Dental Checkups SE Calgary

Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most common diseases worldwide? It is reported that 96% of Canadians have dealt with at least one cavity in their life. But despite being prevalent, tooth decay can be easily prevented. And you can do that with a twice-a-year visit to your dentist for dental checkups and teeth cleaning.

Preventive dentistry is the foundation of the holistic dentistry we practice at Sierra Dental. We believe that disease prevention by maintaining the optimal health of the mouth makes for a happier smile. To achieve this, we have solidified our campaign on routine preventive dental procedures. Read along to know more about this and how it can help improve your overall well-being.

What to expect during a dental checkup?

Dental checkups involve a comprehensive dental examination. Your dentist or hygienist will inspect all areas of your mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. An X-ray is also included in a dental checkup. This helps to evaluate the health of the bones of your teeth.

During a dental checkup, your dentist will routinely check for the following:

• Decay on the teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Pain and sensitivity
• Swelling and redness of the gums
• Loose teeth
• Signs and symptoms of oral cancers
• Discolourations in any area
• Bite abnormalities

Dental Checkup FAQs

Why is a dental checkup important?

A dental checkup helps your dentist monitor the health of your mouth. By checking for early signs of disease, they can provide early treatment for a more predictable and desired outcome. It also prevents dental conditions from requiring extensive and expensive work.

When should my child have their first dental checkup?

As a family dental practice, we encourage you to bring your child for their first dental checkup as soon as the first tooth comes out. The earlier, the better! We will do a quick check on their mouth, then do gentle dental cleaning. And as they grow, we will continue to observe any changes in their mouth so we can provide early treatment whenever necessary.

Early Detection Leads to Better Treatment

Routine dental checkups help to detect dental problems before it is too late. The sooner we can diagnose your concern, the earlier we can provide treatment. This ensures a better prognosis for your dental health conditions and prevents worsening dental conditions that may result in tooth loss.

Tooth decay

White spots on the tooth may be a sign of early tooth decay. At this stage, the enamel is slowly demineralizing. If left untreated, white spots can become darkly stained decay. Treat decay early and avoid holes in the tooth with preventive fluoride treatment and routine dental checkups in SE Calgary.

Gum disease or gingivitis

Bleeding and swollen gums are usually due to dirt and foreign debris that irritate the tissue. This can be reversed with a professional dental cleaning. If not caught early, gingivitis may progress to irreversible periodontal disease.

TMJ problems

Strained jaw joints, earaches, and migraine are signs of severe TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder. This is usually caused by stress and is aggravated with chewing or speaking. Our experts at Sierra Dental in SE Calgary can help diagnose and manage TMD for improved comfort.

Bruxism or teeth grinding

If you are experiencing unplaced jaw pain when you wake up in the morning or have teeth that are flat on the edges, teeth grinding may be your concern. This is usually corrected with comprehensive TMD and nightguard therapy.

Oral cancers

Unfortunately, oral cancers are usually not diagnosed until the mass has become invasive. Avoid this situation by visiting your dentist for routine checkups. This helps your dentist spot abnormalities in your mouth that may point to early cancer.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

An appointment for a routine dental checkup will also include teeth cleaning. Professional dental cleaning is a preventive procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and debris on your teeth. These areas are full of bacteria that may cause several dental diseases, including tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis.

Here’s what you can expect during your appointment for professional teeth cleaning:

Scaling

Unlike regular toothbrushing, dental scaling can remove all plaque and hard deposits. Our dental hygienists in Sierra Dental in SE Calgary use a high-frequency ultrasonic scaler that vibrates against the teeth to remove dirt effectively. They also reach under your gums to scrape off tartar stuck on the tooth root. 

Polishing

When all dirt is removed, the teeth are buffed using an electronic brush with a slurry of pumice. This procedure adds to the “whitening effect” of teeth cleaning by removing stubborn surface stains.

Flossing

Once all areas are cleaned, a string of floss is passed in the in-betweens of the teeth. This ensures that we have covered all surfaces.

Fluoride treatment

Then, we complete the dental cleaning procedure by painting fluoride on your teeth. This helps to reinforce the strength of your teeth and makes them more resistant to dental decay.

Dental Cleaning FAQs

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

Our dentists and hygienists at Sierra Dental in SE Calgary generally recommend a twice-a-year visit to your dentist for teeth cleaning. But if you are on a gum and periodontal disease watch, a thrice-a-year visit may be best to prevent heavy plaque buildup that may deter your treatment.

Is dental cleaning painful?

If you have heavy plaque, deposits, and stains, extra work is needed to remove them effectively. This may cause some discomfort. Your hygienist also needs to reach under the gums, which may trigger some sensitivity. For deep scaling, we can always administer local anesthetic for a more comfortable experience.

What happens after a dental cleaning?

Avoid consuming food and drinks for the next 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to set in. Anything too hot or too cold taken for the next 2-3 hours may also cause sensitivity. So, stick to soft or room-temperature food until your teeth and gums have recovered from cleaning and scaling.

Family Dental Practice in SE Calgary

Book an appointment for you and your family today at Sierra Dental in SE Calgary. With a dental team of premiere expertise, we can provide every family member with personalized care and plan to improve and maintain their oral health.