For Patients
What to expect at your initial consultation
Visiting a new dentist can be daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. At Smiles By The Sea our experienced dentists are here to make your Mona Vale dental journey smooth and uncomplicated, our team of experienced staff are dedicated to giving you their best.
On your first visit, one of our experts will discuss in detail all of your dental concerns. We will also complete a comprehensive dental examination, including x-rays and a clean. Following this, a treatment plan will be created to address any further dental treatment needed.
What to expect at your Check-up and Clean visit
To help make sure the mouth, gums and teeth all remain healthy and functional it is very important to visit a dentist every 6 months for a check-up and clean. Regular general dental check-ups help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy, preserving the life of your teeth and preventing the need for invasive and expensive procedures to correct problems.
Scaling of your teeth is performed to clean along the gum line area to remove any plaque and calculus that may be built up.
Next a prophy clean is used to polish the surfaces of the teeth to remove stains and any remaining plaque. If the teeth are heavily stained a prophy clean can often help with making the teeth look whiter and feel smoother.
Fluoride helps to remineralise and strengthen the tooth structure, this protects the teeth from further damage and slows down the activity of bacteria which cause tooth decay and cavities. Research has shown that teeth with fluoride exposure have lower incidences of tooth decay and cavities than teeth without fluoride treatment.
Dental X-rays
Dental x-rays are usually taken to help look under the surfaces of the tooth which can’t be seen by the naked eye. We recommend taking x-rays on your first visit and then updating them every 2-4 years depending on your risk profile to ensure that the teeth and jaw bones are looking good and healthy. Dental x-rays are a very important tool that your dentist will use to help detect things such as:
- Small areas of decay between the teeth that are not visible to the eye
- Problems with existing fillings, root canals, crowns or bridges
- The presence and severity of gum disease or other infections such as an abscess
- The development and placement of wisdom teeth, and if there is a need for them to
be removed
Are x-rays safe? Yes, dental x-rays are very safe for adults and children. We receive small amounts of radiation in our everyday lives and the amount of radiation involved with dental x-rays is extremely low, it is similar to the amount of radiation exposure you’d receive on a 1–2-hour flight on a plane.
Caring for children’s teeth
Regular dental check-ups are essential for children as their teeth and jaws are still growing and developing. At Smiles by the Sea, our gentle and experienced team ensures your child’s smile stays strong by identifying early signs of tooth decay, crowding, or gum issues before they become bigger problems. Early prevention helps avoid the need for more complex treatments later in life, saving families from unnecessary discomfort and cost, while helping children build positive habits that support long-term oral health.
We believe a healthy smile contributes to your child’s overall well-being, confidence, and quality of life. Our child-friendly check-ups are designed to be comfortable and educational, giving parents the reassurance that their child’s oral health is being carefully monitored. By choosing Smiles by the Sea in Mona Vale, you are partnering with a team committed to keeping your child’s smile bright, healthy, and happy as they grow.
Help children get off to a good start! What to know and how to do’s – Download this helpful guide.
CDBS
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule, also known as the CDBS, allows eligible children to access up to $1,026 of general dental treatment through Medicare. To confirm your child is eligible, download the fact sheet to find out more or talk to our friendly staff.
Seniors Oral Health
As we age, our dental needs change, and regular check-ups become even more important in protecting overall health and quality of life. At Smiles by the Sea, we provide gentle, comprehensive care tailored to seniors, focusing on preventing gum disease, managing dry mouth, protecting against tooth wear, and detecting early signs of oral cancer. Regular visits allow us to address changes quickly and maintain healthy teeth and gums, helping you continue to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
Oral health is closely linked to overall health, particularly in seniors, with issues like inflammation and infection potentially affecting conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Our caring team takes the time to understand your unique needs and provide personalised care in a comfortable, supportive environment. At Smiles by the Sea, we are committed to helping you enjoy a healthy, functional smile at every stage of life so you can live well with confidence.
Seniors oral health. Learn more form the ADA (Australian Dental Association) here.