Regular Examination

Most people will need to see our dentist every six months, but if you have great oral health then we may not need to see you as often. Conversely, if you have oral health problems or other medical issues which affect your dental health, you might benefit from seeing us more frequently. Your regular dental examinations are every bit as important as your regular medical check-ups.

 

What to Expect during Regular Dental Exams?

Your teeth and gums will be gently yet thoroughly examined, and the results of this examination are compared with your last visit which helps us to continually and closely monitor any changes to your dental health. Your oral tissues including the inside of your cheeks, the floor, and roof of your mouth and your tongue are periodically examined in an oral cancer screening. A set of digital dental x-rays is taken at regular intervals to monitor areas of your mouth hidden from view. The idea is to pick up any small changes to your dental health, hopefully well before you’ve noticed anything is wrong.

 

What Happens If I Need Treatment?

If we do notice any signs of problems, our dentist will provide you with a written treatment plan detailing all possible options and the costs. We do explain every choice in detail, but please ask if there’s something you don’t understand.

 

How often should I see the Dentist?

This varies according to the individual’s mouth and their susceptibility to dental disease.

Even if you have only a few remaining teeth, you should aim to see us every six months. The less teeth you have, the more precious they become. It is important to retain these teeth for as long as possible to help in chewing and retaining any partial denture. Regular check-ups, and perhaps a simple cleaning will help you hang on to these teeth for as long as possible, if not for life.

If you have full dentures you should still see us every 2 to 3years. This allows us to check your mouth for any signs of disease, including pre-cancerous changes, and also to check the fit of your dentures. Ill-fitting dentures can damage the mouth (even though there may be no pain) and cause more advanced loss of the jawbone leading to problems later, including a change in your facial appearance.

 

What are some tips for Daily Oral Healthcare?

The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from your tooth surfaces.

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-medium brush. Make sure the head isn’t too big. If it is too large you will have problems reaching the back teeth. In some cases, it may even pay to use a child’s toothbrush to clean those hard to reach wisdom teeth (if you have them).

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay.

Clean between the teeth once-a-day with floss or interdental cleaners. Interproximal brushes (available from our Dental Shop) remove plaque from between the teeth and areas where the toothbrush can’t reach. It is essential in preventing gum disease.

By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting us regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life.