FAQ

Located in Surry Hills, we’re easily accessible by public transport and minutes from Central Station. Light rail access is also nearby, and free street parking is available on surrounding streets like Devonshire, Elizabeth, and Buckingham.

We offer affordable pricing with on-the-spot Health Fund rebates with HICAPS, and payment plans from Afterpay. This allows you to have manageable scheduled payments for any treatment we offer.

In Australia, Medicare does not cover dental treatments for adults in a private setting. However, most private health insurance with extras cover will provide partial or full rebates for dental check-ups, depending on your level of cover. Check your policy or contact your provider for details on what dental benefits your policy includes.

Most private health insurance policies include dental coverage as an optional extra. The level of coverage varies between different policies and providers, but generally they have two tiers: general dental and major dental. General dental typically covers routine check-ups, cleanings, and restorative procedures like fillings. Major dental covers complex treatments, such as root canals, crowns, veneers and implants.

The Australian Dental Association recommends you have regular dental check-ups and cleans minimum every six months. This allows us to monitor your oral health, detect any potential problems early, and provide preventive care. You can make a booking online, or call us.

To maintain optimal oral health, it's essential to practise good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing daily. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning are also crucial for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

Dentists are qualified medical professionals who have completed a degree - in Dr Sue’s case a Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) degree from the prestigious University of Otago, New Zealand. This qualifies her to diagnose and treat dental conditions, perform various procedures like fillings, extractions, root canals, and all the general and complex dental care you need.

Our in-house dental hygienist is a trained dental professional who specialises in preventive dental care. They will clean and polish your teeth and remove plaque and tartar - otherwise known as a scale and clean - to minimise the risk of problems developing. They will also give you tips for the best day-to-day oral hygiene. We tailor all our dental hygienist visits to suit you!

A dental cleaning typically involves a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, followed by a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, followed by use of a polishing agent to smooth the surfaces of your teeth and finished with a fluoride application.

If you experience severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or a swelling or abscess near the affected tooth, it could be a sign that you need a root canal. A root canal is a procedure to treat an infected or damaged tooth by removing the damaged pulp and filling the root canal with a dental sealant.

We understand that dental anxiety is very common, and we strive to create a calming and supportive environment for all our patients. Dr Sue and her team have a gentle approach with anxious patients, and take the time to listen to your concerns and explain procedures thoroughly. We'll also work at your pace and ensure you feel comfortable throughout your visit. Our modern practice is designed with a calming atmosphere in mind, to help you relax.

We refer patients who need more complex procedures to experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Vintage Surgical Specialists. This may be required if you have a complex extraction, or for the surgical portion of an implant.

Yes, teeth whitening is effective for removing stains and other discoloration, especially with professional in-office treatments. It is safe when done under the supervision of a dentist. Overuse or application of improper whitening products, however, can cause sensitivity and damage to enamel. That’s why it’s always best to consult with a dentist first. We can whiten your teeth right here at our practice in one quick visit or supply you with an at-home whitening kit you apply at home.

A dental veneer is a layer of a uniquely designed and fabricated facing made of either composite material or ceramic/porcelain placed over a tooth. They can help give you a natural looking smile, while protecting the tooth's surface from damage. Our porcelain veneers can last for many years, though their lifespan will depend on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and habits like teeth grinding. We can’t wait to create your smile with you!

Getting dental implants involves a multi-step process. First, your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if you are a suitable candidate. Then, a surgical procedure is performed to place the dental implant into the jawbone. After a healing period, an abutment is attached to the implant, followed by the placement of a crown or bridge.

While dental crowns and bridges may cause some discomfort during the procedure, the pain is generally minimal post treatment, and no recovery time required. Modern dental techniques and pain management medication ensure a comfortable experience.

The first step is to have a general check up and clean, which allows us to do a comprehensive  orthodontic assessment of your teeth and gums. We can then develop a plan based on your oral health, to remedy any dental issues you may be experiencing.

Orthodontic treatments, like braces, are usually associated with children and teens, but adults can also benefit from braces to improve their smile and oral health.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as acute tooth pain, a cracked or broken tooth, broken filling, facial swelling, objects stuck in your gums or a dislodged tooth - you should seek immediate dental care. We will try to see you on the same day during opening hours. Contact us 24/7 on (02) 9699 9522 and we will schedule an appointment asap to ensure your problem doesn't worsen and to make sure you don't experience further pain and discomfort.

If you're experiencing tooth pain, you can try the following:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

• Take over-the-counter pain medication.

• Apply a cold compress to the affected area.

• Avoid eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages.

Signs of a dental infection may include:

• Severe tooth pain

• Swelling in the face or jaw

• Bad breath

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Pus around the affected tooth

• Fever