Dental Exams and X-Rays in Aurora

What it is

Not every exam is the same. A complete exam is the thorough first look, usually at your first visit with us or after a long gap. Your dentist charts every tooth, records your fillings and crowns, measures your gums and often takes a full set of X-rays to set a baseline. A routine or recall exam happens at your regular checkups and focuses on what has changed. A specific or emergency exam looks at one problem, such as a tooth that started hurting last night.

X-rays come in a few types. Bitewing X-rays show the crowns of your upper and lower back teeth together and are the main way to find decay between teeth. Periapical X-rays show a whole tooth from tip to root and the bone around it, which helps when a tooth aches or an infection is suspected. Your dentist will tell you which images they want and what they are looking for. We use digital X-rays, and the images appear on screen within moments.

The intraoral camera is a small wand that takes close-up photos inside your mouth. Your dentist can show you a cracked filling, a worn edge or a dark groove at a size you can actually see. Many people find it easier to make decisions once they have seen the problem for themselves.

If you are searching for a dental check up near me because you are new to Aurora, ask your previous dentist to send your recent X-rays and records. That can save you repeat images and gives your new dentist a history to compare against.

Is it right for me?

• It has been a year or more since your last dental exam.
• You are new to the area and need a dental home.
• A tooth has started to feel different, even if it does not hurt.
• You are pregnant, starting a new medicine, or managing a condition such as diabetes.
• You want a clear picture of your mouth before starting cosmetic or orthodontic treatment.

Step by step

1. Your storyWe ask what brings you in, review your medical history and medicines, and note any worries you have about your teeth.
2. Look and measureYour dentist checks each tooth and restoration, measures your gums, looks at your bite and jaw joints, and checks the soft tissues of your mouth.
3. Images if neededIf X-rays or camera photos will help, your dentist explains why. Each X-ray takes only a few seconds.
4. Talk it throughYou see your images on screen and hear what is healthy, what to watch, and what needs care, in order of priority.
5. Plan and estimateIf you need treatment, you receive a written plan with costs. You can take it home and decide in your own time.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Exam and X-ray fees are set per service, using the Ontario Dental Association fee guide. A complete exam with a full set of X-rays costs more than a routine recall exam, and each type of X-ray has its own fee. Most insurance plans cover exams and X-rays but limit how often, such as one full set of X-rays every few years. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists exams and X-rays among its covered services, and we accept CDCP and IFHP and bill all insurance plans directly. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program if you have no coverage. If you are unsure what your plan allows, we can check before your visit.

What shapes your estimate

• Whether you need a complete, routine or emergency exam
• How many and which X-rays are needed
• Whether recent X-rays can be sent from your previous dentist
• Your plan's limits on exams and X-rays each year

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

Questions