Or, 'Prevention is easier than cure.' No matter how you say it, it's about minimising your risk of dental issues.

Preventive Dentistry

Preventive dentistry helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and catch problems early. At Ava Dental, this includes check-ups and cleans, gum disease treatment, fluoride, fissure sealants and mouthguards. Many private health funds cover part or all of a routine check-up, depending on your level of cover. With HICAPS claiming on the spot, you only pay any gap on the day.

What Happens at a Check-Up and Clean?

A check-up and clean is a routine visit to check your oral health and remove buildup your toothbrush cannot reach. Your appointment usually includes:

An examination of your teeth, gums and bite
Digital x-rays when needed, to check between teeth and below the gum line
Intraoral photos, so you can see what we see
A professional clean to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque)
A polish and fluoride treatment
A check of your mouth, tongue and throat for signs of oral cancer

Many people benefit from a check-up every six months. Your dentist may suggest a different timeframe based on your oral health.

Other Ways We Help Protect Your Teeth

Check-ups and cleans are one part of preventive care. These treatments can add another layer of protection for your teeth.

Fissure Sealants

Your back teeth have deep grooves where food and plaque can collect. A fissure sealant is a thin coating that covers these grooves and can help prevent decay. Sealants are often used for children but may also suit some adults.

Custom Mouthguards

A custom sports mouthguard is made from a mould of your teeth, so it fits more closely than a shop-bought one. It can help protect your teeth and gums during sports and is available for children and adults.

Nightguards for Grinding

Grinding or clenching your teeth at night can wear down enamel and may contribute to jaw pain. A night guard is a thin, custom-made cover you wear while you sleep. It can help protect your teeth from wear.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Samin Zarei

(DEN0001659049) Registered Dentist, General Registration

Dr Zarei graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery in 2004 and has been a dentist for 14 years. Over the years, she has gained experience in handling dental emergencies and performing different aspects of dental care that are personally tailored to each unique individual.

She enjoys treating children and helping patients of all ages overcome their fear of dentistry. She also provides conscious sedation to those who find it difficult to cope with general dentistry. Samin believes that dentistry has given her a chance …

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What Are Signs of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque building up along the gum line. In the early stage, a professional cleaning and good home care can often reverse gingivitis.

Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This later stage can damage the bone that supports your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease signs to watch for include:

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, swollen or tender gums
Bad breath that does not go away
Gums pulling away from your teeth
Loose teeth

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

If you have gum disease, we may recommend a deep clean, also called scaling and root planing. Our hygienist cleans below the gum line to remove tartar from your tooth roots. We use local anaesthetic to help keep you comfortable. Treatment may take more than one visit, and your gums may feel tender for a few days.

Periodontitis is usually managed rather than cured, so regular maintenance cleans help keep it under control.

What Does a Check-Up Cost?

Your cost depends on what your appointment includes and your health fund cover. New patients can book a check-up and clean for $240, including an examination, X-rays, clinical photos, a clean, polish, and fluoride. As an NIB preferred provider, we may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs if you are with NIB. We also bulk bill eligible children under the CDBS and DVA Gold Card holders.

Book a Check-Up at Ava Dental

If you are ready to book a check-up and clean, we invite you to call us on (03) 8790 2500 or book online. We are open six days, including Saturday mornings, and welcome patients from Narre Warren South, Berwick, Cranbourne, Hallam and nearby areas.