Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing potential dental issues from becoming severe.

At Payneham Road Dental Centre in Adelaide, we emphasize the importance of routine checkups as a fundamental aspect of your overall health care. Here’s why dental checkups are vital:

Early Detection of Dental Problems: Regular visits allow our dentists to detect and address issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their early stages, preventing them from progressing into more severe conditions.

Preventive Care: Checkups provide an opportunity for professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar build-up, which are not easily removed by regular brushing and flossing at home. This helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Oral Health Education: During your checkup, our dental professionals will provide personalized advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, diet, and other factors that can affect your oral health.
Overall Health Monitoring: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Regular dental visits can help identify signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, allowing for timely medical intervention

How Often Should You Have Dental Checkups?

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that most people visit their dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months. However, the frequency of dental visits can vary based on individual needs. Factors such as oral hygiene practices, medical conditions, and the presence of dental issues may necessitate more frequent visits.

Our dentists at Payneham Road Dental Centre will assess your oral health and recommend a checkup schedule that is tailored to your specific needs.

What Usually Gets Checked During a Dental Checkup?

A comprehensive dental checkup at Payneham Road Dental Centre includes the following:

Examination of Teeth and Gums: Our dentists will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to check for signs of decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. This includes checking for cavities, loose or damaged fillings, and other issues that could affect your oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening: As part of your checkup, we conduct an oral cancer screening to detect any signs of oral cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
X-Rays: If necessary, dental X-rays may be taken to provide a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone. X-rays help detect issues that are not visible during a visual examination, such as impacted teeth, bone loss, and abscesses.
Bite and Jaw Assessment: We will assess your bite and jaw for any abnormalities, misalignments, or issues that could affect your overall oral function.
Flossing, Cleaning, and Polishing: During your checkup, a professional cleaning will be performed. This includes:
- Flossing: Removing plaque and food particles between your teeth and under the gumline.
- Cleaning: Using specialized tools to remove tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth, particularly around the gumline.
- Polishing: Polishing your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and clean.

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frequently asked dental checkups questions

Below our the questions and answers we get asked the most about dental checkups in our Adelaide dental clinic.

Why are regular dental checkups necessary?

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems from becoming more severe. During a checkup, dentists can identify and treat issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections in their early stages, which can prevent more extensive and costly treatments later.

Checkups also include professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup, which are not easily removed by regular brushing and flossing. Additionally, routine dental visits allow for oral cancer screenings, ensuring any early signs of cancer are detected and treated promptly. Regular dental checkups also provide an opportunity for personalized oral health education and advice, helping you maintain a healthy mouth and prevent future problems.

How often should I have a dental checkup?

The general recommendation by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is to have a dental checkup every six months. However, the frequency of checkups may vary depending on individual needs. Factors such as your oral hygiene habits, medical conditions, past dental issues, and risk of developing gum disease or cavities can influence how often you should visit the dentist. Some people may need to visit more frequently, while others with excellent oral health may be able to extend the interval between checkups.

At Payneham Road Dental Centre, our dentists will assess your oral health and recommend a personalized checkup schedule to ensure your dental health is optimally maintained.

What happens during a dental checkup?

A dental checkup at Payneham Road Dental Centre typically involves several important steps:

Examination: The dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. This includes checking for cavities, loose or damaged fillings, and any abnormalities in your oral tissues.
Oral Cancer Screening: As part of the checkup, an oral cancer screening will be conducted to look for any signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions in your mouth.
X-Rays: If necessary, dental X-rays will be taken to provide a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone. X-rays help detect problems not visible during a visual examination, such as impacted teeth, bone loss, and abscesses.
Bite and Jaw Assessment: The dentist will assess your bite and jaw for any misalignments or issues that could affect your overall oral function.
Cleaning: A professional cleaning will be performed by a dental hygienist. This includes flossing to remove plaque and food particles, scaling to remove tartar, and polishing to remove surface stains and leave your teeth smooth and clean.

What should I do to prepare for a dental checkup?

Preparing for a dental checkup involves a few simple steps to ensure the visit is effective and efficient:

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly before your appointment to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
List Concerns: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your oral health, so you don’t forget to discuss them with your dentist.
Medical History: Be prepared to update your dentist on any changes in your medical history, medications, or any new symptoms you have experienced.
Previous Dental Records: If you are visiting a new dental clinic, bring your previous dental records or have them transferred to the new clinic.
Arrive Early: Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and to ensure you are relaxed and ready for your appointment.

What are the benefits of professional cleaning during a dental checkup?

Professional cleaning, performed during a dental checkup, offers several key benefits:

Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can build up and harden into tartar, which can only be removed with professional tools. Removing these deposits helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
Gum Health: Professional cleaning reduces the risk of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where bacteria can cause inflammation and infection.
Stain Removal: Polishing your teeth during a cleaning helps remove surface stains caused by food, drinks, and tobacco, resulting in a brighter smile.
Fresh Breath: Removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria helps eliminate bad breath, contributing to fresher breath.
Early Detection: During the cleaning process, dental hygienists can identify early signs of dental issues, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Education and Advice: Professional cleanings provide an opportunity for dental hygienists to offer personalized oral hygiene advice and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.