Dental Checkup
A dental checkup combines an exam of your teeth and gums with professional cleaning, and X-rays when the dentist needs to look below the gumline or between teeth. It’s the routine visit that catches small problems early.
At a glance
One visit, usually
X-rays only when needed
Roughly every six months
Cleaning is included
What a checkup covers, and who it's for
A checkup is the entry point for most dental care. It suits anyone without an active dental emergency: someone new to the area looking for a regular dentist, someone who hasn’t been seen in a while, or someone simply due for their routine visit. A typical checkup combines a visual and instrument exam of each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, an assessment of bite and jaw function, a check for decay or wear, and a look at the health of any existing fillings or crowns.
What changes during a checkup
A well-maintained mouth
Symptoms that prompt an X-ray
Signs of gum inflammation
What happens during a checkup
History and concerns
Exam and imaging
Cleaning and polishing
Discussion of findings
Not sure whether this applies to your teeth?
The only way to know is an examination. Ask a question first if you would rather understand the options before booking anything.
When a checkup alone is not enough
A routine checkup isn’t designed to manage acute problems. Significant pain, visible swelling, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, or a lost filling or crown causing discomfort call for the kind of visit described on the emergency dentist page, not a scheduled routine checkup. A visual exam also has limits on its own — some issues, like decay between teeth or below an old filling, are genuinely difficult to see without an X-ray, which is why the dentist may recommend one even at a routine visit if something looks uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a dental checkup in Alanya?
A commonly recommended interval is around every six months, but the right frequency depends on individual factors like gum health and how quickly plaque builds up for you. Some patients are advised to come in more often, others can safely space visits further apart — your dentist will recommend an interval based on what they find at your first visit.
What happens during a dental exam and cleaning?
The dentist examines each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, often with the help of an intraoral camera, checks for decay and signs of gum disease, takes X-rays if something needs closer assessment, and then cleans the teeth to remove plaque and tartar before polishing them.
Are X-rays taken at every checkup?
Not automatically. X-rays are taken selectively, based on what the dentist sees during the visual exam or on symptoms you report, rather than as a fixed step at every single visit.
What if the dentist finds a cavity during my checkup?
The dentist will explain what was found, how significant it is, and what treatment options address it, so you can discuss next steps and schedule any further treatment separately from the checkup itself.
Can I book a checkup if I'm new to Alanya or just visiting?
A dental checkup is generally a suitable first visit for anyone establishing care with a new dentist, whether they live locally or are staying in the area for a period.