Dental lasers are changing the way dentists help their patients achieve optimal oral health, offering a more comfortable way to get the care you deserve. In our Dunedin clinic, we use dental lasers for several procedures, and because of this revolutionary soft-tissue laser, you can expect less bleeding and more precise results.
Let’s take a look at what your recovery …
If your child seems to be having trouble breastfeeding, they might need a frenectomy, or tongue-tie treatment. This simple procedure removes a small piece of tissue under their tongue that hinders movement, making it possible for them to eat, breathe and speak properly.
At our Dunedin dental clinic, we perform comfortable, gentle tongue-tie procedures with our soft tissue laser. And …
Sports injuries can be scary and traumatic. One minute you’re having a great time on the field, and the next, you have a dental sports injury in Dunedin.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) may be the solution. ACC is a government program offering coverage (either full or subsidised) for various injuries, such as those sustained in sporting mishaps, falls or automobile …
The aftermath of dental extraction raises some questions: 'Do I really need to replace the tooth? What’s the best way to do it?'
For many patients, doing nothing, especially when the missing tooth is not highly visible, seems like a cost-effective solution. After all, the discomfort is gone, and the extraction site will heal. And there’s no upfront cost to …
Updated on: 24 September 2026
Has that 'zing' in your tooth that hits you with a cold drink turned into a dull and persistent ache? It's probably time to have your dentist take a look, especially if it's keeping you from your normal daily activities. It may indicate a tooth infection and the need for a root canal. The most …
Dental fillings are a common dental treatment and can often restore your tooth’s functionality and appearance. If a filling isn’t an option or you’re missing one or more teeth, our dental clinic offers numerous restorative dentistry options in Dunedin and the surrounding area.
Let’s take a look at some of the treatments we offer at Bell Hill Dental.
At Bell Hill Dental, our goal is to help your child stay healthy and thrive! But sometimes, certain issues arise that can affect their development and hinder their oral movements. One of these issues is a tongue-tie; fortunately, we offer tongue-tie release using a dental laser.
Let’s explore what you need to know about this minor surgical procedure.
At Bell Hill Dental, our dentists' common goal is always to preserve and maintain natural teeth for as long as possible. Root canal treatment often makes that possible. It's a treatment that eliminates a tooth's infection while preserving its natural structure, sparing the patient the need for extraction and replacement.
However, there are circumstances when tooth extraction cannot be avoided. …
Are your gums red and swollen? Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? If so, you could have gum disease, a serious oral health problem. Fortunately, if you catch and treat gum disease early, it can be reversed.
So, how can you spot the signs of gum disease, and how can your Dunedin dentist treat this common dental …
Are you considering cosmetic injectables? Whether your goal is to soften facial lines or discuss options that may help with jaw-related muscle tension, the team at Bell Hill Dental can provide professional guidance. Ally, our dentist and certified provider of facial injectables, offers Dysport® treatments in a clinical setting. Here’s what you need to know about Dysport in Dunedin.
Does too much gum tissue show when you smile? Does it seem like almost as much gingival tissue is on display as teeth? This is merely a cosmetic issue that won’t affect oral health.
However, if the gum-to-tooth ratio concerns you, we offer cosmetic options that may help conceal a gummy smile.
Other potential treatments include:
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or have frequent headaches associated with jaw pain? You aren't alone. What you may not know is that there’s a treatment, an option for relief. Many people associate cosmetic injectables like Dysport with smoothing facial lines and reducing wrinkles. However, this versatile muscle relaxant is also an effective treatment for people dealing …
Would you like a smile that lights up a room? A truly stunning smile isn’t only about bright teeth or perfect shape; it’s about how everything works together in harmony with your facial features and overall appearance. At Bell Hill Dental, we bring that harmony to life with smile makeovers in Dunedin that go beyond the ordinary.
More and more …
You know that cosmetic injectables in Dunedin like Dysport® are more popular than ever, but do you know how they work to smooth out wrinkles? The science behind the process isn't as complicated as you might think. Let's break down exactly what happens when these muscle relaxants work their magic on your face.
Treatments such …
There’s something very powerful about a confident smile, so if you have facial lines or wrinkles, it can affect the way you feel about yourself and how you relate to other people. At Bell Hill Dental, we understand that the art of a smile extends to your entire face and that caring for your teeth is only part of what …
At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, we believe confidence isn't just skin deep; it's a feeling that comes from truly loving what you see in the mirror. If you've chosen Dysport treatment to smooth away lines and refresh your natural beauty, you're already on your way to a softer, more youthful glow.
But the journey doesn’t end at your appointment. …
When considering facial enhancement treatments such as injectables or 'Botox,' you would be forgiven for assuming a nurse, beautician or dermatologist would be the person to see. But what if we told you that a dentist can offer the perfect balance of attention to detail, gentle experienced injection skills and a sterile safe environment in which to provide you with …
Sometimes, confidence comes in the smallest, most subtle changes. At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, our cosmetic injectables aren’t about changing who you are; they’re about helping you feel refreshed, radiant and truly yourself.
Whether it’s softening fine lines, enhancing natural features, or simply bringing a little more glow to your everyday, our gentle, personalised approach is designed to highlight …
Are you looking for a non-surgical way to enhance your appearance, smooth fine lines or restore volume? Dysport cosmetic injectables could be the perfect solution for you. At Bell Hill Dental, we offer safe and effective cosmetic injectables in Dunedin. These injectables can help patients achieve a more youthful, refreshed look with minimal downtime. But what exactly are cosmetic injectables, …
TMD, sometimes called TMJ, is a disorder of the temporomandibular joints, which connect the lower jaw to the skull. These vital joints allow for purposeful mouth movements, such as eating, speaking, yawning and general opening and closing.
When these joints don’t function correctly, they disrupt oral function and cause pain. TMD can significantly impact the quality of life.
This blog …
Updated on: 24 September 2026
An oral health therapist (OHT) is a registered oral health professional trained in both dental therapy and dental hygiene. In New Zealand, oral health therapists are registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand. They practise within a scope of practice set by the Council, covering preventive care, professional cleans, gum treatment, fillings and oral …
Bell Hill Dental is excited to introduce you to our associate dentist, Dr Harriet Kendrick!
Originally from Auckland, Harriet completed a Bachelor of Science from the University of Auckland in 2018. She then moved to Dunedin to pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and graduated from the University of Otago in 2022.
Before joining our team, Harriet spent some time …
Your teen is on the threshold of adulthood and deserves a beautiful, healthy smile as a send-off from childhood. At that age, it’s vital to establish healthy habits and regular care that can follow them out into the world.
Fortunately, all teenagers or adolescents from year nine until they celebrate their 18th birthday are eligible for primary dental care, and …
Your entire family is welcome at Bell Hill Dental; we love treating patients of all ages. However, when it comes to children’s oral care, we strive to work with parents to encourage their kids to practise good oral hygiene habits. We realise the importance of early intervention and treatment to help them maintain the best oral health possible.
So, when …
Gum disease is a prevalent condition that attacks the primary support system for your teeth, which is your gums and jawbone. When your soft tissues and bone become infected due to gum disease, your teeth are at risk for damage and eventual loss if you don't take action to treat it.
Here's how we help patients successfully manage gum diseases …
This is your reminder to check to see when your private health insurance dental benefits expire. If your health insurance policy operates on a cycle, your benefits will typically reset, and any unused benefits from the current period will be lost. These benefits usually don't carry over, so it's often a 'use it or lose it' situation.
This makes now …
Whether you've recently moved to town or are passing through as a visitor, nothing is more unsettling than a tooth emergency! Dental emergencies are inconvenient, sometimes painful, and always stressful. That's why finding an emergency dentist your family can trust is essential.
Here are some helpful tips for finding an emergency dentist along South Island's southeast coast that you can …
Regular dental care, according to a schedule provided by your Dunedin dentist, plays a significant part in your oral health. Likewise, your oral health plays a vital role in your overall wellness.
Let’s explore how regular dental care and excellent oral hygiene help maintain your smile's health and contribute to your overall well-being. We’ll also examine your role in achieving …
When you visit the dentist, you hope they’ll tell you your oral health is in excellent condition. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. If your dentist informs you about a cavity, they will likely want to use a dental filling to fix it. Tooth decay is a prevalent dental issue, and if it happens to you, a dental filling is …
Not all dental clinics are the same, so you should investigate the clinic you’d like to use for your dental care needs. Ideally, you’ll want a practice that offers a wide range of services and some of the latest dental technologies.
A variety of services means you can likely keep your dental care in one location and have fewer referrals …
From unexpected toothaches to sudden accidents, dental crises can be distressing. Thankfully, knowing how to handle these situations can make a difference. Here are four common dental emergencies in Dunedin and some quick tips on addressing them until you can see an emergency dentist.
Immediate Actions: Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to ensure it's clean. Using …
It goes without saying that the myriad preventive, corrective, restorative, and cosmetic treatments that comprise dentistry are crucial to restoring and maintaining oral health. However, as important as these treatments and procedures are, they comprise only one part of an effective oral health routine. What we do at home daily to care for our teeth and gums is equally important.
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Bell Hill Dental provides personalised dentistry for patients of all ages. Among the many services we offer at our Dunedin dental clinic is laser dentistry. With laser dentistry, we can perform various procedures more efficiently and comfortably, including soft-tissue surgery like tongue-tie release. If your child has tongue-tie, we invite you to book an exam with Dr Ally to determine …
At Bell Hill Dental, we understand the importance of maintaining excellent oral health for children. As a trusted Dunedin dental practice providing children's dentistry services, we believe that a healthy smile begins at home.
Beyond regular visits to your family dentist, instilling proper dental care habits in your children plays a crucial role in ensuring their long-term oral health. Here …
Many people believe cosmetic dentistry is strictly for aesthetic enhancement, but some options can mean improved oral health, more productive oral hygiene routines, and a sunnier outlook.
Let's explore cosmetic dentistry in Dunedin, the options and benefits.
Veneers may dramatically enhance your smile by concealing most tooth imperfections and gummy smiles. …
Dentures have existed for centuries and evolved into modern, beautiful, and functional tooth replacements. But, of course, dentures weren’t always lauded. In decades past, they weren’t so natural-looking, and the fit left something to be desired. Fortunately, all this has changed.
Your Dunedin dentist uses the latest technologies and materials to fabricate prosthetics that our patients have enjoyed.
Last Updated: 13 May 2026
A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary if severe damage or decay is a concern. At Bell Hill Dental, our team, led by Dr Neill, provides gentle, professional oral surgery and tooth extractions right here in the heart of Dunedin.
Dr Neill has been a pillar of the Otago community since 1995, providing decades of dedicated …
Family dentistry is integral to your overall oral health. From treating simple issues like cavities to providing emergency dental care, your dentists in Dunedin, Otago supply dentistry for the entire family.
Much like a general dentist, a family dentist focuses on dental hygiene and the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. However, family dentists also …
Dental bridges replace one or more adjacent teeth. With a dental bridge, you can fill the gap in your smile and enjoy your favourite foods again. Bell Hill Dental provides patients near Dunedin, Otago with high-quality dental bridges to improve their oral health and give them the smile they’ve always wanted.
A bridge consists of …
Flossing teeth is crucial to prevent issues like ‘between teeth’ cavities, oral infections, and gum disease. However, the way you floss is also essential.
Let’s examine proper flossing techniques and other oral health tips from your dentists in Dunedin, Otago.
Flossing your teeth is a multi-step process, but it is not time-consuming. And doing so …
A beautiful smile has value beyond vanity because, in a highly social world, a confident smile is synonymous with success. In fact, you can literally fool yourself into feeling better by smiling. The University of South Australia studied the effects of how you move your facial muscles, simulating or 'faking' a smile. They found this action stimulated your amygdala to …
Bell Hill Dental is the dental home of countless patients, from children to seniors. We love what we do, and we are always happy to greet our patients with a smile. Our goal is to help our patients have the healthy, aesthetic smiles they desire, and we will do whatever we can to ensure your oral health needs are met.
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A chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged tooth requires professional attention from a skilled and experienced dentist. Sometimes, we notice a cracked or broken tooth right away, while other times, we may not know about it until our routine dental checkup. At Bell Hill Dental in Dunedin, we provide patients with various dental services, including emergency dental care, restorative dentistry and …
Teeth cleans are a crucial part of oral care, and most dentists recommend one to two teeth cleanings per year.
Oral health in Dunedin, Otego starts with regular check-ups and teeth cleans, and we always customise your treatments based on your oral health and goals.
A professional teeth cleaning is …
Are you unhappy with the colour of your teeth? Do they look dull, stained or yellow? Professional teeth whitening in NZ can remove stubborn dental stains and improve the whiteness and brightness of a person's teeth. Your teeth whitening dentist in Dunedin can provide you with a whitening session or teeth whitening kit to attain the bright smile you've always …
Updated on: 24 September 2026
Finally! You've just sat down at your favourite restaurant and taken a bite of that special meal. The familiar flavours hit your taste buds as you buckle in for an exceptional culinary experience, but wait! Your back right molar starts delivering a painful punch with every bite as you forget about the much-anticipated textures and …
Have you noticed that some of your teeth don't look or function like they used to? Maybe you've started getting food stuck in some teeth due to cracks and deformities, or perhaps you are feeling pain in some cases. Due to diet, lack of dental upkeep, or conditions like bruxism, our teeth can suffer damage and the effects of wear …
It’s a beautiful, sunny morning, and you’ve just stepped out of bed, ready to take on the day. You open your mouth to yawn, but it feels difficult for some reason. You also notice a rather unpleasant taste and an incredibly unwelcome headache. What is going on? Patients with emerging or impacted wisdom teeth may suffer from various symptoms that …
For emergency appointments, call us on 03 477 8387.