It is normally recommended that you visit a dentist for a check-up every six months or as advised by your dentist. A thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums and any previous restoration work will be carried out.
Approximately 15 minutes
Dental Examination
Regular dental check-ups enable potential problems to be spotted early and prevent the onset of further damage. If dental decay is suspected (often indicated by a dark shadow under the tooth’s surface) your dentist is likely to take radiographs (small digital x-rays) to examine the extent of the damage and plan for future treatments. Radiographs of back teeth are generally taken as standard every two years or when visiting a new dentist.
Periodontal Examination
Your dentist will also assess your periodontal health (gum health) and look for any indicators of gum disease. Gum disease can be detected using a probe that tests the health of gums around your teeth. This is a particularly important stage of the examination as gum disease can cause loss of teeth in future years.
Soft Tissue Examination
Your dentist may check your jaw joints, facial muscles and lymph nodes. They may also check your tongue, cheeks, lips and palate. They will be looking for lesions or ulcerations that may require treatment.
Your dentist will discuss their findings and a suitable treatment plan and follow up appointments will be arranged if needed.
