Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Charter of Healthcare Rights

These rights apply to all people in all places where health care is provided in Australia.

The Charter describes what you, or someone you care for, can expect when receiving health care.

I have a right to:

Access

• Healthcare services and treatment that meets my needs

Safety

• Receive safe and high quality health care that meets national standards
• Be cared for in an environment that is safe and makes me feel safe

Respect

• Be treated as an individual, and with dignity and respect
• Have my culture, identity, beliefs and choices recognised and respected

Partnership

• Ask questions and be involved in open and honest communication
• Make decisions with my healthcare provider, to the extent that I choose and am able to
• Include the people that I want in planning and decision-making

Information

• Clear information about my condition, the possible benefits and risks of different tests and treatments, so I can give my informed consent
• Receive information about services, waiting times and costs
• Be given assistance, when I need it, to help me to understand and use health information
• Access my health information
• Be told if something has gone wrong during my health care, how it happened, how it may affect me and what is being done to make care safe

Privacy

• Have my personal privacy respected
• Have information about me and my health kept secure and confidential

Give feedback

• Provide feedback or make a complaint without it affecting the way that I am treated
• Have my concerns addressed in a transparent and timely way
• Share my experience and participate to improve the quality of care and health services

For more information

Ask a member of staff or visit www.safetyandquality.gov.au/your-rights

For a regular check-up, scale, and clean, it's important to visit the dentist in Black Rock every six months. At Bayside Smiles, this routine care is especially vital if you have dental restorations like dentures or crowns, as it allows the dentist to assess their condition and overall oral health.

Swelling in the mouth or nearby tissues usually results from a bacterial infection, requiring immediate treatment to prevent its spread. At Bayside Smiles, our dentist in Black Rock provides emergency care to address such infections promptly.

If you suspect an infection or swelling, contact us right away to schedule an appointment. Timely intervention can relieve pain and potentially save your oral and overall health.

Consider the following questions when calling:

• Can you identify the source? Is it gum? Tooth?
• Has the swelling spread to the gum, under a tooth (abscess), your face, towards your eye or towards  your neck?
• Is the infection draining  - do you have a bad taste?
• Is the infection not draining – are you feeling significant and increasing pressure and pain?

If the infection is spreading to your face – it could end up blocking your airway or eye and can turn into a serious, life threatening infection.

How Do We Treat Swelling or Infection?

Infection and swelling of the gum can often be treated with a deep cleaning of the affected area and sometimes antibiotics.

Infection and swelling from a tooth need to be treated by root canal treatment or extraction.

Contact Us Today for Emergency Care

Infection and swelling that spread to the face often require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. If you experience such symptoms, contact an emergency dentist in Moorabbin or Black Rock at Bayside Smiles for urgent treatment. Don't delay—our team is ready to provide the care you need.

It is not uncommon for wisdom teeth (third molars) to cause trouble. They:

• Often run out of space at the back of the mouth. 
• Erupt typically between 16 and early 20’s.
• Can cause pain from pressure against adjacent teeth and surrounding structures.
• Hold the tooth in place. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position and go to the dentist immediately.
• Can get stuck (impacted) – often leaving a flap of gum over the back part of the tooth.
• Can get a gum infection around them (called pericoronitis). 

Toothache can be the result of a number of causes and it is always best to see a dentist to allow for a professional assessment. It is never normal for a tooth to cause pain or to ache – it’s a sure sign that something is wrong and should be assessed as quickly as possible. 

Early treatment of a painful tooth can lead to less extensive procedures, lower costs, and reduced discomfort. At Bayside Smiles, our emergency dentist in Moorabbin can assess your tooth to provide the necessary care.

We often see patients who delay treatment in hopes the pain will disappear. Unfortunately, it rarely does and often intensifies, making sleep difficult and painkillers ineffective. Don't wait; call us now for an assessment and peace of mind. We're here to help you feel comfortable and maintain your oral health.

Consider the following questions when calling:

• Is the tooth sensitive to cold or hot? 
• Is the tooth painful to bite on?
• How long does the sensitivity last for? 
• Is the pain sharp or dull? 
• Does the pain start spontaneously? 

What Causes Toothache?

Toothache is a result of inflammation of the dental pulp – the tissues inside a tooth that helped the tooth to grow. Common causes of an inflamed dental pulp are:

• Decay
• Broken fillings
• Cracks within teeth
• Exposed tooth roots
• Bacterial infection of a tooth

There are a number of conditions unrelated to a tooth that can cause it to ache. These can be simple or complex and require the skill of a dentist to diagnose. Common examples are sinus pain and gum infection/inflammation. 

Toothache that has been quite bad but then goes away is often a result of the pulp inside the tooth dying. The next step is a dental abscess. Don’t delay treatment if you’ve had lingering pain in a tooth that goes away suddenly.  

How Do We Treat Toothache?

Treatment is entirely dependent on making the correct diagnosis which is why we always start with a thorough examination, often including x-rays so we can see the internal structures of a tooth.

Treatment can be as simple as doing nothing, removing some debris caught between teeth or applying varnish to a sensitive area of tooth. It can be as complex as extraction or root canal treatment. 

If your orthodontist is closed, we’ll be happy to help you with:

• Broken brackets.
• Wires cutting the cheeks that have come loose.
• Broken plates.
• Broken orthodontic appliances.

Call Bayside Smiles now, and one of our skilled emergency dentists Moorabbin will assist you with your dental concern. We are here to provide prompt and effective care to address your needs.

Although it is usually better to try to save your teeth, there are times when a tooth extraction is the only solution to your dental problem or pain.

Consider the following questions when calling about a tooth extraction:

• Is the tooth necessary for chewing efficiently?
• Is the tooth necessary for having a nice smile?
• If the tooth is removed, will I over-load the opposite side because I can only chew there?

Removal of a tooth always starts with a careful assessment of the tooth, including an x ray. We will never extract a tooth without an x-ray film taken prior. This is for your safety to ensure removal is straightforward and safe.

We will always endeavour to remove your tooth gently, carefully and with the minimum of trauma so that you can heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Not all teeth are created equal – some are very difficult to remove. We will always discuss risks, benefits, difficulties and alternatives with you prior to extraction of a tooth. Please be aware that our reception team or dentists cannot tell over the phone how easy or difficult your tooth will be to remove.

If your tooth is particularly difficult to remove, it may be inappropriate for our general dentists to remove your tooth at your first visit. We will discuss with you options, including referring to an Oral Surgeon or colleague who is highly skilled in Oral Surgery. Luckily, Dr Claudia Beltran is a member of our team and ready to help you with any difficult extraction. There is always measures we can take to help get you out of pain so please book an appointment so we can assist you.

Broken teeth come in various forms, with impacts ranging from minor to severe. It’s always best to consult with Bayside Smiles, your trusted dentist in Black Rock, to assess the damage and provide the appropriate treatment. Schedule a consultation today to ensure your tooth gets the care it needs.

Consider the following questions when calling:

• Has your broken tooth affected your smile? If so – call immediately. Treatment is often simple and straight forward and we can have you smiling again in no time. If you have a fragment from a front tooth that has broken off – we can often re-bond it back into position. Please bring it in – it doesn’t have to be kept in milk, water or saliva in transit.
• Is your broken tooth cutting your tongue, cheek or lip? If so – we recommend booking in immediately. Broken teeth often have sharp edges that cut the surrounding tissues. Tongues especially can get sore very quickly if they rub against a broken tooth.
• Is your broken tooth now sensitive? If so, it is likely that the inside layer of the tooth is exposed and needs to be covered. Leaving the inner layer of the tooth exposed can result in irreversible inflammation of the dental pulp and bigger, more expensive problems to solve. Best to book a consultation and treat your tooth as soon as possible.
• Has a large piece of tooth or filling broken away and your tooth is not sensitive? So long as you can keep your tooth clean (food is not getting stuck between teeth for example) and it is not cutting your tongue, cheek or lip – urgent treatment may not be required. If the tooth is not sensitive when the tooth has broken – it often won’t be over the next week. A consultation is recommended within a week but you probably don’t need to panic.
• Has a small piece of tooth or filling broken away and your tooth is not sensitive? Urgent treatment is probably not required. For the ultimate peace of mind, a consultation is recommended so the appropriate treatment can be planned. 

If your tooth has broken as a result of trauma – please visit our page for trauma here for advice. 

How Do We Treat Toothache?

Before treating a broken tooth, we will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation. This will include a consultation with you to determine your options, preferences and budget. A range of treatment options will be presented and we will help you choose the right treatment for you. 

Broken teeth are often repaired with a filling if the break is small or moderate in size. We only use modern, high quality, tooth coloured filling materials to restore a tooth’s function and aesthetics. 

Baby Tooth Knocked Out

If a baby tooth is knocked out – do not replace it. This can affect the continued formation and eruption of the underlying permanent tooth. Please contact the practice to arrange an emergency consultation so one of our dentists can ensure there is not other damage.

Adult Tooth Knocked Out

Follow the steps below then seek immediate care from the practice. Time is critical  - the tooth has the best chance of survival if it is replaced within the first 20 minutes.

• Find the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part), not by the root (the yellow part).
• Replant immediately, if possible.
• If the tooth is contaminated, rinse shortly with cold tap water and put the tooth back in its place. This can be done by the child or an adult.
• Hold the tooth in place. Bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position and go to the dentist immediately.
• If you can not put the tooth back in, place it in a cup of milk or saline. When milk or saline are not available, place the tooth in the patient’s mouth (between the cheeks and gums) – so long as clear instructions can be understood about not swallowing or inhaling the tooth.

Fillings, unfortunately, never last forever. The mouth can be an unforgiving environment and eventually, wear and tear take their toll. Fillings can last for many decades or just months – not all situations are equal. A short longevity may indicate other problems or the need for a stronger material. Best to organize a consultation as soon as possible to prevent further damage. 

Consider the Following Questions When Calling:

• Has your broken filling affected your smile? If so – call immediately. Treatment is often simple and straight forward and we can have you smiling again in no time. 
• Is your broken tooth cutting your tongue, cheek or lip? If so – we recommend booking in immediately. Broken teeth often have sharp edges that cut the surrounding tissues. Tongues especially can get sore very quickly if they rub against a broken tooth. 
• Is your tooth now sensitive? If so, it is likely that the inside layer of the tooth is exposed and needs to be covered. Leaving the inner layer of the tooth exposed can result in irreversible inflammation of the dental pulp and bigger, more expensive problems to solve. Book a consultation and treat your tooth as soon as possible. 
• Has a large piece of filling broken away and your tooth is not sensitive? So long as you can keep your tooth clean (food is not getting stuck between teeth for example) and it is not cutting your tongue, cheek or lip – urgent treatment may not be required. If the tooth is not sensitive when the tooth has broken – it often won’t be over the next week. A consultation is recommended within a week but you probably don’t need to panic.
• Is your filling loose but it has not fallen out and your tooth is not sensitive? Delaying treatment can often result in decay. This decay will often start in the deeper part of the tooth as opposed to the surface because the loose filling allows bacteria to get inside the tooth. Deep decay can be catastrophic for teeth and we recommend immediate consultation and treatment. 

How Do We Treat Broken Fillings?

Before treating a broken filling, we will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation. This will include a consultation with you to determine your options, preferences and budget. A range of treatment options and materials will be presented and we will help you choose the right treatment for you.

Don’t panic! We are here to help and teeth can often be saved when all appears lost. 

Has there been a loss of consciousness? If so – please consider presenting to an emergency department for a thorough assessment by an emergency doctor before we address teeth. 

Is there bleeding?

• With a cold compress – place pressure over any laceration and hold pressure for 5-10 minutes before assessing. Try not to remove the compress every minute to check – this promotes more bleeding.
• Is there a laceration / cut to gum / lip / cheek or tongue?
• Is there some bleeding from the gum around a tooth?
• Application of cold to any damaged lip can help to reduce swelling and also tends to reduce pain. “Icy Poles” are often a good trick for younger children.

At Bayside Smiles, we recommend bringing your child in for their first dental appointment when their first tooth erupts or at the age of one, whichever comes first. Visiting a children's dentist Black Rock this early allows us to help ensure your child has good oral health and that their teeth are erupting properly.

A straight, beautiful smile doesn’t have an age limit, so whether you’re a teenager or a parent, Invisalign® may be a viable option for your smile.

We understand how beneficial orthodontic treatment can be for your self-confidence and oral health, but is it suitable for all ages?

Is Invisalign Right for You?

Clear aligner therapy can be an effective treatment option for many patients in Black Rock and the surrounding areas.

If you are a teen or adult with any of the following mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, clear aligner therapy could work for you:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Misaligned teeth

Key Factors to Consider

When you visit our dental clinic in Black Rock for an orthodontic evaluation, we’ll consider several factors when determining your Invisalign eligibility.

Here are the biggest obstacles to wearing clear aligners:

• Your alignment or bite issues are too severe.
• You won’t commit to wearing aligners as prescribed.
• Your oral hygiene habits aren’t as good as they should be.
• You may have gum disease or issues with bone density.

Need a Dentist in Black Rock, VIC?

If you’re looking for orthodontics in Black Rock, we will happily assist you! At Bayside Smiles, our goal is for you to achieve optimal oral health.

We welcome your call on (03) 9598 2100, or you can arrange a consultation online.

The best age for an initial orthodontic assessment is around seven years old, even if your child’s teeth seem straight. At this stage, they still have some baby teeth, but adult teeth are beginning to emerge, making it the perfect time to identify potential alignment or bite issues early on.

An early assessment doesn’t always mean early treatment. In many cases, it simply allows the orthodontist to monitor your child’s development and step in at the ideal time if needed. Catching issues like crowding, crossbites or jaw growth concerns early can reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

At Bayside Smiles, Dr Mistry—our in-house expert in orthodontics in Black Rock—offers comprehensive assessments for children, teens and adults. With specialised training in both traditional braces and Invisalign, Dr Mistry provides honest advice and personalised plans based on your child’s needs and stage of development.

Looking for Orthodontics in Black Rock?

Whether your child is ready for treatment now or just needs a yearly check-in, starting early gives them the best chance for a confident, healthy smile.

Want to know if it’s time for your child’s orthodontic check-up? We invite you to book an appointment with Dr Mistry at Bayside Smiles and get guidance close to home.

This is an interesting topic. While dental implant treatment is often considered the superior option, it ultimately depends on each patient's unique circumstances. Some individuals may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. At Bayside Smiles, our dentist in Black Rock will thoroughly assess your situation to recommend the best treatment option for your specific needs.

When you notice your wisdom teeth coming in, you may experience pain or discomfort, leading to a dental visit. Your dentist may recommend removing your wisdom teeth to avoid further issues. Although it’s a standard dental procedure, a dry socket is the most significant complication after extraction.

So, what is a dry socket, and can snoring cause a dry socket after wisdom teeth removal?

What Is a Dry Socket?

After wisdom teeth extraction, a blood clot forms at the extraction site. If a blood clot fails to form or is dislodged, air can get to the nerves and bones, causing severe pain and hindering healing.

In addition to pain at the extraction site, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Face and neck pain
• Mild fever
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Bad breath

The Dangers of Snoring

After your wisdom teeth removal, your dentist will provide instructions on how to avoid a dry socket. It’s best if you don’t use a straw, smoke or eat hard and crunchy foods.

Unfortunately, snoring can cause a dry socket; here’s how:

• Dry mouth — When you snore, it dries out your mouth. When you don’t have sufficient saliva production, it can lead to a dry socket.
• Blood clot dislodgement — Breathing through your mouth or snoring can break down and dislodge the blood clot, causing a dry socket.

Need a Dentist in Black Rock, VIC?

We are here to assist if you need more information about avoiding dry socket or wish to book a dental appointment. At Bayside Smiles, your oral health is our priority. Call us at (03) 9598 2100 to get started with your care with our dentist in Black Rock.

Bayside Smiles offers Zoom teeth whitening, both in-office and take-home, as well as porcelain veneers. When you visit us for an appointment with Dr. Magdalena Koy, we will assess your oral health and determine which treatment is best for you.

When left untreated, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) typically progresses over time, leading to worsening symptoms and potential complications that can significantly impact your daily life. Being aware of the consequences can highlight the importance of seeking timely treatment from an experienced TMD dentist.

Worsening Pain and Discomfort

What starts as occasional discomfort can develop into chronic pain extending beyond the jaw. Many patients experience worsening headaches, facial pain and neck discomfort. This persistent pain can make sleeping difficult and affect the overall quality of life.

Progressive Joint Damage

Over time, you may notice more frequent jaw clicking, persistent joint stiffness and increasingly limited jaw movement. Without treatment, the joint can develop long-term damage, making effective treatment more challenging.

Impact on Daily Life

As TMD progresses, routine activities like eating, speaking and yawning can become increasingly difficult. Many patients avoid certain foods due to jaw pain, which can lead to nutritional issues and impact overall health and well-being.

We Provide TMD Pain Relief

If you have TMD symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced team at Bayside Smiles in Black Rock. Professional treatment can help you manage your symptoms effectively and prevent the condition from progressing to more severe stages.

There are many reasons why your jaw could be sore. If you inform us when you visit of the pain and the type of pain we can help diagnose the problem.

A sore jaw can be indicative of TMD—temporomandibular disorder. At Bayside Smiles we have treatment options to help manage TMD.

If your teeth are sore when you wake up it could be because you grind your teeth at night. The treatment for this is simple—a night guard is a hard plastic mouthguard-like device worn over your lower teeth to protect them from grinding.

A common misconception about root canal therapy is that once a tooth has undergone the procedure, it is immune to future cavities. However, this is not the case. A tooth treated with root canal therapy in Black Rock, VIC can still develop cavities, particularly in the areas surrounding the filling or crown.

If the restoration becomes damaged or compromised, it can create an entry point for bacteria, leading to new decay. This highlights the importance of diligent oral hygiene practices, even for teeth treated with root canal therapy.

Maintaining good oral hygiene involves regular brushing and flossing, which is crucial in preventing cavities in treated teeth. Additionally, patients who have received root canal therapy in Black Rock, VIC should attend regular dental check-ups. These appointments allow the dentist to monitor the restoration's condition and the tooth's overall health. If any issues are detected early, they can be taken care of quickly to avoid further complications. A dentist in Black Rock, VIC can provide tailored advice and care to ensure the longevity of the treated tooth.

Contact Bayside Smiles for a comprehensive root canal therapy treatment today!

Many patients wonder about dietary restrictions when preparing for a root canal procedure. It is generally acceptable to eat before your appointment, but it’s advisable to avoid heavy meals immediately before seeing your dentist.

Having a light meal can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure, especially if it takes a bit longer. For those undergoing root canal therapy in Black Rock, VIC, adhering to these dietary suggestions can help ensure a smoother experience.

After undergoing root canal therapy in Black Rock, VIC, patients should be mindful of their eating habits to facilitate a swift recovery. It is essential to wait until the numbness from the anesthesia wears off before consuming food to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

Once the numbness has subsided, it is best to stick to soft foods that do not require much chewing. This precaution helps avoid any undue stress on the treated tooth, which is particularly important until the tooth is fully restored with a crown or filling.

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth is crucial until it has been properly restored by your dentist in Black Rock, VIC. Chewing on the treated tooth too soon can cause damage or dislodge the temporary filling, leading to potential complications.

Consult with a dentist in Black Rock, VIC, to receive personalized advice and ensure the best possible outcome for root canal therapy.

Root canal treatment is necessary to save a diseased tooth from extraction, not only does it save a tooth from needing to be extracted it will also alleviate pain and prevent the decay spreading into your jaw.

This is an interesting topic. While dental implant treatment is often considered the superior option, it ultimately depends on each patient's unique circumstances. Some individuals may not be suitable candidates for dental implants. At Bayside Smiles, our dentist in Black Rock will thoroughly assess your situation to recommend the best treatment option for your specific needs.

All-on-4 is an implant-supported denture like no other. This treatment only requires 4 dental implants placed at a 45 degree angle and instead of waiting 3 to 6 months to place the dental prosthetics you only need to wait a few days to add the dentures.