Things that our dentist will look out for during a routine dental appointment

Dr Gordon Tam • September 11, 2020

If you can religiously send your car for the routine car check, your teeth deserve such attention and treatment too!

Many thought routine dental appointments are merely just about cleaning teeth. You are only half right! 


We do more than just a routine dental cleaning. You understand the importance of maintaining good oral habits at home and religiously come for your routine dental appointment to get the professional maintenance done. We are here to monitor and update your oral condition.

Routine Oral Updates

On every routine dental appointment, we will pull out your dental records, check your oral condition and compare with existing intraoral photographs and even X-rays (at least every 18 months) to make sure those issues under monitoring are not deteriorating. 

When we find any dental issues are raising concerns or require further treatments, these are easily spotted with our records and images taken periodically during your visit. These records serve as a comparison.

No Unwanted Surprises


A picture speaks a thousand words. 


With the treatment plan that you obtained from us right from the beginning, we would have stated clearly about any immediate dental issues that require treatments and what are those that we ‘put under observation’. The treatment plan will reflect all our observations during the initial dental consultation and examination, with treatment options, fees and duration required.


Along the way, if there are any new issues, we will customise and update a treatment plan for you. You will be informed of any treatment options if these issues deteriorate. There is no surprise or bill shock if it happens.

Back to the actual (teeth) business


We will first check with you if you have any concerns that we need to take note of before we start the cleaning process. 


Throughout the session, we will check with you and make sure you are comfortable. During cleaning, we use an ultrasonic instrument to clean away any plaque or tartar deposited around your teeth and gum. Subsequently, our doctor will use a hand instrument to gently clean one more time and floss through every gap to check your teeth have proper contact points and no food debris is stuck in between.


To make your teeth sparkle and polished, we use polishing paste to brush around the teeth surfaces. 


We make sure you are satisfied with the session before we make payment. You will get a reminder from us to make the next routine appointment a few months later. 


For more information and consultation, please contact Smile Design Dental Practice at +65 6463 8588.


To serve you better, we are available by Appointment Only. 

Please contact us to schedule for an appointment.

Wanting to Restore Your Dental Health or Improve Your Smile?

By Gordon Tam • July 29, 2025
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you — but more importantly, it reflects your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you want to restore your dental health after years of neglect or enhance your smile's appearance, you’re not alone. Many people feel self-conscious about their teeth, but the good news is that modern dentistry offers numerous ways to help you regain your confidence and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

Why Is It Important to Go for a Regular Dental Checkup?

By Gordon Tam • July 25, 2025
Most people are aware that they should visit the dentist regularly, but many underestimate the importance of these routine visits. A dental checkup is not just about keeping your smile looking good—it’s essential to maintaining your overall health and well-being. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip your regular dental appointments.

What To Do When a Dental Issue Will Not Go Away?

By Gordon Tam • July 19, 2025
Most people expect dental problems to improve after treatment. A filling, a crown, a root canal — these are meant to solve the issue and relieve discomfort. But sometimes, a dental problem lingers despite repeated visits to the dentist. If you are stuck with persistent pain, sensitivity, or discomfort that never seems to resolve, you are not alone, and you do have options.

What to Do If Your Dentist Recommends Complex Dental Treatment and You Want a Second Opinion?

By Gordon Tam • July 11, 2025
Facing a recommendation for complex dental treatment—such as root canal therapy, dental implants, orthodontics, or full-mouth rehabilitation—can be overwhelming. These procedures often involve significant costs, time, and long-term impact on your oral health. It is natural to feel uncertain or even skeptical. In such situations, seeking a second opinion is a wise and responsible decision.

Ways to Improve Your Smile: A Guide to Looking and Feeling Your Best

By Gordon Tam • July 4, 2025
Everyone notices a great smile. It radiates confidence, leaves a lasting impression, and can even change how you feel about yourself. The best part? You don’t have to be a celebrity to achieve one. With proper care and a few lifestyle changes, anyone can enhance their smile. Here’s a guide to some effective ways to improve your smile! 

How to Improve Teeth and Gum Condition?

By Gordon Tam • June 18, 2025
Good oral health goes beyond just a white smile. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for overall well-being, as they help prevent tooth loss, gum disease, and even systemic issues such as heart disease.

The Importance of Visiting a Dentist Every Six Months

By Gordon Tam • June 10, 2025
Many people think routine dental appointments are merely about cleaning teeth. You are only half right!

Why did my dental filling keep dropping out?

By Dr Gordon Tam • March 19, 2025
Almost all of us needed a dental filling at some point of time in our lives. A dental filling is a restoration work done to our tooth that might have chipped off or decay. There are several choices of materials used to replace the partial missing tooth structure. Dental fillings will deteriorate over time, due to wear and tear, bad habits, or even simply they were not properly done in the first place.

Why should you get a treatment plan from your dentist?

By Dr Gordon Tam • August 6, 2024
What is a dental treatment plan? A dental treatment plan is a detailed plan that the dentist documents his findings after an oral examination. It reflects the current condition of each tooth that may require treatment. This treatment plan gives you a clear idea of the ideal and recommended treatment options and treatment fees. You will also know how long each treatment will take so that you can better plan your dental treatments into your schedule. In Smile Design Dental Practice, we conduct a thorough tooth-by-tooth examination, taking photographs with our intraoral camera and microscope. After the examination and dental charting, our dentists will share with you your current oral condition and customize a treatment plan. We listen to your needs and concerns, understand your considerations on time and budget. The treatment plan is customized to suit your considerations.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children?

By Dr. Gordon Tam • June 26, 2024
Many people pay more attention to adult teeth as the adult teeth will accompany us throughout the majority of our lifespan. While this is true, it is also very important to pay special attention to our baby teeth. Toddlers who are teething at this stage, are also starting to take in semi-solids and converting from liquid to solid food. Our baby teeth play a vital role here to chew well so that the food get digested properly, and absorb nutrients for growth.
Show More