Regular dental cleaning provided by a hygienist or oral health therapist is recommended as part of a good oral hygiene routine. Without regular cleans to remove built-up plaque and tartar, you will be at higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other serious problems.
If it’s been longer than 6 months since you last visited the dentist, call our friendly team at Kelmscott Dental on (08) 9495 7999 to schedule a check-up and professional teeth cleaning at a time that suits you. You can also book online and we’ll get back to you.
How much does a dental clean cost?
Check-ups and dental cleaning are general preventive care and may be included as part of your private health insurance with general dental cover, or if you or your children are eligible for CDBS benefits.
If you don’t have private health insurance, a comprehensive check-up and clean is usually $497, however for new patients to the practice, you can enjoy our special NO GAP or $350* new patient offer.
Health funds
We accept all health funds at Kelmscott Dental and process on-the-spot claims with HICAPS so you won’t have any out-of-pocket costs to pay on your visit. As a Bupa Members First Platinum provider and HBF Members Plus Dentist, we can offer extra benefits for eligible members with these health funds.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) offers free dental cleaning and other basic dental care for children of lower-income families aged 2 to 17. Our staff can help you to check your eligibility and to make on-the-spot claims so you may not have to pay anything on the day.
Payment plans
We understand that dental costs can sometimes be expensive. That’s why we’ve partnered with trusted finance providers to offer flexible payment plans to suit your circumstances, so you can access dental care when you need it and don’t have to delay your regular check-ups and dental cleans.
Is dental cleaning worth the cost?
Prevention is always better (and less costly) than cure when it comes to oral health. Seeing a dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups and teeth cleaning may be an expense, but they can help you avoid more expensive and intensive treatments if a problem does develop that could have been prevented.
If dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease are allowed to develop, these may lead to problems such as tooth wear, cavities, gum recession and eventually tooth loss. Bacteria that enter the bloodstream may also lead to other serious health concerns.
Regular dental visits combined with good daily care are the best prevention for tooth decay, gum disease and associated problems.
Can flossing remove tartar?
Good toothbrushing and flossing are important for reducing plaque on your teeth, but they can’t remove all traces. When plaque hardens into calculus or tartar, this can no longer be removed through regular brushing and flossing alone and needs professional cleaning and scaling.
Our hygienists in Kelmscott use modern systems to gently remove plaque and calculus deposits from the surfaces of your teeth with minimal discomfort.
What happens during my check-up and clean?
During your routine check-up at Kelmscott Dental, we’ll first examine your teeth, gums and mouth and discuss any signs of possible problems, then provide hygiene treatments to help you maintain your oral health until your next visit.
Oral hygiene treatments are based on the condition of your teeth and gums and your individual risks, but may involve:
- Scaling and cleaning to remove plaque and calculus
- Rinsing your mouth
- Polishing your teeth for a smooth finish
- Fluoride application to help protect tooth enamel
- Education and tips to help you maintain good oral health at home
If you have sensitive teeth, your hygienist can apply a topical gel to help numb your mouth and prevent pain or discomfort during teeth cleaning.
How long does dental cleaning take?
Dental cleaning may take 30 to 45 minutes or longer, depending on how much plaque and tartar has built up since your last clean. Your check-up and clean appointment may take up to two hours if you need x-rays, which are recommended every 1 to 2 years based on your individual risk factors.
However long your appointment lasts, this will not affect your teeth cleaning cost.
How often should you get your teeth professionally cleaned?
Regular oral health assessments give your dentist the chance to catch problems early, and regular hygiene treatments can lower the risk of problems developing.
We normally recommend that adults and children visit our clinic twice a year for a check-up and clean, but we may recommend visiting more often if you are managing an ongoing issue such as periodontal disease or under a treatment plan.
Does everyone need professional teeth cleaning?
Our teeth cleaning process can vary for different patients, but regular hygiene appointments are recommended for children and adults alike. Our modern cleaning and scaling tools minimise contact with your teeth and won’t cause damage, and we take steps to ensure that gels and fluoride applied to your teeth won’t be ingested.
If you avoid or delay hygiene appointments because you want to avoid the cost or the hassle, keep in mind that you may be at greater risk of developing serious oral health problems that could require more intensive dental treatments to fix.
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
Regular check-ups and teeth cleaning are important for maintaining good oral health, but it’s also important to keep up good daily habits. Your dentist or hygienist can give you personalised advice, but general recommendations are:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride
- Floss before or after brushing at least once daily
- Use a mouthwash (if recommended by your dentist)
- Eat a healthy diet and cut down on sugar and acids
- Drink plenty of water, especially fluoridated tap water
Book a check-up and clean in Kelmscott
Is it time you saw a dentist and hygienist? Book an appointment for you or your family at Kelmscott Dental by calling (08) 9495 7999 or contact us and let us know how we can help you.