Question 1

Where is the Hornsby clinic located?

Accepted Answer

Our Hornsby clinic is located at 141 Peats Ferry Rd Hornsby NSW 2077, near Hornsby Westfield shopping center. Free parking is available.

Question 2

What are your opening hours in Hornsby?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. We offer flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule.

Question 3

Do you accept health insurance at the Hornsby clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept all major health funds and offer HICAPS on-the-spot claims for immediate rebates. We also offer payment plans for treatments not covered by insurance.

Question 4

Is parking available at the Hornsby location?

Accepted Answer

Yes, free parking is available, making it very convenient for our patients to visit us.

Question 5

Do you have Korean-speaking dentists at Hornsby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have Korean-speaking dentists available at our Hornsby clinic. Dr. Jae Kim is fluent in both English and Korean, making it easier for Korean-speaking patients to communicate their dental concerns.

Question 6

What dental services do you offer at Hornsby?

Accepted Answer

We offer comprehensive dental services including general dentistry (checkups, cleanings, fillings), cosmetic dentistry (veneers, whitening), dental implants, clear aligners, and emergency dental care. We can handle all your dental needs under one roof.

Question 7

How can I book an appointment at the Hornsby clinic?

Accepted Answer

You can book an appointment online through our website, or call us directly at (02) 9987 2555. We offer same-day appointments for dental emergencies.

Question 8

Do you offer emergency dental services in Hornsby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide emergency dental care for both existing and new patients. If you have a dental emergency during business hours, call (02) 9987 2555. For after-hours emergencies, please call our emergency line at (02)9987 2555.

Question 9

How often should I have a dental check-up?

Accepted Answer

For most adults, every six months works well. If you have healthy teeth and gums and a low risk of decay, your dentist may stretch it to once a year. People with gum disease, a history of decay or conditions like diabetes are often seen more frequently.

Question 10

Do I still need a check-up if nothing hurts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most dental problems cause no pain until they are advanced. Decay between teeth, early gum disease and cracked fillings are usually silent, and a check-up is designed to find them before they start to hurt — which is also when they are cheapest to fix.

Question 11

What is the difference between a check-up and a clean?

Accepted Answer

A check-up is the examination — the dentist inspects your teeth, gums and soft tissues and may take X-rays. A clean, or scale and polish, removes hardened plaque a toothbrush cannot reach. The two are usually done in the same visit.

Question 12

At what age should my child have their first check-up?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a first visit by around their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are short and gentle, help spot problems while they are small, and let your child get comfortable with the dentist before any treatment is ever needed.

Question 13

Does scaling damage or wear down my teeth?

Accepted Answer

No. An ultrasonic scaler is designed to break away tartar deposits, not to cut into enamel, and a scale and clean by a trained clinician doesn't harm healthy tooth structure. What genuinely damages teeth and gums is leaving tartar in place to feed decay and gum disease.

Question 14

Does a scale and clean hurt?

Accepted Answer

For most people it's painless — you feel vibration and cool water more than any discomfort. It can be a little sensitive if your gums are already inflamed or there's a lot of tartar to remove, in which case we can go gently or numb the area. It's usually far more pleasant than people expect.

Question 15

Do I really need one every six months?

Accepted Answer

Six months works well for most people, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. If you build tartar quickly, smoke, or are managing gum disease, more frequent cleans help; if your buildup is very light, we may space them out. We'll suggest an interval that suits you.

Question 16

Will scaling remove coffee, tea and wine stains?

Accepted Answer

The polishing step lifts most surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, so teeth often look brighter straight afterwards. Deeper discolouration built into the tooth itself won't shift with a clean — that needs whitening, which is a separate treatment.

Question 17

How much is the filling price?

Accepted Answer

Standard fillings usually start from around $220 (excluding X-rays), but the final price varies depending on the size and location of the cavity.
For an exact quote, it’s best to schedule an exam with our dentist for a proper diagnosis.

Question 18

How long do dental implants last?

Accepted Answer

With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, the titanium implant itself can last decades — often a lifetime. The crown on top typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear.

Question 19

Is getting a dental implant painful?

Accepted Answer

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during placement. Most patients describe the recovery as milder than expected — usually a few days of manageable soreness that responds well to over-the-counter pain relief.

Question 20

Am I too old for dental implants?

Accepted Answer

There is no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health and the amount of jawbone available. Many of our implant patients in Hornsby are in their 60s, 70s and beyond. If bone has receded, a bone graft can often rebuild enough support.

Question 21

What happens if I just leave the gap?

Accepted Answer

The jawbone around the gap begins to shrink because it no longer receives chewing stimulation, neighbouring teeth drift and tilt into the space, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt. The longer you wait, the more complex and costly the eventual fix becomes.

Question 22

How much implant price is?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants typically start from $4,000 (excluding X-rays). Please note that the total cost can change if additional treatments are required, such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.

For an accurate quote, a proper diagnosis during an in-person consultation is essential.

Question 23

Will a dental implant set off airport security or affect an MRI scan?

Accepted Answer

No. Dental implants are made from titanium, which is non-magnetic and won't trigger metal detectors at the airport. They're also considered MRI-safe and won't be affected by the scanner, though it's always worth mentioning any dental work to the radiographer beforehand.

Question 24

Can I get a dental implant if I have diabetes?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Well-managed diabetes is not a barrier to implant treatment. Because stable blood sugar supports healing, your dentist will check that your diabetes is under control before proceeding, and may work alongside your GP. Poorly controlled diabetes is where extra caution applies.

Question 25

What actually happens if a dental implant fails?

Accepted Answer

Implant failure is uncommon, but if an implant doesn't integrate with the bone, it's removed under local anaesthetic — usually a simpler process than placing it. The area is left to heal, the cause is addressed, and in many cases a new implant can be placed later once the site has recovered.

Question 26

Can I switch from dentures to dental implants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many people move from removable dentures to implants, and it's one of the most common reasons patients come to see us. After an assessment of your jawbone, options range from a single implant to a full-arch solution that fixes teeth in place permanently.

Question 27

Do you really get teeth in a day with All-on-X?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes — many patients leave on the day of surgery with a fixed set of temporary teeth attached to the implants, so they're never without teeth. The important detail is that this is a provisional bridge. The definitive, final bridge is made and fitted later, once the implants have fully integrated with the bone. Not everyone is suitable for same-day teeth, which is confirmed at your assessment.

Question 28

What's the decisive difference between All-on-X and a denture?

Accepted Answer

All-on-X is fixed to implants and doesn't come out — you don't remove it, and it doesn't rock or slip. It also leaves the roof of the mouth uncovered and restores far more chewing power. A conventional full denture rests on the gums, can move while you eat or speak, and covers the palate on the upper jaw.

Question 29

How long do All-on-X implants last?

Accepted Answer

The implants themselves can last many years, often decades, when supported by good hygiene and regular check-ups. The bridge on top is hard-wearing but, like anything you chew with every day, may need maintenance or eventual replacement over the long term. Looking after it well is what protects the investment.

Question 30

Can I have All-on-X if I don't have much bone left?

Accepted Answer

Frequently, yes. One advantage of All-on-X is that the implants can be angled to make the most of the bone you still have, which sometimes avoids the need for grafting. Where bone is very limited, a graft or an alternative plan may be suggested. Only a scan and assessment can tell you for certain.

Question 31

Does having a tooth removed hurt?

Accepted Answer

During the procedure you shouldn't feel pain, only pressure and movement, because the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. Afterwards it's normal to have some soreness for a few days, which usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relief. Most people find it far more comfortable than the toothache that led them in.

Question 32

Are there always alternatives to extraction?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Root canal treatment, a crown or gum treatment can save many teeth, but a tooth that's fractured deep into the root, too decayed to restore, or loosened by advanced bone loss may be beyond reliable repair. When that's the case, removing it protects the neighbouring teeth and gum.

Question 33

How long can I leave the gap before replacing the tooth?

Accepted Answer

There's no hard deadline, but it's generally best not to leave a gap open for many months, as neighbouring teeth can start to drift and the bone beneath can shrink. Front teeth are usually replaced sooner for appearance. We'll advise on sensible timing for your situation.

Question 34

Can I go back to normal life the same day?

Accepted Answer

After a simple extraction, most people rest for the remainder of the day and return to their routine the next. Avoid smoking, drinking through a straw and vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours, as these can dislodge the healing clot and cause a painful dry socket.

Question 35

How much is the extraction(pull the tooth out) price?

Accepted Answer

Standard extractions usually start from around $300 (excluding X-rays), but the final price varies depending on the level of difficulty. Please note that wisdom teeth extractions are more complex cases and typically cost more.

For an exact quote, it’s best to schedule an exam with our dentist for a proper diagnosis.

Question 36

What is a dry socket?

Accepted Answer

A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket is dislodged or dissolves before the area has healed, leaving the underlying bone and nerves exposed. It causes a throbbing ache that can radiate towards the ear, and often appears a few days after the extraction. It's treatable — your dentist can clean and dress the socket to settle it — so call us if you suspect one.

Question 37

When can I eat normally again after an extraction?

Accepted Answer

Stick to soft foods for the first few days, then reintroduce firmer foods gradually as comfort allows. Most people are back to eating fairly normally within about a week after a simple extraction. After an implant, it's wise to favour softer choices for longer while the implant integrates. Individual healing varies, so let comfort be your guide.

Question 38

When can I smoke after a tooth extraction?

Accepted Answer

The longer you can hold off, the better. As a minimum, avoid smoking for at least 48 to 72 hours, as the suction and chemicals sharply increase the risk of a dry socket and slow healing. After an implant, abstaining for as long as possible measurably improves the chance of success.

Question 39

How many days does the pain usually last?

Accepted Answer

Discomfort is generally at its worst for the first two to three days, then steadily eases over the following week to a mild tenderness. Over-the-counter pain relief usually keeps it manageable. Pain that increases after the first few days rather than settling is not typical — that's worth a call.

Question 40

Do all four wisdom teeth need to come out at once?

Accepted Answer

No. Each tooth is judged on its own. If only one or two are causing trouble, those can be removed while healthy ones stay put. When all four are impacted, some patients choose to have them out together in a single session to get recovery over with once — it's a practical decision we make with you.

Question 41

At what age should wisdom teeth be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Most wisdom teeth appear between about 17 and 25, so the late teens and early twenties are the usual time to check them. Removal is often simpler at a younger age, because the roots aren't fully formed and the bone is more forgiving — but there's no age at which it becomes too late if a problem develops.

Question 42

How soon can I get back to work and exercise?

Accepted Answer

Many people take the rest of the day off and return to desk work the next day after a simple removal; a surgical extraction may need two or three quieter days. Hold off on strenuous exercise for about a week. If throbbing pain arrives a few days later rather than easing, contact us — it can signal a dry socket, which is easily treated.

Question 43

Is it safe to just leave healthy wisdom teeth alone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they're fully through, sitting in a normal position and you can keep them clean. In that case, monitoring them at your regular check-ups — with the occasional X-ray — is perfectly reasonable. Removal is only worth considering once the signs change.

Question 44

Does a root canal actually hurt?

Accepted Answer

During treatment, no — the tooth is fully numbed, so you feel pressure but not pain. For a few days afterwards the tooth can feel tender, particularly when biting, which usually settles with over-the-counter pain relief. For most people it's noticeably more comfortable than the toothache they came in with.

Question 45

How many appointments does it take?

Accepted Answer

Often one or two. A straightforward tooth may be completed in a single visit; an actively infected one is sometimes cleaned and dressed with medication first, then finished at a second appointment. The crown that protects the tooth afterwards is usually a separate visit.

Question 46

Do I really need a crown afterwards?

Accepted Answer

For back teeth, almost always. A root-treated tooth is more brittle and can crack under chewing forces, and losing it that way would undo the treatment that saved it. Front teeth, which take less load, don't always need one — we'll advise based on the tooth.

Question 47

Can a root-treated tooth get infected again?

Accepted Answer

It's uncommon, but possible if bacteria find their way back in. When it happens, the tooth can often be saved a second time with retreatment. Good hygiene and a well-fitted crown keep the risk low.

Question 48

Can periodontitis be reversed?

Accepted Answer

The earliest stage, gingivitis, can be reversed completely with a professional clean and good home care. Established periodontitis is different: the bone already lost won't grow back, so the aim shifts to halting the damage and keeping it stable. That's very achievable when treatment starts early.

Question 49

Should I be worried if my gums bleed when I brush?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding gums are the most common early sign of gum disease, so they deserve attention rather than being dismissed as normal. The good news is that at the gingivitis stage it's very treatable. Keep brushing gently, don't stop, and book a check-up to catch it early.

Question 50

Is gum disease hereditary?

Accepted Answer

It can run in families — genetics can make some people more prone to it, and to more aggressive forms. But susceptibility isn't destiny: plaque is what actually triggers gum disease, so how well you clean your teeth day to day still has the biggest say. Even with a strong family history, consistent care and regular cleans keep it in check.

Question 51

Can dental implants get gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The tissue around an implant can become inflamed and infected in a condition called peri-implantitis, which behaves much like gum disease around a natural tooth and can threaten the implant. The prevention is the same — good cleaning and regular check-ups.

Question 52

How long does it take to get used to new dentures?

Accepted Answer

Most people need a few weeks to adjust. Eating and speaking feel awkward at first and then steadily improve as your mouth learns the new shape. A little soreness and extra saliva early on is normal. If a particular sore spot won't settle, come in — a quick adjustment usually fixes it.

Question 53

Do I have to take my dentures out at night?

Accepted Answer

For conventional dentures, generally yes. Removing them overnight gives your gums a rest and lets you clean the denture properly, stored in water or a soaking solution so it doesn't dry out. Implant-supported designs can differ, so follow the advice your dentist gives for your specific set.

Question 54

How long do dentures last before they need replacing?

Accepted Answer

A well-made denture typically lasts several years, but it will usually need relining or replacing over time because your gums and jaw slowly change shape. Regular check-ups keep the fit accurate and comfortable. How long yours lasts depends on wear, care and how your mouth changes.

Question 55

Can I switch from dentures to implants later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and many people do. Depending on your jawbone, options range from a single implant to an implant-supported denture, or a fixed full-arch bridge. An assessment of your bone and gums shows which upgrades are realistic for you whenever you're ready.

Question 56

How many hours a day do I need to wear clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Most treatment plans call for 20 to 22 hours a day — essentially all the time except when you're eating, drinking anything other than water, or cleaning your teeth. Falling short of that slows your progress and can throw the whole sequence of trays off track.

Question 57

Do clear aligners hurt?

Accepted Answer

You'll usually feel mild pressure or tightness for a day or two each time you move to a new tray. That sensation is the aligner doing its job. It's generally milder than the soreness that comes with tightening traditional braces and settles quickly.

Question 58

How long does clear aligner treatment take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much your teeth need to move. Minor crowding or spacing may resolve in a few months, while more involved cases can run to around a year and a half. Your dentist can give you a realistic estimate after assessing your teeth.

Question 59

Will I need a retainer after clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their old positions, so a retainer — usually worn at night — is essential to hold your result. Skipping it is the most common reason people see their straightened teeth relapse.

Question 60

Can adults and seniors have clear aligner treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Teeth can be moved at almost any age, so there's no upper limit. What matters is the health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth, not the number on your birthday. Many of our aligner patients in Hornsby are well into adulthood.

Question 61

Can clear aligners fix severe misalignment?

Accepted Answer

Aligners handle mild-to-moderate cases very predictably. Severe crowding, large gaps or significant bite problems may be better treated with braces, sometimes alongside other treatment. A dentist can tell you honestly whether aligners will achieve what your case needs.

Question 62

Can I start aligners if I have gum disease?

Accepted Answer

Not until the gum disease is under control. Moving teeth through inflamed, unhealthy gums can worsen the problem. We treat and stabilise the gums first, then begin alignment on a healthy foundation — which is exactly why supervision matters.

Question 63

Why do I need a dentist rather than a mail-order aligner kit?

Accepted Answer

A dentist examines the health of your teeth, gums and bone before moving anything, plans the movement safely, and adjusts course if something isn't tracking. Ordering trays online without that assessment risks moving teeth that weren't healthy enough to move.

Question 64

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Accepted Answer

Some people notice temporary sensitivity to cold during or just after whitening, which usually settles within a day or two. Because a professional treatment is supervised, your dentist can adjust the gel strength and recommend desensitising steps to keep it comfortable.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions

Visiting the clinic

Check-ups & cleaning

Dental implants

All-on-X implants

Tooth extraction & aftercare

Wisdom teeth

Root canal treatment

Gum disease

Dentures

Clear aligners

Teeth whitening

No-prep veneers

Children's dentistry

Everyday oral health