Dental Exam

Regular dental examinations are important for maintaining your oral hygiene as well as your overall health.  During your initial visit to your dental clinic, your dentist will use several techniques to examine a variety of facets of your oral health.  That way, your dentist can form a comprehensive picture of the state of your mouth, gums and teeth.

 

When you attend your dental clinic for regular checkups, your dentist and hygienist will check for the following:

 

• Hidden problems: x-rays (radiographs) can reveal problems that could otherwise go undetected, such as tumors, decay and bone loss.  Diagnostic x-rays will also reveal the positions of teeth and roots.
• Oral cancer: an examination of the gums, tongue, throat, face and neck will allow your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease: an examination of the gums and bone around the teeth will allow your dentist to check for signs of periodontal disease.
• Tooth decay: dental instruments will be used to examine tooth surfaces for any signs of decay or damage.
• Problems with existing restorations: an examination of fillings, crowns and any other restorations will allow your dentist to check for cracks and other damage.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Your professional dental cleanings or dental prophylaxis will typically be performed by a registered dental hygienist.  Professional dental cleanings include the following steps:

 

• Removal of calculus or tartar, a type of plaque which has hardened on the tooth surface.
• Removal of plaque, a sticky film consisting of saliva, food particles and bacteria, the latter of which causes gum inflammation.
• Tooth polishing to remove stains and any remaining plaque.