Dental Exams Newmarket

New patients are welcome. We also welcome patients covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP): eligibility and coverage are assessed first, and coverage follows the CDCP fee guide, which may not match the clinic’s full fee. Bring your plan details to your visit and we will help you confirm what applies before any treatment begins. For directions and contact details, see our contact page.

Dental Exams Newmarket — Questions, Answered

What happens during a dental exam?

Your dentist works through your mouth systematically: each tooth is checked for decay, cracks, wear and failing fillings; your gums are measured and checked for bleeding or recession; your bite and jaw movement are assessed; and the soft tissues — tongue, cheeks, palate, lips and throat — are screened for anything unusual. If X-rays are needed, they are taken and reviewed with you. At the end, your dentist explains what is healthy, what needs watching, and what needs treatment, in that order.

How often should I have a dental exam?

There is no single schedule that fits everyone. Many people do well with a dental exams Newmarket checkup every six to nine months, while patients with gum disease, frequent cavities or ongoing treatment may need shorter intervals — and low-risk patients may safely go longer. The Canadian Dental Association recommends regular dental visits as part of basic oral health care. Your dentist will suggest an interval based on your own risk factors and review it with you over time, rather than booking you in by habit.

What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?

They are two different jobs that often happen at the same visit. The exam is diagnosis: the dentist examines your teeth, gums and soft tissues, reviews X-rays, and decides what care you need. The cleaning is treatment by the hygienist: removing plaque and tartar, polishing the teeth, and coaching your home care. You can think of it this way — the exam tells us the state of your mouth; the cleaning is one of the things we do about it. Both matter, and neither replaces the other.

Do I need X-rays at every dental exam?

No. X-rays are taken when there is a reason: a first visit baseline, symptoms such as pain or sensitivity, a history of frequent decay, or to check areas that cannot be seen directly — between teeth, under existing fillings, below the gumline. Modern digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional film. If you are unsure why an X-ray is being recommended, ask — your dentist should be able to explain what it is expected to show.

Will a dental exam hurt?

An examination itself should not hurt: it involves looking, gentle probing of the gums, and pressing lightly on teeth and tissues. No anaesthesia is needed. If your teeth are sensitive or your gums are sore, tell your dentist — they can adjust their approach and note it in your record. If the idea of the exam itself makes you anxious, tell us when you book so we can plan an unhurried appointment.

How long does a dental exam take?

The exam is one part of a dental exams Newmarket appointment that usually also includes a cleaning, so most patients are with us for the length of a standard hygiene visit. A first visit takes a little longer, because we take a full history and a complete baseline of your mouth. When you book, tell us if you are on a tight schedule and we will book the right amount of time and tell you honestly how long to allow.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover dental exams?

Examinations are among the core services the CDCP covers for eligible patients. Your eligibility and level of coverage are assessed first, and coverage follows the CDCP fee guide, which may not match the clinic’s full fee — so a portion of a visit can still be payable by you. Contact our office before your appointment and we will help you confirm what applies in your situation. Official plan details are on Canada.ca: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

What happens if the exam finds a problem?

You will be told plainly what was found, how urgent it is, and what your options are — including the option of monitoring something small rather than treating it immediately, where that is safe. For anything that needs treatment, your dentist explains the recommended order, what each step involves, and confirms the cost with you after the assessment, before anything begins. Urgent problems — pain, swelling, a broken tooth — are prioritised; if you are in pain now, see our page on urgent dental problems or call (905) 836-6111.

Our dentists are general dentists licensed in Ontario and regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, and are members of the Ontario Dental Association.