Dental Exams & Cleanings in Calgary, AB

A comprehensive dental exam is done by your dentist upon your initial dental visit to the clinic. A checklist of such a comprehensive exam includes:

• This is necessary for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss; tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening: Check any trace and sign of oral cancer of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
• Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
• Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
• TMJ and a patient’s bite health: Check the way the teeth fit together when you bite (occlusion) and how jaw movement is affecting your bite.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep apnea, breathing issues, and snoring.

Your dentist will recommend a schedule for follow-up visits after this initial exam, depending on any issues that may arise from their findings.

We recommend that you also book your dental hygiene appointment to complement your initial dental exam.

Dental Cleaning

Registered Dental Hygienists usually perform professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis). Your cleaning appointment will include the following:

• Calculus (tartar) removal: Calculus is commonly found above and below the gum line, hardened after being left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Plaque removal: That almost invisible film that forms on the teeth, that grows as a colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva is called plaque. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums and is consequently the start of periodontal disease!
• Teeth polishing: The purpose of teeth brushing is the removal of stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Your hygienist will recommend a schedule of regular hygiene visits based on the current status of your teeth, usually every 3 to 6 months.