CALL US: 604-372-0755
105A-19151 Fraser Hwy, Surrey, BC V3S 7H2
Preventative Exams from an Experienced Surrey Dental Clinic
As experts in the field, we believe in preventative oral care. We recommend regular hygiene appointments and dental exams at our Surrey dental clinic to help maintain optimum oral health. Your regular 6-month exams and hygiene visits allow for us to note any changes in your teeth and gums. In this way, we can catch problems when they are small and before they become difficult to treat, uncomfortable and more expensive to repair. Sometimes checkups can indicate greater problems with your overall health. We compare regular dental visits to having regular maintenance on your vehicle, sort of like a tune-up for your mouth.
We tailor and schedule the appointments based on each patient’s individual needs. Depending on the state of oral health, some people come more frequently, and others can wait a little longer between visits, although never more than one year. Patients are often concerned about what their plan will cover, and although plans may have a limit on what they will pay, this does not mean that is the best thing for your health.
Dental Exams
At your first dental visit, a complete dental exam will be done by your dentist. At that time and at following regular checkup exams, your dentist and hygienist will include:
- Diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): to find possible tooth decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss and tooth positions
- Oral cancer screening: to check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer
- Gum disease evaluation: to check your gums and bone around your teeth for any signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Examination of tooth surfaces: to check for tooth decay with special dental instruments.
- Examination of existing restorations:to check the integrity of fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers etc.
Professional dental cleaning
Professional dental cleaning (scaling, root planing and polishing) is done by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam by the dentist and:
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has formed on the tooth but can be removed with appropriate dental instruments
- 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!
- Teeth polishing: The removal of stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling
digital dental x-rays
Dental radiographs (X-rays) are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam. Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without X-rays, problem areas may go undetected.
Dental X-rays may reveal:
- Abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Dental cavities
- Hidden tooth decay between the teeth
- Developmental abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Are Dental X-rays Safe?
Digital X-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. At our office, we take necessary precautions to limit your exposure to radiation when taking dental X-rays. We use lead apron shields to protect your body and also state-of-the-art digital sensors that reduce exposure time.
We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of X-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.
If you have concerns about your teeth and gums, contact us for an appointment today.
