Your Questions
Answered

This depends on your level of private health insurance cover. On the day of your consultation, our front desk team can help you understand what's covered.

If you're experiencing dental pain, especially alongside fever, bleeding or signs of infection, please contact us straight away. We prioritise emergency appointments so you can get relief as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, over-the-counter pain relief or a cold compress may help, and it's best to avoid eating on the affected side of your mouth. If you take any medication before your appointment, let your dentist know, as it may affect their treatment recommendations.

We understand life gets busy and dental visits can slip down the list. A check-up is always worthwhile, no matter how long it's been. During your consultation, our friendly team will examine your mouth, talk through your dental history and daily habits, and let you know if any further treatment is needed.

Book an appointment and let's get your dental health back on track.

We generally recommend a check-up and clean every six months, or at least once a year if that's not possible. If you're at higher risk of dental issues, more frequent visits may be recommended.

Regular visits help us keep an eye on your oral health over time and catch small issues before they grow. If our team identifies that you're at higher risk, we'll explain why and suggest a schedule that suits your needs.

It's completely normal to feel anxious about a dental visit, especially if it's been a while or you've had a difficult experience in the past.

Our team is trained to provide a high level of care with your comfort in mind, and we offer a range of options to help ease dental anxiety. This includes sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry, VR goggles and noise-cancelling headsets with ceiling-mounted TVs. Please speak up if you're feeling nervous — we're here to work through it with you.

We use modern dentistry techniques and technology to support a comfortable, effective standard of care.

From digital X-rays to 3D scanning, microscopic examination and VR headsets, our clinic is well-equipped to support your treatment every step of the way.

 Yes, we provide dental care for patients of all ages, including children. Our dentists are experienced in paediatric techniques that help make dental visits approachable and comfortable for young patients.  Find out more here.

We recommend bringing your child in for their first check-up between 12 and 18 months of age, then continuing every six months. Early visits help our team monitor their oral development, guide healthy habits and build a positive relationship with dental care from a young age.

Yes, our team is experienced in caring for patients with special needs and is trained to accommodate a range of conditions. Let us know what support you or your family need, and we'll work with you to provide it.

Veneers are a popular option for anyone looking to improve the look and brightness of their smile, using a comfortable, relatively straightforward procedure. Your dentist will talk you through what to expect and whether veneers are the right fit for your goals.

Whether veneers or crowns are right for you depends on the condition of your teeth, your budget and your personal goals.

Veneers are a popular, more accessible option for improving the appearance of your smile. Crowns involve a more extensive procedure and can treat damaged teeth in situations where veneers wouldn't be suitable. If you're not sure what's right for you, talk to our team today and we'll walk you through your options.

Yes! As part of the veneers process, you'll get the chance to trial your new smile before your final set is fitted.

During your Smile Trial, you'll first test virtual veneers, exploring different colours and shapes. We'll then fit you with temporary veneers to wear for about a week, so you can get a feel for your new smile while our in-house ceramicist hand-crafts your final set.

This depends on your budget, your unique needs and the goals you have for your smile.

Porcelain veneers are a popular option known for their natural look and long-lasting results, while composite resin is a more budget-friendly alternative that can sometimes be completed in a single visit. We'll talk through what will work best for you during your veneers consultation.

Veneers are a well-established treatment option used by dentists worldwide. As with any dental procedure, your dentist will talk you through the process, and any risks or considerations specific to you, during your consultation.

It's possible your mouth will feel a little different after your veneers, but in a good way.

Veneers are designed to address concerns like misaligned teeth, gaps or cracks, so a change in feel is often part of getting used to your new smile. Just like new glasses or shoes, it shouldn't take long before it starts to feel completely natural.

Dental implants support your bite, improve the look of your smile, and can help reinforce your jawbone. Your teeth help keep your jawbone stable, so without them, the bone may begin to weaken over time. By supporting the jawbone, dental implants can also help maintain the natural shape of your face.

All-On-4 implants aren't just about your smile today, there are long-term benefits too.

All-On-4 implants may suit people with broken or ill-fitting dentures, decayed or lost teeth, loose teeth, or advanced gum disease.

This treatment is designed to give you a full set of fixed teeth that look, feel and function like natural teeth, without needing an implant for every missing tooth.

All-On-4 implants aren't suitable for everyone. They're generally not recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, those who've had radiation therapy, or patients with a compromised immune system. Our team can advise whether All-On-4 implants may be suitable for you.

As with any surgery, you'll need time to heal after your All-On-4 treatment, and that's completely normal. Recovery time varies from person to person, so your dentist will talk you through what to expect for you.

The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under general anaesthetic, so you won't feel anything during treatment, though some soreness and swelling afterwards is common. Sedation typically wears off within four to five hours, and you'll need someone to drive you home.

Most patients are back to regular activity within a few days.

After your surgery, there are a few things to keep in mind while you heal.

Your dentist will usually prescribe pain relief to manage any discomfort, along with guidelines to help keep your mouth clean and support healing. You'll also be asked to attend follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress.

Your new implants will need time to bond with your jawbone, so you'll be advised to take it easy and stick to softer foods for a while. Your dentist can talk you through what this looks like for you.

Healing typically takes around three to four months. After this, we'll bring you back in to create an impression of your gums and implants, before crafting your final prosthesis.

Yes,  like natural teeth, All-On-4 implants need regular cleaning to help them last. Food debris left on or under the implants can lead to bacterial build-up over time, which is why a consistent cleaning routine matters.

How to clean your All-On-4 dental implants

You'll need:

• Floss
• Mouthwash
• A small brush to clean under your implant bridge
• A soft, flexible toothpick to reach tricky spots
• An electric toothbrush, if possible

These items are readily available from pharmacies and most dental clinics.

Step 1: Rinse with mouthwash and use a flexible toothpick to remove food debris.

Step 2: Floss at least once daily, reaching areas your toothbrush and toothpick can't. Flossing before bed is a good habit to build.

Step 3: Brush with a soft toothbrush, covering both your implants and gums. An electric toothbrush can be more effective if you're able to use one.

Step 4: Clean your tongue and cheeks too, as food debris and bacteria can build up here as well.

Step 5: Rinse again to clear any remaining debris.

Step 6: Visit your dentist every six months. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor your oral health and address any concerns early.

All-On-4 implants are designed to be a long-term solution, and with good care, many patients enjoy their implants for many years. Your teeth will experience wear over time, similar to natural teeth, though the implant posts themselves are built to last.

How long your implants last can depend on several factors, including:

• The length, diameter and location of the implants
• Your age
• The quality of your jawbone
• Any periodontal disease
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol and drug use
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy
• Immunosuppressive medication or chronic infectious disease

Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly can help support the longevity of your implants. If we spot any risks, we'll let you know and help you address them.

Clear aligners are simple and effective, without the need for complex treatment or surgery. Each set is custom-made to apply gentle, targeted pressure to specific teeth, gradually shifting them into position over time. As you progress through your series of aligners, your smile moves closer to your desired result.

Clear aligners are designed to be discreet. They're made from a transparent material that blends with your natural teeth, and while they may be visible up close, they're generally far less noticeable than traditional braces, and are a popular choice for those seeking a more subtle orthodontic option.

Clear aligners are designed with comfort in mind. They're crafted from a smooth, thin material that fits snugly over your teeth. You may notice a short adjustment period when you first start wearing them, as with anything new, but most patients find them comfortable over time.

Your dentist will talk you through what's right for your mouth, but we generally recommend wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. You can remove them when needed, such as for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

Most patients find clear aligners comfortable to wear. You may notice some mild pressure as your teeth begin to shift, particularly with a new set of aligners, but this typically settles quickly, a bit like breaking in new shoes.

Many of our patients find clear aligner treatment a worthwhile investment in their oral health, confidence and overall wellbeing. A straighter smile can support better oral hygiene and improved bite alignment, with benefits that extend well beyond your treatment period.

If fear or anxiety around dental treatment has been holding you back from getting the care you need, sleep dentistry may be worth considering.

It's not only for anxiety — we also find sleep dentistry helps patients with low pain thresholds, highly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or a need for more complex treatment.

If this sounds like you, get in touch — call us on (03) 7019 6347 or book your consultation online.

Sedation and anaesthesia are widely used and well-established options for a range of procedures, including dental treatment. Our specialist anaesthetist will walk you through the preparation process and discuss anything specific to you, to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.

For light sedation, most patients feel a little drowsy for a few hours and can resume normal activities the next day.

For deeper sedation or general anaesthesia, we recommend taking it easy for a full day to allow yourself time to recover. You'll need someone to drive you home.

Sleep dentistry is designed to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your treatment. Depending on your level of sedation, you may be fully asleep or deeply relaxed throughout the procedure.

No, the chances of any patient waking up during dental surgery while anaesthetised is extremely unlikely. In all our experience here at Mulgrave Dental, it’s never happened once - and we take steps to ensure it never will.

Your anaesthetist will stay with you the whole time during the procedure and ensure you are kept asleep until the surgery has concluded. This means that no matter your circumstances, or how tolerant you might be to the sedation, you will have someone keeping an eye on you to make sure you’re safe and unconscious.

 If you're having heavier sedation, you won't be able to drive yourself home afterwards. If you can't arrange a lift, talk to us about your options, this may include staying in our waiting  

Your health insurance may cover part or all of the cost of sleep dentistry, depending on your level of cover and the procedure involved. Chat with our team during your consultation and we'll help you figure out the details.