What Happens At Dental Check Up And Cleaning?

Feeling uneasy about a dental check-up and clean is far more common than most people realise, and a lot of that unease comes from simply not knowing what is going to happen. Regular check-ups and cleans are the foundation of looking after your teeth, so here is a plain description of what an appointment at Helix Dental actually involves.

General Steps at a Check-Up and Clean

A routine visit usually follows the same sequence:

Examination. Your dentist looks over your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, checks existing fillings and asks about anything you have noticed. This determines what the rest of the appointment needs to cover.
Scale and clean. Plaque hardens into calculus that brushing cannot shift. Scaling removes it from the tooth surfaces and along the gumline, and polishing lifts many surface stains.
X-rays where needed. Images taken at intervals your dentist judges appropriate can show decay between teeth or beneath fillings before it is visible or sore.
Fluoride. A fluoride varnish may be applied to help strengthen the enamel surface and reduce the risk of decay.
A plan. Your dentist explains what they found, what if anything needs attention, the risks and costs involved, and when you should return.

How Long Does a Check-Up and Clean Take?

It depends on what is needed and on the condition of your mouth. A general check-up and clean commonly takes somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour. If there is heavier calculus build-up or gum inflammation to address, your dentist may recommend a longer appointment or a second visit.

At-Home Dental Care

What you do between appointments matters more than what happens in the chair. Your dentist will usually recommend:

brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between the teeth daily
using mouthwash if it has been suggested for you, as an addition to brushing rather than a replacement
limiting how often you have sugary and acidic food and drink
cutting back on smoking and alcohol, both of which affect gum health

People sometimes ask about home remedies such as baking soda or charcoal. Abrasive products can wear the enamel surface over time, so it is worth checking with your dentist before adding anything to your routine.

Looking for a Dentist Near You?

Helix Dental provides general dental care for patients across Mermaid Waters, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach and the surrounding Gold Coast. We also see families through children's dentistry, and can discuss cosmetic options such as teeth whitening if the appearance of your teeth is a concern.

Booking Your Next Visit

A check-up and clean is a routine appointment, not something to be anxious about, and it is the simplest way to pick up problems while they are still small. If you are due for one, or it has been a while, our dentists at 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters can help. Call 07 5572 8969 or email hello@helixdental.com.au.

General information only. This page provides general information about dental treatment and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. Whether any treatment is suitable for you can only be determined by a dentist after an examination. Results and recovery vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Many adults are seen every six months, but the right interval depends on your gum health, decay risk and medical history. Your dentist will recommend how often you should return after examining you.

Brushing twice daily and cleaning between the teeth is the foundation, but once plaque hardens into calculus it cannot be removed with a toothbrush. A professional scale and clean removes it, and the examination checks for changes you would not see yourself.

It depends on what is needed at the appointment, including whether X-rays are taken and how much cleaning is required. We will explain the costs and provide a quote before any treatment goes ahead. Call 07 5572 8969 to ask about a specific appointment.