Regular Check-ups
What Is a Regular Dental Check-Up? Exams & Cleanings in Scarborough
A regular dental visit typically includes both a professional cleaning and a dental examination.
Your hygienist focuses on removing plaque and tartar and evaluating the health of your gums, while your dentist examines your teeth, gums, mouth, jaw, and surrounding tissues for signs of dental or oral health concerns.
The frequency of your visits depends on your individual needs. Some patients may benefit from more frequent appointments, while others may require less frequent monitoring. Your dental team can recommend an interval based on your oral health.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Plaque is a sticky film that develops on your teeth. If it isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
During a professional cleaning, your hygienist removes accumulated plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your gums may also be assessed for signs of inflammation, recession, or periodontal problems.
The appointment is generally completed with polishing, leaving your teeth feeling clean and refreshed.
What Does the Dentist Check?
A dental examination involves much more than simply looking for cavities.
Your dentist may evaluate:
- Teeth that are damaged, worn, missing, or decayed
- Early signs of cavities
- Gum health and signs of gum disease
- Existing fillings, crowns, and other dental work
- The condition of previous root canal treatments
- Your bite and tooth alignment
- Signs of clenching or grinding
- The tongue and tissues throughout the mouth
- The jaw and temporomandibular joints
- The surrounding facial and jaw structures
- The neck and lymph nodes
- Unusual changes that may require further investigation
Regular examinations can help identify problems before you notice symptoms yourself, when treatment may be simpler and less extensive.
Dental X-Rays
X-rays aren’t necessarily required at every appointment. Your dentist will determine whether they are appropriate based on your individual dental history and needs.
When recommended, dental X-rays can help identify problems that aren’t visible during a visual examination, including:
- Cavities between teeth
- Decay beneath existing restorations
- Tooth fractures
- Impacted teeth
- Bone loss
- Problems below the gum line
Your dentist will explain when X-rays are recommended and why they may be helpful for your care.
Why Regular Check-Ups Matter
Many dental problems can develop without obvious symptoms.
Regular visits allow your dental team to monitor changes in your oral health and address concerns before they become more complicated.
Routine check-ups can help with:
Prevention
Identifying risk factors and helping you maintain good oral health.
Early Detection
Finding cavities, gum disease, damaged teeth, and other concerns before they become more advanced.
Ongoing Monitoring
Checking existing dental work and watching for changes over time.
Overall Oral Health
Evaluating the health of your teeth, gums, mouth, jaw, and surrounding tissues.
Tell Your Dentist About Changes
Your dental team needs to know about changes that may affect your oral health or treatment.
Before or during your appointment, let us know about:
- New medications
- New medical conditions
- Pregnancy
- Allergies
- Tooth sensitivity
- Changes in tooth colour or position
- Loose teeth
- Bleeding or changes in your gums
- Jaw discomfort or tightness
- Clenching or grinding
- Changes or sores inside your mouth
- Any concerns or symptoms you’ve noticed
Keeping your dental team informed helps us provide care that is appropriate for your individual needs.
How Often Should You Have a Check-Up?
There isn’t one schedule that is appropriate for every patient.
Your dentist and hygienist will consider your oral health, history, risk factors, and individual needs when recommending how often you should visit.
Regular appointments are an important part of preventive dental care, even when you aren’t experiencing any problems.
Meet Our Dental Team
Our Locations
Scarborough Village Dental Care
Address
Phone
Working Hours
- Monday: 9 AM - 7 PM Tuesday: 9 AM - 7 PMWednesday: 9 AM - 7 PMThursday: 9 AM - 6 PM Friday: 9 AM - 3 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM
Cliffcrest Family Dental
Address
Phone
Working Hours
- Monday: 8 AM - 8 PM Tuesday: 8 AM - 8 PMWednesday: 8 AM - 8 PMThursday: 8 AM - 8 PM Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM Saturday: 9 AM - 2 PM