How much does a check-up and clean cost — and why are they *so* important?
31/5/2022
Maybe ‘book dental check-up’ has been sitting on your To-Do List for a while now (we get it – life’s busy!)
Or maybe you haven’t been to the dentist in years (don’t worry – we won’t judge!)
Or perhaps you’re putting off your next visit due to unknown costs (you’re not alone – new research shows around 4 in 10 Australians have delayed a dentist trip due to cost).
Whatever the reason, it’s likely high time you booked your next dental check-up and clean.
Because here’s the bottom line:
If you’re a person with teeth (yes, even baby teeth), you should have a dental check-up and clean every six months so your dentist can catch any small issues before they turn into big problems.
And if you’re worried about how much a dental check up and clean costs, you might be surprised to learn that visiting your dentist regularly can actually *save* you money in the long run.
Yep, there’s a lot to unpack when it comes to the humble check-up and clean. But we’ll break it all down for you in this blog.
Keep reading to explore:
How much does a dental check-up and clean cost?
What happens during a dental check-up and clean appointment?
Why regular check-ups with your dentist are absolutely essential for keeping your teeth in top shape (and avoiding costly problems in future!)
How much does a dental check-up and clean cost?
According to Choice, the average dental checkup and clean cost in Australia is around $215. However, the fees can vary greatly from practice to practice, with the cheapest dentist check-up and cost falling at around $156 and the most expensive coming in at around $296.
At Green Door Dental, a new patient dental check-up and clean costs $325 for adults 18 years and over. For existing patients, an adult dental clean appointment starts from $215. Existing patients may also want to add on a comprehensive check-up from $60 once a year for more in-depth monitoring of their oral health, including clinical photos and a personalised treatment plan.
How much does a dental check-up and clean cost at Green Door Dental?
Check-Up and Clean (New Patient) (for adults 18 years and over)
$325
Adult Examination (Existing Patient)
From $60*
* x-rays additional if required
Adult Hygene Appointment (Existing Patient)
From $215*
* x-rays additional if required
Studies have shown that preventative dental care (i.e. regular check up and clean visits) will actually save you money in restorative care (like crowns, bridges, etc) in the long run. Not only that but preventative oral health care also results in savings on overall healthcare spending. This, in turn, contributes to both long-term health benefits and even greater savings for the patient in future.
Are you (and your wallet) feeling a little concerned about the dental check up and clean cost? The good news is that, with us, you can leave your financial worries at the door! We offer flexible finance options so you can get your regular dental check-ups and break down the costs into easy, affordable instalments that you pay over time.
Want to learn more about our dental treatment fees? Download our full price list here.
During your check-up and clean, the dentist will take a good look at your teeth, mouth and gums to assess your overall oral health
What happens during a dental check-up and clean appointment?
Here’s what to expect when you have a dental check-up and clean appointment at our Gregory Hills and Moss Vale dental practices.
Step 1: Examination Your dentist will take a good look at your teeth, mouth and gums to assess your overall oral health — if it’s your first visit, we’ll also take some photos to help us track your teeth over time
Step 2: X-rays Now we’ve seen what’s happening on the surface, we may also want to check out what’s going on below your teeth and gums — we may not take x-rays at every check-up appointment, but will do so regularly over time to monitor your teeth
Step 3: Cleaning We use EMS Airflow technology to clean your teeth and gums. A clever combination of ultra fine powder, a gentle jet of air and water, it ever-so-softly polishes the teeth and removes plaque and stains. Perfect for sensitive teeth!
Step 4: Fluoride treatment Last but not least, you’ll rinse your mouth with a fluoride treatment (if needed) to help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay
How long does a dental check-up and clean take?
At Green Door Dental, your dental check-up and clean will usually take around 40 minutes. But if it’s your first visit, allow about an hour as we like to take a little extra time to get to know you and personalise your care.
Afterwards, you can jump straight back into your day as normal. No recovery or downtime required! Just avoid eating or drinking for at least half an hour so the fluoride treatment can work its magic.
Having a dental check-up and clean at Green Door Dental? You’ll be in and out the door in just 40 minutes — or an hour if it’s your first visit.
Ready for your next dental check-up?
Easily book your appointment online now or download our New Patient Guide for our full treatment price list.
Of course, there’s nothing better than walking out of the dentist with a sparkling smile and that fresh, just-cleaned feeling. But there are a few more big reasons why dental check-ups are so important:
1. Regular dentist checkups will actually save you money
Yes, you read that right. This is because regular dental check-ups every six months allow your dentist to detect and treat any issues or early signs of decay and gum disease *before* they become more serious and more costly to fix.
As we mentioned earlier, almost 50% of Australians have put off going to the dentist due to dental check-up and clean cost. But delaying regular check-ups or avoiding the dentist altogether could give small issues the time they need to snowball. And before you know it, what would’ve been a straightforward check-up appointment for around $200 or so turns into a series of complex corrective or restorative appointments that can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
When it comes to saving money on your smile, prevention is always much better (and much cheaper) than the cure.
2. It reduces your risk of gum disease
During your checkup and clean appointment, your dentist or dental hygienist will do a thorough check and measurement of your gums. This is called periodontal charting and it allows the dental hygienist or dentist to assess the health of your gum tissue and your risk of developing gum disease.
One in three adults in Australia has moderate to severe gum disease, according to Health Direct. Scary stats, right? What’s even scarier is that gum disease often creeps up on you silently and painlessly, so you may not even know you have it without a routine assessment by a dental professional.
And if left untreated, it can develop into more serious stages of gum disease like periodontitis, which is irreversible and cannot be cured. At its most severe, gum disease can cause the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place to become weak and deteriorate, which may result in tooth loss.
But it doesn’t have to end like that — gum disease is preventable, treatable and can be reversed if found early enough. This is why regular checkups are vital for keeping an eye on your gum health and catching any early warning signs.
3. Good oral health and overall health go hand-in-hand
Keeping up with your regular dentist check-ups will also have a positive impact on your overall health. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, good oral health is fundamental to your health and wellbeing.
Those with poor oral health generally experience a lower quality of life, as it can negatively affect their ability to eat, speak and socialise. Poor oral health not only comes with physical implications such as pain and reduced function, but it can also take a huge toll on a person’s emotional health and social life, leading to feelings of embarrassment, shame, low self-esteem and depression.
Your oral health can also offer clear insight about your overall health. For example, gum disease can be linked to a whole range of illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to WebMD, researchers at University of North Carolina School of Dentistry found that people with gum disease were three times as likely to have a stroke and twice as likely to die from a heart attack.
So, there you have it! If you want healthy teeth for life, better health and fewer dentist bills in future, dental check-ups are a must. Need more convincing? You can also see what the Australian Dental Association also has to say about regular dental check-ups here.
But I brush my teeth every day, do I *really* need a dental check-up?
Even if you’re an avid twice-daily tooth-brusher-and-flosser, you can’t remove all plaque with brushing alone. Plaque will naturally build up on teeth and turn into tartar (or calculus) over time. If this build-up of plaque and tartar is not removed with regular, professional cleaning by your dentist, it can irritate your gums, causing them to become tender and swollen. And then? You just might find yourself with a one-way ticket to early-stage gum disease.
Keep your pearly whites bright, healthy and strong by visiting the dentist every six months for a check-up and clean.
Do children need regular dental check-ups?
100% yes! It’s essential for all children to have regular dental check-ups — even if they only have baby teeth.
Why? Because tooth decay and cavities can happen at any age. And if left untreated, it can turn into much more serious problems in future.
Starting dental check-ups early allows your child’s dentist to detect any risk factors or early signs of oral health issues and create a prevention plan. Plus, it sets your child up with a good oral health routine for life.
When should children have their first dental check-up?
The Australian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends that children should be taken for their first dentist appointment around the time of their first birthday.
Give your kids a healthy smile for life by starting regular dental check-ups from a young age.
Is it safe to get a dental check-up during pregnancy?
You can rest assured that it’s perfectly safe to have a dental check-up and clean during pregnancy. In fact, regular dental check-ups are recommended for those who are pregnant. This is because the pregnancy hormones can negatively affect your gums and issues like gingivitis may arise during the second trimester. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease.
Don’t forget to mention to your dentist that you are or may be pregnant at the start of your appointment so they can tailor their care to better suit your needs.
Do dental check-ups hurt?
No, a routine dental check-up and clean shouldn’t hurt. You may feel some sensitivity or mild discomfort as your dentist gently cleans your teeth to remove any plaque and tartar. But remember, you can always let your dentist know if you need to take a break or are feeling a little uncomfortable.
At Green Door Dental, we’ve done everything we can to make our dental check-up and clean appointments comfortable and carefree. Once you pop on your noise-cancelling headphones and tune in to your fave show on Netflix, your appointment will be over before you know it!
Feeling nervous about your next dental check-up?
If you’re scared about visiting the dentist, even the most routine appointments can feel like a nightmare. But with our sleep dentistry options, dental check-ups can feel more like a dream — literally! To learn more about sleep dentistry and how it works, check out this blog.
If you’d like to opt for sleep dentistry for your next check-up and clean appointment, you’ll need to book a sedation consultation first. At this appointment, we’ll discuss your needs and determine the right level of sedation for you. Keep in mind that the use of any sedation during your check-up and clean appointment will come at an additional fee.
Sleep dentistry can make your dentist appointments feel like a dream! Simply sit back and drift off while we take care of your smile.
Got a question about dental check-ups at Green Door Dental?
Feel free to get in touch! We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have about dental check-up and clean appointments at our Gregory Hills and Moss Vale dental practices.
