What are dental checkups?
Regular dental checkups are essential for detecting issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer early on. During a checkup, a dentist evaluates your oral health, checks for decay or disease, and may perform an oral cancer screening. Professional teeth cleaning is often part of the check-up to remove plaque and tartar, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Patients can discuss dental concerns such as sensitivity or cosmetic desires, receiving advice on improving oral hygiene and overall oral health. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection of serious conditions, ensuring prompt intervention.
Routine dental checkups are vital for maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums, preventing more severe health issues. By visiting your dentist regularly, you benefit from personalized advice and care, ensuring any potential issues are addressed promptly.
Use of X-Rays in dental checkups
Dental x-rays are a vital tool in dental checkups, providing a detailed view of your teeth and jawbone. They help detect issues like decay, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren’t visible during a regular exam. Although x-rays expose you to a small amount of radiation, the benefits outweigh the risks, aiding in accurate diagnosis and preventing the need for more extensive dental treatments.
If you’ve recently had similar x-rays or are pregnant, notify your dental team. Sharing your dental concerns and medical history ensures personalized care and effective management of your oral health.
Please call to enquire about the price
More about pricingBefore the appointment
You do not need a referral for an examination appointment. If you are new to our dental service, you will be asked to complete some forms on arrival, prior to seeing the dentist. These include contact details and information about your medical history.
We are very skilled at treating patients who are nervous, have dental phobia or who have had previous poor experiences at the dentist. Do share your worries and concerns with us and we will find a way to work with you to overcome these.
If you have had any radiographs of your teeth taken recently, it is advisable to bring these along to avoid the need for further x-rays.
During the appointment
When you have completed the forms, you will be greeted by the dentist and shown to the surgery. Once comfortably seated in the dental chair, the dentist will ask you some questions about your previous dental experience and treatment, your daily oral care routine, your diet and whether you have any concerns.
The dental chair will recline and the dentist will conduct a full assessment of the mouth. This includes assessing the health of all teeth, gums and the surrounding tissues for any abnormalities. Intra-oral radiographs will also be taken to check all teeth and surrounding bone.
The dentist will discuss their findings with you and explain any treatment that is required.
A bespoke treatment plan, including costs, will be produced and printed for you to read, sign and take home.
Gum health check
A gum health check is an essential part of a dental check-up. During this examination, your dentist will carefully inspect your gums for any signs of gingivitis (early gum disease) or more advanced periodontitis. They will look for redness, swelling, and bleeding, which are common indicators of gum disease. Additionally, the dentist will check for pockets between the teeth and gums, which can signify more severe gum issues. If any signs of gum disease are detected, your dentist will recommend the best course of treatment to prevent further damage and maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
After the appointment
Any further appointments will be booked for you at the dental reception.
It is important to schedule your next check-up to ensure ongoing dental health and address any concerns that may arise since the last visit.
Understanding your results and next steps
After your dental check-up, your dentist will review the results with you and discuss any concerns or issues found during the examination. They will provide personalized advice on how to maintain good oral health and prevent future dental problems. If further treatment is needed, your dentist will explain the available options and answer any questions you may have. This collaborative approach ensures that you are well-informed and can make the best decisions for your oral health.
Maintaining good oral health between dental checkups
Maintaining good oral health between dental checkups is essential to prevent dental problems. Here are some tips to help you maintain good oral health:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Use a mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can damage your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and cleanings.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce the risk of developing dental problems between your routine check-ups.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Appointment
You do not need a referral for an examination appointment. Once you are settled in, the dentist will perform a full exam.
Treatment plan
A bespoke treatment plan, including costs, will be produced and printed for you to read, sign and take home.
Next check-up
It is important to schedule your next check-up to ensure ongoing dental health and address any concerns that may arise since the last visit.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.