Regular dental check-ups let your dentist find cavities, gum disease and other problems early. Most adults book a check-up about twice a year, and each visit includes an exam, X-rays when needed and a professional cleaning.
A regular check-up helps identify cavities, monitors changes in gum tissue and other soft tissues, and evaluates bone structure through professional dental imaging.
The recommended frequency of dental check-ups depends on your age, dental health status and personal needs. Dental professionals generally recommend scheduling check-ups twice a year for preventive care.
Key Takeaways about Regular Dental Check-Ups
- A dental check-up helps your dentist find cavities, gum disease and other problems early.
- Most adults book a dental check-up about twice a year.
- X-rays and intraoral cameras show problems beneath the surface of teeth and gums.
- A hygienist's cleaning removes plaque and tartar, and can include scaling, flossing and a topical fluoride treatment.
- A dental exam checks the teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue and measures the spaces between gums and teeth.
How Dental X-rays and Imaging Work
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 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.
Professional Teeth Cleaning at a Check-up
A dental hygienist is a professional who provides 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 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.
Dental Insurance Questions
To find out what your dental insurance covers, contact the administration team at Lewis Estates Dental Centre.
Dental Health Examination
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.
Sharing Dental Exam Results and Professional Hygiene Recommendations
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 make sure 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 has practised at Lewis Estates Dental Centre since 2002. Schedule your dental check-up to ask her about your oral health.