All of us receive reminder calls from the dentist’s office for check-ups. However, it is the responsibility of each patient to show up for their appointment. We understand that there may be cases where the thought of sitting in a dental office may cause anxiety, but it is vital to get it done. Routine check-ups and teeth cleaning keeps our mouths and bodies healthy. It also saves money over time. Consider this – regular check-ups and dental cleaning prevent diseases like gingivitis and other conditions which impact your overall health. It is much easier to address problems at the start than dealing with root canals and implants later on.
What to expect during a check-up
Your oral health and general health have a married relationship. The first step a dentist takes is to update and review your medical history. Routine X-rays are taken as needed to check for any issues. These days, oral cancer screenings are part of every check-up. This condition is quite common. However, the good news is that the survival rates are high with early detection.
Gum disease is classified as the number one cause of tooth loss and is closely linked to other health concerns. For example, gum disease may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and heart problems. A regular check-up includes an annual gum exam, after which treatment recommendations are made. As part of the check-up, existing dental work is also examined to see if any work is needed other than teeth cleaning. Based on the exam, you will be told about the necessary procedures. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the required process. Then we’ll let you know what we found and answer any questions you may have.
The process of a dental cleaning
The dental cleaningprocess is straightforward. Special tools are used with care to remove plaque, tartar, and calculus from around your teeth. If sedation is needed, it is offered to patients. Once all deposits are removed from your teeth, a polish is used to make your teeth and mouth feel clean and fresh. At every visit, you get tips on how to keep your teeth clean until your next visit. Patient comfort is a top priority – so don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist freely before a procedure.
Four types of dental cleaning
If you are at the dentist and need specific treatments, here is a look at some procedures you may have to undergo.
- Gross debridement is a procedure in which built-up tartar and plaque are removed around and between the teeth and gums. Such a buildup causes the gums to inflame and needs to be done before the dentist can complete an exam and recommend further procedures.
- Periodontal maintenance refers to thorough teethcleaning. This is essential to stop gingivitis and other conditions. This procedure is done when the gums are inflamed.
- Prophylaxis cleaning is almost the same as periodontal maintenance. This procedure is routine, and it is key to stopping oral health issues from becoming severe.
- Scaling and root planing is a dental cleaning procedure that is done below the gum line. It is mainly performed to treat gum disease. Root planing is done to ensure that the tooth root is smoothed and the gum is reattached to the tooth. This may need more than one visit to the dentist to fix the issue.
How to maintain oral health with regular check-ups
Maintaining good oral health is an everyday activity. A few simple things listed below will help in keeping you healthy for a long time.
1. Cut down on soda and sugary drinks
2. Invest in good equipment like toothbrushes, floss, and hygiene products like mouthwash. There are plenty of choices. Dentists recommend flossing regularly to cut down on plaque buildup.
3. Use the correct brushing technique. If you need some assistance, your dentist will show you how to clean your teeth thoroughly and offer insight on which products are best for your oral hygiene routine.
4. Snack on foods that will keep the body and mouth healthy, like carrots, cucumbers, pears, and lettuce. These yummy treats are also called detergent foods, cleverly named as they clean the mouth and teeth when eaten.
5. Keep your dental appointments on schedule. Don’t skip any just because you are anxious.
6. Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Water plays a crucial role in oral health as well.
It may seem like a lot to deal with – however, maintaining good oral health with regular check-ups and cleanings will save you a lot of time and trouble. See your dentist on schedule for good health.
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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