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Bulk billing is a topic that often comes with so much confusion and uncertainty. If you have been wondering what bulk billing or a bulk billing dentist does, then you are in the right place. To learn more about what a bulk billing dentist does, you must first understand the concept of bulk billing.

What is bulk billing?

Bulk billing is a payment option under a government-funded program such as the Medicare and Child Dental Benefits Schedule, where a patient can benefit from medical services at the expense of the government. So instead of the dentist or professional medical billing you, he will directly bill the government for the services offered. Bulk billing is available under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) program. With Medicare and CDBS, your child can benefit from basic dental services in most dental clinics.

With this in mind, you do not have to dig deep into your pockets for your child’s dental care anymore. At Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, we accept this government-funded program and give you quality dental care without any hidden extra costs. Visit us today to learn more about our bulk billing dentist in Carrum Downs. Here are some things you may not know about a bulk billing dentist.

Bulk billing can work as an insurance

Under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, children between the ages of 2 to 17 can comfortably benefit from basic dental services in most dental clinics, including Carrum Downs Dental Clinic. This is the age when children are most likely to need the most basic dental services like teeth cleaning, and extraction, among other services. Bulk billing will work as dental insurance for the period the children are eligible for the program.

It is fast

With our bulk billing dentist, you do not have to go through the trouble of long payment and claims processes. All you need to do is swipe your Medicare card at our Carrum Downs Dental clinic, and you are good to go. The government will cover most, if not all, the cost for any services covered under the bulk billing program.

It covers most basic dental care services

The good thing about bulk billing is that it covers most basic dental services such as dental check-ups, dental x-rays, teeth cleaning, root canal treatment, fissure sealing, dental fillings, and tooth extractions, among others. Our walk-in dentist in Carrum Downs accepts Medicare bulk billing and offers most, if not all, these basic services.

There are no hidden costs

With bulk billing, there are no hidden extra costs. As long as the service you are getting is covered under the Medicare program, you will hardly have to pay any extra coins. The $1000 cap covers most basic dental care services. However, it is important to note that costs can vary from state to state. Additionally, costs can vary from one dental professional to another depending on factors like overhead costs, and methods used in the dental procedure, among other factors.

Conclusion

Visit our Carrum Downs bulk bill dentist today to take advantage of the benefits from the Medicare and CDBS programs. Our team at Carrum Downs will gladly answer any of your questions regarding bulk billing.

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Whether you are in search of a new family dentist or have been going to the same dentist for many years, recent dental advances are something you should always be aware of. This way, you can be certain that you are taking full advantage of the best dental treatments available. Dentists are always looking for new and improved ways to quality dental care, and that is why there are new and constant developments in the dental industry. One of those improved approaches is laser dentistry.
Although lasers have been used in dentistry since the early 90s, they have certainly been improved and enhanced to handle more difficult oral issues and provide amazing benefits along the way.
Read on to learn about the five key benefits of laser dental surgery.

Minimal Invasive Surgery

Dental surgery may sound scary and extremely painful to those who have undergone the traditional way. Using laser makes the entire procedure less invasive and eradicates the need for using dental anaesthesia for filling cavities and cutting the gums to reach an impacted tooth.

Minimises Bleeding and Swelling

Laser dentistry uses highly concentrated light beams to apply treatments and perform dental surgeries. These light beams help to keep bleeding to a minimum and reduce swelling after the surgery. Bleeding would undoubtedly be a major problem if lasers were not used.

Patient Comfort

One of the key benefits of laser treatment is that patients who are usually scared of the dentist can feel more relaxed and comfortable during procedures. With laser treatment, the nail-biting sounds and vibrations of the dental drill are eliminated.

Faster Healing

When undergoing any dental procedure, the last expectation is an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure with a prolonged and painful healing period. With laser dentistry, there is less bleeding and swelling, which means faster healing.
Also, not only are laser treatments less invasive, recovery is less traumatic as well. For instance, take periodontal disease treatments. Usually, periodontitis treatment requires scraping and probing of the gums and teeth, which can result in excruciating pain, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Laser treatment only causes little to no bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during and after the procedure. As a result, healing is much faster, so you get back to feeling like yourself quicker.

Reduces Chances of Infection

Laser dentistry is highly valued and utilised throughout the dental community mainly because they help to sterilise the area they contact. Certain laser treatments do not require stitching; therefore, it means minimal trauma to the gums and teeth and lower chances of infection.

Conclusion

If you are a patient who thinks would benefit from using the services of laser dentistry, then now is the time for you to schedule an appointment with us at Carrum Downs Dental Group for more information. Laser treatment is becoming more popular daily due to the many benefits it offers to dental patients. And since our dental staff is always available for any laser-related questions you may have, feel free to schedule an appointment or contact us at your earliest convenience, and we will be there to attend to you.

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The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted and changed our lives in so many different ways. For instance, it has caused delays in dental treatment for most people. People who had minor dental issues that could have been easily resolved by a visit to the dentist have had to wait for months to receive treatment. And once dental problems begin, they only become worse requiring a more advanced and expensive treatment.
During this period of uncertainty, your health should be your first priority. Due to restricted movements, it is becoming difficult to get dental care during Covid. Therefore, practicing good oral habits at home is the most effective way of protecting your teeth during the pandemic.
Some of the best measures to help keep your teeth healthy during Covid-19 outbreak include;

Maintain a proper oral regime

Brushing your teeth more than one on a daily basis can help you prevent dental issues such as tooth decay and gum diseases. Ensure that you brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you sleep at night. Also, make sure that you brush for two minutes or more. Two minutes is ample time to ensure that all your teeth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
To be on the safe side, you can use an electric toothbrush because of the in-built timer. However, if you do not have one, use your smartphone to time yourself with the manual brush.

Replace your toothbrush often

Replacing your toothbrush every two to three months is one way of maintaining good dental hygiene. If your toothbrush looks splayed or worn out, it is a sign that you require a new one. Brushing your teeth with a worn out toothbrush increases your risk of getting dental problems such as tooth decay.
Your toothbrush should also be kept in good condition. Keep it clean and well aerated. Remember that having healthy gums can help you better fight the coronavirus infection.

Remember to floss everyday

Brushing only cleans two thirds of your tooth surfaces. Flossing helps clean the remaining part where your toothbrush cannot reach. Dental floss is a straightforward and traditional way of removing bacteria and food particles stuck between your teeth. Dentist recommend that you floss every day to prevent plaque from accumulating in between your teeth. Plaque build-up is the primary cause of cavities and gum disease.

Diet is very important

What you eat matters a lot. Ensure that you eat a balanced and healthy diet. Limit your sugar intake levels. During this difficult time of self-quarantining when most people are dealing with stress, it can be very easy to adopt the habit of excessive snacking. Starch and sugary foods such as cakes and cookies produces too much acids in your mouth. These acids dissolves your tooth surfaces weakening your enamel. Besides, too much sugar accelerates plaque build-up in your teeth faster than your saliva can wash away the harmful bacteria.
Good and healthy diet is inclusive of good hydration. Excessive smoking and alcohol is harmful to your oral health. Drinking too much alcohol causes the cells in your gums to dry out. Excessive smoking limits the flow of blood in your mouth which leads to the growth of bacteria.

Conclusion

Carrum Downs Dental Clinic is a dental facility that has specialized in a wide range of dental procedures. Their goal is to engineer and restore teeth that will last for a long time. We encourage all our patients to maintain good oral habits during this difficult time as their primary dental care in Covid. This will not only ensure their safety but minimize the need for emergency dental treatment. Our dentists are fully qualified and experienced to help you restore your smile in a pain free and beautiful way by giving you the best dental experience possible.

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Most regular dental visits will require minimal or no anesthetic at all for the treatments. However, some treatments will require the dentist to administer a local anesthesia to perform a dental procedure that may involve pain. Many forms of anesthesia have been used in dentistry to help numb the pain from dental procedures. While all forms of anesthesia have proven to be effective, some forms of anesthesia, such as laughing gas, are known to come with additional benefits. For this reason, laughing gas has become one of the most preferred anesthetics of choice for most dentists and patients alike. Read on to find out why.

What is Laughing gas?

Laughing gas is an odourless gaseous chemical compound of oxidized nitrogen. Also known as laughing gas, laughing gas has been proven to be an effective sedative. Its sedative properties are what make it an ideal anesthetic option in medicine, especially dentistry.

How does it work?

Laughing gas works pretty fast, and that is one of the reasons why dentists prefer it when treating their patients. Unlike other sedation methods which are administered either by injection, oral, or intravenous, laughing gas is administered by breathing in through a gas mask that is placed over your nose. Once the gas reaches your bloodstream, it will stimulate the production of feel-good hormones that may make you feel lightheaded in some way. It then stabilizes neuron activity, which numbs the pain. You will feel relaxed and comfortable during the entire treatment period. Like most sedation methods used in most dental procedures, laughing gas does not make you unconscious, so you will be able to interact with your dentist throughout the treatment.

Benefits of Laughing gas in dentistry

• Anxiety control

One of the most crucial concerns during dental visits is anxiety and discomfort. Your dentist wants you to have the most comfortable experience while on your visit. Laughing gas provides a calming effect that makes patients less worried or agitated, making treatment easier for both the dentist and the patient.

• Precise dosage

In the past, medical professionals had limited knowledge of the proper dosage of laughing gas for their patients. In modern dental practice, thanks to technological advancement, dental professionals can administer precise dosages of laughing gas for each patient.

• Pain alleviation

Pain alleviation is the main reason any anesthesia is administered, and laughing gas provides just that. By stabilizing neuron activity in the brain, the neurons responsible for transmitting pain will be inactive, causing a numbing effect.

• Safety of laughing gas

Laughing gas is by far one of the safest sedation methods in dentistry. This makes it safe for both children and adults. However, your dentist has to have proper knowledge and experience using laughing gas for it to be safer. Additionally, you have to inquire with your dentist if laughing gas is an ideal sedation option for you.

Conclusion

At Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, our dental professionals offer guidance to patients on whether laughing gas is safe for each patient and advise accordingly. Visit our clinic today to have the most comfortable and anxiety-free dental experience with us. Don’t let anxiety stand in the way of your dental health.

We try to keep our teeth as healthy as possible by trying to follow all the oral care tips recommended by the dentist. We brush our teeth twice a day and floss at least once. However, these activities might not be enough to keep the cavity and decay at bay. If you have been following all these activities and still experience cavities, the problem might be what you are eating. Here are some diet tips for healthy teeth at home.

• Cheese, Milk, and Yoghurt

Cheese is one of the best foods for teeth. For starters, it is rich in calcium and low in sugar. It also contains a form of protein known as casein, which is a protein useful for strengthening tooth enamel. Cheese is also rich in phosphate, which helps in balancing the PH level in the mouth. This preserves the tooth enamel from corrosion. Also, chewing on cheese helps in saliva production, which helps in washing away the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Milk is one of the best drinks when it comes to teeth. It is rich in calcium and some other vital elements in strengthening teeth. It also lows the PH level in the mouth, which helps in fighting tooth decay.
Moreover, Yoghurt comes packed with probiotics and calcium that prevents gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.

• Crunchy Foods

It might take a bit of effort to chew on some of the crunchy foods such as apples, carrots, and cucumbers. However, all the effort is not in vain. Apart from the nutritional benefits, you obtain from such foods, it also helps disturb the dental plaque in the mouth and serves as a cleansing mechanism. Therefore, instead of bacteria sitting in your mouth, they get washed away.

• Water

Water is one of the healthiest drinks compared to many others. 60% of our body is comprised of water, and remaining hydrated helps the body distribute vital nutrients, keeps the muscles moving, and gives us that important glow. Apart from the nutritional benefits, drinking water helps the teeth remain strong, especially if the water is fluoridated. Drinking water rich in fluoride serves as a natural cavity fighter. It also helps wash away food debris in the mouth that might have remained after your meals. It also keeps the PH level in the mouth stabilized, preventing teeth decay.

• Nuts

Nuts are also beneficial to your teeth. They come with a tone of elements such as phosphate and calcium. These elements help in fighting cavities and tooth decay. For instance, almonds offer a fair share of calcium, peanuts are great for calcium and vitamin D, and cashew nuts are good for calcium. Cashew nuts are also known to stimulate saliva that helps wash away bacteria.

Conclusion

Maintaining good oral health and strong teeth throughout your life can be easy to achieve. All that you need to do is practice good oral hygiene, eat the right food, and visit your dentist regularly. Avoid foods with a lot of sugars such as candy, acidic foods such as soda and sweetened foods such as red wine. Visit us at Carrum Downs Dental Group, and our dentist will share more healthy tips for your teeth.

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Also called a diastema, gaps in teeth are a common occurrence that is loved and loathed in equal measure. Most of the people who have gaps in their teeth feel uncomfortable when smiling and want to get rid of it. Generally, gaps between teeth can be corrected with braces, but thanks to modern dentistry, there are more instant options for people who don’t have the patience to wear braces. One such option is dental bonding.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a common cosmetic dental procedure that is used to mask imperfections on the teeth. Using a tooth coloured composite resin material, your dentist can reshape and sculpt the tooth to make it more appealing. In the case of tooth gaps, the dentist will use the composite resin material to cover up the gap.

Gaps in teeth treatment

Dental bonding for gaps in teeth is ideal for teeth that have a single gap between the two front incisors. However, for teeth with multiple gaps, braces would be the most ideal. Unlike braces, dental bonding for gaps in teeth can be done in a single dental visit.

The process involves first choosing a dental bonding material that matches the colour of your own teeth to make it as natural as possible. Next, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the bonding process. This is usually done by mildly etching the surface of the tooth that will receive the bonding material. This is to make it easier for the bonding material to adhere to the tooth solidly.

Next, the dentist will apply the bonding material to the prepared tooth surface. Since the material is malleable, the dentist can sculpt and shape it to the desired shape. Once he achieves the desired shape, he will use ultraviolet light to cure the bonding material, so it adheres permanently to your teeth. Once it is well cures, the dentist can then proceed to further polish it smooth, so it doesn’t irritate your tongue or inside of your mouth.

Who is ideal for dental bonding for teeth gaps?

Well, anyone with a gap on their teeth can have dental bonding done to close the gaps. However, it is important to note that dental bonding cannot be used as a substitute for orthodontic treatment. If your teeth need orthodontic treatment, then you should see a dentist for options. Dental bonding is only ideal for people who don’t have any other orthodontic concerns with their teeth. Always consult with your dentist before you consider any treatment first to know if you are an ideal candidate.

There are various concerns surrounding dental bonding. One is that composite resin can easily become stained from drinking too much coffee or from smoking and so veneers are most ideal. However, with good oral hygiene and eating habits, dental bonding can last for years without replacement or retouch.

Bottom Line: Gaps in teeth treatment at Carrum Downs
With our experienced dental team At Carrum Downs, you can be sure to get the best advice and treatment for gaps in your teeth. Visit our clinic today to get your dental bonding treatment for gaps in your teeth.

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