Why You Need Regular Dental Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Research demonstrates a significant correlation between gum disease and cardiovascular disease, stroke, and respiratory illness, making dental visits a crucial component of preventive dentistry and a healthy lifestyle.

A sparkling smile represents just the beginning of good oral health. Regular dental check-ups involve thorough periodontal therapy and comprehensive examinations that can detect and prevent dental emergencies before they develop. A consistent oral care routine helps identify cavities, monitors changes in gum tissue and other soft tissues, and evaluates bone structure integrity through professional dental imaging technology.

Oral care routines differ for everyone, and the recommended frequency of dental check-ups depends on your age, dental health status, and personal needs. Generally, dental professionals recommend scheduling check-ups twice annually for preventive dentistry care. During a comprehensive check-up, your dental team performs several essential procedures to ensure you make informed decisions about your oral health moving forward.

Analyzing dental X-ray scans and Digital Imaging

Providing insight through Advanced Technology

The Canadian Dental Association recommends oral X-rays be taken every 24 to 36 months during routine dental check-ups. Professional X-rays and intraoral cameras help your dentist detect problems beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.

• First-time patients may be unaware of dental issues invisible to the naked eye, such as cavities forming in or between teeth. An X-ray will help bring those issues to light. Regular patients will be able to follow up with their dentist about any detected improvements or ongoing issues spotted between visits.
• A dental X-ray is quick and safe. X-rays do generate small amounts of radiation, so your dental care provider will drape an apron around your neck to protect the rest of your body. You will be given a specially designed piece of plastic to bite down on, which promotes proper jaw alignment for the X-ray.
• Your dentist can show you comparisons between earlier scans and the current state of your mouth. Seeing is believing—you will be shown “below the surface” aspects of your oral health, such as the state of restorative work (e.g., dental implants, previously filled cavities, or root canals), the anatomy of your jaw and sinuses, and the alignment of your teeth.

Discussing your dental history alongside X-ray findings

Your dental health history guides treatment decisions

Your comprehensive dental check-up and examination process isn’t complete without your care team getting to know you and your concerns.

• If you’re at your first routine check-up, your dental professional will talk to you about your dental history and overall health. Returning patients will be asked for updates about their health since the last visit, such as changes to medication, new medical conditions, and/or any challenges experienced with their oral care routine at home.
• Alongside your X-rays, your history is a powerful tool for your dental health team. X-ray scans confirm symptoms of oral health and reveal past hygiene habits (e.g., a patient who reports ongoing stress may show signs of bruxism—teeth grinding—on an X-ray). These pictures help inform your dentist of any concerns so that they can provide you with the necessary treatment options to help.

Performing Professional Teeth Cleaning and Periodontal Therapy

Professional Dental Hygiene Services

A dental hygienist is a professional who performs periodontal therapy and tooth sensitivity treatment, commonly known as comprehensive teeth cleaning and preventive care. Professional oral care goes beyond your regular twice-a-day brushing and flossing routine at home. It involves several steps:

• Bacterial decontamination: Lewis Estates Dental Centre uses AIRFLOW® technology, a method that sprays a jet stream of air, powder, and water to deliver a gentle yet effective cleaning on and between your teeth. The process removes damaged or infected tissue and surface stains, which helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
• Removal of plaque and tartar build-up: During a process called scaling, your dental professional will gently scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth using a special tool.
• Floss: Much as you do at home, your teeth will be flossed to remove any bacteria between them and around your gums.
• Fluoride: Your teeth may be given a topical fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Understanding Dental Treatment Costs and Coverage

Affordability is often cited as a barrier to obtaining regular dental care. While dental payment plans and costs are involved in treatment, making an investment in preventive dentistry through regular check-ups can provide significant benefits for your health.

If you are wondering what your dental insurance coverage includes, contact our experienced Lewis Estates Dental Centre administration team, and we can help you find out what coverage you have.

Comprehensive Dental Health Examination

Complete Oral Health Assessment

During your routine visit, your dentist will conduct a full exam using advanced dental imaging technology.

• Your teeth will be assessed visually to check for any abnormalities in teeth movement, misalignment, or fractures. Your dentist will check your gums, cheeks, and tongue for signs of redness, swelling, or lesions. They will also measure the depth of spaces between your gums and teeth, the results of which could indicate the start or progression of periodontal disease.
• Symptoms of mouth cancer will also be looked for. Your dentist will palpate the soft tissues in your mouth to check for lumps. They may also use a hand-held device designed to help identify abnormalities that may be hard otherwise to detect.

Sharing Dental Exam Results and Professional Hygiene Recommendations

Building a Partnership for Oral Health

It’s important to trust your dental care team. You should feel comfortable giving and receiving information from your provider, and leave your appointment feeling respected and encouraged to maintain healthy dental hygiene habits at home.

• Good communication is key. At the end of (and often during) a routine dental check-up, your hygienist and dentist will summarize what your exam revealed. They will also provide you with tips on how to maintain good dental hygiene between visits, and what next steps may need to be taken if any issues were found.
• Before you leave the clinic, your dental team will help you make your next appointment to ensure your check-up schedule stays on track. They will also help answer questions you may have about your dental insurance coverage. For individuals who don’t have comprehensive coverage, the team will help you find solutions to maintain your oral health while being easier on your budget.

Professional Dental Care You Can Trust

Dr. Bains and the team at Lewis Estates Dental Centre aim to create a safe, welcoming health care environment where they provide the best dental care possible. Their years of experience and commitment to open communication will help you feel empowered in the decisions you make. Take control of your oral health and schedule your comprehensive dental check-up today.