If you’ve never had a dental checkup before, or it has been a while since your last visit, you might be unsure what to expect. To help you feel more prepared, here’s a rundown of what happens during a checkup at a dental clinic in Donvale.
What is a dental checkup?
The checkup lets your dentist identify any problems with your teeth, mouth or gums. Ideally, we recommend you have a checkup at least once every six months to prevent minor issues from becoming more painful or troublesome. However, if your teeth need closer monitoring, we may suggest trimonthly checkups.
What to expect at your checkup with a dentist in Donvale
When you arrive at our dental clinic in Donvale, our friendly team will show you to the waiting room. You may be asked to complete a medical history form, which helps us better understand your current health. After all, your oral health is just one part of your overall wellbeing.
Once it’s time for your appointment, here’s what to expect.
Meeting your dentist
Your dentist will introduce themselves and go over your medical history form. This is our team’s chance to get to know you. Please don’t be afraid to tell us if you’re nervous or worried about dental treatment. We’re here to help!
Cleaning
Next, your dentist cleans your teeth using professional tools to remove any plaque from around your teeth and gums. This shouldn’t be painful but do tell us if it’s uncomfortable.
The visual inspection
Using a light and a small mirror, the dentist inspects each tooth individually. They look for issues such as:
- Broken fillings
- Cracked teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth decay
- Wear and tear e.g. teeth grinding
They’ll then check your soft tissues — your gums, tongue and cheeks — for bleeding, swelling, and inflammation, and they’ll look for any warning signs of oral cancer.
Let your dentist know if you’re having any pain or sensitivity from a tooth as this can help them identify problems.
X-rays
It might be necessary to have an x-ray to check for any hidden issues such as a dental infection or decay below the gum line. A dental x-ray is quick and painless and the results are available within minutes.
Follow-up advice
Your dentist in Donvale will tell you if they spot any problems, and they’ll work with you to create a treatment plan based on your budget.
Book your checkup at Holistic Dental Donvale
At Holistic Dental Donvale, we understand you may be nervous about booking a dental checkup. However, be assured that our friendly and experienced team want to help you achieve your best smile. Contact our dental clinic in Donvale to schedule an appointment today.
