Regular Checkups with Southside
Book NowWhy do I need a regular dental checkup?
Having a regular dental check-up is essential for your oral health and ensuring that your teeth and gums are in good condition and free of disease. It also means that we are able to take timely preventative and corrective actions when necessary to slow down or stop dental problems from developing.
Healthy teeth and gums also mean that you can chew your food properly and are able to speak with more clarity. You will also enjoy much greater self-confidence in your appearance and smile.
What happens in a regular dental checkup?
When you come to our southern Adelaide dental surgery for a regular checkup, there are a number of checks that we will undertake, and which may result in our dentists performing a variety of procedures. The first step will be to examine your mouth to see if there are any cavities, plaque or tartar, as well as any signs of gum disease.
This will then likely be followed by scaling (a non-surgical procedure in which any tartar and bacteria build up are removed) and polishing (to smooth your teeth and remove any stains). In addition, at your regular dental checkup our dentists will check your head and neck, as well as the firmness of your jaw (a useful indicator of gum disease).
You might also be given an X-ray to see if there are any underlying issues with the structure and strength of your teeth.
What are the benefits of having regular dental checkups?
Regular dental checkups are the best way to spot early on or prevent the onset of painful and potentially serious dental problems, which can save you time, money and inconvenience further down the line.
In addition, at Southside Dental Options we pride ourselves on the quality of our communications with our patients and their families, and we will always provide you with clear explanations, relevant advice and expert guidance when it comes to treatment options.
Do I need to have a regular dental checkup?
It is generally the case that we recommend our patients have a checkup at our Morphett Vale dental surgery every six months, although this advice might sometimes vary depending on your specific needs. Regular checkups mean that we can more easily manage any plaque and bacteria build up, which helps to prevent and control gum disease, and enables us to take preventive or corrective actions as soon as possible.
If you experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, you might need to schedule an appointment with a dentist or hygienist ahead of a regular, scheduled check up. You can call us on (08) 8382 2436 or email admin@southsidedental.com.au.
FAQ
Commonly asked questions about Regular Checkups
Why do I need to go to the dentist so often?
When you have regular dental checkups, we can prevent plaque, tartar and calculus building up. This means that the amount of scaling and polishing required is reduced, and also prevents the onset of more serious gum and teeth diseases as potential problems can be spotted early on.
What should I do between regular dental checkups?
In between your visits to Southside Dental Options, it is important to maintain effective oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth and flossing daily. You should also endeavour to eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid high sugar foods. However, your dentist may also give you other specific instructions to follow in between checkups.
How do I know when I need to visit the dentist?
If your gums feel swollen or bleed when you brush, if you have bad breath, a dry mouth or you are experiencing difficulty in swallowing, it might be that you need to schedule an appointment at our Morphett Vale surgery ahead of any regular, scheduled checkup.
Can I have a dental checkup while pregnant?
It is generally perfectly safe for pregnant women to have a dental checkup, and we would always recommend regular appointments during pregnancy. This is because expectant mothers can be especially prone to dental problems, in particular gum disease and tooth decay.