What happens at a dental check-up in Bushey
A dental check-up is a careful look at the health of your whole mouth, not just a quick count of teeth. At Caspian Dental Clinic, every dental check-up in Bushey is carried out by our principal dentist, Dr Kimia Mirzakhani, who has more than 25 years’ experience. Because you see her each time, changes from one visit to the next are easier to spot.
It’s also your chance to ask questions. If something has been bothering you, such as a sensitive tooth, bleeding gums or a filling that feels rough, mention it at the start and we’ll look at it properly.
New patient examination, routine check-up or child check-up?
| Appointment | Who it’s for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| New patient examination | Your first visit. A full assessment of your teeth, gums and mouth, including any X-rays needed. | From £100 (including X-rays) |
| Routine adult check-up | Existing patients at their regular recall visit. | From £47 |
| Child check-up | Children under 12. | £40 |
If X-rays are needed at a later check-up, they’re charged at £20 for each small X-ray and £90 for each large X-ray, and we’ll explain why we’re recommending them first. If you’re joining us for the first time, our new patients page explains what to expect.
What we check
- Teeth: signs of decay, cracks, wear from grinding, and erosion from acidic food and drink.
- Gums: bleeding, inflammation and the depth of the small gaps (pockets) between gum and tooth, which can be an early sign of gum disease.
- Soft tissues: your tongue, cheeks, lips, palate and floor of mouth, plus your face and neck, as part of screening for mouth cancer.
- Your bite and jaw: how your teeth meet, any jaw discomfort and signs of clenching or teeth grinding.
- Existing restorations: fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, checked for wear, leaks and decay around the edges.
- Cleaning: plaque, tartar and staining, so we can suggest how to clean more effectively at home.
Dental X-rays: why and when we take them
X-rays show what can’t be seen with the eye alone: decay between teeth or under existing fillings, infection at the tips of roots, and the level of bone supporting your teeth.
We don’t take X-rays at every visit. How often you need them depends on your individual risk: a low-risk adult may only need them every couple of years, while someone with active decay or gum disease may need them more often.
Small X-rays (£20 each) look closely at a few teeth at a time. A large X-ray (£90) shows a much wider area of the teeth and jaws, which can help with wisdom teeth or a broader assessment. The radiation dose from dental X-rays is low, and we only take them when the benefit to you outweighs the small risk. Please tell us if you are, or might be, pregnant.
Your check-up, step by step
Your medical history and concerns
We update your medical history and medicines, since some conditions and medications affect your mouth, and ask about anything that’s bothering you.
The examination
Dr Mirzakhani checks your teeth, gums, soft tissues, bite and existing restorations, using a small mirror and a fine probe.
X-rays, if needed
If X-rays would help, we explain why and what they cost before taking them.
Findings and options
We explain what we’ve found in plain language and talk through your options, including their risks and costs.
Your plan and next visit
You leave with a treatment plan if you need one, advice on hygiene care and a suggested date for your next check-up.
“I had a general check up, a filling replaced and a dental scrub. Dr Mirzakhani took the time to explain what my options were. Prices were clear as per the website and were reasonable.”
David, Google review
How often should you have a check-up?
Six-monthly visits suit some people, but they aren’t a rule. NICE guidance recommends that your dentist sets your recall interval based on your risk of dental disease: from 3 to 24 months for adults, and from 3 to 12 months for under-18s.
Healthy teeth and gums may mean longer gaps; gum disease, frequent decay, diabetes or smoking usually mean shorter ones. We’ll explain the interval we recommend at the end of each check-up.
What happens after your check-up
If everything is healthy, you simply book your next visit. If something needs treatment, Dr Mirzakhani will explain the options, including what happens if you choose to wait, and what each costs. Nothing goes ahead until you’ve agreed.
Many people also benefit from a professional clean. A hygiene appointment is booked separately (30 minutes, from £100), and how often you need one depends on your gums and how quickly tartar builds up.
“Dr Mirzakhani is very knowledgeable always explaining the rationale for any treatment required.”
Mark, Google review
Does a check-up hurt, and what are its limits?
A check-up is not normally uncomfortable. Measuring gum pockets can feel a little tender if your gums are inflamed, and if you have a strong gag reflex or feel anxious, just tell us: we can take breaks and go at your pace.
A check-up is also a snapshot. Small cracks and early decay between teeth can be hard to detect, especially without X-rays, and problems can develop between visits. If you notice pain, swelling or a change in your mouth, book an appointment rather than waiting for your next check-up.
Why choose Caspian Dental Clinic for your check-up?
You see the same experienced dentist, appointments aren’t rushed, and our fees are published on our prices page. We’re open on Saturdays as well as weekdays, about 100 yards from Bushey station, and patients come to us from Watford too. We’re rated 4.9 out of 5 from 90 Google reviews.
Dental check-up questions
How much is a dental check-up in Bushey?
At Caspian Dental Clinic, a routine adult check-up is from £47 and a child check-up (under 12) is £40. Your first visit as a new patient is a fuller examination, from £100 including X-rays. Fees are subject to review and depend on your individual assessment.
How long does a dental check-up take?
A routine check-up is usually a fairly short appointment. A new patient examination takes longer, because we’re getting to know your mouth and medical history for the first time. We’ll tell you how long to allow when you book.
Is a check-up the same as a scale and polish?
No. A check-up is an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. Removing tartar and staining is done at a separate hygiene appointment (30 minutes, from £100), which we may recommend after your check-up.
I haven’t been to the dentist for years. Is that a problem?
Not at all, and you won’t be judged. We’ll start with a new patient examination, explain what we find and agree a sensible plan that you’re comfortable with, at a pace that suits you.
Do you check for mouth cancer at a check-up?
Yes. Each check-up includes a careful look at the soft tissues of your mouth, as well as your face and neck. It only takes a few moments and is one of the most important reasons to keep up regular visits.