Check & Cleans in Hurstville
Most likely, your previous visit to our practice was for a standard dental checkup. The significance of these routine visits cannot be overstated. Regular checkups allow us to spot and address issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and soft tissue disorders in their early stages. This proactive approach not only provides you with more treatment options, but also helps you avoid high costs.
Routine Dental Care Saves You from Expensive Future Treatments!
Consider this analogy comparing routine car maintenance to regular dental care, underscoring its importance.
Car manufacturers suggest changing your engine oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. If you delay this and wait till 10,000 miles, what could be the repercussions?
The answer is simple: It would inevitably lead to extra wear and tear on your vehicle. As your oil becomes increasingly dirty, it leads to a buildup of sludge in your engine. Repeated neglect could cause the engine parts to wear prematurely, and replacing them or getting a new transmission can be expensive compared to the cost of an oil change.
A similar case can be made for your teeth. Neglecting routine dental care for a year or more could lead to more serious and costly “repairs” than if you had adhered to the recommended schedule. So, contact us to schedule an appointment, particularly if it’s been a while since your last visit.
What Does a Routine Dental Checkup Entail?
A standard dental examination begins with a comprehensive cleaning of your teeth and gums to eliminate plaque build up, tartar, and stains. Regular teeth cleaning can prevent periodontal (gum) diseases that can lead to severe dental issues, including tooth loss if left unnoticed and untreated.
Following this, we conduct a thorough soft tissue assessment, which includes both a visual and tactile examination, to detect changes in the soft tissue lining inside your mouth. Any changes could indicate a benign, pre-cancerous, or cancerous condition that needs urgent attention.
We also carry out a periodontal screening to check your gums for signs of gum disease. Early detection of gum disease is crucial for achieving the best outcomes, especially if further treatment is needed.
Routine dental examinations also involve a visual inspection of each tooth surface to identify new areas of decay and to check teeth that may have had previous restorations.
X-rays may be necessary to examine the side surfaces of your teeth, the area beneath the gums, and other regions that are not easily visible. X-rays are generally taken based on a schedule, not at every visit.
How Frequently Should I Schedule Routine Care?
The frequency of routine care largely depends on your health history and the dentist’s recommendations. While some individuals maintain a strict schedule of cleaning and examination every six months, others may wait up to a year between visits.
Certain circumstances may require a more frequent routine dental appointment schedule. Regular visits are typically recommended for patients at higher risk of oral disease due to age, pregnancy, heavy alcohol/tobacco use, presence of gum disease, or pre-existing health conditions (such as diabetes, frequent dry mouth, or a weakened immune system).
A candid conversation with the dentist or your hygienist can help determine the frequency of your routine cleanings and examinations.
Complimentary Dental Pack
Before you leave, we will provide you with a welcome pack that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and fliers detailing our services and procedures.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
