What Is Included in a Dental Exam?

A typical dental exam begins with an examination of your teeth, gums, mouth, and neck for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Your dentist may take x-rays for a better view of your overall oral health and to check for signs of decay, abscesses, cysts, and more.

Your dentist will ask some questions about your lifestyle, dental hygiene habits, and overall health to better understand possible issues and risk factors to watch out for.

A routine dental checkup procedure also includes a thorough teeth cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and gum line as well as polishes the surfaces of your teeth to remove stains.

The entire checkup can take anywhere between 45-60 minutes. For children, this is often shorter.

When Do You Need a Dental Checkup?

Not many people look forward to visiting their dentist every six months but regular dental exams are important in preventing dental issues and identifying the early signs of larger problems. Regular dental exams allow the dentist to look for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems.

While six months is the recommended frequency for dental checkups, how often you go will depend on different factors such as your health, oral hygiene, and habits. Patients with few issues and good dental hygiene may be able to reduce their checkups to once a year, while higher risk patients may benefit from more frequent checkups. Your dentist can advise how often you should schedule regular checkups.

If you notice pain, sensitivity, or any other changes in your oral health between your regular checkups, you should contact your dentist right away. This allows your dentist to diagnose and resolve the problem right away before it turns into a major issue.

Additionally, bring your children in for a checkup as soon as their first tooth appears. Regular checkups from the beginning are the best way to promote a lifetime of oral health.

Book An Appointment Today!

Oxford Dental offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including dental checkups, to ensure optimal oral health!

If you are looking for a dental clinic in North Edmonton that cares about their patients, contact out team to book an appointment today.

Oxford Dental also offers 24-7 emergency walk-in appointments in Edmonton to handle a wide range of dental emergencies.