What to expect at your dental check-up
A regular check-up is one of the simplest ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life. At North Hobart Dental, we take the time to get to know you and your dental history, so every visit builds on the last. Here’s what happens, and how to get the most from your appointment.
Before your visit
A little preparation helps us give you the best care:
- Tell us about any new health problems you’ve been diagnosed with since your last visit (for example, diabetes or heart disease).We usually ask you to update your medical history form every 2 years.
- Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take, including their doses.
- Let us know if you feel anxious about dental visits. We’ll take things at your pace and talk you through each step.
- Note any problems or changes you’ve noticed with your teeth, gums or the inside of your mouth, such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, a chipped tooth or a sore spot that hasn’t healed.
- Bring your private health fund card.We can process your claim on the spot with HICAPS.
During your check-up
Your dentist will:
- review your medical history and ask about any concerns
- examine your teeth for decay, cracks and wear, and check your existing fillings, crowns and other dental work
- check your gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis
- screen the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue and throat for early signs of oral cancer
- check your bite and jaw joints, and look for signs of grinding or clenching
- take x-rays when needed to see between teeth, below the gumline and inside the bone, where problems can’t be seen with the naked eye
Your professional clean
After the examination, we’ll:
- remove plaque and hardened calculus (tartar) that brushing and flossing can’t shift
- polish your teeth with an airflow polish to lift stains and leave them smooth
- apply fluoride where it will help strengthen your enamel
After your check-up
We’ll talk you through what we found in plain language. If everything looks healthy, we’ll recommend when to come back. If we find something that needs attention, we can often treat it on the same day. Otherwise we’ll give you a clear cost estimate and treatment plan so you can book at a time that suits you. We’ll also give you practical tips for your home care.
How long does it take?
A standard check-up and clean takes anywhere between 30-50minutes. If you haven’t been in for a while, or you need x-rays, allow a little longer.
Bringing the family?
We see patients of all ages. Children benefit from regular check-ups from an early age. See Children’s Dentistry for more.
Want to know why regular visits matter so much? Read about preventative dentistry.
Book Appointment