Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a referral letter and any x-rays taken from your previous dentist, these can be extremely helpful to bring to your first appointment. A list of any medical conditions and medications will also help with filling out our medical history forms.

We are located at the Nexus Building in the Norwest Business Park and there is dedicated visitor parking available. Depending on the time of day, the visitor parking bays may be occupied. An alternative parking area is the Novotel Hotel which is directly opposite the Nexus building.

Most of our patients are directed to see us by their general dentist, however we are happy to see self-referred cases if you can specify which specialist you would like to see and why.

We currently offer endodontic and periodontal facilities within our offices. These two specialities focus on trying to save your existing natural teeth. Endodontists are specialists at treating toothache and infected teeth. Periodontists are specialists at treating gums and gum infections. If you are already missing a tooth or looking at an alternative to saving your natural tooth we also offer dental implants with our periodontist.

We are a patient focused practice and we believe in performing exceptional treatment in the most calm and pleasant environment. Our staff are experienced and are on standby to make your appointments as pleasant as possible. We also offer happy gas and IV sedation for dentally anxious patients. Please let us know any of your concerns and we are happy to be of service.

Modern root canal treatment should not be painful. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic at our Norwest, Sydney practice, and most patients compare the experience to having a filling. Our endodontist, Dr Varayini Yoganathan, uses a surgical microscope and advanced rotary instruments to ensure precision and comfort throughout every case. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide (happy gas) and IV sedation are available. Let us know when you book so we can arrange the right option for you.

Most root canals at Australian Dental Specialists are completed in a single visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes. The duration depends on which tooth is being treated and how many root canals it contains. Front teeth typically take less time than molars. Some complex cases involving teeth with multiple canals, retreatments, or calcified canals may require a second appointment. Your endodontist will advise you of the expected timeframe before treatment begins.

Root canal costs in Sydney vary depending on the tooth being treated, the complexity of the case, and whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment. Front teeth with a single canal cost less than molars with three or four canals. We accept all major health funds and have a HICAPS machine for instant claims processing. Contact us on 02 9680 4311 for an estimate based on your specific situation.

The most common signs you may need root canal treatment include severe or lingering toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth, and a persistent pimple on the gums. These symptoms suggest the nerve inside the tooth may be damaged or infected. Not all of these symptoms guarantee a root canal is needed. Your dentist or endodontist will perform diagnostic tests, including X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment.

Root canal treatment has a very high success rate, but in some cases, a tooth may not heal as expected or new problems may arise years later. If this occurs, retreatment or root end surgery (apicoectomy) can often save the tooth. Our endodontist Dr Varayini Yoganathan has advanced training in both retreatments and surgical endodontic procedures, so patients can access the full range of options at our Norwest clinic.

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional three years of full-time university training specifically in root canal treatment, dental pain diagnosis, and managing tooth trauma. This specialist training means endodontists handle complex cases that go beyond what a general dentist typically performs. Endodontists also use specialised equipment, including surgical operating microscopes and CBCT (3D) imaging, which allows greater precision in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth.

In most cases, a crown is recommended after root canal treatment. A tooth that has had a root canal loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle over time. A crown provides the strength and protection needed to prevent fracture, particularly for back teeth that bear heavy chewing forces. Your general dentist will advise you on the best restoration option after your root canal is complete. We recommend scheduling this within 2 to 4 weeks.

You can safely drive home if you have had local anaesthetic only. If you have had IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you home and you should not drive for 24 hours afterwards. Please arrange transport in advance if you are having sedation.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis, which presents as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush, and can progress to periodontitis, which involves irreversible bone loss around the teeth and eventual tooth loss if left untreated. Our periodontists, Dr Jeremy Vo and Dr Wisam Kamil, diagnose and treat all stages of gum disease.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved oral hygiene, while advanced gum disease (periodontitis) cannot be reversed but can be managed. Specialist care effectively controls periodontitis to prevent further bone and tooth loss. Early detection is critical. Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to identify gum disease before it progresses to the advanced stage.

Warning signs of gum disease include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, or changes in your bite. Many people have gum disease without knowing it, as it is often painless in the early stages. Your dentist can assess your gum health during regular check-ups using a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth.

Non-surgical periodontal treatment is typically completed in one to two appointments at our Norwest practice. Surgical procedures, if required, may need additional visits depending on the number of areas affected. After active treatment, you will enter a maintenance programme with regular reviews every three to four months to keep the disease under control long-term.

Periodontal treatment is generally well tolerated and more comfortable than most patients expect. All procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation options. Dr Jeremy Vo specialises in minimally invasive periodontal techniques using ultrasonic and airflow technology, which further reduces discomfort during non-surgical treatment.

Yes, research published in peer-reviewed journals has shown associations between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Managing gum disease is an important part of your overall health, not just your dental health.

With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental implants can last for many years and often a lifetime. The titanium implant post is designed to be permanent and integrates with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. The visible implant crown may need replacement after 10 to 15 years due to normal wear. Long-term success depends on good oral hygiene, regular professional maintenance, and managing any risk factors such as smoking or gum disease.

Most patients report that dental implant surgery is less uncomfortable than they expected, as it is performed under local anaesthetic. IV sedation is available at our Norwest practice for patients who are anxious. Post-operative discomfort is typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief for a few days, and our periodontists provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery.

Dental implant costs in Sydney vary depending on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the type of restoration. We provide a detailed cost estimate after your consultation so you can make an informed decision. We accept all major health funds, so please contact us for a personalised estimate.

Gum disease must be treated and stabilised before implants can be placed safely. Placing implants into unhealthy gums significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Because our periodontists treat both gum disease and place implants, we manage your complete treatment process at the one practice in Norwest. This integrated care means your periodontist knows your full clinical history and can time your implant placement for the best possible outcome.

Insufficient bone does not necessarily prevent you from getting dental implants, as bone grafting procedures can rebuild bone volume before or during placement. In some cases, techniques such as All-on-4 can bypass the need for extensive grafting entirely by using angled implants to maximise available bone. Your periodontist will assess your bone levels during your consultation using CBCT 3D imaging and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Medicare does not cover dental implants, but if you have private health insurance with major dental extras, you may be able to claim a portion of the cost. The amount depends on your level of cover and your fund's schedule of benefits. Contact your health fund directly to check your coverage before your appointment.

Specialist dental treatment costs vary depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. We provide detailed, itemised estimates before any treatment begins so you can make an informed decision with no surprises. Contact us on 02 9680 4311 for an estimate based on your specific needs.

We accept all major private health funds at our Norwest practice and have a HICAPS machine on-site for immediate claims processing. This allows you to only pay the gap on the day. The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover and your fund's schedule of benefits.

We accept cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard, and EFTPOS. Health fund claims can be processed instantly on-site via our HICAPS terminal.

Most of our patients are referred by their general dentist, but a referral is not mandatory. We are happy to see self-referred patients if you can specify which specialist you would like to see and the reason for your visit. Having a referral letter and any existing X-rays does help us prepare for your appointment and may reduce the need for additional imaging on the day.

Bring your referral letter and any X-rays from your dentist, a list of current medications, your health fund details, and photo ID. If you do not have a referral, let us know when you book and we will guide you through the process. Arriving 10 minutes early allows time to complete any required paperwork before your consultation.

Call us on 02 9680 4311 or complete the enquiry form on our Contact page to book your appointment. We will schedule you at the earliest available time. For emergency cases, same-day appointments are typically available.

Please provide at least one business day's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list and avoids any cancellation fees.

We prioritise urgent cases such as severe tooth pain, dental trauma, or infection at our Norwest practice. Call us on 02 9680 4311 for same-day assistance, and please do not wait if you are in pain.

Our Norwest practice is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Call us to discuss your scheduling needs.