Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help Me Feel More Confident?
Absolutely! Cosmetic dentistry can make a huge difference in how you feel about your smile—and yourself. At South Yarra Dental Group, we offer treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and ceramic crowns, all designed to address common concerns such as discoloration, unevenness, gaps, and chips.
A brighter, more balanced smile can boost your self-esteem and have a positive impact on your social life, career, and overall confidence.
Our friendly and experienced team will work closely with you to understand your goals and create a personalised treatment plan that delivers natural-looking, stunning results. Many of our patients tell us they feel much more confident and at ease after their cosmetic treatments—and we love seeing them smile!
How does professional teeth whitening differ from over-the-counter products?
Professional teeth whitening offers superior results compared to over-the-counter products due to the higher concentration of active ingredients and expert supervision. At South Yarra Dental Group, we use advanced whitening systems that safely whiten discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, smoking, and simply age! Over-the-counter products often provide inconsistent results and often show no noticeable improvement.
Professional whitening treatments are tailored to your specific needs and typically deliver visible results in just one session. Additionally, our dentists ensure that the procedure is safe for your teeth and gums while minimising sensitivity issues that can arise with DIY kits.
Why do we recommend dental implants at South Yarra Dental Group?
Dental implants are one of the most advanced and reliable solutions for replacing missing teeth, offering several advantages to older treatment options such as bridges and dentures. At South Yarra Dental Group, we highly recommend them for their numerous benefits.
Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation that functions just like natural teeth. Implants look, feel, and function almost exactly like natural teeth, providing exceptional stability and durability. They improve chewing, speaking, and overall oral function with the added benefit of preserving jawbone health.
Implants look incredibly natural and should last for many years with proper care, making them a long-term investment in your smile and overall dental health. Our expert team uses premium materials and advanced techniques to ensure your implants blend seamlessly with your existing teeth and restore both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your smile.
Whether you are replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants are a safe, durable, and life-changing option that we are proud to offer at South Yarra Dental Group.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants Over Dentures?
Dental implants offer several key advantages over traditional dentures when replacing missing teeth. Designed to function like natural teeth, implants provide superior stability for chewing and speaking, without the shifting or discomfort commonly associated with dentures. Unlike dentures, which rest on the gums, dental implants are securely anchored into the jawbone using titanium posts. These posts fuse with the bone over time through a process called osseointegration.
This process helps preserve jawbone density, preventing the bone loss that is often seen with dentures. Additionally, dental implants are more natural-looking and can last significantly longer when properly cared for, making them a more durable solution.
At South Yarra Dental Group, we will guide you through every step of the implant process to ensure long-lasting, successful results.
What materials are used for crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges can be crafted from several materials. In the past, a metal base was necessary in crowns and bridges to provide strength, with porcelain layered on top to provide an aesthetically acceptable result. These were called porcelain fused to metal (or PFM) crowns and bridges.
The limitations of PFM are that over time the veneering porcelain wears down and sometimes chips off, which can require replacement of the entire crown/bridge, and that aesthetically it never looks as natural as your own teeth, due to the poor light transmission through it. The dark metal layer needs to be blocked out with a white opaquer before the porcelain is layered on top, and this leaves PFM crowns looking somewhat flat and opaque compared to modern materials.
Today, zirconia and lithium disilicate are the material of choice for crowns and bridges. These high strength ceramics, combine lifelike aesthetics with very high strength and durability. They virtually never break, and if cared for properly can last for decades.
At South Yarra Dental Group, we use only the highest quality materials in our patients’ crowns and bridges. We also have an excellent dental laboratory onsite, which makes optimal colour matching a breeze.
Can children receive dental care at South Yarra Dental Group?
Absolutely! At South Yarra Dental Group, we are proud to care for smiles of all ages, including our youngest patients. We understand that early dental experiences shape a child’s attitude toward oral health for life, which is why we focus on providing gentle, positive, and personalised care for every child.
Our children’s dental services are designed to prevent problems before they start. We offer treatments such as professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, and fissure sealants to protect vulnerable areas from decay. Regular check-ups also allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development, helping to catch any potential concerns early and guide healthy oral development.
Just as importantly, we take the time to educate children—and parents—on proper brushing, flossing, and nutrition habits in a way that’s fun and easy to understand. Our goal is to make each visit a positive experience so children feel confident and comfortable visiting the dentist as they grow.
At South Yarra Dental Group, we’re committed to giving your child the best possible start for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
What Should I Expect During a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal is a common and highly effective treatment used to save a tooth that has been damaged by deep decay, infection, or trauma. At South Yarra Dental Group, we focus on making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
The procedure begins with carefully numbing the area to ensure you feel completely at ease. Your dentist will then gently remove the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth and thoroughly clean the space to eliminate any bacteria. Once the tooth is prepared, it is sealed to protect it from future infection. In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength, appearance, and function.
Root canal treatment not only relieves pain but also helps preserve your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your long-term oral health. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout your treatment.
Gum Disease and How to Prevent It?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a very common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. In its early stages, it causes redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums when disturbed. If left untreated, it can lead to gum recession, bone loss around teeth, and eventual loss of the affected teeth.
A strong daily oral hygiene routine with thorough brushing and interdental cleaning is critical to prevention of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleans are also vital in detecting early signs of gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy. At South Yarra Dental Group, we are passionate about helping our patients prevent gum disease before it becomes a serious issue.
If signs of gum disease are identified, our experienced team will tailor a plan to restore your oral health and support long-term prevention. With the right care, a healthy, confident smile is always within reach.
How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?
Regular dental examinations are recommended to maintain optimal oral health. Usually these should be scheduled 6 monthly, however intervals of up to 12 months can be appropriate for some patients. These visits allow early detection of potential issues and ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy.
What services does South Yarra Dental Group offer?
South Yarra Dental Group provides high-quality comprehensive dental care, including general and restorative dentistry, hygiene and gum care, dental implants, crowns and bridges, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, teeth whitening, and wisdom teeth removal. Our aim is to deliver personalised treatment in a comfortable environment to ensure your oral health needs are met to the highest standards modern dentistry can offer.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is simple. You can call us at 03 9827 3314 during business hours or email us at team@sydg.com.au. Alternatively, book online here at your convenience.
What are your surgery hours?
Our surgery operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12 noon. We strive to accommodate busy schedules with flexible appointment times.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes, we accept most private health insurance plans. For most funds, we can process claims on-site through HICAPS for faster reimbursement. Contact us for more details about your coverage.
How long do dental crowns last?
Dental crowns typically last between 10 to 15 years with proper care, but can often last more than 20 years if made from quality materials and looked after well. Their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene practices and the materials used in their construction.
Are wisdom teeth always removed?
Wisdom teeth do not always need removal. Their management depends on whether they are likely to cause problems such as pain, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth. Wisdom teeth often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood but often don’t have enough space in the jaw to erupt into.
This causes impaction against surrounding structures, usually the neighbouring teeth or sometimes the jawbone itself. If they are unable to assume a normal position in the mouth, oral bacteria build up under the gum around the partially erupted wisdom tooth and eventually cause infections or decay of the teeth in front. This can sometimes lead to loss of both the wisdom tooth as well as the adjacent tooth.
At South Yarra Dental Group, our dentists will evaluate your wisdom teeth to determine whether removal is necessary. If extraction is recommended, we ensure the procedure is performed with minimal discomfort and provide detailed post-operative care instructions for a smooth recovery.
