Preventive care

Dental exam and clean in Christchurch

Regular check-ups and professional cleans are the simplest way to keep your smile healthy. We give you a thorough examination and a gentle but effective clean, so small problems are caught before they become serious.

The comprehensive exam

Every check-up starts with a thorough examination:

  • A full assessment of your teeth, gums and overall oral health
  • Checks for decay, gum disease, infection and other concerns
  • An oral cancer screening for early detection of anything unusual
  • Digital X-rays when needed, to find problems hidden below the surface

The professional clean (scale and polish)

  • Plaque and tartar removal: we gently remove build-up that leads to decay and gum disease
  • Polishing: surface stains are polished away, leaving your teeth smooth and fresh
  • Fluoride treatment (if needed): strengthens enamel and helps protect against decay

Why regular exams and cleans matter

  • Prevention: catching problems early saves time, money and discomfort later
  • Gum health: a professional clean removes the bacteria and build-up behind gum disease
  • Fresher breath and a brighter smile: tartar and stains are removed
  • Overall health: oral health is linked to general health, so a clean mouth helps lower the risk of other conditions

How often should you come in?

We recommend a check-up and clean every six months. Some patients with particular dental conditions need to come in more often, and we will tell you if that applies to you.

Good to know

Common questions

How long does an exam and clean take?+
Allow around 45 minutes for a first visit and 30 minutes for a routine recall. If there is heavy build-up we may recommend a longer appointment or a second visit.
Does a clean hurt?+
For most people it is not painful, just a bit of vibration and water. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive, tell us and we can use topical or local anaesthetic.
Will you whiten my teeth during the clean?+
A polish removes surface staining from tea, coffee and wine, which often brightens teeth noticeably. It does not change the underlying shade. For that you would need professional whitening.
Book a visit

Talk to us about your teeth

Call the practice, email us, or send an enquiry through the contact page. We will talk you through the options and the cost before anything is booked.

ACC Registered WINZ Support SuperGold 10% Off Sedation Available

Book an Appointment

Open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday 8am–5pm.

St Albans, Christchurch: 248B Cranford Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8052

Rangiora: 15 Ivory Street, Rangiora 7400