Dental Exams

Dental decay, commonly known as cavities or caries, occurs when the hard structure of a tooth becomes demineralized due to acids produced by bacteria in plaque. It manifests as visible pits, holes, or dark spots on the tooth surface and feels soft and sticky when probed. Patient may or may not feel a sensitivity to cold, touch, biting or flossing when a dental decay presents.

During an exam, dentists use visual inspection, probing, and X-rays to detect dental decay. Early-stage decay may be reversible or halted with improved oral hygiene, while deeper decay often requires fillings or other treatments to prevent further damage. If left untreated, a progressing decay can potentially causing severe pain or infection, which eventually might require a root canal treatment or removal of the tooth. At North Peace Dental and Implant Centre, we encourage patients to undergo regular dental exams to detect and monitor dental decay, and to receive treatment for irreversible decay in order to minimize the need for more extensive dental procedures.

Early tooth fracture refers to the initial stages of a tooth cracking or breaking, often due to factors like trauma, decay, or weakened tooth structure. It may manifest as minor fissures or hairline cracks that do not yet cause significant pain or structural damage. Early detection through dental exams allows for prompt intervention to prevent the fracture from worsening. Treatment options at this stage may include dental fillings or crowns to protect the tooth structure before more extensive damage occurs. If left untreated, an early tooth fracture may progress to extensive tooth structure loss, resulting in the need of dental crown, root canal treatment, or removal of the tooth.

Your dentist would also aim to identify potential underlying causes that pose a high risk of tooth fractures, such as dental trauma, malocclusion (unfavourable biting patterns), or habits like tooth clenching. At North Peace Dental and Implant Centre, we encourage patients to undergo regular dental exams to detect and monitor early tooth fractures, thereby minimizing the need for more extensive dental procedures.

Dental restorations are designed to be long-lasting. Dental fillings typically have a lifespan of 3-10 years depending on their location and qualify of patients' home care, while dental crowns can last over 15-20 years or more with proper care. However, even durable restorations eventually require monitoring for structural integrity. Over time, fillings, crowns, or bridges can wear down, develop cracks, or loosen, which can allow bacteria to penetrate and cause decay or other damage to the tooth.

Regularly checking the integrity of these restorations helps dentists identify issues early, allowing for timely repairs or replacements to prevent more extensive dental problems. Maintaining sound restorations not only promotes overall oral health but also preserves tooth strength and supports long-term dental function and aesthetics for the patient.

During a dental exam, your dentist will assess the integrity of existing restorations by visually inspecting them for signs of wear, cracks, or discoloration. They may gently tap on the restoration with dental instruments to evaluate its stability and use X-rays to detect any decay or structural changes beneath it. Your dentist will also evaluate how well the restoration fits with adjacent teeth and assess its function and aesthetic appearance. This thorough examination ensures that existing restorations continue to effectively protect and support the tooth.

Periodontal health refers to the health of the structures that surround and support the teeth, including the gums (gingiva), periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Gums (gingiva) are the soft tissues surrounding teeth, crucial for protecting tooth roots and anchoring teeth. Periodontal bone supports teeth within the jawbone, providing stability and anchorage. Maintaining periodontal health is crucial for preventing periodontal diseases (such as gingivitis and periodontitis). Actively progressing periodontal disease can lead to gum inflammation (bleed and bad breath), bone loss, tooth mobility, potential tooth loss and periodontal infection.

During a dental exam, your dentist and dental hygienist will assess the gum and periodontal bone health by measuring pocket depths around the teeth with a probe, checking for signs of bleeding, redness, or swelling. They may also use X-rays to evaluate the bone level and detect any bone loss or infection. This comprehensive evaluation helps identify and treat periodontal disease early, preserving oral health and function.

Biting patterns, or occlusion, refer to the way the upper and lower teeth come together when biting and chewing. Proper biting patterns are crucial for efficient chewing, speaking, and maintaining overall oral health.

Oral habits are behaviours that involve the use of the mouth and teeth, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching, nail-biting, lip-sucking, cheel-chewing, and chewing on objects. Although they are called "habits," these behaviors often result from biological reflexes, and therefore patients may not have conscious control over them.

Misaligned bites and certain oral habits can cause uneven wear on teeth, tooth fractures, jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, trismus (limited opening of the mouth), and can contribute to headaches, migraines, and facial muscle spasms.

During a dental exam, your dentist will check for biting patterns and oral habits by observing how the teeth come together when biting and chewing. We look for signs and patterns of excessive wear, fractures, and misalignment to identify underlying causes. We will also palpate the jaw muscles and joints to detect tenderness or abnormalities associated with bruxism or TMJ disorders. Identifying and addressing these issues early can help prevent more severe dental problems and improve overall oral health.

During a dental exam, your dentist aims to detect potential oral diseases and pathologies in the oral soft tissues including the lips, tongue, throat, and gums. Common conditions seen in oral soft tissues include:

• Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): Painful ulcers on mucous membranes.

• Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Fungal infection causing white patches.

• Herpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores): Painful blisters around the mouth.

• Leukoplakia: Thickened, white patches, potentially precancerous.

• Lichen Planus: Chronic inflammatory condition causing white patches or sores.

• Oral Lymphoepithelial Cysts: Benign cysts in the mouth or around the tongue.

• Mucocele: Harmless, fluid-filled swelling inside the lip or cheek.

• Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: White patches on the tongue due to viral infection.

• Oral Cancer: Screening for abnormal tissue growth or lesions.

Regular dental exams are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions. Your dentist may recommend monitoring with photographs or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation if needed.

Congenital oral dental conditions are abnormalities or conditions present at birth that affect the oral cavity and teeth. Some conditions such as cleft lip and palate are routinely screened by medical professionals at child birth, but other conditions may not be easily visible until a comprehensive dental exam is performed.

These conditions can vary widely in severity and may require specialized dental care and treatments to address functional and aesthetic concerns. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing congenital oral dental conditions to optimize oral health and quality of life for affected individuals.

• Supernumerary Teeth: Extra teeth that exceed the normal dental formula.

• Hypodontia: Congenital absence of one or more teeth.

• Microdontia: Abnormally small teeth.

• Macrodontia: Abnormally large teeth.

• Peg-shaped or Conical Teeth: Teeth that are pointed or cone-shaped.

• Fusion: Two teeth that have fused together during development.

• Gemination: A single tooth that attempts to divide into two teeth.

• Dens Invaginatus (Dens in Dente): Tooth malformation where enamel folds inward, creating a deep pocket.

• Taurodontism: Enlarged pulp chamber and short roots, altering tooth shape and size.

• Amelogenesis Imperfecta: Genetic disorder affecting enamel formation, causing teeth to be discolored, thin, and prone to breakage.

• Enamel Hypoplasia: Condition where there is insufficient enamel formation during tooth development, leading to thin or defective enamel that may be discolored or prone to decay.

• Retained Primary Teeth: Failure of primary (baby) teeth to fall out at the expected time, resulting in their persistence alongside the eruption of permanent teeth.

During a dental exam, your dentist will assess for potential malformations of teeth through a combination of visual examination and dental x-rays. While not all conditions necessitate immediate treatment, early intervention can often lead to better outcomes in cases where it is necessary.