Dental Exams and X-rays

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

Why do I need Dental X-rays?

Dental X-rays or radiographs are important aids to ensure an accurate diagnosis and assist our dentists in the management of many dental conditions. A well exposed x-ray can capture early signs of decay (cavities) or other oral health problems that cannot be seen during the visual clinical exam and sometimes detecting problems before symptoms appear. Oral cancer, cysts, infections, hidden caries in between your teeth, impacted teeth and bone loss due to gum disease are among the many conditions that can show up on x-rays. With early detection, these problems can be treated before it becomes serious and requires treatment that is more involved and expensive. 

Generally, Dental x-rays are taken every 2 years unless problem arises which indicate the needs of x-ray for aid in diagnosis and treatment planning. Dental x-rays are also necessary before procedures such as tooth extraction, placement of implants or crowns, and root canal treatment.

Our dental x-rays equipments are comply with Australian Standard and our dentists follows strict guidelines to minimise your exposure to radiation. The radiation in one dental radiograph is less than the radiation you receive from “background radiation” (radiation from the atmosphere, the sun and the stars). It is also less than you would receive on an interstate airline flight.

All Smiles Centre also pride itself by reducing the radiation exposure further by using digital radiography where the exposure is lesser compared to traditional radiographic procedure. We can also show you the taken x-rays on the computer screen in aid of diagnosis and treatment planning.

Can I have dental X-rays taken if I am pregnant?

The risk of radiation to unborn child is extremely low. Accodring to the National health and medical research council, dental radiographs can be done during pregnancy provided precautions are taken to limit the foetal exposure. In fact, failure to treat oral disease may do more harm to the well being of the mother as well as the unborn child.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Do not be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits, our team is here to work with you to improve your habits and ensure a good dental health! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a dental exam and check-up?
The dentist will examine your teeth, gums and overall oral health, perform a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar, and take x-rays if needed. You’ll also get personalised advice to maintain your oral hygiene.

How often should I get a check-up and clean?
Most people benefit from visiting every six months. Regular check-ups help catch early signs of tooth decay, gum disease or other changes before they become serious.

Are check-ups suitable for children or nervous patients?
Yes. Patients of all ages are welcome, including young children and those who feel anxious. A calm, gentle approach and sedation options are available to help make visits more comfortable.