Check-ups & Examinations

The appointment that catches things early

A proper examination of teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues — and a plain explanation of anything we find.

Book Online ☏ Call 02 4933 4667

When It’s Needed

Book a check-up if

It has been twelve months or more since your last visit
Something has changed — sensitivity, a rough edge, food catching between teeth
Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
You’re pregnant, as gums often become more reactive
You’ve started medication that dries your mouth, which quietly raises decay risk
You’re about to start orthodontic or cosmetic treatment and need a baseline

At The Appointment

What actually happens

01/

Talking first

We ask what’s been happening, review your medical history and medications, and note anything you’re worried about. Two or three minutes that shape everything after it.

02/

The examination

Tooth by tooth, then gums, bite, jaw joints, tongue, cheeks and throat — including a soft tissue check for anything unusual. Nothing here hurts.

03/

X-rays if needed

Small digital films to see between teeth and beneath old fillings. Not every visit — only when there’s something we can’t see directly.

04/

The conversation

We show you photographs on screen, explain what we found, and give you options with costs. You leave knowing where you stand.

Alternatives We’d Also Discuss

Other ways to go

Waiting and watching

Small areas of early decay can sometimes be remineralised and monitored rather than filled. If that’s reasonable for you, we’ll say so and photograph it for comparison.

A clean at the same visit

Most people combine the examination with a scale and clean, which saves a trip and lets us assess gums properly.

A children’s check-up

Children under 18 usually see Zoe, our oral health therapist, and eligible children can be bulk billed through CDBS.

Risks & Considerations

The honest downsides

No treatment is risk-free, and you should hear this before you decide rather than afterwards.

X-rays involve a very small radiation dose. We use digital sensors and take them only when clinically indicated, but they are never taken casually.
An examination is a snapshot. Some problems — hairline cracks, early nerve inflammation — simply aren’t visible yet, and can appear between visits.
Leaving longer than recommended between check-ups is the single most common reason a small filling becomes a crown or a root canal.
If we find several things at once it can feel overwhelming. We’ll sequence treatment by urgency rather than expecting it all at once.

Cost & health funds

A new patient examination, treatment plan, X-rays, scale and clean and fluoride is no-gap with a participating health fund rebating $199 or more, or a flat $199 without cover. New patients only, and a $50 booking deposit applies and comes off the visit. Most funds cover two examinations and cleans per year.

Fees & payment plans →

Get a written plan

Before anything starts you’ll have a written treatment plan with costs, inclusions and any conditions spelled out, plus an estimate of your health fund rebate checked at the desk.

Book an assessment →

This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personalised advice from a registered dental practitioner. Any dental or surgical procedure carries risks. Individual results vary. Before proceeding with treatment we encourage you to ask questions and, if you wish, seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.