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Call (02) 4216 99117/9-25 Captain Cook Dr, Barrack Heights NSW 2528
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General Dentistry

General dentistry in Shellharbour, a local team for check-ups, fillings and dental worries

Maybe it has been a while since your last visit, or something in your mouth has changed. Read about the common topics here, then contact the clinic to ask about your next step.

Fees, private health benefits and third-party payment arrangements vary. Please confirm current details before relying on an option.

A dentist and dental assistant providing care to a patient in a treatment room.

Where To Start

Where should I start with general dentistry?

General dentistry is a starting point for regular care, bleeding gums or a sore tooth. We can check your teeth and gums and recommend how often to return. Read our dental check-up and clean information, or our kids dentistry information for children. A child’s first visit is recommended when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday.

A dentist reviewing dental information in a clinic.

What if a tooth is damaged?

If a tooth has decay or damage, you may need a filling, and our tooth coloured fillings information covers tooth-coloured options and what to ask. If your gums bleed when you brush, or look red, swollen or receded, read our gum disease treatment information and ask a dentist to check them.

A badly damaged or infected tooth may need root canal treatment, which removes infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue with nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth), or the dentist may talk with you about removing the tooth instead. Our root canal treatment information explains that choice, and our wisdom teeth removal information explains why wisdom teeth are sometimes taken out, such as repeated gum infection or decay.

What if I grind my teeth or feel anxious?

If you wake with a sore jaw, or you notice chipped or worn teeth, read our teeth grinding treatment information. If dental visits make you anxious, our iv sedation information explains sedation given through a vein (IV) and lists questions you can ask. Sedation dentistry is one of the services at Shellharbour Dentists.

Dr Mohit Tolani reviewing a dental X-ray on a computer screen.

What should I ask about costs?

We explain the proposed treatment and fees before you decide. Our dental fees, new patient offers and payment options provide a starting point. Ask for item numbers so your health fund can check your cover and remaining limits.

Call (02) 4216 9911 to ask about your visit or contact our team. You can take time to decide, seek a second opinion or decline treatment.

What do people usually ask about common dental care?

Your dentist can explain which of these points apply to your teeth and gums.

  • Check-up timing: Many people return every 6 to 12 months, but we recommend an interval based on your teeth and gums.
  • Fillings: Fillings do not last forever, because they can chip, wear or change colour over time, so ask how yours will be checked.
  • Gum disease: Gingivitis, the mild form, can be cured without permanent damage, while periodontitis can be controlled but not cured, so it pays to ask early.
  • Wisdom teeth: Most upper wisdom teeth can be removed under local anaesthetic, while lower ones can be harder, so ask what anaesthetic or sedation the dentist would suggest.
  • Worn or chipped teeth: A dentist can examine your teeth for wear and may suggest a custom-made mouthguard called an occlusal splint, also known as a night guard.

Before You Visit

What should I bring to my visit?

  1. 01

    What has changed?

    Make a note of any bleeding, sensitivity or sore spots, and when each one started, so you can describe them clearly.

  2. 02

    Which health details matter?

    Your health history and the medicines you take are useful to mention when you book. Smoking, diabetes and some medicines can affect gum health, so tell the dentist about them.

  3. 03

    What do I want to ask?

    Write down what you want to understand, such as your options, timing and costs, and ask for a treatment plan in writing before you decide.

Your Visit

How do I book, and what happens next?

  1. 01

    Contact the clinic

    Call (02) 4216 9911 or use the online booking link to ask about a time.

  2. 02

    Describe your concern

    Tell the clinic what you have noticed and whether it feels urgent.

  3. 03

    Ask about costs and choices

    Ask what the visit will involve, and ask about timing and costs before you decide. You can pause, ask for a second opinion or say no.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about General Dentistry

These general answers can help you prepare questions for an individual conversation.

General dentistry in Shellharbour is a starting point for understanding your teeth, gums and everyday dental care. It brings together assessment, prevention and discussion of treatment where needed. You can arrive with a specific concern or simply want a clearer picture of your mouth before deciding what to do next.

Related information: check-up and clean page.

Ready To Book A Dental Visit?

Call or book online and say what you would like help with. Ask what your visit includes and what it costs. At the visit, discuss your concerns with the dentist; you can review any proposed treatment and its costs before deciding.