Before treatment is undertaken, a thorough examination or check up is completed. It is easier and more cost effective to treat a potential problem early rather than when you have toothache. Regular check-ups are recommended to ensure that teeth can be maintained and potential problems have the least chance of occurring.

As part of the examination the teeth are checked but there are many more components to an examination which are checked. A few are listed below:

–    Medications and medical conditions including allergies
– This ensures your safety, and so that we know about any conditions which may affect your mouth. All of our patients are asked to complete a comprehensive medical history at their check-up appointment.

–    Face and jaw muscles including jaw joints (TMJ)
– TMJ problems are relatively common and can lead to pain and headaches.

–    All soft tissues within the mouth including the tongue

–    Teeth
– All the surfaces of the teeth are checked to ensure that decay is not forming or fillings are not failing leading to toothache.

–    Gums
– The gums show the first signs of gum disease and these are checked and assessed thoroughly to ensure a diagnosis and treatment plan can be formulated.

–   Cancer Screening
– This allows us to carefully check for signs of possible malignant lesions and any other illnesses. Prompt detection and treatment can greatly improve an outcome.

–   Special tests
– X-rays or other special investigations are undertaken as necessary to help formulate a treatment plan and provide the correct treatment.

Only once a full examination is complete can your dentist provide you with a treatment plan and estimate.