A routine dental check-up usually starts with questions about your health and any symptoms, followed by an examination of your teeth, gums, lips, mouth and neck. You may need X-rays, and you may be offered a scale and polish or advice on cleaning. The dentist then recommends when you should come back, which NICE says can range from 3 months to 2 years for adults depending on your oral health.
If you have not been to the dentist for a while, not knowing what will happen can be enough to keep putting it off. In reality, a standard check-up follows a fairly predictable pattern, and most of it is about looking and talking rather than treatment. Knowing the steps in advance makes it easier to relax, ask the right questions and get more value from the appointment.
The sequence below reflects NHS and NICE guidance and applies whether you see an NHS practice or a private one, such as a dentist Northampton patients pay directly. Appointment lengths, fees and the way each practice organises hygiene visits do vary, so it is always worth asking when you book.
Step 1: What will the dentist ask you first?
Most check-ups start with a short conversation. According to the NHS, the dentist may ask about:
- Any symptoms in your mouth, such as pain or bleeding
- How you look after your teeth, including how often you brush
- Your general health and any medicines you take
- Your diet, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol
Answer honestly. Medicines, health conditions and habits such as smoking can all affect your gums and teeth, and they help the dentist decide how often you need to be seen. If anything has changed since your last visit, such as a new prescription or a pregnancy, mention it.
Step 2: What does the examination involve?
The NHS explains that a dental healthcare professional will look inside your mouth and also check your lips and neck. They look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease and mouth cancer, using a small mirror and a metal tool called a probe. You may hear the dentist read out notes to a dental nurse as they go; this is simply how the practice records what it finds.
If you feel anxious, it helps to agree a simple signal, such as raising a hand, so you can ask for a pause.
Step 3: Will you need X-rays?
The NHS says you may need X-rays of your teeth. They are not taken at every visit; the dentist decides based on your history and what they see. X-rays help show decay between teeth, under existing fillings and below the gum line, which cannot be seen by eye. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the dentist before any X-ray is taken.
Step 4: Is a scale and polish part of a check-up?
Sometimes. The Oral Health Foundation describes a scale and polish as a professional clean to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth, along with surface stains. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be brushed away at home, so it needs professional scaling. The clean may be done by the dentist, a dental hygienist or a dental therapist, either during the check-up or at a separate appointment.
If you have gum disease, the Oral Health Foundation notes that treatment may take several sessions. Your hygienist should also show you how to brush and clean between your teeth effectively.
Step 5: How often should you go back?
Many people still assume everyone needs a check-up every six months, but NICE guidance on dental recall intervals takes a more individual approach. Your dentist should base the gap between visits on your own risk of dental disease.
| Who | Shortest recall interval | Longest recall interval |
|---|---|---|
| Children and young people under 18 | 3 months | 12 months |
| Adults aged 18 and over | 3 months | 24 months |
NICE says that the longest interval for adults should be used only for people who have repeatedly shown they can keep their mouth healthy and are not considered at risk of oral disease. The NHS summarises this as anything from 3 months to 2 years, or up to 1 year if you are under 18. NICE links the shorter limit for children partly to the faster rate at which decay can progress in milk teeth.
Step 6: What happens if you need treatment?
If the dentist finds something, they should explain the problem and your options. For NHS patients, the NHS says that if you need Band 2 or Band 3 treatment you should be given a written treatment plan to agree to and sign before treatment starts, setting out what will be done and what it will cost.
| NHS charge band (England) | Charge | Examples of what it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis and advice, X-rays if needed, fluoride, simple gum care such as scaling |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges |
Private practices set their own fees, and a check-up and a hygiene appointment are often priced separately. Ask for the fee before the appointment so there are no surprises.
What questions should you ask at your check-up?
A check-up is also your chance to get personal advice. Useful questions include:
- When do you recommend I come back, and why that interval?
- Are there any early signs of decay or gum disease I should watch for?
- Am I cleaning between my teeth properly, and should I use floss or interdental brushes?
- Is my toothpaste strong enough in fluoride for my needs?
- Would I benefit from a separate hygiene appointment?
- If I need treatment, what are the options and what will each cost?
Checklist: before, during and after your appointment
- Write down any medicines you take and any health changes since your last visit
- Note any symptoms: sensitivity, bleeding gums, ulcers, pain when biting
- Brush as normal beforehand; there is no need for a special clean
- Tell the team if you feel nervous so they can explain each step
- Ask for the cost of any recommended treatment in writing
- Book your next check-up before you leave, at the interval your dentist advises
A local example
Cliftonville Dental, a private practice at 65 The Avenue in Cliftonville, Northampton, which says it was set up in 2004, offers direct access to its hygienists, meaning patients can book a hygiene appointment without a referral. Its website says that for most people a hygiene visit every six months works well, while people prone to gum disease may be advised to attend every three to four months. For patients who feel anxious, the practice lists inhalation and intravenous sedation for suitable patients.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dental check-up take?
It varies by practice and by what is needed. A routine examination is usually short, while a first visit to a new practice, X-rays or a scale and polish will take longer. Ask when you book.
Does a check-up hurt?
The examination itself involves looking and gentle probing. If you have sensitive teeth or sore gums, tell the dentist before they start.
Do I need a check-up every six months?
Not necessarily. NICE guidance says adults can be recalled anywhere from every 3 months to every 24 months, depending on their oral health and risk.
Is a scale and polish included on the NHS?
The NHS lists simple gum care such as scaling within Band 1. Ask your dentist whether you need it at a particular visit, as it is not automatically part of every check-up.
Sources
- NHS: What happens when you visit an NHS dentist
- NHS: Dental check-ups
- NICE CG19: Dental checks, intervals between oral health reviews
- NHS: Understanding NHS dental charges
- Oral Health Foundation: Visiting a dental hygienist or therapist
General information only, not dental or medical advice. NHS charges and guidance were checked in October 2026 and can change. Speak to your own dental team about your needs.