A regular check-up is the visit that makes all the others less frequent. It finds small problems before they hurt and gives us a chance to talk about what you can do at home. A professional clean removes what a toothbrush cannot.

What it is

Dental check-up. An examination of your teeth, gums, tongue and all the soft tissues of the mouth, your bite and any existing restorations.
Professional clean. Removal of tartar (calculus) and plaque above and just below the gum line with ultrasonic and hand instruments, followed by polishing to remove surface stains.

How often

There is no single interval that suits everyone. International guidance recommends setting the interval between check-ups according to each person's risk: from 3 months to 2 years for adults, and from 3 months to 1 year for children and teenagers. Many adults come every 6 to 12 months.

You may need more frequent check-ups if you:

have or have had periodontitis,
often develop decay,
smoke or have diabetes,
have many restorations, implants or orthodontic appliances,
take medicines that cause a dry mouth,
are pregnant.

At the end of each check-up we will tell you when your next one is recommended.

What usually happens

Updating your history. We ask about changes in your health, medicines, allergies and whether anything is bothering you.
Examination. Teeth, fillings and crowns, gums (with measurements where needed), tongue, cheeks, palate and floor of the mouth.
X-rays, only when needed. Small X-rays show decay between teeth and the bone level. How often they are taken depends on your individual risk.
Cleaning. Removing tartar and plaque, then polishing.
Discussion and advice. We tell you what we found, what we recommend and in what order, and, if needed, show you how to clean areas you tend to miss. In some cases fluoride is applied.

After a clean

Your gums may be slightly tender or bleed a little for a day or two, especially if they were inflamed.
Sensitivity to cold for a few days is common after tartar removal. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help.
Carry on brushing and cleaning between your teeth as usual.

Frequently asked questions

Does cleaning wear away my teeth?

No. A professional clean removes tartar and plaque, not enamel. Any small gaps that "appear" afterwards were usually hidden by tartar.

Is cleaning painful?

Most of the time it causes only mild discomfort. If your teeth are very sensitive or there is a lot of tartar under the gums, local anaesthetic can be used. Tell us if anything is uncomfortable and we will stop.

Do I need X-rays at every check-up?

No. They are taken only when there is a reason, at intervals based on your individual risk, with the lowest possible dose.

Can I have a check-up while pregnant?

Yes. Check-ups and cleaning are safe and useful in pregnancy, as the gums are more prone to inflammation. Please tell us you are pregnant when booking.

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Appointments and questions: +30 210 6743342 · [email protected]

Dental check-up and cleaning