Preventative Dentistry Central Edinburgh
Check-Ups
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Routine dental appointments are essential to maintain good oral health and a happy smile. A standard dental check-up is carried out by an experienced, qualified dentist and is the best way to spot any problems with your mouth before they become serious. Both adults and children require routine dental appointments on a regular basis because preventative dentistry is the key to keeping your mouth healthy.
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Routine dental appointments are usually carried out every six months, but the number of times you need to attend these appointments varies from patient to patient. Some patients may require more frequent visits, while others may need to come into the practice less often – your dentist will advise you on how often you need a regular check-up.
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What happens at a routine dental check-up?
If it is your first appointment at the practice, your dentist will take a full dental and medical history. They will also:
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Thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth.
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Take X-rays if necessary.
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Discuss any dental problems you may have had since your last visit
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Discuss general health and dietary issues that can affect your teeth and gums – such as alcohol consumption or smoking.
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Discuss your teeth-cleaning habits, such as brushing technique, and recommend any improvements such as interdental brushes or flossing as required.
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Explain any further treatment you may need, such as fillings, root canal treatment or hygienist appointments.
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Provide you with a full treatment plan.
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Answer any questions you may have regarding your treatment and what options are available.
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If you require no other treatment, your dentist will let you know when you should come for your next routine check-up.
Life Benefits
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Maintain good oral health
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Spot any problems early
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In many cases, prevent problems before they start
Hygiene
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Dental hygiene treatment is delivered by a dentist who will help to remove any hard-to-reach plaque from your teeth that may have built up over time. Here is what you can expect from a hygiene appointment:
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Your teeth and gums will be assessed to determine the amount of plaque removal you will need and risk factors will be highlighted.
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Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes. This process is also known as scaling and polishing.
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The dentist's role is to show you how to look after your teeth so that they remain free from plaque in the future. You will be advised on the best tooth brushing technique and given tips on flossing and using interdental brushes.
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Dental hygiene at our practice also functions preventatively to treat gum disease and bad breath. If you have a bridge, denture, orthodontic treatment or a dental implant you will have specific hygiene needs that the dentist will be able to assist you with.
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It is recommended that you come in for regular hygiene appointments to ensure your mouth stays clean and healthy.
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LIFE BENEFITS
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Minimised risk of tooth loss.
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Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and need for fillings.
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Fresh minty breath.
Children's Dentistry
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As dental professionals we believe in preventative dental care and encourage our patients to bring their children to the practice from an early age. Regular check-ups from a young age will ensure children don't suffer from untreated dental decay with devastating effects to their growing dentition. There are a number of preventative treatments that our team can provide for children:
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Fluoride applications are a safe and effective way to safeguard your child's growing teeth from developing decay. The fluoride is painted onto the surface of the teeth, helping to mineralise them.
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Tooth-coloured fissure sealants are applied to the biting surfaces of children's teeth to prevent decay.
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Studies have shown that the younger your child is when attending their first dental appointment, even if just for a check-up, the more likely they are to have a positive experience and to grow up unafraid of the dentist. Our team will take special care of your child to make them feel safe and cared for.
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Treating a child from a young age also allows the dentist to spot early signs of underbites, cross bites or overbites developing. As with most dental problems, the sooner you can start to treat it, the quicker it can be resolved.
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Prevention is always better than cure, so call the practice today to make an appointment for your child.
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LIFE BENEFITS
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Healthy teeth and gums for life.
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Reduced risk of developing tooth decay and reduced need for fillings.
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No fears or phobias of the dentist.