Why a Regular Dental Check-up Is Not Only a Decay Check

A routine oral examination assesses not only decay but also gum health, old restorations, tooth wear, the jaw joint and the tissues around implants.

When people think of a dental check-up, decay is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, a routine oral examination assesses not only decay but also gum health, the condition of old fillings and crowns, tooth wear, the jaw joint and masticatory muscles, the tissues around implants and the intraoral soft tissues. Some problems can progress without causing pain. For this reason, regular records and comparison are valuable in recognising change early. The check-up frequency should vary from person to person. While longer intervals are enough for someone at very low risk, a history of periodontal disease, many restorations, an implant, orthodontic treatment or a high decay risk may require more frequent check-ups. The aim is not to carry out unnecessary procedures, but to establish follow-up suited to the level of risk. Over many years at our clinic we have often seen that signs of teeth clenching and wear in particular can progress without patients noticing. For this reason, at a check-up we place importance not only on the question "is there a painful tooth?" but on looking at the mouth and masticatory system as a whole.