General dentistry: check-ups, cleaning and fillings
General dentistry is the regular care that keeps teeth and gums healthy: an examination, scaling and polishing, X-rays when needed, and fillings to repair cavities before they reach the nerve. At Suman Dental Care it is provided by Dr. Nimisha Pandya, a dental surgeon (BDS) who founded the clinic.
Step by step
- 1BeforeTalk and examineVisit 1
The dentist asks about pain, past treatment, medicines and health conditions, then checks every tooth, the gums, the tongue and your bite.
- 2BeforeX-ray if neededVisit 1
A small X-ray shows decay between teeth, under old fillings and around the roots, which cannot be seen by eye.
- 3TreatmentScaling and polishingVisit 1
Tartar is removed from the teeth and just under the gum with an ultrasonic scaler. Polishing smooths the surface and removes stains.
- 4TreatmentNumb and clean out the decayVisit 1–2
For a filling, local anaesthetic numbs the tooth. The decayed part is removed and the cavity is shaped and cleaned.
- 5TreatmentPlace the fillingVisit 1–2
Tooth-coloured composite is placed in layers and set with a blue light, then shaped to match the tooth.
- 6AfterCheck the biteVisit 1–2
You bite on thin paper to show any high spot, which is trimmed and polished until the bite feels even.
- 7AfterReviewEvery 6–12 months
A regular check-up, with cleaning when needed, catches new problems while they are small.
A check-up and cleaning in 1 visit, a filling in 1 more if needed, then a review about every 6 months, or sooner if your dentist advises it.
Most tooth decay and gum disease cause no pain in the early stages. A regular check-up finds a small cavity while a filling can still repair it, before it grows deep enough to need a root canal or an extraction. Cleaning removes the tartar that brushing cannot, which protects the gums.
- No check-up in the last 6–12 months
- A hole, a rough edge or a food trap you can feel with your tongue
- Tartar, stained teeth or bad breath
- Brief sharp pain with sweets, hot or cold
- A filling that has fallen out or cracked
After a filling the numbness lasts 2–3 hours, so wait until it wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. A tooth may feel sensitive to cold or pressure for a few days. Tell your dentist if the filling feels high when you bite, because a small adjustment fixes it.
After scaling the gums can be tender and may bleed a little for a day or two. Keep brushing gently and rinse with warm salt water.
If pain is severe, gets worse after 3–4 days, or wakes you at night, see us again.
- Sensitivity after a filling or a deep cleaning is common and usually settles in days to weeks.
- A filling can chip or leak over the years, especially in a tooth that is cracked or heavily worn. It can be replaced.
- A deep cavity may inflame the nerve. If pain persists after a filling, the tooth may need a root canal.
- Local anaesthetic can occasionally cause a bruise at the injection site or a brief numb lip.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Examination of teeth, gums, tongue and bite
- X-rays when your dentist advises them
- Scaling and polishing
- Local anaesthetic for fillings
- Advice on brushing, flossing and diet
Questions patients ask
How often should I have a check-up?
Most adults are advised every 6–12 months. If you have gum disease, a lot of fillings or a dry mouth, your dentist may suggest every 3–6 months. Read how often should you see a dentist?
Does scaling weaken the teeth?
No. Scaling removes tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line. It does not remove enamel. Teeth can feel more sensitive for a few days because the cleaned surfaces are exposed.
Are tooth-coloured fillings safe?
Yes. Composite fillings are a standard, widely used material. They bond to the tooth, so less healthy tooth needs to be removed than for some older materials.
Do I need an X-ray at every visit?
No. A small X-ray is taken when your dentist needs to see between teeth, under old fillings or around the roots. The dose is very low, and your dentist decides how often you need one.
My tooth does not hurt. Do I still need a check-up?
Yes. Early decay and early gum disease usually cause no pain. Finding them early means a smaller, simpler treatment.
Can a cavity heal on its own?
A very early white spot on the enamel can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and better cleaning. Once a hole has formed, it needs a filling.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.