Regular dental exams help us monitor your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. At Allendale Dental, we provide dental exams in Edmonton to identify concerns early and keep your visits straightforward. Our team also takes the time to explain anything we notice during your examination.
If you are due for a dental exam we can assess your current oral health, discuss any symptoms or concerns, and recommend care based on our findings.
What Is a Dental Exam?
A dental exam is a comprehensive assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. During the appointment, we check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, damaged restorations, bite-related concerns, and changes affecting the soft tissues in your mouth.
An exam is also an opportunity to discuss any sensitivity, discomfort, or changes you have noticed in your teeth or gums. Even if you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms, regular examinations can help identify concerns at an earlier stage and determine whether further care is needed.
Why Regular Dental Exams Matter
A regular dental checkup is an important part of preventive dental care. It gives your dentist a chance to monitor changes in your oral health and address concerns before they become more difficult to treat:
Routine exams can help us:
- Cavity Detection: Find cavities and other signs of tooth decay.
- Gum Health: Check your gums for inflammation or signs of gum disease.
- Dental Work: Examine existing fillings, crowns, bridges, and other dental work.
- Tooth Condition: Look for unusual wear, cracks, or damaged teeth.
- Bite & Jaw: Evaluate your bite and jaw for potential concerns.
- Soft Tissue: Monitor changes in the soft tissues of your mouth.
- Home Care: Discuss brushing, flossing, and other home-care habits.
The recommended frequency of dental exams varies based on your oral health, dental history, and individual needs.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Your visit may vary depending on your dental history and whether you have any current concerns. This dental check-up walkthrough gives you a general idea of what may happen during an examination.
Review of Your Dental and Medical History
We may ask about changes to your health, medications, previous dental treatment, or symptoms you have noticed since your last visit. This information helps us understand factors that could affect your oral health.
Evaluation of Your Teeth and Gums
Dr. McPherson will examine your teeth for decay, cracks, wear, and other changes. Your gums are also checked for signs of inflammation or periodontal concerns.
Bite and Jaw Assessment
Your bite and jaw may be evaluated for changes in alignment, movement, or wear that could affect your teeth or comfort.
Digital X-Rays When Needed
Dental X-rays can show areas that cannot be fully seen during a visual examination, including spaces between teeth and areas beneath the gumline. They may be recommended based on your age, dental history, symptoms, and when your previous images were taken.
Review of Findings
Once the examination is complete, we will explain what we found. If treatment is recommended, we will discuss the reason for it and answer your questions before you decide how to proceed.
Oral Cancer Screening
Checking the soft tissues of your mouth is an important part of a comprehensive dental examination. Dr. McPherson examines areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and other oral tissues for unusual changes.
As part of this screening, Dr. McPherson checks for lumps, changes in colour, and changes in oral tissues. If something unusual is found, he can discuss the appropriate next steps with you.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam
How often you need a dental exam depends on your oral health and dental history. Your dentist may consider factors such as your risk of cavities, gum health, past treatment, and any current concerns.
Some patients need exams more often than others. If you are not sure when to come back, our team can help you choose a schedule that fits your needs.
Dental Exams for Children
Dental exams give us an opportunity to follow a child’s teeth and oral development as they grow. During these visits, we can check for cavities, monitor how teeth are coming in, and discuss brushing, flossing, diet, and other habits with parents and children.
We keep appointments age-appropriate and give children time to become familiar with the dental setting.
Dental Exams for Adults
Adult dental needs can change over time. In addition to checking the teeth and gums, we may monitor older fillings, crowns, bridges, signs of tooth wear, or changes in bone and gum health.
Keeping up with routine examinations can also make it easier to plan restorative or preventive treatment before a concern becomes more difficult to manage.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You do not need to do anything complicated before a dental exam. It can be helpful to bring:
- Your insurance or benefits information, if applicable
- A list of medications you currently take
- Details about changes in your health
- Information about dental pain, sensitivity, or other concerns
- Recent dental records or X-rays if they are available from another clinic
If it has been a while since your last dental visit, let us know about any concerns you have. We can check your oral health and discuss the care you may need.
Why Choose Allendale Dental for Your Dental Exam?
At Allendale Dental, we want patients to understand what is happening during their visit rather than feel rushed through an appointment. Dr. McPherson and our team explain our findings in clear language and allow you to ask questions.
Our family-owned practice also offers direct billing to eligible insurance plans, follows the 2026 Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and provides free parking at our Edmonton clinic.
Schedule Your Dental Exam
If you’re looking to schedule a dental exam in Edmonton, contact Allendale Dental to arrange a visit with Dr. Alex McPherson. We welcome both new and returning patients and are happy to answer questions before your appointment.
Call (780) 434-1313 or request an appointment online. Our clinic is located at 10430 61 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3.
Common Questions About Dental Exams
How long does a dental exam take?
The length of your visit depends on the type of examination you need, your dental history, and whether X-rays or other assessments are required. Our team can give you more information when you schedule your appointment.
How often should I have a dental exam?
Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your oral health and risk factors. Some patients may need to be seen more frequently than others, so it is best to follow the interval recommended for you.
Are dental X-rays needed at every appointment?
Not necessarily. X-rays are recommended when they are useful for evaluating areas that cannot be seen during a regular visual examination. How often you need them depends on your dental history, age, symptoms, and oral health.
What if I have not been to the dentist for several years?
You can still schedule an appointment at any time. We will assess your current oral health, discuss any concerns, and explain whether treatment or follow-up care is recommended.
How do I choose the right dental clinic for an exam?
When looking for dental exams near you, choose a dental clinic where you feel comfortable asking questions and where your dentist explains findings and treatment options clearly. At Allendale Dental, our team can also answer questions about appointments, insurance billing, and what to expect at your visit.