Our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, D.D.S., recommends that you attend for a dental examination at least annually. At our Calgary dentist office, for your convenience, it is recommended that your annual dental examination be completed at the time of your dental hygiene cleaning appointment.
Periodically, patients query whether they really need an annual dental examination, especially when they think that their teeth feel fine to them. The reason an annual dental examination is recommended by our Calgary dentist is that a dentist has specialized training and equipment such as intra-oral x-rays and intra-oral cameras that can detect any potential oral health issues much sooner than an untrained and unassisted eye can. Further, as with many health issues, early detection of any dental issues by our Calgary dentist can also improve the outcome of any dental issue you may be experiencing. Additionally, when you have a dental examination at our dental office, our Calgary dentist will be looking for so much more than just cavities. At your annual dental examination, our Calgary dentist will also be doing the following:
- screening for oral cancer by looking for any lumps, bumps, lesions and spots on your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums and throat
- assessing you for any facial or jaw pain, including TMJ (temporomandibular jaw) pain
- discussing any cosmetic concerns you may have such as teeth whitening, the shape of your teeth and the size of your teeth
- checking for any signs of early gum disease (gingivitis) or progression of any pre-existing gum disease
- assessing any occlusion (bite) problems you may have
- checking for any signs of teeth clenching or grinding
- providing home oral healthcare recommendations
- providing recommendations for any detected dental issues
- answering any questions you may have about your dental health
- checking your blood pressure
Having an annual dental examination by your Calgary dentist provides you with the assurance that no aspect of your dental health is being overlooked. This is important because many studies have linked your oral health to your overall health, including to diseases involving the cardiovascular system.
In addition to attending for an annual dental examination, our Calgary dentist encourages you to maintain a consistent home oral healthcare routine which includes flossing your teeth once per day and brushing your teeth at least twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also be checking your mouth frequently for any changes, including any new lumps, bumps or lesions. If you notice any new lumps or lesions in your mouth that do not go away within two weeks, you should contact your Calgary dentist to have it assessed.
If you have not had a dental examination in the last year, we invite you to call our Calgary dentist office to schedule your examination. We have early morning, evening and weekend appointments available to make your dental appointment time as convenient as possible. Call our Calgary dentist office today. We’re here for you!
