Our Kelowna dentists and dental hygienists provide regular exams and cleanings to help you maintain your oral health and to identify and treat any developing issues before they potentially get worse.
What is a Professional Cleaning & Exam?
Professional cleaning and exams take place in one appointment at your dental office, usually every six months. At this visit, your dental hygienist will complete a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums, while your dentist will closely examine the state of your oral health.
Exams & Diagnosis
Your dentist will complete an oral exam of your teeth and gums. They will also take a look at your digital x-rays, which may reveal information not visible to the eye such as abscesses, tumors and other developmental abnormalities.
These thorough dental exams allow your dentist to diagnose issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and signs of oral cancer, and make a plan to treat them.
Preventive Care at Home
To help maintain your oral hygiene between appointments, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, ideally before going to bed at night. Your dentist or hygienist can give you additional tips on how to take good care of your teeth at home.
Removal of Plaque & Calculus
Your hygienist will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up between your teeth and along your gums.
Plaque is the sticky clear film of bacteria covering your teeth. If plaque is not removed it hardens and turns into calculus in which only a dental professional can remove.
Tooth Polishing & Flossing
Your hygienist will use an electric polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains and plaque that is not removed by scaling, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.