Examination and Consultation
Periodic Examination
The best way to maintain good oral hygiene is to brush your teeth and use inter-dental brushes daily as well as visiting your Dentist for regular check ups. Your dentist not only examines your teeth for signs of decay or damage, he also looks for early signs of gum disease and oral cancer, although this is very rare.
It is normally recommended that you visit your dentist once or twice a year, although people who have severe gum disease or a weakened immune system may need to visit the dentist more often.
Consultation
Our friendly reception staff will ask you to complete a medical form. Our Dental Surgeon needs to be aware of your general state of health as this can often impact the condition of your teeth and gums and may affect medication such as anaesthetics and antibiotics we may use for you.
At your consultation, you can discuss any dental concerns or how you would like your oral health to be improved.
Your Dental Surgeon will take a set of records (dental x-rays and digital photos) and give you a full oral assessment to help accurately plan which treatments would be best for the health of your mouth. During this examination, we will be looking at:
The condition of your teeth and the way you bite
Original restorations – Fillings, Crowns, Veneers etc
The health of your gums and the bone surrounding each tooth
Your tongue, throat, cheeks & lips for signs of oral cancer
Dental X-rays will also be taken of your teeth to check for:
Decay inside the tooth or between the teeth
Abscess or infections on the roots of your teeth
Root positions
Bone loss and signs of progressive gum disease
Once the examination is complete, the dentist will discuss the findings with you.
We will then create a personalised treatment plan with alternative options for you, including all the benefits and risks of each procedure and the costs. This will allow you to decide what is best for your long-term dental health.
