General DEntal
Your oral health is important for your general health and wellbeing. We encourage our patients to attend every 6 to 12 months for a clean and check-up. Any dental problems can be detected and treated with regular check-ups, reducing the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Don’t put off these appointments, even if you think your teeth are “fine”. There is nothing to fear and your teeth will feel great!
Check up and clean
A general check-up will include the following:
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1. Visual checks: Teeth are only part of your overall oral health. Your dentist will also thoroughly examine the health of soft tissues; your lips and tongue and the interior of your mouth, checking for abnormalities, growth, discolourations and swellings that you may have missed.
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2. Charting of your teeth: Analysis of each individual tooth (including fillings, crowns and bridges), primarily to check for decay but also to check that they are sound and healthy.
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3. Periodontal Checks: Gum health is vital to your overall oral health. Gums are visually checked, and if further examination is required, a probe is used to check the depth of pockets between teeth and gums.
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4. X-rays: These are taken to diagnose any problems under the enamel or between the teeth that may not be seen in a visual exam.
Your dentist will offer professional advice on maintaining your oral health, based on this examination. If further treatment is required, a treatment plan will be provided.
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A “clean” by a dentist goes much deeper than can be achieved by brushing and flossing.
It’s a two-step process:
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First the dentist will do a “scaling”, which involves removal of plaque, tartar deposits and biofilm on the teeth and below the gum line. This removes the bacteria that can cause disease in the gum tissue and bone.
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Then the dentist will polish your teeth using abrasive “Prophy” paste that removes any residual plaque and surface stains.
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Finally, a professional fluoride application is done to help prevent future decay and reduce sensitivity.