Taking Care of Your
Family’s Oral Health
Comprehensive Examination
Our 60 min comprehensive exam focuses on giving you a clear picture of the condition of your teeth
We believe that good hygiene habits and the right advice make a real difference to your long-term oral health.
Avoid future dental diseases
Find out if your gums are healthy
Preventative care of your teeth and mouth
Receive genuine care of your health
Achieve a clean and healthy mouth
Plenty Smiles is the dental centre in Bundoora that addresses the needs of all ages. We welcome your entire family here and provide a range of services to cater for you.
The first step in becoming a dental patient at our clinic is to book in for a comprehensive examination. During this process, we can get to know you, your medical history, your lifestyle and what your priorities are when it comes to your oral health. You’ll have the chance to get answers to all your questions and be fully informed on the state of your teeth.
Our Thorough Assessment Procedures
When you arrive, you’ll be warmly greeted and given some brief paperwork to fill out. You can also complete this form online before your appointment to save time. When you meet your dentist, you’ll have a chat, then get started on the examining. This process includes:
⦁ One to one consultation to discuss your needs and wants
⦁ Bitewings – Xrays that focus on particular teeth
⦁ Full mouth Xray (OPG) and intraoral photos
⦁ Thorough dental examination
⦁ Find out if your gums are healthy (gum test)
⦁ Oral cancer screening
⦁ Treatment Plan
If any potential problems are identified, we will let you know what we have found and plan any treatment accordingly. The next step is to book a dental clean.
Planning for Future Changes to Your Smile
Much of your examination appointment involves letting us know about your preferences for your oral health. Perhaps you’d like to have a whiter smile or correct a gap that’s always bothered you. We’ll talk about your likes and dislikes, making sure that your care meets your goals. If you require any more treatment, you can book for those appointments as needed when you check out at the reception desk.
Comprehensive Examination FAQ’s
Is there pain involved in having a dental examination?
Who carries out the examination?
Will I have a cleaning along with my examination?
Our Comprehensive examination involves a series of exams and dental records for the dentist to have a detailed understanding of the condition of your teeth and mouth, as well as set a treatment plan. For a thorough dental clean we will schedule a 60 min hygiene appointment, this visit will focus just on a complete dental clean.
What do I do if I need more treatment after the examination?
Will you examine my dental restorations?
What happens if you identify any signs of cancer in my mouth?
How long will my examination appointment take?
If I need a filling, can I have that done during my examination?
If a small filling is required that takes just a little time to complete, we may be able to carry out treatment on the day. Otherwise, we’ll have you book in for a follow-up appointment.
Risks and Considerations
As with any dental appointment, it’s helpful to know what to expect from your comprehensive exam:
- X-rays, OPG, and CT scans involve a small amount of radiation exposure. Our team follows standard safety protocols, and will let you know if you need any imaging beyond what’s included in your 60-minute appointment.
- A thorough exam may identify issues that need further treatment (such as decay, gum disease, or a suspicious lesion) — in these cases, a separate appointment will usually be needed, as outlined in your assessment.
- If any signs of concern are found (including possible signs of oral cancer), you may be referred to a specialist for further investigation. This is a routine part of thorough dental care, not a diagnosis in itself.
- Some patients feel mild discomfort during probing of the gums as part of the periodontal assessment, particularly if there is existing gum inflammation.
- Regular comprehensive exams (generally every 6-12 months, or as recommended) are an important part of catching issues early, but don’t replace the need for hygiene visits or treatment if problems are identified.
Our team will explain any findings clearly and answer your questions throughout the appointment.
Contact Us Today About Our
Comprehensive Examinations
We accept health fund cover and have a HICAPS machine on-site. You can claim your rebate on the day so that you don’t have to wait. If you do not have health fund cover, there are still options to fund your treatment. We work with payment plans too, which means you can get the treatment you need now and pay for it later in affordable instalments—available with no interest added.