General dentistry is the gateway to your oral health: the check-ups, diagnoses and basic treatments that keep your mouth healthy and catch any problem in time, before it becomes more complicated. It’s the least glamorous specialty in dentistry and, precisely because of that, the one that prevents the most problems in the long run.
When to get a dental check-up
We recommend a check-up every 6 months, even if you don’t notice any discomfort. Most dental conditions — decay, early gingivitis, wear — progress without obvious symptoms in their early stages. Pain tends to appear once treatment is already more complex and costly, so a regular check-up is by far the most cost-effective investment in your oral health.
What the first visit includes
- A full examination of teeth, gums and the soft tissues of the mouth.
- X-rays, if the case requires it, to assess what isn’t visible to the naked eye.
- A clear diagnosis and a written treatment plan, with the available options and their cost, so you can decide with full information.
- No obligation: the first visit is free and it’s up to you whether to go ahead.
Professional dental hygiene
Professional teeth cleaning removes bacterial plaque and tartar built up in areas daily brushing doesn’t reach, especially between teeth and beneath the gumline. It’s the most effective preventive treatment against decay and gum disease, and we recommend it once or twice a year depending on the case.
Oral cancer screening
Every check-up includes an examination of the lips, tongue, gums and oral mucosa to catch any suspicious lesion early. More on this screening.
Fillings
When there’s decay, we remove the damaged tissue and rebuild the tooth with composite that matches the natural tooth’s colour, in a conservative and aesthetic way. The sooner decay is treated, the less of the original tooth needs to be sacrificed.
Simple extractions
When a tooth has no viable treatment, we remove it under local anaesthesia with minimal discomfort, always assessing first whether there’s a viable alternative to save the tooth.
When we refer you to a specialist
If during a check-up we detect something that needs a more specific approach — for example, root canal treatment, a receding gum or a bite misalignment — we’ll explain it clearly and accompany you to the team doctor trained in that area, within the same clinic.
Jaw pain and bruxism
If we detect dental wear from teeth grinding, or you mention jaw pain on waking, we consider a TMJ and bruxism treatment with a custom-made night guard.
Related treatments
- TMJ and Bruxism Treatment Diagnosis and treatment of jaw pain, joint clicking and night-time bruxism, with custom night guards to protect your teeth and ease muscle tension.
- Professional Dental Hygiene Professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar built up in areas daily brushing doesn't reach, as the foundation of preventing decay and gum disease.
- Oral Cancer Screening Visual and physical examination of the lips, tongue, gums and oral mucosa to catch suspicious lesions early, included in every routine dental check-up.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have a dental check-up?
We recommend a check-up every 6 months, even if you don't notice any discomfort. Tooth decay and gum disease progress painlessly in their early stages, and the sooner they're caught, the simpler and cheaper the treatment.
Is an X-ray needed at the first visit?
Only when the case requires it. During the initial examination we assess whether an X-ray is needed to see what isn't visible to the naked eye, such as decay between teeth or the condition of the bone.
Do fillings hurt?
No. They're carried out under local anaesthesia, so you won't feel pain during treatment. It's common to feel some sensitivity for the first few days, which goes away on its own.
What happens if I need more specific treatment?
If we detect something that requires a specialist — root canal treatment, a receding gum, a bite misalignment — we'll explain it clearly and refer you internally to the team doctor trained in that area, without changing clinics.