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Most significant dental problems do not announce themselves

A regular check-up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your long-term dental health.

  • Welcoming new & returning patients
  • Oral cancer screening included
berkhamsted

Most significant dental problems do not announce themselves. Decay between teeth, early gum disease, changes in the soft tissues, wear to the enamel: these develop quietly, often without pain, and by the time they are felt, they have usually become more complex to treat. A regular check-up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect your long-term dental health, because it allows us to find and address problems when they are small.

At Berkhamsted Dental Practice, a check-up is never rushed. We allocate enough time to carry out a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues, to review any relevant X-rays, and to have a proper conversation about anything you have noticed or anything that is on your mind. We will always explain clearly what we find and why, and any treatment we recommend will be discussed fully before anything is agreed.

We also screen for oral cancer at every check-up as standard. It takes less than two minutes and requires no additional equipment: your dentist will systematically examine all the soft tissues in your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, palate, and lips. Early detection makes an enormous difference to outcomes, and it is something we consider non-negotiable at every appointment.

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About treatment

What does a dental check-up include?

A check-up at Berkhamsted Dental is designed to leave you genuinely informed about the state of your oral health. We take the time to explain what we find, why it matters, and what the options are. We do not use jargon, we do not rush through findings, and we will never recommend treatment you do not need. If everything looks well, we will tell you so clearly, and you will leave with confidence that your dental health is in good shape. Here is what your dentist will assess.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Teeth and restorations

A careful examination of every tooth, including the condition of any existing fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges. We check for new decay, cracks, wear, and any changes since your last visit.

Gum health assessment

We measure the pocket depths around your teeth and check for signs of gum disease, recession, and inflammation. Gum health is the foundation of everything else, and it is assessed at every appointment.

Bite and jaw

An assessment of how your teeth meet and whether there are any signs of grinding, clenching, or jaw joint problems. These can cause significant long-term damage if left unaddressed.

Oral cancer screening

A systematic check of all the soft tissues in your mouth: your tongue, the floor of your mouth, your cheeks, palate, and lips. Any changes or areas of concern are noted and monitored or referred as appropriate.

Digital X-rays (where clinically indicated)

Radiographs allow us to see decay between teeth, changes in the bone, and issues below the gumline that are invisible to the naked eye. We take X-rays only when they are clinically appropriate and in line with current guidelines.

Regular Appointments

How often is a check-up recommended?

For patients who have not visited a dentist in some time, we understand that coming back can feel like a significant step. Our team approaches every appointment with patience and without judgement. Whatever the state of your teeth when you walk in, what matters most is that you are here. We will take it from there at a pace that feels manageable.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Your treatment Journey

From consultation to a confident new smile.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Consultation

A careful examination of every tooth, including the condition of any existing fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Preparation

We measure the pocket depths around your teeth and check for signs of gum disease, recession, and inflammation.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Treatment

Once the exam is complete, your dentist will talk you through what they have found, explain anything that needs attention, and give you a clear and honest recommendation. Any proposed treatment will be discussed fully, with costs, before anything is booked.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Results

At the end of every check-up, we will recommend a recall interval that is right for your situation, based on what we find and how your oral health has been tracking over time. This is never a one-size-fits-all decision

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Consultation

A careful examination of every tooth, including the condition of any existing fillings, crowns, veneers, or bridges.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Preparation

We measure the pocket depths around your teeth and check for signs of gum disease, recession, and inflammation.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Treatment

Once the exam is complete, your dentist will talk you through what they have found, explain anything that needs attention, and give you a clear and honest recommendation. Any proposed treatment will be discussed fully, with costs, before anything is booked.

Berkhamsted Dental Practice

Results

At the end of every check-up, we will recommend a recall interval that is right for your situation, based on what we find and how your oral health has been tracking over time. This is never a one-size-fits-all decision

Fees

Fees & pricing

All check-up fees include a full clinical examination, gum health assessment, oral cancer screening, and discussion of findings. X-rays are charged separately where clinically indicated.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a check-up take?

A routine check-up typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. A new patient examination takes longer, usually around 45 minutes, as it includes a more thorough assessment and full discussion of your dental history.

Does a check-up include a clean?

Not automatically. A check-up is an examination of your teeth and gums. If you would like a clean as well, you can book a routine examination with light scale and polish, or see one of our hygienists for a more thorough clean.

What happens if you find a problem?

We will explain exactly what we have found, show you where relevant using photographs or X-rays, and talk through your treatment options. There is never any pressure to proceed on the day, and we will always give you time to consider your choices.

Do you check for oral cancer at every appointment?

Yes. A soft tissue and oral cancer screening is included as standard in every check-up, not offered as an optional extra.

I have not been to the dentist for a long time. What should I expect?

You can expect a calm, non-judgemental appointment. We will take things at your pace, explain everything as we go, and focus on getting you back on track rather than dwelling on the gap since your last visit.

I am nervous about check-ups. How can you help?

Our team is highly skilled in treating nervous patients, and we are happy to talk through any concerns beforehand and adapt the appointment to help you feel more comfortable.

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We’d love to hear from you

Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.

Opening Times

Monday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Opening Times

Monday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 01:00 PM
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  • Site last updated: 17 September 2026
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