Dental check‑ups in Thames Ditton

A dental examination at Thames Dental & Skin starts from £60. This is a private practice, and our fees cover the full time and thoroughness of the appointment. 0% finance is available for broader treatment plans recommended following examination.

We believe in transparent pricing — any proposed treatment will be outlined in a written plan with costs before you commit.

For most adults, a check-up every six months is the standard recommendation. However, the appropriate interval for you depends on your oral health history, your risk of gum disease or decay, and any ongoing treatment. Patients with higher risk factors — such as a history of gum disease, diabetes, or dry mouth — may benefit from examinations every three to four months.

At your appointment we will suggest a recall interval that suits your individual circumstances rather than a fixed schedule that may not reflect your actual needs.

A standard dental examination at Thames Dental & Skin typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. This allows sufficient time for a careful assessment without feeling rushed. If X-rays are needed or additional concerns are identified, the appointment may run slightly longer — we will always let you know if this is the case.

NHS dental examinations are available through Band 1 charges (currently £26.80 in England as of 2024) but access has become increasingly limited, with many NHS practices closed to new adult patients. Private check-ups such as ours start from £60 and offer greater flexibility in appointment availability, longer consultation time, and a wider range of treatment options.

At Thames Dental & Skin, there are no NHS charge bands — our private fee structure means we can offer the level of personalised care and thoroughness that an examination warrants. All treatment options, including cosmetic and specialist work, are available from a single team.

Mouth cancer screening is carried out as a routine part of every dental examination. The dentist carefully examines the tongue (including the underside), the floor of the mouth, the inner cheeks, lips, gums, and the back of the throat, looking for any unusual patches, ulcers, or changes in tissue that do not follow normal patterns.

Dr Bravis places particular emphasis on soft-tissue assessment because early detection significantly improves outcomes for mouth cancer. If anything unusual is found, we will discuss it with you immediately and, where appropriate, arrange prompt referral for specialist assessment. This screening is included at every check-up as standard.

A professional clean can often be arranged on the same visit as your examination, subject to appointment availability. Our dental hygienist appointments include the removal of plaque, tartar, and surface staining that cannot be addressed with a toothbrush at home.

We would recommend booking both together if possible — your examination will identify any areas needing particular attention, and your hygienist can then focus on those zones during your clean.

Dental X-rays are not taken at every appointment — they are recommended when there is clinical reason to do so, typically every 12 to 24 months as a baseline, or sooner if a specific problem is suspected. Bitewing X-rays are the most common type used during routine examinations and show the crowns and roots of the back teeth, helping to identify decay between teeth and bone levels around the roots.

All X-rays are taken using digital equipment, which uses significantly less radiation than traditional film-based systems.

You will not be judged for a gap in dental attendance — it is more common than you might expect, and the most important step is simply booking that first appointment. A thorough check-up after a long gap gives us a complete picture of where your oral health currently stands, and we will prioritise any issues in order of clinical need.

Patients who have been away from the dentist for several years, or who feel anxious about what might be found, may also find our approach to nervous and anxious patients helpful — you can come in simply for a conversation first if you prefer.

Yes — Thames Dental & Skin is located in Thames Ditton, Surrey, and welcomes patients for check-ups from across the surrounding area, including Kingston upon Thames, Esher, Surbiton, Walton-on-Thames, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, and Long Ditton. We accept new patients and can generally offer appointments within a short wait.

To book a dental examination, contact us directly — we will confirm availability and ensure you are seen by a dentist who has time to give your appointment the attention it deserves.