Dental Check-up and Clean

A dental check-up and clean is a routine dental visit where a dentist or dental hygienist checks the health of your teeth and gums and removes any plaque and tartar buildup. It is recommended that most people have a check-up and clean every six months, but your dentist may suggest more or less frequent visits depending on your individual needs.

During a dental check-up, your dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. They may also take X-rays to check for any issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

After the examination, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a dental clean, which involves removing any plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional.

The dental clean usually involves scaling and polishing your teeth with special tools to remove the plaque and tartar. They may also use a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from decay.

Overall, a regular dental check-up and clean is an important part of maintaining good oral health and can help prevent more serious dental problems down the track.

The frequency of dental check-ups and cleans can vary depending on individual oral health needs, but a general guideline is to visit the dentist for a check-up and clean at least every six months. This recommendation applies to individuals with good oral health and a low risk of developing dental issues such as cavities and gum disease.

If you need more than just a routine check-up and cleaning, our dentist will thoroughly examine your specific treatment. Depending on your oral health, the dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Fillings: If you have a cavity, the dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with a dental filling.
• Root canal treatment: If you have an infected or inflamed tooth pulp, the dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infected tissue and preserve the tooth.
• Crowns and bridges: If you have a severely damaged or missing tooth, the dentist may recommend a crown or bridge to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.
• Teeth whitening: If you have discoloured or stained teeth, the dentist may recommend teeth whitening to brighten your smile.
• Orthodontic treatment: If you have misaligned teeth or malocclusion (bad bite), the dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment such as braces or aligners.
• Gum disease treatment: If you have gum disease, the dentist may recommend a deep cleaning or other periodontal treatments to restore the health of your gums.

The dentist will explain the recommended treatment plan and any associated costs and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.

A check-up and clean alone may not fix tooth pain if caused by a more serious dental issue such as a cavity, infection, or gum disease. While a dental cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup contributing to tooth pain, it may not be enough to address the underlying problem.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, scheduling an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible is important. During the examination, the dentist will determine the cause of the tooth pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include a filling, root canal treatment, or other procedures to address the problem and alleviate the pain.

In some cases, tooth pain may be a symptom of a larger systemic issue, such as sinusitis or TMJ disorder. The dentist may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment in such cases.

You can use private health insurance to pay for your dental check-up and clean. However, the coverage, amount, and benefits of different private health insurance plans can vary widely. Therefore, reviewing your policy carefully to understand what is covered and any out-of-pocket expenses you may be responsible for is important.

At Amazing Smiles Dental, we are proud to be the preferred provider with major health funds. It’s important to note that our dental clinics vary as preferred providers for our different locations. Please contact your nearest Amazing Smiles clinic to check if we are the preferred providers with your health fund.

Most private health insurance plans in Australia provide dental coverage as an optional extra, meaning you must pay an additional premium to include dental benefits. Some plans may cover the full cost of routine check-ups and cleans, while others may only cover a portion.

It is also important to note that many private health insurance plans have waiting periods before you can claim dental benefits. This means you will need to wait a certain period (usually several months) after enrolling in the plan before using your dental benefits.

Suppose you are unsure about your dental coverage or have questions about using private health insurance to pay for your dental care. In that case, you may contact your nearest Amazing Smiles dental clinic for advice or your insurance provider for more information.

Medicare generally does not cover routine dental check-ups and treatments for adults unless they are provided as part of a specific medical treatment (such as oral surgery for a medically necessary reason, usually provided at a Hospital).

However, Medicare does provide some dental benefits for children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

The CDBS provides basic dental services (such as check-ups, x-rays, fillings, and extractions) for eligible children aged 2-17. The program provides up to $1,052 in benefits over a two-year period and covers services provided by private dentists who participate in the program.

To be eligible for the CDBS, the child must be between 2-17 years, be eligible for Medicare, and their family must receive certain government benefits (such as Family Tax Benefit Part A) or meet other specific criteria. The eligibility is assessed by the Department of Human Services each calendar year.

It is important to note that the CDBS does not cover all dental treatments, and there may be out-of-pocket costs associated with the services provided. If you are unsure about your eligibility or coverage under the CDBS, contact your dentist or the Department of Human Services for more information.

Plaque and tartar accumulation poses several dangers to oral health and can lead to various dental issues. Here are some of the key dangers associated with plaque and tartar buildup:

• Tooth Decay (Cavities): Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. These bacteria produce acids when they come into contact with sugars and carbohydrates from the foods we consume. Over time, these acids can erode the teeth’ enamel (outer protective layer), leading to tooth decay or cavities.
• Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): Plaque buildup along the gumline can lead to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming infected pockets. If not addressed, the infection can spread and lead to the breakdown of the bone that supports the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis): The bacteria in plaque and tartar produce foul-smelling gases that can contribute to persistent bad breath.
• Staining and Discoloration: Tartar, a hardened form of plaque, is yellow or brown and can cause visible staining and discolouration of the teeth.
• Weakening of Tooth Structure: The acids produced by bacteria in plaque can weaken the tooth structure, making the teeth more susceptible to damage and fractures.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to exposed tooth roots and increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages.
• Impaired Appearance of Your Teeth and Gums: The staining and discolouration caused by tartar can affect the appearance of the teeth and smile, leading to decreased confidence in one’s appearance.
• Difficulty in Cleaning: As tartar accumulates on teeth, it creates a rough surface that makes it harder to clean effectively with regular brushing and flossing. This can exacerbate plaque accumulation, leading to a vicious cycle of further plaque and tartar buildup.

To prevent these dangers and maintain optimal oral health, practising good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist for professional or deep teeth cleaning, is essential. By taking proactive steps to control plaque and tartar accumulation, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of developing dental issues and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

It is not recommended to remove plaque and tartar at home with a sharp tool, such as a metal scraper or a sharp object like a needle, as this can cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if left untreated, it can harden into tartar (also known as calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and tooth decay and requires professional dental cleaning to be removed.

Attempting to remove plaque or tartar at home with a sharp tool can damage your teeth and gums and may even result in infection. It can also be difficult to accurately gauge how much pressure to apply and which areas to target, leading to ineffective or uneven cleaning.

Instead of trying to remove plaque and tartar at home, practising good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist is recommended. Your dentist can use specialized tools and techniques to safely and effectively remove any buildup of plaque and tartar and can also guide proper oral hygiene practices to maintain optimal oral health.