The myth this page is here to correct
A good check-up is one of the most efficient health screens you'll have all year, and almost none of it is about finding cavities. In a few minutes, a dentist reads your gums, bite, soft tissues, tooth wear, and a surprising amount about your wider health. Our dental examination in Islington follows the sequence below.
What actually happens, step by step
The conversation first — pain, sensitivity, changes, medical history, habits like grinding or diet.
Soft-tissue and oral cancer check — lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of mouth, palate, throat, neck and jaw; under a minute but crucial for early detection.
Gum assessment — inflammation, bleeding, gap depth. Gum disease is usually painless until advanced.
The teeth — checked for decay, cracks, wear, existing fillings and crowns.
The bite and wear — flattened or chipped surfaces often point to night-time teeth grinding.
X-rays, when needed — based on individual risk, not a fixed schedule.
The summary and plan — including the honest answer of "nothing, see you next year" when true.
The whole-health view
Worn teeth and a tight jaw point to grinding and a nervous system that struggles to switch off. Eroded enamel can flag acid reflux. Persistent gum inflammation links to wider inflammatory load and gut health. Dry mouth can flag a medication side effect. Recurrent gum disease is associated with cardiovascular and diabetes risk. None of this is diagnosis — referral happens where medical investigation is needed.
How often do you actually need one?
NICE guidance recommends an interval set to individual risk — anywhere from 3 months for higher-risk patients to 24 months for consistently healthy, low-risk adults. The interval should be earned, not fixed.
What it costs
New-patient examination £65 (30 minutes, including a full risk assessment). Hygiene appointment (separate, 30 minutes) £85. X-rays quoted before taken.
Frequently asked questions
Does a check-up hurt? No, it's a visual and physical inspection.
Will I always need X-rays? No, based on individual risk.
What's the difference between a check-up and a hygiene appointment? A check-up is the examination; hygiene is the professional clean with our hygienist.
How long does a check-up take? Usually 15 to 30 minutes.
Is the oral cancer check really part of a normal check-up? Yes, every time.
I have no pain — do I still need to come? Yes — gum disease and oral cancer are usually painless early on.
Book a check-up in Islington
New-patient examination £65. Call 020 8127 4567 or WhatsApp +44 7974 910222. 222 Essex Road, Islington, London N1 3AP.
Reviewed by Dr Vishal Patel · BDS Liverpool · MSc Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry (Manchester) · GDC 103127 · AACD member · Invisalign Diamond II provider. Whole-health review by Dr Reena Sohal · BDS Liverpool · GDC 104355. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
