Dental Check-Ups in Edinburgh
A check-up every six months is one of those things that’s easy to put off and genuinely worth not doing. Book yours at Citrus and we’ll take proper care of it.
OVERVIEW
Citrus Dental Care provides dental check-ups at 1 Meadow Place, Edinburgh EH9 1JZ, near The Meadows. NHS check-ups are free for all registered patients. Private examination and X-rays cost £70 and include a full assessment, oral cancer screening, and a written treatment plan. The practice is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5:30pm and Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. New NHS and private patients are welcome.
so, what Is a Dental Check-Up?
It’s a Saturday afternoon on The Meadows and your mate mentions, casually, that he hasn’t been to the dentist in three years. Sound familiar? Most folk know they should go more regularly, but between busy schedules and a quiet dread of what might get found, the six months turns into twelve, then longer.
A dental check-up at Citrus is a proper, unhurried examination, not a quick look and a see-you-later. A dental check-up is a routine clinical assessment of your teeth, gums, and mouth carried out every six months, or as often as your dentist recommends based on your individual needs. It gives your dentist a clear picture of your oral health, catches problems early before they become painful or expensive, and includes an oral cancer screening as standard.
Who Should Be Having Regular Check-Ups?
Everyone, full stop. The only real question is how often. Most patients are seen every six months, but if you have a history of gum disease, a high risk of decay, or other ongoing concerns, your dentist might recommend more frequent visits. If you’ve not been in a while and you’re not sure where you stand, the check-up itself will tell you.
What Does a Check-Up Involve?
Your check-up at Citrus covers more ground than you might expect.
-
1Dental and medical historyWe take note of any changes since your last visit, including new medications or health conditions. These can affect your oral health in ways you might not expect, so it's always worth mentioning even if it doesn't seem relevant.
-
2Examination of your teethWe check every tooth for signs of decay, cracks, and wear. Small problems caught here are straightforward to deal with. Left too long, they almost always become bigger and more expensive ones.
-
3Gum assessmentWe check for signs of gum disease, which affects far more adults than most people realise. Bleeding when you brush, slight puffiness, a bit of sensitivity — these are things worth catching early.
-
4Soft tissue checkYour tongue, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth are examined as part of a routine oral cancer screening. It takes about thirty seconds and it's one of those things that quietly matters a great deal.
-
5X-rays where neededX-rays show us what's happening beneath the surface — decay between teeth, bone levels, and anything else that isn't visible to the naked eye. We only take them when clinically necessary, not as a matter of routine at every visit.
-
6Discussion of findingsWe'll tell you clearly what we've found and what, if anything, needs to be done about it. You'll always know the costs before any treatment is agreed. Nothing starts without your say-so.
-
7Cleaning and diet advicePractical guidance on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and diet that you can actually use at home. Honest, useful advice tailored to what we've seen at your appointment.
How Much Does a Check-Up Cost in Edinburgh?
NHS patients: Check-ups are completely free for all registered patients. If you’re under 26, all your NHS dental treatment is free, not just the check-up.
Private patients: A private examination including X-rays is £70. This covers a full 20-minute appointment, a thorough assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite, a written treatment plan if any further work is recommended, and oral cancer screening as standard.
We See Patients From Across Edinburgh and Beyond
We see patients from across the Southside and central Edinburgh, including Newington, Bruntsfield, Tollcross, Marchmont, and Morningside, as well as patients making the journey from Leith and further afield across Edinburgh. If you’re looking for a practice you can actually build a long-term relationship with rather than a revolving door, you’ll find that on Meadow Place.
No sure where to begin? Just give us a ring.
Why Edinburgh Patients Choose Citrus
Accepting new NHS patients
That's genuinely rare in Edinburgh right now, and it means NHS patients can actually get registered and looked after properly rather than added to a waiting list.
We don't do unnecessary treatment
As one of our patients put it: "He always discusses any costs upfront and only does work on my teeth if it's essentially required. This is not a money-making practice." That's the standard we hold ourselves to.
We're good with nervous patients
If the word "check-up" already has your stomach turning, you're in good company. A significant part of what we do is helping people who've avoided the dentist for years to get back into the habit without dreading it.
We keep it consistent
Same team, same approach, every time. You'll be seen by someone who actually knows your dental history, not a stranger reading your notes for the first time.
REGISTRATION
Register With Citrus Dental Care
New to the area, returning after a while away, or just finally getting round to that appointment you’ve been putting off. You’re welcome here and registering is straightforward.
Here’s what you get when you join us:
- Free NHS check-ups for all registered patients
- Same-day emergency appointments when you need them
- A friendly, consistent team who gets to know you
- Membership plans from £22.50 a month
- 0% finance on private treatment through Medenta
- Gentle, unhurried care at whatever pace suits you
NHS patients are very welcome. We’re currently accepting new NHS registrations alongside private patients, which we know isn’t something every Edinburgh practice can say right now.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Check up
For most people, every six months is the recommended interval. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific ongoing concerns like gum disease or a higher risk of decay. Less frequent visits may be fine if your oral health is consistently good, but that's something to discuss with your dentist rather than decide alone.
Both involve a thorough examination by a fully qualified, GDC-registered dentist. The clinical content is the same. The difference is largely in the appointment length, the private check-up at £70 includes a longer appointment, more detailed discussion, and a written treatment plan as standard. NHS check-ups are free but may be shorter depending on practice capacity.
No. We hear this regularly and the answer is always the same. We're not here to make you feel bad about the past, we're here to help you move forward. The check-up will tell us where things stand and we'll work out a sensible path from there.
A check-up and a hygiene appointment are two different things. The check-up assesses your teeth and gums. A professional clean is carried out by a hygienist or dentist and is either included in your membership plan or charged separately at £85. We'll always be clear about which is which.
You'll be told clearly what's been found, what the options are, and what each option costs. Nothing gets done at the check-up appointment without your agreement first. You're always in control of what happens next.
Yes. We see patients of all ages and are a Childsmile practice for children. You're welcome to book multiple family members and we'll try to schedule appointments back-to-back where possible.