A dental check-up will stop small issues from developing into significant ones by thoroughly inspecting your teeth, gums, and mouth. At Gosford Dental Excellence, we advise half-yearly dental checkups, which, when paired with a solid at-home care plan, can assist to maintain the health of your mouth.

Today, a routine dental check-up incorporates both contemporary technology and the dentist’s most recent knowledge and abilities, all in a setting that is essentially pain-free.

What is required of the dentist?

Our dentist will want to learn about your general and oral health at the first appointment. We need to be aware of your medical history since it might affect how we treat and diagnose problems. 

For instance, diabetes may need different anaesthetics and raise the risk of gum disease. Meanwhile, certain medications might lead to dry mouth, which can raise your risk of developing cavities. All of your medical information will be kept private and confidential.

It’s also a good moment to talk about any dental phobias you may have; for some people, a childhood phobia of the dentist results from a negative encounter. Our dentists will take this into consideration; in fact, just discussing these problems may make them go away.

What transpires during a check-up?

Our dentists  will inquire about any issues that have arisen since your last appointment at each checkup. You get a checkup, cleaning, and polishing while you sit in the dentist chair.

Check-up

During your checkup, our dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth for cavities and tartar or plaque, which is the film of germs that is visible and sticky to the touch. The dentist next examines your gums to see if there are any small areas between your teeth and gums. 

The deeper the gaps, the more obvious gum disease appears. Additionally, our dentist examines the face, neck, throat, and tongue for any symptoms of discomfort or swelling as well as for any indicators of oral cancer.

Scale and shine 

When plaque or tartar buildup has to be removed, our dentist or hygienist utilises specialised tools, such as ultrasonic scaler, to gently remove any bigger tartar fragments and do thorough cleaning above and below the gum line. 

A slow-speed handpiece with a soft rubber cup that rotates is used to polish the surfaces after they have all been made smooth in order to remove stains from the teeth. The polish within the cup contains fluoride and an abrasive substance like toothpaste; the teeth are polished with this potent mixture.

Is an X-ray necessary?

A dental X-ray could be necessary, depending on the results of your oral examination, your dental history, and any potential for cavities. An X-ray may provide the dentist with a clear picture of the alignment of your jaw, any tooth decay, and any impacted teeth, abscesses, or cysts on the roots of your teeth.

What happens after the check-up?

Our dentist will go through any recommended treatments with you after the examination, going over anything from teeth brushing methods to your food, nutrition, use of alcohol, and smoking.

A second appointment can be necessary for restorative procedures, such a filling or crown, if there are any problems. We would like to discuss various possibilities since effective communication is another essential skill in their toolkit.

When is the next check-up?

Your subsequent appointment will be scheduled when the examination is finished. Although it might vary for each person based on their oral health requirements, dental exams are typically advised every six months.