What does the dentist check at your routine dental appointment?

At Leigh Dental Centre we believe that healthy teeth and gums are an important part of every patient’s life that is why at your regular dental appointment the dentist will check a variety of different areas to ensure that your teeth remain as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Each time you attend your appointment, the dentist will advise you on how often you will need to attend, based on the health of your teeth and gums. It is normally advised that you attend the surgery every 6 months, this will ensure that any problems are identified early and can be treated effectively without the need for extensive restorations.

Medical History

Prior to your appointment, you may be asked to update your medical history form. Your medical history is used by the dentist to ensure that any treatment they offer is safe based on any medication that you are taking or any medical conditions you suffer from. There are also some medications which mean that you will need to be referred to a hospital for your dental treatment to ensure that you get the best possible care.

Dental Examination

The dentist will inspect your teeth, gums and soft tissues. All details of your assessment are recorded and will become part of your patient record which provides the basis for your ongoing treatment and ensure that the dentist can track your dental health between visits over time.

X‑rays

X‑rays are used to help detect early signs of tooth decay in areas not visible to the naked eye. X‑rays are able to detect decay under fillings or between teeth. They will also show abscesses and infections in the roots of teeth.
In children, x‑rays can also help to show where their adult teeth will erupt or in adults where the wisdom teeth are. X‑rays are recommended every 9 to 24 months depending on various dental risk factors, including the history of decay, age and condition of your mouth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is now the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. It is described as swelling, soreness or infection in the tissues which support the teeth. The dentist will use probes to measure the amount of gum present around the teeth and may take X‑rays to determine if there has been any bone loss in your jaw. Good oral hygiene and regular appointments with both the dentist and the hygienist are the best possible ways to help avoid gum disease.

Mouth Cancer

A full mouth cancer check ensures that your mouth and tongue are examined for anything out of the ordinary. If your dentist does find anything unusual or abnormal they will refer you to a consultant at the local hospital.

Oral Hygiene & Diet

The dentist will discuss your oral hygiene routine and recommend oral care products. This will normally be a combination of using fluoride toothpaste twice a day and interdental cleaning aids, floss or interdental brushes to clean the areas between your teeth at least once a day.
They will also talk about your diet and how the sugar and acid present in fruit juice and fizzy drinks can affect your dental health. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and minerals can help to prevent gum disease and protect against mouth cancer.

After your checkup

Following your appointment, we will, if necessary, provide you with a full and detailed written treatment plan, detailing the various costs of options available to you. We will also discuss the payment options at the practice, Denplan and 0% finance.

We would typically advise you to attend a routine examination every 6 months, as our focus is on preventive dentistry and being proactive with regard to improving oral health. By identifying any problems early we can reduce the risk of painful toothaches and the amount of treatment needed.

Want to ensure that your teeth are healthy and strong? Then call Leigh Dental Centre, today on 01702 472929 and book a dental examination today.