Dental Check-Ups
It’s up to your dentist to keep an eye on your dental health. When it comes to problems that affect our teeth and gums, the signs aren’t always obvious and can be missed. To make sure that your smile is as healthy as can be, we need to see you for routine check-ups. These appointments only last for a maximum of 20 minutes yet during this time, we check over your teeth with a thorough examination, check on how effectively you’re cleaning your teeth at home, take x-rays if we need to and discuss any potential treatment.
If you’re problem-free, you may feel that regular check-ups aren’t necessary. However, it’s best for your peace of mind, and ours, that you visit at least twice a year. Your teeth do a lot of hard work and keeping on top of your dental health is important. If you want to give your natural teeth the best fighting chance of a long life, routine dental care is the way to do it.
Book your FREE Cosmetic ConsultationWhy is regular brushing at home and flossing not enough?
Routine dental care takes place in the dental practice and in front of the bathroom mirror. It takes both to keep on top of your oral health. While most of the hard work does happen at home with your regular maintenance and protecting your teeth from bacteria, your dentist is best placed to look for issues that you can’t see. Keeping your smile healthy is a team effort.
If your home care routine is top notch, we may only need to see you once a year as a result. You’ll save yourself from needing to have more costly treatment further down the line. When it comes to dentistry, prevention is always better than cure.
Book your FREE Cosmetic ConsultationWhat is involved in a dental examination?
1. Dental examination
The chief part of the appointment is taken up by the assessment. Your dentist will inspect your entire mouth, not just your teeth, but your gums, tongue, upper palate and neck.
2. X-rays
If we think we’ve spotted something, we’ll arrange for an x-ray. We don’t always carry them out, but we aim to get them done during your appointment so we can arrange for any treatment as soon as we can. X-rays will show us any impacted wisdom teeth, potential infection, decay cavities and abscesses.
3. Gum disease check
Though more of an area for your hygienist to check thoroughly, your dentist will check for inflammation. If there are signs of early gum disease, you can then book in to see a hygienist following from the check up.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
We will screen for any abnormalities including any unusual lumps and bumps.
5. Checking existing dental work
If you have any crowns, bridges or implants, we will make sure everything is sound.
6. Bite and Jaw Alignment
Part of the check involves us seeing how your bite aligns. If you have any jaw pain or joint popping, there could be a misalignment. We can suggest treatment if we believe the problem could escalate.
7. Treatment Recommendations
Based on the examination findings, your dentist will provide any recommendations for treatment if needed. We will also arrange for your follow up appointment which you can book far in advance if you’d like. We’ll decide when we’d like to see you, whether in three months, six months or even a year.
Want to register as a new patient at De-ientes Dental?
Our new patient examinations take longer at our clinic as we have a lot more to cover when it comes to your dental health. Before we see you, we ask if you can fill out your medical history so we have a clear idea of what to expect when we see your teeth for the first time. Your first check up will also include x-rays so we can get a thorough look at your teeth and bone structures.
Every step of the way, we make sure that you are completely comfortable and involved in the process. We completely understand that seeing a dentist for the first time in a while can feel daunting. If you have any nerves, we’ll help you to feel in control and relaxed. We’ve designed our practice with patient comfort and care in mind.
Hear From Our Happy Patients
Explore the smiles of our delighted patients below and see the difference we can make. With every dental treatment, we go above and beyond to ensure you leave with renewed confidence and a smile you're proud to show off!
FAQs & Common Questions
Below are some of the most common questions we receive from patients considering their dental treatment. If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Most dental issues have mild symptoms. Gum disease in particular can be easy to miss before it becomes a problem. Through regular check-ups, you dentist can detect and treat dental problems early before they escalate into more serious issues. Routine exams also allow your dentist to assess your oral care at home and can provide advice on how to manage plaque and tartar buildups, all which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
In most cases, you’re expected to see a dentist for a routine check-up every six months. However, the frequency of visits may vary depending on your individual oral health needs. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease and health conditions that impact your oral health. On the other hand, if your dental health is in top shape, you may only need to visit once a year.
Dental X-rays are perfectly safe. You may be a little concerned when the clinical team step out of the room when the x-ray is taken. This is because they are around the equipment more regularly and need to reduce exposure. As you’re unlikely to be having several x-rays a day, there is no risk to you when having an x-ray. The amount of radiation exposure from dental X-rays is minimal, and modern digital X-ray technology further reduces radiation exposure. Dentists use X-rays to detect dental problems not visible during a visual examination, such as cavities, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
Dental anxiety is common among patients, but there are strategies to help alleviate fear and discomfort during dental visits. Communicating openly with your dentist about your anxiety can help them tailor the experience to your needs and provide reassurance. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or listening to music during appointments can help you feel more comfortable. Some dentists also offer sedation options for anxious patients to help them relax during treatment.
Not all tooth pain is serious but is a sign that indicates a possible issue. If the tooth ache is constant, it’s definitely something you should contact a dentist about. If you have pain and discomfort when drinking a hot beverage or something chilled, sensitivity to temperature is a sign you should let your dentist know about. For severe tooth pain, contact a dentist at once. We will work to relieve the pain as soon as we can. Most tooth pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Good oral hygiene practices at home are crucial for preventing dental problems. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, eating a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods, and avoiding tobacco products. Using mouthwash also helps to combat bacteria and improve your oral hygiene.
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Dental Practices
De-ientes Dental proudly serves patients across three welcoming locations: Golders Green, Bedford, and Clapham. Each practice offers a soothing, modern environment designed to help patients feel at ease, with minimalist interiors that reflect our commitment to compassionate service and advanced dental care. From the moment you arrive, our spaces embody our dedication to your comfort and well-being.
Our Dental Treatments
Below is a list of our comprehensive dental services available at De-ientes Family Group Dental. We provide unique dental care, delivered by an experienced family of dentists and a caring team. Our practice has a rare atmosphere that will calm even the most nervous patient.