What can I expect on my first visit and what will it cost? Like a lot of treatment related questions the answer to this one is dependent on the services that you require.
We recommend that patients who are visiting for the first time have a full oral health assessment. So that your dentist can identify all of your treatment needs he/she will need to perform diagnostic tests and services. These may be as simple as a visual assessment with a mirror and probe or you may require more specialized tests such as dental radiographs (X-rays) or assessments to determine the quality of your saliva and health of your gums. Often (and especially if there is not complex treatment to plan) the dentist may also recommend that you get a professional clean on this first visit. We find most patients receive about $280 worth of services on their first visit but of course this depends on what procedures are requested and performed.
Sometimes patients present to us for the first time with a dental crisis. In these circumstances we will do everything in our power to treat your primary need and get you out of pain. We recommend that you then schedule a time for a complete oral health assessment as discussed above.
How much does a filling cost?
Fillings can cost as little as $50 or hundreds of dollars. The cost of a filling is determined by two main factors: the number of tooth surfaces the filling occupies, and the type of material used, and is a reflection of the workmanship involved to prepare and place it. A single surface filling of a basic direct placement material will be cheaper than a multiple surface filling that has been constructed with porcelain or gold in a laboratory. View our Pricing Policy
Do you look after children?
Absolutely! Crookes and Jenkins Dental is a family business and we love to look after children’s oral health needs (as well as their parents and grandparents). We take special care to foster a non-threatening relationship and environment for our child patients and believe most actually look forward to their visits with us. Our Oral Health Therapists, Jay-Lee Evans and Janice Okine are specially trained to help care for children's teeth along side the dentist, by providing a wide range of services including examinations, preventive treatments, fissure sealants, and fillings in primary and permanent teeth. Caring for Children’s Teeth
When should a child’s first dental visit be?
Ideally, as soon as the first two teeth come through. This will allow your dentist to check that the teeth have formed correctly and to give valuable advice about a whole range of dental health issues related to children. It also helps the dentist and child begin to form a relationship based on trust. One of the saddest things we sometimes encounter is when a child’s first visit to the dentist is motivated by tooth ache or dental trauma. It is difficult for a child suffering from pain or trauma to separate this from the treatment environment if they have not had positive non threatening experiences beforehand. “By two is too late” was a catch phrase used by the American Dental Association in a recent campaign targeted at reducing childhood dental disease.
Should I attend for my dental appointment if I'm sick, or should I reschedule? At Crookes and Jenkins Dental, we ensure universal precautions are undertaken in regard to infection control for all dental procedures. This means that we use the highest level of protection against cross contamination regardless of whether you are sick or not. The only consideration you may have is for your own comfort during the procedure. If you can comfortably lie in the dental chair, and can breath easily with your mouth open, then we are happy to see you.
Will my treatment hurt?
Dentistry has come a long way since the days of barbershop dentistry where a bottle of rum was the local anaesthetic. The best way to avoid dental pain is to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene and have regular check ups, but sometimes more invasive treatment can be necessary. Through the use of modern day anaesthetics dental treatment is rarely uncomfortable while you are attending. Some procedures may take a little time to heal, but your Dentist will be able to recommend or prescribe medication to manage any post treatment discomfort.
Are you wheel chair accessible?
Yes – but please advise that you will need this service at the time of your booking so that we can ensure we are adequately prepared for your visit.
Do you have a laser?
Lasers in dentistry have come along way since the very early prototypes of a decade or so ago. There are lots of different types of lasers used in dentistry today, some can cut teeth, and some can contour soft tissues (like gums) or can be used to help whiten teeth. Unfortunately, lasers are still very expensive, there is not one type of laser that can do everything, and their use in dentistry is still quite limited. Metallic restorations (like amalgam fillings) for example should not be removed with a laser as this can be quite dangerous. There is often little advantage to using a laser.
At this point in time we have a laser to use for tooth whitening, but we do not have lasers for restorative purposes. There is a future for lasers in dentistry and we frequently reassess whether the advantages offered to our patients outweigh the disadvantage of increased service charges.
Do you have HICAPS?
As part of our service to you we do provide HICAPS facilities. If your health fund is a participating member, our reception staff will be able to submit a claim to your health fund on your behalf saving you a visit to the health fund’s office. Your health fund’s contribution will be credited to your invoice so you only have to pay your co-payment towards your treatment. Of course you will need to bring along your membership card so that we can process the transaction.
I am in a health fund – does Crookes and Jenkins Dental belong to a preferred provider scheme?
In recent years health funds have begun to introduce preferred provider schemes into Australia. These schemes are essentially a contract with the dentist (or service provider) to provide certain services for a fixed fee (usually discounted) in exchange for advertising and marketing benefits from the health fund.
Our experience of preferred provider schemes overseas has essentially taught us that they tend to lead to limited patient choices and services, use of cheaper and inferior materials and treatment options. We feel the advantage of being on the health funds marketing lists is not worth this compromise and for these reasons we have chosen not to join these schemes. This decision has not been made lightly, but out of a deep concern for the long term wellbeing and freedom of choice for our patients.
Crookes and Jenkins Dental operates independently from all health funds. Our business is the provision of dental services that are appropriate to our patients’ needs, for which we charge a fair fee and represent excellent value for service.
Where can I park?
There is limited parking available for our patients at the rear of the building - please do not obstruct the driveway / easement to our neighbours property. There is also plenty of parking, both on and off street, available in the village vicinity if you intend to do some shopping.
