the foundation of a healthy smile

Why Have a Dental Check Up?

A dental check-up, or dental examination, is an important preventive measure. Our goal is not simply to find problems, but to identify early changes and help you prevent them from developing further. The earlier an issue is detected, the less likely it is to require extensive treatment. Many dental problems cause no pain until they become advanced—and often more costly and complex to treat. Relying on the absence of pain as a sign that everything is fine can lead to avoidable difficulties later on.

During an examination, we assess your teeth, gums, and all soft tissues in the mouth. Every surface of each tooth is checked carefully. X-rays are taken to assess areas we cannot see directly, such as between the teeth and beneath existing fillings. We also evaluate the health of your gums (gingiva), as the gums and supporting bone form the foundation of your teeth. It is very common for someone to have healthy teeth but unhealthy gums.

We also examine the soft tissues for general health and screen for oral cancers. In New Zealand, oral cancers make up around 2% of all cancer diagnoses and are the 11th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Fortunately, rates are decreasing as smoking becomes less common.

Most people are advised to have a dental exam with X-rays once a year. If you have a high rate of tooth decay or active gum disease, we may recommend six-monthly check-ups until the condition is stabilised, followed by annual reviews.

If we identify any concerns, we will show them to you and discuss the available treatment options. We typically offer several choices with different costs and expected lifespans, and we will help you select the option that best suits your needs.

A dental examination is also a great opportunity to meet your dentist and get comfortable in the clinic. No treatment is carried out unless you specifically request it, making it a relaxed and welcoming first visit.