A check-up is not a formality before a clean. It is the appointment where problems are found while they are still small, cheap and simple to treat — and where the things that cannot be seen are checked.
What the examination covers
- Teeth — decay, cracks, wear, existing fillings and crowns
- Gums — bleeding, recession, pocket depth where indicated
- Bite — how the teeth meet, signs of grinding or jaw problems
- Soft tissues — tongue, cheeks, palate and throat, as part of routine mouth cancer screening
- Restorations — margins of crowns, bridges and fillings, and whether they are still sealing
The soft tissue check is the part patients least expect and the part that matters most: mouth cancer is far more treatable when found early, and it is often painless at that stage.
Why X-rays are not automatic
X-rays show what the eye cannot: decay between teeth, bone levels, infection at the root, and the position of wisdom teeth. They are taken when there is a clinical reason, not on a fixed schedule. The principle is to use the lowest dose that answers the question, which is why a dentist may take them for one patient every six months and for another every three years.
If you are pregnant, tell your dentist. Necessary X-rays can still be taken with appropriate shielding, but they will only be requested if there is a real indication.
How often should you go?
There is no single correct interval. The old “every six months, no exceptions” rule does not reflect how risk actually varies between people. Your recall interval should be set from:
- Your history of decay and gum disease
- Your diet, smoking status and medication
- How many restorations you have and how old they are
- Whether you have ongoing treatment or a condition that affects healing
Low-risk patients may safely be seen every twelve months; higher-risk patients benefit from three to six. If your dentist has never changed your interval, it is a fair question to ask why.
New patient versus existing patient examination
A first appointment is longer and usually includes a fuller set of records: medical history, photographs, and X-rays where indicated. At ēm dental, a new patient examination including small X-rays is £75, and a routine examination for an existing patient is £65. Fees are listed on our treatment price list.
What happens if something is found
Good practice is to explain what has been found, what the options are, and what happens if you do nothing. Not every finding needs treatment immediately — early decay in a low-risk patient may be monitored, while the same finding in a high-risk patient may be restored. You should leave knowing which group you are in and why.
Check-up or hygiene appointment?
They do different jobs. The check-up is diagnostic; the hygiene appointment is treatment and prevention. Most patients benefit from both, and they are often scheduled together. See dental hygiene for what that visit involves.
Getting the most from the appointment
- Bring a list of medications and any recent medical treatment
- Mention sensitivity, bleeding, jaw clicking or grinding, even if it seems minor
- Ask what was found and what the plan is, not just whether everything is “fine”
- Book the next appointment before you leave — the gap is where problems develop
Booking
If it has been more than a year since your last examination, or you have noticed a change in your mouth, book a check-up at our W2 clinic. The appointment takes under an hour and is the cheapest dentistry you will ever have.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a check-up if nothing hurts?
Yes — most dental problems are painless until they are advanced. Pain is usually a late symptom, not an early warning.
How long does a check-up take?
A routine examination is usually 15 to 30 minutes. A new patient appointment takes longer because it includes records and a fuller assessment.
Are X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays use very low doses and are only taken when clinically justified. The risk is small and is weighed against the benefit of finding problems early.
Can the dentist tell if I have been flossing?
Yes, reasonably well — the gums between the teeth show it. This is not a reason to avoid the appointment; it is useful information for your care.
What if I need treatment I cannot afford right now?
Ask. Prioritising the urgent problem and planning the rest is a normal conversation, and often cheaper than waiting until a small problem becomes an emergency.
This article is general information about dental treatment and is not a substitute for clinical advice. For advice about your own teeth, book a consultation at our W2 clinic.