child’s. We also sometimes offer specials!

Ready to Book Your First Dental Visit?

We strive to make your first visit informative, comfortable and positive, so you leave feeling pleased with your dental care.

We invite you to arrange your appointment today!

Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth, but suitability depends on several factors. Common indicators that implants may be right for you include:

• One or more missing teeth
• Healthy gums
• Sufficient jawbone to support the implant
• Overall good oral and general health

During your consultation, your dentist will review your dental and medical history, take digital scans or x-rays and assess your jawbone density to determine if dental implants are appropriate for your needs.

Even if bone density is reduced, procedures like bone grafting can often prepare the jaw to support implants successfully. Your dentist will explain whether you need grafting and how it integrates with the implant treatment plan.

How Do I Care for Dental Implants at Home?

Proper home care is essential to ensure the longevity of dental implants. Treat your implants like natural teeth: 

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss carefully around the implant.
• Consider using an interdental brush to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can also help prevent plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
• Avoid chewing hard foods or using your teeth as tools to protect your implants from unnecessary stress.

We Welcome Your Call 

Regular dental check-ups are equally important. Professional cleanings allow your dentist to monitor the implant, surrounding gum tissue and jawbone. 

We invite you to call us for your next appointment. 

Our goal is to create a seamless smile that matches your unique look. We use whichever materials best suit your needs and aesthetic goals, helping ensure results that are both natural-looking and durable.

For example:

• Porcelain veneers are highly popular for their lifelike translucency and stain resistance. They mimic the natural sheen of tooth enamel.
• Composite veneers are a more conservative option, made from tooth-coloured resin. They are versatile and can often be applied in a single visit while still producing a natural appearance.
• Zirconia veneers are strong and durable, and they're ideal for patients who require maximum strength while still achieving an aesthetic result.

Additional Benefits of Veneers

• Correct Imperfections — Cover chips, cracks, gaps or worn teeth.
• Whiten Teeth — Mask stubborn stains that don’t respond to whitening treatments.
• Long-Lasting — With proper care, veneers can last 10–15 years or more.
• Minimally Invasive — We only remove a small amount of enamel, which means it helps preserve more natural tooth structure.
• Protection from Dental Wear — Veneers can protect weakened teeth and reduce further wear.
• Customisable — We can customise each veneer's shape, size and colour to match your facial features and personal aesthetic goals.

Looking for Veneers in Providence, SA?

Your dentist can help ensure your veneers look natural and meet your functional and lifestyle needs. We craft each veneer specifically for you. We welcome your call!

At our practice, we accept coverage through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). This government initiative helps families access essential dental care for children aged 2–17 by providing up to $1,000 in benefits every two years for eligible patients.

Eligible services include a wide range of preventive and restorative treatments, such as dental check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, extractions and certain other procedures, depending on your child’s needs. By using the CDBS, families can ensure their children receive professional dental care without financial stress, promoting healthy teeth and gums from an early age.

Our team will assist you in verifying eligibility and submitting claims directly to Medicare, making the process as simple and stress-free as possible. With bulk-billed access to CDBS services, your child can maintain regular dental check-ups, receive timely treatment for any dental issues and establish good oral health habits that last a lifetime.

Have Questions? We Welcome Your Call

If you have any questions about eligibility, covered services or how to make the most of your child’s dental benefits, our friendly team is here to guide you every step of the way.

We encourage you to please contact an emergency dentist immediately whenever you experience sudden or severe dental problems. Quick action can help prevent further damage, reduce pain and increase the chances of saving a tooth or preventing infection.

Common situations that require urgent dental attention include:

• Severe tooth pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief
• Knocked-out teeth (avulsed teeth) due to injury or trauma
• Broken or fractured teeth from an accident, bite or injury
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding from the gums, mouth or after dental treatment
• Swelling of the gums, face or jaw which could indicate infection or abscess
• Dental abscess or signs of infection, including pus, fever or tenderness
• Loose or dislodged teeth from trauma
• Severe jaw pain or locking of the jaw
• Problems with dental work such as broken crowns, loose fillings or damaged implants

Even if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, we recommend that you please call and speak with our emergency dentist in Providence and West Lakes. Prompt evaluation can help prevent complications, reduce discomfort and improve long-term outcomes for your oral health.

Having a Dental Emergency in Providence? We Welcome Your Call

At Providence Dental Care, we prioritise emergency patients and aim to provide compassionate, effective care to manage pain, treat the problem and restore your smile as quickly as possible.

A full mouth reconstruction is a personalised, multi-step approach to restoring the health, function and appearance of teeth. Treatment times and results vary for each patient depending on the complexity of their oral health needs, the types of procedures required and overall dental goals.

Initial Assessment

Your dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw alignment and bite. Digital scans, x-rays and impressions may be taken to create a detailed plan tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Planning

A customised plan is then developed, which may include crowns, bridges, veneers, inlays/onlays, dental implants or other restorative and cosmetic procedures. In some cases, orthodontic adjustments or gum treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Treatment Process

Procedures are carefully coordinated to restore both function and appearance efficiently while keeping you comfortable. Temporary restorations may be used during the process to maintain oral function and aesthetics.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

After treatment, your dentist will provide guidance on maintaining your new smile, including oral hygiene routines and follow-up visits. These visits help monitor progress and ensure long-term results.

Full mouth reconstruction can improve chewing function, prevent further dental damage, support jaw health and enhance the appearance of your smile. Remember, every patient’s timeline and outcome is unique, and your dentist will discuss realistic expectations and personalised care every step of the way.

Clear aligners are a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth for adults and teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. They can correct problems such as crowded teeth, gaps or minor bite concerns.

During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, bite alignment and treatment goals to determine if clear aligners are suitable. Not every case requires traditional braces, but complex bite or severe alignment issues may need additional orthodontic solutions.

Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays that gently shift your teeth into proper alignment. Each tray is worn for about 20–22 hours per day and swapped every few weeks. Treatment times and results vary, as with every treatment and every patient. 

Caring for Clear Aligners at Home

Proper at-home care is key to maintaining oral health and achieving the best results. Always remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before putting the trays back in. Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, avoiding hot water, which can warp the trays. Regular check-ins with your dentist help ensure your treatment is progressing as planned.

Ready to Try Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, making it easy to eat, drink and maintain oral hygiene without disrupting your daily life.

We welcome your call! 

Patients may wish to discuss crowns or bridges with a dentist if you have teeth that are weakened, damaged or missing. These restorations can help maintain the function of your bite, support surrounding teeth and restore the shape of affected teeth.

Common situations where crowns or bridges may be considered include:

• Teeth with extensive decay that cannot be restored with a filling
• Cracked, chipped or fractured teeth that require additional support
• Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
• Missing teeth that could affect bite alignment or neighbouring teeth
• Worn teeth due to natural wear or other factors
• Teeth with large existing restorations that may compromise stability

Crowns cover individual teeth to provide protection, restore shape and maintain function. Dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or dental implants. This can help maintain normal chewing and bite alignment.

Your dentist will assess your oral health, discuss options and recommend treatments appropriate for your needs. Early evaluation and care can help support the long-term function of your teeth and bite.

At Providence Dental Care, crowns and bridges are custom-made to suit individual requirements, with materials selected to match your teeth and oral health needs.

Need a Dental Crown or Bridge? 

Please give us a call to arrange your crown or bridge consultation with Providence Dental Care. 

While some factors that contribute to TMJ disorders or bruxism—such as genetics, certain medical conditions or stress—cannot be entirely prevented, there are several strategies that can help reduce symptoms and protect your oral health. Early diagnosis and consistent management are key to preventing long-term damage to teeth, jaw joints and surrounding muscles.

Custom Oral Appliances

One of the most effective preventive measures is the use of custom-made mouthguards or splints. These devices are designed to fit your teeth precisely, helping to reduce the strain on your jaw muscles, prevent tooth wear and minimise the risk of fractures caused by grinding or clenching.

Relaxation and Stress Management

Because stress and anxiety are common triggers for bruxism, practising relaxation techniques can be highly beneficial. Simple habits like deep-breathing exercises, meditation or gentle jaw stretches can help relieve muscle tension and reduce the frequency of clenching or grinding.

Routine Dental Check-Ups

Routine dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your teeth and jaw for early signs of wear or TMJ-related problems. Timely detection means interventions can be implemented before significant damage occurs, helping maintain oral function and comfort.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding chewing hard objects and maintaining good posture while sitting or sleeping can also contribute to prevention and symptom management.

TMJ and Bruxism Treatment in Providence, SA

Do you live with TMJ pain or bruxism? We welcome your call! 

Gum disease often develops gradually, and early symptoms can be easy to overlook. Common warning signs include:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

You might also notice tenderness or discomfort when chewing, or gums that feel sensitive or pull away from your teeth. If any of these symptoms appear, it’s important to schedule a dental evaluation promptly.

During your appointment, your dentist will examine your gums for inflammation, measure the depth of gum pockets around each tooth and check for bone loss or other signs of periodontal disease. Based on this assessment, your dentist will recommend a tailored treatment plan, which could include scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, or more advanced therapies if necessary. Early intervention often prevents the progression of gum disease and helps maintain long-term oral health.

Maintaining Healthy Gums at Home

Maintaining your gums between dental visits is essential:

• Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque and bacteria that can irritate the gums.
• Using an antiseptic or fluoride mouthwash can further reduce harmful bacteria and freshen breath.
• Avoiding tobacco products, eating a balanced diet and managing stress also support gum health.
• Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, combined with good at-home care, are the most effective ways to prevent gum disease and protect your smile for years to come.

Have questions or need to book your visit? We welcome your call.