Dental Examinations in Finchley

Book a dental examination if you haven't seen a dentist in the last year or if you have specific concerns. The interval between check-ups can range from 3 months to 2 years, depending on your oral health. You should also book if you have mild toothache, bleeding gums when brushing, or persistent bad breath. A check-up is not only for problems; it is a preventive measure. For example, a patient from North Finchley came for a routine exam with no symptoms and we found early enamel decay that fluoride treatment could reverse, avoiding a future filling. You can also book if you want peace of mind about your oral health or need a professional clean to remove stubborn plaque.

A routine dental examination at our Finchley practice lasts about 30 minutes and follows a straightforward, thorough process. First we discuss your medical history and any concerns. Then the dentist visually inspects each tooth for decay, wear, or damage. We also assess gum health, looking for inflammation or pockets that indicate gum disease. An essential part of the check-up is an oral cancer screen, where we examine your tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities. If needed, we may take digital X-rays to check for issues not visible to the naked eye, such as root problems or decay between teeth. Finally we discuss our findings and, if needed, create a personalized treatment plan.

After a standard dental examination you can return to your normal activities immediately. Your dentist will provide personalized advice based on the findings. This may include guidance on brushing techniques, flossing, or dietary changes to improve your oral hygiene. If no issues are found, we will recommend your next routine check-up, typically in 6 to 12 months. If treatment such as a filling or hygienist visit is needed, you will receive a clear written treatment plan outlining procedures and costs. For example, if we notice plaque buildup, we are likely to suggest a scale and polish with our hygienist to prevent future gum problems.

Emergency appointment: If you have a specific urgent problem like severe pain or a broken tooth, an emergency appointment is more appropriate. It focuses on diagnosing and resolving the immediate issue rather than providing a full mouth survey. During your consultation at our Finchley practice, we can help you decide which type of appointment best fits your current needs.

We publish prices clearly. A routine dental examination costs from £59. This covers the dentist's time, a full mouth assessment, a gum health check, an oral cancer screening, and guidance on how to care for your mouth. Any necessary X-rays may incur an extra cost, discussed beforehand. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS appointments. We do accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please tell our reception when booking if you plan to use a private plan, and we will provide documentation for your claim. Our goal is to deliver exceptional care with no hidden fees.

To choose wisely, consider asking these questions about any provider in the Finchley area: what is included in the new patient examination fee, how much routine check-ups cost after the initial visit, are digital X-rays included or extra, how long you allocate for a routine examination, whether a dental hygienist is available for cleaning, which private insurance plans are accepted, and if a written plan with all costs is provided upfront if treatment is needed.