Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Dental Exams and Checkups in Silver Hill
A regular checkup looks for decay, gum changes and early warning signs. See what an exam includes at our Port Dover office and how Silver Hill patients prepare.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Silver Hill patients are cared for at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Silver HillSmall problems found early
Routine exams keep surprises to a minimum.
Most dental problems start quietly. A small cavity, early gum inflammation or a hairline crack rarely causes pain until it has grown. A regular exam gives the dentist a chance to spot these changes while they are still small, often making treatment quicker and simpler. It is also a good time to raise anything you have noticed.
When you live out in Silver Hill, it makes sense to get the most from each trip. Checkups take place at our Port Dover office, and many patients pair the exam with a cleaning in the same visit. Ask about this when booking so the appointment can be planned accordingly.
Before the visit
A few minutes of preparation makes the exam more useful.
Updating your health information
Bring an up-to-date list of medications, including supplements, and mention any new diagnoses, surgeries or pregnancy. Some conditions and medicines affect the mouth, gums or healing, and others influence which treatments are appropriate. If you have had dental work elsewhere since your last visit, note what was done.
Noting concerns to raise
Jot down anything you have noticed, such as sensitivity, bleeding when brushing, a sore spot, jaw clicking or a change in your bite. It is easy to forget once you are in the chair. Questions about whitening, missing teeth or a family member’s care are also welcome at a checkup.
During the exam
The dentist looks at much more than individual teeth.
Teeth, gums and existing work
Each tooth is checked for decay, cracks and wear, and existing fillings, crowns or bridges are examined for leaks or chips. The gums are assessed for inflammation, recession and pocket depth, which can show early gum disease. X-rays may be taken when they are needed to see between teeth or beneath the gum.
Soft tissues, jaw and bite
The tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth and throat are inspected for any unusual patches or lumps as part of a routine screening. The jaw joints and muscles may be checked for tenderness, and the way your teeth meet is reviewed. The dentist will explain anything notable and whether it needs action or monitoring.
Discussing results
Clear explanations help you make informed decisions.
Understanding what was found
If the exam reveals something that needs treatment, the dentist will describe it, show you on X-rays or photos where possible and explain why it matters. Ask about urgency, since some issues are best treated soon while others can be watched. You are entitled to understand the reasoning behind every recommendation.
Deciding on next steps
You may be given a plan that lists treatments in order of priority. Take time to consider it and ask about alternatives. Booking the next steps before you leave can save a separate phone call, which may be handy if you have a longer trip to the office.
Between checkups
What you do at home shapes what the next exam finds.
Your daily routine
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes, clean between teeth every day and limit frequent snacking on sugary foods and drinks. If you use tobacco, consider cutting back or quitting. Ask the hygienist to show you any techniques you find difficult, such as reaching back molars.
How often to return
Many people return for checkups at regular intervals, but the recommended frequency varies with your oral health, gum condition and risk of decay. The dentist will suggest a schedule suited to you. Call sooner if you develop pain, swelling, a broken tooth or bleeding gums that do not improve.
Planning your appointment
Making the most of the trip to Port Dover
Book your checkup with our Port Dover team and ask whether a cleaning can be scheduled in the same visit. Let us know if you have any new concerns so enough time is set aside.
Bring your health card, any dental benefit information and your medication list. Arrive a little early if you have forms to complete.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Checkup questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How often should I have a dental exam?
There is no single interval for everyone. Many people are seen regularly, but the dentist will recommend a schedule based on your gum health, decay history and other risk factors. Some people benefit from more frequent visits.
Will I need X-rays at every checkup?
Not always. X-rays are taken when the dentist needs information that cannot be seen during the visual exam. How often depends on your age, history and risk. You can ask why X-rays are being recommended.
Why does the dentist check my tongue and cheeks?
Looking at soft tissues is part of a thorough exam and can help detect unusual changes, including early signs of oral cancer. Most findings are harmless, but early detection is valuable when something does need attention.
Can I skip checkups if nothing hurts?
Many problems develop without pain until they are advanced. Regular exams help find issues early when treatment is often simpler. Pain is not a reliable sign that everything is healthy.
What if the dentist finds something?
The dentist will explain the finding, its urgency and the available options. You can ask questions, take time to decide and request written information about the recommended treatment before booking.
Pair your checkup with
General Dentistry →New Patient Dental Exams →
Starting with a new dentist? See what a first comprehensive exam covers, which records to bring and how Silver Hill residents can make the first visit count.
Teeth Cleanings →
A professional cleaning clears tartar that brushing leaves behind and checks your gums. Silver Hill patients can learn what to expect and how to keep it up.