Check-up & Clean
A thorough check-up, every six months.
Regular check-ups are the foundation of good dental care. They're how we catch small problems before they become big, expensive ones — and how we make sure your teeth and gums stay the way they are.
Why it matters
Prevention is nearly always cheaper than treatment
A small area of decay caught at a check-up is a twenty-minute filling. Left for another year, it can become a crown, a root canal, or an extraction — ten times the cost and ten times the chair time. The whole point of regular visits is to keep you in the cheap, quick, comfortable end of dentistry for as long as possible.
What's involved
What happens at your visit
The check-up: A full examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and the soft tissues of your mouth — including a quick oral cancer screen. We take digital x-rays as needed to see between teeth and under old fillings, and we talk you through anything we find in plain English.
The clean: A professional scale removes hardened plaque and tartar that brushing can't shift, especially below the gumline. A polish follows to smooth the tooth surfaces and lift stains. Most people leave feeling like their teeth are brand new.
Your plan: Before you leave, you'll have a clear plan for the next six months — what, if anything, needs attention, what can wait, and what you can do at home to keep things on track.
How we do it at Austral
A first visit that's actually longer
Your first appointment with us is longer than most clinics' first visits. We take the time to get to know you — your history, your concerns, what you're hoping for — before we start poking around in your mouth. It means you leave the first visit with a real plan for your teeth now and into the future, not a rushed feeling.
We welcome new patients of all ages, and eligible children can have their check-ups and basic treatment covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). If you've been avoiding the dentist for a while, we promise there's no judgement — just a kind plan to get you back on track.
FAQs
Questions people usually ask
How often should I have a check-up and clean?
Every six months is the standard recommendation for most adults. If you're at higher risk for decay or gum disease, we may suggest every three to four months. We'll tell you what's right for your mouth.
Is the scale and clean painful?
For most people it feels strange but not painful. If you've got sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, parts of it can be tender — tell us and we'll slow down, numb the area if needed, or split it across visits.
My kid has never been to the dentist. When should I bring them?
Any time from the first birthday is a good starting point. Early visits are short, gentle and mostly about getting them comfortable with the chair. Eligible kids can have their check-ups and basic treatment covered under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
Will you judge me if I've avoided the dentist for years?
Not even slightly. A lot of people come back after five, ten, even twenty years. We're not here to lecture — we're here to help you start fresh. Judgment-free, whatever we find.