Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I'm concerned about the COVID 19 Pandemic, is it safe for me and my family to visit Innovative Dental Care Centre?
A: As medical professionals we take the pandemic seriously. We've implemented strict social distancing protocols, require all our visitors, staff and patients to wear masks at all times and we sterilise our environment regularly. We discourage patients from bringing family, friends and partners to their appointment at this time and carefully plan our appointment book to ensure that as few as possible patients are waiting for appointments at any given time. In the consulting room every possible precaution is taken - including fogging after every appointment - to ensure the safety of our patients and staff - furniture, equipment and surfaces are disinfected after every single patient and attending staff is wearing masks at all times. For the convenience of our staff, visitors and patients there are hand sanitising stations throughout the building.
A: As medical professionals we take the pandemic seriously. We've implemented strict social distancing protocols, require all our visitors, staff and patients to wear masks at all times and we sterilise our environment regularly. We discourage patients from bringing family, friends and partners to their appointment at this time and carefully plan our appointment book to ensure that as few as possible patients are waiting for appointments at any given time. In the consulting room every possible precaution is taken - including fogging after every appointment - to ensure the safety of our patients and staff - furniture, equipment and surfaces are disinfected after every single patient and attending staff is wearing masks at all times. For the convenience of our staff, visitors and patients there are hand sanitising stations throughout the building.
Q: Is Innovative Dental Care Centre contracted in to Medical Aid?
A: We are contracted in to most medical aids and charge medical aid rates for most of our procedures. Please double-check with our friendly, efficient receptionist what is covered by your medical aid and whether you need to pay upfront and claim yourself or whether we can claim directly on your behalf. Please remember that you remain liable for the account if your medical aid should reject the claim for any reason. If you're not sure, we suggest contacting your medical aid for prior approval. If you are not a member of a medical aid, we still charge the lowest possible rates, if you can't afford it, please talk to us about a payment option, we do everything we can to support our community and we're here to help.
A: We are contracted in to most medical aids and charge medical aid rates for most of our procedures. Please double-check with our friendly, efficient receptionist what is covered by your medical aid and whether you need to pay upfront and claim yourself or whether we can claim directly on your behalf. Please remember that you remain liable for the account if your medical aid should reject the claim for any reason. If you're not sure, we suggest contacting your medical aid for prior approval. If you are not a member of a medical aid, we still charge the lowest possible rates, if you can't afford it, please talk to us about a payment option, we do everything we can to support our community and we're here to help.
Q: If I have a painful tooth, does that mean the dentist will remove it?
A: Maintaining your own teeth is always the first priority and we will do everything we can to save your tooth. Unfortunately sometimes there is no choice but to remove a bad tooth, however modern dental techniques like laser therapy means that there is no reason for an extraction to be painful - we endeavour to do so painlessly using pain-free injections and offer options to the client to replace the removed tooth, maintaining chewing function and preserve their smile. As a family practice, your best dental health is always our top priority.
A: Maintaining your own teeth is always the first priority and we will do everything we can to save your tooth. Unfortunately sometimes there is no choice but to remove a bad tooth, however modern dental techniques like laser therapy means that there is no reason for an extraction to be painful - we endeavour to do so painlessly using pain-free injections and offer options to the client to replace the removed tooth, maintaining chewing function and preserve their smile. As a family practice, your best dental health is always our top priority.
Q: How long does it take to recover from an extraction and what can I do to heal sooner?
A: In the past it could take up to 3 days to recover from an extraction, however our practice uses the latest laser therapy tech to heal the tooth socket instantly without pain to the patient. Most of our clients experience no discomfort at all, and if it does occur, it clears up within a day or so and no time off work is necessary.
A: In the past it could take up to 3 days to recover from an extraction, however our practice uses the latest laser therapy tech to heal the tooth socket instantly without pain to the patient. Most of our clients experience no discomfort at all, and if it does occur, it clears up within a day or so and no time off work is necessary.
Q: What is a root canal and when will I need one?
A: A root canal is usually done to save your tooth if the tooth's pulp and nerve have become damaged by infection. In the procedure the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed. Root canal treatments have a bad reputation but the modern dental techniques used by Innovative Dental Centre mean that this is now done painlessly using pain-free injections, onsite X-rays and proper magnification.
A: A root canal is usually done to save your tooth if the tooth's pulp and nerve have become damaged by infection. In the procedure the nerve and pulp of the tooth is removed. Root canal treatments have a bad reputation but the modern dental techniques used by Innovative Dental Centre mean that this is now done painlessly using pain-free injections, onsite X-rays and proper magnification.
Q: What should I expect when the numbness wears off after the root canal treatment?
A: The numbness should wear off within 2 hours. You may find that the treated tooth is a little sensitive for a couple of days when you bite down on it, try not to chew on it to give the supporting tissue a chance to heal. Rinsing the mouth with warm salty water can be soothing to the gums surrounding the tooth. Normal brushing and flossing activities can resume straight away after the treatment. Remember to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.
A: The numbness should wear off within 2 hours. You may find that the treated tooth is a little sensitive for a couple of days when you bite down on it, try not to chew on it to give the supporting tissue a chance to heal. Rinsing the mouth with warm salty water can be soothing to the gums surrounding the tooth. Normal brushing and flossing activities can resume straight away after the treatment. Remember to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed.