A checkup is one of the most common visits to a dental office. If it has been a while since your last one, it helps to know what happens before you walk in.
Most visits have two parts. A hygienist cleans your teeth, and a dentist checks them. The order can change from one visit to the next, but the steps are the same.
We begin by asking about any changes since your last visit. That means new medicines, a change in your health, or a tooth that has been bothering you.
Tell us if you feel nervous, or if your teeth are sensitive. We can slow the pace, use a numbing gel on the gums, or switch to gentler tools.
We take x-rays only when they are needed. They show decay between the teeth, infection and bone loss that nobody can see by looking.
Our x-rays are digital, so they use less radiation than the old film kind. We put the pictures on a screen and go through them with you.
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, above and below the gumline. Tartar is plaque that has hardened, and a toothbrush cannot remove it.
We use small hand tools and an ultrasonic scaler, which loosens tartar with gentle vibration. The scraping sound you may hear is the tartar coming off.
Next, the hygienist measures the small pockets between your gums and teeth. Deeper pockets can be an early sign of gum disease.
Last comes a polish that lifts surface stains from coffee, tea and wine. Your hygienist then flosses between every tooth.
The dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints. We look for cavities, cracks, worn spots and old fillings that need care.
We also check the soft parts of your mouth, like your tongue, cheeks and throat. This is how we screen for early signs of oral cancer.
If we find a problem, we show you on the screen and explain your options. Nothing happens without your okay.
If you are new to our office, your first visit follows the same steps. Checkups for children follow them too, at a pace that suits a child.
Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. Plaque can harden into tartar quickly, and early decay often shows no signs.
Some people need a visit every three to four months. This includes people with a history of gum disease, diabetes or dry mouth.
Does a cleaning hurt? Most cleanings are not painful. You may feel some pressure in spots where tartar has built up or the gums are sore.
What if it has been years? You are not alone, and we will not judge you. We start with a clear look at your teeth and gums, then make a plan at a pace that suits you.
Does the CDCP cover checkups? The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers exams, cleanings and x-rays. We are a registered CDCP provider, and we tell you what the plan covers before any work starts.
Read more about a dental exam in London, Ontario and about teeth cleaning in London, Ontario at our office. Call 519-472-4460 to book.
We are on Aldersbrook Road and open until 7pm on Monday and Tuesday, so it is easy to come in after work or school.
