Coquitlam Dentist Accepting New Patients: (604) 420-2545

General Dentistry

Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam BC>General Dentistry
emergency dentist burnaby
General Dentistry
August 31, 20170

Emergency Dental Services

Dental emergencies are both painful and terrifying. It’s possible for trauma, grinding, eating hard foods, etc. to lead to fractured teeth. At this stage, treatment is always required to alleviate the pain and to ensure your teeth have the best chances of survival.

For many, being at a Dental Office is far from ideal. That is why at Dentist on Ridgeway Dental in Coquitlam, we offer several sedation options for those who are extremely nervous or undergoing major dental procedures. We strive to have you feel very safe and relaxed so that you can forget about your worries while we take care of your dental emergency. While most nervous patients only require a minor sedation that keeps them conscious, it is not uncommon for some to fall asleep during treatment, simply because they are so relaxed!

Call us if you experience

  1. Toothache
  2. Chipped or broken teeth
  3. Lost filling or abscessed tooth
  4. Sensitivity to heat and cold
  5. Emergency issue in teeth or jaw region

Most dental emergencies escalate quickly, so do not wait any longer than you have to.. Please contact Dentist on Ridgeway Dental in Coquitlam at: (604) 420-2545 or simply drop into our dental office. We accept new patients and walk-ins.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

types of cracked tooth vancouver

  1. For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the CDA Seal of Acceptance. Then, get to Dentist on Ridgeway Dental in Coquitlam right away.
  2. For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
  3. If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
  4. For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
  5. For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to visit our Coquitlam Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy or an emergency room as soon as possible.

Here are some simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
  • Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

At Dentist on Ridgeway Dental Office, our Coquitlam Dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call our Coquitlam Dental Office at (604) 420-2545 and provide as much detail as possible about your dental emergency.

best comfortable dentist
General Dentistry
August 31, 20170

Comfort Aid

burnaby dentist sedation

A high number of people choose not to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings because they suffer from dental anxiety. At Dentist on Ridgeway in Coquitlam, BC, our dentists understand how scary a dentist’s chair can be, and so we take extra measures to ensure all our patients are as comfortable as they can every time they come in. This includes comfort aids for patients to make their visit more enjoyable and less anxiety-provoking.

These comfort aids include:

Sedation dentistry

An excellent way of decreasing patient anxiety for those who are afraid of the dentist. There are currently 4 levels of sedation:

  1. Minimal: Oral medication in pill form (Ativan, Rezipan) is provided prior to treatment. This type of sedation does not cause sleep but rather dulls the senses so that the patient is fully awake, yet more relaxed.
  2. Moderate: The patient is fully conscious but may not remember the procedure. Slurring of words following the procedure is also common.
  3. Deep: The patient is close to a state of unconsciousness, but can still be woken if needed.
  4. General Anesthetic: Generally used during longer medical procedures. The patient is in a deep sleep throughout the procedure and shortly afterward.

It is very important that we have your medical history up to date so that we are aware of any medications you are taking and any potential allergies before we administer any sedation.

Topical Anesthetic

burnaby dentist anesthetic

Topical anesthetic reduces the slight discomfort associated with insertion of the needle. It is effective to a depth of 2-3mm. Although its application is beneficial for reducing patient discomfort during the initial phase of local anesthetic administration, it may be a disadvantage in children if the taste is disagreeable to the patient. Also, excessive length of application time may increase apprehension of the approaching procedure.

It is available in gel, liquid, ointment, patch and pressurized spray forms. The most common topical anesthetics used in dentistry are those containing benzocaine or lidocaine.

Benzocaine (ethyl aminobenzoate) is an ester local anesthetic. It is available in up to 20% concentrations. It is not known to produce systemic toxicity but can produce local allergic reactions especially after prolonged or repeated use. It exhibits poor solubility in water and poor absorption into the cardiovascular system, thus it remains at the site of application longer, providing a prolonged duration of action. Systemic toxic (overdose) reactions are virtually unknown. Benzocaine is reported to inhibit the antibacterial action of sulfonamides.

Lidocaine is available as a solution or ointment up to 5% concentration and as a spray up to 10% concentration. It has a low incidence of allergic reactions but is absorbed systemically and application of excessive amounts of topical lidocaine may absorb rapidly into the cardiovascular system leading to higher local anesthetic blood levels with an increased risk, especially in the pediatric patient, of overdose reaction. Thus a minimal amount of topical gel should be applied to the tissue and a metered spray is suggested if an aerosol preparation is selected.

Local Anesthetic

burnaby dentist topical anesthetic

Sometimes our Coquitlam Dentists needs to numb a part of your mouth. He or she injects medicine into your gum or inner cheek. This medicine is called local anesthesia.

Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic that our dentists on Ridgeway Dental Clinic use. There are many others. They all have names ending in “-caine.” Many people think of Novocain as the classic numbing drug. But Novocain actually is not used anymore. Other drugs last longer and work better than Novocain. These drugs also are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The numbing drug is only one part of what’s injected. The liquid in the injection also can include:

  • A type of drug called a vasoconstrictor. This drug narrows your blood vessels. This makes the numbness last longer.
  • A chemical that keeps the vasoconstrictor from breaking down
  • Sodium hydroxide, which helps the numbing drug work
  • Sodium chloride, which helps the drugs get into your blood

There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.

If you need local anesthesia in order to have your dental treatment done, our Coquitlam Dentist will dry part of your mouth with air or cotton. Our dentists then will swab the area with a gel to numb the skin.

Then, our Dentist in Coquitlam will slowly inject the local anesthetic. Most people don’t feel the needle. Instead, the sting they feel is caused by the anesthetic moving into the tissue.

An injection of local anesthesia can last up to several hours. After you leave our dental office in Coquitlam, you may find it difficult to speak clearly or eat. Drinking from a straw can be messy. Be careful not to bite down on the numb area. You could hurt yourself without realizing it.

Side Effects

Local anesthetics are the most common drugs used in the dental office. Side effects are very rare.

One possible side effect is a hematoma. This is a blood-filled swelling. It can form when the injection needle hits a blood vessel.

The numbing medicine sometimes causes numbness outside of the targeted area. If this happens, your eyelid or mouth can droop. You will recover when the drug wears off.

If you are unable to blink, you may need to have your eye taped shut until the numbness wears off. The anesthetic usually lasts for only a couple of hours. In some people, the vasoconstrictor drug can cause the heart to beat faster. This lasts only a minute or two. Tell your doctor if this has ever happened to you.

Finally, the needle can injure a nerve. This can lead to numbness and pain for several weeks or months. The nerve usually heals over time.

Concerns

It is rare to have an allergic reaction to a local anesthetic. Be sure to tell our dentist about all of the medicines you take. This should include over-the-counter drugs and also any herbs or vitamins you take. Also, tell our dentist about any reactions you have had with medicines, no matter how minor the reaction was. Some drugs can interact with local anesthetics.

Local anesthesia can lead to a short-term problem with the operation of wheelchairs that use “sip and puff” technology. If your mouth is numb, you may not be able to create a tight seal around the straw that controls your wheelchair. Make sure that you have someone with you who knows how to use the manual controls on your wheelchair until your numbness wears off.

burnaby oral hygiene
General Dentistry
August 31, 20170

Oral Hygiene Education

Practicing good oral hygiene is of the utmost importance. To ensure all our Coquitlam dental patients maintain healthy, clean, and fresh teeth and gums, we encourage them to schedule regular check-ups and cleanings with our highly trained dentists every 4-6 months. Everyone at Ridgeway Dental Clinic in Coquitlam, BC is here to help you with any questions or concerns you have regarding daily dental practices like brushing and flossing.

Velscope: Our Ridgeway Dental Office in Coquitlam is dedicated to both help you maintain a beautiful smile and to your overall wellness and health. We take a slightly different approach to your care, which includes a screening for oral cancer as part of your regular exam. Like other cancers, oral cancer is life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated at the early stages.

We have the skills, tools, and knowledge to identify early signs of oral cancer and ore-cancerous conditions. While some symptoms might be caused by other problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

burnaby oral hygiene dentist

Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Hygiene Education

1. What is the first thing that you will do while going to a regular oral check-up?

Before anything is done inside your mouth our Coquitlam Dentist will need to know about your medical history if this is your first appointment at the dental clinic in Coquitlam or, if you have been to the practice before, any changes in your health such as new medications, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, etc. It is important that our dental care team knows about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies you may have in order to avoid incidents and to make sure you get the kind of care you need.

2. What is a teeth examination?

It is having a look at any problem areas in your mouth. A metal probe with a small angled mirror will be used, which will help we see behind and between teeth and gums, as well as check for the softening of tooth enamel and dentin.

We will also be on the lookout for the swelling of gums in any areas, mouth sores, and redness. Finally, we will measure your mouth’s periodontal pockets, which are the spaces between the top of the gum line and where the gum tissues firmly attaches to the tooth. Ideally, this pocket should only be between one and three millimeters deep, however, deeper pockets can be a sign of gum disease and thus should be closely monitored.

3. What is a dental exam?

The dental exam is different from the initial teeth examination that our hygienist completed as this one is done by our Coquitlam dentist. We will use our dental x-rays to see if there is any loss of bone, fractures, or any other abnormality below your visible gum line before moving on to look for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer.

Once all of this is done, our Coquitlam Dentist should have a full understanding of what your oral health needs are, and will be able to prescribe any necessary dental treatments to prevent or treat your issues.

4. Who Needs Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are used diagnostically to help our dentists see issues that are otherwise nearly invisible to the naked eye. Adults receive dental x-rays so dentists can better identify and treat various issues. Using these x-rays, our dentists at Ridgeway Dental can see:

  • Areas of decay, including those in between teeth or under a filling
  • Bone loss associated with gum disease
  • Abscesses, which are infections at the root of the tooth or between the tooth and gum
  • Tumors
  • Changes in the root canal

Without an x-ray, many of these problems could go undiagnosed. With an x-ray as a reference, our dentists are also better equipped to prepare tooth implants, dentures, Invisalign, and other cosmetic dental treatments.

5. What happens during a Teeth Cleaning?

We will start by scraping off built-up plaque and tartar that collects above and below the gum line before flossing between and around every tooth to remove any plaque or food particles that are clinging on.

We will also give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish using a tooth polisher with a spinning head and slightly abrasive paste. The polishing will get rid of any residue that was previously missed and will make your teeth smoother so that plaque will not collect as easily on them between visits to the dentist.

6. What are the differences between Hygienist and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)?

Hygienists are trained dental professionals who take care of routine dental care, such as regular cleanings and assist dentists in other procedures. They are an integral part of our Coquitlam Dental Practice and make up a big part of the team that works to keep your oral health at its best.

CDAs don’t do as much of the nitty-gritty cleaning work that hygienists do, but they provide excellent help with the preparation work and with assisting dentists during procedures.

You can think of both of these roles as the truly unsung heroes of a dental practice.

7. What is the VELscope® Vx?

The VELscope® Vx is an oral disease visualization device, not an oral cancer diagnostic device. The VELscope® is the first adjunctive device cleared by the FDA and Health Canada to help clinicians visualize cancerous and precancerous lesions and other lesions that might not be apparent to the naked eye. The VELscope is also cleared to help surgeons determine appropriate surgical margins around lesions prior to excision.

The VELscope® Vx is LED Dental Inc.’s newest model release of the VELscope system, and has identical Indications for Use to the original VELscope system.

The VELscope® Vx’s blue light excites natural “fluorophores” in mucosal tissues. The VELscope® Vx’s proprietary filter makes fluorescence visualization possible, by blocking reflected blue light, and by enhancing the contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.

Like other visualization technologies, such as panoramic radiography, CT, MRI, PET and ultrasound, the VELscope is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic test. However, used in conjunction with the standard oral soft tissue exam, VELscope® Vx provides visual information that cannot be acquired in any other way.

8. How long does a VELscope® Vx exam take?

In about 2 minutes, with no rinses, dyes or discomfort, a VELscope® Vx examination helps healthcare professionals assure their patients that their oral mucosa has been assessed to an advanced level of preventative care.

9. Is VELscope® Vx safe?

Yes, the VELscope® Vx system is safe. All that’s being shone into the oral cavity is blue light, generated by light emitting diodes. However, patients with a history of photosensitivity or those using photosensitive medications should not be exposed to the light emitted from the VELscope® Vx device.

10. What is the last thing of a regular oral check-up?

The final step of the routine dental checkup is scheduling your next one for a date 4 to 6 months in the future. Scheduling your next appointment right away is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you don’t forget to have your dental checkup regularly. Even if you are diligent in your personal dental care, there is no better protection against oral issues than having your mouth professionally cleaned and monitored.

Advantages of the Velscope system

  1. FDA approved
  2. Easily combined with digital photography
  3. Detects problem areas unseen under white light
  4. Detects lesions, as well as white and red patches
  5. Checks soft tissue
  6. Helps diagnose oral cancer in earliest stages
  7. Examinations are always quick and painless
burnaby dental xrays
General Dentistry
August 31, 20170

X-Rays

Our natural environment exposes us to all kinds of radiation. At

Dental Clinic in Coquitlam, our digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to older methods. Not only are our digital x-rays faster and better for your health, they are also more comfortable. For our new dental patients in Coquitlam, we generally recommend a full mouth series and bitewing x-rays. These are a good reference for 3-5 years and are usually taken before your check-up and cleaning.

Reasons for taking X-Rays

  1. To look for decay in between teeth
  2. To check for the bone loss associated with gum disease
  3. To check for decay under older fillings
  4. To see if there are signs of infection at the very bottom of the tooth root
  5. To examine a problem area before it is treated with a procedure

Frequently Asked Questions About X-Rays

burnaby dentist x-ray

1. What is Dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are a form of imaging test that dentists use to learn more about the health of your teeth. A dentist can discover a lot about your teeth and gums simply by examining them with the naked eye. However, dental problems such as tooth decay and infections can often only be properly diagnosed by looking beneath the surface. X-rays use small amounts of radiation to create images on the film called radiographs. As x-rays pass through the mouth, they’re absorbed by the tissue. Some tissue, as well as denser objects, absorb more x-rays than others. Teeth appear in lighter shades on a radiograph, while cavities and tooth decay show up in darker patches. These images help dentists to identify problems with the teeth.

2. What is Digital x-rays?

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

3. Who needs dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are just another tool in the oral care arsenal. The cleaning and visual examination of your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth serve to keep the exposed portions of your mouth healthy.

However, a lot can go on beneath the gum line or inside of teeth themselves that dentists cannot see without x-rays. While you might wonder why you need x-rays when there’s no outward indication that something is wrong, this tool can provide early warning of potential problems (like small cavities), allowing for treatment before they become much bigger issues.

4. How often should patients get x-rays?

The frequency of x-rays varies by dental office and by the patient. Some patients may only need x-rays annually, while others need them every six months, or even more frequently, depending on developing conditions.

Frequency depends on the current condition of your mouth and your dental history. Do you frequently get cavities? If you answer yes, then you may require x-rays annually. If you haven’t had a cavity in five years, then you can go years between x-rays.

Dentists make careful assessments about if and when patients need x-rays, carefully weighing the benefits and potential risks before deciding on any tests or courses of treatment. If x-rays are recommended, it is likely with good reason.

5. Who will need x-rays every 6 months?

Children – Many children need x-rays every six months, depending on age, because they are highly likely to develop caries and the nerve inside their teeth is much larger than an adult. This means that a very small amount of decay can cause large problems very quickly. X-rays also help monitor tooth development.

Adults with extensive restoration work, including fillings. Previous dental work indicates high risk for new decay.

Anyone who drinks sugary sodas, chocolate milk or coffee or tea with sugar – Even mildly sugary beverages create an environment in the mouth that’s perfect for decay, so anyone who drinks these beverages regularly will need to have more regular x-rays.

People with periodontal (gum) disease – Periodontal treatments may need to be stepped up if there are significant or continuing signs of bone loss.

People who are taking medications that lead to dry mouth, also called xerostomia – Saliva helps keep the acid levels (pH) in the mouth stable. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases, causing the minerals in the teeth to break down, leaving them prone to caries. Medications that can decrease saliva are those prescribed for hypertension, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, antihistamines, diuretics, narcotics, anticonvulsants and anticholinergics.

People who have dry mouth because of disease, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, or because of medical treatments that damaged the salivary glands, such as radiation to the head and neck for cancer treatment.

Smokers, because smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease.

6. Should patients be worried about radiation?

This is a concern for many patients, but the amount of radiation involved in dental x-rays is minimal and patients are provided with all possible protections, including a lead-lined apron to cover portions of the body that could be exposed to x-rays. Plus, you’ll only receive x-rays when necessary so as to avoid undue risk.

Many countries have adopted the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendation of 20mSv per year.

Digital x-rays produce a very low level of radiation and are considered safe.
The average person gets 3mSv per year, which is well below the average recommendation for a safe level. Half of this radiation comes from background radiation, such as natural radiation from radon in the air.

7. What are the types of X-rays?

There are a few different types of dental x-rays, each with different benefits. You may need multiple types of x-rays in order to create a complete assessment of your oral health.

Bite-wing x-rays are the most common, and they are so called for the plastic wing you bite on to hold the film in place while the x-ray is taken. This type of x-ray shows hard-to-reach molars and bicuspids, where cavities are most likely to form.

There are also periapical x-rays that show an entire tooth all the way to the root; panoramic x-rays that display the entire mouth, including both jaws; and a variety of other x-rays with specific purposes.

8. Is it safe for Children to have dental X-rays?

Many parents are concerned about the impact of dental x-rays on children. Children are more sensitive to radiation. However, the amount of radiation in a dental x-ray is still considered safe for a child. As children’s jaws and teeth are continuously changing, it’s important to keep an eye on their development. These x-rays perform many important purposes for young patients. They help dentists to:

  • Make sure the mouth is large enough to accommodate incoming teeth
  • Monitor the development of wisdom teeth
  • Determine whether primary teeth are loosening properly to accommodate new permanent teeth
  • Identify decay and gum disease early
  • It’s important for children to visit the dentist regularly, and to get x-rays as recommended by the dentist. The exact schedule for these x-rays will vary depending on the child’s individual needs.

9. How often should a child have dental x-ray films?

Since every child is unique, the need for dental x-ray films varies from child to child. Films are taken only after reviewing your child’s medical and dental histories and performing a clinical examination, and only when they are likely to yield information that a visual examination cannot.

In general, children need x-rays more often than adults. Their mouths grow and change rapidly. They are more susceptible than adults to tooth decay. For children with a high risk of tooth decay, our Coquitlam Dentists recommends x-ray examinations every six months to detect cavities developing between teeth. Children with a low risk of tooth decay require x-rays less frequently.

10. Why should x-ray films be taken if my child has never had a cavity?

X-ray films detect more than cavities. For example, x-rays may be needed to survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases, evaluate results of an injury or plan orthodontic treatment. x-rays allow dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that cannot be detected during a clinical examination. If dental problems are found and treated early, dental care is more comfortable and affordable.

11. Is it safe for pregnant women to have dental x-rays?

Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid dental x-rays. Though the radiation is minimal, it’s best to avoid all exposure when possible for the health of the developing fetus. For this reason, it’s important to tell our Coquitlam Dentist if you are or may be pregnant.

However, there are some instances where pregnant women should still have dental x-rays performed. If you have a dental emergency or are in the middle of a dental treatment plan, you may still need x-rays during your pregnancy. Discuss the issue with our dentist to determine the best way to proceed. It’s crucial that you balance both your dental and prenatal health. Women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, so you should not neglect your teeth during pregnancy.

Our Coquitlam Dentist can take greater precautions, such as using a leaded apron and thyroid collar, for all x-rays taken during your pregnancy if the procedure is deemed necessary. Keeping our Dentist in Coquitlam informed at all times is the best way to proceed.

burnaby routine dental cleaning
General Dentistry
August 31, 20170

Routine Cleanings

coquitlam dental cleaning

Keeping up with the correct oral health standards is extremely important, as poor oral health can negatively affect a person’s day to day life. Depending on oral health needs, our Coquitlam Dentists recommends having a regular check-up and cleaning every 4-6 months. Call our Ridgeway Dental Office on Lougheed Hwy in Coquitlam, BC to book your next check-up and cleaning appointment with our exceptional Dentists.

5 steps to a healthier mouth

  1. Keeping mouth moist, flossing every day and night, and brushing twice a day
  2. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes lots of water to stay hydrated and less carbonated beverages
  3. Seeing your dentist regularly to ensure any problems are caught and dealt with early (this is very important!)
  4. Avoiding smoking and chewing tobacco
  5. Not waiting until you have a toothache or another dental emergency!

What Happens During a Routine Dental Checkup?

What happens during a typical checkup? Well, let us tell you all about it!

According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 80% of Canadians visit their dentist at least once each year for a regular dental checkup. However many people have little to no idea what is actually happening in their mouth while they’re in the dental chair.

Hearing strange noises and having someone work inside your mouth can understandably cause a lot of stress and anxiety. But not to worry, we’re here to tell you exactly what will be going on from start to finish the next time you visit our Dentist in Coquitlam for a routine checkup. After all, the more you know about something, the less scary it seems!

Say hello to our friendly receptionist

The first person you’ll meet during your dental appointment is our dental receptionist. She makes things flow smoothly around the office, coordinate payments and appointments, and give you your notifications for when you’re supposed to come in next. We have a lot of love for our dental receptionists! Don’t be afraid to ask them about all our dental promotions.

Meeting our Hygienist or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) in Coquitlam, BC.

The next person you’ll meet after checking in for your dental appointment, and the person you’ll spend the most time with, is our dental hygienist, or perhaps our CDA. It can vary whether your appointment will involve a CDA or a hygienist, but there is a notable difference between the two.

Our Coquitlam Hygienists are trained dental professionals who take care of your routine dental care, such as regular cleanings and assist our Coquitlam Dentists in other procedures. They are an integral part of any dental practice on Lougheed Hwy and make up a big part of the team that works to keep your oral health at its best.

CDAs don’t do as much of the nitty-gritty cleaning work that hygienists do, but they provide excellent help with the preparation work and with assisting dentists during procedures.

You can think of both of these roles as the truly unsung heroes of our Dental Practice in Coquitlam!

Your Dental History

Before anything is done inside your mouth, our dental hygienist will need to know about your medical history if this is your first appointment at our Coquitlam Dental Office or, if you have been to the practice before, any changes in your health such as new medications, diabetes, arthritis, pregnancy, etc. It is important that our Coquitlam Dental Care Team knows about any health concerns, anxieties, or allergies you may have in order to avoid incidents and to make sure you get the kind of care you need.

And when we say that we want you to tell us about any concerns or anxieties you have, we mean it! Don’t be a hero and try to be brave – it’s VERY common to be afraid of the dentist. Sometimes, all a person needs is a little explanation or a little listening to their fears to make things seem a little better.

Dentist Teeth Cleaning

dentist teeth cleaning coquitlam

Now that you have shared your health concerns, our team of dental professionals can start working inside your mouth. The first thing they will do is give your teeth a thorough cleaning. They start by scraping off built-up plaque and tartar that collects above and below the gum line before flossing between and around every tooth to remove any plaque or food particles that are clinging on.

Our Coquitlam Clean Team will also give your teeth a smooth and shiny finish using a tooth polisher with a spinning head and slightly abrasive paste. The polishing will get rid of any residue that was previously missed and will make your teeth smoother so that plaque will not collect as easily on them between visits to the dentist.

Examining the teeth

Now that your pearly whites are squeaky clean, it’s time to have a look at any problem areas in your mouth. A metal probe with a small angled mirror will be used, which will help them see behind and between teeth and gums, as well as check for the softening of tooth enamel and dentin.

Our Coquitlam Hygienist will also be on the lookout for the swelling of gums in any areas, mouth sores, and redness. Finally, our dentists will measure your mouth’s periodontal pockets, which are the spaces between the top of the gum line and where the gum tissues firmly attaches to the tooth. Ideally, this pocket should only be between one and three millimeters deep, however deeper pockets can be a sign of gum disease and thus should be closely monitored.

Dental X-Ray

coquitlam dental x ray

The last thing to do is take dental x-ray pictures of your mouth so our Dentist in Coquitlam can see if there are any issues below the mouth’s surface. This involves biting down on a piece of specially designed plastic while an x-ray imaging machine is placed against your cheek. The resulting image will show the visible parts of your teeth as well as the roots below the gum line and your jaw bones, allowing our dentist to see exactly what is happening in your mouth and assign your oral care as needed.

We want to mention here that our Coquitlam Dental Office only recommends digital x-rays, which emit up to 90% less radiation, allow for easy storage, and take less time than traditional machines – which means shorter, more convenient, and safer visits for you!

Dental Exam at Ridgeway Dental on Lougheed Hwy

The dental exam is different from the initial examination that our hygienist completed as this one is done by our dentist. Our dentists will use your dental x-rays to see if there is any loss of bone, fractures, or any other abnormality below your visible gum line before moving on to look for issues with jaw alignment, teeth grinding, and oral cancer.

Generally, our dentist in Coquitlam, BC will feel your jaw bones from outside of your mouth while you bite down to ensure that your bite is smooth, aligned, and there is no clicking or popping from your jaw joints. They will also inspect the grooves of your teeth to see if any of them have been cracked or smoothed down due to grinding or jaw clenching. Finally, our dentist will gently feel behind your jaw and your neck to see if there are any signs of oral cancer.

Once all of this is done, our Lougheed Hwy Dentist should have a full understanding of what your oral health needs are, and will be able to prescribe any necessary dental treatments to prevent or treat your issues.

Dental Results & Advice

After the dental exam is complete, our Coquitlam Dentist will let you know exactly what is going on in your mouth and will advise you about next steps. Sometimes this involves scheduling another dental appointment at our Coquitlam Dental Office for a procedure while other times our Coquitlam Dentist will give you advice about what you can do at home to better your oral health. It is extremely important that you listen to this advice and put it into action as best you can to ensure that your next checkup is the best it can be.

Future Dental Appointments

The final step of the routine dental checkup is scheduling your next one for a date four to six months in the future. Scheduling your next appointment right away is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that you don’t forget to have your dental checkup regularly. Even if you are diligent in your personal dental care, there is no better protection against oral issues than having your mouth professionally cleaned and monitored.

Take a trip to our front desk and once again you’ll be helped out by a smiling and attentive dental receptionist. And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns about any part of your dental visit or your upcoming scheduled visits, make sure to let her know. Trust us, she doesn’t bite. We’re very strict about that sort of thing.

To schedule a dental cleaning with Ridgeway Dental Clinic on Lougheed Hwy in Coquitlam, BC please call (604) 420-2545 or visit our Coquitlam Dental Office at 2842 Ridgeway Ave (Off Lougheed Hwy), Coquitlam, BC V5A 3W7. We accept walk-ins and dental emergencies!