Dental Exams & Cleanings in Burnaby

Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit.  At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional Dental Cleaning Tooth Cleaning Dental Exam in Burnaby Solo Dental

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists.  Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface.  Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums.  This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

A dental exam may include a review of diagnostic X-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, checking all tooth surfaces for decay, and examining existing fillings, crowns, or other restorations.

A professional dental cleaning is usually performed by a registered dental hygienist and can include removal of calculus, removal of plaque, and polishing to remove stains and plaque that brushing and scaling do not fully remove.

Brushing and flossing are essential, but hardened tartar can only be removed with dental instruments. Professional cleanings also help reduce plaque buildup, gum inflammation, staining, and periodontal disease risk and loss of teeth.

What Your Exam Helps Us Understand

A dental exam is not only a search for cavities. It gives Dr. Deheshi a clearer picture of how your teeth, gums, bite, restorations, and jaw function are changing over time. Small shifts can matter: a filling that is beginning to weaken, a tooth that shows new wear, a gum area that is becoming harder to clean, or a bite pattern that may be placing extra stress on certain teeth.

These details help guide more personalized care. Rather than giving every patient the same recommendations, Dr. Deheshi can explain which areas are healthy, which should be watched, and which may need attention before they become more uncomfortable or more complex to treat.

Making Cleanings More Personalized

Every patient’s cleaning needs are different. Some people build tartar quickly. Others are more prone to staining, gum inflammation, sensitivity, or hard-to-reach areas around crowded teeth, bridges, crowns, or retainers. Your hygiene visit helps identify those patterns and adjust your care accordingly.

The goal is not only to leave your teeth feeling cleaner, but to help you understand where your home care is working well and where a small change could make a difference. Practical guidance around brushing, flossing, interdental brushes, sensitivity products, or gumline care can make your daily routine more effective between appointments.

Using X-Rays Selectively

X-rays are recommended when they add information that cannot be seen during the visual exam. They may be useful for checking areas between teeth, under older fillings or crowns, around tooth roots, or in the bone that supports the teeth.

Dr. Deheshi considers your symptoms, history, risk level, previous images, and clinical findings before recommending new X-rays. The purpose is to support better decision-making, not to take images unnecessarily.

Tracking Gum Health Over Time

Gum health is best understood by watching patterns. Bleeding, pocket depths, recession, inflammation, and changes in bone support can show whether the gums are stable or need closer attention. Because gum problems may develop gradually, regular monitoring helps identify concerns before they become more advanced.

If changes are found, the Solo Dental team can explain what they mean and whether your care should involve improved home care, a different recall schedule, periodontal maintenance, or another next step.

How Often Should You Return?

Many patients do well with a six-month recall, but the right timing depends on your individual risk factors. Patients with gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, dry mouth, frequent cavities, dental implants, extensive restorative work, or ongoing inflammation may benefit from more frequent visits.

At Solo Dental, recall timing is based on what your mouth needs, not a one-size-fits-all schedule. Your recommended interval may change over time as your oral health changes.

When an Exam Leads to Next-Step Care

If a concern is found during your visit, Dr. Deheshi will explain the finding and discuss the appropriate next step. Some concerns can be monitored through ongoing general dentistry, while small areas of decay or damage may be restored with tooth-coloured composite fillings.

For patients with missing teeth, failing teeth, or more complex restorative needs, an exam may also lead to a conversation about dental implants or other treatment options. The exam provides the starting point for understanding what is happening and planning care in the right order.

New Patients in North Burnaby and Brentwood

If you are new to the area or looking for a dental clinic near Brentwood, Solo Dental welcomes patients from North Burnaby, the Solo District, Brentwood Mall, Brentwood SkyTrain, and nearby communities. A new-patient dental exam and cleaning is a helpful first step if you want to understand your current oral health and establish care with Dr. Deheshi and the Solo Dental team.

To schedule your visit, call ... or contact Solo Dental to request an appointment.