Preventing Oral Health Issues
Oral health examinations allow your dentist to identify any dental issues affecting your teeth and oral structures and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures.
By addressing dental issues early, you can prevent further damage to your oral health and avoid more invasive and costly treatments in the future.
Oral Cancer Screening
Early screening is imperative to catching oral cancer. These screenings occur alongside regular dental visits and can detect the early stages of oral cancer before it worsens.
Your dentist will use the VELscope® device to examine your mouth. The blue light emitted by the device stimulates the cells within the tissues, and areas of abnormality appear darker in colour. If any abnormalities appear, your dentist will provide you with recommendations for the next steps.
Laser Hygiene Therapy with the Odyssey Diode Laser
Laser therapy reduces the presence of bacteria and inflammation in oral tissue. This prevents eventual bone loss and allows the delicate tissues to heal. Once the process is done, the soft tissues will begin to reattach to the tooth, bringing the pocket back to a near or completely normal depth.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your oral hygiene appointment, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
They will start by using a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up, followed by using a polisher and coarse toothpaste to eliminate any remaining stains or plaque. Finally, they will thoroughly floss your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or your child is at a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
