Thorough Dental Check-ups For Your Best Smile
An Oral Health Assessment is the first stopping point on your journey to great dental health. Many know this term as a dental check-up but at our Leamington Spa practice we prefer Oral Health Assessment so you can understand it is so much more than just checking teeth.
We begin by listening to your concerns - whether they’re about your dental health or any anxieties you may have from past experiences. We’ll take the time to talk everything through with you, so you feel fully informed and at ease.
Complete dental examination - Checking each tooth for decay, damage, and wear
Gum health evaluation - Assessing for signs of gingivitis and periodontitis
Oral cancer screening - Examining soft tissues for any concerning changes
Jaw joint assessment - Checking for TMJ disorders and bite issues
Existing dental work review - Ensuring previous treatments remain in good condition
Digital imaging - Taking photographs and X-rays when necessary for accurate diagnosis
Assessment of lifestyle factors, including diet and stress
Our OHA then comprises of checks on your jaw joint, the inside of your mouth including checking all the soft tissues for early signs of mouth cancer. Mouth cancer spotted early is much easier to treat and has a better outcome and for this reason alone we still advise six monthly visits for assessments.
We will fully assess your gums for gum disease, past and present, and of course check your teeth.
It is usual for all new patients to have photographs taken plus a scan of all the teeth and supporting tissues. This is very straightforward and allows us to be able to show you a three-dimensional image of your own teeth on the screen. This is very useful and helps you understand what treatment needs to be carried out and why.
Request your oral health assessment
What our Warwickshire patients say
regular assessments
Regular oral health assessments are essential for maintaining not just your dental health but your overall wellbeing. These comprehensive check-ups allow us to:
Detect issues like decay and gum disease at their earliest, most treatable stages
Monitor changes in your oral health over time
Identify potential connections between your oral health and general health conditions
Provide personalised advice on effective home care techniques
Develop proactive treatment plans that prevent minor issues from becoming major problems
Most patients benefit from assessments every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific risk factors or ongoing conditions requiring closer monitoring.
diagnostic technology
At The Grove Practice, we enhance our oral health assessments with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology that provides more detailed information while improving your comfort and convenience:
These advanced tools help us identify issues that might not be visible during a traditional examination, allowing for earlier intervention and more conservative treatment approaches.
Oral health assessments
How often should I have an oral health assessment?
Most patients benefit from assessments every six months, though we may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific risk factors or ongoing conditions requiring closer monitoring.
How long does an oral health assessment take?
A routine assessment typically takes about 30 minutes, while more comprehensive initial assessments for new patients may last up to an hour to allow for a thorough evaluation and discussion of findings.
Will I need X-rays at every assessment?
No, X-rays are typically taken periodically rather than at every visit. The frequency depends on your individual risk factors, age, and dental history. We use digital X-rays, which significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional methods.
What's the difference between a check-up and an oral health assessment?
A traditional check-up typically focuses primarily on the teeth, while our comprehensive oral health assessments evaluate your entire oral cavity, including teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaw joints, and how they all function together.
Can children have oral health assessments?
Absolutely! We recommend children begin regular dental visits by age one or when their first tooth appears. These early visits help establish comfort with dental care and allow us to monitor development and provide preventive guidance.
What if the assessment finds a problem?
If we identify any issues during your assessment, we'll explain our findings and recommend appropriate treatment options. We focus on conservative approaches whenever possible and always ensure you understand all available options before proceeding.
