Dental Examination

What is a Dental Examination?

A dental examination is part of an oral examination: the close inspection of the teeth and tissues of the mouth using physical assessment, radiographs, and other diagnostic aids. Dental care begins with this assessment, and is followed by diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

You may assume you should have a dental check-up every 6 months.The time between check-ups can vary from 3 months to 2 years, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are and your risk of future problems. A check-up allows the dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated usually leads to pain, tooth loss and could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it's best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

What to Expect at Your Check-up

During your check-up your dentist will:

• Ask how your general health is, how your teeth have been since your last visit and if you are taking any new or changed medications
• Look in your mouth and carry out an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth
• Carry out any necessary treatments, tests or X-rays they feel you require
• Ask about your lifestyle and provide any advice on diet, smoking, alcohol and teeth cleaning to help improve your oral health
• Inform you of when you should visit for your next check-up, this could be anywhere between 3 months to 2 years depending on your needs

What Happens During a Dental Check-up?

In most cases, your visit to the dentist will be for a routine check-up. Most will start by asking you a few general health questions and enquire whether you have experienced any dental problems or pain. Your dentist should then carry out a full dental examination of the soft tissue lining of your mouth, teeth and gums.

In most cases, your visit to the dentist will be for a routine check-up. Most will start by asking you a few general health questions and enquire whether you have experienced any dental problems or pain. Your dentist should then carry out a full dental examination of the soft tissue lining of your mouth, teeth and gums.

If these habits could lead to problems in the future, he or she will explain what you might be at risk of, as well as the associated treatments and costs that might be needed.

If you have a build up of calcified plaque, otherwise known as tartar build up, you will need a scale and polish. This will remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line.

If your dentist finds further problems, they will recommend the next steps you will need to take. This could be the need for fillings to damaged or decayed teeth, treatment for gum disease or further tests to aid diagnosis. This usually comes in the form of a written treatment plan, which you sign before commencing any treatment. If this is not offered, please feel free to ask for one.