Dental Exams and Cleanings in Kitchener
– What the dentist checks at your exam
– Inside a professional cleaning
– How often to book
A regular checkup is the least dramatic thing we do, and that’s exactly why it works. Most dental problems start small, quiet and cheap to fix. Regular dental exams and cleanings let us catch them at that stage, before they turn into toothaches, broken teeth or bigger bills. At Highland Kitchener Dentist, checkups are the core of what we do for families across Kitchener. If it’s been a while since your last one, or you’re simply curious what all the poking and scraping is for, this page walks you through a typical visit from start to finish.
Before you sit down
At your first visit, and briefly at later ones, we’ll go over your medical history. That might seem unrelated to your teeth, but plenty of things affect your mouth: medications that cause dry mouth, diabetes, pregnancy, heart conditions, recent surgeries and allergies to medications or latex. Bring a list of what you take, including vitamins and supplements, and let us know about any changes since you were last in.
It also helps to mention anything you’ve noticed. A tooth that’s sensitive to cold, a spot where food keeps getting stuck, gums that bleed, a sore that won’t heal or clicking in your jaw. Small comments often point us right to the problem.
What the dentist checks at your exam
A dental exam is more thorough than a quick look at your teeth. Here’s what’s usually involved.
Teeth
We check every tooth for decay, cracks, wear and any changes since your last visit. Existing fillings, crowns and other dental work are checked for chips, leaks or worn edges, since decay can start where a restoration meets the tooth.
Gums and bone
We look at the colour and firmness of your gums and measure the small pockets between the gums and teeth. Shallow pockets that don’t bleed are a good sign. Deeper or bleeding pockets can mean gingivitis or periodontitis.
Oral cancer screening
We examine your tongue, cheeks, lips, the roof and floor of your mouth and your throat for sores, lumps or colour changes. We also feel the glands in your neck and under your jaw. Oral cancer is far less common than cavities, but finding it early makes a big difference, and the check only takes a minute or two.
Bite and jaw
We check how your teeth meet, look for signs of grinding or clenching and ask about jaw pain, headaches or clicking.
X-rays when needed
X-rays aren’t taken at every visit. When they are, they show us what’s hidden between teeth, under fillings and in the bone. How often you need them depends on your history and risk.
Inside a professional cleaning
The cleaning part of the visit is usually done by a registered dental hygienist. It typically includes three steps.
Scaling
Plaque that has been left on teeth for a while hardens into tartar, also called calculus. Brushing can’t remove it. Using an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates and sprays a fine mist of water, and small hand instruments, the hygienist removes tartar above and just below the gumline. You’ll hear some scraping and feel pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. Tell us if any area is sensitive and we’ll adjust.
Polishing
Next, your teeth are polished with a slightly gritty paste on a soft rotating cup. This smooths the surfaces and removes surface stains from coffee, tea or red wine. Smoother teeth are a little harder for plaque to cling to.
Flossing and advice
Finally, the hygienist flosses between your teeth and points out any areas where plaque has been building up. This is your chance to ask questions about brushing, flossing, toothpaste or that electric toothbrush you’ve been thinking about.
Fluoride, if recommended
For children and adults with a higher risk of cavities, a fluoride varnish may be applied at the end of the visit to strengthen enamel.
After your visit
Before you leave, the dentist will go over anything that was found and explain your options. Not everything needs treatment right away. Sometimes we’ll simply keep an eye on a spot and check it again next time. If treatment is needed, we’ll explain why, what it involves and give you an estimate so you can plan. Then our front desk will book your next checkup so it’s on the calendar before life gets busy.
How often to book
For most people, a checkup and cleaning every six months is a good rhythm. Some people need visits more often:
- People with a history of gum disease, who often come every three or four months
- People who get cavities frequently
- Smokers and people with diabetes
- Patients with braces or a lot of dental work
- People who build up tartar quickly
A few people with excellent oral health and low risk may be able to stretch the time between visits a bit. We’ll recommend an interval based on what we see, not on a one size fits all schedule.
Checkups for children
We recommend a first dental visit around age 3. Those early visits are short and gentle. Often your child sits on your lap while we count teeth, check the gums and talk with you about brushing, teething, bottles and thumb sucking.
As children get older, their checkups look more like an adult’s: a look at each tooth, a cleaning and polish, and fluoride if it’s recommended. We also keep an eye on how the bite is developing and whether adult teeth are coming in where they should. Sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth are something we may suggest once permanent molars arrive. A calm, positive start makes a real difference to how kids feel about the dentist later, so we take our time and keep it light.
If you’re nervous about checkups
Plenty of adults feel anxious about the dentist, often because of a bad experience years ago. You’re not alone and you don’t need to apologise for it. A few things that help:
- Tell us when you book, so we can plan a little more time
- Agree on a hand signal so you can ask us to pause at any point
- Bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast
- Ask us to explain each step before we do it, or to not explain anything, whichever you prefer
- Book a morning appointment so you’re not worrying about it all day
Coming in regularly also makes visits easier over time. When there’s less tartar and fewer problems, appointments are shorter and more comfortable.
Exam and cleaning questions
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Usually because they’re inflamed from plaque. Healthy gums rarely bleed. If yours do, more consistent flossing at home tends to make a noticeable difference by your next visit.
How long does a checkup take?
Most exam and cleaning appointments take about an hour, a bit longer for new patients or if x-rays are needed.
Does insurance cover regular cleanings?
Most dental plans include coverage for routine exams and cleanings, though the frequency allowed varies. We can help you check what your plan covers.
Book your checkup in Kitchener
If you’re due for a dental exam and cleaning, or it’s been longer than you’d like to admit, we’d be glad to see you. Highland Kitchener Dentist is at 140 Highland Rd W, Kitchener. Call 519-885-1598 to book your appointment.
Related treatments
Questions or ready to book? Contact our Kitchener office or call 519-885-1598.