Regular dental check-ups are just as important as regular physical check-ups. It’s simply a matter of prevention, and by visiting your NW Edmonton dentist every six months, there’s an opportunity to diagnose problems early on. The idea, of course, is to prevent bigger issues from developing because of inattention.
Professional dental cleanings aren’t just for keeping your smile bright; they can have a significant impact on your overall general health. Insufficient oral hygiene has been linked to several serious illnesses. Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but to ensure teeth are healthy and thoroughly clean, you should schedule routine check-ups with your NW Edmonton dentist and annual dental cleanings with your dental hygienist at Design Dentistry.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Dental Examination
A professional dental check-up at our Spruce Grove clinic is a meticulous process of assessment and diagnosis. It extends far beyond a cursory look at your teeth.
Early Cavity Detection with Advanced Diagnostics: We utilize precision tools, including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, to identify demineralization and cavities in their earliest stages—often before they are visible to the naked eye or cause any discomfort. Intervening at this point typically allows for more conservative treatments, preserving maximum tooth structure and preventing the need for more complex procedures like root canals or crowns.
Thorough Oral Cancer Screening: This is a vital, life-saving component of every examination. We perform a systematic visual and tactile screening of your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of the mouth, and throat for any signs of abnormalities, such as red or white patches, lumps, or sores that do not heal. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Periodontal (Gum) Health Assessment: We meticulously measure the spaces (sulcus) between your teeth and gums using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums fit snugly around the tooth, with shallow, easily cleanable spaces. Deeper pockets can indicate gum disease (periodontitis), a leading cause of tooth loss in adults that has been linked to serious systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Evaluation of Existing Dental Work: We assess the integrity of fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and other restorations for signs of wear, leakage, or damage. Ensuring these structures are sound prevents bacterial infiltration and protects the underlying tooth.
Analysis of Bite and Jaw Function (TMJ): We evaluate how your teeth come together and function. Issues with your bite or temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can lead to tooth wear, fractures, chronic headaches, jaw pain, and neck discomfort.
Your hygienists at Design Dentistry perform dental cleanings to help you keep both teeth and gums healthy. These treatments can remove tartar, plaque, and even small amounts of tooth decay that can’t be reached with a regular toothbrush. Professional dental cleanings can also help maintain oral health after periodontal care, root canal therapy, crown placement, bridge work, and many other dental treatments.
Your Visit at Design Dentistry in NW Edmonton
If you brush and floss every day and your teeth never bother you, you might be wondering why it’s still necessary to visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and check-up. The truth is that no matter how diligent you are in your dental hygiene routine, you’re bound to miss some spots where plaque can accumulate. Bacteria in plaque can erode your tooth enamel and cause cavities. They can also irritate your gum tissue, resulting in gum disease. Attending your regular cleanings at Design Dentistry in NW Edmonton allows our team to eliminate plaque and keep your smile healthy.
Letting one of our dentists evaluate the state of your mouth is also crucial to your long-term oral health. More often than not, problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer don’t display symptoms until irreversible damage has already been done. At this point, treatment may become expensive and time-consuming. By seeing us twice a year for checkups, you can save time and money by letting us treat your dental problems before they cause severe damage.
Feel free to contact us at info@designdentistry.ca or 780-484-8138.
