What is a Dental Exam?
A critical part of preventive health care is regular dental exams, also called dental checkups or oral exams. The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a national standard of competence for dentists in Canada. Generally, a dental hygienist or a dentist cleans your teeth during a dental exam and checks for gum disease and cavities. In detail, dental exams include checking your face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities and evaluating your risk of developing other oral problems. Also, dental exams might have other diagnostic procedures such as dental X-rays (radiographs).
Your dentist will likely discuss your oral care and hygiene habits, and diet, and might demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Moreover, other topics might include lifestyle factors affecting oral health, possible cosmetic improvements to your teeth, and Dental Exams in Toronto. Without a doubt, your overall health, including your oral health, is protected by regular dental check-ups. For instance, symptoms and signs of some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, might first appear in the mouth. Subsequently, if your dentist or dental hygienist finds disease indications, s/he will suggest you see your doctor.
Also, these exams give your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect oral health problems early —when they are most treatable.
How Long Does A Dental Exam Take?
The majority of dental cleanings and examinations, including Dental Exams in Toronto, only take an hour or so. However, children’s exams and cleanings typically happen more quickly. The frequency of routine examinations and cleanings, the patient’s age, and the condition of their mouth may also have an impact on the duration of the appointments. Your dentist will demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques during your examination to help you maintain the greatest possible oral hygiene.
How Often Should I Get Dental Exams?
Most adults and children should visit the dentist every six months, but since dental issues can worsen and hurt a lot if they aren’t attended to right away, you may require a different strategy to protect your oral health. Also, your dentist or dental hygienist may tell you to go to the doctor more often if you have ongoing problems with your oral health. For instance, people who go to the dentist every three to four months to have their teeth cleaned tend to react better to dental care than those who have had gum disease in the past.
What happens during dental exams in Toronto?
Typical dental exams include a cleaning by a dental hygienist or dentist, X-rays on certain visits, and a checkup of your mouth.
Cleanings
- Firstly, you sit in a chair. Then a bright overhead light shines above. Afterward, a dentist or a dental hygienist cleans your teeth using small metal dental tools. S/he scrapes your teeth to remove tartar and plaque.
- The dental hygienist or dentist flosses your teeth.
- S/he brushes your teeth using a special electric toothbrush.
- S/he may then apply a fluoride gel or foam to your teeth to prevent tooth infection or decay and cavities. Children need more fluoride treatments than adults.
X-Rays
To explain, dental x-rays are images that show bone loss, gum disease, cavities, and other problems that cannot be seen by looking at the mouth. During x-rays, the dental hygienist or dentist
- Places a thick covering (a lead apron) over your chest. Following this, s/he may place an additional covering on your neck to protect your thyroid gland. Summing up, they protect your body from radiation.
- Has you bite a small piece of plastic.
- Places a scanner outside your mouth. Then, s/he takes a picture while standing behind a protective shield or another area.
- Instructs biting in different areas of your mouth for certain types of x-rays.
There are different types of dental x-rays. A full-mouth X-ray is needed once every few years to check your overall oral health. However, a bitewing x-ray may be used more often to check for cavities or other tooth problems in dental exams.
Checkups
During a dental exam, the dentist:
- Checks your x-rays for problems such as cavities.
- Looks at your gums and teeth to make sure they are healthy.
- Checks the bite (the way the bottom and top teeth fit together). In addition, you may be referred to an orthodontist if there is a bite problem.
- Checks for oral cancer by feeling under your jaw, checking the sides of your tongue, the insides of your lips, and the roof and floor of your mouth.
According to Dental Land, even if everything appears “fine” at first, underlying issues that regular Dental Exams in Toronto would catch can eventually lead to far more costly maintenance. They advise against skipping these examinations as a result. Children’s enamel is thinner and more brittle, so they should be very cautious about this. If things are going well, though, we want to help you keep them that way.
FAQ
How often should I book my Dental Exams in Toronto?
Most people do well every six months, but higher-risk patients—such as those with gum disease, dry mouth, or orthodontic appliances—may benefit from more frequent exams.
Do I need X-rays at every appointment?
Not necessarily. We recommend X-rays based on your risk level and the time since your last images. The goal is to capture only what’s needed for safe, accurate diagnosis.
What's the difference between an exam and a cleaning?
The exam evaluates teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues; the cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains. They’re complementary and usually performed at the same visit.
Can Dental Exams in Toronto detect oral cancer?
Our exams always include an oral cancer screening. While they can’t diagnose cancer on the spot, they are crucial for flagging changes early and arranging timely follow-up if anything looks concerning.
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