Check-Ups
Keeping your mouth healthy and clean
A general dental check-up is a chance for your dentist to examine your teeth and oral health and prioritise prevention. Your average dental check-up has two parts – an examination of your teeth for any problems that need to be addressed, and a professional cleaning to remove built-up tartar and plaque.
A general dental check-up at Ashfield Dental Centre will provide you with the reassurance that your oral health is on track and can assist with detecting issues that can later become problems. Conveniently located in the heart of Sydney, our highly experienced staff are fully equipped to guide you through a thorough dental check-up.
What to expect at your checkup appointment
During your check-up at Ashfield Dental Centre, our dentists will use X-rays to get a close, in-depth look at your teeth and spot any underlying conditions you may have. They will also examine your teeth visually for any cavities, and use specialised tools to clean your teeth.
If your dentist does not detect any issues then you will not need to return until your next appointment in six months. If your dentist notices something that warrants further intervention, they’ll let you know how to proceed.
What we need to know
Your dentist will ask you a variety of questions at your appointment. As well as ask you about your oral hygiene process (making sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly). They may also ask you about your overall health ie; what medications you’re taking and ask questions about illnesses or operations you’ve recently had. These might seem like strange questions to you, but they can help your dentist make the right decision on how best to support your oral health. Don’t worry, your dentist will keep all your information confidential.
Frequently asked questions
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. They help in identifying problems early, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, which can prevent more serious issues later. They can prevent tooth decay and gum disease through professional cleaning and advice on proper oral hygiene practices, and they contribute to your overall health, as poor oral health has been linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
We recommend scheduling a dental check-up every six months. However, the frequency might vary based on individual health needs. Some people with higher risk of dental problems might need to visit more frequently, while others with excellent oral health might only need an annual check-up.
A dental check-up in Ashfield involves your dentist reviewing your medical history and any dental issues since your last visit. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for signs of decay, gum disease, and any other oral health issues. Finally, an X-ray will most likely be taken to detect problems not visible during the visual exam, such as cavities between teeth, impacted teeth, or jawbone issues.
During a professional dental cleaning, your Ashfield dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line, polish your teeth to remove surface stains and make them smooth, and apply a fluoride to strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities.
If one of our dentists in Ashfield find a problem during your check-up, we will first discuss the issue with you and explain the nature of the problem and the severity. We will then suggest a treatment plan, which may include procedures such as fillings, root canals, or periodontal treatments. At the end of your appointment, we will schedule any necessary follow-up appointments for treatments and monitoring the issue.
Yes, you can and should ask questions during your dental check-up. The dentists at Ashfield Dental Centre, Sydney are here to help you understand your oral health and address any concerns you might have. Some questions you might consider asking include:
- What can I do to improve my oral health?
- Are there any areas in my mouth that I should pay extra attention to?
- How can I prevent cavities and gum disease?
What are the best dental care products for my needs?
To prepare for your dental check-up, make sure you list any concerns and questions you have about your oral health to discuss with your dentist. Be ready to potentially provide your dentist with your relevant medical history, including any medications you are taking. If you’re visiting a new dentist, bring your previous dental records or have them sent to your new dentist’s office.
The Ashfield dentists may need to know:
- Any medical conditions, surgeries, or treatments you’ve had that might affect your oral health.
- All the medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as tooth pain, bleeding gums, or sensitivity.
- Habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary preferences that can impact your oral health.
Information about previous dental treatments, including fillings, crowns, and orthodontic work.
Yes, your information is kept confidential during a dental check-up. The dentists and staff at Ashfield Dental Centre are bound by professional and legal obligations to maintain patient confidentiality. We adhere to privacy laws and regulations to ensure your personal medical information is protected. This means we cannot share your information without your consent, except in certain situations where it is required by law.
Booking a dental check-up at Ashfield Dental Centre, Sydney is easy. Simply use our online booking form or call us on (02) 9798 4111.