Frequently Asked Dental Questions
Rated 4.9 stars from over 800 Google reviews across our three clinics — 145 questions across 15 topics.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9 stars across 800+ Google Reviews | 📞 0800 541 673
✅ Same-day & emergency appointments | ✅ Afterpay, Southern Cross & Q Card accepted | ✅ Anxious patients welcome
Dental Crowns
At ER Dental our CEREC one-visit ceramic crowns start from $1,850, including the 3D scan, design and fitting in a single appointment. The exact price depends on the tooth and any prep work needed. Contact us for a personalised quote. Dental Crowns →
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A dental crown, sometimes still called a “cap,” is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged, weakened or heavily filled tooth to restore its strength, shape and appearance. We use modern CEREC ceramic crowns designed and milled on-site. Dental Crowns →
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Well-fitted ceramic crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups. Lifespan depends on how well you care for the crown and the surrounding tooth and gum. Book a hygiene check-up →
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Using CEREC technology, we scan, design and mill your ceramic crown in the same appointment, so you leave with a permanent crown fitted in one visit rather than waiting weeks for a lab-made crown. One-Visit Crowns →
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The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before we prepare it for a crown, so the procedure itself shouldn’t hurt. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is normal and settles quickly. Dental Crowns →
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A crown covers the entire tooth and is used when a tooth is significantly damaged or weakened, while a veneer only covers the front surface and is mainly used to improve appearance on otherwise healthy teeth. Crowns vs Veneers guide →
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Yes. Ceramic crowns are colour-matched to your natural teeth and can be used on front or back teeth, making them a strong, natural-looking option for a damaged front tooth. Dental Crowns →
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A crown is generally recommended when a tooth has too little healthy structure left for a filling to hold, after a root canal, or when a tooth is cracked and needs full coverage to stop it breaking further. Fillings →
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It’s uncommon, but a crown can loosen if the cement wears down or the tooth beneath decays. If your crown feels loose or falls off, call us straight away — don’t try to re-glue it yourself. Emergency Dentist →
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Many Southern Cross policies contribute towards crowns depending on your plan. We also accept Afterpay and Q Card to help spread the cost — speak to our team to check your specific cover. Pricing & payment options →
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Dental Implants
A single implant is done in two phases: implant placement from $2,750 and the implant crown from $2,750, so a complete single-tooth implant is around $5,500 total. Costs vary with your case — see our implant cost guide for details. Dental implant cost guide →
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A dental implant is a small titanium post placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root, which is then topped with a custom crown to permanently replace a missing tooth. Dental Implants →
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Most healthy adults with adequate jawbone density are suitable for implants. Gum health, smoking and bone volume all matter — we assess this with a 3D scan. Read more about implant suitability. Am I suitable for implants? →
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Implant placement is a single appointment, but the post needs roughly 3 to 6 months to fuse with the jawbone (osseointegration) before the final crown is fitted. Total treatment time is usually 3 to 6 months. Dental Implants Tauranga →
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Placement is done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during surgery. Mild swelling or discomfort for a few days afterwards is normal and manageable with standard pain relief. 3D-Guided Implant Surgery →
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With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, dental implants can last 20+ years, often a lifetime. The crown on top may need replacing after 10 to 15 years of normal wear. Dental Implants Tauranga →
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We use a 3D scan of your jaw to plan the exact position, angle and depth of the implant before surgery, using a custom surgical guide. This improves accuracy and can reduce treatment time. 3D-Guided Implant Surgery →
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Yes, several missing teeth can often be replaced in the same course of treatment, sometimes supporting a bridge or denture on just a few implants rather than one implant per tooth. Multiple Dental Implants →
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Implant-supported dentures clip onto a small number of implants in your jaw, giving a denture that’s far more stable and secure than a traditional removable denture, without the cost of a full set of individual implants. Implant-Supported Dentures →
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Leaving a gap can lead to nearby teeth shifting, bite problems, and jawbone loss in that area over time. Implants, bridges or dentures are the main ways to prevent this. Dental Implants Tauranga →
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Not always — it depends on how much healthy jawbone you have at the implant site, which we check with a 3D scan. If bone volume is low, a graft may be recommended first. 3D-Guided Implant Surgery →
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Some private health insurance policies, including certain Southern Cross plans, contribute towards implants. We also offer Afterpay and payment plans to help spread the cost — ask our team for a personalised estimate. Pricing & payment options →
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Fillings
Tooth-coloured (white composite) fillings at ER Dental range from $240 to $500, depending on the size and location of the filling. Larger or multi-surface fillings cost more than small ones. Fillings →
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A white composite filling is a resin material colour-matched to your natural tooth, used to repair small to moderate cavities or chips while blending in invisibly, unlike older silver amalgam fillings. Fillings →
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We numb the area with local anaesthetic before removing decay and placing the filling, so the procedure itself is generally painless. Some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days afterwards is normal. Fillings →
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Composite fillings typically last 5 to 10 years depending on their size, location and how well you look after your teeth. Regular check-ups help catch wear or leaks early. Dental Hygiene →
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Yes, fillings can occasionally loosen or fall out, especially older or larger ones. If this happens, avoid chewing on that side and call us — a lost filling should be repaired promptly to protect the tooth. Lost Filling Repair →
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Cavities form when acid-producing bacteria in plaque break down tooth enamel, usually from a combination of sugary or starchy foods, inconsistent brushing and flossing, and infrequent dental check-ups. Dental Exam & X-Rays →
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We primarily use tooth-coloured composite fillings for a natural look. Ask our team if you have questions about replacing old amalgam fillings as part of a natural dentistry approach. Natural Dentistry →
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Signs include visible holes or dark spots on a tooth, sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food, or pain when chewing. Many cavities have no symptoms early on, which is why regular check-ups and X-rays matter. Dental Exam & X-Rays →
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Extractions & Wisdom Teeth
A straightforward, uncomplicated extraction at ER Dental costs around $290. Surgical or more complex extractions, including some wisdom teeth, cost more — we’ll give you an exact quote after an examination. Dental Extractions →
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Extractions are generally a last resort, used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to save, causing overcrowding, badly infected, or when wisdom teeth are impacted and causing problems. Dental Extractions →
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The tooth and surrounding gum are numbed with local anaesthetic beforehand, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the extraction, though you may feel pressure. Some soreness afterwards is normal and manageable with pain relief. Dental Extractions →
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Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, though timing varies a lot between people. Not everyone develops all four, and some never fully emerge. Wisdom Teeth Removal →
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No. Wisdom teeth only need removal if they’re impacted, causing pain, crowding other teeth, difficult to clean, or repeatedly getting infected. Many people keep healthy, well-positioned wisdom teeth for life. Wisdom Teeth Removal →
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Most people recover within a few days to a week for a simple extraction, with initial swelling and tenderness settling within 48 to 72 hours. Wisdom teeth or surgical extractions can take a little longer. Wisdom Teeth Removal →
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Stick to soft, cool foods like yoghurt, mashed potato and smoothies for the first day or two, avoid hot drinks, straws and vigorous rinsing, and don’t smoke, as these can disturb the healing blood clot. Dental Extractions →
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Dry socket happens when the healing blood clot is lost from the extraction site, causing significant pain a few days after the procedure. Avoiding smoking, straws and vigorous rinsing for 48 hours helps prevent it. Dental Extractions →
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Yes — a dental implant, bridge or partial denture can all replace an extracted tooth, depending on your bite, budget and the surrounding teeth. We’ll talk through the best option for you. Dental Implants →
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Some private health insurance policies partially cover wisdom teeth removal, especially if it’s medically necessary. We accept Southern Cross, Afterpay and Q Card — ask our team about your specific policy. Wisdom Teeth Removal →
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Root Canal Treatment
A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp (the nerve and blood vessels) from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the canal, then seals it — allowing you to keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Root Canals →
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Modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic and is generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling. The infection causing the toothache is usually far more painful than the treatment itself. Root Canals →
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Root canal cost depends on the tooth (front teeth have fewer canals than molars) and the complexity of the infection. Contact us for an examination and a personalised quote. Root Canals →
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Signs include lingering pain to hot or cold, a persistent toothache, swelling or tenderness in the gum, or a tooth that’s darkened. An X-ray at your check-up can confirm whether the nerve is affected. Dental Exam & X-Rays →
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Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissue, cause a dental abscess, and in some cases lead to serious swelling that needs urgent care. Early treatment is always easier. Dental Abscess Treatment →
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Usually yes, especially on back teeth. A root-treated tooth can become brittle, so a crown protects it from cracking under everyday chewing pressure once the root canal is complete. Dental Crowns →
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A root canal usually takes one to two appointments depending on the tooth and severity of infection, each lasting roughly 60 to 90 minutes. Emergency root canals to relieve severe pain are also available. Emergency Root Canal →
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Where possible, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is usually preferable to extraction, as it keeps your bite, jawbone and surrounding teeth in their natural position. Your dentist will advise the best option for your case. Root Canals →
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Emergency Dental Care & Toothache
Severe toothache, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or a dental abscess all count as dental emergencies and need prompt attention. Call us on 0800 541 673 if you’re unsure. Dental Emergency →
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Yes, ER Dental offers same-day emergency appointments across our Pyes Pa, Seventh Avenue and Omokoroa clinics. Call 0800 541 673 as early as possible for the best chance of a same-day slot. Emergency Dentist Tauranga →
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Toothaches are commonly caused by tooth decay, a cracked tooth, gum infection, an exposed nerve, a lost filling, or sinus pressure. An examination and X-ray will pinpoint the exact cause. Toothache Relief →
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Over-the-counter pain relief (following the packet instructions), a cold compress on the outside of your cheek, and avoiding very hot, cold or sugary food can help until you’re seen. Don’t place aspirin directly on the gum. Toothache Relief →
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Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently if dirty, and try to reinsert it into the socket or keep it in milk. See a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving it. Emergency Dentist Tauranga →
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Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any broken piece if possible, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and see us as soon as possible — a broken tooth can often be repaired same-day. Broken Tooth Repair →
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A dental abscess is a pocket of infection, usually at the root of a tooth or in the gum, causing pain and swelling. It needs prompt treatment, as untreated infections can spread and become serious. Dental Abscess Treatment →
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Gum swelling can indicate infection, gum disease or an abscess. Rinse gently with warm salt water and book an appointment promptly, especially if the swelling is spreading to your face or jaw, which needs urgent care. Dental Abscess Treatment →
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It’s not usually life-threatening, but the exposed tooth can be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage or infection. Avoid chewing on that side and book an appointment as soon as possible to have it repaired. Lost Filling Repair →
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A cracked tooth can range from a minor surface crack to a fracture reaching the root. Treatment depends on severity, ranging from a filling or crown to root canal treatment or, in severe cases, extraction. Cracked Tooth →
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Yes — severe or worsening pain, especially with swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing, should be treated as an emergency. Call 0800 541 673 for after-hours advice, or seek hospital care if you have breathing or swallowing difficulty. Emergency Dentist Tauranga →
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Yes, we offer emergency root canal treatment to relieve severe tooth pain caused by an infected nerve, often on the same day you call. This removes the infection and stops the pain quickly. Emergency Root Canal →
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An emergency visit (around 30 minutes) typically includes an examination, X-rays if needed, and pain relief such as a temporary filling, prescription or drainage of an abscess, with a follow-up plan for full treatment. Emergency Dental Care →
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An emergency visit at ER Dental is $305, which includes X-rays, temporary fillings and any scripts needed. Further treatment to fully resolve the issue is quoted separately after your examination. Pricing →
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Call 0800 541 673 — this number provides after-hours dental advice for patients across our Tauranga and Omokoroa clinics, and can direct you to the right care. Emergency Dentist Tauranga →
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Teeth Whitening
Whitening pricing depends on whether you choose in-chair or take-home treatment. Contact us for current pricing and to find out which option suits your teeth and budget best. Teeth Whitening →
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In-chair whitening is done in one appointment using a stronger professional-grade gel for faster results, while take-home kits use custom trays and a lower-strength gel you apply yourself over one to two weeks. In-Chair Teeth Whitening →
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Results typically last 6 months to 2 years depending on your diet, habits (like smoking, coffee or red wine) and whether you use touch-up treatments at home. Take-Home Whitening Kits →
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Professional whitening supervised by a dentist is safe for most people. Some temporary tooth sensitivity is common during treatment. We assess your teeth and gums first to make sure whitening is suitable for you. Teeth Whitening →
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No — whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel, not on crowns, veneers or fillings, which won’t change colour. If you have visible restorations, we can discuss options to match your new shade. Dental Crowns →
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Professional whitening, done correctly and under dental supervision, does not damage healthy enamel. Overusing whitening products or using unsupervised high-strength products can cause sensitivity, which is why professional guidance matters. Teeth Whitening →
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Results vary by person depending on your natural tooth shade and the cause of any staining, but most patients see several shades of improvement. We can show you a realistic expected result during your consultation. Teeth Whitening →
“Both experiences were far nicer than any other hygienist I’ve been to. She is very gentle, considerate and thorough.” — Sophie Ogden, Google review
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Common causes include coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, ageing (as enamel thins), certain medications, and inadequate oral hygiene. A hygiene clean can also remove surface staining before whitening. Dental Hygiene →
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Veneers & Smile Makeovers
Veneer pricing depends on the material (porcelain or composite) and how many teeth are being treated. Contact us for a personalised quote after a smile assessment. Dental Veneers →
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A veneer is a thin shell, usually porcelain or composite resin, bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its shape, colour or alignment, most often used for cosmetic smile improvements. Dental Veneers →
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Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers usually last 4 to 8 years. Lifespan depends on how well you care for them and whether you grind your teeth. Dental Veneers →
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Composite veneers are built up directly on the tooth in one visit and cost less but don’t last as long. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a lab, offering a more durable, stain-resistant, natural look, but take longer. Dental Veneers →
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Porcelain veneers usually require a small amount of enamel to be removed to fit properly, which is permanent. Composite veneers can sometimes be applied with minimal or no enamel removal. We’ll explain the right approach for your teeth. Dental Veneers →
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A smile makeover combines treatments — such as whitening, veneers, crowns, bonding or orthodontics — into a single treatment plan tailored to your goals, whether that’s straighter teeth, a brighter shade, or fixing chips and gaps. Smile Makeovers →
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Veneers can visually close small gaps and camouflage mild misalignment, but significantly crooked teeth are usually better addressed with braces or clear aligners first, sometimes combined with veneers afterwards for the best result. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Veneers suit teeth that are mostly healthy and just need a cosmetic improvement, while crowns are better for teeth that are significantly weakened, cracked or heavily filled and need full coverage and strength. Crowns vs Veneers guide →
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Braces & Clear Aligners
Our SureSmile clear aligner treatment ranges from $5,000 to $9,500, depending on how complex your case is. Traditional metal braces pricing depends on treatment length — contact us for a personalised quote. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Traditional braces use fixed metal or ceramic brackets and wires, while clear aligners (like SureSmile) are a series of removable, clear plastic trays. Aligners are less visible but require discipline to wear consistently. Read our full comparison. Clear Aligners vs Braces guide →
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Most clear aligner or braces treatments take 6 to 24 months, depending on how much movement your teeth need. Mild cases can be faster; complex bite corrections take longer. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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For mild to moderate crowding, spacing and bite issues, clear aligners like SureSmile are generally just as effective as traditional braces. More complex orthodontic cases may still be better suited to fixed braces. Clear Aligners vs Braces guide →
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Orthodontic treatment can start as early as age 7 for early intervention in some cases, though most orthodontic treatment happens in the teen years. Adults of any age can also have braces or aligners. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Some pressure or mild discomfort for a few days after adjustments, or when starting a new aligner tray, is normal as your teeth gradually move. This settles quickly and is manageable with standard pain relief. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Yes, there’s no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners like SureSmile are particularly popular with adults because they’re far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Yes — retainers are essential after any orthodontic treatment to hold your teeth in their new position and prevent them gradually shifting back over time. Braces & Clear Aligners →
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Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces the risk of decay and gum disease, and correcting your bite can reduce uneven wear, jaw strain and headaches — so orthodontics has real health benefits beyond appearance. Why braces matter beyond looks →
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With fixed braces, brushing after every meal and using floss threaders or an interdental brush around the brackets is important. With clear aligners, simply remove the tray to brush and floss normally, then rinse the tray before putting it back in. Dental Hygiene →
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Dentures & Bridges
The main options are dental implants, bridges, and full or partial dentures. The right choice depends on how many teeth are missing, your jawbone health, and your budget — we’ll talk through what suits you. Dentures Tauranga →
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Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth, while partial dentures fill in gaps where you still have some natural teeth remaining, clipping onto those teeth for support. Full Dentures →
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Most people need a few weeks to adjust to speaking and eating comfortably with new dentures. Some initial soreness or excess saliva is normal and typically settles as your mouth adapts. Dentures Tauranga →
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Dentures generally last 5 to 8 years before they need relining or replacing, as your gums and jawbone shape change gradually over time. Regular check-ups help ensure they still fit well. Dentures Tauranga →
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A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap, giving a fixed, non-removable replacement. Dental Bridges →
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Implant-supported dentures clip onto a small number of implants, giving significantly more stability, chewing ability and confidence than a traditional removable denture that relies on suction and gum ridge fit alone. Implant-Supported Dentures →
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Remove and rinse dentures after eating, brush them daily with a denture brush (not regular toothpaste, which can be abrasive), and soak them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution. Keep attending check-ups even if you have no natural teeth left. Dentures Tauranga →
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Yes — modern dentures are custom shaped and shaded to match your face and desired smile, and can look very natural. We work with you to get the shape, size and colour right. Dentures Tauranga →
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An implant preserves the jawbone and doesn’t rely on the adjacent teeth, making it the gold-standard long-term option, while a bridge is faster and can be a good choice when implants aren’t suitable or affordable. Dental Implants →
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Delaying can let nearby teeth drift into the gap, cause bite problems, and lead to jawbone loss at the missing tooth site — making future replacement more complex and costly. Read more on why timing matters. Why tooth replacement timing matters →
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Hygiene & Gum Health
Hygiene appointment pricing depends on the treatment needed. Contact us for current pricing — regular hygiene visits are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent expensive treatment later. Dental Hygiene →
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Most people benefit from a hygiene clean every 6 months, though some patients with gum disease or a higher risk of plaque buildup may need visits every 3 to 4 months. Dental Hygienist Tauranga →
“She was incredibly gentle, respectful, and professional throughout the entire appointment.” — Michelle Le Gallais, Google review
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Airflow treatment uses a fine jet of air, water and gentle powder to remove surface stains, plaque and soft debris from teeth and along the gumline, more comfortably than traditional scale-and-polish for many patients. Airflow Hygiene Treatment →
“Both experiences were far nicer than any other hygienist I’ve been to. She is very gentle, considerate and thorough.” — Sophie Ogden, Google review
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Gingivitis is early, reversible gum inflammation, usually caused by plaque buildup, that causes redness and bleeding. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can permanently damage the bone supporting your teeth. Gum Disease Treatment →
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Common signs include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, receding gums, and loose teeth in more advanced cases. Early treatment gives the best outcome. Gum Disease Treatment →
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Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary food and drinks, avoid smoking, and attend regular check-ups and hygiene cleans so problems are caught and treated early. Dental Hygiene →
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Bleeding gums are most often a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis) caused by plaque buildup, and usually improve with better brushing, flossing and a professional clean — it’s not something to ignore. Gum Disease Treatment →
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Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps it resist acid attacks from plaque bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities. It’s found in most toothpaste and Tauranga’s tap water is fluoridated in many areas. Dental Hygiene →
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Yes — research links untreated gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications and other health issues, which is another reason regular hygiene care and gum disease treatment matters. Gum Disease Treatment →
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Plaque and early gum disease often cause no pain, so problems can progress silently. Regular hygiene visits catch and treat these issues early, which is far cheaper and easier than treating advanced decay or gum disease later. Why hygiene visits matter →
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Check-ups, X-Rays & General Dentistry
A new patient exam (one hour), including two intra-oral X-rays, digital photos and a full mouth X-ray, is $220 at ER Dental. Returning patient check-ups are quoted separately — ask our team for current pricing. Pricing →
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Most people should have a check-up every 6 months, though your dentist may recommend more or less frequent visits depending on your oral health and risk of decay or gum disease. Dentist Tauranga →
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A check-up typically includes an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, X-rays if needed, a discussion of any concerns, and a plan for any further treatment. A hygiene clean is often booked separately. Dental Exam & X-Rays →
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Yes. Modern digital dental X-rays use very low radiation doses and are considered safe, including for regular check-ups. We only take the X-rays needed to properly assess your oral health. Digital Dental X-Rays →
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3D scanning gives a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, gums and jawbone, used for planning implants, orthodontics, crowns and other treatments with greater precision than traditional 2D X-rays alone. 3D Dental Scanning →
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An intraoral camera is a small wand-like camera that lets you see close-up, magnified images of your own teeth and gums on a screen, helping you understand exactly what your dentist sees. Intraoral Camera Exam →
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Yes, ER Dental warmly welcomes new patients across all three clinics — Pyes Pa, Seventh Avenue and Omokoroa. Book online or call 0800 541 673 to check availability. Contact Us →
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Natural dentistry focuses on minimally invasive treatment options and biocompatible materials where appropriate, alongside preventive care, to support your long-term oral health rather than just treating problems as they arise. Natural Dentistry →
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Kids & Family Dentistry
Most dental associations recommend a child’s first visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth erupting, so we can check development and give you guidance on caring for baby teeth. Dentist Tauranga →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, ER Dental provides family dental care for children as well as adults across our Tauranga and Omokoroa clinics. Contact us to book a first visit for your child. Dentist Tauranga →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Keep the conversation positive, avoid words like “hurt” or “pain,” and consider reading a children’s book about visiting the dentist. Our team is experienced with nervous or first-time young patients. Dentist Tauranga →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes — untreated decay in baby teeth can cause pain and infection, affect the developing adult tooth underneath, and impact eating and speech, so baby teeth are worth protecting and treating properly. Fillings →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Most children start losing baby teeth around age 6, with the full set of adult teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) usually in by around age 12 to 13, though timing varies between children. Dentist Tauranga →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Supervise brushing twice daily with an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary snacks and drinks (especially juice and fizzy drinks), and bring them for regular check-ups from an early age. Dental Hygiene →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Not every child needs orthodontic treatment — it depends on how their teeth and jaw develop. Early orthodontic assessment (from around age 7) can identify if and when treatment might help. Braces & Clear Aligners →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Prolonged thumb-sucking or dummy use beyond around age 3 to 4 can affect how the teeth and jaw develop, potentially leading to bite issues. We’re happy to discuss timing and gentle ways to help your child stop. Dentist Tauranga →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Payment, Pricing & Insurance
We accept Afterpay, Southern Cross Easy-Claim, Q Card and WINZ, as well as standard Eftpos, Paywave, Visa and Mastercard. We also offer payment plans — ask our team about the best option for you. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, we accept Southern Cross health insurance with Easy-Claim, meaning your cover can often be processed directly at the time of treatment rather than you needing to claim it back yourself. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, we offer payment plans and accept Afterpay to help spread the cost of treatment, particularly for larger procedures like implants, crowns or orthodontics. Speak to our team about setting one up. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
We aim to keep our prices within 10% of the New Zealand Dental Association’s average price for each service, based on the NZDA’s annual fee survey, so you get fair, transparent, market-rate pricing. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes — we always discuss costs and estimates with you before starting treatment, so there are no hidden costs or surprises. For complex treatment plans, you’ll receive a written estimate. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
A WINZ quote is a written estimate for dental work that you can take to Work and Income to apply for a dental grant. This costs $50 at ER Dental, paid on the day of your consultation. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, prices for services like fillings, extractions and orthodontics can vary depending on complexity, size and the number of teeth involved. We always confirm exact pricing after an examination, before treatment begins. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, ER Dental accepts crypto payments via our secure payment link, in addition to standard payment methods like Eftpos, credit card, Afterpay and Q Card. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, a discount may be available when you have multiple procedures completed together — ask our team when you receive your treatment estimate. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
We offer Afterpay, Q Card and payment plans specifically so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to necessary treatment — talk to our team about spreading the cost over time. Pricing →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Locations, Booking & About Us
ER Dental has three clinics: Pyes Pa (10/83 Pyes Pa Road), Seventh Avenue in central Tauranga (52 Seventh Avenue), and Omokoroa (Unit 2, 170 Omokoroa Road). All three offer the same standard of care. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
You can book online through any of our three clinics using the booking buttons on our website, call 0800 541 673, or fill out our contact form and our team will confirm a time. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
All three ER Dental clinics — Pyes Pa, Seventh Avenue and Omokoroa — are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Call 0800 541 673 for after-hours emergency advice. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Choose whichever clinic is most convenient — Pyes Pa for the western suburbs, Seventh Avenue for central Tauranga, or Omokoroa for the northern Bay of Plenty. All three offer the same full range of services. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
ER Dental was founded by Dr Riaan Kriek and Dr Estee Kriek, both qualified dentists who set out to build a practice that feels comfortable and welcoming, especially for anxious patients. About Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes — ER Dental was founded specifically to make dental visits more comfortable for anxious patients, with a warm environment and a team experienced in helping nervous patients feel at ease. About Us →
“She has completely dispelled my decades-long fear of dentists. Everything explained, step by step.” — Philip Vicarage, Google review
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
We see patients from across the wider Tauranga region, including Pyes Pa, Greerton, Bethlehem, Welcome Bay, Otumoetai, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Tauriko, The Lakes and Omokoroa. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes — Pyes Pa: pyespa@erdental.co.nz, Seventh Avenue: seventh@erdental.co.nz, Omokoroa: omokoroa@erdental.co.nz. You can also call 0800 541 673 or use our online contact form. Contact Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Yes, our Bright Smile Blog covers oral health tips, treatment guides and cosmetic dentistry advice from our Tauranga dentists. Browse our latest articles for more in-depth information. Bright Smile Blog →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
ER Dental combines modern technology (CEREC same-day crowns, 3D scanning, guided implant surgery) with a genuinely welcoming, low-anxiety environment, transparent pricing, and same-day emergency care across three convenient Tauranga and Omokoroa locations. About Us →
Book online at: Pyes Pa | Omokoroa | Seventh Avenue
Still have questions?
Call 0800 541 673