Dental Exam in Kitsilano, Vancouver

Did you know that dental exams or check-ups should be done every 6 months? So, if it has been a while since you last visited your dentist for a thorough assessment of your mouth, then this may be the sign that you should schedule your appointment.

Regular dental exams are a vital preventive measure. They keep your smile looking clean and beautiful and help maintain your overall oral health and well-being by detecting and treating dental issues early. The timely prevention and treatment of dental problems avoid the need for extensive and expensive procedures in the future.

In this blog, we will dive into the importance of dental exams, what happens during a dental exam, and how they can contribute to your long term health.

What is a Dental Exam?

A dental exam involves a thorough evaluation of your oral health by assessing your teeth, gums, tongue, jaws, other soft tissues of the oral cavity, and even the head and neck.

Typically, dental exams are recommended every six months. This allows your dentist to monitor your oral health on a regular basis and helps them detect the early signs of dental diseases. With early detection, they can provide suitable treatment before it becomes a serious concern.

During dental exams, your dentist may also recommend getting X-rays and scans, especially if you are new to the dental office or are getting checked for the first time. This is to examine the bones of your teeth and jaws to check for existing disease.

What is the Purpose of a Dental Exam?

The main purpose of a routine dental exam is early detection, prevention, and cure. Contrary to some beliefs, you are not required to feel any signs and symptoms before you get checked by your dentist. Sometimes, dental problems can sneak up on you and before you know it, you already need extensive treatment.

Dental exams prevent this situation by letting your dentist check and ensure that everything is in order. And if disease is already present, it should be minimal and the long-term treatment success should be excellent.

For example, early signs of tooth decay can be treated with simple dental fillings. But if left to progress, you may need a root canal or have to deal with possible tooth loss. 

Types of Dental Exams

• Routine Exam – This is a standard oral health check-up and is recommended every six months. However, this still differs with every patient. If you regularly see your dentist and they keep a good track of your oral health, annual visits may be more beneficial for you. 
• Comprehensive Exam – This is a more in-depth exam and is mostly recommended for patients who are to get a dental exam for the first time or those who have not visited the dentist for quite a while. It may include X-rays, scans, and periodontal probing to thoroughly check for any problems.
• Periodontal Exam – If your gum and periodontal health are currently being treated and managed, a visit every three months for a disease progress check is ideal.
• Emergency Exam – If there is sudden pain, swelling, or injury, an emergency exam helps your dentist identify the problem areas. This is more localized for immediate diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

What to Expect During a Dental Exam

A dental exam is more than just checking your teeth. Here’s a breakdown what typically occurs during the visit:

• Consultation and Record Taking

The first step is to complete your chart by understanding your medical and dental history and treatment goals. Your dentist will note existing conditions and lifestyle factors (such as smoking, medications, and diet) that may affect your oral health.

• Oral Examination

Then, a visual inspection of all corners of the mouth and the head and neck is carried out. This includes checking for visible signs of decay, cavities, gum disease, swelling, bite problems, misaligned teeth, and trauma.

• X-rays and Imaging

Imaging tools, such as X-rays and scans, may be used for a more extensive assessment. This will help determine the health of the jawbone, presence of impacted teeth, and abscesses.

• Gum Health Assessment

Gum assessment is very important to prevent bone loss associated with periodontitis, an irreversible condition that may cause tooth loss. This is done using a periodontal probe that is passed around the tooth to detect and measure pockets. If present, immediate treatment is required.

• Oral Cancer Screening

Early detection is key for the successful treatment of oral cancers. With routine check-ups, discolourations, lumps, pain, and sores are assessed as soon as possible to identify the presence of cancer and allow for early treatment, if necessary.

• Dental Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment

Once all the assessments are completed, your dentist or hygienist will scale your teeth using a high-frequency ultrasonic scaler. This will remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. Then, fluoride will be painted to the teeth to protect it against cavities.

Importance of Regular Dental Exams

Routine dental exams are the cornerstone of preventive dental care, and here are reasons why:

Prevention is prioritized

Routine dental visits help your dentist catch and treat dental diseases as early as possible. This prevents irreversible conditions such as periodontal disease, bone loss, and tooth loss, which may negatively impact your quality of life.

Maintenance of overall well-being

There is a significant connection between oral health and certain systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. With routine dental care, the body is kept in tip top shape.

Long-term smile and health investment

Regular teeth cleaning removes the number one cause of dental disease, which is plaque. By removing plaque, we prevent diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease which may require expensive treatments down the road. Preventive teeth cleaning is an affordable solution for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Contact us for a Dental Exam in Vancouver

At Arbutus Station Dental, we take preventive dentistry and dental exams seriously. Because despite being rampant, many dental problems, such as tooth decay, are highly preventable. This preventive approach provides an opportunity for our dentist to detect early problems, manage and treat diseases timely, and prevent small issues from turning into big, expensive ones.

So, whether you are due for a bi-annual check-up or just need a more comprehensive review of your oral health status to determine what treatments are suitable for you, we are here to provide you with personalized care.

Schedule an appointment with our team today by calling (604) 738-4223 and discover what regular dental care can do for your smile!

Frequently Asked Questions