Exams & Dental Check-Ups in Hamilton, ON

WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM?
Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow your Hamilton Family Dentist to inspect the state of your dental fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dental implants.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A DENTAL EXAM?
The frequency of dental exams is person-specific. If you are healthy and brush and floss regularly, are at a low risk for cavities, and have no previous history of gum conditions or systemic diseases, then we would recommend an exam and cleanings every 6 months. If on the other hand you experience that your gums are severely inflamed, have deep pockets around your teeth that act as a food trap, or have lost gingival and bone attachment to teeth from Periodontitis, we would recommend cleanings every 3-4 months.

In some cases, cleaning frequency will change during a person’s life. In patients that are undergoing Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces, we would recommend a 3 month cleaning frequency, due to the fact that metal braces and aligners result in more food collection around teeth and make it more difficult to clean your teeth at home. For patients with dental implants, we also recommend a 3 month cleaning protocol due to the fact that implants develop a different bone and gum morphology than teeth and require much more trained maintenance. In some instances, an individual may have medical treatment which can affect their saliva production (such as radiation or chemotherapy). Saliva neutralizes the acid made by bacteria on the teeth and also flushes food out, so less saliva translates to more plaque and bacteria depositing in the gums.

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A DENTAL EXAM?
At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health. Sometimes patients request to also have their teeth polished during a cleaning. This can make your teeth feel smoother and brighten your smile.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR A DENTAL EXAM?
The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.