X-rays allow us to see any underlying issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Without them, the Dentist cannot fully diagnose the state of your oral health. Your dentist will usually wish to have regular Bitewing X-rays once per year to monitor any changes that might be taking place and a larger Panorex X-ray one time every 3 years (depending on diagnosed treatment). Bitewing X-rays allow us to diagnose decay and check bone levels and the Panorex can point to much larger issues.

We understand patients' concerns about radiation exposure. That is why we have moved to a digital X-ray system that only uses about 1/10th of the amount of radiation that any of the older systems used.

How often you go for dental exams depends on your oral health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a dental exam every six months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tartar builds up on your teeth, and so on.

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I floss every day?
➔ Do I brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and follow my dentist’s instructions on how to brush properly?
➔ Do I eat a well-balanced diet, including food from all food groups, and limit sweets and sticky foods?
➔ Do I smoke?
➔ Do I have a history of cavities or gum disease?
➔ Is my overall health good?

The answers to these questions are all factors that affect your oral health. They will help you and your dentist decide how often you need to visit for dental exams. We do not recommend cleaning frequency based on what your dental insurance covers, but rather, on what your oral health requires.

Ask questions! It seems silly to point out, but we want our patients to feel comfortable and never feel embarrassed to ask questions! Our friendly staff is always prepared to explain what the treatment consists of, how long it will take, how the procedure will happen, how much it will cost, and what recovery looks like. We’re here to help you take control of your oral health!

We accept all forms of dental insurance, including Ministry coverage, the Healthy Kids program, and NIHB. We are happy to submit your insurance on your behalf and accept payment directly to the office (when the plan allows) rather than the patient paying upfront and being reimbursed.

The only exception to this is with dental implants where full payment is taken upon completion and claims are submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.

This all depends on your dental insurance. If you have a cleaning and your basic coverage is at 90% you will pay 10% of the total cost. We do our best to explain plan limitations and breakdowns so you have no surprises when it comes time to pay!

We recommend all of our patients use a soft-bristled manual brush or electric toothbrush. Other supplementary tools may be recommended to you at your regular cleaning and checkups. Our hygienists are passionate about oral care and are happy to answer any questions you have and instruct you on how to brush and floss correctly.