We encourage all of our patients to have regular check-ups and visits with our Hygiene team but we know that sometimes life gets in the way. We have had many patients join us a Fullarton Park Dental after a long hiatus from routine dental care. Sometimes this is cause by a trauma response (not necessarily a dental trauma), a past negative dental experience causing anxiety, travel and lifestyle choices and financial constraints.
Fullarton Park Dental is a judgement free zone!
We are happy to see you no matter how long has passed since your last check-up. We are happy to work with your comfort zone and financial resources to create a comfortable experience.
What should I expect?
When is has been a while between visits we recommend booking in with one of our Hygienist for a professional teeth cleaning. During this appointment our hygienist will take a set of X-rays and one of our dentists will come into the hygienist’s room and complete a comprehensive check. If you have any pain or concerns, please let us know at the time of booking as we may book an extended time with the dentist.
Sometimes, depending on the amount of calculus or tartar that has built up on the teeth the hygienist may recommend a second visit to finish your clean to a high standard.
Our hygiene team are very gentle and use different techniques for different patients to make the experience both customised to you and also as comfortable as possible.
You should allow an hour of your time for your first visit.
What can happen if I NEVER see a dentist?
The simple answer is we don’t know. If there is a problem it is almost always less invasive and also less costly to intervene earlier rather than later. A small filling required left unchecked can travel to the nerve and blood supply of the tooth and turn into an infection or abscess that may require root canal or extraction. Some people may not have or require any fillings or treatment on the teeth themselves but most people in the absence of a professional clean will continue to build up calculus or tartar and harbour bacteria that can lead to gum disease and possibly loose teeth. Seeing the dentist on a regular basis means you're less likely to need emergency dental treatment.
Do I really need X-rays If I have gone this long without them?
Without x-rays we cannot consider the exam to be comprehensive. There are risks to not being able to thoroughly check in between the teeth and under any existing fillings. This is often the place that cavities start and left unchecked you could lose more tooth structure than necessary as the cavity grows. X-rays are also an excellent screening tool to check the bone around the teeth.
