Preventative Dental Exams in Surrey
We believe prevention is the best cure for what ails you. Georgetown Dental recommends regular dental exams at our clinic in Surrey to ensure you maintain optimal oral health. Having regular exams at 6-month intervals allow for us to note any changes in your teeth and gums. This means can catch problems when they are small and before they become bigger issues that are more difficult to treat. Sometimes checkups can indicate a greater problem with your overall health. We like to think of regular dental visits as comparable to having regular maintenance on your car – it’s like a tune-up for your mouth!
We can tailor your appointment schedule based on your needs. Depending on the state of your oral health, you may need to visit more frequently or you might be able to wait longer between visits (though you should never wait longer than a year). Patients are often concerned about what their plan will cover and, while plans may have a limit on what they will pay for, this does not mean it is the best thing for your health.
Dental Exams
During your first visit to our clinic, your dentist will conduct a complete dental exam. At that time and at all following regular exams, checkups will include
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Diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): to find possible tooth decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss and tooth positions
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Oral cancer screening: to check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
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Gum disease evaluation: to check your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease
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Examination of tooth surfaces: to check for tooth decay with special dental instruments.
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Examination of existing restorations: to check the integrity of fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers etc.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A professional dental cleaning including scaling, root planing, and polishing. It is done by a Registered Dental Hygienist. Your appointment will also include an exam by the dentist, plus:
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Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has formed on the tooth but can be removed with appropriate dental instruments
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Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth, and is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums, the beginning stages of periodontal disease and can affect your general health!
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Teeth polishing: The removal of stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling
Digital Dental X-rays
Dental radiographs, or dental x-rays, are an essential tool for diagnostics and prevention. They provide valuable information that is not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and hygienists can use this information to detect hidden abnormalities and create a treatment plan safely and accurately. Without x-rays, problems may go undetected.
Issues a dental x-ray may reveal include:
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Abscesses or cysts
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Bone loss
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Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
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Dental cavities
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Hidden tooth decay between the teeth
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Developmental abnormalities
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Poor tooth and root positions
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Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Finding and treating dental issues early can save you time, money, discomfort and your teeth!
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
Digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered to be completely safe. We take all necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation when taking x-rays, such as lead apron shields to protect your body plus state-of-the-art digital sensors that reduce exposure time.
We are all exposed to natural radiation daily in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of dental x-rays is roughly equal to the amount you receive in one day from natural sources.
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If you do have concerns about your teeth and gums, please contact us today for an appointment.
