A regular dental check up and clean is the best way to maintain good oral health. We can examine your teeth, mouth and gums and make a plan if you need further treatment.

How often should I have a check up and clean?

We recommend a check up and clean every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This also allows us to keep track of any changes in your mouth (and your overall health) and take early steps to prevent any minor problems from getting worse. Many private health funds will include six monthly check ups as part of your extras cover.

What should I expect at my appointment?

Check up and examination

The dentist will check your teeth and note any changes since your last visit. We will be looking for any signs of plaque (clear, sticky bacteria), tartar (also called calculus) which is plaque that has hardened onto your teeth around the gums), tooth decay or cavities (holes in your teeth). We will also check your gums, tongue and neck for signs of any other issues. We will update our records and prepare a treatment plan for any further action.  

Clean, scale and polish 

It’s important that we remove any plaque or tartar build-up to prevent it from getting worse and causing more problems in your mouth. We use special instruments to remove any build up. You will feel a vibration but no pain. The next step is to polish and smooth your teeth to remove any stains and complete the check up.

Medical history

If this is your first appointment with us, we will take some time at the start of your visit to gather information about your medical background and overall health. This information helps us to understand how any medications may affect your teeth and mouth. We can also discuss any other concerns you may have, including any changes in your mouth since the last time you saw a dentist. Our dentists and hygienists are very caring and understanding and will help you feel relaxed.

Will I need a dental x-ray?

Your dentist may need to take an x-ray depending on the results of your check up. It is possible to prevent tooth decay if it is found in the early stages. Taking an x-ray will help prevent larger cavities from forming. If you have pain, an x-ray will help identify the cause of pain and plan your treatment most effectively. 

More information on the different types and safety of dental x-rays can be found on this dental imaging fact sheet from the Australian Dental Association.