Comprehensive Exams

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Making dental care personal

A comprehensive dental exam at Oaklands Dental is more in depth than a routine dental checkup. Usually conducted during the initial visit, Dr. Girard will use the information gathered during the comprehensive exam as a baseline for future treatment plans at Oaklands Dental.

The more we know about your overall oral health, the more effective we can be in addressing your specific needs. Be sure to mention:

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Any new medical conditions you’ve been diagnosed with since your last visit even if they don’t seem pertinent. Your dentist needs to know to properly manage your treatment and prevention program.

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Any new medications you’re taking (side effects can often include dry mouth and overgrown gums)

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If you’re pregnant
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If you have any allergies

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Any changes you’ve noticed in your teeth, such as changes in colour, looseness or position

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Any changes you’ve noticed in your gums, such as bleeding when you brush or floss, or changes in appearance

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Any increased sensitivity to heat, cold or sweets

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Whether your floss catches on rough edges, causing it to shred

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Any colour changes in the skin on the inside of your mouth

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If you smoke or chew tobacco (which increases the risk of oral cancer)

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If your neck or jaw muscles are tight or if you’re aware of clenching or grinding your teeth

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If you’re nervous about going to the dentist—new ways of doing things have made modern dentistry more comfortable for patients, and talking to your dentist may reassure you and help you feel more relaxed

Depending on your unique needs, comprehensive exams might include the following:

X-Rays

A diagnostic set of x-rays will be needed to help us identify any areas of concern that may not be visible to the naked eye, including tooth decay, cysts, bone loss or any other abnormalities.

Periodontal Exam

The Oaklands Dental team will evaluate the condition of your gums to monitor any sign of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. The good news is that gum disease is reversible if found and treated early, so identifying any problems will help maintain and protect the health of your gums!!

Tooth By Tooth Exam

Every single one of your teeth will be checked for chips or cracks. We will assess the condition of your tooth enamel, determine your risk of developing cavities, and also check existing fillings or restorations.

Aesthetic Evaluation

Say cheese! We’ll take a look at your smile and discuss any cosmetic dentistry procedures you might be considering, such as teeth whitening, tooth replacement, correcting misaligned teeth, and other procedures that will help keep you shining!

Bite Analysis

A bite analysis will be performed to determine the health of your bite. A misaligned bite may lead to excessive tooth wear and tooth loss. Correcting any occlusion can lower your risk of developing potential problems.

Comprehensive Treatment Plan

After your comprehensive dental examination, we will create an individualized treatment plan for you. This will include notes on any treatment required in the near future,  a list of treatments for immediate needs, preventive measures, and any recommendations for cosmetic procedures to improve your smile.

Questions & Answers

Remember, at Oaklands Dental, our job is to help you maintain optimal oral health. Throughout your exam, we encourage you to ask questions! We know that our patients feel much better and are able to make the best decisions when they understand the dental procedures being recommended.

Some questions you can ask Dr. Girard and team:

  • Can I can see any pictures of the procedure or what it looks like when it is done?
  • How many times have you done this procedure in the past?
  • How much it will cost?
  • How long it will take?
  • Will it need to be re-done in the future? If so, when?
  • Are there alternatives to the procedure and if so, what are the pros and cons of each option?
  • Am I too old to have a toy? (The answer is always “no”!)

Ready to visit us?

Request appointment today!

Oaklands Dental in Victoria BC
1581 Hillside Ave #202, Victoria, BC V8T 2C1
250-592-7874

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday:  8:30am – 4:30pm
(7:30am Hygiene Appointments Available!)

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday:  8:30am – 4:30pm
(7:30am Hygiene Appointments Available!)