Dental Exams in Woodbridge
Regular checkups are the best thing you can do for your mouth for the rest of your life. At Dentistry on the Pines we know that preventive care is the way to stop problems from getting worse and costing you money and discomfort. Our thorough approach to exams ensures each patient gets care tailored to their individual needs.
When you come to our Woodbridge office we start each exam by going over your medical history and present symptoms in detail. This first visit gives us a chance to find out about any changes in your health that may affect your dental care. Then we look at your teeth, gums and the tissues around them with our eyes. Our skilled staff looks for decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other problems that need to be addressed right away.
Modern technology makes it easier for us to find problems when they are small. We use digital X-rays that give us clear detailed pictures while exposing patients to very little radiation. These diagnostic tools can find problems between teeth, under fillings and in places that can’t be seen with the naked eye. In addition intraoral cameras let us show patients exactly what we see so things are clear and you can see how healthy your mouth is.
Measuring the depths of the pockets around your teeth is part of the exam to check the health of your gums. Healthy gums have pockets that are 1-3mm deep. If your pockets are deeper it may be a sign of gum disease that needs to be treated right away to stop it from getting worse. We also check the alignment of your bite and the function of your jaw to find any irregularities that could cause pain or dental problems in the future.
During each visit our team also looks at any existing dental work. You need to keep an eye on fillings, crowns and other restorations to make sure they are working. We look for cracks, wear or damage that could make them less effective. When we find problems with your current dental work we talk about options for replacing it and make a treatment plan that fits your schedule and budget.
Every exam should include an oral cancer screening. We look at your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat and neck for any lumps, lesions or changes in colour that aren’t normal. These screenings are part of your preventive care because they help find oral cancer early when treatment is much more effective.
A professional cleaning of your teeth usually happens during your exam. Our trained hygienists remove plaque and tartar that normal brushing and flossing can’t get rid of. This deep cleaning keeps your teeth and gums healthy and smooth and helps prevent cavities and gum disease. We also give you personalized tips on how to improve your oral care at home.
Teaching patients is a big part of our exam process. We take the time to explain what we found and answer any questions you have about your dental health. We give you tips on how to brush and floss properly and what foods to eat to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We believe patients who know more about their dental care make better choices.
We make a personalized treatment plan for you after your exam if there are any problems that need to be fixed. This plan puts your most important needs first and takes into account your preferences and budget. When possible we go over each recommended treatment and talk about other options. We make sure all parts of your dental health get the right care for General Dentistry patients.
Most people should have regular checkups every 6 months. Some people however may need to come in more often since they are at higher risk for tooth decay. Quarterly checkups are usually recommended for people with diabetes, gum disease or other health issues. Others with good dental health may only need to see their dentist every 8-9 months.
We want exams at our Woodbridge location to be as comfortable and stress free as possible. Our staff is friendly and makes the office feel welcoming so you can relax and feel important. We know people have busy lives so we offer flexible appointment dates and try to keep wait times to a minimum.
Regular checkups are preventive care that saves you money in the long run by finding problems before they need a lot of treatment. Simple fillings can fix small cavities but if you don’t treat the decay you might need Root Canal therapy or have the tooth extracted. Taking care of your teeth regularly is good for your health and your wallet.
Call Dentistry on the Pines today to schedule your full exam. This is the first step to healthy teeth and gums for years to come.