6 Month Check-Up & Clean
A check-up and clean every 6 months is recommended by the Australian Dental Association
The purpose of a dental examination is to detect problems at the earliest possible stage, to ensure swift and minimally invasive treatment which is normally cheaper and less traumatic than if the problem was left to worsen. For example, a small cavity/hole is relatively easy and cheap to restore. If left for months or years, the cavity progresses and the treatment, cost and prognosis becomes more complex. The basis of dental care is “regular and ongoing maintenance”.
Preferred Providers
Updating your x-rays
Also ensure that your dental x-rays are updated every 18 months. In most cases, this is dependent on your “risk” level for dental disease and will be assessed at your first and future examinations.
Some patients will decline x rays (for a number of reasons), however, it must be understood that a complete check up and diagnosis of any problem requires x rays. This allows detection of decay or pathology occurring under the clinically visible surface. An analogy we sometimes use to explain this further is that a Medical Doctor would need a “blood test” to diagnose diabetes.
What can I expect at my appointment?
- A Clinical Examination
- X-Rays (radiographs)
- Oral Hygiene Instruction
- Scale and Polish
- Relevant Dietary or Lifestyle Advice
- Treatment Overview
The dentist will use a mirror and other instruments to check the condition of the teeth and gums (sometimes you might feel slight discomfort when the gums are being assessed)
Depending on what needs to be investigated and how long it has been since your last set of x rays – you may have a large panoramic x ray taken (especially if you have not had your wisdom teeth removed or you are suffering jaw pain/ toothache), 2 small x rays to check between posterior teeth for decay and/or gum disease
Every patient will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime, if your gums bleed or gum disease is detected, we will show you techniques to make them healthy again (because healthy gums don’t bleed). You may be surprised to know that gum disease is linked to other health issues such as Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease and so it is not only important for you oral health – but your GENERAL WELLBEING too. We do not show you the oral hygiene techniques to embarrass or upset you – the fact is, we may only have been taught once when we are a child. As we get older and anatomy changes — so do the techniques. Optimal oral health is our aim and we are very committed to ensuring you have the right tools to maintain a healthy mouth outside of your dental visits.
Every 6 months you should have the buildup (calculus/tartar) removed professionally. This buildup inhibits your ability to clean your teeth and gums effectively and leads to decay and/or gum disease. Some people find this procedure “unpleasant” and “sensitive”, however, gentle delivery and the latest equipment allows this procedure to be done without very much discomfort at all most of the time.
Contributing to oral disease is given to educate people on what causative factors exist in their lives that is resulting in dental disease. For example, smoking is a leading cause of oral cancer or precancerous lesions in the mouth and so it is very important that you consider the advice given by your dentist to cut down, and quit.
A brief outline of treatment requirements. We find that sometimes there is so much information given to patients at the first appointment that it is important to have something tangible to take away and review. Our tailored Future Treatment Overview has proven to increase patient understanding of treatment requirements and helps patients to recognise where in the mouth those treatments are required.
Further appointments can be made for any treatment you require following a check up and clean.
The content on the LifeCare Dental website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice received from your dentist, doctor or other registered health professionals. LifeCare Dental makes no claim as to the accuracy or authenticity of this content.
Additionally, LifeCare Dental does not accept liability to any person for the information or advice provided on this website or incorporated into it by reference. Content has been prepared for Western Australian residents and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.
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