A dental check-up is a look at your teeth, gums and mouth. It helps find problems early, when they are usually easier to treat.
At a glance
- What happens
- Your dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth and asks about your health and habits
- Time
- Usually a short visit
- How often
- It depends on your mouth. It can be as often as every 3 months or as rarely as every 2 years.
- Cost
- Your dentist tells you about any charges before starting.
Why check-ups matter
Many dental problems, such as early decay and early gum disease, cause no pain at first. A check-up can find them before they become painful or need bigger treatment. The dentist also looks at your mouth for signs of other problems and gives you advice to suit you.
What happens at a check-up
- Talking. The dentist asks about your general health, any medicines you take, and any pain or other problems you have noticed.
- Looking. The dentist checks your teeth, gums, tongue and the lining of your mouth. X-rays are taken if needed.
- Advice. You get advice on brushing, cleaning between your teeth, food and drink, and smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Plan. If anything needs treating, the dentist explains the options and the cost. The dentist also tells you when to come back.
How often should I go?
There is no one answer. People with healthy mouths may only need a check-up every year or two. People with gum disease, a lot of decay or other risks may need to come more often. Children are usually seen more often. Your dentist will tell you how often to come.
What to tell your dentist
- Any pain, sensitivity, bleeding gums, mouth sores or swelling
- Your medicines and health conditions, including diabetes, heart problems and pregnancy
- If you smoke or chew tobacco or paan
- Any worries you have about treatment or about visiting the dentist
When to get urgent help
Go to the nearest hospital straight away (or call 112) if you have swelling of the face or neck, swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a fever together with tooth or gum pain. Do not wait for an appointment.
Common questions
Do I need a check-up if nothing hurts?
Yes. Many problems cause no pain at first. A check-up is how they are found early.
Will I need X-rays?
Only if the dentist thinks they will help, for example to see between teeth or under the gums. Your dentist will explain why.
Does a check-up include a clean?
A check-up is an examination. A professional clean is a separate treatment. See scaling and polishing.
I am nervous about the dentist. What should I do?
Tell us. A check-up is a good way to get used to the clinic, and the dentist can go at your pace.
How much does it cost?
Ask us when you book. Dr. Anjali will also explain the cost of any treatment before starting it.
Check-ups at Gangtok Dental Clinic
Dr. Anjali Gupta sees patients at Gangtok Dental Clinic and has more than 6 years of experience in dentistry. She will look at your whole mouth, tell you what she finds in plain words and give you advice for your own teeth. She will explain what she finds and go through your options and the cost with you, and nothing is started until you are ready to go ahead.
We are open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or message us on WhatsApp at +91 82106 99271 to book a check-up. Our address is on the contact page.
This page gives general information about the treatment. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice, and what you need depends on an examination by your dentist. Please read our Medical Disclaimer.