Check-Up & Clean in Ashburton — $199

What’s included

A thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues; professional removal of plaque and hardened calculus above and below the gumline; polishing; and a fluoride application to strengthen enamel. X-rays are taken only where they’ll tell us something useful, and we’ll explain why before we do.

You’ll leave knowing exactly what we found, what needs attention now, what can wait and be monitored, and what it would cost. No surprises later.

Why every six months

What the clean actually involves

A professional clean removes what brushing can’t: hardened calculus above and below the gumline, and the plaque biofilm in the spots your brush misses. We use an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates deposits off with a fine water spray, followed by hand instruments for the detail, then a polish that removes surface stain and leaves teeth smooth so plaque struggles to grip. If your gums bleed during the clean, that’s inflammation from bacteria — not from the cleaning — and it settles quickly once the deposits are gone.

We finish with a fluoride application. Professional fluoride is far more concentrated than toothpaste, strengthens enamel, and can reverse the earliest stage of decay before a filling is ever needed. You’ll be asked not to eat or drink for half an hour afterwards to let it work.

Check-ups and cleans — common questions

What the $199 covers

The check-up, clean and fluoride is $199. It is open to new and existing patients. The price covers the examination, the scale and clean, the polish and the fluoride.

If your dentist recommends anything extra, such as X-rays or a filling, they will explain why and tell you the cost first. Nothing extra is done without your OK.

Before your visit

• Your health fund card, if you have extras cover, so we can claim on the spot. See health funds.
• A list of any medicines you take, and any recent changes to your health.
• Your previous dentist’s details, if you’d like us to ask for your old X-rays.
• If you feel nervous, tell us when you book. See nervous patients.

How often should you come in?

Every six months suits many people, but your dentist will suggest a gap based on your own teeth and gums.

• Every three to four months may suit people with treated gum disease, frequent decay, diabetes, or who smoke.
• Every 12 months may be enough for some adults whose teeth and gums have stayed stable for years.
• Children are often seen every six months while their teeth are changing. See children’s dentistry.

What X-rays are for

X-rays show what an examination can’t. They may be suggested to:

• find decay between back teeth, or under old fillings
• check the bone level around teeth, which helps assess gum health
• look at teeth that haven’t come through, such as wisdom teeth
• check the root and bone around a tooth that is sore

Dental X-rays generally use a low dose of radiation. If you are pregnant, or might be, tell your dentist first.

If something is found

For a step-by-step guide to the examination, see what a check-up involves. If there are signs of gum disease, a regular clean may not be enough; see gum disease treatment. If a cavity shows up, read about fillings.

Health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider, and eligible members may pay no gap on check-ups. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

More questions about check-ups and cleans

Should I brush before my appointment?

Yes, brush as usual. You don’t need to do anything special or scrub harder than normal. If your gums bleed when you brush, don’t worry. That is useful information for your dentist, so mention it at the start of your visit.

Can I book a check-up and clean for today?

Same-day appointments are available in many cases. We are open Monday to Saturday. Book online or call (03) 9885 7588 and we will find the next available time for you.

Do I need X-rays at every visit?

No. X-rays are suggested based on your risk of decay and gum disease, and on when you last had them. Some people need them every year or two, others less often. If you have recent X-rays from another dentist, let us know.