Dental conditions can often develop and progress silently without giving you any discomfort. You may be unaware that you have problems until you feel pain, or when much damage has already been done. Regular visits to the dentist are very important as they allow your dentist the opportunity to find early signs of disease so any issues can be prevented or resolved before they become serious.

We recommend six monthly dental examinations and professional cleaning of teeth for most patients. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, this may need to be tailored to your individual needs. With the right combination of home oral hygiene, a balanced lifestyle and professional care, you will be able to enjoy a healthy mouth for life.

By the age of two to three, your child is ready for their first dental examination. We stand a greater chance of safe keeping our natural dentition by developing healthy habits early in life. Getting your child familiar and comfortable with their dentist is a great first step toward positive dental experiences.

Dental x-rays are very important diagnostic tools, providing your dentist with underlying information that otherwise would be impossible to see. Such information may allow early detection of problems that can be prevented or intervened promptly to reduce the risks of future problems. Certain treatments require dental x-rays in order to review the extent of the problem and to avoid complications during the procedure. There are various types of x-rays used in dentistry for different purposes to obtain information of the jawbone and joints, surrounding tissues of teeth, areas of decay and infection. It is important to discuss with your dentist should you have any concerns regarding dental x-rays.

At Distinctive Dental, we use the latest digital technology to ensure that our dental x-rays deliver radiation at very low doses and is localised only to the area required.

Our team understand and respect that a dental visit can be very difficult for some people. We will listen to your concerns and help you through every step of the way. Not everyone’s dental fear is the same, therefore we will work together with you to understand and alleviate your fears. There are many ways we can help you but we believe in beginning with honesty and trust.

Our standard office opening hours are:

Monday – Friday: 8:30am-5pm*

Saturday: By Appointment

* After hours treatment is available by appointment only.
Please contact our team to schedule the best time for you on 0740922363 or email info@distinctivedentalmareeba.com.au

We DO accept and bulk bill Veteran’s Affairs patients and children eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The Child Dental Benefit Schedule is an Australian Government initiative that may allow your child to seek basic dental treatment, such as check-ups, x-rays, fillings and extractions. Higher end services, such as orthodontic treatment are not included. The total benefit entitlement is capped at $1000 per child per two year period. Eligibility for CDBS is means tested. If you are unsure if you child is eligible please contact our friendly team to find out!

Otherwise, Medicare does not currently cover dental services for non-eligible patients by private dentists.

Bleeding gums is an indicator of serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease (disease of the supporting structures of teeth). If these conditions are left untreated, the supporting structures of teeth will slowly be destroyed, leaving your teeth unsupported. Your teeth may become mobile and this may eventually result in loss of teeth. Call us for an examination if you have any concerns regarding the health of your gums and teeth.

Tooth whitening is a simple and safe cosmetic procedure when performed by trained dental professionals. It is important to see your dentist to ascertain your dental health prior to whitening your teeth as some dental conditions may need to be treated first. Your dentist can advise you on the appropriate whitening procedure for your needs.

Yes! If you have private health insurance with dental extras cover, we can claim your health insurance rebate for you on the spot so you only pay the gap!

Bad breath or halitosis can result from poor oral health habits and may be a sign of other health problems.

Bacteria produce odorous gasses that can lead to unpleasant tastes and smells in the mouth. Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth may be warning signs of gum (periodontal) disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can damage the gums and jawbone and result in loose or missing teeth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can contribute to bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralising acids produced by plaque and food products, and wash away food and dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks. Dry mouth can result from side effects of certain medications, salivary gland problems, smoking and other causes. Depending on your condition, our dentist can recommend various products to assist in saliva production or relieving of dry mouth.

Many illnesses can also lead to bad breath, such as gastric reflux, oral-nasal infections, liver and kidney diseases. If a dental/oral cause cannot be identified, it is important to see your medical practitioner to make the correct diagnosis.

We understand that you may be self-conscious about halitosis, but advising your dentist about your concerns regarding bad breath is a great beginning towards achieving a healthier mouth and confident smile.

Underneath the protective outer layer enamel of your teeth, lies the dentine. Dentine is made of tubules that connect to the internal vital structures of the teeth. When dentine is exposed, triggers such as cold or sweet food and drinks can cause a sharp pain.

Exposed dentine can result from dental erosion, gum recession, tooth decay, broken teeth and other causes. Sensitivity can often be managed fairly simply depending on the cause.

Sometimes, sensitive teeth may be an indicator for more sinister conditions such as cracked teeth. When the sensitivity lasts for a prolonged period of time after the trigger has been removed, there may be serious issues involving the pulp, which is the internal vital structures of the tooth (nerve and blood vessels).

If you have sensitive teeth, we recommended an examination by your dentist as soon as possible to prevent conditions from worsening.