Dental FAQ

Yes. Cardiff Dental treats children from their first tooth right through to teenagers, and we are passionate about creating positive, low-stress dental experiences from a young age. Eligible children may receive bulk-billed treatment under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, which provides access to eligible dental services over two years. To learn more, visit our children’s dentistry page.

We see anxious patients every week, and we take the time to listen to your concerns before any treatment begins. Dr Reddy will explain each step of your treatment in plain language so there are no surprises, and we never rush. For patients with significant dental fear, we can break treatment into shorter visits and use techniques such as relaxation breaks and clear communication throughout. For more detail, see our dental fear management page.

You can book an appointment in three ways. Call our friendly front desk on (02) 4954 6888 during business hours, book online any time at our online booking portal, or email us at info@cardiffdentistry.com.au. New patients are welcome, and we will confirm your appointment and any preparation requirements before you arrive.

At Cardiff Dental we use a combination of in-chair laser whitening and take-home whitening kits for the most consistent results. In-chair whitening with Philips Zoom delivers a noticeable change in a single visit, and the take-home kit lets you maintain or further enhance the result over the following weeks. Cardiff Dental offers a free whitening consultation so Dr Reddy can recommend the option that suits your teeth, lifestyle and goals.

Yes, in many cases. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic facings bonded to the front of your teeth, and they can improve the appearance of uneven, chipped, worn, gapped or deeply stained teeth in just a few visits. Other options for uneven teeth may include Invisalign or a gum lift. The right solution depends on your specific case, which is why we offer a smile consultation to assess what will work best for you. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.

Cosmetic dentistry costs vary depending on the treatment, the number of teeth involved and the complexity of your case. Cardiff Dental offers free consultations for Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Invisalign and other Orthodontic treatments, and Dental Implants, so you can get a personalised quote with no obligation. We also offer interest-free payment plans through TLC, Access My Super and humm to help spread the cost, and we are a preferred provider for NIB and HCF.

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually move your teeth into position, while conventional braces use fixed metal or ceramic brackets and wires bonded to your teeth. Invisalign is virtually invisible, easier to clean and lets you eat normally, but it requires you to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment to work. Conventional braces stay on your teeth throughout treatment and can be more effective for complex tooth movements. Cardiff Dental offers a free Invisalign consultation so Dr Reddy can recommend the right option for your case.

Most patients feel some pressure or tenderness for two to three days after starting Invisalign or having braces fitted, and again each time the aligners are changed or braces are adjusted. This is a normal sign that your teeth are moving and is usually well-managed with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods. The discomfort settles quickly and most patients adapt within the first week.

Yes. Patients having orthodontic treatment should continue with regular six-monthly check-ups, and in some cases more frequently. Brackets, wires and aligners make it easier for plaque to build up, which can increase the risk of decay and gum problems if cleaning is not thorough. Your Cardiff Dental team will monitor your oral health throughout treatment to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

In most cases, yes. A cracked tooth will not heal on its own, but depending on the depth and location of the crack it can usually be repaired with a filling, a dental crown, or root canal treatment. Deep or vertical cracks that reach the root may unfortunately require extraction, and in those cases we can discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or a bridge. If you have a cracked tooth, call us on (02) 4954 6888 so we can assess it promptly and prevent the crack from worsening.

Cardiff Dental offers three main options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are the most natural-looking and long-lasting solution, replacing both the root and the crown of the tooth. A dental bridge fills the gap by anchoring a replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. Dentures, either full or partial, are a removable option suitable for replacing several teeth at once. We offer a free dental implant consultation so Dr Reddy can recommend the right option for your situation. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.

Bleeding gums are usually the first sign of gum disease, which is highly treatable when caught early. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is generally managed with a professional clean and improved home care. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may require scaling and root planing to clean below the gum line, and in some cases laser treatment, gum surgery or bone grafting to restore lost tissue. To learn more, visit our bleeding gums page and gum problems page.

A dental emergency is any dental problem that needs urgent attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding or save a tooth. This includes severe toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, an abscess or facial swelling, a lost filling or crown, and broken dentures. Cardiff Dental offers a Same Day Emergency Appointment Guarantee, which means if you call us during business hours on (02) 4954 6888 we will see you the same day, or the next working day at the very latest. For more information visit our dental emergency page.

A knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency and the first 30 to 60 minutes are critical. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root, and gently rinse it in milk or saline if it is dirty. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth, or store it in a small container of milk on the way to the practice. Call Cardiff Dental immediately on (02) 4954 6888 and we will see you as soon as you arrive. For more information visit our knocked-out tooth emergency page.