Why does your dentist do that? A guide to check-ups from Spa Dental Sydney

You get into the dental chair and look around.

Your dental team is preparing lots of tools and there is a small tray filled with instruments that you don’t recognise. Your dental practitioner picks up the mirror and the small ‘pointy thing’ and tells you to open your mouth.

This is a routine check-up, yet most of the equipment on the tray won’t be used and your dental professional is seemingly poking at your gums with a miniature needle. What is going on?

As unusual as it seems, everything that is done at a routine check-up, even the preparing of numerous tools has a purpose. And while you could ask your team what each piece of equipment is for, you will likely be up and out of your check-up before the thought even occurs!

At Spa Dental Sydney, our dentist in Sydney will always provide you with high-quality dental care, even if you are only visiting us for a check-up. We will aim to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy, and will aim to answer any questions that you have about your dental care or cosmetic treatments that you are interested in. Perfect!

But why does our dentist in Sydney poke your gums during a check-up? This question and more are answered below.

Why is there a blindingly bright light above my head?

Dental care takes precision and even if you have no cavities in your mouth, our dentist in Sydney will still need to see every nook and cranny of your mouth.

The light above your head is to allow them to see cavities, plaque and inflammation more clearly and, if you need a filling, the light will enable them to perform one properly.

Why are my gums being poked?

It is an odd sensation that comes with every dental visit- the poking of the gums.

The reason for this is to check for gum disease; healthy gums should be firm with a bit of give when pressure is applied. Gums that are inflamed are more spongy in texture, hence the need for the prodding.

I’m being asked to move my tongue from side to side-why?

At the end of your visit with us, we will ask you to move your tongue.

This allows us to check for numerous things, such as signs of oral thrush, vitamin deficiencies, lumps, ulcers and any irregularities in the tissue which could indicate cancer.

Why are my teeth being scraped?

To remove some stubborn plaque!

While you may brush your teeth every day, there may be an area that has been missed. And it is our team’s job to remove any irritating plaque to promote good long-term oral health.

Why do my fillings need cleaning?

Porcelain or composite fillings can become stained with wear, making them more noticeable when compared to the surrounding teeth.

Cleaning them with a sturdy dental brush removes any accumulated bacteria and restores the whiteness to the filling and to your smile in general. Great stuff!

DISCLAIMER:

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.