Routine Examination

It is normally recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year, although people who have severe gum disease or a weakened immune system may need to visit the dentist more often.

Your dentist will first ask if there have been any problems since your last dental check up and take a note of any new medication that you may be taking.

At your check up your dentist will:

• Check for early signs of decay or breakages
• Check existing restorations
• Look at your gums for early signs of gum disease – this will be done using a probe which is gently placed between the tooth and your gum to determine the stage of gum disease
• Examine your tongue, throat, cheeks & lips for signs of oral cancer
• Examine jaw joint evaluation

X-rays of your teeth are usually taken every two to three years, unless your dentist notices a problem and needs an x-ray to look inside the tooth.

If cavities are found or your dentist feels that your oral hygiene needs to be improved, he will create a treatment plan outlining the work to be carried out and the costing; you will then need to make an appointment for the necessary treatment.

Occasionally, patients are referred to other dentists who specialise in the relevant fields of dentistry.