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Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health. But how often should you visit the dentist? The answer to this question can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends that most adults should visit the dentist every 6 - 12 months for a routine cleaning and examination. This is known as a "dental check-up" and is typically covered by dental insurance.

During a check-up, the dentist will examine your mouth, clean your teeth and gums, check for cavities and other oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, and make recommendations for any further treatment that may be necessary. The dentist may also take X-rays to check for any hidden problems.

Visiting the dentist regularly is also a great way to keep up with the latest advances in dentistry, such as preventive treatments and cosmetic procedures.

How much does a dental checkup cost in Sydney?

The cost of a dental check-up in Sydney can vary depending on the dentist and the services provided. A standard check-up typically includes examination, cleaning, and X-rays if necessary. The cost can range from around $80 to $200 or more, depending on the level of professional cleaning and the number of X-Rays you receive.

If you have private dental insurance, the cost of a check-up may be partially or fully covered. You may want to check with your insurance provider to find out what is covered under your plan. If you do not have dental insurance, you may be able to find a dentist who offers a payment plan.

How much do dental treatments cost?

When it comes to more complicated dental procedures, costs can vary quite significantly. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular dental treatments and their average costs in 2023 within Sydney:

Tooth extraction (the removal of a tooth/teeth) - from $250 - $300 per tooth for simple extraction. $300 - $600 for surgical extraction
Teeth Whitening (up to 5 shades whiter teeth) - from $450 - $550 for take-home teeth whitening. $750 - $900 for in-chair whitening.
Invisalign (clear teeth straightening) - from $2,500 - $8,000
Metal Braces (traditional teeth straightening) - from $2,500 - $9,000
Lingual Braces (braces hidden behind the back of teeth) - from $4,500 - $15,000
Dental Implants (artificial titanium roots for missing teeth replacement) - from $2,500 - $4,000 per implant
Dental Crowns (covering for a tooth, to restore its shape and size) - from $1,800 - $2,500 per crown
Root Canal (removes infected tissue inside a tooth) - from $550 - $2,500 per tooth
Veneers (custom shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance) - from $1,800 - $2,500 per tooth (on average, people get 4 - 12 veneers at a time)

Do I need to visit the dentist more frequently after major dental surgery?

After a key treatment, such as orthodontics (teeth straightening), tooth extraction or dental implants, your dentist will typically recommend a specific schedule of post-surgery follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that the surgery is successful and prevent complications.

For example, after a tooth extraction, you may need to visit the dentist for a follow-up appointment within a week or two to ensure that the extraction site is healing properly.

Similarly, after a dental implant or root canal procedure, it might be necessary to visit the dentist several times over the course of the upcoming year for check-ups and adjustments.

In some cases. patients who have recently received braces may need to visit the dentist every 4-8 weeks for adjustments, while Invisalign patients may require assistance every 6-10 weeks. After the orthodontic treatment is finished, the dentist may recommend that you have check-ups every 6 months to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position, and the bite is comfortable.

After any form of major dental surgery, it is important to practice good oral hygiene to promote healing and prevent infection. Your dentist may give you specific instructions for caring for your teeth and gums, such as avoiding certain foods or using a special type of toothpaste or mouthwash.

Do I need to visit the dentist more frequently after major dental surgery?

When should I seek emergency dental help?

It is important to visit the dentist as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of oral health problems such as tooth pain, bleeding gums, or changes in the appearance of your teeth or gums. In these cases, the faster your response time, the more likely you will be to prevent the problem from getting worse.

Unfortunately, many dentists do not provide after-hours care and securing an impromptu booking slot can be difficult considering dentistry is such a high-demand area of healthcare. However, Emergency Dentist Sydney specialises in urgent dental care. Our entire business model is based on providing fast and effective emergency care, regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

What steps can I take to maintain good oral health?

In addition to regular check-ups, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene at home. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least twice per week, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay.

If you have a higher risk of developing oral health problems, you may need to visit the dentist more frequently. For example, if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent check-ups. Similarly, if you are pregnant, have diabetes, or are a smoker, your dentist may advise that you visit more frequently to help maintain good oral health.

If you are still determining how often you should visit the dentist, the best course of action is to consult with your dentist. They will be able to assess your individual needs and make recommendations based on your personal oral health history.