Getting Routine Dental Exams & Teeth Cleanings
Do you take better care of your car than your teeth? Most people go for regular oil changes and scheduled service – but put off dental exams, checkups and teeth cleanings. If you’ve been meaning to get around to a dental exam, the Calgary dentists at Forest Lawn Dental Centre are making it easy for you to make an appointment. We are open until 7 PM on weekdays and offer weekend appointments on Saturdays to make scheduling dental exams more convenient for you.
Dental Exams Should Be a Part of Your Wellness Plan
Tooth decay and gum disease are more easily and effectively treated when they are caught early. Moreover, since many recent studies suggest that your oral health affects the health of other organs and systems, including the heart and circulatory system, regular dental exams should be part of your overall wellness plan.
While most general guidelines recommend a dental exam twice a year, certain conditions may require more frequent exams. Your dentist at Forest Lawn Dental Centre will recommend how often you should come in based on a full assessment of your oral health and medical history.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam
During your dental exam at Forest Lawn Dental Centre, your dentist will do a visual exam to:
- Check for signs of tooth decay, cavities and damage to your teeth
- Check your gums for inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Check for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ and oral cancer
- Assess the spacing and position of your teeth
- Assess the condition of fillings, crowns and bridges
- Examine the condition of the jaw and other facial bones and the lymph nodes in your neck
In addition to the visual exam, your dentist may also do an x-ray which can reveal problems such as decay, fractures or bone loss below the gum line.
The dental exam is the time for you to ask your dentist about any concerns you may have regarding the health and appearance of your teeth. If you have noticed changes in the position of your teeth or in the condition of your gums or if you feel sensitivity, now is the time to tell us!
You should also let us know about any changes in your overall health or if you are taking any medications, such as blood thinners or medications that may cause dry mouth. All of this information will help us create a treatment plan to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
Routine Teeth Cleanings Help Maintain Good Oral Health
What’s the best part of a visit to the dentist’s office? For many of our patients, it’s the fresh feeling in your mouth that comes after teeth cleaning by our dental hygienists. Professional teeth cleaning during a typical appointment includes:
- Scaling: Even if you floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up just below the gum line and between teeth. Using fine tools, your hygienist will carefully and thoroughly remove plaque and tartar.
- Polishing: Using a special toothpaste and an electric brush, your hygienist will polish your teeth, resulting in that delightfully smooth feeling after teeth cleaning.
- Flossing: Those spots you have trouble reaching when you floss at home are more easily done by your hygienist during professional cleaning.
- Rinse & Fluoride Treatment: Your hygienist may give you a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from decay until your next visit.
In more than 18 years as a family dentist in Calgary, we’ve found that dental exams give both our dental team and our patients a chance to get to know one another. The ongoing relationships we develop during dental exams help us care for you and your family more effectively.
Call us today to make your appointment for a dental exam at our Calgary office. We welcome new patients and look forward to seeing you soon!
