Why regular dental check-ups matter

Most dental problems do not hurt at first. A small cavity, early gum inflammation or a crack in an old filling can go on for months without any pain. By the time a tooth aches, the problem has usually grown, and so has the treatment it needs.

A regular check-up is how those problems are found while they are still small.

What happens at a check-up

The dentist looks at each tooth, your gums, your tongue and the inside of your cheeks. They check old fillings and crowns, look for early decay, and see whether your gums bleed or have started to pull away from the teeth.

Then you are told what was found, in plain words, and what we would suggest. If something needs a closer look, we explain what and why. Nothing is started without your agreement.

Why early matters

• Decay. A small cavity is usually a simple repair. Left alone, decay can reach the nerve of the tooth, and the tooth may then need root canal treatment or may have to be removed.
• Gums. Gum inflammation caught early can usually be reversed with scaling and careful brushing at home. Left alone, it can turn into gum disease, which slowly weakens what holds the teeth in place.
• Tartar. Hardened deposits build up even on well-brushed teeth, and a toothbrush cannot remove them. A check-up is the natural time to have them cleaned off. Read why scaling matters.

How often should you come?

There is no single answer that suits everyone. Someone with healthy teeth and gums may need check-ups less often than someone with gum problems, diabetes, or a history of frequent cavities. After your first check-up, your dentist will tell you what interval suits you.

If it has been a long time since your last check-up, that is not a reason to stay away. It is the reason to come.

Check-ups are available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road.