Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Recurring Visit

For healthy patients, the general recommendation for scale and clean intervals is every six months. Patients managing gum disease may need to visit more often, such as every 3-4 months, for scaling and cleaning to control it. Our dentists and hygiene team will determine the best oral hygiene schedule for your needs.  

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when the supporting tissues of your teeth, your gums and jawbone, become infected. If it's left untreated, gum disease will eventually destroy your soft tissues and bone, resulting in tooth loss. 

Early Gum Disease: Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This stage progresses more slowly and may be hard to diagnose on your own, which is why your routine scale-and-clean appointments are so essential. Some signs of gingivitis to be aware of are:

• Red, swollen, or irritated gum tissue
• Gums bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath you can't get rid of

Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis

If you suffer from periodontitis, unfortunately, there is no cure. But our team can help you successfully manage your condition with more frequent scale and clean visits. Some signs of periodontitis include:

• Loose teeth
• Pain or tenderness during chewing
• Changes to your bite

Talk with our team on (03) 9510 1644 if it's time to schedule your scale-and-clean appointment. 

Yes. Every plan is different; however, most provide health fund cover for active maintenance visits. Our friendly, knowledgeable financial team is also here to help you navigate your health fund benefits, so feel free to reach out with any questions at any time. 

Our treatments are covered by a range of registered health insurances, including:

• BUPA
• Medibank
• HCF
• Frank

As a courtesy to our patients, we will submit your dental insurance claims to your private health insurance company. As with most service-oriented businesses, we expect payment at the time of treatment for the portion of the service not covered by insurance. You can pay by cash, cheque or credit card.

If you bring your health care card, we can organise an automatic refund, or we can provide an invoice so you can claim later. You can pay the difference between your health fund rebate and the total bill.

Third-Party Payment Options

We also work with Handypay for patients who want to finance their treatment costs in affordable monthly payments. Handypay offers flexible payment plan options that may help eligible patients manage the cost of dental treatment with weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments. Applications are subject to Handypay’s lending criteria, approval process and applicable terms and conditions.

You are welcome at Lifetime Dental anytime, especially if you haven't been to the dentist in years. Our team is friendly, welcoming and genuinely dedicated to your best interests, so there is never any judgment if it's been a while since your last dental appointment.

We are ready to meet you wherever your smile is and help you get your oral health back on track. Our goal is to get you to the point where you're just maintaining your healthy smile every six months with preventive cleans and exams.

What to Expect from Your Visit at Lifetime Dental

Our dental practice has served Prahran and its nearby communities for over 15 years. Our founder, Dr Chris Darby, brings over 40 years of experience to his patients. 

Our team takes a holistic approach to dentistry, focusing on the full body and how oral health impacts it. We provide conservative treatments that aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible, using biocompatible materials tailored to your needs.  

We also offer sedation dentistry options if you feel anxious or fearful about dental visits. With three levels of sedation, every patient can receive the comfortable care we believe they deserve.