Oral Health Check-up

Regular Oral Health Check-Ups are vital to make sure that your teeth are as healthy as they can be.

Whether you are a first-time patient or scheduling a routine appointment, a comprehensive check-up is the best way to assess your dental health and discuss any future treatments you may require.

At your first appointment, we like to spend more time with you so that you will be able to ask questions and tell us about any concerns which we may be able to help with, including your general oral health and your previous dental experiences.

We will discuss the improvements you might like to make in your oral health or the appearance of your smile or face. These can include taking care of broken, crooked or discoloured teeth, reducing problems of sensitivity, headaches, snoring, dry mouth, bad breath, pronounced lines in your face or protecting your teeth with a sports guard.

What does an Oral Health Check-Up involve?

An Oral Health Check-Up also comprises a complete examination of your mouth and teeth including:

• Your tongue, cheeks and other soft tissues. In particular, we always take the opportunity to check for any early signs of oral cancer.
• The alignment of your jaws and how your teeth meet and function as you chew, known as your “bite” or occlusion.
• Damage or issues arising from poor occlusion such as broken or worn teeth, or headaches.
• Signs that you may be clenching or grinding your teeth (known as bruxing).
• The health of your gums and signs of underlying gum (periodontal) disease.
• Dental decay (caries) and faults in fillings or other restorations such as crowns, bridges or veneers.
• Signs of erosion from fizzy drinks or excessive tooth brushing.
• Tooth sensitivity.
• Dry mouth (known as xerostomia).

An Oral Health Check-Up may also include taking digital X-rays to show the areas between, inside and underneath your teeth, gum and the bone supporting your teeth. X-rays are often essential for diagnosing the causes of pain or discomfort. We may also take a panoramic scan of your teeth to help with planning treatment.

We analyse your oral hygiene routine and talk about any possible improvements in your daily routine. We also discuss any cosmetic concerns you may have and talk through all our findings with you.

We will always explain the treatment options to you and you will receive a written estimate detailing the costs of your personal treatment plan. We may also recommend that you see one of our dental hygienists who can help you maintain your oral health.