Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays – Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
• Oral cancer screening – Checking the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissue and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation – checking 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, bridges, etc.
• Examination of your bite position – Checking whether your bite position is unhealthy and contributing to tooth wear, joint and muscle problems, and/or headaches.

Professional Dental Cleaning

All our professional dental hygienists have years of experience and countless hours of continuing education courses in order to provide you with the best service possible. During your cleaning appointment you can expect the following:

• Removal of calculus (tartar) – Calculus is hardened plaque that is firmly attached to the tooth surface. It forms both above and below the gum line, and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
• Removal of plaque – Plaque is a sticky almost invisible film that forms on the tooth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease.
• Teeth polishing – Removes stains and plaque that is not removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

Home Care

A beautiful, healthy smile lasts a life time; this is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal. It starts at home by eating balanced meals, reducing the number of snacks you eat, and correctly using the various dental aids that help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Tooth brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day, especially before bed with a CDA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums; gently brush using a small, circular motion, ensuring you always feel the bristles on the gums.
2. Brush the outer, inner and biting surfaces of each tooth.
3. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
4. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric tooth brushes are also recommended. They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently. Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gum line. Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

1. Take 30-40cm of dental floss and wrap it around your middle finger, leaving about 5cm of floss between the hands.
2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion.
3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gum line. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist to help play a role in good dental home care: Inter-dental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses etc.