Preventative Dentistry Reservoir
Regular check-ups and cleans that catch problems while they're still small, with honest advice that fits your mouth and no sales pitch.
- Medibank & Bupa preferred provider
- Open Saturdays
- Payment plans available
- Appointment
- About 45 min
- How often
- Every 6–12 months
- New patients
- $220 incl. X-rays
- Health funds
- Medibank & Bupa preferred
What is preventative dentistry?
Last updated October 2026 by the Royal Parade Dental team
Not sure if you're due for a check-up?
Give us a call and we'll help you work it out.
Preventative dentistry is the routine care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy so you need less treatment later. In practice that means a regular check-up, a professional scale and clean, and advice that fits your mouth.
At Royal Parade Dental in Reservoir, it's where we start with every patient, and it's the part of dentistry we think matters most. Most of the fillings, root canals and extractions we see started as something small that nobody noticed. A cavity between two back teeth doesn't hurt until it's close to the nerve, and early gum disease rarely aches at all.
- Check-up and clean every 6 to 12 months
- Finds decay and gum disease before they hurt
- Smaller problems mean simpler, cheaper treatment
Your first visit takes about 60 minutes so we can build a full picture of your mouth. If there's a lot to talk through, we offer a free follow-up consultation so you're not overloaded on day one.
What happens at a check-up and clean
- We talk first. Any pain, sensitivity, new medications or health changes. Conditions like diabetes, and some medicines, often show up in the mouth before anywhere else.
- We examine. Every tooth, your gums, bite, jaw joints, tongue and soft tissues, including a check for signs of oral cancer.
- X-rays, only when needed. Low-dose digital X-rays show decay between teeth and under old fillings that can't be seen by eye. How often you need them depends on your risk, not a set schedule.
- Scale and clean. We remove hardened tartar above and just below the gumline. Once tartar sets, no toothbrush can shift it.
- Polish and fluoride. The polish lifts surface stain from coffee, tea and red wine. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, especially if you're prone to decay.
- A plain-English summary. You'll leave knowing what's healthy, what to keep an eye on, and whether anything needs treatment. If it does, we explain the options and costs first. You never have to decide on the day.
How often should you see the dentist?
For most adults, every six to twelve months. That's a starting point, not a rule. We'll suggest a timeframe based on what we actually see.
If you've had gum disease, have diabetes, smoke, or build up tartar quickly.
For most adults and children.
For low-risk adults with healthy gums and no recent decay.
If it's been a few years since your last visit, you're far from alone. We won't lecture you. We'll simply start from where you are.
Plaque vs tartar: what's the difference?
Plaque is the soft, sticky film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove it. Left alone, minerals in your saliva harden it into tartar (also called calculus) within a couple of days. Tartar is rough and yellow or brown, and it usually collects behind the lower front teeth and along the gumline.
Once it's hard, tartar can't be brushed off. Scraping at it with picks or online “tartar removers” can scratch enamel and cut your gums. A professional scale and clean removes it safely, including the tartar just under the gumline that you can't see. If you notice bits of tartar breaking off, there's usually a lot of build-up, and it's a good time to book.
Plaque
- Soft, sticky and colourless
- Forms every day
- Removed by brushing and flossing
Tartar
- Hard, rough, yellow or brown
- Sets in a couple of days
- Needs a professional scale and clean
To slow plaque down between visits
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, angling the bristles towards the gumline.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Try plaque disclosing tablets now and then. They stain plaque so you can see the spots you keep missing.
Preventive treatments beyond the clean
Fissure sealants
A thin protective coating over the deep grooves of back teeth. Most useful for children soon after their adult molars come through, around ages 6 and 12.
High-strength fluoride
For people with sensitive teeth, a dry mouth, or decay that keeps coming back.
Custom mouthguards
A properly fitted guard for footy, netball, basketball or martial arts. If you clench or grind at night, a night splint for bruxism protects your teeth while you sleep.
Sports mouthguardsAdvice that's specific to you
If decay keeps appearing between your teeth, flossing or interdental brushes will do more than a new toothbrush. If you sip soft drink, juice or kombucha through the day, how often you sip matters more than how much.
Gum care and referral
Early gum inflammation (gingivitis) can usually be reversed with regular cleans and better cleaning at home. If we find deeper gum disease, we'll refer you to our specialist periodontist, Dr Gabriel Rodriguez, and keep looking after the rest of your care.
Early warning signs worth booking for
White, chalky spots
Often the first sign of early decay, when minerals are leaving the enamel. At this stage, fluoride and diet changes can often stop it without a filling.
Bleeding gums
When you brush or floss. Usually gingivitis, which is reversible if it's treated early.
New sensitivity
To cold or sweet food. This can point to decay or gums pulling back from the teeth.
Bad breath that doesn't go away
Often linked to plaque build-up or gum disease.
Preventive care for children
Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems in Australian children, and it's almost entirely preventable. We see kids from their first tooth, keep visits short and positive, and focus on what makes the biggest difference.
- Fissure sealants on new molars
- Fluoride to strengthen young enamel
- Practical tips for parents on bottles, snacks and drinks. Swapping juice for water between meals is one of the simplest changes a family can make.
What does a check-up and clean cost in Reservoir?
New patient check-upExam, scale and clean, fluoride and X-rays, all included.
For returning patients, the cost depends on what you need on the day. You'll always know the cost before we start.
We're a preferred provider for Medibank and Bupa, and we work with other funds including HCF. Depending on your extras cover, this can reduce or remove your out-of-pocket gap. Payment plans are available for larger treatment.
Prevention is the cheapest dentistry there is. Two cleans a year cost a fraction of a single crown.
What a standard visit usually includes
| Item no. | Service |
|---|---|
| 012 / 011 | Check-up exam (011 for new patients) |
| 114 | Scale and clean |
| 121 | Fluoride treatment |
| 022 | X-rays, only when needed |
Item numbers are the codes your health fund uses, so you can check your cover before you come in.
Why Reservoir families choose us
- More than 65 years at Royal Parade. Generations of local families have trusted this practice with their teeth.
- Honest advice. We recommend what's right for your long-term health, not the most treatment. Complex cases go to specialists we trust.
- Gentle with nervous patients. If the dentist makes you anxious, tell us. We'll go at your pace. Read about our care for anxious patients.
- Easy to get to. 2A Royal Parade, a short walk from Reservoir Station on the Mernda line, with a reserved bay out front and free street parking. Patients come from Thomastown, Preston, Kingsbury, Bundoora, Lalor, Mill Park and Epping.
- Open six days, including Saturdays from 8:30am to 4pm.
Questions people ask us
Is preventive dental care worth it if nothing hurts?
Yes. Most dental problems don't hurt in the early stages. Decay and gum disease are usually painless until they're advanced, and by then treatment is bigger and costs more. A check-up finds them while they're small.
Does a scale and clean hurt?
Most people feel scraping and vibration rather than pain. If your gums are inflamed they may be tender, and we can use a numbing gel. Mild sensitivity for a day or two afterwards is normal.
How long does a check-up and clean take?
About 45 minutes for a regular visit. Your first appointment with us takes around 60 minutes because we do a full assessment.
How much is a check-up and clean at Royal Parade Dental?
New patients pay $220 for a check-up, scale and clean, fluoride and X-rays. After that, the cost depends on what you need on the day, and we'll always tell you before we start.
Is a check-up and clean covered by private health insurance?
With extras cover, usually partly or fully. It depends on your policy and how much of your annual limit you've used. As a preferred provider for Medibank and Bupa, we can often reduce your gap.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
When the first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Early visits are short and relaxed. They help your child get used to the dentist before there's ever a problem.
Can early tooth decay be reversed?
Very early decay, seen as chalky white spots on the enamel, can sometimes be stopped with fluoride and diet changes before a filling is needed. Once a cavity has formed, the tooth can't repair itself and needs a filling.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for teeth?
It's a popular online tip: brush three times a day, within three minutes of eating, for three minutes. It isn't an Australian dental guideline. For most people, brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste is enough. After acidic food or drinks like juice, soft drink or wine, wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing so you don't wear away softened enamel.
Why are my teeth sensitive after a clean?
Removing tartar uncovers parts of the tooth near the gumline that were hidden, and inflamed gums can be tender. It usually settles within a few days, and a sensitive toothpaste helps. If it lasts more than two weeks, let us know.
What should I do if I have tooth pain but no health insurance?
Don't put it off. A small problem treated now costs far less than a bigger one later. Ask us for a quote upfront and about payment plans. If you hold a concession card, you may also be eligible for public dental care through a Victorian community health service.
Is it preventive or preventative dentistry?
Both mean the same thing. “Preventive” is more common in Australian dental guidelines, but you'll see either used.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Royal Parade Dental Clinic Smiles is simple. Just follow these three easy steps and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, brighter smile
Book Your Appointment
Call us on 03 9460 4922 or book online. Choose a time that suits your lifestyle—we offer same-day appointments for emergencies.
Visit Our Clinic
Find us at our Reservoir location within the Royal Parade complex. Our friendly team will welcome you into our calming, aromatherapy-scented environment.
Smile with Confidence
We’ll provide a clear, personalized treatment plan and answer all your questions, getting you back to smiling confidently.
Where to Find Us
We are located at 2A Royal Parade, Reservoir, situated within the Royal Parade complex. Look for our signature signage to guide you straight to our front door.
Free Parking
Convenient parking is available right at our doorstep. You’ll find one reserved space directly in front of the surgery, with plenty of free street parking throughout the immediate area, making your arrival simple and stress-free.
Public Transport Access
Multiple routes service the Royal Parade/Edwardes St area. Train: We are a short distance from Reservoir Station (Mernda Line).
If you have any trouble finding us, call 03 9460 4922 and our team will guide you in.
Book Your Appointment!
Plan your visit with ease — we’re open throughout the week for your convenience.
Monday:
8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday:
Closed
Ready for your check-up?
It’s the simplest thing you can do for your teeth this year. Book a check-up and clean at Royal Parade Dental in Reservoir, or call 03 9460 4922.