Question 1

How often should I visit the dentist?

Accepted Answer

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that most adults and children see a dentist at least every six months for a routine check-up and clean. However, the appropriate interval for your situation depends on your individual oral health risk profile — your dentist may recommend three-monthly visits if you have active gum disease, a history of frequent decay, dry mouth from medication, or other risk factors. Children benefit from establishing dental visits early — the ADA recommends a first dental visit when the first tooth erupts or by the child's first birthday, whichever comes first. Early visits help identify any developmental concerns and allow our team to guide parents on cleaning techniques and dietary habits that may support good oral health. Learn more about our [children's dentistry](/general-dentistry/childrens-dentistry) services. Adults with generally good oral health and a low caries risk may be suitable for annual check-ups, assessed at the discretion of their dentist. After each check-up at Sienna Smiles, your dentist will recommend a recall interval based on your specific clinical findings — this is documented in your written oral health plan. Australian Dental Association. Dental health for life — visiting your dentist. 2024.

Question 2

What happens during a check-up at Sienna Smiles?

Accepted Answer

A check-up at Sienna Smiles is a comprehensive clinical assessment — not a routine clean with a brief look around. Your appointment follows a structured sequence designed to detect issues early and give you a complete picture of your oral health. **Medical and dental history review** — your dentist reviews any changes since your last visit, including medications, systemic health, and any symptoms you have noticed. **Full oral examination** — teeth, gums, bite, soft tissues (tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth), and jaw joint are all assessed. **Digital X-rays as indicated** — bitewing or periapical X-rays detect decay between teeth and early bone changes not visible to the naked eye. **Periodontal charting** — gum pocket depths measured to assess bone and gum health. **Professional scale and polish** — removal of calculus and plaque build-up above and below the gumline as indicated. **Oral health plan** — a written summary of findings, any recommended treatments, and home care advice No treatment beyond the clean is performed at your check-up unless you specifically request it and consent. All findings and recommended treatments are explained before any commitments are made. If you are experiencing urgent pain or swelling, visit our [emergency dentist](/emergency-dentist) page for same-day guidance.

Question 3

How much does a check-up and clean cost at Sienna Smiles?

Accepted Answer

An adult check-up, scale, and clean at Sienna Smiles is indicatively priced at $180 – $280, depending on the complexity of your case, the number of X-rays taken, and the extent of periodontal treatment required. Costs are confirmed in writing before treatment begins. New patients can access a comprehensive check-up, clean, and X-rays for $299 as part of the new patient offer. This includes the full clinical examination, professional clean, digital X-rays, and a written oral health plan. The offer is available to adults who have not previously attended Sienna Smiles, subject to clinical assessment at the appointment. If you hold private health insurance with major dental cover, a rebate may apply. Sienna Smiles is a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, and NIB — HICAPS is available on-site so your rebate is processed before you leave, and you pay only the gap (if any). Australian Dental Association. Dental costs in Australia — what to expect. 2024.

Question 4

Does Sienna Smiles accept health funds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sienna Smiles accepts all major Australian private health funds, and HICAPS is available on-site so your rebate is processed immediately at the time of your appointment — you pay only the gap (if any), with no paperwork to submit later. We are a preferred provider for HBF, HCF, and NIB, which means eligible members with these funds may receive higher rebates for covered services compared to a non-preferred provider. Being a preferred provider does not affect the treatment we recommend — clinical decisions are made independently based on your individual oral health needs. The amount your fund contributes depends on your level of cover, your annual limit, and whether you have already claimed for dental services in the current benefit year. We recommend checking your specific entitlements with your fund before your appointment. Our front desk team can also help you check your available benefit via HICAPS when you arrive. HealthDirect Australia. Private health insurance — dental and extras cover. 2025.

Question 5

What is the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)?

Accepted Answer

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a Federal Government program that provides eligible children aged 2–17 with access to basic dental services. The benefit cap is $1,158 per child over a two-year period, and covers services including examinations, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, fillings, and extractions. To be eligible, a child must receive a Family Tax Benefit Part A payment (or meet another qualifying income support payment), and the family must meet the relevant income test. Eligibility is assessed by Medicare each calendar year. Check CDBS eligibility via your Medicare online account, myGov, or by calling Services Australia on 132 011. Sienna Smiles bulk-bills CDBS-eligible services — no out-of-pocket cost for covered treatments within the benefit limit. Bring your Medicare card to your child's appointment so we can process the claim directly. Services exceeding the benefit limit or outside the CDBS item list are charged at our standard rates Services Australia. Child Dental Benefits Schedule — eligibility and services covered. 2025.

Question 6

Why is preventive dental care important?

Accepted Answer

Preventive dental care focuses on maintaining oral health and identifying problems early — before they develop into more complex conditions that may require more invasive and costly treatment. The ADA's position statement on preventive dentistry notes that the evidence base supporting regular professional care is substantial. At a clinical level, professional cleaning removes calculus (hardened plaque) that cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Calculus build-up is associated with gum inflammation and, if left untreated, may contribute to periodontal disease — a significant cause of adult tooth loss. Early detection of decay means smaller restorations, less tooth structure removed, and a lower overall treatment burden. There is also a systemic health dimension: research published in peer-reviewed literature has found associations between periodontal disease and conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Maintaining oral health may support general wellbeing, though the evidence for causality is still developing. Sienna Smiles takes a whole-health approach to each check-up. Australian Dental Association. Preventive dentistry — position statement. 2023. HealthDirect Australia. Looking after your teeth and gums. 2025.

Question 7

What are the signs of gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Gum disease progresses in two stages — gingivitis (early, reversible gum inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced disease involving bone loss, which is not fully reversible). The earlier it is detected, the more effectively it can be managed. See our dedicated [gum disease treatment](/general-dentistry/gum-disease-treatment) page for a full overview of symptoms and management. Common signs to look out for include: **Bleeding when brushing or flossing** — often the first sign of gingivitis; healthy gums should not bleed. **Red, swollen, or tender gums** — inflammation indicates the immune system is responding to bacterial build-up. **Persistent bad breath** that does not resolve with brushing. **Gum recession** — teeth appearing longer than before as gum tissue pulls away. **Sensitivity to hot or cold** near the gumline from exposed root surfaces. **Loose teeth or changes to your bite** — a sign that bone support may be compromised. **Pus between teeth and gums** — indicates active infection Many people with early gum disease have no pain and are unaware of the problem — which is why regular professional assessment is important. If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment at Sienna Smiles for a periodontal assessment. HealthDirect Australia. Gum disease (periodontal disease). 2025.

Question 8

Do you offer payment plans for dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sienna Smiles offers flexible payment options to help manage the cost of dental care. We work with two payment plan providers — Afterpay and Fund My Dental — both of which allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time. **Afterpay** — interest-free fortnightly instalments for treatment costs eligible under Afterpay's dental health category. Subject to Afterpay approval and terms.. **Fund My Dental** — a dental-specific finance solution with flexible repayment schedules for larger treatment plans. Subject to Fund My Dental approval and terms.. **HICAPS on-site** — if you hold private health insurance, your rebate is processed immediately at the appointment, reducing the out-of-pocket amount before any payment plan is applied.. All payment plan applications are managed independently — Sienna Smiles does not provide credit and does not charge interest. We recommend discussing payment options with our front desk team when booking or at the start of your appointment. A written cost estimate is always provided before treatment begins so you can make an informed decision. Sienna Smiles. Patient information — flexible payment solutions. 2025.

Question 9

What should I do if I have dental anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Dental anxiety is common — research suggests that up to 16% of Australians experience significant dental fear, and a much larger proportion report some level of anxiety about dental visits. At Sienna Smiles, we aim to create an environment where nervous patients feel safe, heard, and in control at all times. If you experience dental anxiety, please tell our team when booking. There are several ways we can support you: **Take it slow** — you control the pace of your appointment. There is no rush. We can stop at any point.. **Signal system** — agree on a hand signal before treatment begins so you can pause whenever needed without having to speak.. **Explain everything first** — your dentist will describe each step before doing it so there are no surprises.. **Sedation options** — for patients with significant anxiety, nitrous oxide (happy gas) or oral sedation may be discussed at your consultation. These are assessed on a case-by-case basis.. **Bring support** — you are welcome to bring a trusted person to sit with you during your appointment. The most important step is to tell us. We cannot tailor your experience if we do not know what you need. Call 08 9455 1234 or mention your anxiety when booking online. You can also read more about our [sedation dentistry](/sedation-dentistry) options. HealthDirect Australia. Dental anxiety and phobia. 2025.

Question 10

Is the $299 new patient offer available to everyone?

Accepted Answer

The $299 new patient offer includes a comprehensive check-up, professional clean, and digital X-rays for adults who have not previously attended Sienna Smiles. It is available to adults presenting for their first appointment at the practice. The offer is subject to clinical assessment at the appointment. In some cases — for example, if you require more extensive periodontal treatment, a larger set of X-rays, or have clinical needs beyond a standard check-up and clean — the treating dentist will discuss adjusted pricing with you before proceeding. You will never be charged for work you have not agreed to. Available to new adult patients only (not available to patients with an existing record at Sienna Smiles). Includes: full clinical examination, professional scale and clean, digital X-rays (standard set), and written oral health plan. Health fund rebates may apply on top of the offer price — HICAPS processed on-site. The $299 offer cannot be combined with other promotional offers. Children's check-ups are priced separately — enquire at booking To book, call 08 9455 1234 or book online and mention the new patient offer. Our team will confirm eligibility at the time of booking.

Thorough dental care, not just a quick check

Services we offer

Check-up & Clean

Children's Dentistry

Gum Disease

Mouthguards

Tooth Extractions

Wisdom Teeth

More than a quick polish — a thorough review

New to Sienna Smiles? Start with our new patient offer.

A team that takes time to get it right

Dr. Abhishek (Abhi) Singh

Dr. Alefia Boxwala

Common Questions About General Dentistry

Your next check-up starts here

Thoroughdentalcare,not just a quick checkThorough dental care, not just a quick check