Everything You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
For many people, a dental check-up is something they know they should do, but often put off. Between work commitments, family life and busy schedules, it’s easy to assume that if nothing hurts, everything must be fine.
At Savona Dental, we’ve found that many patients arrive at their first appointment expecting a quick look around the mouth and a simple “everything looks fine.” In reality, modern dentistry is far more preventative than that.
Savona Dental was founded by husband and wife team Dr Parneet Sehmi and Dr Chanpreet Kalsi, who wanted to create a different type of dental experience in Canary Wharf. After building Hermes Dental into one of Pimlico’s most trusted practices, they designed Savona from the ground up around a simple principle – patients should feel informed, unhurried and genuinely cared for.
That philosophy shapes every routine dental examination we carry out.
A check-up today is an opportunity to assess your overall oral health, identify potential issues before they become problems, and give you a clear understanding of what is happening inside your mouth.
And as part of every new patient examination, we include a complimentary iTero 3D scan worth £100, giving you a detailed digital view of your teeth and smile that traditional examinations simply cannot provide.
Why Are Routine Dental Check-Ups Important?
Many dental problems develop slowly.
In fact, some of the most common issues we treat, including tooth decay, gum disease and worn fillings, often cause very few symptoms in their early stages. By the time pain develops, treatment can become more complex and more expensive than it would have been if identified earlier.
This is why routine dental examinations are so valuable.
At Savona Dental, we see check-ups as an opportunity to create a roadmap for your oral health rather than simply identify problems. By monitoring small changes over time, we can often prevent larger issues from developing altogether. For many patients, routine check-ups help avoid larger and more costly treatments in the future.
For busy professionals in Canary Wharf, this preventative approach can save significant time, inconvenience and expense in the future.
Regular dental examinations allow us to:
- Detect problems at an early stage
- Monitor existing restorations and fillings
- Assess the health of your gums
- Check for signs of oral cancer
- Review changes in your bite or jaw function
- Provide preventative advice tailored to you
One of the things that makes a Savona Dental examination different is our use of advanced digital technology.
Unlike traditional dental impressions, which can feel uncomfortable and messy, the iTero scanner creates a highly detailed 3D digital model of your teeth and bite in just a few minutes.
This allows us to:
- Identify wear and movement of teeth
- Monitor changes over time
- Show patients areas of concern visually
- Plan future treatment more accurately
- Create a digital baseline for your smile
Many patients tell us that seeing their teeth in 3D helps them understand their oral health far more clearly than simply being told about it.
For us, it’s another way of making dentistry more transparent, collaborative and patient-centred.
What Happens During a Routine Dental Check-Up?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “What actually happens during a dental check-up?”
The good news is that most appointments are simple, comfortable and informative.
At Savona Dental, we never want appointments to feel rushed.
Many patients tell us they have previously felt as though they were being moved through appointments as quickly as possible. That’s not how we work.
Whether you’re visiting for a routine review, haven’t seen a dentist in several years, or feel nervous about treatment, we take the time to understand your concerns and answer your questions before any examination begins.
The appointment is designed to be informative and collaborative, giving you a clear understanding of your oral health rather than simply delivering a list of problems.
1. Discussing Your Dental Health
Your appointment usually begins with a conversation. Your dentist will ask whether you’ve experienced any:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Bleeding gums
- Changes in your oral health
- Concerns about appearance or function
- Medical or medication changes
This helps us understand your overall health and identify any areas that may require closer attention.
2. Examination of Your Teeth
Next, your dentist will carefully examine each tooth. We’re looking for signs of:
- Tooth decay
- Cracks or fractures
- Worn enamel
- Failing fillings
- Infection
- Changes in bite alignment
Modern dental examinations are highly preventative. Our goal is often to identify small issues before they become larger ones.
3. Gum Health Assessment
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Your dentist will check for signs of:
- Gingivitis
- Gum recession
- Periodontal disease
- Inflammation
- Bleeding
Many patients are surprised to learn that gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
Every routine examination includes an oral cancer screening. This involves checking:
- The tongue
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Soft tissues around the throat and jaw
The examination is quick, painless and forms an important part of your preventative care.
5. X-Rays (If Required)
Not every appointment requires X-rays. However, your dentist may recommend them to detect issues that cannot be seen during a visual examination, such as:
- Decay between teeth
- Infection
- Bone loss
- Problems beneath existing fillings
Digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation and provide valuable diagnostic information.
6. Discussing Findings and Recommendations
Before you leave, your dentist will explain their findings clearly. If treatment is required, you’ll understand:
- What the issue is
- Why treatment is recommended
- Available options
- Expected costs
- Timescales involved
At Savona Dental, we believe patients should never feel rushed or pressured. We take the time to answer questions and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Ready to Book Your Check-Up?
If it’s been a while since your last dental examination, there’s no need to worry.
Our friendly team will guide you through the process, explain everything clearly and help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
How Long Does a Dental Check-Up Take?
A routine dental examination typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. For new patients, appointments may be slightly longer to allow time for:
- Medical history reviews
- Baseline assessments
- Digital scans or X-rays
- Treatment planning discussions
If you’re combining your examination with a hygiene appointment, you should allow approximately one hour in total.
Many of our Canary Wharf patients choose to schedule appointments before work, during lunch breaks or at the end of the working day. We understand how valuable your time is, which is why we’ve designed our appointment process to be efficient without ever feeling rushed.
How Much Does a Dental Check-Up Cost?
Many people searching for a dental check-up online are really asking two questions:
“How much will it cost?” and “What value will I get from the appointment?”
At Savona Dental, we believe patients should understand exactly what they’re paying for.
Your examination isn’t simply a quick visual inspection. It’s a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, oral health and future risks, supported by modern diagnostic technology and delivered by experienced clinicians who take the time to explain their findings.
We believe in being completely transparent about fees, so you know exactly what to expect before booking.
Our current examination fees are:
- New patient consultation (including 2 digital X-rays) – £68
- Routine dental examination – £68
- Additional X-rays – £17
- OPG panoramic scan – £80
- CT scan – £100
How Often Should You Have a Dental Check-Up?
The right frequency depends on your individual oral health. For most adults, we recommend attending every six months.
However, some patients may benefit from more frequent reviews, including those who:
- Have a history of gum disease
- Smoke or vape
- Have diabetes
- Are undergoing orthodontic treatment
- Experience frequent decay
- Have extensive dental work
Others with excellent oral health may be advised to attend less frequently.
Your dentist will recommend a schedule that’s appropriate for you based on your risk factors, lifestyle and overall oral health.
What’s Normal Between Check-Ups?
Not every minor symptom indicates a serious problem. It’s normal to occasionally experience:
- Temporary sensitivity after whitening
- Mild sensitivity to very cold foods
- Small changes in bite awareness after treatment
However, ongoing symptoms should always be assessed.
One of the biggest misconceptions we see is patients waiting until they are in pain before booking an appointment. Unfortunately, pain often means a problem has already progressed beyond its earliest stage.
If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s always worth getting it checked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do dental check-ups hurt?
No. A routine dental examination is typically painless. Your dentist will carefully assess your teeth, gums and oral health without carrying out any treatment unless discussed beforehand.
Is the iTero scan really free?
Yes. Every new patient examination at Savona Dental includes a complimentary iTero 3D scan worth £100, allowing you to see a detailed digital model of your teeth and bite.
What if I haven’t seen a dentist in years?
You’re not alone. Many of our patients haven’t visited a dentist for several years before coming to Savona Dental. Our approach is supportive, judgement-free and focused on helping you move forward confidently.
