Routine Dental Checkups and Cleanings

We typically recommend taking at least a couple of days off of work to recover. Not everyone needs them, but it’s best to have the option lined up

While your hygienist works, they are taking notes of any potential trouble areas to alert your dentist to, removing any plaque and tartar buildup that may be on your teeth, and finishing up with a polish, to bring out the shine (and protect) your pearly whites.

To do this, the hygienist uses special instruments, like an ultrasonic scaler, to knock loose any larger pieces of tartar, and clean thoroughly both above and below the gum line. This typically just feels like a tickling vibration.

Once all of the tartar and plaque are removed, your teeth are polished to remove stains and apply a protective layer of fluoride using a handpiece with a slow-spinning rubber cup that holds and applies the polish.

Once your hygienist is finished, your dentist will come through to take a more thorough examination.

During this part of your checkup, your dentist examines your gums to see if the spaces between your teeth and gums indicates any gum disease or early warning signs. Your dentist will also take a closer look for any signs of decay, grinding or clenching (which can wear enamel), sleep or orthodontic issues. And if you have any concerns or questions about alternative options for missing teeth, your dentist will also address those during this time.

Finally, your dentist checks your tongue, throat, face and neck for any signs that could indicate other periodontal problems or oral cancers.

If you’ve opted to do the 3D OPG scan, these can be updated every 5 years, if there are not pressing issues that we need to track and monitor.

Of course, these guidelines depend on your oral exam, dental history, and risk for developing cavities. X-rays give your dentist a good view of jaw alignment, any decay between your teeth that might not be visible externally, as well as identifying any impacted teeth, abscesses, or cysts on the roots of your teeth.

In short, they’re a very useful tool to have for managing your long term oral health!

After your exam is complete, your dentist will discuss any treatment recommendations, and if there are any complications, they may recommend a return visit for restoration work, like fillings or a crown.

Assuming you don’t have any complications to worry about (because you’ve been keeping up with your oral health at home and your regular checkups!), you can head over to to the reception desk to schedule your next appointment and pick up your “goodie bag,” complete with:

• A new toothbrush (if you come see us every 6 months, you’ll never have to buy one again!)
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• And mouthwash, all in a nice travel pack

But you can’t collect your prize unless you come in to see us.