Routine Dental Check Up Treatments

Dental check up examination

A dental examination shows how healthy your mouth is. After the examination, you and your dentist can discuss the results and the best way to address any problems that may have become apparent.

Questions your dentist may ask:

Why you have come for an examination and what your expectations regarding treatment may be.

Any problems that you may have such as pain, sensitivity or loss of function.

Any other dental issues you have such as the colour, shape or alignment of your teeth.

Your general health and any medicines you may be taking.

Your diet (sugary snacks and drinks and their frequency can cause tooth decay).

How you clean your teeth and what you use to do this.

Tobacco and alcohol use.

You should expect your dentist to:

Inspect your face, head and neck to see that they are healthy.

Feel under your jaw.

Check your lips, cheeks, throat, and under your tongue.

Look at your teeth to check for broken fillings or decay, and check your gums for any signs of inflammation or gum disease.

Take further investigations where appropriate, such as x-rays, impressions or photographs.

Compare your mouth and findings with the last examination.

Explain what treatment may be required, the risks, benefits and options available and an estimate of costs that may be involved.

A thorough examination helps you and your dentist assess your current and future needs, as well discuss the options available to you so you can decide together what would be best for you.

Dental hygiene appointment (scaling and polishing)

Plaque is a soft substance that builds up on your teeth and is mostly made up of bacteria. These bacteria feed on sugar from food and drink, and produce acid as a waste product. It is this acid which attacks the teeth by dissolving the minerals in the tooth and causing decay.

If this plaque is allowed to accumulate, the bacteria can also cause the gums to become inflamed, bleed and feel sore. It can also harden, and this makes it more difficult to remove when you brush. This is called tartar or calculus, and can grow under the gum causing gum disease. You cannot remove these hard deposits with a toothbrush, which is why your dentist or hygienist will descale your teeth with hand instruments and/or an ultrasonic scaler. They may also polish your teeth to remove staining and make it more difficult for the plaque to stick to your teeth.

Mouth cancer screening

Your dentist can spot mouth cancer early, especially if you attend examinations on a regular basis. Your dentist will examine your face and neck, and feel under your jaw and down your neck. They will examine inside your mouth, under your tongue, also your lips, cheeks and throat.

How often should I attend the dentist?

Your recall time should be based on your dental fitness and discussion with your dentist. Generally patients attend every six months for an examination and hygiene appointment. Some patients who are more susceptible to gum problems may have more regular hygiene appointments.

Enquire Online Call the Surgery