Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Australian Dental Association recommends booking your child’s first check-up around their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Early visits let our children’s dentist in Pimpama monitor jaw growth spot any tongue or lip ties and give parents practical tips on brushing dummies and feeding habits. Starting young also helps little ones feel comfortable in the dental chair because the experience is gentle brief and pain-free.

After that most kids do well with a check-up and professional clean every six months. Twice-yearly appointments let us find early decay before it hurts remove stubborn plaque and keep an eye on developing bites.

If your child has braces, uses an inhaler or is prone to cavities we may suggest more frequent reviews to keep things on track. Conversely older kids with excellent oral hygiene and low risk of decay might stretch to nine months but only after your dentist gives the all-clear.

Chat with Our Children's Dentist in Pimpama

Routine visits are quick relaxed sessions that include a friendly examination low-dose digital x-rays when needed and a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel. We finish with tailored home-care advice so you know exactly how to keep young smiles healthy between appointments.

Ready to arrange your child's dental appointment? We welcome your call!

Clean your baby's gums gently with a damp cloth after feedings—even before teeth erupt. Once the first tooth appears, switch to a soft infant toothbrush. Introduce a smear of fluoride toothpaste around age 1, and increase to a pea-sized amount by age 2–3—and always supervise to reduce swallowing. 

0-2 Years: For children under 2, a toothpaste containing 500 parts per million (ppm) fluoride is recommended.

2-6 Years: For children over 2 years, or who demonstrate they can avoid swallowing toothpaste, a 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste is recommended

Above 6 Years: For children and adults over 6 years, a toothpaste containing above 1400ppm fluoride is recommended to prevent tooth decay and to remineralise teeth.

If in any doubt, speak to one of our friendly dentists in Pimpama today!

Dental anxiety is common in children. You can help by speaking positively about dental visits, reading storybooks about the dentist, and avoiding words like “pain”, “hurt”, "ripping the tooth out" or "needle", and instead substitute with words like "ouchie", "sleepy juice", "helping the tooth fall out early" etc. Our team uses a calm, friendly approach to help children feel relaxed and confident.

It is not recommended to scare children with stories of tooth extractions or traumatic dental visits in a bid to encourage tooth brushing or to limit sugar intake. It is generally recommended to use positive language and positive affirmation when encouraging children to perform good oral hygiene or avoiding sugar.

We also use nitrous sedation or "happy gas" to help kids relax and cope better with dental treatment when appropriate.

Our team at Dental in Focus Pimpama is dedicated to making every visit a positive and comfortable experience for your child. We believe that preventing dental anxiety early helps build lifelong healthy habits. A positive attitude toward dental care encourages regular check-ups and maintenance, reduces the risk of major dental problems by discovering and treating problems early, and helps avoid reinforcing a cycle of anxiety with repeated dental emergency visits in the future.

Occasional teeth grinding or snoring in children is common and often harmless. However, frequent grinding or loud, regular snoring may indicate an underlying issue such as airway obstruction, jaw development concerns, or sleep-disordered breathing.

Some form of airway obstruction is the most common cause of your child grinding at night and should not be ignored. Having a lack of proper rest can affect your child's normal development, and can lead to other effects like poor attention span or behavioural issues during the day.

If you notice these signs, it’s best to mention them at your child’s next dental visit. Your dentist can check for signs of tooth wear, assess jaw growth, and refer you to your GP, an ENT or a specialist if further evaluation is needed. Early detection helps support healthy sleep and proper oral and general development.

Baby teeth (primary teeth) are vital—they help your child chew, speak clearly, and maintain space for permanent teeth. Early decay or loss can lead to misalignment and more complex issues later. Teeth naturally close up missing gaps, and with some adult teeth not due to appear till 12 years old, not having spaces maintained by the baby teeth will cause crowding.

Furthermore, decayed or infected baby teeth may cause your child pain, or lead to complex dental treatments at a young age, which may worsen dental anxiety, and translate to dental trauma and avoidance later in life. Frequent dental visits are important to detect problems early, and is also an opportunity to educate an individual on preventative techniques. Research has consistently demonstrated that dental avoidance leads to greater dental problems, increased dental anxiety, increased likelihood of dental emergencies or hospital presentations, and increased overall medical costs.

Still unsure about your child's teeth? Discuss with one of our friendly dentists today!

There are several safe and effective ways to brighten or improve your smile. At Dental in Focus Pimpama, we offer professional teeth whitening treatments that deliver noticeable results while protecting your teeth and gums. Options include in-chair whitening, which provides immediate results in a single visit, and take-home whitening kits, which allow you to whiten gradually in the comfort of your own home.

If discolouration is deeper inside your teeth, resistant to teeth bleaching, or you’re looking for a complete smile makeover, porcelain or composite veneers may also be considered to enhance tooth colour and shape.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening commonly refers to a cosmetic procedure to increase the brightness or whiteness of teeth through the use of bleach, most commonly Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide. The bleach can be applied professionally (in-chair whitening), or in a tray at home (take-home whitening). Some toothpastes even contain bleach and are effective in tooth whitening!

Veneers

A veneer is a tooth coloured, tooth shaped dental restorative prosthetic bonded to a front tooth or teeth, often done to change the colour, appearance or shape of those teeth. Explore the materials and technologies available in our other FAQ for Dental Veneers!

Orthodontics, Braces and Clear Aligners

Orthodontics refers to the movement of teeth with appliances, both fixed or removable. Clear aligner therapy refers to the use of sequential plastic trays, each with a slightly altered shape to slowly push your teeth into the desired position. These days, the foundations laid by the pioneering company, Invisalign, have given rise to the blossoming field of aligner therapy, with many leading companies like Clear Correct, Angel Aligner, One Smile among those available to help you achieve you achieve your beautiful smile!

Ready to improve your smile?

Our team at Dental in Focus Pimpama will assess your teeth and recommend the most suitable option to achieve a natural, long-lasting result.

Both options at Dental In Focus Pimpama use professional-grade gels that lift stains safely, yet each suits different lifestyles.

In-Chair Teeth Whitening

In-chair whitening is the fastest choice. Our cosmetic dentists apply a concentrated peroxide gel, then activate it with a specialised light while you relax for about an hour. Most patients see their smile brighten by up to eight shades in a single visit—ideal for weddings graduations or last-minute job interviews.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Take-home whitening offers more flexibility. We create custom trays that hug your teeth then show you how to load a gentler gel and wear the trays for 30–60 minutes daily over one to two weeks. The gradual change lets you stop when you hit the shade you like and is perfect for people prone to sensitivity because the lower peroxide concentration is kinder on enamel.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Whitening is not permanent because enamel naturally absorbs pigments from coffee, tea, red wine and curry. With good oral hygiene and six-monthly cleans in-chair results typically last 12–18 months, while take-home kits hold for around a year. Top-up gels and occasional tray use will refresh brightness without starting from scratch so your smile stays camera-ready all year round.

Brighten Your Smile with Us

If you're ready to whiten your smile, we welcome your call.

A veneer is a tooth coloured, tooth shaped dental restorative prosthetic bonded to a front tooth or teeth, often done to change the colour, appearance or shape of those teeth.

Both composite resin and porcelain are dental materials used to mimic the natural tooth shape, colour and appearance of enamel, and are often used in veneers, crowns or fillings.

Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin that is applied and shaped directly on the tooth. They can usually be completed in a single visit and are more affordable. However, they may be less durable and more prone to staining over time compared to porcelain.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted in a dental laboratory and bonded to the front of the teeth. They offer superior aesthetics, are more resistant to staining, and can last longer with proper care. Porcelain veneers typically require two visits — one for preparation and one for placement.

3D-printed Dental Veneers - At Dental in Focus Pimpama, we always seek to stay on the cutting edge of dental technology, and a promising area of dentistry is in additive technologies, such as 3D printing. While still in its early stages, 3D-printing technology looks set to disrupt the aesthetic dentistry space, with 3D-printed veneers set to open up a new era of aesthetic, repeatable and affordable dental veneers to patients.

Contact us today to discuss your aesthetic dental needs and to see how we at Dental in Focus Pimpama can best assist you in achieving that dream smile!

At Dental In Focus Pimpama, our cosmetic dentists in Pimpama use advanced materials and digital planning to make sure your new smile blends seamlessly with your facial features.

Veneers and ceramic crowns are individually shaded and layered to mimic the translucency of real enamel. Composite bonding and contouring are sculpted chairside so shape and texture match neighbouring teeth. Friends and family usually notice radiance rather than spotting ‘work’.

Furthermore, advances in digital technology such as intra-oral scanning, digital smile design and 3D-printing look set to create more accurate, repeatable and aesthetic results for your smile.

Caring for Your Smile 

Longevity depends on the procedure and your care. Professional teeth whitening can stay bright for one to three years with good oral hygiene and limited coffee, red wine or other staining foods and beverages.

The longevity of veneers can vary, with porcelain shown to be the most durable. The average lifespan of veneers is between 7-10 years, however with proper care some veneers can last longer! Composite bonding usually needs touch-ups after five to seven years as the resin collects stain faster than porcelain, and can wear down more quickly.

Abnormal jaw conditions such as grinding or clenching can shorten the lifespan of veneers. Wearing a nightguard if you grind teeth and avoiding opening bottle caps with your mouth can also protect your investment. 

Routine check-ups allow us to polish surfaces, replace aged sealant and adjust bite pressure so restorations serve you longer. Good oral hygiene with correct brushing and flossing habits is essential to prevent decay or gum disease from affecting your dental work.

Ready to Chat with Our Cosmetic Dentists?

Above all, we are here to answer questions and tailor after-care advice so your enhanced smile stays natural and beautiful. We welcome your call!

Modern crowns and bridges come in three main materials, each with its own advantages:

• All-ceramic (porcelain or zirconia) — These restorations are metal-free and highly aesthetic because they transmit light like natural enamel. Zirconia is especially strong, making it ideal for back molars that handle heavy chewing. If you need a crown in your smile line or have a metal allergy, all-ceramic is often the first choice.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) — A thin metal sub-structure provides extra strength while the outer porcelain layer matches neighbouring teeth. PFMs have been used successfully for decades and remain a cost-effective option for areas where extreme biting force is expected. A thin grey line can sometimes appear at the gum edge over many years, so PFMs are usually reserved for posterior teeth.
• Full metal (gold alloy) — Gold crowns offer exceptional durability and gentle wear on opposing teeth. While not as popular for visible areas, they're still known for their longevity on back molars. Gold’s cost fluctuates with market prices, yet many patients find its decades-long lifespan worth the investment.

Ready to Get Started?

During your consultation, our dentists in Pimpama will consider tooth position, bite force, aesthetic goals and budget before recommending the material that provides the best blend of strength, appearance and value for your individual needs.

We invite you to book a consultation with our team today.

Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are potential candidates for dental implants in Pimpama.

The key requirements are:

• Adequate bone volume
• Healthy gums
• A commitment to good oral hygiene

Age is rarely a barrier—our oldest implant patients are well past retirement—though growth must be complete, so teenagers usually need to wait until their late teens. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or heavy smoking can slow healing, but many patients still succeed with tailored care plans and extra follow-up.

The Dental Implant Process: What to Expect

Your journey starts with a comprehensive examination at Dental In Focus. Our implant dentists in Pimpama take digital scans and 3-D x-rays to measure bone height and locate nerves and sinuses. If bone has shrunk after tooth loss, we may suggest grafting or a shorter 'mini' implant.

Guided-surgery software then plots the precise angle and depth for placement, minimising discomfort and shortening chair time. On placement day, local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable; most people compare the sensation to a routine dental filling. Once healed, you can enjoy your new smile!

Ready to Get Started?

If you'd like to learn more about dental implants, we welcome your call. We can't wait to care for your smile!

Dental emergencies cover any injury, infection, or pain that stops you from eating, sleeping or concentrating on everyday tasks. Typical cases include knocked-out teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, bleeding that won’t slow after ten minutes, facial swelling, loose restorations and severe toothache that throbs or shoots to the ear.

When in doubt, please call our emergency dentists in Pimpama straight away. We can offer first-aid advice over the phone and usually reserve same-day appointments for urgent situations.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

If an adult tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown, rinse briefly in saline or tap water and try to reposition it in the socket. Failing that store the tooth in cold milk or saliva and get to the clinic within thirty minutes.

For broken teeth, save any fragments and keep them moist. Apply a cold pack to the cheek to limit swelling and use over-the-counter pain relief you would normally take for a headache unless advised otherwise by your general practitioner.

Please never use superglue or other household adhesives on teeth.

Need Emergency Dental Care in Pimpama?

Prompt professional care boosts the chances of saving teeth, eases pain quickly and prevents infection from spreading, so please contact us the moment trouble strikes. We're always here to offer our help and expertise.

A 'dry socket' (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the protective blood clot that forms after an extraction is lost or never fully develops, leaving bone and nerve endings exposed. This can cause throbbing pain that radiates to the ear or temple, an unpleasant taste and noticeable bad breath.

It typically appears two to four days after surgery and is more common in lower molar and wisdom-tooth removals.

A dry socket can affect anyone, even if you never had one previously, or even if you followed all prescribed instructions. Rarely, a dry socket can last for more than 4 weeks, but most resolve within a week of first appearing.

You can greatly reduce the risk by following a few simple steps:

• Protect the clot — Avoid rinsing, vigorous spitting and drinking through straws for the first 24 hours. These actions create suction that can dislodge the clot.
• Skip the smoke, vape and alcohol — Nicotine and alcohol slows healing, and the suction motion of smoking can breakdown or pull out the clot. Try to abstain for at least 72 hours.
• Eat soft, cool foods — Stick to yoghurt, mashed veggies and smoothies (with a spoon, no straw!) on day one. Crunchy or sticky foods can disturb the site.
• Keep the area clean — Starting on day two, rinse lightly with warm salt water after meals and brush the surrounding teeth carefully.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions — If antibiotics or medicated mouthwash are prescribed, use them exactly as directed.

Still in Pain? Please Call Us!

If pain increases rather than improves after the second day, please contact our team at Dental in Focus Pimpama promptly. Our dentists can place a soothing medicated dressing that relieves discomfort and speeds up healing.

Dental pain should always be assessed by a dental professional

It is common to try to "tough it out" when it comes to dental pain, but it can lead to greater problems in the future. Dental pain can indicate an active infection in a tooth or the gums, and even minor pain could be the first signs that a problem is building.

While rare, uncontrolled infections can lead to serious health complications, as teeth sit adjacent to vital structures such as the brain, throat and airway. Serious complications include but are not limited to:

• Ludwig's Angina - a swelling at the rear of the mouth often caused by an infected molar or wisdom tooth, which obstructs the airway and in serious instances can result in death due to a lack of air.
• Sepsis - infiltration of bacteria into the bloodstream, which can circulate around the body and lead to septic shock or death.
• Inhalation Pneumonia - the inhalation of bacteria of infected tissue (often from teeth or gums) into the lungs, which can result in infection of the lungs.

If you suspect your life may be in danger, call 000 immediately or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.

It is advisable to check out all dental pain, regardless of how minor, as it could prevent greater consequences if left untreated. Our team at Dental In Focus Pimpama will assess your presenting complaint seriously, and will endeavour to diagnose and treat your dental issue.

Most people do best with a dental visit every six months, although your exact schedule can change with age, health conditions and lifestyle habits. Seeing our dentists in Pimpama, QLD, twice a year gives us enough touchpoints to spot small concerns—like early decay or the first signs of gum inflammation—before they escalate into painful (and costly) problems. These visits also remove hardened plaque that your toothbrush just can’t shift and polish away surface stains from coffee, red wine or curry, keeping your smile looking bright.

If you have a higher risk of dental issues—for example you’re pregnant, have diabetes, have pre-existing dental problems like gum disease, wear braces or take medications that cause dry mouth—you may benefit from more frequent checks. Kids sometimes need extra reviews while their teeth and jaws are still developing, and adults with impeccable oral hygiene might stretch to nine or twelve months under the guidance of their dentist.

Ready to Book Your Next Dental Check?

Routine appointments are quick and comfortable. You’ll have a thorough examination, low-dose digital x-rays when needed and a gentle scale and polish. We’ll chat through any findings in plain language and tailor advice to your goals, so you leave confident about keeping your teeth and gums healthy between visits. 

We invite you to call us today for an appointment.

If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to get back on track with your oral health. Simply book a check-up and let our team know when you last saw a dentist.

Don't be afraid, we understand that not everyone gets to be regular with the dentist, and we do not judge you or any choices you may have made in the past. We are united with you as your partner in oral health, and our goal is to create a healthy smile for you and your family.

At your visit, we’ll start with a thorough examination, take any necessary X-rays, and discuss any concerns or changes you’ve noticed. From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment or maintenance plan to help you restore and maintain a healthy smile for the long term.

Our team understands that returning after a long break can feel a little daunting, and we’ll make sure your experience is comfortable and stress-free.

Tooth decay and gum disease often start pain-free. By the time you feel a twinge the problem may already need a filling, root canal or even extraction.

The Importance of Routine Dental Visits

A six-monthly visit lets our preventative dentists in Pimpama spot tiny cavities, early enamel wear and subtle gum inflammation while they are still quick and inexpensive to fix. We also take digital bite-wing x-rays about every two years (or more often if you are high risk) to see between teeth where problems love to hide.

Beyond detection, professional cleaning removes hardened tartar that toothbrushes miss. Tartar traps bacteria and stains, so taking it off keeps breath fresh and smiles brighter. During the same appointment we apply fluoride or remineralising treatments that strengthen enamel, closing up microscopic weak spots before they turn into holes.

Regular reviews protect overall health, too. Numerous studies link untreated gum disease to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Keeping gums healthy lowers those risks and boosts your body’s natural defences.

Finally, prevention saves money and time. A 30-minute clean costs far less than crowns or implants later on. In short, routine check-ups keep small issues small and your family’s smiles comfortable for life.

Is It Time to Book Your Next Check-Up?

We invite you to call us to book dental checks and cleans for you and your loved ones. 

Thanks to modern anaesthetics and technology, root canal treatment feels no more uncomfortable than getting a standard dental filling. At Dental In Focus Pimpama, we numb the tooth fully with local anaesthetic, then offer nitrous oxide for anyone who feels extra nervous, including children and teens.

Patients report feeling light pressure as we clean the canals, but no sharp pain. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the visit is and can drive home or return to work once the numbness fades.

After treatment you may notice mild tenderness for a day or two, similar to a bruised muscle. Over-the-counter pain relief and a soft-food diet—think yoghurt, scrambled eggs and pasta—usually keep you comfortable. Any discomfort should disappear within a week; if it lingers, please phone us for a quick review.

Long-Lasting Relief

A properly restored root-treated tooth can last decades. The key is to crown the tooth soon after therapy because the enamel can become brittle once the nerve is removed. Good brushing, daily flossing and six-monthly check-ups help your crown stay strong and your gums healthy. Follow these steps, and your root canal investment should serve you faithfully for many years to come.

We Welcome Your Call

Suspect you might need root canal treatment in Pimpama? We welcome your call!