Your Professional Dental Check-up near North Finchley

Book a check-up at least once a year even if you feel fine. Early decay or gum disease often has no symptoms until it is advanced. Consider a visit if you have not seen a dentist in over 12 months, if you notice a niggle or sensitivity, or if you simply want reassurance about your oral health. A North Finchley patient recently returned after two years and we found a small cavity that we treated in one visit, avoiding a more complex procedure later. Regular checks support our prevention first approach and help keep your smile healthy and costs down.

Your check-up is a thorough review of your mouth and gums, usually about 30 minutes. First we discuss any concerns you have. Then Dr. Reddy conducts a full visual exam for decay, wear, and damage. We perform a gum health check and an oral cancer screen as standard. If needed, we may suggest digital X-rays to see what lies beneath the surface. Finally, we review findings with you, answer questions, and plan any necessary treatment. You’ll leave with a clear view of your dental health and next steps.

The main alternative to a private check-up is an NHS appointment. NHS dentistry provides essential care to maintain oral health and is a lower cost option. Finding a local NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult, and appointment times may be less flexible. As a fully private practice, we offer longer appointment slots, typically 30 minutes for a check-up, which allows for a more in-depth discussion and examination. We also have on-site technology like 3D CBCT scanning, which isn’t always available under the NHS. If you have Denplan, Cigna, or Max Bupa insurance, this can cover the cost of your private check-up with us.

There is no recovery time after a standard dental check-up. If you’ve had a scale and polish, your teeth may feel smoother and cleaner. We suggest avoiding strongly coloured foods and drinks like coffee or red wine for a few hours to prevent staining. The key aftercare is following the advice from your appointment. This may include focusing on brushing a particular area, using floss or interdental brushes daily, or booking a follow-up for any needed treatment. If a treatment was identified, we provide a clear plan and cost estimate before you leave.

To make an informed choice about your care whether you visit us or another practice in North London here are key questions. Find out how long the appointment will take and what is included and whether it covers an oral cancer screen. Ask how often they recommend visits based on your oral health. Check if they will provide a written treatment plan with costs if more work is needed. Also ask about emergency procedures and what to do outside office hours.