Preventative Treatments

How do I prevent cavities and maintain a healthy mouth?

Routine dental appointments are essential to maintain good oral health and a happy smile. A routine dental check-up is carried out by one of our experienced, qualified dentists and is the best way to spot any problems with your mouth before they become serious. Both adults and children benefit from routine dental appointments on a regular basis because preventative dentistry is the key to keeping your mouth healthy.

Routine dental appointments are usually carried out every six months, although some patients may require more frequent visits, while others may need to come into the practice less often. Your dentist will advise you on how often you need a routine check-up.

What happens at a routine dental check-up? If it is your first appointment at the practice, your dentist will take a full dental and medical history.

Our assessment includes the following

Checking the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, oral tissues and gums for any sign of pathology or oral cancer.
Checking the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Reviewing all tooth surfaces for signs of decay or cavities.
Checking existing fillings, crowns etc… to make sure they are sound and stable.
Taking appropriate X-rays.
Discussing any dental problems you may have had in the past.
Discussing general health and dietary issues that can affect your teeth and gums, such as alcohol consumption or smoking.
Discussing your teeth-cleaning habits, such as your brushing technique, and recommend any improvements if required.
Explaining any further treatment you may need, such as fillings, root canal treatment or hygiene appointments.
Provide you with a full treatment plan if required.
Answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment and what options are available.
If you require no other treatment, your dentist will let you know when you should come for your next routine check-up.

Professional dental cleaning

Professional dental cleans (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by our dental hygienists and therapists.

They include the removal of plaque (a soft, somewhat sticky film that contains bacteria) and calculus (the hard deposits that build up on and around the teeth over time).

The removal of plaque and calculus is done with specialised instruments, in careful hands. The result is clean, smooth, beautiful teeth and the prevention of gum disease.