General dentistry
A great smile starts with healthy teeth. That is why we recommend biannual visits to the dentist for a periodic check-up. This will keep your teeth in the best shape and prevent future problems.
Our approach focuses on prevention as the foundation of (oral) care. We take the time to examine your teeth and your lifestyle, because your oral health often tells us more than you think.
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What does a periodic check-up entail?
During a check-up, we combine an expert check by your regular dentist with a professional cleaning by the dental hygienist or prevention assistant. This way, we actively work on your oral health while saving you an extra visit to our practice.
1. Dental check by the dentist:
During a periodic check-up, the dentist will check your teeth for cavities and whether any fillings or crowns still fit properly.
The health of your gums is also assessed. This is done with a PPS (Periodic Periodontal Screening) score. This is a system that allows us to check the health of your gums and the supporting tissues of your teeth. During this screening, the depth of the gum pockets (the spaces between your teeth and gums) is measured. This results in a PPS score of 1, 2 or 3.
| PPS score | Meaning | Signals | Advice |
| 1 | Healthy gums |
| Maintain or improve with instructions and follow-up treatments. |
| 2 | Gingivitis (gum inflammation) |
| Additional treatments are crucial to make pockets less deep. Occasionally, an additional examination with a periodontal status needs to be done immediately, after which we can start your treatment plan. |
| 3 | Periodontitis (gum inflammation that is spreading towards the jawbone) |
| With this score, a more extensive examination is usually necessary so we can start intensive periodontal treatment. |
The dentist will always discuss what they find and advise on how your problems can be solved. In case you need additional treatment, we will schedule a follow-up appointment immediately. For example, do you need a filling? Then it is good to know that we place fillings using biocompatible materials. These are the most healthy and durable option.
2. Thorough cleaning by the dental hygienist:
Our dental hygienist removes tartar, plaque, discolouration and makes your teeth feel fresh and smooth again. Afterwards, you will receive personal lifestyle advice: from brushing instructions and food choices to tips for healthy oral flora. This will help target and prevent any issues at the source.
The importance of regular dental check-ups
Your mouth is a mirror of your health. Problems like cavities or gum disease often go unnoticed but can have major consequences for the rest of your body. By signalling these issues in time and making minor changes, we can keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright.
Costs
The rates for 2025 have been set by the Nederlandse Zorgautoriteit (Dutch Healthcare Authority)). Below, we have listed an overview of the costs for regular check-up and preventive oral care. Please note that these costs may vary per person. Do you need additional treatment? Then the costs may be higher.
Reimbursement
Dental treatments for children up to 18 years old are fully covered by the basic health insurance. Are you over 18? Then your supplementary insurance might cover the treatment. You can easily check this using our healthcare reimbursement check.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I schedule a check-up?
For most people, twice a year is enough. Increased risk or existing problems may require more frequent visits. You can discuss this with your dental hygienist.
Why do we sometimes need to take an X-ray?
Not everything is visible to the naked eye. X-rays allow us to detect hidden cavities, inflammation or bone loss early on. We usually take X-rays every two years, unless the dentist advises otherwise.
Schedule your next periodic check-up
Would you like to have a dental check-up at our practice in Amsterdam or do you have any questions regarding our approach? Call us at +31 20 22 46 368 or fill in the contact form. Our team at Tandartspraktijk Slotervaart is here for you.