General Dentistry in Ashburton

Why regular visits matter

Most dental problems are silent in their early stages. Decay doesn’t hurt until it reaches the nerve; gum disease rarely aches at all until it’s advanced. A routine examination every six months catches these things while they’re still cheap, quick and comfortable to fix.

At each visit we examine your teeth, gums and soft tissues, check existing fillings and crowns, screen for signs of oral cancer, and take X-rays only when they’ll genuinely tell us something we can’t see. You’ll always know what we found and what, if anything, we recommend.

What we cover

A note on X-rays and treatment planning

We take X-rays when they’ll change what we do, not on a fixed schedule. Small bitewing films between the back teeth every couple of years catch decay between teeth that no examination can see; a full-mouth view is useful for new patients or before significant work. Modern digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of older film systems. If we recommend one, we’ll tell you what we’re looking for.

When we find something, you’ll get a written plan that separates what needs doing now, what should be monitored, and what’s optional. Prices are itemised and quoted before treatment, and if you have extras cover we’ll show you the expected rebate so there are no surprises at the desk.

General dentistry — common questions

What general dentistry covers

General dentistry is the everyday care people need throughout life: keeping teeth healthy, fixing problems, and knowing when to refer you on. Each area below links to its own page.

Prevention

Regular check-ups and cleans are the base of general care. See check-up and clean for the $199 offer, or what a check-up involves. Children are welcome too; see children’s dentistry.

Repairing damaged teeth

The aim is to keep as much natural tooth as possible. Options run from small to large:

• Fillings for small to medium areas of decay
• Inlays and onlays when a filling would be too big
• Crowns to cover and protect a weak or heavily filled tooth
• Root canal treatment when the nerve inside a tooth is infected or inflamed

Gums

If there are signs of gum disease, your dentist can treat it; see gum disease treatment. If your gums bleed when you brush, read why gums bleed.

Removing teeth

When a tooth can’t be saved, see tooth extractions and wisdom teeth removal.

Protecting teeth

See sports mouthguards and night splints for grinding.

Sensitivity and urgent problems

See sensitive teeth. For toothache, swelling or a broken tooth, see emergency dental care.

Where general care ends

Treatments that mainly change how teeth look, such as veneers or whitening, sit under cosmetic dentistry. Straightening teeth sits under orthodontics.

Some problems, such as a very complex root canal or advanced gum disease, need more than general care. If so, your dentist will explain why and arrange a referral.

Making your visits count

• Tell us about any medicines you take and changes to your health.
• Mention anything new, such as a sore spot, a chip or sensitivity.
• If an option isn’t clear, ask what happens if you wait.
• If you feel nervous, say so when you book. See nervous patients.

Health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS. See health funds for details.

More questions about general dentistry

What’s the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry?

General dentistry focuses on keeping teeth and gums healthy and working: check-ups, cleans, fillings, gum care and extractions. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on how teeth look, such as whitening or veneers. Some treatments, like a tooth-coloured filling or a crown, can do a bit of both.

Can my whole family see the same dentist?

Yes. General dentists see adults and children. Staying with the same practice over time means your dentist can compare changes from one visit to the next. Eligible children aged 0–17 may be able to use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist?

No. You can book directly online or by phone. A general dentist is usually the first point of contact for any dental problem. If you need care outside general dentistry, your dentist can arrange a referral for you.