Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Patients' first visits are typically comprised of the following:

Consultation — We begin by getting to know you by discussing: 

• Your medical and dental history
• Your current concerns
• Your goals for your smile

This conversation helps us understand your unique needs and ensures you feel heard from the very start.

Comprehensive Exam — After this, we’ll carry out a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums and bite. 

X-Rays — Depending on your situation, we may also recommend diagnostic records such as digital x-rays, scans or photographs to get a complete picture of your oral health. These tools allow us to detect issues that may not be visible during a routine exam, such as:

• Hidden tooth decay
• Bone changes
• Problems with the jaw joints

Treatment Planning — Once the exam is complete, your dentist will talk you through the findings in clear, easy-to-understand language. We’ll outline treatment options where needed and explain the pros and cons of each. We will also answer any questions you may have.

Ready to Arrange Your First Visit?

It's important to remember that there’s no rush during this appointment. We make sure you feel comfortable and informed before moving forward with any treatment. Our Charlestown prosthodontists invite you to arrange your first visit. 

In most cases, yes. X-rays are an important diagnostic tool and help us assess the teeth, bone levels, supporting structures and areas not visible during an examination. We take digital bitewing and periapical x-rays onsite; for panoramic (OPG) or 3-D CBCT scans, we will refer you to a trusted local imaging centre. Your prosthodontist will discuss which images are clinically necessary for your situation.

No. While many of our patients are referred by their general dentist or another clinician, a referral is not required to book an appointment. You are welcome to contact us directly if you would like a specialist opinion or wish to discuss concerns about your oral health.

Bringing the following items helps us understand your history and plan your care effectively:

• Any recent dental X-rays (if available).
• A list of current medications and medical conditions.
• Your DVA card or private health fund card, if applicable.
• Any dentures, splints or removable appliances you currently use.

If we require additional records, we can request them directly from your previous dentist with your permission.

Yes. While we do not currently offer on-the-spot claiming via HICAPS, we provide an itemised receipt for all eligible treatment. This allows you to submit your claim directly to your private health fund, either online or in person, according to your fund’s process. Your rebate will depend on your individual policy and level of cover.

We accept cash, cheques, and debit/credit cards. Although we do not offer credit, most treatments are naturally staged across multiple appointments, which spreads the cost over time. A detailed payment summary is provided once you decide to proceed with treatment, so you know what to expect at each visit.

At Newcastle Specialist Prosthodontics, we understand that accessing superannuation for dental treatment is a personal and significant financial decision. While early release of superannuation may help some patients proceed with necessary care, it can also have long-term implications for your future financial security.

For this reason, we strongly encourage you to seek independent financial advice before making an application. The decision to proceed is entirely yours and we will provide any information or documentation you may need to support your application. Our role is to ensure you are fully informed, supported and able to make the choice that is right for your individual circumstances. 

Yes. As a former Dental Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, and an active member of the RAAF Specialist Reserves, Dr Ma is proud to provide care for Veterans and DVA card holders. With a thorough understanding of DVA treatment guidelines and annual limits, Dr Ma can develop treatment plans that align with DVA requirements and ensure appropriate entitlements are considered.

DVA Gold Card holders are covered for most clinically necessary dental treatment.
DVA White Card holders may also receive treatment, but only for conditions recognised by DVA as service related.

If you’re unsure of your entitlements, our team can help clarify what may be covered and manage any required documentation or approval submissions, making the process as smooth as possible while you focus on your oral health.

Prosthodontic treatment is often complex and benefits from a staged approach. As we gather diagnostic information and monitor how your mouth responds over time, adjustments to the plan may be recommended to ensure the best long-term outcome. Any changes will always be discussed with you before proceeding.

Appointment lengths vary depending on your treatment. Diagnostic and planning visits may take 30–60 minutes, while restorative or procedural appointments may be longer to allow for precise, unhurried care. We will let you know the expected duration of each appointment in advance so you can plan comfortably.

You are not alone—many patients feel nervous about dental care. We take the time to understand your concerns, explain each step and proceed at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Our prosthodontist and team are experienced in supporting anxious patients and will work with you to ensure a calm, reassuring experience.

A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when significant strength and protection are needed.
An onlay or inlay covers only the damaged portion of a tooth, preserving more natural enamel.
A veneer is a thin restoration placed on the front surface of a tooth for conservative reshaping and reinforcement when appropriate.
Your prosthodontist will recommend the least invasive option that provides the right level of strength and longevity.

A crown is recommended when a tooth is too damaged or weakened to be reliably restored with a filling. This may be due to large fractures, extensive decay, heavy wear or after root canal treatment. Crowns help protect the remaining tooth structure and restore proper function.

Yes. Whitening is often recommended before new restorations are made, so your crown or veneer can be matched to your preferred lighter shade. Whitening does not affect the colour of existing restorations, so it must be completed first. Your prosthodontist will discuss timing to ensure the best result.

Yes. Shade, shape and translucency are carefully selected to blend with your natural teeth. As a prosthodontic practice, achieving a balanced, natural appearance is part of our restorative process — without compromising the health of your teeth.

Most crowns and veneers last 10–15 years or more with proper care, though longevity varies with hygiene habits, bite forces and general oral health. Regular check-ups and nightguard use (if you clench or grind) can help protect your restorations over time.

The timeline for dental implants varies based on each patient's unique needs. For most patients, the full process typically takes several months from start to finish, as it includes both the placement of the dental implants and the healing period.

• Consultation and Planning — It usually takes one to two appointments to assess a patient's oral health, take digital scans and create a meticulous treatment plan.
• Dental Implant Placement — The surgical procedure itself is usually completed in a single visit. If the patient needs bone grafting, a sinus lift, or another pre-treatment, we will discuss that in more detail at your consultation.
• Healing Phase (Osseointegration) — This part of the process is the longest stage, as it takes three to six months, as the dental implant post fuses securely with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. During this time, we may provide temporary teeth to maintain function and appearance. 
• Final Restoration — Once healing is complete, we attach the patient's final dental crown, bridge, denture or All-on-4® prosthesis. This is the final step, and patients may now enjoy a fully functional and natural-looking smile! 

Dental Implants in Charlestown, NSW

At Newcastle Specialist Prosthodontics, we’ll walk you through each stage so you know what to expect. While the dental implant process often requires patience because it can take months, many of our patients agree that the outcome is well worth it.

We welcome your call if you have any questions or concerns!

Most patients with good general and oral health can be considered for dental implants. Suitability depends on factors such as bone quality, gum health, systemic health conditions and your goals for treatment. During your consultation, our prosthodontist will assess your individual situation and discuss whether implants or an alternative restorative option is the most appropriate and predictable choice for you.

Implant treatment involves two highly specialised phases: surgical placement of the implant and restoration of the implant with a crown, bridge or full-arch prosthesis. Our prosthodontist works closely with experienced oral surgeons and periodontists who place the implants, ensuring the implant position supports the ideal final restoration. This collaborative approach allows each specialist to focus on the aspect of care they are most skilled in, leading to safer surgery, better long-term function and more predictable outcomes.

Implant treatment occurs in stages. After the implant is surgically placed, a healing period of several months is required for the bone to integrate with the implant (osseointegration). Temporary teeth may be provided where appropriate. Once healing is complete, the final restoration can be designed and fitted.

The overall timeline varies between patients but typically ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on your treatment plan and healing response. Your prosthodontist will explain your individual timeline during the planning stage.

Although implants cannot decay, they do require regular professional care to prevent inflammation or bone loss around the implant. This includes brushing, interdental cleaning, routine hygiene appointments and periodic specialist reviews to monitor implant stability and the condition of the prosthesis.

Some implant components—such as retentive inserts for overdentures or prosthetic screws—may occasionally need replacement due to normal wear. Ongoing maintenance is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your implant continues to function comfortably for years to come.

Full-mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment plan that restores multiple teeth, your bite and overall function. It may involve crowns, onlays, implants or prostheses, and is tailored to patients with widespread wear, missing teeth or long-standing functional issues.

You may benefit from rehabilitation if you have a combination of worn, damaged or missing teeth, bite problems or discomfort when chewing. Patients with bruxism, dental collapse, multiple failing restorations or complex treatment histories often fall into this category.

Rehabilitation occurs in carefully planned stages and may take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of your case, your treatment choices and healing time (if implants are involved). A clear timeline is provided during the planning phase.

Restoring the entire mouth requires precise planning, diagnostic records, trial stages and careful adjustments to ensure comfortable, stable long-term function. Multiple appointments allow the prosthodontist to monitor your progress and refine your bite at each stage for the best outcome.

Denture treatment takes place over several appointments. This allows us to take accurate impressions, record your bite, trial the appearance and fit, and make adjustments before the final denture is completed. The process typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on the type of denture and the complexity of your case.

It is normal for dentures to feel unfamiliar at first. You may notice changes in speech, increased saliva, mild soreness or difficulty chewing as your mouth adapts. These symptoms improve as your muscles learn to work with the new prosthesis. Follow-up appointments are important so we can make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and function.

Yes. Overdentures use small retentive components (such as Locator caps, O-rings or clips) that naturally wear over time. These parts are designed to be replaceable and are not included in the cost of the original treatment. Replacements help maintain proper fit and retention and are usually required every 6–12 months, depending on use and individual factors.

Most dentures last 5–8 years, though this varies with wear, changes in your mouth and general oral health. Over time, gum and bone changes may require relining, adjustment or replacement to maintain comfort and stability. Regular check-ups help ensure your denture continues to function well.

TMD can develop from muscle tension, teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, trauma, bite imbalance or stress. Often, multiple factors contribute. A thorough assessment is needed to determine the specific causes in your situation and to tailor a treatment plan accordingly.

Most TMJ conditions respond well to conservative treatment. This may include bite splints, physiotherapy, jaw exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, lifestyle modification or stress-management strategies. In rare cases, further investigation or referral to another specialist may be recommended. Treatment is always personalised to your needs.

Many patients notice some improvement within a few weeks, but full resolution can take several months depending on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Consistency with recommended therapy and follow-up appointments plays an important role in achieving lasting relief.