A dental exam is a complete assessment of the teeth, gums, bite, and oral tissues performed by a dentist in a single visit. It includes a periodontal assessment, an oral cancer screening, a review of dental and medical history, and X-rays when clinically necessary. Findings guide any preventive or restorative treatment recommended afterward.
Everything Included in Your Exam Visit
- A comprehensive oral examination by the dentist, with a gum and periodontal assessment.
- An oral cancer screening, plus a bite and jaw evaluation, within the same appointment.
- Digital X-rays and imaging when clinically necessary, including full mouth panoramic X-rays showing every tooth, the jaw joints, and any jaw anomalies.
- A comprehensive intraoral scan taken with the clinic's TRIOS 6 scanner, and a full digital report shared through an app after your findings are discussed.
- Packages typically range from $120 to $650 depending on inclusions. Final pricing varies based on your individual clinical needs, and pricing may vary for children and adults.
- Children and adults of all ages, first visit or ongoing monitoring.
Comprehensive exams include the X-rays, the intraoral scan and the oral cancer screening. Children and adults of all ages are seen, what your visit includes is confirmed when you book, and costs are explained before treatment begins.
What Does a Dental Exam Include?
A dental exam covers far more than a look at your teeth. The dentist performs a comprehensive dental examination, assesses gum and periodontal health, reviews your dental and medical history, and evaluates your bite and jaw.
The Diagnostic Tools Used
Tools are selected to match what each patient needs:
- Visual examination using dental instruments
- Dental X-rays and digital imaging when clinically necessary
- Review of your previous dental records
- Intraoral scanning for a detailed digital record
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is built into the visit. Where a lesion needs watching, a dedicated oral cancer screening appointment can be booked so progress or regression is monitored.
What Happens During a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup covers the same core checks each time.
- Your dental and medical history is reviewed.
- The dentist examines your teeth, gums, and soft tissues.
- Gum and periodontal health is assessed and recorded.
- Your bite and jaw are evaluated.
- X-rays or an intraoral scan are taken if clinically justified.
- Findings are explained, and options discussed before anything is decided.
Comprehensive visits go further. X-rays reveal bone levels and cavities between teeth, and a panoramic image shows all teeth including wisdom teeth, plus the jaw joints (TMJ) and any jaw anomalies.
Is a New Patient Exam Different From a Specific Exam?
Yes, and they are priced differently. A comprehensive new patient dental exam builds a complete baseline record, while a specific exam targets one problem.
| New patient / comprehensive | Specific or emergency | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Establish a full baseline of oral health | Investigate one specific complaint |
| Imaging | X-rays showing bone levels and cavities between teeth, plus a full mouth panoramic X-ray | Focused imaging as clinically required |
| Oral cancer screening | Included | Depends on the presenting complaint |
| Intraoral scan | Comprehensive scan, digital report shared via app | Depends on the presenting complaint |
| Cost | Higher end of the package range | Lower cost than a comprehensive exam |
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Most patients are advised to book dental exams every 6 to 9 months, adjusted to your oral health needs rather than applied as a fixed rule. Patients with an ongoing condition are seen more often.
According to the Canadian Dental Association, regular examinations allow problems to be identified before they become painful or expensive. Routine dental check ups are when small changes in your gums or enamel first become visible, which is why a routine dental exam matters even when nothing hurts.
How Much Does a Dental Check Up Cost?
Your dental exam cost depends entirely on what the visit includes, with packages typically ranging from $120 to $650. Final pricing varies based on your individual clinical needs.
What Moves the Price Up or Down
Dental check up fees vary. Four things move the dental check up cost:
- Whether it is a comprehensive new patient exam or a specific exam
- Whether X-rays, a panoramic image, or an intraoral scan are included
- Whether a cleaning is bundled into the appointment
- Whether the patient is a child or an adult, since pricing may vary
New patient and existing patient options differ.
Coverage Under the Canadian Dental Care Plan
Patients covered by the plan are accepted, and comprehensive exams, specific and emergency exams and full mouth X-rays are provided, subject to CDCP approval and limits.
What Happens If a Problem Is Found?
Findings are explained in plain language before any decision is made. Preventive and restorative options are then discussed.
- No treatment proceeds without your consent.
- Follow-up visits or a referral may be recommended where appropriate.
- You are guided through the next steps.
Your Digital Report
After an intraoral scan, a full digital report can be produced and shared, so your treatment plan is something you review rather than get told about.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental recall exam?
Does a dental check up include cleaning?
What is a complete oral exam?
What are the benefits of dental checkups?
Are exams suitable for children?
What if I need an urgent visit?
Book Your Checkup in Waterloo
An examination is the simplest way to find out where your oral health stands. If you have been putting off what patients call a teeth check up, start here.
- A comprehensive intraoral scan with the TRIOS 6 scanner, and a full digital report shared through an app.
- Oral cancer screening and bite and jaw evaluation included.
Book a dental checkup in Waterloo and get a clear, documented picture of your oral health.
Westmount Dental 50 Westmount Rd N #225, Waterloo, ON N2L 2R5, Canada