What Dentists Look for in a Comprehensive Dental Check (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
- Mid North Coast Dental Centres
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 21
A comprehensive dental check is about far more than “having a look at your teeth”.
At Mid North Coast Dental Centres, we believe we treat people, not just teeth. Every comprehensive check is guided by duty of care, because our family genuinely cares for yours.
Why a Comprehensive Dental Check Matters
Many dental issues develop quietly. Early changes don’t always cause pain, but they can affect your health, comfort, confidence, and long-term outcomes if left unchecked.
A comprehensive dental check helps you:
understand your current oral health clearly,
prevent small issues from becoming complex problems,
plan treatment calmly instead of reacting later,
and feel confident knowing you’re being properly cared for.
It’s not about finding faults. It’s about providing clarity.
What We Look for in a Comprehensive Dental Check
1. Tooth Health
We assess:
early signs of decay,
wear from grinding or clenching,
cracks or stress points,
older fillings that may be breaking down or discolouring.
These changes are often not painful yet, but early detection allows simpler and more predictable care.
2. Gum Health
Healthy gums are essential for healthy teeth.
We check for:
inflammation or bleeding,
gum recession,
early signs of gum disease.
Gum health is closely linked to overall wellbeing, which is why it forms a core part of our duty of care.
3. Bite, Function, and Wear
How your teeth work together matters.
We look at:
how evenly your bite is balanced,
areas of excessive wear,
missing teeth that may be affecting surrounding teeth.
This helps prevent long-term damage and maintain comfort as your needs change over time.
4. Existing Dental Work
Dental restorations don’t last forever.
We review:
This isn’t about replacing things unnecessarily. It’s about knowing what’s stable, what needs monitoring, and what may benefit from attention.
5. Oral Cancer Screening
As part of comprehensive care, we also examine the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
This screening is quick, gentle, and an important part of preventive dentistry.
Dental X-Rays and Panoramic Imaging
Dental X-rays may be recommended if they help us identify issues that aren’t visible during a clinical examination.
This can include panoramic X-rays, which provide a full view of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding structures. Panoramic imaging helps us assess concerns such as impacted or problematic wisdom teeth, hidden decay, cracked or broken teeth below the surface, jaw alignment issues, and signs of infection affecting the gums or bone.
We only recommend X-rays when clinically appropriate, and your dentist will always explain why they’re needed as part of your care.
What Happens After the Check
A comprehensive dental check doesn’t end with the examination.
We take time to talk you through:
what’s healthy,
what we’re monitoring,
what treatment may be recommended,
and what can safely wait.
We explain things clearly and answer your questions, so you can make informed decisions at your own pace. There’s no pressure and no rushed conversations.
That’s what duty of care looks like in practice.
A Confident Starting Point for Your Health
For many patients, a comprehensive check provides reassurance.
For others, it offers clarity around changes they’ve noticed or helps them plan improvements in comfort, function, or confidence.
Either way, understanding your oral health empowers you to look after it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensive Dental Checks
What is a comprehensive dental check?
A comprehensive dental check is a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and oral tissues. It focuses on early detection, prevention, and long-term planning, not just treating problems when they become painful.
How often should I have a comprehensive dental check?
For most people, a comprehensive check every six to twelve months is recommended. Your dentist may suggest a different schedule depending on your individual oral health needs.
Does a comprehensive dental check include X-rays?
Dental X-rays may be recommended when they help us see areas that aren’t visible during a standard examination. This can include panoramic X-rays, which provide a broader view of the teeth and jaw. We only suggest X-rays when clinically appropriate and always explain why they’re needed.
What hidden issues can panoramic X-rays detect?
Panoramic X-rays can help identify:
wisdom teeth complications,
teeth that are cracked or broken below the surface,
infections affecting the jaw or surrounding bone,
advanced gum disease that isn’t yet visible,
and structural or alignment issues affecting bite and jaw function.
Is a comprehensive dental check Gap Free?
Yes. For patients with eligible private health insurance, a comprehensive dental check is Gap Free, subject to your level of cover and health fund limits.
For patients without private health insurance, the cost of a comprehensive dental check is $250.
Our team is always happy to explain what’s included and help you understand your options before proceeding.
Why do dentists recommend checks and X-rays even when nothing hurts?
Many dental problems develop quietly and don’t cause symptoms in the early stages. Regular checks and appropriate imaging allow us to identify changes early, monitor them over time, and help prevent more complex issues later.
What if I’m not ready to proceed with treatment?
That’s completely okay. Our role is to provide information and guidance. Decisions are always yours, and we’ll support you at your pace.
Our Approach: Care First, Always
At MNC Dental, our philosophy is simple: we treat the person, not just the teeth.
That means:
clear explanations,
honest recommendations,
respectful conversations,
and care that feels personal.
Because when it comes to health, trust matters — and our family truly cares for yours.
Disclaimer
Prescription-only medicines may be discussed during consultation if clinically appropriate. Any treatment is only available following an in-person assessment with a qualified health professional, and suitability varies between individuals.
About Mid North Coast Dental Centres
Providing advanced digital dental care in Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie. From gentle family check-ups to cosmetic and emergency treatments, our friendly team is here to help you smile with confidence.
Our Family Care for Yours
Port Macquarie Dentists at Suite 7, 38 Clifton Drive (Open 7 days a week)
Phone: (02) 6581 4025
Lake Cathie Dentists at Shop 8/1613 Ocean Dr (Open 6 days a week)
Phone: (02) 6584 8111 Email: lc@midnorthcoastdental.com.au
