Dental Check-up in Singapore

What is a dental check-up?

A dental check-up or dental consultation refers to a thorough examination of the oral cavity and its adjacent tissues. The oral cavity comprises various structures such as the lips, teeth, gums (gingiva), tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and soft palate. These structures differ from person to person, and they may present pathological signs and symptoms that we are unaware of.

It is beneficial to schedule dental check-ups at any stage of life, from infancy to elderhood. The first tooth usually erupts in the oral cavity at the age of 6 months. However, some infants can have an erupted tooth at the point of birth. Furthermore, a dental check-up involves more than just examining the teeth; it also involves assessing the other structures and tissues. This comprehensive evaluation provides a peace of mind regarding your oral health and hygiene.

Why is it important to get a dental check-up?

Even though it may not be life-threatening, good dental health will significantly improve quality of life. It is important to have a nice and functional set of teeth.

1. Speech

   • Intonation and speech require a harmonious presence of the teeth, tongue, and palate.

   • If any of these elements are damaged or missing, symptoms may vary from slurring of speech to producing sounds.

2. Chewing

   • Loss of teeth may lead to impaired chewing capability.

   • An impaired balance of the jaw joints and the interconnecting muscles may also cause difficulty in opening or closing the jaws.

3. Smile

   • Loss of teeth or misalignment of teeth might affect an individual’s confidence to smile.

   •  A short upper lip may cause a gummy smile.

   • Abnormal growth pattern of the jaws might lead to deviation during smiling.

4. Screening and detection of silent lesions
   Some oral lesions do not produce any symptoms until a later stage. Such are:

   • Early stage of dental caries

   • Early-onset of gum disease

   • Impending malocclusions

   • Precancerous conditions

What does a dental check-up include?

Dental check-ups are conducted within a certified dental clinic, administered by a licensed and actively practicing general dental practitioner or dental specialist, with the assistance of a dental surgery assistant.

A comprehensive medical and family history may be requested, as issues originating in these areas can potentially manifest in oral health conditions.

During the check-up, the clinician will ask further questions if necessary and begin the examination.

Extra-oral examination

This involves examining the exterior of the mouth for any observable signs and symptoms. Areas of focus include:

• Facial symmetry
• Jaw-opening joints
• Lymph nodes
• Mouth opening and deviations

You may be asked to loosen or remove any headwear that might obstruct the process.

Intra-oral examination

This involves examining the interior of the mouth for any observable signs and symptoms. Areas of focus include:

• Teeth
• Gums
• Muscles
• Other supporting structures such as the inner cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, and palate.

Upon completion, the clinician may warrant further investigations such as X-rays, and will arrive at a diagnosis and a proposed treatment plan for your perusal. You may inform the clinic if you wish to proceed with further treatment.

Cost and financing

How much is a dental check-up in Singapore?

The cost can range from SGD 30 to SGD 200 or more, depending on various factors. Public institutions like polyclinics may charge less, but private clinics often have shorter waiting times.

Can I use MediSave/CHAS to pay for a dental check-up?

For scaling and polishing procedures, CHAS subsidies are available, ranging from SGD 20 to SGD 40, depending on the colour of your CHAS card. Additional details on CHAS subsidies can be found here.

MediSave typically does not cover general dental treatments, such as dental check-ups, unless they involve surgical procedures deemed medically necessary. Non-surgical dental treatments, including routine check-ups, are not eligible for claims under the MediSave scheme.

FAQ

How often should I go for a dental check-up?

It is recommended to undergo a check-up every 6 months to a year.

Will X-rays be taken during a dental check-up?

X-rays will be taken if deemed necessary by your dentist. They serve as invaluable tools in uncovering hidden dental issues.