Examinations
A dental examination at High Locks involves our team firstly listening to any concerns or problems you may have. We will take the time to fully understand your concerns and then look to work together with yourself to regain or restore your smile.
- A thorough medical history is taken and checked at each visit for any changes.
- A comprehensive oral health assessment is carried out looking for signs of dental decay, gum disease and failing restorations.
- The soft tissues of your mouth and surrounding areas will be thoroughly examined as part of the head and neck cancer screening.
- Your jaw joint will be assessed for any abnormalities and if necessary advice given for remedies, for example jaw pain.
- Appropriate advice will be given on oral hygiene, diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption so that you can maintain a healthy mouth into the future.
If you require treatment, we will discuss all your treatment options with associated pros and cons. Costs will be discussed in full and written estimates given prior to you accepting any treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
We will advise you on a suitable recall interval which may vary from every three months to 2 years depending on your individual needs and in accordance with NICE guidelines.
X-rays are recommended periodically to check between teeth and around the root area. These areas are not visible to the eye and so routine x-rays can help detect for potential problems.
At High Locks we use a high tech digital x-ray system that not only lowers the x-ray dose administered, but is also processed much quicker for the patient and can be enlarged on the computer screen to discuss more clearly any findings. Before taking any x-rays, the dentist will always obtain your consent in administering the procedure.
Certain dental x-rays are advised to be retaken at routine intervals to help check for any problems. The interval time is specific to the individual but can range from 6 months to 5 years.
Current guidance indicates that if there is an urgent need to have a dental x-ray it is safe to do so however if it can be delayed or deferred until after pregnancy it is better to do so.
