Attending regular dentist appointments will assist in keeping a happy, healthy smile for life.
Comprehensive Examination
What is a comprehensive examination?
At the comprehensive examination, we will review your medical and dental history, complete a neck and head examination, TMJ examination, oral cancer screening, check dental occlusion, periodontal examination, and hard tissue examination and take a series of radiographs. The radiographs are updated every two years.
At this visit we will spend the time to address any of your concerns or treatments you may be interested in. After we have completed this comprehensive examination we will tailor a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Routine Maintenance Visit
We recommend that you visit us every six months for your routine maintenance visit. At this visit we will complete a full mouth examination, scale and clean and a fluoride application. Radiographs are taken every two years.
Scaling and Cleaning
What to expect at this visit
We do recognise that having your teeth scaled and cleaned can feel a little sensitive. To make this procedure more comfortable we apply a special numbing gel around the teeth and gums prior to cleaning. We then use an EMS scaler to remove calculus from around and between your teeth and under the gum. After this we use a prophylaxis paste to remove any staining from your teeth prior to a fluoride application. Oral hygiene instructions and recommendations on oral care products are also discussed.
Digital Radiographs
There are three types of dental radiographs that are taken to diagnosis dental conditions.
Full Mouth Scan
A panoramic radiograph is a scan of the full mouth that has the ability to detect un-erupted teeth, fractures, cracks, cysts, peri-apical infections, cancers and any pathology in the jaw bone. Bone level is evident on this radiograph and can be monitored to ensure no teeth are lost due to lack of support.
Bitewing Radiographs
Bitewing radiographs aid in the diagnosis and detection of decay located between tooth structure. This includes under crowns and bridges. One taken on each side shows upper and lower teeth 4’s – 7’s. These radiographs are taken periodically every two years.
Peri Apical Radiograph
Peri apical radiographs show a full tooth to the apex and its surrounding tissues. It aids in the diagnosis of fractured root, pulp exposure, abscess detection, periodontal disease and calcification of a root. Used throughout a root canal treatment to help detect when the file has reached the apex.
Fissure Sealants
Fissure sealants are a resin material that is placed into the tooth fissures to prevent tooth decay. They can last many years but need to be checked on a regular basis.
