Most people only visit the dentist when something hurts. But by the time you feel pain, a small cavity has often become a large one, a crack has spread, or an infection has reached the nerve. Regular dental checkups in Pickering catch these problems early, when they are simpler, less painful, and far less expensive to fix.
At Ivory Dental, Dr. Claudia Wood recommends checkups every six months for most patients. Here is what happens during a routine visit and why it matters for your long-term oral health and your wallet.
What Happens During a Dental Checkup
A comprehensive checkup at Ivory Dental includes several components that go beyond just looking at your teeth.
Dr. Wood examines every tooth for signs of decay, cracks, and wear. She checks existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations for deterioration. Your gums are assessed for signs of periodontal disease — redness, swelling, bleeding, or pocket depth greater than 3mm.
Dental X-rays, taken annually or as needed, reveal problems invisible to the eye: cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and infections below the gumline. An oral cancer screening checks the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, throat, and neck for unusual lumps or discolouration.
Your teeth cleaning is typically done at the same visit. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss, particularly along the gumline and between teeth. This prevents tartar buildup from progressing into gum disease.
The Cost of Skipping Checkups
A routine dental checkup and cleaning in Ontario typically costs between $200 and $400, most of which is covered by insurance. Compare that to the cost of treating problems that develop when checkups are skipped:
A small cavity caught at a checkup costs $150 to $300 to fill. The same cavity left for a year can grow deep enough to need a root canal ($800 to $1,500) plus a crown ($900 to $1,500). That is a $200 filling versus a $2,500 root canal and crown — a tenfold increase because the problem was caught late.
Gum disease follows the same pattern. Early gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced periodontitis requires scaling and root planing, possible surgery, and in severe cases leads to tooth loss requiring implants or dentures.
How Often Should You Get Checkups
The standard recommendation is every six months, but some patients need more frequent visits. Dr. Wood may recommend checkups every three to four months if you have a history of gum disease, are prone to cavities, smoke, have diabetes, or are pregnant. According to the Ontario government, children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to dental problems and benefit from regular monitoring.
Patients with excellent oral health and no history of dental problems may be able to stretch to annual visits, but this should be a decision made with your dentist, not a default.
What to Watch for Between Visits
Even with regular checkups, contact Ivory Dental if you notice any of these between appointments: persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, a tooth that feels loose, a sore in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks, or jaw pain or clicking.
These symptoms do not always mean something serious, but they are worth having examined. Early detection is the entire point of preventive dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental checkups covered by insurance in Ontario?
Most employer dental plans cover two checkups and cleanings per year at 80 to 100 percent. Ontario’s publicly funded programs (OHIP+, Ontario Seniors Dental Care) cover checkups for eligible children and seniors.
What if I have not been to the dentist in years?
There is no judgment at Ivory Dental. Dr. Wood will assess your current oral health, address any urgent issues first, and create a treatment plan to get you back on track. A longer initial appointment may be needed for a thorough examination.
Do dental X-rays expose me to harmful radiation?
Modern digital X-rays use extremely low radiation — about the same as a short airplane flight. The diagnostic benefits far outweigh the minimal exposure, and lead aprons provide additional protection.
When was your last dental checkup? Call Ivory Dental at (905) 839-9663 to book your visit. We are at 1300 Kingston Road Unit #3 in Pickering, serving families from Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and the wider Durham Region.
