Dental Check-ups

A regular dental check-up is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health in addition to brushing and flossing.

Patients of all ages including infants, children and seniors require a dental check-up at least twice a year as advised by the CDA (Canadian Dental Association).

At Polar Dental, our dentists and staff are able to detect oral health problems that you may overlook on your own, and are equipped with the necessary tools required for properly diagnosing the status of your oral health such as instruments that can clean and detect plaque or debris below the gum line below it is allowed to evolve into painful gum disease.

X-rays also allow our dentists to detect cavities and problems in the root or bone structure of the tooth in its earliest stages to that it may be treated without further complications. 

Some oral health problems are not always accompanied by the tell tale warning signs such as pain or inflammation. That is why it is imperative to your oral health that you visit us here at Polar Dental for regular check-up and cleaning to make sure your oral health stays on track keeping your smile healthy and radiant.

Even patients who brush and floss every day are not capable of seeing all the parts of their own mouth. Below we have provided a list of things that our Polar Dental professionals can see that you yourself cannot:

• Fillings, crowns and other restorations that are no longer in good shape and need repair.
• Root cavities or cavities that cause the gums to recede (pull away) from the teeth cavities around your fillings.
• Tiny cracks or fractures within a tooth.
• Impacted wisdom teeth that are trapped in the gums which require extraction.
• Early signs of gum disease.
• Early signs of oral cancer.
• Signs of other oral health problems that could directly affect your overall general health.

How Often are Dental Check-Ups Necessary?

Most patients will require a dental check-up once every six months. However, dental treatment is dependent on the individual needs of each patient. For example, depending on the state of your oral health, your dentist may advise more than two visits a year for a dental check-up. Patients with periodontal disease may require a check-up and cleaning every three months to ensure that the gums remain healthy and free from infection. 

Dental Check-Up Overview

A dental check-up will consist of some or all of the following:

• Dental and medical history update
• A discussion between your and your dentist about any problems/concerns you may have concerning your oral health.
• Changes in your teeth such as colour, looseness or positioning.
• Teeth or gum sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets.
• Changes in the gums such as colour, tenderness, or bleeding when you brush or floss.
• If floss catches any rough edges of the teeth and shreds.
• Changes occurring in the skin on the inside of the mouth such as changes in colour.
• Clenching or grinding of the teeth, or if your jaw and neck muscles are tense.

Dental Examinations

Polar Dental will be able to successfully identify and problems that may affect your oral or general health. Problems that are detected within the earlier stages can be treated right away to prevent the issue from evolving into a more serious complication. 

Dental Cleanings

Dental cleaning not only ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and free from decay and plaque, but they also allow your Polar Dental professional to detect and remove buildup that may occur underneath the gum line and in areas not accessible to your toothbrush. Cleanings make your teeth and filling smooth so that plaque and tartar will have a harder time sticking and accumulating on your teeth and gums. 

Plaque is a colourless film that naturally builds up on the surfaces of the tooth’s enamel. When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth, it hardens and forms into tartar(also known as calculus). Proper cleaning in a dental office is the only way to safely and effectively remove tartar as tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush. If tartar is left on the teeth, it will irritate the gums causing painful inflammation, irritation, bleeding and the formation of pus pockets all of which are signs of gum disease. Regular cleanings also effectively remove stains keeping your teeth radiant and white.