I would like to have a dental check up and routine clean
At Elements Dental, we take your dental checkups seriously. Every six months, we measure your gums, check for plaque traps, inspect for cracks and leaks, detect hidden decay and even suspicious lesions and sore spots.
We document everything with a professional digital camera, and any further investigations would be done using ultra-low dose digital X-rays. The examination findings will be reported to you in detail with all maintenance and repair work fully explained for your consideration.
We do all this so you can feel reassured that you and your teeth are being taken care of.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health, and also a simple yet effective way to protect your smile and wallet. Here’s why:
Early Detection of Dental Issues
Routine checkups allow our dentist to identify potential problems, such as cavities, gum disease, or oral infections, often before symptoms appear and become serious. Early detection can lead to less invasive treatments and a lower risk of complications down the line.
Preventing Gum Disease
During your clean, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease. Plaque left on your teeth hardens into tartar, and this build up can irritate your gums, leading to gingivitis or more severe periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss if left untreated.
Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Even with daily brushing and flossing, tartar buildup can occur, which can stain teeth and cause bad breath. A professional cleaning removes this buildup, leaving your teeth looking their best and your breath fresh.
Preserving Your Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Untreated dental issues can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Routine visits ensure that your oral health is maintained and that any potential health risks are caught early, which in turn supports your overall well-being.
Cost-Effective Preventative Care
By visiting the dentist regularly, you can prevent larger, more expensive treatments down the road. Preventative care is always more affordable than treating advanced dental issues
During your dental check up, your dentist will run through a thorough check of your teeth, gums and mouth to ensure everything is in order. Below are what you can expect when you come for a dental check up at Elements Dental.
Teeth
During your routine visit, our dentist will examine your teeth for cavities, signs of wear or damage, and the condition of any fillings or crowns. They will also check for misalignment that could affect your bite.
Gums
Our dentist will check for gum disease, looking for redness, swelling, or bleeding, and measure the depth of gum pockets. They’ll also assess any gum recession that could expose tooth roots and cause sensitivity.
Mouth
Our dentist will screen for oral cancer by checking for abnormal lumps or sores. They’ll also inspect your tongue and soft tissues for infection or changes, and evaluate your bite and jaw for signs of misalignment or discomfort.
Dental Check Ups FAQs
What can you expect during a dental check up at Elements Dental?
Step 1: Full Assessment
Our dentists will address any concerns you have regarding your oral health. They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums and mouth while considering your overall health, dental habits, and lifestyle. If you have any changes in your medical history, this will be a good time to let us know. For your first visit, our dentist will take records with a professional digital camera. If necessary, x-rays will also be taken.
Step 2: Personalised Treatment Plan
If our dentists detect any dental issues that require treatment, they will explain your condition, the benefits and risks of each treatment option, the procedure involved, and provide you with a personalized treatment plan for your consideration. This is where the photos and X-rays will come in handy, as we will display it on our TV screen for you to view too
Step 3: General Maintenance
This can include some, or all of the following:
- Clean (scaling and polishing) to remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Topical Fluoride treatment to protect your teeth against decay by strengthening the tooth enamel
Step 4: Tailored Advice
Our dentists will run through good oral health habits and advise you on the recommended frequency to come in for a dental check.
How often should I get a dental exam?
Typically, we recommend once every 6 to 12 months, depending on your oral health and risk factors. The frequency of visits can be adjusted based on your personal health needs. Our dentists will recommend a plan that works best for you.
Duration
For new adult patients, we will usually book an hour. For existing patients, typically 30-40 minutes will be sufficient.
Is it a must to take x-rays?
X-ray examinations are an important tool in maintaining your oral health. It allows our dentists to detect hidden issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections, and impacted teeth. Our dentists will assess if x-rays are necessary based on your individual health needs and risk factors.
How often do I need to take x-ray?
The frequency of dental x-rays depends on your oral health and risk factors. For healthy individuals with low risk, x-rays are typically taken every 1 to 2 years, while those with a history of cavities, gum disease, or oral infections may need them more often
I am concerned about radiation when taking x-ray.
It’s understandable to be concerned about radiation exposure from dental x-rays, but the amount of radiation used in dental imaging is very low and considered safe for most people. Modern x-ray technology has significantly reduced radiation levels, making the risk minimal.
Do you provide Lead Aprons and Thyroid Shields when taking x-ray?
Yes we do have them in our clinic, however, according to the Expert Panel established by the American Dental Association in 2024, the use of Lead Aprons and Thyroid Shields are no longer recommended for dental x-rays. Evidence indicates that modern digital x-ray equipment and restricting the beam size only to the area that needs to be imaged better protect patients against radiation exposure to other parts of their body. Lead aprons and thyroid collars can also block the primary x-ray beam, preventing dentists from capturing the image they need. If you still prefer to wear one, please let our dentists know.