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Dental Checkup

Preventative Dentistry Treatments in Albury and Wodonga

We want you to keep your teeth! Good dental hygiene and healthy dental habits are imperative if you want to keep your teeth and improve your chances of having a healthier life. That’s why we recommend you have regular preventative dentistry treatments, e.g. dental check-ups – and scale and cleans to keep your teeth healthy. And if you have health insurance, it may not even cost you a thing.

What happens in a dental check-up?

1. Initial Consultation

After a discussion about your dental health and lifestyle, your dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your neck, face and full mouth (this includes a cancer check throughout all soft tissues in the area).

Then the dentist may suggest to have a bite-wing x-ray to get a clearer picture of the status of your mouth depending on needs.

You can read more about dental x-rays at the Australian Dental Association.

2. Scale & clean

Often, patients elect to have a scale and clean on the day of the checkup.
This involves removing the following:

  • Plaque – a soft, sticky substance made up of bacteria that builds up on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing helps to eliminate plaque, but you can’t get rid of it all without a professional clean.
  • Calculus – this is hardened plaque, and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Calculus must be professionally removed. Removing plaque and calculus helps prevent gum disease (periodontitis).
  • Staining – you may have noticed that over time, your teeth get stained by drinking tea, coffee, red wine or smoking. These stains have to be professionally removed.
3. Fluoride

After your scale and clean, we recommend to have a fluoride (remineralisation) treatment to help protect the enamel of the teeth and prevent cavities forming.

Fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars.

Although fluoride is in our tap water, a fluoride treatment strengthens your teeth further.

Dental Check-Up: Cost

The cost of the dental check-up, scale and clean, bitewing x-ray and fluoride costs approximately $200+~$300+. If you have health insurance, you may be entitled to a scale and clean once or twice a year. Please check with your health fund for further details.

How often do I need a dental checkup?

Most people should have a dental checkup every six months. However, some people may require more frequent visits. Check with your dentist. Usually, the dental checkup is followed by a scale and clean; however, if you prefer, you can book these appointments separately.

Preventative Dental & Check-up FAQs

How often should I get a dental check-up?

Most people should have a dental check-up every six months to keep their teeth and gums healthy. This allows your dentist to pick up any issues early before they become more serious. Some patients may need more frequent visits if they have gum disease, a history of decay, or other risk factors.

What happens during a dental check-up?

A check-up includes a full examination of your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues in your mouth. Your dentist will look for signs of decay, gum disease, wear, or other concerns. X-rays may also be taken if needed to check areas that aren’t visible during the exam.

Do I need a clean at every check-up?

In most cases, a professional clean is recommended alongside your check-up. This helps remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing and flossing at home can’t remove. It also helps reduce the risk of gum disease and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?

You can still book an appointment even if it has been a long time. Your dentist will start with a thorough assessment of your current oral health without judgement. From there, they will explain what needs attention and create a simple plan to get things back on track.

Are dental check-ups painful?

No, dental check-ups are generally comfortable and non-invasive. Most of the time, patients only feel light pressure or gentle cleaning. If you have sensitive teeth or anxiety, your dentist can adjust the approach to keep you comfortable.

Why are regular dental check-ups important?

Regular check-ups help catch problems early, often before you feel any pain or symptoms. This can save you from more complex and costly treatment later on. They also help maintain overall oral health and prevent long-term issues.

References:

Periodontal disease: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
ADA – Dental X-rays: https://www.ada.org.au/Your-Dental-Health/Adults-31-64/Dental-X-Rays

Book An Appointment

Welcome to SJ Dental! We are here to provide quality care for your general dental needs. Whether you require a checkup and clean or other treatments, our experienced team is ready to assist you.
Contact us today to make an enquiry or to book an appointment.

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