Preventative
Dentistry
Dental Exams in Pembroke, ON
The Importance of Routine Dental Exams at Parkview Dental
Attending biannual dental exams is one of the best ways to protect your oral health. At Parkview Dental, Dr. James Munro provides oral cancer screenings, dental X-rays, and CaMBRA testing during all routine dental checkups to ensure your teeth and gums aren’t hiding underlying problems.
Our Pembroke, ON dentist strives to provide patients in Riverview, Deep River, and Petawawa with friendly dental care in a welcoming setting. Learn more about our dental exam process and how you’ll benefit.
Benefits of Regular Dental Exams
When you attend dental checkups every six months, you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Peace of mind
- Early disease prevention
- Treatment of minor issues
- Assessing bite alignment
- Strengthened dental restorations
What Happens at a Routine Dental Exam?
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screenings are painless scans that allow Dr. Munro to check for oral pathologies. While the frequency of screenings depends on your age, it’s best to undergo one at least once a year. This way, if our dentist detects any pathologies, he can provide early treatment to increase your survival rate.
CaMBRA Testing
CaMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) testing allows Dr. Munro to identify and diagnose issues caused by unhealthy bacteria. Dental caries, also known as tooth decay, can wreak havoc on your health if left untreated. Detecting and treating decay before it has a chance to spread can preserve your oral health.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays can detect oral health abnormalities such as decay, jawbone deterioration, and infection. X-rays are safe and convenient scans that give your Pembroke dentist a detailed view of your oral health. Dr. Munro can also use this technology to evaluate the positioning of your teeth and the progress of past restorations and procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are routine dental exams important?
Regular dental exams are crucial to preserving your healthy smile. Attending routine examinations every six months allows your dentist to monitor your mouth for signs of underlying health issues like cavities, infection, and oral cancer. If your dentist detects any irregularities, he’ll provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment to get your health back on track.
Can dental X-rays show a tooth infection?
Yes, your dentist can use a dental X-ray to detect tooth infections. X-rays can also show other signs of underlying complications, such as:
- Tooth decay
- Cavities
- Jawbone loss
- Irregular teeth positioning
- Bacteria in a tooth’s root canal
If you suspect your oral health isn’t where it should be, visit your dentist for detailed X-rays so they can determine how to best help.
How long does a dental exam take?
Routine dental exams typically take around thirty minutes to complete. Depending on your oral health, your dentist may perform more extensive examinations to check on new restorations, recent surgical sites, or complications that may put your health at risk. These biannual appointments are essential for maintaining a healthy, functional smile.
How do I prepare for a dental exam?
There are a few ways you can prepare both yourself and your dentist for a routine exam, including:
- Brush and floss your teeth beforehand
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water
- Determine any questions or concerns you may have
- Get to the office ahead of your scheduled appointment
- Communicate any fears with your dentist
- Determine your payment method ahead of time