Our Services

A catch all name for the standard/basic level dentistry is General Dentistry. General Dentistry is an important backbone and foundation of the dentistry provided at Robertson Dental Innovations. General Dentistry includes the treatments associated with Diagnostic Dentistry, Treatment Planning, Anaesthesia (numbing) and the most common known dental treatment; Restorative dentistry (including fillings).

For more information on General Dentistry click here.

Also known as check-ups, regular exams are the best way to maintain good dental health. During an exam, the dentist checks all of the patients teeth, which is then documented (charted) on the computer. The dentist will also check the patient’s gums, soft tissues, supporting structures and the jaw joints. An assessment is also made of the “bite”, tooth wear, oral hygiene, disease status and interactions between dental health, medical conditions and medications. Robertson Dental Innovations has two types of exams, an initial exam and a regular exam. The initial exam is for patients seeing us for the first time. This appointment is slightly longer due to charting needing to be done for the first time. Regular exams occur for every exam post the initial, and involve the full check of the mouth, but only updating the charting. Dental hygienist/therapists can also perform dental exams, however for only patients under the age of 25 years old.

For more information on Children’s Exams click here or for Adult Exams click here.

Slightly different from exams and check-ups, consults are about a specific dental issue or treatment, not necessarily a whole mouth assessment. Consultations are available with any of our dentists for any of the treatment options they provide; such as implants with Dr. Robertson.

For more information on Consultations click here.

A diagnostic tool employed by our operators to provide an internal view of a tooth or a mouth as a whole. Each surgery is equipped with an “in-surgery” X-ray unit capable of taking a “PA” (periapical/single tooth) or “Bitewing” (set of molars) X-ray.
Each practice also has an OPG X-ray unit which can take a whole mouth X-ray in a single low dose exposure.

The OPG unit at our Dental Innovations at Condon site is also capable of providing a 3D X-ray image with cross sections in all three dimensions. This amazing machine (the first in the Bendigo Region), enables precise treatment planning for treatments such as implant surgery. The imaging software even enables the dentist to place an exact custom sized implant virtually in the digital image and then view the implant from any direction. All this occurs before the implant is even physically placed.

Due to these X-rays and X-ray systems at Robertson Dental Innovations being digital, the radiation exposure can be set very low without loss of quality. In fact the surgery X-rays are set to children’s (lowest settings) and the radiation from our OPG is less than that would be received on a flight from Melbourne to Sydney.

For more information on Children’s X-rays click here and for more information on Adult X-rays click here.

The most recognised dental technique is that of fillings. Fillings involve removal of a cavity (caused by tooth decay), and filling in the resulting hole in the tooth, with the filling material. Robertson Dental Innovations is able to provide the “white” (composite) fillings. All of the operators at Robertson Dental Innovations can provide these fillings, with the dental hygienist/therapist (Glenys Shelton) able to provide them for patients aged under 25 years.

Fillings can also be used to build-up teeth and to create minor adjustments to teeth shape and size. This can provide some short- to medium-term changes to a patients smiles.

For more information on Children’s Fillings click here and for more information on Adult Fillings click here.

Teeth can become loose in the mouth due to many factors, but most commonly due to dental trauma or periodontal (gum) diseases. Tooth stabilisation and splinting is able to provide a short-term solution to hold these teeth in place while the periodontal disease is treated, the gum heals or the mouth recovers from the dental trauma.

The process involves holding the teeth in place by placing a filling or fibreglass tape to connect the loose tooth with the more stable teeth at either side. A wire may also be used for added strength. This treatment will improve the long-term health of the tooth if the cause of the original issue can be treated.

For more information on Tooth Stabilisation & Splinting click here.

Anaesthesia and Anaesthetics are the technical names for the numbing of part of the mouth or tooth that can occur as part of the dental treatment and drugs used to achieve this.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we provide several anaesthetics/numbing agents to assist with dental treatments. These agents are what is provided to numb the tooth or part of the mouth before beginning the treatment. Broadly our anaesthetics can be divided into 3 subgroupings:

Topical Anaesthetics:

These anaesthetics are applied to the outside of the gum and numbs the immediate area around where it is applied. These agents are most often applied before using a needle to deliver a local anaesthetic (See Below) or as part of periodontal treatment.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we also make use of a special type of Topical Anaesthetic designed for those patients undergoing deep cleans. This gel is used by our Dental Oral Therapist and Hygieniest Glenys Shelton. This system provides greater numbing for patients with gum recession needing those deep cleans and root planing. The system is applied topically as a liquid, which is turned into a gel by the body’s heat. This numbing gel provides the numbing effect and is removed as part of the clean, enabling less discomfort and less numbing after the appointment.

Local Anaesthetics:

These anaesthetics are the most common types used in the dental industry and are used to numb parts of the mouth and teeth. For those concerned about the delivery of this system, rest assured our team is highly skilled and trained to make the entire dental experience as painless as possible. For those still concerned we also offer the Wand delivery system, an automatic local anaesthetic delivery system which is recommended by many dental-phobic groups here and in the UK.

General Anaesthetics:

Some procedures can be performed under a General Anaesthetic. At these appointments patients can be placed under the general and have the work completed while the patient is asleep. Treatments performed this way are usually only done at the patient request due to the extra fees (from the hospital and anaesthetists) required. Not provided directly at Robertson Dental Innovations in the surgery, General Anaesthetics, we do offer this service working inconjuction with a local private hospital and private anaesthetists.

Calming Agents

To complement our anaesthetics, the team at Robertson Dental Innovations also provide some calming agents. These agents are not nessecarily classed as anaesthetics but instead provide a calming (as opposed to numbing) effect. Currently at Robertson Dental Innovations we offer laughing gas sedation as our calming agent of choice.

Laughing Gas

Laughing Gas is the most famous of the calming agents used in the Australian dental industry. Providing a euphoric, calming feeling across the body, this system is currently only available at our Dental Innovations on Sternberg practice with Dr. Joanna Reece & Dr. Amanda Leske(Hales).

It is important to note that after using these agents patients are unable to drive after the appointment, and that not agents can be used on all patients due to age and medical conditions/restrictions.

For more information on the Anaesthesia & Calming Agents available click here.

To provide the people of Bendigo and surrounds more flexible opportunities for dental treatment, Robertson Dental Innovations is open on Saturdays. Headed up by Dr. Vanam, the Saturday team is available for dental emergencies as well as standard appointments for our patients. Dr. Vanam and the Saturday team work out of Dental Innovations on Condon.

Dental Hygiene refers to overall Oral Health (including the health of the gums, tongue as well as the teeth themselves). The most common form of Oral Hygiene treatments is actually completed at home; brushing your teeth, twice a day, everyday. Preventative treatment assist with preventing common Oral Health/Tooth conditions using treatments like remineralisation and sealants.

For more information on Children’s Oral Hygiene click here.

Oral hygiene is not strictly just for children, but for us all. Oral hygiene is about maintaining good dental care of yourself, through the use of correct brushing techniques, flossing, diet and overall dental health. This dental foundation is especially important for children and young adults and well as those later in life.

The entire team of Robertson Dental Innovations is able to provide tips and tricks about maintaining good oral hygiene to all our patients. Good oral hygiene, along with regular check-ups are by far the easiest way to maintain a high level of dental health, as prevention is always better than cure.

For more information on Children’s Oral Hygiene click here or for Adult’s Oral Hygiene click here.

Primarily performed by our Dental Hygienist/Therapist Glenys Shelton dental grade cleans remove the build-up of calculus and plaque from the teeth and gums. Usually an Ultrasonic Scaler is used which uses vibrations and water to clean and dislodge this build-up, but hand scaling can be used on request. A polish is also usually performed which helps smooth teeth and remove stains post scaling.

For more information on Dental Cleans click here.

Periodontal control is a subset of dental treatment involving the control of disease that affect the gums, such as gum disease and periodontitis. As well as providing systems to repair the damaged caused by these afflictions and poor gum/dental health.

Treatment can involve deep dental cleans, root planing, as well as tooth stabilisation and splinting. Some cases even require laser gum therapy, removal of parts of the gum or gum surgery.

For more information on Periodontal Control click here.

When plaque and calculus build-up, a condition called gingivitis can occur. This causes the gums to become inflamed, bleed and recede. Often the best course of treatment for this condition is Root Planing followed by home dental maintenance. Root Planing involves numbing the gum and a deep scaling to where the gum joins the tooth. This procedure is usually completed with our Dental Hygiene/Therapist (Glenys Shelton).

For more information on Root Planing click here.

The deep groves at the top of the molar teeth are called fissures. These fissures can be difficult to clean, especially for children, and are often prone to tooth decay because of this. Fissure sealants are used to place a plastic coating on top of these fissures to protect them. These seals are usually applied on the 6-yr old molars then the 12-yr old molars, however it can be effective on other teeth.

For more information on Fissure Sealants click here or click here..

Fluoride treatments are used to prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. Fluoride also helps re-mineralise teeth making them healthier and less likely to decay. This is particularly important for children or those on non-fluoridated water (such as tank water). Fluoride foam is applied in the chair using a tray for four minutes, the teeth then absorb this fluoride and strengthen.

For more information on Fluoride Treatment click here or click here.

Lasers designed specifically for dental use have been around since the 1990s. Robertson Dental Innovations uses one of the latest generations of soft-tissue dental laser for laser gum therapy treatments.

A dental laser enables soft-tissue therapies, such as removing or trimming gums, to be completed by our dentists with a high-degree of precision in a short amount of time. As using the laser also reduces bleeding associated with these treatments, the healing time is also much quicker for patients.

Soft-tissue laser treatments have also been shown to assist with periodontal control and at Robertson Dental Innovations we are reviewing our techniques and equipment to enable these treatments as well.

For more information on Laser Gum Therapies click here.

A recent innovation of the last 6 years in the dental industry is the creation of a new dental professional; the Dental Oral Therapist and Hygienist. A double degree of sorts, the Bachelor of Oral Health degree, combines the aspects of dental hygiene with preventative and children’s dentistry.

What this means is these dental professionals, can provide dental care for patients aged up to 25yrs for fundamental and preventative dentistry, such as:

• Exams;
• Fissure Sealants;
• Fluoride Treatments;
• Fillings;
• Removal of Deciduous (“baby”) Teeth;
• Along with the other aspects of Children’s Dentistry;
• As well as providing support to parents in regard to motivate, and educate their children on good oral health techniques, such as good brushing techniques.

These examples are considered part of the Dental Oral Therapy “half” of this degree.

The other “half” of the degree (Dental Hygiene) revolves around dental hygiene. Hygiene treatments can be provided to all patients, without an age restriction. Examples of treatment type include:

• Dental Scale and Cleans;
• Deep Root Planing Cleans;
• Fluoride Treatments;
• Take Dental X-rays;
• Take impressions for mouthguards and study models;
• Along with providing support and tips to patients to help them understand more about their oral health, oral hygiene and nutrition.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we currently have one Dental Oral Therapist and Hygienist Glenys Shelton.

Glenys has been in the dental industry for over 25 years and was one the first graduates in Victoria for the Bachelor of Oral Health Program. Glenys is great with children of all ages and helping her patients overcome their periodontal disease issues.

Children’s dentistry encompasses many procedures. It is important for developing children to have regular check-ups and exams and establish good home dental care early on so that less problems arise in the future. An assessment is also made for any need for orthodontic treatment.

For more information on Children’s Dentistry click here

As of January 1st 2014, Medicare has put in place a new scheme for Children’s basic dentistry called the “Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)”. Under this new scheme eligible children aged between 2 and 17 years are entitled to $1,000 capped amount of basic dental treatment over 2 years. Treatments that can be covered under this scheme include:

• Examinations/Check-ups
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Some Tooth Extractions
• Fissure Sealants
• Fluoride Treatments
• Dental Cleans

This scheme is much broader than the previous Teen Dental Program that it has replaced.

Eligible patients under the scheme will be bulk billed at Robertson Dental Innovations up to the capped amount. A quote will be provided for all treatment, including which services are bulk billed and which are outside the scheme of the service.

It is important to note that a legal guardian or parent must be present at each appointment with the eligible patient. We also request that you inform us at the time of making the appointment that the patient is to be seen under this scheme, so that we can organise the necessary paperwork ahead of time.

If you have any further questions about the scheme or eligibility for the scheme please contact your local Medicare office, call Medicare on 132 011 or check the Department of Human Services website: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule.

Also known as check-ups, regular exams are the best way to maintain good dental health. During a exam the dentist checks all of the patients teeth, which is then documented (charted) on the computer. The dentist will also check the patient’s gums, soft tissues, supporting structures and the jaw joints. An assessment is also made of the “bite”, tooth wear, oral hygiene, disease status and interactions between dental health, medical conditions and medications. Robertson Dental Innovations has two types of exams, an initial exam and a regular exam. The initial exam is for patients seeing us for the first time. This appointment is slightly longer due to charting needing to be done for the first time. Regular exams occur for every exam post the initial, and involve the full check of the mouth, but only updating the charting. Dental hygienist/therapists can also perform dental exams, however for only patients under the age of 25 years old.

For more information on Children’s Exams click here.

The deep groves at the top of the molar teeth are called fissures. These fissures can be difficult to clean, especially for children, and are often prone to tooth decay because of this. Fissure sealants are used to place a plastic coating on top of these fissures to protect them. These seals are usually applied on the 6-yr old molars then the 12-yr old molars, however it can be effective on other teeth.

For more information on Fissure Sealants click here or click here..

Fluoride treatments are used to prevent tooth decay and sensitivity. Fluoride also helps re-mineralise teeth making them healthier and less likely to decay. This is particularly important for children or those on non-fluoridated water (such as tank water). Fluoride foam is applied in the chair using a tray for four minutes, the teeth then absorb this fluoride and strengthen.

For more information on Fluoride Treatment click here or click here.

Paediatric Immediate Crowns are preformed crowns made from a metal designed to be placed on deciduous (baby) teeth. The crowns come in sets of various shapes and sizes, which the Dentist (or Dental Therapist & Hygienist) select from to get the best size and shape to fit the tooth required. These crowns are much cheaper than conventional ceramic crowns and are design to support the tooth until the tooth falls out. These crowns are used in cases where the it is important for a cracked or damaged tooth be kept in placed in the mouth, so the adult teeth can form correctly underneath the deciduous tooth. These crowns are also used in the Hall Technique (see below).

At Robertson Dental Innovations, our team offers the Hall Technique for treatment of cavities in deciduous (“baby”) teeth. This treatment is an alternative treatment to standard filling and involves no needles or drills. Instead a preformed metal crown is place on the tooth, around the cavity. This seals the cavity from the air, starving the bacteria of oxygen. The metal crown then comes out with the deciduous tooth naturally, as the adult tooth erupts.

The Hall Technique was developed in Scotland and is now used around the world as an alternative form of treatment, in eligible cases as part of a preventative dental treatment regime.

For more information on Children’s Dentistry click here.

The organ inside of a tooth is called the pulp. The pulp is what contains the various blood vessels and nerves within the tooth. This is the part of the tooth which can get infected, leading to the need for Root Canal Treatment. In some cases (particularly with deciduous (baby) teeth), some of the pulp can be removed from the top half of the tooth, as a temporary measure. This can get a young patient out of pain until the deciduous tooth falls out.

Orthodontics involves the movement of teeth within the mouth to correct “bite-shape” and aesthetics. Traditionally this involves braces. At Robertson Dental Innovations we divide our Orthodontic treatments into two subgroups:

• Full Function Orthodontics

  Full Function Orthodontics is aimed at correcting the bite shape and arch. This involves traditional braces are used over a period of years. This treatment is still the gold standard for a complete Orthodontic treatment option. Currently Robertson Dental Innovations provides these treatments on a limited basis, however we also work closely with a local Orthodontic practice here in Bendigo for those cases we are unable to handle in house (but we are continuing to grow our orthodontic services and options).

• Aesthetic Orthodontics

  Aesthetic Orthodontics are treatment options focused on achieving cosmetic and limited functional outcomes. Aesthetic systems can involve short-term fixed braces or a set of removable device/s and/or aligner/s. Currently at Robertson Dental Innovations we provide:

  • A Fixed Aesthetic Braces Options:- Quick Straight Teeth^®(see tab).
  • Two Removable Systems:- Clear Correct^® Aligners & the Inman Aligner^® (see tab).

Orthodontics occurs over two phases; active and retention. The Active Phase occurs when the braces or removable devices are in place and involves the moving of the teeth. The Retention Phase occurs after the active treatment and involves the use of a Orthodontic Retainer. This phase is just as important as the Active Phase, as the Retention Phase prevents tooth relapse. Tooth relapse is when after Orthodontic treatment the teeth start to move back to an old position, undoing some of the Active Phases achievements.

For more information on Orthodontic treatments click here.

Quick Straight Teeth^® is not just another braces and Orthodontics solution for adults who want aesthetic teeth aligning. Quick Straight Teeth is a partnership between a general dentist, a specialist Orthodontist and a specialised Orthodontic Dental Lab. This enhanced level of support enables the team at Robertson Dental Innovations to provide Orthodontic solutions with real peace of mind for our patients.

QuickStraightTeeth™ has many advantages over the many other short term Aesthetic Orthodontic systems used by dentists including:

• Fully Supported by Specialist Orthodontist; Each QuickStraightTeeth™ case is assessed by a Specialist Orthodontist who designed the customised treatment plan, including bracket placement locations and style. Specialist Orthodontist support without Specialist costs.
• Clear brackets and tooth coloured wires; to ensure the braces are almost invisible.
• Fast results; because the QuickStraightTeeth™ system focuses on aligning and gently levelling the front teeth, our results can straighten your teeth, quickly.

This innovative and collaborative system is simple for our patients. Patients come in and see our team for an Orthodontic assessment and consultation. After this appointment, our Quick Straight Teeth Accredited Dentist/s will work with the Quick Straight Teeth team in Ballarat (including an Orthodontist and Orthodontic Lab) to assess and design the best system to achieve the desired outcome. The system is then sent back to us to be placed. Our team then continues to see the patient until they have achieved the results they require.

This system is the best of both worlds, combining the general dentist with specialised support.

For more information please see the Quick Straight Teeth website.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we offer two types of Removable Orthodontic treatment options Clear Correct Aligners and the Inman Aligner.

• The Clear Correct system involves a set of computer designed plastic aligners (similar to a set of mouth-guards). Each aligner is shaped slightly differently to encourage tooth movement and therefore the aligners must be worn in order.
• The Inman Aligner is a recent arrival to Australia but has proven in both Europe and the USA. This system is a single removable aligner which is adjusted over multiple visits as the teeth positioning change.

For more information on Orthodontic treatments click here.

At the end of the Active Phase of Orthodontic Treatment, it is important to wear a Retainer to prevent tooth relapse. This is called the Retention Phase. A retainer prevents teeth moving back out of the position achieved in the Active Stage of treatment. The teeth moving out of position is called tooth relapse. Wearing a retainer in the long term also helps to solidify to the new tooth positions as well.

At Robertson Dental Innovations we provided two types of retainer options:

• Fixed Retainers:- involve a retaining wire being placed (fixed) to the back of the teeth (so cannot be seen when smiling). These retainers are the recommended option as they are held in place all the time providing that support.
• Removable Retainers:- involve a removable, custom shaped mouth-guard like device, which can be worn by the patient whenever they want. These retainers have to be removed when eating and can cause lisping. Some patients forget to wear this retainers, potentially leading to tooth relapse, which is why the fixed retainer is the recommended option.

For more information on Orthodontic Retainers click here. or here click here.

Space Maintainers are used to allow enough room for an adult tooth to come through at the right angle. The most common scenario for this treatment being required is when a deciduous (baby) tooth has to be removed before it is loose. The adult tooth underneath might not be ready to erupt (come through) yet, which might mean the tooth next to the new gap may drift across into that space. This can cause the adult tooth come through on an angle. A space maintainer is used to prevent other teeth from drifting into the space left by the removed tooth. This then allows enough room for the adult tooth to erupt properly.

For more information on Space Maintainers click here.

Commonly known as Root Canal Treatment, Endodontics  is the treatment of an infected of a tooth/gum which has also spread to the nerve inside the tooth. This treatment involves the cleaning and removal of the nerve from it’s canal inside the tooth and it’s root/s. This process removes the infection and preserves the tooth. At Robertson Dental Innovations we offer full root canal treatments when required, even with the back molar teeth or Advanced Endodontics.

For more information on Endodontics click here.

In rare cases, some infections require more advanced treatment options. These advanced Endodontic Surgery techniques are also provided at Robertson Dental Innovations for treating these rare cases.

• Apecitomies:-

  If an abscess around the root is very large, and unable to be healed by completing a standard root canal treatment an apicectomy may be required. This involves removing the very end tip of the tooth root along with the nerve to prevent reinfection.

• Root Resections:-

  Similarly in some cases where the infection is quite large, a portion of the tooth root itself might be removed along with the tip and the nerve, this is called a root resection.

• Retrograde Root Canal Treatments:-

  Due to the curvature of the roots in extremely rare cases a root canal treatment may need to be performed from the tip to the top of the tooth instead of the other way round. This is called a Retrograde Root Canal Treatment.

For more information on these Advanced Endodontic Techniques click here.

Dentistry is not just used to treat dental infections and conditions, but can also be used to improve and enhance a person’s smile. Aesthetic dentistry is about enhancing smiles but not at the expense of function. At Robertson Dental Innovations all of our dental work has a functional and aesthetic component. From fillings to implants our treatments are designed to aid, but still look good. There are a few types of treatments provided at Robertson Dental Innovations, however, which are considered more aesthetic in nature than functional, those are Tooth Whitening and Veneers.

Ceramic Veneers

Veneers are used primarily for cosmetics/aesthetic reasons. These ceramic tooth facings are placed on the front of the teeth. This enables the teeth to have their shade (colour) and shape adjusted. Similar to a crown the tooth/teeth are prepared for the veneer, have a customised veneer made by a dental lab, then placed and bonded on to the tooth/teeth.

Minimum Preparation Veneers

In some cases this can be provided with minimal adjusting and “prepping” of the original teeth. These Minimum-Preparation Veneers can be created in house by Dr. Graham Robertson using his E4D milling system. By fabricating the veneers in house (without the use of an external lab), Dr. Robertson can design the veneers to fit onto the teeth with less original tooth needing removal, which means the tooth goes under a minimum of preparation.

For more information on Veneers click here.

Composite Veneers

Robertson Dental Innovations can also provide veneers in the simplest form, composite veneers. These veneers are in-effect composite (white) fillings placed over the front of the teeth to achieve the look required. These composite veneers generally only provide short- to medium-term outcomes. Using the new U-Veneer system, the team at Robertson Dental Innovations is able to create these composite veneers to even higher standards.

For more information on Composite Veneers & U-Veneers click here.

Teeth can have their shade whitened through the use of dental whitening gels or with a specific type of laser wavelength. Robertson Dental Innovations provides two options for whitening, an in-surgery option or a take-home kit.

The in-surgery option involves a set of customised whitening teeth trays being created in-house. The patient then presents for an hour appointment a week later. At this appointment (usually performed by our dental hygienist/therapists Glenys Shelton), gel is placed on each tooth, which helps whiten the teeth. The customised bleaching trays are also given to the patient along with the take-home kit after this appointment.

The take-home kit contains some syringes of the dental gel which patients then place in their trays and apply at home for 30mins a day for 5 days. Both systems whiten the teeth to the same extent, and both contain the take-home kit. This is so the patient can “top-up” their whitening as needed. The in-surgery option is quicker but provides the same result.

It is important to note that only Dentists (and Dental Hygienists/Therapists whom have completed a post-graduate course) are legally permitted to perform tooth whitening.

For more information on Tooth Whitening click here.