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

What is preventative dentistry?

Preventative dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth, gums and bite so that you can maintain good oral health. Preventative dentistry involves both ‘at home’ care, such as regular brushing, flossing and adhering to a good diet, and regular ‘in clinic’ professional checkups and scale and cleans.

At SJ Dental, preventative dental also includes our staff taking the time to educate all our patients on how to maintain good oral health throughout your life.

Why is preventative dentistry so important?

Preventative dental treatments help keep your teeth healthier for longer. And, you’ll avoid unnecessary dental bills. This is why most private health insurance companies provide members with a free dental checkup and/or scale and clean approximately once a year. They know that by encouraging people to look after their teeth, they decrease the likelihood of patient claiming expensive dental treatments further ahead.

What happens if I don’t take care of my teeth?

If you don’t take care of your teeth, you have a higher chance of developing periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, allowing more bacteria to grow in areas that you cannot clean it home. Eventually, your teeth may loosen and even fall out.

Do you check for gum (periodontal) disease?

Yes, at your dental checkup, your dentist or hygienist will check your teeth and gums to look for any signs of gum disease.

How much does teeth cleaning cost?

If you incorporate your professional teeth cleaning (scale and clean, bitewing x-ray and fluoride) appointment with an examination/checkup, it will cost approximately $280. However, please check with your health insurance fund as many funds offer a free scale and clean once or twice a year.

What is dental scaling?

Dental scaling, also known as “deep cleaning,” involves scraping the plaque from your teeth, along with any plaque in large pockets that have developed it between your teeth and gums. Dental scaling is sometimes carried out with root planning, where the dentist, using a special scaling tool, will smooth the tooth roots. Smoothing down the area helps your gums to reattach to your teeth.

Depending on how severe the deep cleaning is, you may be given a local anaesthetic, and/or given antimicrobial agents or oral antibiotics after the procedure to help you heal faster.

How can I practice preventative dental at home?

Practising preventative dental at home means doing things to keep your mouth healthy. For example, brushing and flossing your teeth daily, using a fluoridated toothpaste, rinsing amount of water between meals all help you maintain good oral health.

Additionally, you should discuss your oral hygiene program with your dentist and make sure they are happy with the toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, and any other oral health product you use, and also the way you brush and floss your teeth.

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.

Our Preferred Providers