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Preventive care in Guelph

Dental Check-ups and Teeth Cleaning in Guelph

Check-ups and teeth cleaning at York Road Dental in Guelph: exam, digital X-rays when needed, home care. Open Saturdays. Direct billing and CDCP.

Book a check-up and cleaning online, or call (519) 824-7333.

Dental chair and instruments at York Road Dental

What Happens at a Check-up and Cleaning?

a patient and the dentist in an exam room at York Road Dental

A dental check-up and cleaning has two parts: the hygienist cleans your teeth, then the dentist examines them. Here is the order of your visit.

Dr. Natasha Kaushal puts it this way: "A regular dental check-up is about more than just cleaning your teeth. I carefully examine your teeth and gums, look for early signs of problems, and explain everything in simple terms so you understand your oral health and how we can keep your smile healthy."

01 Plaque and tartar removal by the hygienist
02 Polish to lift surface stains
03 Gum check for early signs of trouble
04 Home-care advice for brushing and flossing
05 Exam of your teeth, fillings and gums
06 Treatment options explained before you decide

Your dental hygienist handles the dental plaque removal, so you can ask about your gums or your brushing as you go. The dentist then checks your teeth, your fillings and your gums, and explains any treatment options. A first visit adds your health history and digital X-rays.

Why Do Regular Cleanings Matter?

Regular cleanings matter because plaque and tartar build up where brushing misses them and irritate your gums. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria, and once it hardens into tartar, only a hygienist can remove it.

Early gum inflammation, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and good home care. Left alone, it can become gum disease, which York Road Dental treats with a deep cleaning. See gum disease treatment.

A check-up also finds cavities and worn fillings while they are small, which usually means a simpler repair. Cleanings lift surface stains too.

Book a check-up when you are new to Guelph, before the school year starts, before planned surgery (ask your doctor), or whenever something feels wrong. A back-to-school dental checkup is a good time for children to start the year with clean teeth.

When Do You Need Digital X-rays?

We take digital X-rays when your dentist needs to see more than an exam shows, and we take them only when needed, not at every visit.

A dental X-ray shows decay between teeth, problems under fillings and the bone that holds your teeth. The images appear on a screen right away, so your dentist can show you what they find.

How often you need X-rays depends on your history and your dentist's advice. If you are new to York Road Dental, your first visit includes digital X-rays and an exam.

Fluoride, Desensitizing and Sensitive Teeth

Fluoride treatment and desensitizing treatment are add-ons to a cleaning, and your dentist will tell you when you need them.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Teeth become sensitive when enamel wears thin or a receding gum exposes the root, often because of decay, grinding or a worn filling. Desensitizing treatment can ease it, and your dentist will look for the cause first.

Is Guelph's water fluoridated?

No. The City of Guelph does not add fluoride to its drinking water, so a fluoride varnish applied at your cleaning is one way to strengthen your enamel. Ask your dentist whether fluoride suits you.

Are Dental Sealants Right for You?

a child's molars being checked for sealants at the clinic

A dental sealant is a thin resin coating on a molar that makes the deep grooves of a back tooth harder to trap food in. Sealants are quick, taking a few minutes per tooth.

Children from 6 to 14

Teens with new molars

Adults who get cavities easily

Ask your dentist whether sealants suit you or your child. See children's check-ups for first visits and prevention.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

Most patients at York Road Dental come back for a check-up and cleaning every 4 to 6 months, and your dentist sets the interval that suits your mouth. Your dentist may suggest visits more often if you have a history of gum disease, build up tartar quickly, smoke, have diabetes or have a dry mouth.

A routine cleaning and a deep cleaning are different treatments. If your gums bleed or swell, you may need a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, rather than a routine cleaning.

Feature

Routine cleaning

Deep cleaning

Goal

Keep healthy gums healthy

Treat gum disease

Where

Tooth surfaces

Below the gumline

Visits

Every 4 to 6 months

As your dentist advises

If your gums bleed or swell, read about gum disease treatment.

How Do You Care for Your Teeth Between Visits?

the hygienist showing a patient how to floss

Daily habits protect the work of your cleaning. These five habits make the biggest difference.

01 Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
02 Clean between your teeth once a day
03 Limit sugary snacks and drinks
04 Replace your toothbrush when it frays
05 Ask your hygienist about your technique

Your hygienist will show you what works for your mouth, whether that is a different brushing angle, floss, small interdental brushes or a water flosser. If your gums bleed when you clean, mention it at your next visit.

What Should You Bring to Your Visit?

Bring your insurance details and a list of your medications and health conditions, so we can go through your health history and help with your insurance coverage.

If you have not seen a dentist for a while, say so when you book. Tell your hygienist if anything feels sensitive, and use the stop signal whenever you need a break.

How Do You Pay for a Cleaning?

We direct-bill all major insurers, including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross and Desjardins. CDCP patients are welcome, and we bill CDCP claims directly to the plan.

Co-payments and other charges may apply, so ask our team about costs before treatment. The Government of Canada describes the plan on its Canadian Dental Care Plan page.

A cleaning's cost depends on the time your visit needs and what your teeth need, so we do not list one price here. Many plans limit how many cleanings they cover each year, so we help with your insurance coverage.

Ask our team about your cost without insurance, or about in-house payment plans. See fees and insurance and the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

We are open Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so you can book a dental checkup on a Saturday.

Questions About Check-ups and Cleanings

Where can I find a reliable dental check-up in Guelph?

York Road Dental offers dental check-ups at 561 York Road in Guelph's east end. Dr. Natasha Kaushal earned her DMD at the University of Manitoba in 2018 and has been registered with the RCDSO as a general dentist since 8 June 2018. Read patient reviews on our Google listing.

Do you offer cleanings on Saturday?

Yes. York Road Dental is open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Book a cleaning online or call (519) 824-7333.

How much does a teeth cleaning cost without insurance?

The cost depends on how long your visit takes and what your teeth need, so York Road Dental does not list one price here. Ask our team about the cost for your visit, and about in-house payment plans.

Does a cleaning hurt?

Most cleanings at York Road Dental are comfortable. If a spot is sensitive, tell your hygienist: we use numbing gel, offer breaks and give you a stop signal. We cannot promise a painless visit, but we can slow down.

Book Your Check-up and Cleaning in Guelph

Book a check-up and cleaning at York Road Dental, and your online booking goes straight into our calendar. If you want to know how payment works first, see the fees page.