Patient Education
Advice & FAQs
Expert answers to your most common questions about oral health, treatments, and dental procedures.
QDo you accept emergency appointments?
Yes, we do. We offer priority emergency dental appointments and aim to see you on the same day whenever possible. If you are in pain, please call us immediately and our team will arrange the earliest available time for you.
QDo you bulk bill children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule?
Yes, we support families through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). Eligible children can receive bulk billed dental services, covering a range of essential treatments. Our friendly team can quickly check your child's eligibility and explain what is covered before your visit.
QWhat payment options does Whitehouse Dental accept?
We accept cash, EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX. HICAPS is available for on-the-spot private health fund claiming. We also accept DVA Gold and White Cards, NSW Government dental vouchers (OHFFSS), and offer bulk billing under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible children.
QIs there parking at Whitehouse Dental Services Hornsby?
Whitehouse Dental Services offers convenient on-site parking, ensuring a smooth and stress-free visit for all our patients. Additional street parking nearby.
QGentle Teeth Extraction — Does it hurt?
This is the #1 concern for patients, and the answer is: No, the procedure itself should not be painful. During the Procedure: We use powerful local anesthetics to completely numb the tooth, the surrounding bone, and the gum tissue. You will feel pressure (a pushing or tugging sensation) as we work, but you should not feel any sharpness or pain. Modern Sedation: If you are particularly anxious, we offer Nitrous Oxide or Oral Sedation to help you stay calm and relaxed. Afterward: Once the numbness wears off, it is normal to feel some soreness or throbbing. This is typically managed very effectively with over-the-counter relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Most patients find that they feel significantly better within 48 to 72 hours.
QHow much does a tooth extraction cost?
The cost of an extraction varies depending on the complexity of the case. Because every mouth is different, we can only provide an exact quote after a clinical exam and an X-ray.
QHow much does a dental check-up cost in Hornsby?
New patients at Whitehouse Dental Services can book a comprehensive check-up and clean for $199, including a full examination, professional scale and clean, fluoride treatment, and digital x-rays if clinically required. Pensioners and students receive 10% off before 3pm Tuesday to Saturday.
QWhich health funds do you accept?
Whitehouse Dental Services is The First Choice Provider for NIB, GU Health, and more. We process on-the-spot claims via HICAPS for all major private health funds. Ask our team about your specific fund when you book.
QDo you offer sedation dentistry for anxious patients?
Yes, we offer three levels of sedation at our Hornsby clinic. Happy gas (nitrous oxide) provides mild relaxation while you stay conscious. Oral sedation uses a prescribed tablet for deeper calm. IV sedation, administered by visiting specialists, provides twilight sleep for complex procedures or severe anxiety.
QWhat are your opening hours?
Whitehouse Dental Services is open Tuesday to Sunday. Tuesday and Thursday: 9:30am to 6pm. Wednesday and Friday: 9am to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 3pm. Monday is closed. Emergency and late-night appointments (7pm to 12am) are available on request.
QDo I have to pay anything at my OHFFSS voucher appointment?
No. For the specific treatments approved and listed on your OHFFSS voucher, the NSW government covers the cost. We bulk-bill the government directly, meaning there is no out-of-pocket expense to you for those services.
QHow long are OHFFSS dental vouchers valid?
Most vouchers have a strict expiry date, often 2 to 3 months from the date of issue. We recommend contacting us as soon as you receive your voucher to ensure we can complete your treatment before it expires.
QWhere can I get assessed for a dental voucher?
You cannot get the voucher directly from us. You must first contact the NSW Public Dental Service. You can find your local assessment centre by logging into your MyGov account or visiting the official NSW Health website.
QWho is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation is perfect for patients with a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, very sensitive teeth, or significant dental phobia.
QHow long does the sedation last?
This depends on the method used. Happy gas wears off in minutes, while IV sedation may require several hours of rest and a designated driver to take you home.
QWhat is a laser frenectomy and what are the benefits?
At Whitehouse Dental Services, we utilize advanced laser technology for frenectomies. Unlike traditional cutting methods, laser treatment offers minimal discomfort as the laser seals the tissue as it works, faster healing with very little bleeding and lower risk of infection, and no stitches required in most cases.
QWhy would someone need a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure to release a tongue-tie or lip-tie. For infants, a tie can make breastfeeding painful and exhausting, causing clicking, excess air swallowing, and poor weight gain. For children, a tongue tie can interfere with speech sounds such as t, d, z, s, r, and l. Releasing the tie allows the tongue to reach the roof of the mouth, improving clarity.
QWhat is a Tongue Tie (Ankyloglossia)?
A tongue tie occurs when the lingual frenum, the band of tissue connecting the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short. This restricts the tongue range of motion, which is vital for speaking, eating, and swallowing.
QWhat is a Lip Tie?
A lip tie occurs when the labial frenum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the upper gum, is unusually tight or attached too low. This can prevent the lip from flaring out properly, often making it difficult for infants to latch during breastfeeding.
QWill teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some patients experience temporary "zingers" or sensitivity. However, we use desensitizing agents and advanced gels designed to minimize discomfort.
QHow long do teeth whitening results last?
With good oral hygiene and by avoiding staining foods (like coffee and tobacco), professional whitening can last 12 to 24 months. A quick top-up with your take-home trays every few months will keep it looking fresh!
QHow much does Angel Aligner cost in Australia?
The cost depends on the complexity of your case and how many aligners are required. During your consultation at Whitehouse Dental Services, we provide a full transparent quote and discuss our flexible interest-free payment plans.
QHow long do I need to wear Angel Aligners each day?
For the best results, you should wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, only removing them for meals and oral hygiene.
