What Happens at a Dental Health Review? A Greyholme Patient Guide

If it has been a while since you last visited a dentist – or if you are thinking about joining a new practice – it is completely natural to wonder what you are walking into. At Greyholme Dental Suite, we hear this a lot from new patients who come to us from Tewkesbury, Bishops Cleeve, and the wider Cheltenham area.

A dental health review at Greyholme is not a quick prod and polish. It is a structured, whole-health assessment that looks at far more than whether you have a cavity. Here is exactly what you can expect.

It Starts With a Conversation

Before we look at anything, we take time to talk with you. We want to understand your dental history, any concerns you have had, and what matters most to you about your oral health.

If you are nervous about coming in, or if it has been a long time since your last appointment, please say so. We see a lot of patients who have avoided the dentist for years for all kinds of reasons. There is no judgment here – and knowing how you are feeling helps us make the appointment as comfortable as possible for you.

What We Examine

Your dentist will carry out a thorough examination that covers:

Teeth – We check every tooth for signs of decay, wear, cracking, or damage. We use intraoral cameras when helpful, so you can see exactly what we are looking at.

Gums – Every dental health review at Greyholme includes BPE (Basic Periodontal Examination) screening. This is a standardised gum health assessment that checks for signs of gum disease, including early-stage gingivitis you might not have noticed yet.

Bite and jaw – We assess how your upper and lower teeth come together, and check for signs of grinding or clenching (bruxism), which many patients are not aware of.

Soft tissues – We check the inside of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any changes that could be worth monitoring. This includes an oral cancer screening at every visit.

X-rays – We use digital X-rays to see what is happening between teeth and below the gumline. We only take X-rays when clinically appropriate, and digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film.

What the BPE Gum Score Means

After your gum assessment, your dentist will record a BPE score for each section of your mouth. This is a number from 0 to 4 that indicates the current health of your gums.

A score of 0 or 1 means your gums are healthy or have only minor plaque. A score of 2 or 3 suggests some inflammation or early gum disease that we can address with improved home care and a hygiene appointment. A score of 4 indicates more significant periodontal disease that will need a structured treatment plan.

Most patients have a mix of scores. The important thing is that we catch any issues early – when they are straightforward to treat.

What Happens After the Review

At the end of your appointment, your dentist will talk you through their findings clearly and honestly. If everything looks healthy, we will recommend when to come back – typically every six to twelve months, depending on your individual needs.

If we find anything that needs attention, we will explain your options, give you an honest assessment of what we recommend and why, and provide a written treatment plan with costs before any work is agreed.

There is never any pressure to proceed with treatment. Our role is to give you the information you need to make the right decision for you.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Health Review?

The standard recommendation is every six to twelve months, but the right interval depends on your individual gum health, cavity risk, and dental history. We will advise you on the most appropriate recall period at the end of your appointment.

If you are on one of our Smile for Life membership plans, two dental health reviews per year are included as standard.

Book Your Dental Health Review

Greyholme Dental Suite is based in Bishops Cleeve, approximately ten minutes from Tewkesbury. We welcome new patients from Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Twyning, Bredon, Ashchurch, and across Gloucestershire.

If you would like to know more about what to expect before you book, take a look at our new patient experience page. We offer evening appointments on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until 7:30 pm – so you can come in without taking time off work.