During your dental checkup, you can expect the following services:

• A thorough tooth-by-tooth examination
• A general check of your gums and mouth health
• A professional scale and airflow teeth cleaning
• A fluoride treatment

Some dental problems can’t be addressed just by looking inside your mouth. That’s why occasionally, your dentist may also recommend that you get an x-ray so they can understand what’s going on beneath the surface. Some potential oral health issues that may be uncovered from an x-ray include jaw injuries, bone swelling and impacted wisdom teeth. An x-ray will allow your dentist to identify these issues and recommend the best treatment to correct them.

In addition, during your visit to our Spearwood dental practice, our dentists will provide advice on good oral hygiene practices. If there are any further complications that require specialist treatment, your dentist may ask you to return for restoration work, such as a filling or a crown. 

In some cases, your dentist may need to refer you to a specialist such as an orthodontist, periodontist, oral surgeon or endodontist. At all stages, the dentists at our clinic are happy to discuss these options with you in full.

Depending on various factors, including the length of time since your last visit, your appointment may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Regular preventative care can help reduce the risk of needing major dental work further along the track. The Phoenix Road Dental Surgery team recommends that you visit them every six months for an examination and thorough cleaning.

Although your oral hygiene routine may be up to the highest standards, we still advise a regular check by your dentist. Even if you are showing no symptoms of gum disease or other health problems, only a dentist can detect these issues. In addition, it is difficult to reach every area of your mouth to properly clean it, so professional cleaning is needed to prevent plaque buildup that turns into tartar, causing more serious issues.

If you have existing health issues or are at higher risk, you will need to visit your dentist more often. They will be able to advise you how often to book an appointment in this case.

Worried that it’s been a while since your last visit? Don’t stress! It’s better late than never. Your dentist can still assess your overall health and create a treatment plan for you without any judgement. You won’t receive any tellings-off or lectures at our dental centre.

As each patient has unique needs, the price of your checkups will vary. Most providers cover one free cleaning a year if you have health insurance. Additional treatments, such as an x-ray, will also cost more than a standard consultation. Don’t hesitate to call our friendly team, and they can assist you with any billing information you may need.

Taking good care of your overall oral hygiene is the best defence against dental problems in the future. In between dental treatments, you can do the following to make sure your smile is at its best:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride
• Floss at least once each day
• If you play contact sports, always wear a mouthguard
• Don’t smoke tobacco
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks as much as possible
• Visit your dentist every six months for checkups