No. 01 · General & family care
Check-up & clean.
A thorough examination and professional clean every six months — the quiet, unhurried appointment that catches small problems while they're still small.
Most check-ups fit comfortably in a single appointment.
No. 01 · Your visit
What happens at your check-up.
Six unhurried steps — and nothing treated that doesn't need to be.
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Examine
We check every tooth, your gums, soft tissues and jaw — plus your tongue, throat and the inside of your mouth. Much of a check-up is looking for what you can't see or feel: it's how problems such as gum disease and oral cancer are detected early.
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X-ray where needed
X-rays show us decay hiding between teeth and underneath existing fillings — the problems no one can spot by eye. Taking a dental X-ray is painless, and we only take them when there's a reason to.
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Discuss honestly
If we find anything, we explain it in plain English and talk through your options — including the option of doing nothing yet. Any treatment is quoted in writing before it begins.
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Clean & polish
A professional clean removes the build-up a toothbrush can't reach, then a gentle polish finishes the job — teeth that feel smooth again.
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Protect
Where it will help, we apply preventative solutions such as fluoride — a small step now that saves treatment later.
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Advise
Before you leave, we go over the oral health habits that matter most for your mouth — honest, practical advice you can actually use at home.
“Very thorough dental cleaning, feel like having a new set.”
No. 02 · Good to know
The questions we hear most often.
Every six months suits most patients. If you smoke, are pregnant, or have diabetes, advanced gum disease or certain other medical conditions, we may recommend coming more often — we'll tell you honestly what suits your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Six things: a full examination of your teeth, gums, soft tissues and jaw; X-rays where needed; an honest discussion of anything we find; a professional clean and polish; preventative solutions such as fluoride; and advice on looking after your teeth at home. It's the same steps listed above, done without rushing.
X-rays find decay hiding between teeth and under existing fillings — problems that can't be spotted by eye, even by a careful dentist. Taking them is painless, and we only take them when there's a reason to.
Most check-ups fit comfortably in a single appointment. If we find something that needs separate treatment, we'll explain it, quote it in writing, and book a follow-up rather than squeezing it in.
Every mouth is different, so we don't publish a single price. You'll always get a quote in writing before any treatment begins — we'll always talk cost before we treat. If you have health fund cover, call us and we'll help check it before you come in.
Online any time via our booking page, or phone (03) 9560 2702 during opening hours — Monday evenings until 7 pm are popular with school families.
No. 03 · Families also ask about
Where a check-up sometimes leads.
“We'll always tell you when treatment isn't needed.”
Dr Michael Sawaya
Dr Barry Kave