Exam/Clean/X-Rays

We usually recommend anywhere between 6 – 12 months between examinations if everything is stable and healthy.

Examinations and X-rays

Your first consultation with us includes a comprehensive examination with a full jaw x-ray, plus close-up x-rays of the teeth as well as high resolution photography to identify any areas of concerns.

Natural Smiles’ digital x-ray systems are small and localised, minimalizing your exposure to radiation. The x-rays allow our dentist to obtain a more accurate diagnosis and therefore plan more customised treatment options.

After your examination Dr Dave Richards will then sit you up in the chair and discuss with you any active areas of disease or other concerns, and your own wish list for the appearance and function of your teeth.

Your treatment plan will then be drawn up around the results of this discussion.

At Natural Smile we believe prevention is key to maintaining healthy teeth, so we educate you on how issues can arise and how you can best avoid catastrophic and expensive failures with your home care.

Hygiene

Gum disease also known as Gingivitis in it’s early stages and Periodontitis in it’s most advanced stage, is a bacterial infection which affects the stability of your teeth and gums.

Often gum disease is painless, therefore often left untreated. Unfortunately by the time it becomes a noticeable issue, often in the form of loose or separating teeth, or gums that pull away from the teeth, the gum disease has advanced and damage has already been caused.

Regular visits to the hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned alongside your usual dental checks are an important part of maintaining good oral health. We recommend anywhere between 6-12 months between hygienist visits depending on your personal condition and level of home care.

Dental Cleaning

Teeth cleaning is when plaque and tartar is removed to prevent cavities and gum disease.

It’s important to keep your teeth clean to help prevent future and more expensive issues. The best way to keep your teeth clean is with good oral hygiene at home and regular visits to your hygienist.

Deep Cleaning

A deep teeth cleaning, also known as gum therapy and usually referred to by dental professionals as gum scaling and root planing, is a dental treatment designed to clean between the teeth and gums all the way down to the roots.

During a standard dental cleaning, a dental hygienist or dentist cleans the front, back, and sides of the tooth above the gum line.

The warning signs of gum disease:

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing

• Gums that pull away from the teeth

• Loose or separating teeth

• Persistent bad breath

• A change in the way your teeth figt together

• Pus between the gum and tooth

Preventing gum disease

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, such as thorough brushing twice per day and daily flossing will help prevent gum disease. Regular examinations will allow any problem areas to be identified and treated early, and specialised products can be recommended if you are at risk of developing gum disease.