A regular check-up with a dentist is your first step to better oral health.
When you book with us for a routine exam and x-rays check-up your teeth and mouth will thank you. Well, they would if they could talk.
Having regular routine dental check-ups means you’re less likely to need to see an emergency dentist. And we know that over time, people who visit a dental clinic regularly spend less money.
What is it?
Do you feel better when you know you have the basics covered? You probably answered yes. An exam and x-rays check-up will do just that. It’s an essential part of caring for your general dental health. Look after your oral health and you’re looking after yourself.
Even if you don’t have toothache or you’re not in pain, a regular dental check-up should be at the top of your wellness checklist at least once a year.
What's included
A routine exam and x-rays check-up has two main parts:
- Full check-up of your of your teeth and gums
- Standard dental x-rays
What happens
Your dentist will talk to you about your dental health and any concerns you may have. You will have a full visual check-up of all areas of your mouth, not just your teeth and gums. This includes a visual screen for oral cancer and looking at any other problem areas. Special instruments are used to make sure all of your teeth, gums and mouth are checked.
You will have standard dental x-rays taken. These help with diagnosis and prevention of decay and disease. Because your dentist sees your teeth and mouth in great detail on an x-ray, they can help spot dental problems early. And by the way, it’s normal for the dentist and dental assistants to leave the room when your x-rays are taken.
Need to know
Appointments
- 1 single appointment
How long it takes
- It usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes
You may be asked about
- Your dental and medical history
- Your normal oral care routine at home
- Any problem areas or pain
Before your appointment
- No special preparation needed
After your appointment
- You can usually carry on as normal
Quick tip
If your dentist gives you advice about daily dental care like teeth brushing techniques and how often you should floss, write it down. It takes time to build a new habit – some say 21 days or more. In the meantime, here’s a handy idea. Stick your note about your new dental care routine on your bathroom mirror as a daily reminder.
Have questions?
The price of an exam and x-rays check-up varies. From time-to-time we have special pricing and offers. When you book online, get in touch if you would like to check the price with us.
If you need a filling or an important dental treatment your dentist will let you know. You can talk through the options together and get your dentist’s advice on the best treatment. We accept a wide range of payment methods. We also have plenty of flexible pay later financial options including Q MasterCard®, Q Card® and Afterpay.
Having an exam and x-rays dental check-up shouldn’t hurt at all. Occasionally, if one of the instruments touches a tender spot in your mouth, you could experience some minor discomfort. Most people won’t need an injection for a routine dental check-up.
Feeling nervous is okay. A lot of people feel that way about going to the dentist. But visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful. With us, you can relax. We help put you at ease and give you all the information you need to ensure you know what’s going on with your oral health. When you book an appointment or visit, let us know how you’re feeling. We’ll do all we can to help you feel relaxed.
Our standard dental x-rays are known as bitewing x-rays. They get their name because of the wing shape of the plastic device you bite down on to keep the x-ray film in place. At an exam and x-rays check-up you’ll usually have one bitewing x-ray taken on each side of your mouth. These help dentists to see what’s happening with your molars, or large back teeth. They’re also useful for checking for decay that’s hiding between your molars.
You can ask your dentist to take panoramic x-rays as well, if they’re available at your practice. These show a full view of your whole mouth on one single x-ray. Panoramic x-rays are useful for diagnosing invisible problems like impacted teeth, jaw bone abnormalities, benign cysts, tumours, infections, abscesses and fractures.
If you only visit the dentist in an emergency or when you’re in pain, it can easily become something you try to avoid. But having a routine dental check-up means you’re less likely to need to see an emergency dentist. You’ll also probably spend less money at the dentist over time. That’s because regular preventative care helps to diagnose and treat potential dental problems early. It’s a vital part of staying on top of your oral and general health.
Your first appointment may take a little longer. That’s because your oral health is our priority. And that means we need to make sure we have all the details we need when we meet you for the first time. When we have that information, and understand you and your concerns, we can successfully care for all your oral health needs.
A second appointment is normally made for any fillings you might need. In some cases, if you only need a small filling and the dentist has time, it can be done in the same appointment.
Taking care of your oral health should be as important as anything else you do for your overall wellness and general health.
We recommend daily healthy habits and regular visits to the dentist. For optimum oral health:
- Practice good oral hygiene habits at home including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day
- Book hygiene visits with an oral hygienist or oral health therapist twice each year
- Book routine exam and x-rays visits with your dentist once each year
We recommend you book a routine check-up at least once a year as a part of your overall oral health care. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly even if you’re not in pain or you don’t have any specific concerns.