A routine check-up is the simplest way to stay ahead of dental problems, but the cost can feel a bit opaque if you're new to private dentistry or haven't had one in a while. Here's a clear answer, along with what's actually included.
An exam at Limes Dental Practice starts from £69, or £35 for a child. If you're joining us as a new patient, the new patient exam is also priced from £69, since it involves the same thorough assessment as a routine check-up.
If X-rays are needed, small x-rays start from £17, and a full OPG (a wider scan showing your whole jaw) starts from £65. These aren't automatically included in every visit — your dentist will only recommend them where clinically useful, and you'll always know the cost before anything is carried out. See our fees page for the complete list.
A proper check-up is more than a quick look in your mouth. Your dentist will examine each tooth for decay, check your gums for early signs of disease, look for wear patterns that might point to grinding, and carry out a soft tissue check as part of routine oral cancer screening.
They'll also review any existing dental work, like fillings or crowns, to make sure everything is holding up as it should. If anything needs attention, you'll get a clear explanation of what it is and what the options are, not just a list of treatments.
Private check-up prices across the UK generally sit somewhere between £40 and £120, with most people paying in the £55 to £85 range depending on region and whether it's a first visit or a returning patient. Gloucester pricing tends to fall comfortably within that middle band rather than at London rates, and Limes' fee reflects that.
New patient exams are sometimes priced slightly higher elsewhere, since your dentist is building a complete picture of your dental history from scratch. At Limes, the new patient exam is priced the same as a routine check-up.
Every six months is the standard guideline, but it isn't fixed for everyone. Your dentist will recommend a personal interval based on your own risk factors — how quickly you build up plaque, whether you've had decay or gum issues before, and your general oral health.
Some patients are seen more often, particularly if they're prone to gum problems or have ongoing treatment being monitored. Others with consistently healthy check-ups may be able to space visits slightly further apart. It's a conversation to have with your dentist rather than a rule to follow blindly.
The value of a check-up is mostly in what it catches before you'd notice anything yourself. Decay in its earliest stages, and most gum disease, doesn't cause obvious pain or discomfort until it's more advanced. By that point, treatment is usually more involved and more expensive than it would have been if caught earlier.
Regular check-ups are also the reason small issues stay small. A minor area of decay spotted early might need nothing more than a straightforward filling. Left unchecked for a year or two, it can progress to needing a root canal or a crown instead.
Not automatically — a check-up and a dental hygiene visit are separate appointments at Limes Dental Practice. Your dentist will let you know at your check-up if a hygiene visit would be worthwhile, but many patients choose to book both regularly as part of their routine care.
If you're overdue a check-up, or you're looking for a new dentist in Gloucester and want to know what to expect cost-wise before you commit, you can book a check-up with us at Limes Dental Practice. If you're still weighing up practices, our guide on how to choose a dentist in Gloucester covers what's actually worth comparing beyond price.
