Dental Checkups and Cleaning at Genesis Dentists, North Melbourne

Generally, it’s recommended to have a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Some people, especially those with specific dental issues or a history of gum disease, may need more frequent visits.

Generally, it’s recommended to have a dental exam and cleaning every six months. Some people, especially those with specific dental issues or a history of gum disease, may need more frequent visits.

A dental exam includes checking for tooth decay, examining gums for disease, evaluating overall oral health, and possibly using X-rays to detect hidden problems. The dentist also assesses your risk for other oral issues and checks for abnormalities in your face, neck, and mouth.

Dental cleaning is usually painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you might feel some discomfort. Inform your dentist about any pain concerns so they can make the process more comfortable.

Regular exams and cleanings help prevent cavities, root infections, gum disease, and facilitate early detection of problems, making treatment easier and less costly. They also maintain oral health and keep your smile looking bright.

Yes, oral cancer screening is often part of a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer, including sores or discolored areas.

Maintain your usual oral hygiene routine. List any questions or concerns, including pain or sensitivity. Bring a record of medications, as they can impact oral health.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. Polishing uses a paste to smooth and shine teeth, preventing plaque buildup and leaving teeth feeling clean.

Routine dental exams and cleanings typically last 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oral health. The appointment may be longer if it’s been a while since your last visit or if you have many oral health issues.

A dental exam is a thorough evaluation of your oral health, including cleaning and possibly X-rays. A dental consultation is a discussion about specific concerns or treatments, without the cleaning or detailed examination.

Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, using mouthwash, limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and following any specific care instructions from your dentist.

Yes, you can eat and drink before your appointment. Brush your teeth after eating to clean your teeth and freshen your breath before your exam.

Dental X-rays are important for diagnosing hidden problems and are recommended based on your oral health needs. They’re not always necessary but can be a crucial diagnostic tool.

If issues like cavities or gum disease are found, your dentist will discuss these with you and recommend a treatment plan, which might include fillings, deep cleaning, or other dental procedures.

Yes, children should have regular dental exams and cleanings, ideally starting when their first tooth appears or by their first birthday, to establish good oral hygiene habits and prevent tooth decay.

Dental exams enable early detection of issues like tooth decay and gum disease, allowing for early intervention and prevention of more serious problems.

If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, heavy tartar build up, are a smoker, have braces, or certain medical conditions affecting oral health, you may need more frequent cleanings.

Yes, dental exams can sometimes reveal signs of broader health issues, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances, through symptoms manifesting in the mouth.

A periodontal exam focuses specifically on the health of your gums and supporting structures, assessing gum pocket depth, gum recession, inflammation, and bone loss, in contrast to a standard dental exam which covers overall oral health.

Dental exams often include checking for TMJ disorders, especially if you have symptoms like jaw pain or difficulty moving your jaw. The dentist examines the jaw joints for signs of dysfunction.

Inform your dentist about any oral health changes, medical history updates, medications, and any dental treatment concerns or anxieties you may have.

Absolutely. Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol use, diet, and oral hygiene habits significantly impact oral health. Smoking, for example, increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, which can reflect in your dental exam results.

Maintain dental cleaning results by practicing good oral hygiene: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, use mouthwash, and avoid tobacco. Also, stick to a balanced diet and schedule regular dental visits.

Fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. It’s often included in dental exams and cleanings, especially for patients prone to cavities.

Yes. Children might need fluoride treatments and sealants, while elderly patients may require assessments for conditions like dry mouth and oral cancer.

Digital technology, such as digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, provides detailed images of teeth and gums, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans.

Nutrition directly affects dental health. A diet high in sugar can lead to decay, while a balanced diet supports overall dental health. Your dentist may discuss nutrition’s role in maintaining oral health during your exam.

Unfortunately, a dental clean is a treatment, and medicolegally and diagnosis must first be determined. Furthermore, a simple clean without a check up can lead to missed issues which can turn into major problems. At Genesis Dentists, we believe in putting our patients health first and providing a thorough service. 

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that accumulates on teeth and is removable by regular brushing and flossing. Tartar, or calculus, is hardened plaque that forms over time and can only be removed with professional dental tools during cleanings.

Bad breath (halitosis) is indeed addressed during dental exams and cleanings. Dentists identify and treat underlying causes such as gum disease, dry mouth, or plaque build up and offer advice on maintaining fresh breath.

Missing regular dental exams and cleanings can lead to undetected issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, which may worsen over time. Regular visits enable early detection and treatment, maintaining oral health and preventing more complicated, costly treatments later.

Yes, dental exams are effective in pinpointing the causes of bad breath, which might be due to gum disease, dry mouth, or poor oral hygiene. The dentist can then develop a treatment plan to address these underlying issues and improve breath.

Dentists check for gum disease by examining gums for signs of inflammation, measuring the depth of gum pockets around teeth with a special tool, and possibly using X-rays to assess bone loss.

Oral cancer screening is typically a standard part of a dental exam. Dentists look for signs of oral cancer, such as sores, lumps, or discoloured areas in the mouth, and may palpate the neck and jaw area for abnormalities.

Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, listen to calming music, or employ distraction methods. It’s important to communicate your fears to your dentist, as they can provide reassurance and may suggest sedation options if necessary.

Many dental practices now use digital X-rays. These offer lower radiation exposure compared to traditional X-rays and provide immediate images for faster assessment.

If you observe changes like new sensitivity, pain, or swelling, contact your dentist promptly to schedule an appointment. Addressing potential issues quickly, even between regular exams, is important.

Regular dental cleanings can help prevent tooth loss by removing plaque and tartar, the culprits behind gum disease, which is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Dental hygienists are key in performing dental cleanings, educating patients about oral hygiene, and assisting dentists during exams.

Gum health is evaluated by examining gum colour, texture, firmness, checking for bleeding, and measuring gum pocket depths.

Individuals with dentures still need regular dental exams to check the fit of their dentures, assess the health of gums and mouth, and screen for oral cancer.

Avoid coffee or alcohol before your exam, as they can cause mouth dehydration or mask symptoms that need evaluation during the exam.

Ignoring gum bleeding can lead to advanced gum disease, resulting in gum recession, bone loss, and potential tooth loss if untreated.

Children’s dental exams focus more on developmental monitoring, early decay prevention and treatment, and guiding proper oral hygiene habits.

Inform your hygienist or dentist if you feel pain during cleaning. They can adjust their methods, provide additional numbing, or take other steps for your comfort.