Initial Dental Examination
An initial examination is a comprehensive check of your whole mouth and usually takes 45 minutes. Our aim is to get a thorough understanding of your concerns, identify issues and present you with a treatment plan. We do this taking into account your medical and dental history, and use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras as needed.
Following the identification of issues, we’ll discuss these with you and present the treatment options while answering any questions you may have. We will then devise a personalised treatment plan. If complex treatment is required, a comprehensive written treatment plan and complete estimate of fees will be provided. Some cases might call for a specialist, and we will organise referrals as needed.
Recall (or Periodic) Dental Examination
Regular recall visits are important for the maintenance of good oral health and the prevention of dental problems such as decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
Depending on your individual needs, it is recommended that most people have a periodic examination every 6 to 12 months. This examination is usually incorporated into a hygiene appointment, so you can get a thorough check-up and your teeth cleaned in one convenient session.
The Advantages of Digital X-rays
Preventive Dentistry uses digital radiography instead of traditional X-rays. This reduces your radiation exposure by approximately 50% and produces clearer results. These electronic images can be efficiently copied, magnified and enhanced for better diagnosis and quickly sent to specialists if needed.
Intra-Oral Cameras
X-rays allow us to examine the internal structure of the teeth and jawbone, but they don’t let us take a highly detailed look at the tooth surface, nor do they record colour. That’s what intra-oral cameras can be used for.
The superb level of detail and magnification is excellent for examining the appearance of gums, surface condition of fillings, small areas of decay, cracks, tooth staining and oral pathology. These images can be saved for future comparison.
The image can be displayed on a screen, so you can see what we’re seeing. A lot of our patients find this very informative as it helps them to understand what is happening in their mouths.
To schedule your Initial Dental Examination or Recall Appointment, call us on 6171 2088