Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6SEMon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat by appointment01375 481000  ·  WhatsApp us to book

Preventive dentistry

Dental Check-ups & Hygiene in Grays & Chafford Hundred

A thorough examination with a scale and polish, so problems are found early and your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Reception desk at Chafford Hundred Dental Care
  • Dr Jagmail Basrai, GDC 70304, qualified 1994
  • On-site parking at the practice
  • About 1.5 miles from M25 Junction 30
  • Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat by appointment
  • Book on WhatsApp in a few taps

What a check-up and scale and polish cover

  • Checking teeth for decay
  • Checking gums for gum disease and bleeding
  • Screening the mouth for signs of oral cancer
  • Cleaning away hardened tartar and stains
  • Advice if you are worried about bad breath

Gum disease, decay and mouth cancer can all develop without obvious symptoms at first. A regular examination is the simplest way to catch problems while they are small.

Inside Chafford Hundred Dental Care on Drake Road

Meet Sienna

Healthy routines

Regular habits, like a weekly class with friends, keep life on track.

Sienna is our AI brand ambassador. She is not a patient and has not had treatment with us. She is here to celebrate the confident, everyday moments a smile you feel good about can be part of.

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Sienna is our AI brand ambassador.
Sienna on a morning run in London (AI-generated image of Sienna, our AI brand ambassador)AI-generated
Sienna is our AI brand ambassador.

How it works

  1. Getting to know you. We ask about your medical history, any worries and what you would like from your visit.
  2. Examination. Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, using X-rays and DIAGNOdent where needed.
  3. Scale and polish. Tartar and staining are cleaned away and your teeth polished.
  4. Your options. Anything that needs attention is explained in plain language, with fees in writing.

Fees

£170

Examination with scale and polish.

£120

Emergency appointment.

Other treatment fees are confirmed in writing after your consultation, before any treatment starts.

Check-ups & Hygiene: your questions answered

How much is a check-up at your practice?

An examination with a scale and polish costs £170. The examination includes a check of your teeth, gums, mouth and soft tissues, with X-rays when needed. Your dentist explains what they find and any treatment options, and fees for anything further are confirmed in writing before treatment starts.

How often should I have a check-up?

Your dentist will recommend how often you should be seen, based on your own teeth and gums. Some people with healthy teeth and gums are seen less often, while those with gum problems or a history of decay may benefit from more frequent visits. The interval can change over time as your mouth changes.

Do you check for mouth cancer?

Yes. Checking the soft tissues of your mouth for anything unusual is part of a thorough examination. This involves looking at and feeling the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips and throat area. If anything unusual is found, your dentist explains what happens next. Ulcers or patches that do not heal within about three weeks should be checked.

My gums bleed when I brush. Should I book?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease. Book an examination so your dentist can check your gums and advise you. Early gum disease is often painless and can improve with professional cleaning and good home care. Your dentist or hygienist can show you how to clean between your teeth and along the gum line.

Can you help with bad breath?

Bad breath has several possible causes. Your dentist can check your teeth and gums and talk you through what may be causing it. Common causes include gum disease, coated tongue, dry mouth, some foods and smoking. If no dental cause is found, your dentist may suggest speaking to your GP, as bad breath can sometimes relate to general health.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we welcome new patients. WhatsApp us to book on 07300 421405, or call 01375 481000. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment. Your first appointment is usually an examination, so we can get to know your teeth and gums and explain any treatment you may need, with fees confirmed in writing first.

I am nervous about the dentist. Can you help?

Yes. Tell us when you get in touch. We take time to listen, explain everything and you can stop at any point. Many nervous patients find it helps to agree a signal, such as raising a hand, if they want to pause. You can also ask us to explain each step before we do it, or bring someone with you.

Do you offer NHS check-ups?

We are a private practice. Our examination with a scale and polish costs £170. This fee covers a full examination of your teeth, gums, mouth and soft tissues, with X-rays when needed, plus a scale and polish. Any further treatment is explained and confirmed in writing before it starts.

What happens at a dental check-up?

We ask about your health and any concerns, examine your teeth, gums, mouth and soft tissues, and take X-rays when needed. We then explain what we found and any treatment options, with fees in writing first. You can ask questions at any point.

What does a scale and polish involve?

A scale and polish removes hardened deposits (tartar) and surface stains from your teeth. It usually takes a short appointment and is included in our examination with scale and polish fee of £170. Your dentist or hygienist may also show you cleaning techniques for areas that are hard to reach.

How often should I see the hygienist?

It varies with your gum health and how quickly deposits build up. Some people benefit from visits every few months, others less often. Your dentist will recommend an interval for you. Regular professional cleaning, combined with brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth, can help keep your gums healthy and your breath fresh.

Do you take X-rays at every check-up?

No. X-rays are taken when they are needed to check for things that cannot be seen, such as decay between teeth. How often depends on your dental history and risk. Your dentist will explain why any X-ray is needed, and you can ask about the dose and timing. Tell us if you are or might be pregnant.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Common signs include bleeding when brushing, red or swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums and teeth that feel loose. Gum disease is often painless in the early stages, which is why regular checks are useful. Smoking can mask bleeding gums.

Can gum disease be treated?

Early gum disease can often be improved with professional cleaning and good home care. More advanced gum disease needs ongoing management. Your dentist will explain your options after an examination. Regular visits and cleaning between your teeth every day help keep it stable. Smoking can make gum disease worse and can hide bleeding, so mention it if you smoke.

Is a scale and polish painful?

Most people find it comfortable, though some sensitivity is possible, especially if there is a lot of tartar or the gums are inflamed. Tell us if you are sensitive and we will take care. Breaks can be taken at any time.

Do you see children for check-ups?

Yes. We see children at the practice. See our children's dentistry page or message us on WhatsApp to book a family appointment. Check-ups help children get used to the dentist and let us see how their teeth are developing. We keep visits relaxed and explain things in simple words, and parents are welcome to stay with their child.

Can I register as a new private patient?

Yes. Book an examination by WhatsApp on 07300 421405 or call 01375 481000. Fees are confirmed in writing before any treatment. Your first examination lets us check your teeth, gums and mouth and explain any treatment you may need. We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment.

Where are you and is there parking?

We are on Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6SE, with on-site parking outside, about 0.8 miles from Chafford Hundred station and 1.5 miles from M25 Junction 30. Message us on WhatsApp if you would like directions or have any questions before your visit.

Can I book a check-up on a Saturday?

We are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday by appointment. Message us on WhatsApp and we will look for a time. Saturday slots are limited, so it helps to ask early. Weekday appointments are also available from 8am, which some people find easier before work.

I live in Stifford Clays. How close are you?

We are about a mile from Stifford Clays on Drake Road in Chafford Hundred, with on-site parking. It is a short drive, and there is parking outside the practice. Many patients from Stifford Clays come to us for check-ups and hygiene visits. Message us on WhatsApp to book or ask for directions.

Can a scale and polish remove tea and coffee stains?

It removes surface staining and tartar. For a lighter shade overall, whitening is the next step.

Is it normal for my gums to bleed after a scale and polish?

A little bleeding for a day or so can happen, especially if your gums were inflamed. If it carries on, tell us.

It's been years since my last check-up. Will that be a problem?

Not at all. There's no judgement. If there's a lot of tartar, you may need more than one cleaning visit, and we'll explain why.

Can I have a check-up while I'm pregnant?

Yes. Gums can bleed more easily during pregnancy, so check-ups are worthwhile. Tell us you're pregnant when you book.

Can I book a check-up before work?

Yes. We open at 8am Monday to Friday. Note that we close from 1pm to 2pm for lunch.

How do I keep my teeth clean between check-ups?

Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse after brushing, clean between your teeth and keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.

I work at Lakeside. Is it easy to fit in a check-up?

Yes. We're about 1.5 miles from West Thurrock and Lakeside, with on-site parking, and you can book on WhatsApp on 07300 421405.

Related treatments

Check-ups & Hygiene for patients across Thurrock and nearby

We see patients from Chafford Hundred, Grays and across Thurrock, Havering and south Essex.

See all areas we serve →

Ready when you are

WhatsApp us to book

Message our team on WhatsApp and we will find a time that suits you. Prefer to talk? Call 01375 481000.