Professional Dental Exams and Cleanings for a Healthy, Confident Smile
Want a dazzling smile in Surrey, British Columbia? The foundation of any attractive smile is built on a healthy smile. Beautiful teeth have to be supported by healthy gums. Similarly, the enamel that protects the teeth must be in great shape.
But what does it take to keep your oral health in tip-top condition? Much of the work is done at home with brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing. However, don’t forget to complement your at-home oral care with dental check-ups from Surrey Place Dental Group every six months and more frequently for patients at risk of gum disease and cavities.
What to expect during a dental exam
Routine dental exams are an excellent arsenal for oral dental care. Regular dental check-ups detect numerous dental issues that can result in pain and costly treatments down the road. However, most people have little idea of what to expect during a dental exam. Well, a routine dental check-up is much more than just looking at your teeth. The procedure involves:
- Physical exams: We visually examine your teeth using a dental probe with an angled mirror to look for signs of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, failing dental work, and bite misalignment.
- Digital dental x-rays: There is only so much your dentist can detect during a physical exam. To look out for issues beneath your gum line, we rely on radiographs or x-tray imaging to establish the health of spaces between your teeth and the tooth-supporting structures.
- Oral cancer screening: Dental exams aren’t all about cavities and gum disease — we screen your mouth, throat, and neck to look out for lesions, lumps, sores, and other abnormalities that indicate the presence of oral cancer. Early detection of oral cancer is crucial in devising a successful treatment.
- Dental cleaning: If dentists and our team don’t find significant issues with your smile, the next step is to clean your teeth professionally. The dental hygienist uses special tools and techniques to remove plaque and tartar above and below your gum line. The cleaning ends with polishing your teeth for a shiny, smooth outlook. If necessary, we carry out a fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect your enamel against cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Exams and Cleanings
Why are dental exams and cleanings important if I brush and floss daily?
Although brushing and flossing are crucial for keeping your teeth healthy, they cannot eliminate tartar, or hardened plaque, or identify early warning signs of issues like gum disease, cavities, or oral cancer. Professional exams and cleanings with our team of dentists help catch issues early and keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape. Think of it as a tune-up for your smile—routine care now can prevent major dental repairs later. Plus, cleanings give you that smooth, fresh feeling that at-home brushing can’t match.
How often should I get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most people should visit the dentist every six months for a thorough exam and cleaning. Our team of dentists could advise more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease, significant tartar accumulation, or other dental issues. Skipping cleanings can allow plaque to harden and contribute to gum inflammation or decay. Regular appointments ensure that we catch small issues before they become painful (or expensive) problems. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect oral and overall health.
What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
Plaque and tartar accumulation are carefully removed from your teeth by a dental hygienist, particularly in areas difficult for your toothbrush to reach. After that, your teeth are flossed to get rid of gunk between them and polished to remove surface stains. The cleaning may finish with a fluoride treatment, strengthening your enamel if needed. You’ll leave with a fresh, clean mouth and possibly a gold star for oral hygiene! Our patients often say their mouth feels lighter and cleaner after a visit.
Do dental exams check for more than just cavities?
Yes! Dental exams go beyond cavities. Our team of dentists checks your gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease, examines your jaw alignment and bite, inspects old dental work, and screens for oral cancer. These comprehensive evaluations help detect subtle issues early, allowing for quicker and more effective treatment. It’s total wellness for your mouth, and a key part of staying ahead of problems you might not feel or see until they’ve progressed.
Is professional cleaning better than what I do at home?
Absolutely. Even with great flossing and brushing habits, plaque can harden into tartar that only dental tools can remove. Our team at Surrey Place Dental uses specialized instruments to clean thoroughly, reaching under the gumline and in hard-to-reach spots. This deep clean not only prevents gum disease but can also brighten your smile and freshen your breath. Professional cleanings also allow us to spot any trouble areas and coach you on better at-home care.
Does a cleaning hurt, especially if I have sensitive teeth or gums?
A standard cleaning shouldn’t hurt, but some patients with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may experience mild discomfort. Let us know if you’re feeling any sensitivity. Our team of dentists and the hygiene team can adjust their techniques, use a desensitizing polish, or offer topical numbing gel to make cleaning more comfortable. We’re all about keeping you smiling through the process. The more consistently you come in, the more comfortable the cleanings tend to feel over time.
Can kids benefit from regular exams and cleanings, too?
Definitely! Children’s dental health sets the stage for lifelong oral habits. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, while exams allow our team of dentists to monitor jaw growth, tooth development, and alignment. We also offer sealants and fluoride treatments for added protection. Our friendly team makes dental visits fun and educational because starting young helps kids feel confident about their smile. Creating a positive dental experience early on helps prevent dental anxiety later in life and encourages lifelong oral health.
What can a routine exam reveal about my overall health?
Routine dental exams don’t just catch cavities—they can also uncover signs of systemic health issues. Conditions like diabetes, acid reflux, and even some autoimmune diseases may show symptoms in the mouth. Our team of dentists evaluates your oral tissues, bite, and gum health to help spot problems early, sometimes before you notice symptoms elsewhere.
To win the battle against cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and other oral issues infuse dental exams into your oral care regimen. If you are looking for a healthy, confident smile in Surrey, BC, please dial (604) 969-4212 to schedule an appointment with Surrey Place Dental Group.
