Medical history
We review your medications, allergies, medical conditions and any previous dental problems so that your care is safe and personalised.
Preventive Dentistry
Dental Check-up in East Dulwich
Protect your smile with a comprehensive dental examination at Dulwich Dental Centre — an unhurried, gentle appointment focused on prevention, early diagnosis and your long-term oral health.
Why It Matters
Why regular dental check-ups matter
Many dental problems cause no pain in their early stages. A routine dental examination allows your dentist to catch small issues before they become bigger — and more expensive — problems.
Tooth decay
Early decay is invisible and painless. A careful examination allows us to intervene while treatment is still small and simple.
Gum disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, yet often develops silently. Regular checks help us treat it early.
Cracked teeth
Hairline cracks and fractures often go unnoticed until they cause pain. Early detection helps protect the tooth.
Worn fillings
Old fillings can leak or wear down. Replacing them at the right time avoids more complex treatment later.
Tooth wear & grinding
Grinding and acid erosion gradually wear teeth away. Spotting the signs early allows us to protect your enamel.
Oral cancer
Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes. Every examination includes a thorough oral cancer screening.
Early diagnosis almost always means simpler, gentler and less expensive treatment — and helps you maintain long-term oral health.
Your Appointment
What happens during your dental check-up
A comprehensive dental examination at Dulwich Dental Centre is far more than a quick look at your teeth. Every appointment is unhurried, thorough and tailored to you.
Examination of every tooth
Each tooth is checked individually for decay, cracks, leaking fillings, wear, grinding damage and broken restorations.
Gum health assessment
We perform a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE), checking for bleeding, recession, plaque, calculus and any signs of periodontal disease.
Oral cancer screening
Every check-up includes a careful screening of your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth, palate, throat and lymph nodes. Early detection saves lives.
Bite examination
We assess your jaw joints, bite, grinding patterns and tooth wear to protect your teeth from long-term damage.
Digital X-rays (when needed)
Low-dose digital X-rays help us detect decay between teeth, infections, bone loss and hidden problems. Only taken when clinically indicated.
Personalised treatment plan
You receive a clear explanation of findings, your treatment options, preventive advice and a recommended recall interval based on your individual risk — as recommended by NICE.
Our Approach
What makes our dental check-up different
At Dulwich Dental Centre, a dental examination is comprehensive, unhurried and focused on prevention. We take the time to explain what we are checking, what we see and what it means for your mouth — so that nothing feels rushed or unclear.
Using modern technology such as digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, our iTero digital scanner and CBCT 3D imaging when clinically appropriate, we can see more, explain more and plan your care with real precision.
Our goal is simple: to help you keep your natural teeth healthy, comfortable and beautiful for as long as possible.
Your Visit
Your check-up, step by step
Five clear stages — from a warm welcome at reception to your personalised treatment plan.
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Step 1Welcome
You are welcomed by our reception team into our calm, comfortable practice. There is no rush — take a seat and relax before your appointment.
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Step 2Medical history
Your dentist takes the time to discuss your general health, medications, allergies and any dental concerns so your care is safe and personalised.
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Step 3Comprehensive examination
A careful, tooth-by-tooth examination together with a full gum health assessment, bite check and oral cancer screening.
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Step 4Digital X-rays
Where clinically indicated, our modern Owandy digital X-ray system captures high-quality low-dose images to reveal what cannot be seen by eye.
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Step 5Personalised treatment plan
Your dentist shows you what has been found, explains your options, offers preventive advice and agrees the right recall interval for you.
Technology
Modern technology for clearer diagnosis
We invest in modern diagnostic technology so we can see more, plan better and keep your care as gentle as possible.
Digital X-rays
Low-dose, instant digital imaging to detect decay, infection and hidden problems with excellent detail.
Intraoral cameras
Small in-mouth cameras that let you see exactly what your dentist sees on our chairside screens.
iTero digital scanner
A modern, comfortable 3D scan of your teeth — no putty impressions — for precise records and planning.
Magnification
Dental loupes and enhanced lighting allow for careful, precise examination of every tooth surface.
When to Come In
Signs you should book today
If you notice any of these, we recommend arranging an appointment sooner rather than later.
Toothache
Any persistent or recurring tooth pain should be checked promptly.
Sensitive teeth
Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods can signal decay, wear or gum recession.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding when brushing or flossing is an early sign of gum disease.
Loose fillings
A filling that feels loose, sharp or has come out needs attention to protect the tooth.
Broken teeth
Chipped, cracked or broken teeth should be assessed to prevent further damage.
Bad breath
Persistent bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or other dental issues.
Jaw pain
Jaw pain, clicking or grinding may indicate a bite issue we can help with.
Overdue a visit
If it has been over a year since your last check-up, now is a good time to come in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you may want to know about a dental check-up at Dulwich Dental Centre.
How long is the appointment?
A comprehensive new patient dental examination usually takes 30–45 minutes. Routine recall check-ups are slightly shorter. We never rush — you will always have time to ask questions.
Will I need X-rays?
Not always. Digital X-rays are only taken when clinically indicated — for example to check between teeth, around old fillings or under crowns. We follow strict guidelines to keep radiation exposure minimal.
Is a dental check-up painful?
No. A check-up is a gentle visual and instrument examination. There are no injections and no drilling involved in a routine examination.
How often should I have a check-up?
NICE recommends recall intervals based on individual risk rather than automatically every six months. For most healthy adults this is every 6–12 months; your dentist will advise what is right for you.
Can I bring my child?
Yes. We welcome children of all ages and make first visits calm and positive so they grow up feeling comfortable at the dentist.
What happens if treatment is needed?
We explain any findings clearly, discuss your options and provide a written treatment plan with costs. There is never any pressure — treatment is always your decision.
Do I need to see a hygienist too?
Many patients benefit from combining a dental check-up with a hygienist visit for professional cleaning. We will advise whether this is recommended for you.
Preventive Care
Looking after your smile starts with a dental check-up
Comprehensive, unhurried dental examinations in East Dulwich — focused on prevention and your long-term oral health.