Check-ups & Cleans

The check-up is the least glamorous thing we do and easily the most important. Catch a cavity when it's the size of a pinhead and it's a ten-minute filling. Leave it two years and you're looking at a root canal and a crown. Same tooth, wildly different afternoon.

Book check-ups & cleans (02) 6295 9460 45–60 min

What actually happens

We start with a chat — what's bugging you, what your history is, anything you're nervous about. Then Dr Gupta has a proper look at every tooth, your gums, your tongue and the soft tissue around your mouth (that last bit is a quick oral cancer screen — takes thirty seconds, worth doing). If something needs a closer look we'll take a digital X-ray, but only when there's a reason. Then it's on to the clean: scale off the tartar your toothbrush can't shift, polish, and a quick fluoride if it suits you.

The bit most people like

You get to see what we see. We put the intraoral camera photos up on the screen and go through them together, so when we say 'there's a small crack on the back molar' you can actually look at it rather than take our word for it. Then we talk through what needs doing now, what can wait, and what we'll just keep an eye on.

How long and how often

Most check-ups and cleans take 45 minutes to an hour. Six-monthly is the standard advice and it's a good default, but plenty of people with healthy mouths are fine on yearly visits, and some people with gum issues do better on three or four. We'll tell you honestly which camp you're in.

Cost and health funds

We claim through HICAPS on the spot, so if you've got extras cover you just pay the gap. Most funds cover two check-ups a year. If you're not insured, ask reception for the fee when you book — we'd rather you know upfront than get a surprise.

Things people ask about check-ups & cleans

Usually not. If you've got a lot of build-up or sensitive gums it can be a bit tender, and we'll go gently and use numbing gel if it helps. Tell us if anything's uncomfortable — we can always stop.