Dentistry today is all about minimal intervention, trying not to lose tooth structure by either decay or drilling. Regular examination is the best way to keep a close eye on your mouth and determine if any problems are starting. The goal is to identify a problem area and act preventatively to try to avoid deterioration in that area, which could save you time and money in the long run.
Preventative Dental Care
We offer our patients a comprehensive dental examination
What we look for during an examination
On your first visit as a new patient you’ll receive a thorough and comprehensive dental exam, during which a 3D scan of your mouth will be created. Your dentist will carefully examine your bite, jaw, and gums for any signs of joint problems or decay. An oral cancer screening is also carried out to identify any abnormalities.
Why is a dental examination important?
The condition of your gums can indicate an underlying health problem that has not yet become obvious to you in other ways, for example: diabetes, gut disorders etc. Prolonged ulcers can be a sign of a poor response to healing and can be as a result of many underlying health issues. Often your dentist is the first to notice this and can be instrumental in directing you to another health professional for further care.
Good saliva flow is essential to the health of your mouth. Your dentist can tell immediately if your saliva quality and quantity is within the normal range, and can advise you of ways to remedy a poor saliva flow or quality. Saliva is a natural buffer against the acidity of foods and drinks that we consume, as it is an alkaline solution. It also contains important anti-bacterial properties and immune cells that fight against bacteria trying to become established on your teeth. Saliva also has natural enzymes that begin the breakdown of food before it reaches your stomach, and acts as a lubricant to aid swallowing. These properties are all enormously important in the conservation of your teeth and also to process your food successfully.
Oral tissues can have changes to their cells that can lead to cancer, just like any other tissue in the body. Your dentist checks your gums, cheeks and tongue for any changes that may indicate cells acting differently. A persistent white mark often results from friction for example a tooth rubbing against you cheek which is completely normal and healthy, but a white mark can also indicate a change to cells that can be pre-cancerous. Whilst this is quite rare, it is something your dentist will always check for, so that any minor change can be assessed very early and prevent any cancerous growth having the chance to develop.
Muscles and joints of your face have an impact on your mouth and how the teeth contact. Your temporo-mandibular joint is the joint up by your ear where your lower jaw connects to your skull. Complaints from this joint are common especially in people who clench or grind their teeth at night. Often the patient is unaware that they do this. The joint can become inflamed just like any other joint in your body and often needs attention to correct it. Physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are often employed to help with pain, and a night guard may be indicated to balance the teeth and help even out the bite so that the teeth and jaw are stable during the night, preventing or easing the joint problems.
Stomach acid can have a surprising impact on teeth. People can suffer from what is known as Silent Reflux, which is when stomach acids seep up into the back of the mouth while the patient is asleep. Because there is often no discomfort associated with this, the patient has no idea that their teeth are being bathed in acid at night. The patient’s enamel is softened and slowly dissolved by the acid, known to dentists as erosion. This can sometimes make your teeth sensitive, but not always. Your dentist is likely to notice the characteristic erosion pattern of your teeth and be able to suggest ways to prevent this, not only to protect your teeth also but to prevent future throat conditions and problems.
As you can see, there are many aspects of your oral and general health that your dentist is likely to notice when you attend for your examination. The importance of a regular examination cannot be over-emphasised.
When to see a dental hygienist?
It is a general recommendation by most dentists that in order to maintain good oral hygiene, teeth should be cleaned professionally at least twice a year.
We have an expert hygienist to carry out regular scaling and plaque removal to prevent cavities and gum disease. This in turn will minimize the risks of future tooth loss and possible gum recession. Other signs and symptoms which could arise from poor gum health include sore gums, loose teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath (halitosis), and swelling around the gums and teeth.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Your teeth and gums will be assessed to determine the amount of plaque removal you will need.
- Your teeth will be professionally cleaned with special equipment and pastes leaving you with fresh minty breath.
- The hygienist’s role is to show you how to look after your teeth so that they remain free from plaque in the future. You will be advised on the best tooth brushing technique, and given tips on flossing, using interdental brushes, and the use of fluoride toothpaste.
- No treatment will work unless you follow it up with routine care. We recommend brushing and flossing after every meal — or at least twice a day.
- Treatment duration is usually 30–60 minutes depending on severity of gum condition.
- Prices range from $120–$210.