Burlington dentist answers: “Why do I need a complete oral exam when I see the dentist every six months?”
Dental exams are one of the easiest and best things you can do to achieve and maintain oral health. You may be wondering, “Why do I need a complete oral exam when I see the dentist every six months?” It’s a question we get a lot. While you do need to visit the dentist every six months for what we call specific oral exams, you may not realize that every 5 – 7 years we recommend what is called a complete oral exam. In the following article, we’ll explain the importance of these complete oral exams.
What is a complete oral exam?
Unlike specific dental exams that give an express evaluation of the teeth and gums, often in just a few minutes, complete oral exams are much more involved. It’s a standard dental procedure that gives us full assessment of oral health, including areas that are not visible to the human eye.
Why are complete oral exams so important?
Many oral health concerns occur gradually over time, with subtle changes that aren’t always noticeable until the problem has advanced. Complete oral exams give us baseline data on the health of the mouth so that we can monitor it over time looking for small changes.
The health of the mouth is a window into the body. During complete oral exams, your dentist is often able to identify risks for medical conditions in other areas of the body before they show symptoms. Examples of this include diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and oral cancer.
What to expect with a complete oral exam
The first step in a complete oral exam is gathering a complete medical and dental history which includes a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins that a patient is taking. We also take record of any surgeries, allergies, or other medical conditions that have been diagnosed. It’s important to have comprehensive records that we can refer to over time.
In many cases, a full set of digital x-rays and intraoral photos are taken during the complete exam. This allows the dentist to have a full visual of each tooth along with the structures that support the teeth to take note of any abnormalities. Different from check-up x-rays, this digital imaging allows us to see hidden issues such as cysts or abscesses, hidden cavities and any bone loss due to gum disease. These images are important in early detection of dental disease which can allow less invasive and less expensive treatments.
Next, the dentist will take a visual and manual evaluation of the lymph nodes looking for any pain or tenderness. The lips, the surfaces of the cheeks, the soft and hard palates, and the floor of the mouth will also be inspected.
Assessing patients for TMJ is also a critical part of the complete oral exam. The dentist will evaluate the health of the jaw, identifying any dysfunction including chewing issues or opening the mouth. A full periodontal screening to evaluate the pocket depth around the teeth will be performed to check the health of the gum tissue and the supporting bone structure.
The last step is for the dentist to evaluate the bite, looking for problems with misalignment. The teeth will also be assessed, taking note of any decay, impactions, or areas of wear.
Following a complete oral exam, the findings will be shared with the patients and a treatment plan can be developed if necessary. These complete oral exams allow the dental team to establish long term oral health care requirements.
Call our office for more information
New Patients: (905) 581-9912 Existing patients: (905) 332-4000
Book your complete oral exam today!
At Mount Royal Dental in Burlington, ON, we make it easy to fit in your exam by offering early morning and evening appointments as well as alternating Saturdays. When you stay current with your dental exams and cleanings you can help ensure that you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.
It’s never too late to start being proactive about your oral health. Has it been more than six months since you visited the dentist? Are you new to the area and looking for an experienced compassionate dental team? If so, it’s time to schedule your complete oral exam. At Mount Royal Dental, we offer a wide range of comprehensive dental services for patients of all ages. Call us today at (905) 581-9912.
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Our Expert Dentists at Mount Royal Dental
Dr. Sam Gupta
Dr. Sam Gupta is renowned for his expertise in Implant dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Graduating with honours from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Sam’ quickly garnered accolades, including a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis and “The Normal Levine award” for overall excellence in dental school.
His commitment to education extends to having taught at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry and participating in monthly continuing education courses to stay abreast of dental advancements. Dr Sam always stays at the cutting edge with technological advancements and has incorporated Lasers, CT scan, GBT teeth cleaning, Digital dentistry and many other technologies to make sure patients receive the best care possible.
He prioritises building rapport with patients, ensuring they understand their treatment options. Having many families from 3-4 generations is a true testament to Dr Sam’s vision of having a caring and competent family dental practice.
Dr. Liliana Otrocol
Dr. Liliana Otrocol has over a decade of experience in dentistry. Since joining Mount Royal Dental in 2005, following her graduation from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Lili’ has been committed to providing exceptional dental care. Her passion for dentistry is evident in her personalised approach to each patient, ensuring comfort and trust with every procedure. She is an active member of the Burlington Dental Association and Ontario Dental Association.
Dr. Swati Khanna
Dr. Swati Khanna has extensive experience in family dentistry. A University of Toronto graduate, she specialises in root canal therapy, dentures, extractions, and children’s dentistry. Dr. Khanna is renowned for her gentle touch and soothing demeanour, which help alleviate the fears of even the most anxious young patients. Her commitment to oral health is evident through her active participation in community initiatives like ‘Brush-a-mania’ in Burlington schools and her volunteer work to benefit underprivileged families in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Hina Sohail
Dr. Hina Sohail earned her Biochemistry degree from McMaster University and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business. Then, she pursued dentistry at the University of Manitoba. Now a licensed dentist in Ontario, Dr. Sohail excels in general dentistry, prioritising comprehensive and conservative treatment. She is an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, and Hamilton Academy of Dentistry. She is known for her gentle demeanour and commitment to patient education.
Dr. Abhishek Apratim
Dr. Abhishek Apratim began his dental journey in India, where he earned a Master’s in prosthodontics and practised as a specialist for six years. Then, he served as a faculty member at a Malaysian dental school. In pursuit of further knowledge, Dr. Apratim graduated with high honours from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honour society in 2020. He is skilled in oral surgery, endodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and dentures.
Dr. Shakti Singh
Dr. Shakti Singh is an orthodontic specialist in Ontario. Originally from New Delhi, he was an outstanding student, earning an Indian Dental Association Scholarship. After moving to Canada, Dr. Singh ranked first in the Canadian Dental Board’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge exam in 2012. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Toronto, securing one of only three spots available for internationally-trained orthodontists in Canada. As a certified LightForce provider, Dr. Singh uses advanced 3D printing technology to deliver customised orthodontic solutions.
Dr. Robert Barron
Dr. Robert Barron earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston, followed by specialised training at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. Since 2004, he has served the Vaughan community and joined Mount Royal Dental in 2014. He specialises in oral surgery, including dental implants and complex extractions. Dr. Barron is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has been involved in many research and international presentations.
Dr. Amy Yeung
Dr. Amy Yeung is a periodontist specialising in gum health. With a Master’s degree in periodontal studies from the University of Toronto, she has contributed significantly to research in metabolic disease, earning accolades for her thorough and high-quality work. Since 2009, Dr. Yeung has been a trusted member of the Mount Royal Dental team. She prioritises patient education, ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel confident in their care plan.
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler is an endodontist. She graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto in 2013, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Then, she completed a comprehensive residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New York. In 2016, she completed her specialised endodontic training at Nova Southeastern University. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Geisler is heavily involved in dental education. She is a member of the Ontario Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the Ontario Society of Endodontists and is in the process of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
Dr. Sam Gupta is a highly sought after dentist in Burlington, Ontario. Having graduated with honours from the University of Toronto, and having a knack for both science and artistry, he offers dental solutions for everyone in the family, whether it’s in general, cosmetic, laser, or children’s dentistry. Dr. Gupta has won many accolades, among which is a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis. He shares his knowledge with students at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry.
He is ably assisted by Dr. Liliana Otrocol, Dr. Swati Khanna, Dr. Hina Sohail, Dr. Abhishek Apratim, Dr. Shakti Singh, Dr. Robert Barron, Dr. Amy Yeung, and Dr. Elizabeth Geisler. Together, they provide top dental services to the people of the area.
He is ably assisted by Dr. Liliana Otrocol, Dr. Swati Khanna, Dr. Hina Sohail, Dr. Abhishek Apratim, Dr. Shakti Singh, Dr. Robert Barron, Dr. Amy Yeung, and Dr. Elizabeth Geisler. Together, they provide top dental services to the people of the area.