What can be revealed in a Dental check up?

By doing a check up, just like a blood test, we get a summary of the condition of your oral hygiene.

Main areas covered are:

• Overall oral "map" i.e. existing tooth, missing tooth, decayed tooth, loose tooth, calculus level etc
• Any abnormal conditions such as chipped tooth, crooked tooth, growth, gum condition etc

After mapping the condition, then you normally get a "report card" with options

• Whether you need cleaning (i.e. scaling and polishing) that will remove calculus and stain
• Whether the decayed tooth (if any) can be treated. If yes, options to do filling or root canal or crown or post crown etc
• Missing tooth - can it be rectified by a simple denture or bridge
• Do you have redundant tooth causing infection of gums? If yes, should it be removed?
• Any tooth that requires extraction? If yes, is it expected to be a simple extraction or requires a minor oral surgery.

The list of items can go on and on. But the bottom line is after you understand what is required, the next question is COST. How much it may cost? Always get an estimate. If it is within your budget, well and fine. If you feel you are not convinced - there are always other clinics around for you to get another opinion and estimate!

As a patient, you have to exercise your prudence in asking for the options available.