Dental check-ups and x-rays

Catch the little problems before they get big

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

What is a dental check-up?

A dental check-up is a vital component of keeping your mouth healthy. During your check-up, we’ll carefully inspect your teeth and gums to see if there are any issues that need to be treated. We do that with x-rays of your teeth and jaw, as well as high-resolution photographs of your mouth to identify areas of concern. Once we’ve completed the examination, we’ll discuss the results with you, along with your wishes for the appearance and function of your teeth. Together, we’ll draw up a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with, and teach you home care techniques to help prevent future issues.

What do I need to know about check-ups and xrays?

At Natural Smile, we believe prevention is key to maintaining healthy teeth. Minimally invasive dentistry is all about intervening before a problem develops. Regular check-ups enable us to apply protective treatments that stop tooth decay developing. In the long run, this saves you having to pay for more expensive fillings or crowns. We use the very latest in diagnostic equipment to examine your teeth. Natural Smiles’ digital x-ray systems are small and localised, minimising your exposure to radiation. The detailed images allow our dentist to accurately diagnose any problems and develop a suitable, targeted treatment plan.

What other treatments are available?

Depending on your situation, some of the following treatment options might be recommended to transform your smile.

Featured
Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene

Professional cleaning for a healthier mouth

Your teeth need regular deep cleaning that goes beyond normal brushing and flossing.

Read More →
Fillings
Fillings

Pain-free cavity repair and restoration

If you have a hole or chip in your tooth, we can fill it without drilling.

Read More →
Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening

We’ll make your smile sparkle again

If your teeth are dull and stained, whitening is a quick and easy way to restore their shine.

Read More →
An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about dental check-ups

  • If your teeth are stable and healthy, we recommend getting them checked every six to twelve months. It’s important to see your dentist regularly, even if you don’t have any obvious problems with your teeth. A lot of dental issues are not noticeable until they are advanced, and our goal is to prevent them from getting to that stage.

  • No, a dental check-up should be completely painless, and does not require a local anaesthetic. If you have tooth decay or gum disease and one of the dentist’s instruments touches a tender spot, you may experience some momentary discomfort. Our dentists are very gentle and will avoid irritating a sore area of your mouth.

  • X-rays enable us to see hidden issues inside your teeth. Tooth decay can begin months or even years before it causes a toothache. The sooner we can detect a cavity beginning to form, the easier, quicker, and less expensive it is to fix.

  • If you’re a new patient, we want to get to know you properly and make sure we have all the information we need to give your teeth the best of care. For example, we’ll chat with you about any long-term goals you have for your teeth and oral health. Once we have your data on file and an established plan in place, future check-ups will be faster.

  • The cost of your dental check-up with x-rays can vary. If you’d like to check how much it will cost before you come for your appointment, get in touch with our friendly team.

  • When you come for your check-up, we’ll give you targeted advice about how to keep your teeth and mouth healthy at home. It may include brushing techniques, lifestyle changes, oral hygiene routines, and product recommendations. Maintaining good oral health between check-ups reduces the risk of developing future problems.