Regular dental exams are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile, and seeing your dentist every six months to a year helps keep your teeth and gums in optimal condition. During your dental exam at Elevate Dental, you can expect a professional cleaning, a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, and a discussion of any necessary treatments or oral health concerns.
The Two Main Parts of a Recall/Recare Appointment
A typical recall appointment involves two key components: a cleaning performed by a dental hygienist and a thorough examination by your dentist. Both steps are crucial for preventing future dental problems and maintaining optimal oral health.
1. Professional Cleaning with the Dental Hygienist
The first part of your dental appointment is usually a cleaning. At Elevate Dental, our exceptional team of dental hygienists takes their passion for oral health seriously—but that doesn’t mean your visit can’t be fun and comfortable too! Every recall appointment begins with updating any necessary dental images so we can catch problems early.
From there, our hygienists thoroughly clean your teeth by removing biofilm, plaque, and tartar (also called calculus)—the buildup that brushing and flossing can miss. This isn’t just for a cleaner smile; biofilm is a major cause of gum disease, which affects nearly 7 in 10 Canadians and can seriously impact your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease and can make blood sugar harder to manage for people with diabetes.
That’s why our hygienists take a comprehensive approach, including a head and neck exam to check for oral cancer and other issues, periodontal treatment, and personalized preventive care like fluoride, sealants, and home-care tips. At Elevate Dental, we’re focused on more than just teeth—we care about your total health.
2. Comprehensive Exam by the Dentist
Once your teeth are sparkling clean, your dentist will step in for a thorough examination of your oral health. This is where the dentist evaluates a variety of factors that can influence your overall health and well-being.
What Happens During a Cleaning?
Here’s a quick rundown of the steps involved in a professional cleaning:
- Plaque and tartar removal: The hygienist will use special tools to gently remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth.
- Polishing: After cleaning, your hygienist will polish your teeth with a gritty paste to smooth them and make it harder for plaque to build up again, leaving your teeth shiny.
- Flossing and rinsing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any leftover debris and check your gum health. You’ll then rinse with a special solution to clear away any remaining particles.
- Fluoride treatment (optional): You may receive a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth from cavities by strengthening the enamel.
A Deeper Look at Your Oral and Overall Health
Every recall appointment starts with updating dental images, like X-rays, based on your personal caries (cavity) risk. These X-rays do so much more than just detect cavities—they help us assess bone levels, check for lesions, infections, or abscesses in the teeth and jaw, and even spot changes that could indicate systemic health concerns. It’s a vital part of your overall wellness check.
Our dental hygienists and dentists may also perform an equally important head and neck exam. This includes examining your lymph nodes, thyroid gland, TMJ (jaw joint), and the skin and tissues around your face and neck for any lumps, swelling, asymmetry, or unusual changes.
What Does the Dentist Check For?
Here are the key things your dentist will be looking for:
Tooth decay and damage: Your dentist will examine each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, or chips. Even minor damage can become a major problem if left untreated, so your dentist will check for any issues that could require fillings, crowns, or other restorative work.
Gum disease: Gum disease is often referred to as the “silent disease” because it can develop slowly without causing noticeable pain. Your dentist will check for signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis), pockets between the teeth and gums, and receding gum lines. Catching these issues early can prevent more serious conditions like periodontitis.
Cavities: Cavities can be difficult to detect in their early stages, but a dentist’s keen eye can identify them before they cause extensive damage. If any cavities are found, your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Oral cancer screening: An oral cancer screening is an essential part of your exam. Your dentist will look for unusual growths or lesions in your mouth, tongue, and throat. Early detection of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Head and neck examination for oral cancer: Equally important is the thorough head and neck exam performed by our dental hygienists and dentists. This includes examining your lymph nodes, thyroid gland, TMJ (jaw joint), and the skin and tissues around your face and neck for any lumps, swelling, asymmetry, or unusual changes. These checks are key for early detection of serious conditions like oral cancer, which can often develop silently in areas you might not see or feel on your own.
Bite and alignment issues: If your teeth don’t align properly, you could develop problems such as tooth wear, jaw pain, or difficulty chewing. Your dentist will check the way your upper and lower teeth come together (your bite) and may recommend orthodontic treatment if any issues are detected.
Teeth grinding and TMJ issues: If you grind your teeth or experience jaw pain, your dentist will look for signs of tooth wear or inflammation in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jaw to your skull. If you show symptoms of grinding or TMJ disorders, your dentist may suggest solutions such as mouthguards or exercises.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams
Even if you brush and floss regularly, a professional cleaning and exam are still necessary. Plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush, and issues like cavities and gum disease can develop silently. By scheduling regular exams, you ensure that small problems are caught early, preventing larger, more expensive treatments down the road.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
1. Early Detection of Dental Issues
Regular exams help catch cavities, cracks, and early gum disease before they become painful or costly. Small problems can escalate quickly when left untreated.
2. Oral Cancer & Head and Neck Screening
At every visit, your dentist and hygienist perform a head and neck exam to check for signs of oral cancer, swollen lymph nodes, or other abnormalities. Early detection can be life-saving.
3. X-Rays That See What Eyes Can’t
Based on your risk level, dental X-rays may be taken to spot:
- Cavities hidden between teeth
- Bone loss from gum disease
- Infections or abscesses in teeth or jaw
- Cysts, tumors, or impacted teeth
They’re essential for getting a full picture of your oral health.
4. A Deeper Clean Than Brushing Alone
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque, tartar, and biofilm can build up—especially below the gumline. Professional cleanings remove these deposits and help prevent gum disease, which affects nearly 70% of Canadians.
5. Supporting Your Overall Health
Oral health is closely linked to overall wellness. Gum disease has been connected to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. Cleanings help reduce harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream and impact your body.
6. Save Time and Money Long-Term
Preventive care now means fewer invasive and expensive treatments later—like root canals, extractions, or gum surgery.
7. Personalized Advice and Care Plans
Each appointment is a chance to get custom tips from your hygienist, whether it’s about brushing, flossing, choosing the right products, or managing dry mouth and sensitivity.
8. A Brighter, Fresher Smile
Cleanings help lift surface stains from coffee, tea, or wine—leaving your smile healthier, whiter, and more confident.
Schedule Your Dental Exam in Vernon
Ready to prioritize your oral health? Book your dental exam at Elevate Dental today! Our team is here to ensure your smile stays healthy and vibrant.
