Checkup And Cleans in Sydney
At CDC Dental, preventive care has been a longstanding focus of the practice. Regular checkups and professional cleanings give us an opportunity to look closely at your teeth and gums, identify changes and help you maintain your oral health over the long term.
Every checkup includes a thorough dental examination and an assessment of your gum health, so you have a clear picture of how things are looking and whether any areas need attention.
NEW PATIENTS
Meet Your Preventive Care Team
Dr Tony Goswell (Principal Dentist) is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS) with close to 45 years in general practice. He oversees treatment planning and periodontal diagnosis and also performs cleaning appointments. Prevention has been central to his approach for decades, with a conservative, unhurried style of care.
Chanel, Oral Health Therapist
Chanel holds a Bachelor in Oral Health from the University of Sydney and is dual-qualified as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist. She has received the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award (2018) and the Dental Hygiene Association of Australia NSW Branch Prize. Chanel provides periodontal care for adults and restorative and preventive care for children, with a warm approach that can be particularly welcome for anxious patients.
Amanda, Oral Health Therapist
Amanda began her dental career as a dental assistant before completing her Bachelor of Oral Health at Auckland University in 2012. As an Oral Health Therapist, she provides preventive and periodontal care for adults as well as dental care for children and adolescents. She places a strong emphasis on patient education, helping people better understand their oral health and the everyday habits that can help maintain it.
Cathy, Oral Health Therapist
Catherine completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) at Charles Sturt University and has been practising in Sydney since 2020. She enjoys caring for both adults and children, with a particular focus on preventive care and helping patients establish healthy oral hygiene habits. Her calm, considerate approach also helps patients feel more at ease during their appointments.
Your Dental Examination
Your dental examination with the dentist includes the following:
- Oral cancer screening:
A thorough oral cancer screening, both visually and digitally (using the fingers), checking all your lymph nodes, lips, tongue and the insides of your mouth and cheeks. - Diagnostic X-rays:
A series of diagnostic X-rays that provide a comprehensive view of your teeth and the condition of your bones. - Periodontal examination:
A periodontal examination, which includes a thorough screening and assessment of your gums to check for any signs of periodontal (gum) disease. - Occlusal exam:
An occlusal exam, to check for bite problems (underbite, overbite, crossbite), worn teeth, and jaw problems, such as TMJ. - Tooth by tooth assessment:
A tooth-by-tooth check to identify cavities, examine prior treatment and restorations, and the current condition of each. We will locate any chipped, cracked or missing teeth, or identify any work that needs to be performed, such as protective sealants or fluoride treatments to strengthen the teeth.
For those suffering from periodontal disease, we advise you to come in more regularly. However, our dentist will discuss a suitable treatment plan during your consultation.
What To Expect From Professional Cleaning
Not every clean needs the same approach. A traditional scale and clean uses ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove plaque and hardened calculus, particularly when there’s heavier tartar build-up. This is performed by Dr Goswell or one of our Oral Health Therapists, depending on your individual needs.
Airflow uses a fine stream of air, water and powder for polishing and stain removal. It may be well suited to people with sensitive teeth or those who find aspects of traditional scaling uncomfortable and is available with our Oral Health Therapists.
The right approach depends on what we find during your examination. Heavier calculus may still require traditional scaling, and Airflow and scaling may sometimes be used together.
Preventive Care With an Oral Health Therapist
An Oral Health Therapist is qualified across both dental hygiene and dental therapy, giving them a broader role in preventive dental care. At CDC Dental, our Oral Health Therapists work closely with Dr Goswell to look after the health of your teeth and gums, provide professional cleaning and help you understand how to care for your mouth between visits.
For adults, their role includes professional cleaning, periodontal care and ongoing monitoring of gum health. Their dental therapy training also allows them to provide preventive and restorative dental care for children within their scope of practice. Having this combination of skills makes our Oral Health Therapists an integral part of the practice’s preventive care approach.
Your appointment may include:
Understanding Gum Disease
Tender or swollen gums, bleeding after brushing or flossing, and food catching between your teeth can all be signs of gum disease. Over time, plaque and tartar can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis develops when plaque and tartar build up around the teeth and inflame the gums. You may notice redness, swelling or bleeding, particularly when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is reversible with professional cleaning and consistent home care. Without treatment, however, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis affects both the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. As inflammation spreads deeper, it can cause permanent bone loss. Teeth may become sore or loose and, in advanced cases, may eventually be lost.
Although bone loss from periodontitis cannot be reversed, the condition can often be managed. Regular dental hygiene visits, careful monitoring and thorough home care can help slow or stop further progression and protect the remaining gum and bone tissues.
Read more about our approach to gum disease treatment.
Oral Health Care at Home
Along with regular dental cleanings and examinations at our dental practice, it’s also important that you practice a proper oral health care regime at home. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy all year-round, including in-between visits.
We recommend brushing for at least two minutes twice a day, using a soft bristled brush. Soft bristles are gentle on your gums, helping prevent sensitivity and erosion. Additionally, you should clean between your teeth and just below the gum lines by using dental floss at least once a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need Airflow or a traditional clean?
What happens if gum disease is found?
Who will perform my checkup and clean?
Get Started
Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning can help you keep track of changes in your teeth and gums. Contact CDC Dental to arrange your next checkup and clean!
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.
