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Routine Check Up

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Routine Check Up Overview

Taking care of your teeth means more than just brushing and flossing. For complete care, it’s important to visit a dentist at least once a year for a regular check-up and professional cleaning.

In addition to the cleaning, the dentist will also inspect for cavities and any other signs of tooth decay.

Your exam will include:

  1. Examination of your external oral health (facial muscles, TMJ/joint check, glands etc)
  2. Oral Cancer screening
  3. Soft Tissues Check (cheek, tongue, roof & floor of mouth)
  4. Gum Health (periodontal health has been lined to diabetes, Alzheimer’s and other medical conditions)
  5. Occlusion health – your bite (stability, wear, crossbites, interference)
  6. Signs of decay and/or infection
  7. Current restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures)
  8. Current shade of teeth
  9. Current alignment of teeth

Visits to the dentist protects your overall health and can help you avoid serious health complications and disease such as oral cancer. Mouth cancer is an important global healthcare problem. There are more than 300 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) reported in Ireland every year. Dentists have a key role in the early detection of mouth cancer and in the prevention of the disease by identifying those patients who are exposed to risk factors.

 

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Additional Information

What should your dentist know?

Here are some examples of information that is important to point out to your dentist:
Changes in your mouth since the last visit
Tooth discolouration
Teeth that have changed position
Sensitivity to cold, warm and sweet drinks or food.
Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or floss
A mouth sore that does not heal
Discolouration of oral soft tissues
Tension in the jaw or neck muscles

Changes in your lifestyle or your overall health
Taking medication
Disease (any new disease diagnose since the last dental exam)
Allergies
Tobacco smoking
Pregnancy

How often should I see the dentist?

Even if you keep a good oral hygiene, it is very important to go to the dentist on a regular basis for a check-up. It is recommended to undergo a dental exam at least once a year. This frequency will be adjusted depending on your general health status and your dental condition as well as your oral hygiene habits.

Does the dentist clean my teeth during my dental exam?

The dentist can clean your teeth during a dental exam but it would almost always be advised that you to see a dental hygienist.

Is my exam covered under by PRSI?

If you are qualified under your PRSI you are entitled to a FREE dental exam in every calendar year. Please provide us with your PPS number when making an appointment and any of our care team can check if you are qualified.

What happens if i need work done?

During your routine dental exam the dentist will let you know exactly what treatment you need. They will provide you with a full treatment plan outlining the appointments and the cost. Before you leave one of our care team will book your next appointment for a day and time that suits you. We will also email you your treatment plan.

What if i don't want to make a future appointment?

You are under no obligation to book any further appointment with us. However, we would always recommend that you do try and book the treatment that the dentist has outlined you need as leaving it for a longer period of time my only lead to further damage and a bigger cost.

Are x-ray's taken during my routine exam?

Not at every appointment. The dentist will always take x-rays at your very first appointment. This is in order to see where there may be decay which they can’t see with the naked eye and to see bones levels around the teeth. They may take other x-rays if you are having a issue with a particular tooth.
There are two types of x-rays which can be taken. A small x-ray is taken if they need to see a particular area (ie 3 teeth on the left hand side). A panoral takes an x-ray of the entire jaw.

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