The Complete Guide to General Dentistry at Smile Solutions Melbourne - Crowns, Bridges, Fillings, Extractions and Wisdom Teeth product guide

Smile Solutions general dentistry: fillings, crowns, wisdom teeth, dentures and more

General dentistry is the foundation of long-term dental health, and at Smile Solutions you'll find the full range of restorative care delivered with real clinical skill and genuine warmth. Composite fillings placed in a single visit. Same-day ceramic crowns milled by CEREC technology. Complex wisdom tooth surgery. Full denture construction. And behind all of it, specialist support available the moment it's needed.

The practice is based in the historic Manchester Unity Building at 220 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, with 40 fully equipped dental suites, more than 20 board-registered specialists, and a team of experienced general dentists covering every area of restorative practice. Smile Solutions has been a trusted dental home in this city since 1993, and its 4.9-star rating across 937 Google reviews reflects the kind of care that keeps patients coming back and recommending the practice to people they care about.

Dental fillings: composite and ceramic

When decay is removed, the cavity needs to be restored. At Smile Solutions, all fillings are tooth-coloured and metal-free.

Composite resin fillings are the standard choice for small to medium cavities. A tooth-coloured resin is applied in incremental layers, shaped to restore the natural anatomy of the tooth, and hardened with UV light. The whole thing is done in a single appointment. Composite bonds directly to tooth structure, is virtually invisible, and works well anywhere in the mouth.

Ceramic fillings, also called inlays and onlays, are porcelain restorations made in a laboratory or in-house using CEREC technology. They're designed for larger cavities where composite may not hold up under the load of regular biting and chewing. Ceramic is harder and more wear-resistant, which makes it a better fit for substantial posterior restorations.

Dr Silvia Ciach, experienced general dentist at Smile Solutions, puts it plainly: "Composite is our go-to for small and medium cavities, and it performs beautifully in the vast majority of cases. For larger restorations where the cavity is significant and the restored portion will bear substantial biting force, ceramic provides greater durability. Choosing the right material for the right situation is part of good clinical judgement, and it's something we take seriously for every patient."

CEREC same-day ceramic crowns

CEREC, which stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, uses CAD/CAM software paired with an in-house milling unit to design, mill and fit high-quality all-ceramic crowns, onlays and veneers in a single appointment.

The conventional crown process takes two visits: one to prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown, and a second two to three weeks later to fit the permanent crown from an external laboratory. CEREC cuts that entirely. You leave with your permanent restoration the same day.

Here's how the process works at Smile Solutions:

1. The tooth is examined and any decay or failing restoration is removed
2. A digital scan of the prepared tooth is taken, with no physical impressions needed
3. The crown is designed on-screen using CAD/CAM software, accounting for the shape of adjacent and opposing teeth and how the bite comes together
4. The design goes to the milling unit, which carves the crown from a solid ceramic block in about 15 minutes
5. The crown is adjusted, glazed and bonded to the tooth, all in the same appointment

Dr Silvia Ciach, who performs CEREC restorations at Smile Solutions, describes it this way: "CEREC lets us complete work that used to require two visits and three to four weeks in a temporary crown, in a single two-hour appointment. The ceramic blocks are high-strength and look excellent. For patients who can't manage multiple appointments, it changes the experience completely."

CEREC crown pricing: from $1,795 to $2,650

Dental crowns and bridges

When a tooth is significantly broken down, has had root canal treatment, or has cracked, a crown, which encases the entire tooth, provides strength and protection that a filling can't.

At Smile Solutions, crowns are fabricated in several ways depending on clinical needs and aesthetic goals. Same-day via CEREC technology ($1,795 to $2,650). Via the in-house Smile Lab, where master ceramist Greg Karabasis and his team handle cases requiring exceptional aesthetic refinement. Or via specialist prosthodontist Dr Fotios Angelis for complex cases involving full-mouth rehabilitation or precise bite management.

A dental bridge uses crowns on adjacent teeth as anchors, with one or more artificial teeth suspended between them, to replace a missing tooth without implants. Bridges are fixed and non-removable, restoring both appearance and function, though they do require reducing the anchor teeth, which is worth discussing carefully during treatment planning.

Dr Fotios Angelis, specialist prosthodontist at Smile Solutions, explains: "The decision between a bridge, an implant or another option depends on the health of the adjacent teeth, the bone at the missing tooth site, your overall health and your preferences. A specialist prosthodontist is well placed to assess all of those factors together and recommend the most appropriate long-term solution."

Tooth extractions

Most extractions at Smile Solutions are performed by experienced general dentists under local anaesthesia. A simple extraction involves loosening the tooth with specialised instruments and removing it from its socket, with healing over several weeks.

Complex extractions involving broken, severely decayed or ankylosed teeth, where the tooth has fused to the bone, may require minor surgical technique. These are handled by experienced clinicians or referred directly to the specialist oral and maxillofacial surgical team, so patients are always in the right hands.

After any extraction, the standard aftercare applies: bite firmly on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding; avoid smoking, straws or vigorous rinsing for 24 hours; apply cold packs to reduce swelling; take pain relief as directed; and contact Smile Solutions if pain worsens after two to three days, which can indicate dry socket.

The team will go through personalised aftercare instructions before you leave.

Wisdom teeth removal

Wisdom teeth, the third molars, are the last to erupt, typically between 17 and 25. Many people simply don't have enough room in their jaw for them, which leads to impaction, where the tooth partially or fully fails to erupt and may angle into adjacent teeth or remain trapped beneath the bone.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and pressure, repeated infection of the gum tissue over a partially erupted tooth (pericoronitis), damage to adjacent teeth, and in more severe cases, cyst formation.

Who performs wisdom tooth removal?

The complexity varies considerably. Fully erupted wisdom teeth can be removed straightforwardly by an experienced general dentist. Deeply impacted, horizontally positioned or surgically complex teeth are better managed by a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon, particularly where roots are close to the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw.

At Smile Solutions, wisdom tooth assessments are done by general dentists, with direct referral to specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr Ricky Kumar and A/Prof Patrishia Bordbar for complex cases. General anaesthesia in a private hospital is also available for patients who prefer full sedation.

Wisdom tooth removal pricing at Smile Solutions:

• Simple extraction by general dentist: from $475 per tooth
• Surgical extraction by specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon: from $600 to $2,950 per tooth, depending on complexity, including any required bone removal and sectioning

If a specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon performs the procedure, a Medicare rebate may apply to the consultation. Private health insurance with hospital cover may also reduce out-of-pocket costs for hospital-based procedures.

The optimal age for wisdom teeth removal: Dr Kia's position

Timing is one of the most important and least-discussed questions in wisdom teeth management. Most practices take a reactive approach, waiting for symptoms before recommending extraction. Dr Kia Pajouhesh, founder of Smile Solutions with more than 30 years of clinical experience, takes a deliberately proactive position: when extraction is indicated, the optimal age is 16 to 17.

The clinical reasoning is straightforward. At 16 to 17, wisdom tooth roots are still short and unlikely to be near the inferior alveolar nerve, which is the proximity that causes temporary or permanent nerve damage in older patients. Jaw bone at this age is less dense and heals more readily. The teeth are less brittle and less likely to fracture during surgery. Recovery is faster.

Beyond the clinical case, Year 10 or Year 11 is a practical window: your child is still at home with parents to help during recovery, Year 12 exam pressure hasn't arrived, and the procedure is simpler than the equivalent surgery at 22 or 25.

That said, not all wisdom teeth need to come out. Teeth that have fully erupted, sit in a good position, can be properly cleaned and aren't causing problems can be monitored and kept. In patients who had premolar extractions during orthodontic treatment, wisdom teeth may have enough room to erupt and become genuinely useful. The decision to extract or retain requires input from both a general dentist and an orthodontist, and at Smile Solutions, both are available at 220 Collins Street.

For the full clinical rationale, including thirteen reasons why earlier extraction produces better outcomes, the evolutionary context, and the financial and social timing arguments, see the dedicated article: When Is the Best Age to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed? Expert Advice from Dr Kia Pajouhesh.

Dentures

For patients who have lost multiple teeth or all of their teeth, dentures are a removable prosthetic option that restores chewing function and facial appearance. With the right fit and care, they can make a real difference to everyday life.

Complete dentures replace all teeth in one or both arches. They're held in place by suction on the upper arch and muscle balance on the lower, and some patients use an adhesive.

• Complete dentures: from $3,850 per arch

Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth when some natural teeth remain. They're anchored to remaining teeth with clasps and can be removed for cleaning.

• Partial dentures: from $1,400

Dentures need periodic adjustment as the underlying bone and gum tissue change shape over time. If you're currently wearing conventional dentures, it's worth asking your dentist about implant-retained or implant-supported options. The improvement in stability and comfort is significant, and many patients describe it as a genuine turning point.

Root canal treatment

When decay or trauma reaches the pulp of a tooth, root canal treatment is needed to save it from extraction. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the root canals, cleaning and shaping the canal system thoroughly, sealing the canals with a biocompatible material, and restoring the tooth with a crown.

At Smile Solutions, root canal treatment is performed by specialist endodontists. Dr Greg Tilley, specialist endodontist at Smile Solutions, explains why that matters: "The root canal system is extraordinarily complex. A single molar can have three, four or even five canals, many of them curved and narrow. A specialist endodontist has the training, microscope magnification and rotary instrumentation to navigate that anatomy thoroughly. The success rate for specialist root canal treatment is substantially higher than for treatment by a general dentist, and that difference in outcome matters for your long-term dental health."

Root canal treatment by specialist endodontist: from $2,900 to $3,600, depending on the tooth and complexity.

When to see a specialist vs a general dentist

A real advantage of Smile Solutions is how smoothly general dentistry and specialist care connect, all within the one building in Melbourne's CBD. When a general dentist identifies a situation that warrants specialist involvement, whether endodontic, periodontal, prosthodontic, surgical or orthodontic, the referral happens internally. You don't need to find a specialist, start a new patient process or repeat your history from scratch.

Dr Fotios Angelis, specialist prosthodontist, describes how it works: "At Smile Solutions, a general dentist managing a complex restorative case involving multiple missing teeth, worn dentition and bite discrepancies doesn't have to navigate that alone. They bring in the prosthodontist, the periodontist, the oral surgeon, all in the same building at 220 Collins Street. You get multidisciplinary planning at your first visit rather than a sequence of separate referrals spread over months."

Situations that typically warrant specialist involvement:

• Complex root canal cases: specialist endodontist
• Bone loss or gum recession: specialist periodontist
• Missing teeth requiring implants: specialist periodontist or oral surgeon, specialist prosthodontist for the prosthesis
• Broken-down teeth requiring full-mouth rehabilitation: specialist prosthodontist
• Wisdom teeth with complex impaction: specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• Orthodontic issues: specialist orthodontist

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does a composite filling last? A: With good home care and regular check-ups, composite fillings typically last 7 to 10 years in posterior teeth and longer in anterior teeth where biting forces are lower. They can wear, crack, chip or debond over time, and the margins can develop decay if oral hygiene slips. Regular check-up x-rays let your dentist catch failing filling margins before they become a larger problem.

Q: Is a CEREC crown as good as a laboratory crown? A: CEREC crowns made from high-strength ceramic blocks perform comparably to laboratory-fabricated crowns in most clinical situations. The ceramic material is uniform and strong. For cases requiring the highest level of aesthetic complexity, such as anterior teeth in smile-sensitive positions, a laboratory-crafted layered porcelain crown from the Smile Lab may be the better choice. Your dentist will advise which option suits your situation.

Q: My tooth has broken. Does it definitely need a crown? A: Not necessarily. The right restoration depends on how much tooth structure remains, the location and extent of the break, and whether the pulp has been affected. Small chips and fractures can often be repaired with composite bonding. More extensive fractures may need an onlay or crown. If the fracture extends below the gum line or into the root, a more thorough assessment is needed. As Dr Silvia Ciach puts it: "Every broken tooth needs to be assessed individually. The goal is always the most conservative treatment that provides the necessary protection and function."

Q: How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to come out? A: Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Wisdom teeth that have fully erupted, sit in a good position, can be properly cleaned and aren't causing problems can be monitored and kept. The decision to remove is based on your symptoms, x-ray findings and a clinical assessment. An OPG x-ray, a panoramic jaw x-ray, is the standard investigation used to assess wisdom tooth position and associated risks, and it's something Smile Solutions can arrange for you.

Q: Can I replace old amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured ones? A: Yes, amalgam fillings can be replaced with composite or ceramic. That said, replacing a filling that is currently functioning well does expose your tooth to additional preparation and carries some clinical risk. The decision should be based on clinical grounds, such as a filling showing signs of failure, secondary decay or fracture, rather than purely on aesthetics. Your dentist can advise whether replacement makes sense for your situation.

Q: What is involved in a full-mouth rehabilitation? A: Full-mouth rehabilitation is the comprehensive restoration of all or most teeth in both arches, typically combining crowns, veneers, implants and other restorations to restore function, aesthetics and bite harmony. At Smile Solutions, it's led by a specialist prosthodontist working with a team that may include periodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons as needed. A detailed treatment plan, including mock-ups and staged sequencing, is always developed before any irreversible treatment begins, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage.

Book your general dental appointment

Whether you need a filling, a crown, a wisdom tooth assessment, dentures or a comprehensive examination, the Smile Solutions general dental team is ready to help, in a comfortable, well-equipped practice right in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.

Call 13 13 96 to book, or visit www.smilesolutions.com.au for more information. Smile Solutions is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and on weekends.