Examinations & X-Rays

What is a Comprehensive Exam?

Why are Dental Examinations Important?

At Waiata Shores Dental, we understand the significance of maintaining a healthy smile and fostering a strong partnership between you and your dentist. Regular dental examinations are essential to complement your daily oral hygiene routine and take a proactive approach to dental health. Diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective treatment and long-term outcomes, making X-rays a vital component of our examination process. With our clinic's cutting-edge technology, we can capture both 2D and 3D images to enhance our diagnostic capabilities.

Benefits of regular check-ups:

  1. Prevention of periodontal disease and oral cancer.

  2. Maintenance of overall oral health.

  3. Prevention of bad breath.

  4. Preservation of dental health.

  5. Enhancement of a bright, white smile.

  6. Prevention of infections.

By prioritizing regular dental check-ups, you can safeguard your oral health, detect any potential issues early, and maintain a radiant smile for years to come. Schedule your dental examination with us today and experience the difference our comprehensive care can make for your smile.

What do we cover?

At Waiata Shores Dental, our dental examinations are thorough and comprehensive, covering all aspects of your oral health. Here's what we cover during a dental examination:

  1. Medical History Review: We begin by reviewing your medical history, including any medications you're taking and any relevant health conditions that may impact your oral health.

  2. Visual Inspection: Our dentist performs a visual inspection of your mouth, gums, and teeth, checking for signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health issues.

  3. X-rays: We take both 2D and 3D X-ray images using our clinic's latest technology to assess the underlying structures of your teeth and jawbone. X-rays help us detect cavities, infections, bone loss, and other issues that may not be visible during a visual examination.

  4. Gum Health Assessment: We examine the health of your gums, checking for signs of inflammation, bleeding, recession, and periodontal disease. This assessment helps us determine the state of your gum health and whether any treatment is needed.

  5. Evaluation of Existing Restorations: If you have existing dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or implants, we evaluate their condition to ensure they are functioning properly and in good condition.

  6. Oral Cancer Screening: We conduct a thorough examination of your oral tissues to screen for signs of oral cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so we take this aspect of the examination very seriously.

  7. Discussion and Recommendations: Based on our findings, we discuss our observations with you and provide personalized recommendations for any necessary treatment or preventive measures. We'll also offer guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene and overall dental health.

  8. Patient Education: Throughout the examination process, we take the time to educate you about your oral health and answer any questions you may have. We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge so they can take an active role in maintaining their oral health.

At Waiata Shores Dental, our goal is to provide thorough, compassionate care to our patients and ensure their oral health needs are met with excellence. Schedule your dental examination with us today and experience the difference our comprehensive approach can make for your smile.

Call 09 391 7777 to make an appointment or for any queries

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Call 09 391 7777 to make an appointment or for any queries |

Why choose us?

Choosing Waiata Shores Dental means choosing a dental practice committed to providing exceptional care and personalised attention to every patient. Here's why you should choose us for your dental needs:

  1. Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Whether you need a routine cleaning or complex dental work, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs under one roof.

  2. Experienced Professionals: Our team consists of experienced dentists, hygienists, and support staff who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care. We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and employ state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal results for our patients.

  3. Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor our treatments to your individual needs and preferences. Your dental journey with us is guided by open communication, respect, and compassion.

  4. Advanced Technology: We invest in cutting-edge dental technology to enhance the precision, efficiency, and comfort of our treatments. From digital X-rays to intraoral cameras to laser dentistry, we utilize advanced tools and techniques to deliver superior outcomes for our patients.

  5. Focus on Prevention: We believe in the power of preventive care to maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental issues before they arise. Our team emphasizes patient education, regular check-ups, and proactive measures to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for life.

  6. Warm and Welcoming Environment: Our dental practice is designed to make you feel at ease from the moment you walk through the door. We create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and feel confident in the care you receive.

  7. Convenient Location and Hours: Located in a convenient area, our practice offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy lifestyle. We strive to make dental care accessible and convenient for all our patients.

  8. Commitment to Excellence: At Waiata Shores Dental, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. Whether it's delivering exceptional treatments, providing outstanding customer service, or giving back to our community, we continuously strive to exceed your expectations.

Choose Waiata Shores Dental for a dental experience that prioritizes your needs, respects your individuality, and helps you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Schedule your appointment with us today and experience the difference firsthand.

We offer different types of examination

At Waiata Shores Dental, we offer comprehensive dental examinations tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown of our examination options:

Comprehensive Examinations - $349 | Up to 60 minutes:

Recommended for first-time visitors or patients who haven't seen a dentist in a few years, our Comprehensive Examinations provide a thorough assessment of your oral health. This comprehensive assessment, valued at over $550 individually, ensures a detailed understanding of your dental health. Additionally, the cost includes a complimentary 20-minute follow-up appointment to discuss the treatment plan and review 3D scans/images.

This comprehensive package includes:

  1. Intra Oral & Extra Oral exam

  2. CBCT Scan (3D X-ray)

  3. Bitewing x-rays

  4. Intra oral 3D scan

  5. Intra-oral images

  6. Extra-oral photos

Standard Examinations - $89 + X-Rays | Up to 40 minutes:

Our Standard Examinations are recommended for those seeking a full assessment of their oral health. This option provides a comprehensive evaluation within a 40-minute appointment.

This examination includes:

  1. Intra Oral & Extra Oral exam

  2. Bitewing X-Rays or OPG or CBCT Scan (charged separately)

  3. Intra-oral images

Specific Consultations - $69 + X-rays | Up to 30 minutes:

Ideal for addressing specific dental concerns, our Specific Consultations focus on one particular issue that you are experiencing. These consultations are suitable for addressing issues such as Toothache, Broken Tooth, Chipped fillings, Sensitivity, or Bleeding of Gums, providing targeted care and attention within a 30-minute appointment.
This consultation includes:

  1. Intra Oral & Extra Oral exam

  2. Bitewing X-Rays or OPG or CBCT Scan (charged separately)

  3. Intra-oral images

At Waiata Shores Dental, we prioritize your oral health and offer comprehensive examination options to ensure you receive the personalized care you deserve. Schedule your appointment today to experience our commitment to excellence in dental care.

Quick comparison of all Examinations

Inclusions Comprehensive Exam Standard Exam Specific Consult
Cost $349 $89 $69
Duration Up to 60 minutes Up to 40 minutes Up to 30 minutes
Bitewing X-Rays Included $25 each $25 each
Intra Oral Images Yes Yes Yes
CBCT Scan or 3D X-Ray Included No No
Extra Oral Images Yes No No
3D Intra Oral Scan Yes No No
Treatment Plan Consultation Yes – 20 minutes (complimentary) No No

Why are X-Rays Important?

X-rays play a crucial role in dentistry for several reasons:

  1. Detecting Hidden Issues: X-rays allow dentists to see beyond what is visible to the naked eye, revealing hidden dental issues such as cavities between teeth, infections, bone loss, and impacted teeth. These problems may not be apparent during a visual examination but can have serious consequences if left untreated.

  2. Diagnosing Decay: X-rays are particularly effective in detecting early signs of tooth decay, enabling dentists to intervene before the decay progresses and causes significant damage to the tooth structure. Early detection allows for more conservative and less invasive treatment options.

  3. Assessing Tooth and Jawbone Health: X-rays provide valuable information about the health of the teeth, roots, and surrounding jawbone. They help dentists evaluate the density and integrity of the bone, identify abnormalities, and assess the positioning of teeth. This information is essential for planning treatments such as dental implants, extractions, and orthodontic procedures.

  4. Monitoring Growth and Development: X-rays are invaluable in monitoring the growth and development of teeth and jaws, especially in children and adolescents. They help dentists track the eruption of permanent teeth, identify potential orthodontic issues, and intervene early to guide proper dental development.

  5. Planning Treatments: X-rays serve as essential tools for treatment planning. They provide dentists with detailed images that aid in determining the best approach for various dental procedures, including fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, and oral surgeries. X-rays help ensure precision and accuracy in treatment delivery.

  6. Improving Patient Safety: While X-rays emit low levels of radiation, they are considered safe when used properly. Dentists take necessary precautions to minimize radiation exposure, such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars. The benefits of X-rays in diagnosing and treating dental issues far outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure.

In summary, X-rays are indispensable diagnostic tools in dentistry, enabling dentists to detect hidden problems, diagnose conditions accurately, plan treatments effectively, and monitor oral health over time. By providing valuable insights into the oral and dental structures, X-rays contribute to better patient outcomes and overall oral health.

At Waiata Shores Dental, we prioritize providing our patients with comprehensive diagnostic options to ensure the highest standard of care. That's why we offer a wide array of x-ray options tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Our x-ray services include:

  1. Bitewing X-rays: Bitewing x-rays are commonly used to detect cavities and assess the health of the bone between teeth. These x-rays are particularly useful for identifying early signs of decay and monitoring changes in dental health over time.

  2. Panoramic X-rays (OPG): Panoramic x-rays, also known as OPG (Orthopantomogram), provide a comprehensive view of the entire mouth, including the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. These x-rays are valuable for evaluating overall dental health, detecting impacted teeth, assessing jawbone density, and planning complex treatments such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

  3. 3D X-rays (CBCT Scans): Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans offer three-dimensional images of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding anatomy with remarkable detail and precision. CBCT scans provide invaluable information for diagnosing complex dental issues, planning implant placement, evaluating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and assessing facial trauma.

By offering a range of x-ray options, we ensure that our patients receive the most accurate and comprehensive diagnostic information possible. Our experienced team utilises advanced imaging technology to deliver precise diagnoses and personalised treatment plans, promoting optimal oral health outcomes for every patient.

Questions

What are the advantages of regular dental check-ups?

Dental health is priceless, and prevention is better than cure. Regular check-ups give your dentist a chance to stop signs of gum disease and tooth decay and work with you to keep your smile fresh and bright, now and in the future. Check your teeth regularly. By doing so, we can detect problems early through examination.

How often should I have a dental examination?

As for the frequency of dental examinations, it varies depending on individual needs. While most patients benefit from annual check-ups, some may require more frequent visits, especially during active treatment or if they are at higher risk of dental problems. Your dentist at Waiata Shores Dental will assess your oral health and recommend the optimal frequency for check-ups based on your unique needs and circumstances. Regular communication with your dentist ensures that your oral health needs are met effectively and conveniently.