A dental check-up is a routine visit where your dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth, takes X-rays if needed, and usually cleans your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Most people are advised to have one every 6 to 12 months, although your dentist may suggest a different timeframe based on your oral health.
This guide covers what happens at a check-up and clean, why regular visits matter, how often to book, what it costs at our North Sydney practice, and how to get the most from your appointment.
Why a regular dental check-up matters
Many dental problems don’t hurt in the early stages. Decay can start between teeth where you can’t see it, and gum disease often causes little more than some bleeding when you brush. By the time a tooth aches, the problem is usually bigger and the treatment more involved.
Regular check-ups give your dentist the chance to:
- find decay while it is small and simpler to treat
- spot early signs of gum disease, which is a common cause of tooth loss in adults
- check old fillings and crowns for cracks or leaks
- look at the soft tissues of your mouth for any unusual changes
- remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing can’t shift
- give you advice tailored to your teeth, diet and habits
This kind of preventive dentistry is often the most cost-effective care you can have, because it helps you avoid larger treatment later.
What happens at a dental check-up and clean?
Every visit is a little different, but a typical check-up and clean includes these steps.
1. Medical history and a chat
Your dentist will ask about your general health, any medications, pregnancy, and any concerns such as sensitivity, bleeding gums or grinding. Medical conditions and some medicines can affect your mouth, so it helps to keep us up to date.
2. Examination
Your dentist checks each tooth for decay, wear and cracks, looks at existing fillings and crowns, and measures the health of your gums. They also examine your tongue, cheeks, lips, the floor and roof of your mouth, and your jaw joints.
3. X-rays, if needed
Small bitewing X-rays show decay between the back teeth and bone levels around them. A panoramic X-ray (OPG) gives a wide view of all your teeth and jaws, including wisdom teeth. Your dentist will only take X-rays when they are clinically useful, and how often you need them depends on your risk of problems.
4. Scale and clean
Using an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments, your dentist or oral health therapist removes plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and just below the gumline. This is followed by a polish to remove surface stains. Learn more about teeth cleaning in North Sydney.
5. Fluoride and advice
A fluoride treatment helps strengthen enamel. Your dentist will then explain what they found, show you any areas to focus on when brushing and flossing, and outline any treatment you may need, with costs, before anything further is booked.
How often should you have a dental check-up?
Healthdirect suggests a check-up every 6 to 12 months for most people. You may be advised to come more often if you:
- have gum disease or build up tartar quickly
- have had a lot of decay or have many fillings
- smoke or vape
- have diabetes or a dry mouth
- are pregnant
- wear braces, clear aligners or a partial denture
Children should start having check-ups from about 12 months of age, or when their first teeth appear. Our children’s dentistry visits are designed to help kids feel comfortable from the start.
How long does a check-up take?
A first visit to our practice usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes, because it includes a comprehensive examination and any X-rays needed. Return visits are often a little shorter. If you haven’t had a clean for a long time, your dentist may suggest a longer or second appointment.
How much does a check-up and clean cost?
At North Sydney Dentistry:
- New patients: no gap for eligible health fund members, depending on your level of cover, or $219 if you don’t have private health insurance. This includes a comprehensive examination and consultation, bitewing X-rays and a panoramic X-ray as needed, a comprehensive scale and clean, and fluoride treatment.
- Returning patients: $199 for a check-up and clean, with your gap depending on your health fund rebate.
See the full details on our new patient specials page. We have HICAPS, so eligible members can claim on the spot, and we are a preferred provider for Bupa Members First, Medibank Members’ Choice and nib First Choice. Check your policy for waiting periods and annual limits before you book.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your health fund card and a list of your medications.
- Brush and floss as usual beforehand.
- Write down any questions or symptoms, such as sensitivity or clicking in your jaw.
- If you feel nervous, tell us when you book. We can take things slowly, and happy gas may be an option.
Looking after your teeth between visits
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and spit rather than rinse afterwards.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially between meals, and drink tap water.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are splayed.
- Book in sooner if you notice pain, swelling, a broken tooth or gums that bleed often.
If you have severe pain, swelling or a broken tooth, don’t wait for your next check-up. See our emergency dentist page. Call 000 or go to hospital if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, or facial swelling that is spreading quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have a dental check-up?
Most people are advised to have a check-up every 6 to 12 months. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease, a lot of decay, diabetes, or you smoke or vape.
Does a scale and clean hurt?
Most people find a scale and clean comfortable, although you may feel some vibration, scraping or brief sensitivity. If you have a lot of tartar or sensitive teeth, let us know and we can adjust how we work.
Is a check-up covered by my health fund?
If you have extras cover that includes general dental, your fund will usually pay a benefit towards a check-up and clean. The amount depends on your level of cover, waiting periods and annual limits, so check with your fund.
Do I need X-rays at every check-up?
No. Your dentist will decide whether X-rays are needed based on your oral health and when you last had them. People with a higher risk of decay may need them more often.
Book your check-up
North Sydney Dentistry is at Level 1, Suite 102/71 Walker St, North Sydney, a two-minute walk from North Sydney station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Call (02) 8090 1108 or book online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.